#senna aven

[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

[fandom-friday]

Thank you so much to everyone that submitted recommendations this week! A comprehensive list of this week’s submissions can be found under the cut! Recommendations are organized by show/media, and any main pairings will be listed after the title.

🌿 = 18+ content 🟢 = contains spoilers of a currently running show

Fics:

The Clone Wars: 🌿 In Command (Captain Rex x OC Senna Aven) by @wild-karrde Vacation (Hawk x gn!Reader) by @rinwritesfics The Chase by @kimiheartblade (art by @mire-draws-things) The Ties That Bind Us by @saggitary

The Bad Batch: 🟢 (TBB S3) The Plant Prowler of Pabu (Crosshair x gn!Reader) by @dystopicjumpsuit 🟢 (TBB S3) The Phee Fall Manuever (Tech x Phee Genoa) by @eclec-tech The Only Exception (Captain Howzer x OC June Kiore) by @starqueensthings Magnetic Pull by The_Absent_Minded_One (AO3) Art of War by moxibustion (AO3)

The Book of Boba Fett: 🌿 Biscuits and Beskar (Boba Fett x OC Kaylee Manu) by @marierg

Star Wars Original Trilogy: Endless Blue Skies by SquidWonder (AO3) Stretching Out Your Arms to Something That's Just Not There by SquidWonder (AO3)

Batman: Butler, Father, Assassin, Spy by cabezas_de_vaca (AO3) The Birds: Hatching Family by @oceanera12 Come One, Come All by @incogneat-oh

Young Justice: A Collision of Masks by movaz (AO3)

My Hero Academia: By Any Other Name (Dabi x Hawks) by @satelliteblue

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Matchmaker of Your Dreams (Miranda Gardiner x Sherman Yang) by TheAmazingMaddy (AO3) Longing to Linger (Clovis x Pollux) by hehkhatea (AO3) It Feels Like We Have the Same Wounds by lingeringlucidity (AO3) The Clew Chronicles! by IzzyInk13 (AO3) Weezl's Riordanverse Drabbles by WeezlBot (AO3)

Art:

The Clone Wars: Frog-O-First Battalion by @mwolf0epsilon Commander Fox Art by @nikscribbles 🌿 Jesse Art by @for-the-sake-of-color Captain Rex in Casual Clothing by @saga-ordsmed Aayla Secura Art by @ddeck Girls Night by @cobaltbeam

The Bad Batch: The Bad Batch Art by @eso-terrors Tech Art by @local-cryptid 🟢 (TBB S3) Behind the Mask by @gorlicberd Crosshair Art by @clonemedickix 🟢 (TBB S3) Hunter and Crosshair Art by @queddadraw Hunter Art by @corukant

Rebels: Rebels Comic by @tyquu

The High Republic Series: Avar Kriss Art by @nataliabdraws

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series: Modern Day Elain and Azriel Art by dudledudlesss (Instagram)

Critical Role: Space Pirate AU Fjord Art by @phi-guy

GIF Sets:

Rebels: Ezra Bridger Beowulf GIF Set by @gizkalord

[ladykatakuri]

Stardust Reblog Challenge December 2022

27th:

Dincember 17: Home - Din Djarin x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

25 Days of Life Day 15 Part 2 of Day 4 with Wolffe by: @kaminocasey NSFW

Captain Rex X Reader by: @wild-karrde NSFW

25 Days of Life Day 18 - Tree Shopping With Thorn by: @kaminocasey SFW

Gregor x F!Reader by: @wild-karrde NSFW

Dincember 18: Joy - Din Djarin & Grogu by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

25 Days of Life Day 19: Going Through a Life Day Market with Obi Wan - Obi Wan x Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

Naughty or Nice - Gregor x F!Reader by: @kaminocasey NSFW

Hard Working Girl - TBB x F!Reader HC`s by: @zoeykallus SFW

Thank You for Loving Me: Pleasant and Unpleasant Surprises - Tech x F!Reader by: @zoeykallus SFW

Bonsoir 8: Cry - Gregor x OC Cassia Nu by: @kaminocasey SFW

Dincember 19: Star - Din Djarin x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

Riding Home - TBB x F!Reader HC`s by: @zoeykallus Slightly Suggestive

The Wheelchair Surprise - TBB x GN!Reader HC`s by: @zoeykallus SFW

More Like Home - Benny Miller x F!Reader by: @musings-of-a-rose SFW

Hug Attack - TBB/Rex X Reader by: @zoeykallus SFW

Wrecker and Omega by: @wild-karrde SFW

Dincember 20: Snowman - Din Djarin & Grogu by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

Unsolved Mystery - Tech x GN!Reader by: @rain-on-kamino SFW

Notes on Tutoring: Doubt,Love - Dave York x F!Reader by: @honestly-shite NSFW

Snow - TBB x GN!Reader by: @nahoney22 SFW

28th:

In Command Part 3 - Rex X OFC Senna Aven by: @wild-karrde SFW

Thank you for Loving Me: I`m Gonna Be a Sniper! - Tech x F!Reader by: @zoeykallus SFW

What`s Got You Blushing Like That? - Hunter x GN!Reader by: @nahoney22 SFW

Don`t Miss Me - A letter from Wolffe by: @arctrooper69 SFW

Dincember 21: Boots - Din Djarin x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

25 Days of Life Day 20: Volunteering with Kix - Kix X Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

25 Days of Life Day 21: Taking a Warm Bath with Dogma - Dogma x Reader by: @kaminocasey Suggestive

25 Days of Life Day 22: Sucking on a Candy Cane and Teasing Tup - Tup x Reader by: @kaminocasey NSFW

You Are in Violation of Order 66 - Hunter x F!Reader by: @zoeykallus SFW

Dincember 22: Decorations - Din Djarin x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

The Sugar in the Cake - Wrecker x GN!Reader by: @rain-on-kamino SFW

The Trees with the Pretty Flowers - Hunter x F!Reader by: @arctrooper69 SFW

25 Days of Life Day 23: Making Snow Angels with Anakin - Anakin x Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

A Returning Echo~After the Citadel Ch. 33 - Echo x F!Reader by: @monako-jinn-stories SFW

Dincember 23: Ribbon - Din Djarin x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

In Command Part 4 - Rex X OFC Senna Aven by: @wild-karrde SFW

Black Sheep - TBB x M!Reader or GN!Reader by: @eyecandyeoz SFW

A Touch of Peppermint - Din Djarin x Reader by: @princessxkenobi SFW

25 Days of Life Day 24: Life Day Eve with Jesse - Jesse x Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

Commander Fox X F!Reader by: @wild-karrde SFW

Dincember 24: Love - Din Djarin & Grogu by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

Decorating the Marauder - TBB x Reader HC`s by: @zoeykallus SFW

25 Days of Life Day - Life Day with the Bad Batch - Echo x Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

Dincember 25: Holiday - The Mandalorian x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

Sun & Rain: Age of the Empire, Shocks on Pantora - Hunter x OFC by: @photogirl894 SFW

Where the Lovelight Gleams - TBB +F!Reader by: @interstellarwraith SFW

Taglist:  @imabeautifulbutterfly@chaoticvampirejedi@hellothere-generalangsty@cyroku@reluctant-mandalore@uponrightful@zinzinina@saradika@galacticgraffiti@ashotofspotchka@dindjarindiaries@dinbeskarbaby@djarrex@djarinsbeskar@rowansparrow@photogirl894@rigelmoonshine@rigel-the-moonstrider@nahoney22@loth-wolffe@neon-junkie@bobafetts-princess@cyarbika@charnelhouse@zoeykallus@kin-rokku@jgvfhl@honestly-shite@here-comes-the-moose@dindjarindiaries@firstofficerwiggles@fictional-men-ruin-lives @ladysongmaster @lozalot @moonstrider9904@lorjukka@m-o-o-n-s-g-o-o-n-s @rain-on-kamino @monako-jinn-stories @middimidoris @wild-karrde @arctrooper69 @eyecandyeoz

[argan-g]

INDEX

CLASSICO E ROMANTICO

William Blake, Newton

Jöhan Heinrich Füssli, L'incubo

Étienne-Luoise Boullée, Progetto per il cenotafio di Newton

Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, Casa delle Guardie campestri

John Constable, La chiusa

e il mulino di Flatford

William Turner, Mare in tempesta

Francisco Goya, Fucilazione

Jacques-Louis David, La morte di Marat

Antonio Canova, Monumento di Maria Cristina d’Austria

Jean-August-Dominique Ingres, La bagnante di Valpingon

Théodore Géricault, La zattera della Medusa

Eugène Delacroix, La Libertà guida il popolo

Lorenzo Bartolini, Monumento funebre della contessa Zamoyska

François Rude, Rilievo dell'Arco di trionfo di Parigi Camille Corot, La cattedrale di Chartres

Théodore Rousseau, Temporale; veduta della piana di Montmartre

Honoré Daumier, Vogliamo Barabba

Constantin Guys, Per la strada

Honoré Daumier, Il vagone di terza classe

François Millet, L’Angelus

Camille Pissarro, Sentiero nel bosco in estate

LA REALTA' E LA COSCIENZA (l’Impressionismo; La fotografia; Il Neo-impressionismo; Il Simbolismo; L’architettura degli ingegneri)

Gustave Courbet, Ragazze in riva alla Senna (Estate)

Edouard Manet, Le déjeuner sur l'herbe

Alfred Sisley, Isola della Grande Jatte

Claude Monet, Regate ad Argenteuil;

Claude Monet, La Cattedrale di Rouen

Auguste Renoir, Le Moulin de la Galette 

Edgar Degas, L'absinthe

Paul Cézanne, L'asino e i ladri

Paul Cézanne, La casa dell'impiccato ad Auvers (Non Aversa)

Paul Cézanne, I giocatori di carte

Paul Cézanne, La montagna Sainte-Victoire 

Georges Seurat, Una domenica pomeriggio all’isola della Grande-Jatte

Paul Signac, Ingresso del porto a Marsiglia

Paul Gauguin, Te Tamari No Atua

Vincent van Gogh, Ritratto del postino Roulin 

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, La toilette

Henri Rousseau detto il Doganiere, La Guerra 

Odilon Redon, Nascita di Venere

Gustave Moreau, L'apparizione 

Pierre Bonnard, La toilette del mattino

Auguste Rodin, Monumento a Balzac

Medardo Rosso, Impressione di bambino davanti alle cucine economiche

I pittori della cerchia di Mallarmé

Edouard Vuillard, La pappa di Annette.

James MeNeill Whistler, Notturno in blu e oro: il vecchio ponte di Battersea

L' OTTOCENTO IN ITALIA, IN GERMANIA, IN INGHILTERRA

1. Giovanni Fattori, In vedetta

IL MODERNISMO (Urbanistica e architettura moderniste; Art Nouveau; La pittura del Modernismo; Pont-Aven e Nabis)

1. Antoni Gaudí, Casa Milá a Barcellona

2. Adolf Loos, Casa Steiner a Vienna

3. Antoni Gaudi, Il Parco Güell a Barcellona

L’ARTE COME ESPRESSIONE (Espressionismo; La grafica dell’Espressionismo)

1. Edvard Munch, Pubertà

André Derain, Donna in camicia

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Marcella

Henri Matisse, La danza

Emil Nolde, Rose rosse e gialle

Oskar Kokoschka, Chamonix, Monte Bianco

L’EPOCA DEL FUNZIONALISMO (Urbanistica, architettura, disegno industriale; Pittura e scultura; Der blaue Reiter; L’avanguardia russa; La situazione italiana; École de Paris; Dada; Il Surrealismo; La situazione in Inghilterra; La situazione italiana: Metafisica, Novecento, anti-Novecento)

Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye a Poissy

Le Corbusier, Cappella di Nötre-Dame-du-Haute a Ronchamp

Walter Gropius, La Bauhaus a Dessau

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Plastico di un grattacielo in verro per Chicago

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Seagram Buildings a New York

Tre progetti per il Palazzo dei Soviet. Le Corbusier e Pierre Jeanneret,

Walter Gropius, Bertold Luberkin,

Teo van Docsburg e Hans Arp, Cinema-ristorante L'Aubette a Strasburgo.

Thomas Gerrit Rietveld, Poltrona con elementi in nero, rosso, blu

Pier Mondrian, Composizione in rosso, giallo, blu

Aivar Aalto, Sanatorio a Paimio - Poltrona

Frank Lloyd Wright, Casa Kaufmann a Bear Run 

Pablo Picasso, I saltimbanchi; Les demoiselles d’Avignon; Natura morta spagnola

Georges Braque, Narura morta con l’asso di fiori

Robert Delaunay, Tour Eiffel

Juan Gris, Natura morta con fruttiera e bottiglia d’acqua

Georges Braque, Natura morta con credenza: Café-bar

Marcel Duchamp, Nu descendant un escalier n. 2

Umberto Boccioni, Forme uniche nella continuità dello spazio

Giacomo Balla, Automobile in corsa

Vasili; Kandinsky, Primo acquerello astratto; Punte nell'arco

Paul Klee, Strada principale e strade laterali

Anton Pevsner, Costruzione dinamica

Naum Gabo, Costruzione nello spazio; Il cristallo

Fernand Léger, Composizione con tre figure

Joan Miró, La lezione di sci; Donne e uccello al chiaro di luna

Giuseppe Terragni, Progetto dell'Asilo Sant'Elia a Como

Atanasio Soldati, Composizione

Constantin Brancusi, La Maiastra 

Amedeo Modigliani, Ritratto di Léopold Zborowski 

Georges Rouault, Cristo Deriso

Marc Chagall, A la Russie, aux anes et aux autres

Pablo Picasso, Guernica

René Magritte, La condizione umana Il

Man Ray, Motivo perpetuo 

Henry Moore, Figura sdraiata

Alexander Calder, Mobile

Ben Nicholson, Feb. 28-53 (Vertical Seconds)

Francis Bacon, Studio dal ritratto di Innocenzo X di Velázquez

Diego Rivera, L'esecuzione dell'imperatore Massimiliano

David Alfaro Sigueiros, Morte all'invasore

Giorgio De Chirico, Le Muse inquietanti

Carlo Carrà, L'amante dell'ingegnere 

Alberto Savinio, Nella foresta

Osvaldo Licini, Amalasunta su fondo blu

Giorgio Morandi, Natura morta con fruttiera

7. LA CRISI DELL'ARTE COME "SCIENZA EUROPEA" (Urbanistica e architettura; La ricerca visiva; La pittura negli Stati Uniti)

Ellsworth Kelly, Verde, blu, rosso

Morris Louis, Gamma Delta

László Moholy-Nagy, Composizione Q XX

Julius Bissier, 25 settembre 1963?

Josef Albers, Omaggio al quadrato

Arshile Gorky, Giardino a Sochi 

Jean Fautrier, Nudo

Jean Dubuffet, Orateur

André Masson, Les Chevaliers

Hans Hartung, Composizione 

Jackson Pollock, Sentieri ondulati

Mark Rothko, Rosso e blu su rosso

Albero Burri, Sacco B. 

Antoni Tápies, Bianco e arancione 

Giuseppe Capogrossi, Superficie 114

Lucio Fontana, Concetto spaziale: attesa 

Alberto Giacometti, Figura

Ettore Colla, Officina solare 

Mark Tobey, Circus transfigured

Georges Mathieu, Cast 

Victor Vasarély, Composizione. 

Kenneth Noland, Empireo 

Clyfford Still, 1962-D

Emilio Vedova, Plurimo n. 1; Le mani addosso 

Robert Rauschenberg, Letto

Mimmo Rotella, Marilyn 

Roy Lichtenstein, Il tempio di Apollo

Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe

[teletraan-meets-jarvis]

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Author’s Notes: Hello Hello! So this fic is a little different as it's the first gift fic i've ever written. This was a gift for the wonderful and talented @wild-karrde on her birthday. It's a little "What If?/AU" ending for the series of fics she's written (The "Karrde-verse" if you will). This is purely me making up what could happen and has no basis on any future plans for the series, so there's no spoilers for the future of her fics here, but there are spoilers for her already written fics: "In Command", "Guarded" and "Reunion". If you've not already read those, go check them out!! Disclaimer: all the OCs mentioned in this fic are Karrde's and I have no baring on their wonderful creation.

Pairings: Captain Rex/ofc!Senna Aven/Atiniir, Hunter/Gregar Typho, Crosshair/ofc!Iden Vena, Echo/Sabé. Mentions of: Tech/ofc!Kestia Nodala and Garazeb Orrelios/Alexsandr Kallus.

Summary: With the wars and fighting over, members of the rebellion had finally set out and taken the chance to pursue their own lives outside of the conflict they'd known for so long. While they may be apart for now, their found family always finds time to see each other again.

Warnings: General - Fictional swearing

Word Count: 3.2k

The morning sun was low, casting a beautiful peach hue across the horizon. Senna’s bare feet quietly padded out onto the patio, while she cradled a cup of caf darker than the backdrop of the galaxy. The heat permeated the cup and warmed her organic hand as she went to take a sip, sighing as the bitter drink bloomed down her chest.

Across the farm, she spotted her husband, battling with one of their farm assistant droids who was giving him the runaround. A fond smile overcame the Jedi’s face as she watched the former captain curse after the runaway droid before shaking his head and returning to tending to their crops. They’d been blessed with a plentiful harvest this season which was set to bring them in enough credits to get the ball rolling on their retirement plan. Senna still could pinch herself, after everything they’d both faced over the majority of their lives, the universe had finally brought them their happy ending.

With that glowing feeling in mind, she set down the steps from their home and out into the farm.

Rex’s forehead glistened with a sheen of sweat from his manual labour, a look she never grew tired of. “Hard at work I see.”

“Someone has to be,” he teased with a cheeky smirk. He dropped the plough he’d been using and cracked his back, stretching his arms above his head to the point where his shirt rose up his abdomen ever so slightly, catching Senna’s eye. Ever the captain, Rex of course caught her in the act. “See something you like, Master Jedi?”

“Maybe I do,” she replied before stepping into his space. Rex’s hands found her shoulders, gently brushing down them before pulling her into a soft kiss. Even after all these years, these little moments with Rex managed to set her heart racing like a teenager falling in love for the first time.

All too soon he pulled back, running his hand down her left arm and cradling her mechanical fingers in his. Senna didn’t miss the way his thumb smoother across the worn-in Jaig Eyes etched into her ring finger, or the small smile on his face as he did so.

She squeezed his hand in hers before lifting the other to take another sip of her caf. “You excited to see everyone later?”

“Can’t wait,” Rex replied with a bright smile. After most of them had parted ways following the war, there was no denying the family bond between the companions they’d made over the years. They’d made a pact to always remain in contact, and to do a big meet up a few times a year when their busy lives managed to align.

“Come, let’s get you cleaned up. We better get started on cooking.”

“Yes ma'am.” Rex’s soldier voice came out in full force with his reply. “You know, we wouldn’t need this much prep time for food if you didn’t invite Wrecker.” He grumbled under his breath as he trudged back up towards the house behind his wife.

While Rex got himself showered and ready, Senna set about gathering the ingredients they’d been stockpiling for this very day. A plethora of local fruits, vegetables and meats, along with a few special imports, all sat spread out among the obnoxiously long makeshift dining table they’d cobbled together. Trying to fit sixteen people into their home around one table was a feat of engineering if Senna did say so herself. But they’d cracked it in the end. Some of their neighbours had old materials they didn’t have any use for, so in the end they were able to bolt together a few different shape and height tables along with a variety of chairs in different styles.

She heard Rex jogging down the steps, turning around she saw him pulling an apron on and his face was all business. “Alright, where do we start?”

They’d spent hours chopping, peeling and marinating for all the dishes they were looking to provide. They worked as a cohesive unit as she followed Rex’s lead and they moved around their cosy kitchen. It always made Senna chuckle internally. It seems they always managed to make just as good a team off the battlefield as on one.

A pinging noise grabbed Senna’s attention, directing it to the oven where one of their main courses was ready to go. She pulled a large meat joint from the oven, the steam from the heat settling on her brow as she heaved the dish onto the countertop. She wiped her forearm across her forehead, attempting to dislodge the flyaways from her face that had curled onto her damp skin.

While she took a moment to cool down after tackling the oven, her eyes fell onto the clock and immediately widened. “Hells it’s nearly fifteen standard.” Senna exclaimed as she looked down at herself. She had forgone the apron, leaving her clothes covered in various spice mixes and oil stains.

Rex chuckled at the state of her and nodded towards the stairs. “You go get ready, I can handle it from here.”

Twenty minutes later, Senna descended the stairs, now ready for their guests. However, she was stopped in her tracks by the smells of glorious food wafting through their home. “Dank Farrik we’re good.” she announced as she walked up behind Rex and wrapped her arms around his middle while he stirred a large pot of Joopa Stew, a meal he’d mastered from his time on Seelos and one that always gave him that look in his eye when he thought back fondly on his time with Gregor. “He would’ve loved this.” Senna said quietly as she squeezed Rex in a soft hug.

“Yeah, he would’ve.” Rex replied while giving her a small smile and reaching down to squeeze her arm in return.

The hum of ship engines pierced through the sounds of nature outside and Senna’s heart jumped with excitement. “They’re here!” she yelled to Rex before dashing to the front door.

The all chrome shuttle was powering down as Senna reached the door. The ramp slowly extended out to reveal Hunter and Typho with two little identical Pantorans in tow. Hunter had one of the twins perched on his shoulders, Senna thought it might be Padmé, allowing the little girl the chance to be a few centimetres taller than Gregar, and it was clear she was loving every minute of it. Typho followed suit, his large hand clasped around a teeny tiny blue one as he led their other daughter forwards towards the house.

It’d been a few years now since the couple had adopted their young daughters. They were on a relief mission with the Rebellion when they came across the two orphans, the Empire having abandoned them to the streets with no support. After they’d brought the two tiny pantorans back to base and had them cleaned up and well fed, It’d not taken much for Hunter and Gregar to decide to take the twins in as their own children. At the time, it was the most natural conclusion as the two men just radiated the energy that they were ready to be fathers.

“Mr and Mrs Atiinir, it’s good to see you again.” Gregar called out warmly, the skin around his eyepatch creasing as he smiled.

“Ah the Typhos!” Senna replied as she went to greet Gregar in a tight hug, before squatting down in front of Hunter and Gregar’s other daughter.

“Auntie Sen!” she squeaked before launching herself with a surprising amount of force at the Jedi, causing her to fall flat on her backside as she caught the tiny bundle of joy.

The woman laughed, affection welling up inside of her as she cradled the little one close. “Good to see you too, Kestia.” Senna looked up to see Rex clasping each of the men in a hug before Hunter handed off his pantoran backpack to the clone captain, who restored the young girl's height once more as she was placed on his shoulders.

“Daddy, look how much taller I am on Uncle Rex’s shoulders!”

“Alright alright, no need to rub it in.” Hunter grumbled with a fondness in his eyes as Gregar and Senna chuckled at his expense. The former came up behind Hunter and placed his hands on his shoulders before leaning down to kiss his cheek.

“I wouldn’t have you any other way.” Gregar spoke softly to Hunter whose face broke out into a flustered flush, still so easily riled up by his partner.

Hunter cleared his throat, trying to will away his blush before speaking. “We the first ones to arrive then?”

“Yeah, we think Wolffe, Fives, Tech, Wrecker, Crosshair and Iden will be coming together from the military base. Echo and Sabé should be here any minute and I think they were picking up Omega on route.”

“It’ll be good to see them all again.” Hunter replied, clearly looking forward to reuniting with his old squad and closest siblings.

“No Ahsoka?” Gregar asked.

Rex shook his head before explaining, “she’s off on a mission at the moment, but she sends her love along with the Ghost crew.”

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

After the Typhos had been settled in, two more ships landed across the farm. The first belonged to Iden and Crosshair, who’d passed on the option to share a ride with the four brothers flying from their base of operations. The second, was those very brothers, who were taking a surprisingly long time to walk across to the house.

“So, how’s married life treating you?” Senna asked Crosshair while Iden caught up with Gregar and Hunter.

“Not much different,” the sniper grunted. His words had caught Iden’s attention and made her roll her eyes at the man.

“Ever the romantic.”

Crosshair replied, his confidence still in full force. “You knew what you were signing up for with me, Lieutenant.”

“And I question my choices every day,” Iden joked before dipping down to give her new husband a quick peck. Senna couldn’t help but smile at Crosshair and Iden’s antics, the sniper had truly met his match with his beautiful wife.

Not a second later, Padmé and Kestia came dashing inside, and Crosshair’s rough demeanour immediately softened at the sight of his nieces. The sniper hooked an arm around Padmé as she ran past, making the young girl squeal in delight before he pulled her onto his lap.

The sniper leaned down conspiritally to talk to the little Pantoran. “You miss me?” he questioned and she gave the most enthusiastic nod, to the point Senna feared she may hurt her neck. Crosshair gave a small smile. “Missed you too kid. You been causing havoc for your dad for me?” His question made the young girl giggle.

“Don’t corrupt her.” Hunter complained to his brother with a smirk, who rolled his eyes at him for having ruined his fun.

Senna’s attention was redirected when the front door burst open, making the hinges rattle as Fives stood in the doorway looking pleased with himself. “Honey I’m homeeee! You miss me?”

The Jedi shook her head with a fondness at having her friend burst back into her life in such a characteristic way. “Like a droid misses it’s processor.”

“I was actually talking to Rex.” Fives clarified with a smirk as he leaned back against one of the countertops next to where Rex was cooking. Senna huffed before shoving Fives in the arm, falling straight back into their easy banter.

Next through the door were Fives’ fellow travel companions, the first being Wrecker, who bounded in excitedly. Senna and Rex had no time to escape before Wrecker cradled them both in a bone-crushing hug. “Missed you guys!”

“Back at you, Wreck.” Rex groaned out the reply against his lungs wishes.

After her organs returned to their original places in her body following their hug from Wrecker, Senna watched as Tech and Wolffe strolled in. Without even saying a quick ‘hello’, Tech was straight onto the technical talk, his eyes locked onto his datapad as usual. “Before we came, I found out about a device which may help with your harvest monitoring. I took the liberty of setting up a prototype which I've installed in your barn.”

“That’s great, thanks so much Tech.” Senna said with a heartfelt smile before knocking Tech’s datapad out of the way and clasping her friend in a tight hug. “Now come here. I missed you, Goggles.”

“And I you.” the genius replied genuinely before relenting and wrapping his arms around the Jedi.

“Uncle Tech!!”

“Hello little Nebula.” The genius greeted Kestia Typho with the nickname he came up with while the little girl latched onto his leg with an iron grip. He smoothed a hand down her lilac hair and she beamed up at him. Gregar watched on with a smile that nearly brought Senna to tears as she thought about what it must mean for both Gregar and Tech to share these moments with the little girl.

Senna knew Tech had never had another partner following the death of the queen of Naboo that he loved dearly. There were many nights after where Tech and Senna would sit and chat, well she let Tech talk while she listened to every word he had to say. The clone had never anticipated falling in love, especially not in the way he did and with such a powerful and head strong Jedi. But Kestia Nodala had been everything to him in the short time they had together, and when she passed, Tech knew that had been it for him. He’d never feel with another person what he felt with Kestia. As hard as it was to accept she’d gone, decades later, Tech held the love they had so dearly to his heart. Senna knew how grateful he was to have even known her at all and she could sympathise. The times she’d been away from Rex, on good terms and bad, had been the hardest things she’d ever had to do. Now, Kestia Nodala may be gone, but her legacy lived on in Hunter and Gregar’s little girl. The way she gravitated towards Tech so naturally, it was almost as if she knew.

Across the way, Rex had clasped Wolffe in a brotherly hug which started off as awkward as it always did before Wolffe finally relaxed into the affection and returned the gesture.

Finally, the last ship descended into the designated parking zone, and eventually Echo, Sabé and Omega all strode up the few steps to the house.

Hunter was first to the door as the trio stepped through, making a beeline for Omega who despite being a grown woman, still locked her arms around her big brother’s neck as if she were only ten. “Hey kid.” the former sergeant greeted.

“How’s Alara?” Wrecker asked the young Jedi with a large grin of barely concealed restraint which Omega returned.

“She’s good, the students absolutely love her. For a non-Force sensitive, I think the temple would be lost without her at this point.” Omega’s cheeks tinted rose as she spoke highly about her girlfriend. There’s no question she’s related to Hunter then, Senna thought smugly.

Sabé was immediately commandeered by Iden and Gregar the moment she set foot into the house, leaving Echo to catch up with Fives, Wolffe and Crosshair who all clapped the man on the back in welcome.

After all the greetings were done, everyone settled around the large, makeshift table to start their feast.

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

Everyone’s plates were piled with layers upon layers of food and Senna could almost laugh at the image of her and Rex a few days prior panicking that they didn’t have enough to feed everyone. Oh how wrong we were, we’ll be eating leftovers for the foreseeable.

Across the table, scattered bits of conversation were being relayed. “We got a message from Kallus by the way, he’s settling into Lira San life pretty well by the looks of things. Also think he and Zeb have made things official.” Fives announced in between bites of his food.

“Kriffing finally, was sickening watching those two make doe eyes at each other during the rebellion.” Wolffe grumbled, making everyone chuckle.

“Want to watch your language in front of the kids, Uncle Wolffe?” Fives teased mercilessly.

“Call me Uncle Wolffe again-”

“Sorry, Uncle Wolffey.” Wolffe’s glare hardened further as he dropped his spoon into his meal and turned his full attention to Fives, who was not phased by the commander’s threatening gaze in the slightest, still grinning like a loth cat. Beside Fives, Echo rubbed a hand down his face, clearly perplexed that his brother simply never learned.

Thankfully, before things could escalate further, Rex stepped up behind them and placed a hand on each of their shoulders with a chuckle. “That’s enough you two.”

It still blew Senna’s mind to this day that Fives, Tech, Wolffe and Wrecker all managed to live together without killing each other every other week. Aside from the cutting sarcasm three of them shared, as a group, they couldn’t be more different people. Yet somehow it just worked. Wolffe and Wrecker got on like a house on fire, it seemed during the times Wolffe struggled integrating with the rebels, Wrecker’s easy companionship and encouragement to join him on the blaster ranges had helped bring the old commander out of his shell more and more, which had been a relief for all of them to see. Fives’ energetic nature matched with Wreckers’ perfectly, making the two of them complete menaces to Tech and Wolffe. But in the quieter moments, when Wolffe and Fives would share war stories and memories from a time so long ago, Wrecker would regularly assist Tech with whatever experiment or invention he was tinkering with. The unlikely quartet had remained with the rebellion turned New Republic following the fall of the Empire. The dark cloud of the Emperor’s influence had left havoc and destruction in its wake on many worlds which were now struggling to rebuild. The four clones were part of the relief teams, helping different colonies and species create new lives and homes on their war torn worlds.

Senna sat there for a moment as she took everything in, the pleasant chatter of her big family all settled around the table. Rex as he joked with his brothers, while Omega relayed stories to Hunter as his eyes glowed with pride. Tech’s subtle glances at little Kes, smiling as he watched his niece assist Echo in giving Fives absolute grief, every bit the strong woman she was named after. Gregar, Iden and Sabé reminiscing about the past. Crosshair and Wrecker as they joked amongst themselves, the previous fractures in their close relationship long forgotten. For some reason, Senna knew that moment right then would be forever etched into her mind as one of pure bliss and happiness. The result of everything they fought all those years for finally came to it’s head as they sat all together in freedom for the first time. Senna’s eyes stung ever so slightly as she marvelled on her found family. She thanked the Force for giving her such a beautiful moment, before she returned to her surroundings and aided Kestia and Echo in their teasing of Fives.

Across the room, Rex caught her eye, having noticed her time of reflection. His voice echoed softly in her mind. Everything alright?

She gave him a content smile that held everything she felt in that moment. Never better.

Back to Masterlist

[stormyblue90]

Artbreeder Creations!

@wild-karrde​ Behold! Using Artbreeder I decided to create how I personally envision your OCs Senna, Kestia, and Iden! These are just my ideas of what they may look like, hope you enjoy.

Jedi Master Senna Atiniir (formerly Aven)

Queen Kestia Nodala of Naboo

Lt. Iden Vena

Just a few notes on my imaginings of your girls.

- I imagined Senna to kinda have light brown skintone to make her blue eyes stand out more, almost like the Water Tribe of Avatar. I was very happy with the shade of blue for her eyes.

- For some reason I always imagined Kestia with some East Asian features, and it just stuck. Doesn’t help that the Naboo Queen makeup and some of the gowns are HEAVILY inspired by East Asian cultures.

- Iden I imagined to have rather sharp, harsh features, black hair, and warm colored eyes. A beautiful but deadly sort of vibe to her which I think would work well with Crosshair.

[lunariaa]

Herbs and their Gender- Masculine Herbs

In witchcraft, all herbs have a gender or a polarity. This is not to say that these particular herbs are, in fact, male or female, rather it refers to their energy

Acacia Agaric Agrimony Alder Allspice Almond Anemone Angelica Anise Arabic, Gum Arbutus Asafoetida Ash Aspen Avens Bamboo Banyan Basil Bay Bean Benzoin Bergamot, Orange Betony, Wood Bistort Bittersweet Black Cohosh Black Snakeroot Bloodroot Bodhi Borage Bracken Brazil Nut Briony Bromeliad Broom

Cactus Caraway Carnation Carrot Cashew Cat Tail Cedar Celandine Celery Centaury Chamomile Chestnut Chicory Chili Pepper Chrysanthemum Cinnamon Cinquefoil Citron Clove Clover Copal Coriander Cubeb Cumin Curry Damania Dandelion Deerstongue Dill Dock Dragon’s Blood Elecampane Endive Eyebright Fennel Fenugreek Fern Fig Filbert Flax Frankincense Galangal Garlic Gentian Ginger Goat’s Rue Golden Seal Gorse Grains of Paradise Hawthorne Hazel Helio High John Holly Honeysuckle Hops Horehound Horse Chestnut Horseradish Houndstongue Houseleek Hyssop Juniper Larch Lavender Leek Lemongrass Lemon Verbena Lily of the Valley Lime Linden Liquidamber Liverwort Lovage Mace Maquey Mahogany Mountain Male Fern Mandrake Maple Marigold Marjoram Masterwort Mastic May Apple Meadowsweet Mint Mistletoe Mulberry Mushroom Mustard Nettle Norfolk Island Pine Nutmeg Oak Olive Onion Orange Palm Papyrus Parsley Pecan Pennyroyal Peony Pepper Peppermint Pepper Tree Pimento Pimpernel Pine Pineapple Pistachio Poke Root Pomegranate Prickly Ash Radish Red Sandalwood Reed Rice Lily Lobelia Loosestrife Lotus Love Seed Lucky Hand Magnolia Maidenhair Mallow Mesquite Moonwort Morning Glory Mimosa Mugwort Mullein Myrrh Myrtle Rosemary Rowan Rue Saffron Sage St. John’s Wort Sarsaparilla Sassafras Savory, Summer Senna Sesame Shallot Oats Oleander Sloe Snapdragon Southernwood Squill Star Anise Sunflower Tangerine Tea, Oriental Thistle Thistle, Holy Thistle, Milk Ti Toadflax Tobacco Tormentil Venus’ Flytrap Walnut Wax Plant Witchgrass Witch Hazel Woodruff Wormwood Yerba Mate Yucca

like what you see? leave me a tip!!: https://www.paypal.me/lunariaathewitch

[atthebeautycooler]

Just the Tip Tuesday:  Tools for Makeup on the Go by Margina Dennis

This staple for every film and TV artist can also be a great secret weapon for the print artist who needs to be able to do makeup on the run and have everything at their fingertips - The set bag.  

I’m a multi-media makeup artist that can be on a TV set one day and on location doing print advertising with multiple locations the next.   A well stocked set bag  keeps you mobile and working without having to pack everything up for each location.  My personal favorites are the Eye Line and Miyake Pro set bags.  Research and assessing your personal needs will help you determine what will work for you.  Manhattan Wardrobe Supply is a great resource.

I keep my Eyeline set bag packed and know that I am going to have what I need to do background on a tv set, or make that corporate client look perfect so that I can grab it and go.  Here’s a peek of what I keep stashed in my bag:

1.  Makeup Atelier Paris 12 Concealer Palette - creamy pigmented with staying power in a 2x4 footprint

2.  Makeup Atelier Paris 12 Eyeshadow Palette -  Long wearing and water resistant.  I can also use the colors in the brows

3.  Yaby Cosmetics Powder Foundation Palette - I make my own palette but here are some presets.  I have used other powder foundations and this is still the best I have encountered.

4.  Eve Pearl Lip Palette - 18 colors in a tiny footprint, a little goes a long way.  She used to sell refills for all the colors, but you can always put your own colors in it as you use colors up.

5.  Skinn Plasma Flawless Finish -  touch up mattifier and I also keep the Bronze version of this in my kit as well.

6.  Kett Set Pressed Powder 

7.  Skin Illustrator Rescue on Set 2.0 Palette -  I also carry activator (alcohol) for this palette.

8.  Smashbox Step-by-step Contour Kit - it’s all matte

9.  Beauty So Clean and Brush Cleaner and Wipes - self explanatory.  Helps to keep everytghing sanitary.

10.  Disposables/Sponges - I get my disposables (mascara spoolies, lipgloss doves, liner, q-tips, cotton etc. ) from Qosmedix and sponges from Alcone.

11.  Three Custom Concealer Palette - gorgeous as foundation and 10 flattering shades.

12.  MaqPro “flashy”  Palettes - waxy and durable, I can create bruises, use to customize a foundation color.. deepen lip colors, create cream blush etc.

13.  Bdellium tools Brush Roll - I have added eye brush set and some lip brushes to this set, but it has everything to get the job done.

14.  Kiko Milano Eyebrow Gel and Pencils - Taupe and Black are basically what you need.. and the black can be used as a eyeliner in a pinch.

15.  Armani Eye & Brow Maestro - I have hair toned ones of these because they can be used for brows, eyeliner, root and beard touch-up and shadow base.  black, mahogany, auburn, and sand blonde..  Can also be used for mascara.

16.  Mascara - Blinc is a staple because it does not smudge so I have black and medium brown in the kit along with a volumizing formula.  My new love are the Essence mascaras.

17.  Blush Palette - right now a LORAC palette lives in my set bag but it was limited edition and LORAC is in another direction so this Zoeva palette is a nice replacement.

18.  Skin care bag - contains mini Embryolisse with gloss, Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Spray spf50 mini, eyedrops for regular and contact lens, Kiehls men’s lip balm and Dr. Paw Paw as well as Travel size Avene Thermal water,  Nivea body creme, Aveno travel lotion, a  dry body oil spray and waterproof eye makeup remover.

19.  Sealants and Adhesives - Make Up For Ever Fix & Mist mini, Pros-Aide Cream Adhesive  mini,  Danessa Myricks Lock-on Lash  clear, Ben Nye Liquiset mini

20.  Eyelashes - Kiss Ever Ez Trio Lash Collection in Small & Medium 

21. Makeup remover wipes, wet wipes, and disposable cloth napkins.

*BONUS PRODUCTS*

These are products kept in a Zucca pouch and that can be thrown in the set bag and will expand the scope of getting things done!  I use these if I know I am going to be able to initially set up and then need to be mobile.

1.  Senna Slipcover Foundation and Blush Palettes - I only have the light to medium of both of these but they get the job done!

2.  Viseart Neutral Eyeshadow and Lipcolor Palettes 

3.  Makeup Up Atelier Paris Waterproof Fluid Foundation-   travel size tan/dark pack of 12 shades

4.  Kryolan Dermacolor and Supracolor Interferenz - depotted and put into a Vueset Palette.

5.  Natasha Denona 5 Eye Shadow Palette - in 01 deeper color tones for smokey eyes, eyeliner, and fashion colors

A simple hair kit can be easily substituted for the bonus items and would fit into the same foot print.  

Love and Lipstick,

Margina Dennis

Beauty Beaute Beauti 

[the-herbalist]

Plants Applicable to Various Conditions and Body Organs

This listing is compiled from several sources of reference information on herbal medicine. The fact that a plant appears under a given heading means that some part or a preparation derived from some part of the plant has been used at one time or another to treat the condition or affect the bodily part involved.

ACNE Burdock Echinacea English walnut Fragrant valerian Kidney bean Wild strawberry

ALCOHOLISM Cannabis Cayenne Feverfew Fringe tree Goldenseal Mother of thyme Nerve root Passion flower Quassia Red currant Yellow jessamine

ALLERGY Cubeb Ma-huang Papaya Red eyebright Skunk cabbage

AMENORRHEA: see Menstruation, Tardy

ANEMIA Alfalfa Artichoke Barberry Brooklime Burnet saxifrage Chive Comfrey Dandelion Dwarf nettle Elecampane European angelica European vervain Fenugreek Fumitory Gentian (all) Ground ivy Iceland moss Lad’s love Milfoil Mother of thyme NettlePeruvian bark Quassia St. Benedict thistle St. Johnswort Spinach Sweet flag Watercress Wild Oregon grape

ANURIA: see Urination, Incomplete

APPETITE, LACK OF Alder buckthorn Alfalfa Allspice Alpine cranberry American centaury Anise Arnica Artichoke Bear’s garlic Bennet Bitter milkwort Black mustard Black pepper Blackthorn Buck bean Burnet saxifrage Camomile (both) Caraway Cardamom Cayenne Celery Chicory Chive Colombo Coriander Dandelion Dill English walnut European angelica European centaury Galangal Garden thyme Garlic Gentian (all) Ginseng Goldenseal Greater pimpernel Hops Horseradish Iceland moss Imperial masterwort Ironweed Juniper Lad’s love Lady’s mantle Leek Madder Milfoil Milk thistle Mint (all) Mugwort Parsley Pitcher plant Plum Privet Purple goatsbeard Red currant Rhubarb Rosemary Rough avens Saffron St. Benedict thistle Savory Silvery lady’s mantle Speedwell Star anise Sweet cicely Sweet flag Sweet marjoram Tarragon Turkey corn Turtlebloom Virginia snakeroot Wafer ash Water avens Watercress White mustard Wild angelica Wild clover Wild hyssop Wild marjoram Winter savory Wood sorrel Wormwood Yellow goatsbeard

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS Arnica Artichoke Bear’s garlic Black currant Chervil European mistletoe Garlic Hawthorn Hedge garlic Nutmeg Olive Onion Pansy Rue Shave grass Shepherd’s purse Watercress Witch grass

ARTHRITIS Alder buckthorn Alfalfa Black currant Black elder Black poplar Buck bean Burdock Buttercup (all) Cayenne Chickweed Comfrey Dropwort European aspen European centaury European goldenrod Garden violet Horseradish Juniper Lady’s thumb Life everlasting Marsh tea Meadow saffron Meadowsweet Monkshood Mountain holly Pokeweed Red bryony Restharrow St. Benedict thistle Sassafras Shave grass White melilot Willow (all) Wintergreen Witch grass Wormwood Yellow melilot Yew ASTHMA Almond Althea Arum Asafetida Balm Balm of Gilead Betony Black cohosh Blue vervain Boneset Burdock Cannabis Celandine Coltsfoot Comfrey Common mullein Cubeb Dwarf nettle Elecampane Eucalyptus European centaury Fragrant valerian Garden thyme German camomile Ground ivy Gum plant Hedge garlic Horehound Horseradish Hyssop Indian turnip Jimson weed Lettuce (both) Lobelia Lovage Marsh hibiscus Masterwort Milkweed Mullein Myrrh Nettle New Jersey tea Orange mullein Parsley Peony Pleurisy root Prickly ash Quaking aspen Saw palmetto Skunk cabbage Speedwell Spikenard (both) Sumbul Sundew Tacamahac Watercress Wild black cherry Wild marjoram Yerba santa

BACKACHE (* Indicates those for external application.) Alpine cranberry American spikenard Barberry Bearberry Betony Black cohosh Black elder *Black mustard *Blue gentian Buchu (all) *Buckhorn brake *Cayenne Dwarf nettle German camomile Horsement Life everlasting Nettle *Oat Pennyroyal (both) Prickly ash Tansy *Twin leaf *White mustard

BAD BREATH: see Halitosis

BEDWETTING Balm Bearberry Betony Bistort Black alder Buchu Cubeb Fennel Hollyhock Hops Indian corn Lady’s mantle Mallow (both) Milfoil Milkweed Oat Pansy Plantain (all) Red alder Restharrow St. Johnswort Shave grass Silverweed Smooth alder Sticklewort Willow (all)

BLEEDING, EXTERNAL: see Wounds

BLEEDING, INTERNAL: see Hemorrhage, Internal

BLOOD, VOMITING: see Hemorrhage, Internal

BLOOD PRESSURE, HIGH American sanicle Barberry Bear’s garlic Black cohosh Blue cohosh Blue vervain Boneset Chervil Cleavers Ergot European mistletoe Garden violet Garlic Hawthorn Onion Parsley Rue Scotch broom Skullcap Storksbill Wild black cherry

BLOOD PRESSURE, LOW Anise Balm Cat’s foot Dyer’s broom Hawthorn Heather Lavender Ma-huang Milfoil Motherwort Rosemary Shepherd’s purse Storksbill BOREDOM Belladonna Cannabis Ergot Horse chestnut Indian black drink Jimson weed Mulberry (both) Nerve root Nutmeg Peyote Prickly lettuce Scotch broom Wormwood

BRONCHITIS Althea Anise Arum Asafetida Asarum Barley Bearberry Betony Bilberry Bitter milkwort Black cohosh Black elder Black poplar Blind nettle Borage Buttercup (all) Catnip Celery Chickweed Coltsfoot Comfrey Common mullein Cowslip Cubeb Cypress spurge Dandelion Elecampane Eucalyptus European angelica European aspen European sanicle European seneka Fennel Garden raspberry Garden thyme Garden violet Goldenseal Greater pimpernel Ground ivy Heather Hemp nettle Hepatica (both) Horehound Horse chestnut Iceland moss Irish moss Jimson weed Knotgrass Lad’s love Licorice Lovage Low mallow Lungwort Marsh hibiscus Mother of thyme Mountain holly Mouse ear Mullein Nasturtium New Jersey tea Norway spruce Onion Orange Orange mullein Orris root Pansy Pasque flower Peach tree Plantain (all) Pleurisy root Primrose Radish Saffron Sage St. Johnswort Sandalwood Savory Saw palmetto Senega snakeroot Skunk cabbage Slippery elm Speedwell Spruce Star anise Sumbul Sundew Sweet cicely Sweet marjoram Watercress Water eryngo White melilot White mustard White pond lily Wild marjoram Winter savory Yellow melilot Yerba santa 

BRUISES Aloe American elder Arnica Balm of Gilead Bittersweet nightshade Birch Black elder Buckhorn brake Burnet saxifrage Calendula Celery Cinnamon fern Comfrey Corkwood Dwarf nettle English oak European sanicle Fenugreek Figwort Flax Flower-of-an-hour Garden thyme Garden violet Hemp agrimony Herb Robert Hound’s-tongue Hyssop Laurel Life everlasting Lobelia Low cudweed Mother of thyme Mugwort Nettle Okra Olive Pearly everlasting Pennyroyal (both) Primrose Quaking aspen Rattlesnake plantain St. Johnswort Shinleaf Solomon’s seal (both) Stone root Tacamahac Tansy White pond lily Willow (all) Wintergreen Witch hazel Wormwood Yerba santa

BURNS Aloe American elder Basswood Bennet Bittersweet nightshade Burdock Calendula Chickweed Coltsfoot Comfrey Common plantain Cucumber Gum plant Hound’s-tongue Houseleek Lady’s mantle Olive Poplar (all) Pumpkin Quaking aspen St. Johnswort Sweet flag Wild daisy Willow (all) Witch hazel

CALLOUSES: see Corns, Callouses

CHILBLAINS Barberry Bennet Calendula English oak English walnut European angelica European mistletoe Hawthorn Hedge garlic Horseradish Lady’s mantle Milfoil Mugwort Oat Onion Sage St. Benedict thistle Shepherd’s purse Turnip Watercress

CHILDBIRTH, EASING Althea American spikenard Bennet Birthwort Black cohosh Blind nettle Blue cohosh Cannabis Columbine Comfrey Common groundsel Cotton European ragwort Flax Garden raspberry Garden violet Goat’s rue Horehound Iceland moss Lady’s mantle Pansy Primrose Ragwort Shepherd’s purse Silverweed Spikenard (both) Squaw vine Wild red raspberry Wormwood

COLDS Althea American angelica American elder American ivy American spikenard Balm Basswood Betony Bilberry Birch Black elder Bloodroot Blue vervain Boneset Butternut Camomile (both) Catnip Coltsfoot Cyclamen Everlasting (all) Feverfew Fig Fragrant valerian Galangal Garden thyme Ginger Ginseng Gray goldenrod Ground ivy Guaiac Gum plant Hedge mustard Hollyhock Horehound Hyssop Laurel Lemon Licorice Lobelia Ma-huang Marsh hibiscus Masterwort Milfoil Nasturtium Pennyroyal (both) Peppermint Pleurisy root Prickly ash Rose Safflower Sage St. Benedict thistle Sarsaparilla Savory Saw palmetto Senega snakeroot Smartweed Soapwort Sticklewort Sweet goldenrod Water eryngo Water smartweed White pine Wild bergamot Wild black cherry Wild daisy Wild ginger Wild sarsaparilla Wintergreen Witch grass Wormwood Yellow parilla Yerba santa 

COLIC: see Carminative and Antispasmodic (in the Glossary of Medicinal Effects)

CONSTIPATION Agave Alder buckthorn Aloe American mountain ash Asparagus Basil Bird’s tongue Black elder Black root Blackthorn Blue flag Boneset Boxwood Bryony (both) Buck bean Burdock Butternut Cabbage rose Calendula Cascara sagrada Castor bean Celandine Chickweed Chicory Common buckthorn Common plum Cucumber Cypress spurge Dogbane Dog’s mercury Dyer’s broom European centaury Female fern Feverfew Fig Flax Fringe tree Fumitory Goldenseal Hedge bindweed Hedge hyssop Hemp agrimony Hyssop Jalap Kidney vetch Larkspur Licorice Mallow (both) Mandrake Mercury herb Mezereon Mugwort Mulberry (both) Olive Peach tree Pokeweed Pride of China Primrose Purging flax Radish Red elder Red sedge Restharrow Rhubarb Rowan St. Benedict thistle Scotch broom Senega snakeroot Senna (all) Shepherd’s purse Soapwort Sorrel Spurge (all) Sticklewort Tamarind Turtlebloom Wahoo Water dock White holly White mustard Wild clover Wild daisy Wild indigo Wild jalap Wild Oregon grape Wild plum Wormwood Yellow dock Yellow toadflax

CONSUMPTION: see Lungs

CORNS, CALLOUSES Bittersweet nightshade Celandine Dandelion Garlic Houseleek Lemon Onion Roman camomile Wintergreen 

COUGH Acacia Almond Althea American ivy American spikenard Asafetida Balm of Gilead Basswood Bilberry Birthroot Bitter milkwort Black cohosh Black elder Bloodroot Blue vervain Borage Buckhorn brake Cannabis Celandine Cinnamon fern Coltsfoot Comfrey Corkwood Cotton Cubeb Elecampane English ivy European sanicle European seneka Evening primrose Female fern Flax Flowering spurge Flower-of-an-hour Garden raspberry Garden thyme Garden violet Ginseng Heather Hedge mustard Horehound Horseradish Hound’s-tongue Hyssop Iceland moss Irish moss Jimson weed Lad’s love Lemon Lettuce (both) Licorice Lobelia Lovage Lungwort Maidenhair Mallow (both) Marsh hibiscus Marsh tea Milfoil Mother of thyme Mullein (all) Myrrh Norway spruce Okra Onion Orris root Pansy Parsley Pearly everlasting Plantain (all) Pleurisy root Quaking aspen Radish Rosemary Rough avens Saffron Senega snakeroot Skunk cabbage Slippery elm Smartweed Sundew Sweet gum Tacamahac Water avens Water smartweed White pine Wild black cherry Wild clover Wild marjoram Wild sarsaparilla Yerba santa Yew

CRAMPS Anise Balm Bear’s garlic Belladonna Betony Black elder Blind nettle Blue cohosh Burnet saxifrage Buttercup (all) Calendula Camomile (both) Cannabis Cayenne Caraway Celandine Coral root Coriander Cowslip Dill European angelica Fennel Fragrant valerian Fraxinella Garden thyme Garlic Henbane Imperial masterwort Lady’s mantle Lavender Masterwort Milfoil Mother of thyme Motherwort Nerve root Pasque flower Peppermint Radish Ragged cup Rose Rosemary Rue Savory Silverweed Sweet marjoram Twin leaf Water mint Wild angelica Wild daisy Wild marjoram Wild yam Winter savory Woodruff Wormwood See also: ANTISPASMODIC (in the glossary of medicinal effects)

CUTS: see Wounds

CYSTITIS: see Genito-Urinary Ailments

DANDRUFF  Agave Camomile (both) English elm English ivy English walnut Figwort Olive Quassia Rosemary Willow (all)

DIABETES ( Diabetes mellitus ) Artichoke Bilberry Blue cohosh Chicory Common lettuce Dandelion Dwarf nettle Elecampane European centaury European Solomon’s seal Fenugreek Flax Goat’s rue Juniper Kidney bean Milfoil Nettle Onion Queen of the meadow Saw palmetto Spotted cranebill Sumac Wild red raspberry Wintergreen

DIARRHEA Acacia Alpine cranberry Amaranth American mountain ash Apple Barberry Basil Bear’s garlic Beechdrops Bennet Betony Bilberry Bistort Bitter milkwort Black alder Blackberry Black birch Black cohosh Black currant Black walnut Brier hip Calendula Carrot Catnip Cinnamon fern Colombo Coltsfoot Columbine Comfrey Dropwort Eglantine Eur. five-finger grass European goldenrod European vervain Five-finger grass Garden thyme Garlic Great burnet Ground ivy Herb Robert Horse chestnut Horsemint Horseweed Hound’s-tongue Hyssop Iceland moss Knotgrass Lady’s mantle Lady’s thumb Larch Life everlasting Lion’s foot Loosestrife Lungwort Madder Magnolia Matico Meadowsweet Motherwort Mouse ear Pansy Pearly everlasting Peppermint Periwinkle (both) Pilewort Plantain (all) Pomegranate Privet Radish Red alder Rhatany Rhubarb Rock rose Rough avens Rowan Sage Savory Silverweed Slippery elm Smooth alder Spotted cranebill Sticklewort Sumac Sweet fern Sweet gum Tormentil Virginia mouse-ear Water avens Wax myrtle White pond lily Wild black cherry Wild red raspberry Wild strawberry Winter savory Witch grass Witch hazel Woundwort

DIZZINESS Balm Bearded darnel Betony Catnip Hawthorn Indian pipe Lavender Lemon Motherwort Peppermint Rose Rue Sage Shepherd’s purse

DOUCHE: see Vaginal Douche

DRINKING: see Alcoholism

DYSMENORRHEA: see Menstruation, Difficult

DYSPEPSIA: see Indigestion

ECZEMA: see Skin

EMPHYSEMA: see Lungs

EROTOMANIA Belladonna Black willow Coriander Cucumber Fragrant valerian Hops Life everlasting Mouse ear Pearly everlasting Prickly lettuce Sage Skullcap Star grass Wild marjoram

ERYSIPELAS: see Skin

EYES Althea American angelica Borage Calendula Carrot Celandine Cornflower Dandelion Dropwort European sanicle Fennel French rose German camomile Goldenseal Herb Robert Jasmine Marsh hibiscus Meadowsweet Oat Parsley Plantain (all) Red eyebright Rose of China Rue Sarsaparilla Sassafras Savory Slippery elm Speedwell Squaw vine Sticklewort Sycamore maple White melilot White pond lily White willow Wintergreen Witch hazel Woodruff Yellow dock Yellow melilot

FEVER American angelica American sanicle Apple tree Balm of Gilead Basil Bennet Birch (both) Bird’s tongue Black currant Black elder Black poplar Blackthorn Blue vervain Boneset Borage Brier hip Buck bean Burnet saxifrage Buttercup (all) Butternut Calendula Carline thistle Catnip Colombo Coral root Cowslip Dandelion Desert tea Dogbane Dogwood Dropwort Echinacea English ivy English oak Eucalyptus European angelica European centaury European linden Feverweed Fraxinella Fringe tree Garden violet Ginseng Goat’s rue Hemp agrimony Horehound Indian pipe Lad’s love Life everlasting Lobelia Magnolia Ma-huang Mandrake Marsh tea Masterwort Meadowsweet Milfoil Mountain holly Olive Pasque flower Passion flower Pearly everlasting Pennyroyal (both) Peruvian bark Pilewort Quaking aspen Quassia Ragged cup Red elder Sage St. Benedict thistle Sandalwood Sarsaparilla Sassafras Sticklewort Strawberry-bush Sumac Tacamahac Tormentil Wahoo Water eryngo White oak Wild angelica Wild bergamot Wild marjoram Willow (all) Wintergreen Wormwood Yellow parilla Yerba santa

FLATULENCE: see Carminative (in the Glossary of Medicinal Effects)

FLU: see Influenza

FRIGIDITY: see Impotence, Frigidity

GALL BLADDER Artichoke Barberry Burdock Cat’s foot Celandine Chicory Club moss Dandelion Elecampane European centaury Female fern Fumitory Garlic Gentian (all) Hemp agrimony Hepatica (both) Lavender Milfoil Milk thistle Mouse ear Mugwort Oat Onion Peppermint Radish Red pimpernel Rosemary St. Benedict thistle Sticklewort Wild daisy Witch grass Wormwood Yellow toadflax

GALLSTONES Alder buckthorn Artichoke Barberry Cascara sagrada Chicory Dandelion Dogbane Dropwort European vervain Flax Fringe tree Hyssop Mandrake Meadowsweet Milk thistle Milkweed Parsley Restharrow Sticklewort Willow (all) Woodruff

GAS, INTESTINAL: see Carminative (in the Glossary of Medicinal Effects)

GASTRITIS: see Stomach

GASTROENTERITIS Althea Arum Balm Basil Bear’s garlic Bilberry Bistort Black currant Blind nettle Blue flag Borage Buck bean Carrot Chicory Cleavers Coltsfoot Common mullein Elecampane English oak English walnut European centaury Eur. five-finger grass Garden thyme Garlic German camomile Hemp nettle Herb Robert Hyssop Iceland moss Imperial masterwort Knotgrass Lad’s love Licorice Loosestrife Mallow (both) Marsh hibiscus Milfoil Mother of thyme Mouse ear Mullein Oat Orange mullein Peppermint Plantain (all) Red eyebright Red sedge Rhatany Rough avens Sage St. Benedict thistle St. Johnswort Savory Silverweed Silvery lady’s mantle Sweet flag Sweet marjoram Water avens Water mint White melilot Wild angelica Wild strawberry Winter savory Witch grass Wood sorrel Yellow bedstraw Yellow melilot

GENITO-URINARY AILMENTS (Those marked with * disinfect the urine useful for venereal diseases.) *Agave *Alpine cranberry American angelica American sanicle *Bearberry Birch (both) Birthroot Blackthorn Black willow *Blazing star (all) Blind nettle Blue cohosh *Buchu *Burdock *Cannabis Celery Cleavers Comfrey Common plantain *Cubeb Desert tea *Echinacea *Goldenseal *Guaiac Heather Hemlock spruce Hepatica (both) Horseweed Indian corn *Juniper Mandrake Milfoil *Nasturtium New Jersey tea Parsley *Pipsissewa Prickly ash Queen of the meadow *Rock-rose *Sandalwood *Sassafras Saw palmetto Scurvy grass Shave grass Slippery elm Speedwell Spotted cranebill Squaw vine Sumac Water eryngo White pond lily Wild Oregon grape *Wintergreen Witch grass Witch hazel Yellow dock *Yerba santa

GIDDINESS: see Dizziness

GONORRHEA: see Genito-Urinary Ailments

GOUT Alpine cranberry Balm of Gilead Betony Birch (both) Bittersweet nightshade Black mustard Buck bean Burdock Celery Comfrey Dropwort Dwarf nettle English walnut Gentian (all) Guaiac Hedge garlic Hedge hyssop Herb Robert Horseradish Imperial masterwort Jimson weed Marsh tea Meadow saffron Meadowsweet Monkshood Mountain holly Nettle Oat Pennyroyal (both) Quaking aspen St. Johnswort Sarsaparilla Sassafras Speedwell Tacamahac Watercress White mustard Willow (all) Witch grass Yellow parilla Yerba maté

GRIPPE: see Influenza

GUMS (Mostly as a mouthwash. For bleeding, see also HEMORRHAGE; for inflammation, see also Inflammation.) Barberry Bennet Bistort Blackberry Black currant Comfrey Dogwood Echinacea English walnut Goldenseal Myrrh Periwinkle (both) Pokeweed Rhatany Shave grass Spotted cranebill Watercress Willow (all) Witch hazel

HAIR, LOSS OF (Massage with alcoholic extract is especially effective. These are not for baldness; it’s too late by then.) Agave Arnica Black elder Burdock Calendula Dropwort Dwarf nettle Juniper Lad’s love Lavender Maidenhair Meadowsweet Milfoil Nasturtium Nettle Rosemary Sage Soapwort Sweet flag Watercress White birch White onion White willow

HALITOSIS American senna Apple Bennet Caraway Dill Echinacea European linden Goldenseal Musk-mallow Myrrh Rosemary

HARDENING OF THE ARTERIES: see Arteriosclerosis

HAY FEVER: see Allergy

HEADACHE (* for migraine) American elder *Balm *Basil Birch (both) *Black elder Blue vervain *Buck bean Camomile (both) *Cannabis Catnip *Cleavers *Dropwort *Dwarf nettle *Ergot European angelica *European centaury *European mistletoe *European vervain *Fennel Feverfew *Fragrant valerian Fringe tree Garden thyme Ginger Ground ivy Henna *Hops Indian turnip Kola tree *Lady’s mantle *Lavender Lily of the valley Low cudweed Ma-huang *Meadowsweet *Mugwort *Nettle New Jersey tea Pennyroyal (both) *Peppermint *Primrose Radish Red eyebright Rose *Rosemary Sage *St. Benedict thistle Savory *Shepherd’s purse *Speedwell *Sticklewort Virgin’s bower White melilot Wild bergamot Willow (all) Wintergreen Winter savory *Woodruff *Wormwood Yellow melilot *Yerba maté Yerba santa

HEART American angelica American mistletoe Arnica Balm Barberry Bearsfoot Bear’s garlic Bennet Betony Bistort Black hellebore Bloodroot Blue cohosh Blue vervain Borage Buttercup (all) Calendula Cayenne Cowslip Cucumber European mistletoe Foxglove Fragrant valerian Garden violet Garlic Green hellebore Hawthorn Horse chestnut Kola tree Lady’s mantle Lily of the valley Mexican tea Milfoil Motherwort Mugwort Oat Onion Pasque flower Primrose Rosemary Rue Saffron St. Johnswort Shepherd’s purse Silverweed Strawberry-bush Virginia snakeroot Wahoo Woodruff Wormseed

HEMORRHAGE, EXTERNAL: see Wounds

HEMORRHAGE, INTERNAL (* Indicates those suitable for douche or enema; † indicates those to snuff for nosebleed.) Amaranth American mistletoe Arnica Birthroot *Bistort Black alder Black mullein Cabbage rose †Club moss Comfrey †Desert tea Dwarf nettle English oak Ergot Eur. five-finger grass European goldenrod Five-finger grass Ginseng (both) †*Goldenseal Great burnet Hemlock spruce Hepatica (both) *Horseweed Knotgrass Lady’s mantle Lemon Life everlasting Loosestrife Milfoil †Mouse-ear Nettle Pearly everlasting Periwinkle (both) Plantain (all) Red alder Rhatany St. Johnswort Sanicle (both) Shave grass Shepherd’s purse Silvery lady’s mantle Smooth alder Sorrel †*Spotted cranebill Storksbill *Sumac Tormentil Water mint †*Wax myrtle †*White oak Willow (all) *Witch hazel Woundwort

HEMORRHOIDS Alder buckthorn Aloe Amaranth Birch (both) Black mullein Burdock Burnet saxifrage Common plantain Dwarf nettle German camomile Goldenseal Horse chestnut Horseweed Houseleek Lemon Lungwort Milfoil Nettle Oak (all) Pilewort Pokeweed Poplar (all) Smartweed Solomon’s seal (both) Turtlebloom Water smartweed Wild black cherry Witch hazel Yellow toadflax

HIVES: see Skin

HOARSENESS (Usually as a gargle) Althea American mountain ash Blackberry Black currant Coltsfoot Comfrey Common mullein Female fern Garden raspberry Goldenseal Hedge garlic Hedge mustard Iceland moss Lobelia Lungwort Maidenhair Mallow (both) Marsh hibiscus Marsh tea Mullein Okra Onion Orange mullein Plantain (all) Rowan Sage Skunk cabbage Slippery elm Wild black cherry

HYPERACIDITY: see Stomach

IMPOTENCE, FRIGIDITY Asiatic ginseng Carline thistle Celery Common lettuce Common plantain English walnut Fenugreek Jasmine Lovage Mexican damiana Onion Saffron Savory Saw palmetto Water eryngo

INDIGESTION American angelica American centaury Anise Artichoke Balm Barberry Birch (both) Black mustard Buck bean Camomile (both) Caraway Carline thistle Carrot Cascara sagrada Cayenne Colombo Comfrey Coriander Cornflower Cubeb Dandelion Dill Dogbane Elecampane Eucalyptus European angelica European centaury European linden European sanicle Fennel Feverfew Fragrant valerian Fringe tree Fumitory Garlic Gentian (all) Goldenseal Goldthread Hops Horsemint Horseradish Hyssop Iceland moss Imperial masterwort Ironweed Juniper Laurel Lavender Lovage Magnolia Masterwort Milfoil Milk thistle Mother of thyme Mugwort Nutmeg Oat Orange Oswego tea Papaya Parsley Peppermint Peruvian bark Purple goatsbeard Quassia Red eyebright Red pimpernel Rhubarb Rosemary Saffron Sage St. Benedict thistle Sallow Sandalwood Savory Star anise Strawberry bush Sweet cicely Sweet flag Sweet marjoram Turkey corn Turtlebloom Virginia snakeroot Wahoo White mustard Wild bergamot Wild black cherry Wild ginger Winterberry Winter savory Wormwood Yellow goatsbeard

INFLAMMATION American elder Arnica Balm of Gilead Borage Bryony (both) Burnet saxifrage Cannabis Chicory Coltsfoot Comfrey Common mullein Cucumber Echinacea Fenugreek German camomile Ginseng (both) Goldenseal Greater pimpernel Gumplant Hedge bindweed Lobelia Monkshood Mugwort Mullein Nasturtium Orange mullein Pokeweed Quaking aspen Sandalwood Sarsaparilla Slippery elm Solomon’s seal (both) Tacamahac Tansy White pond lily Willow (all) Wintergreen Witch hazel

INFLUENZA Birch (both) Boneset Borage Brier hip Burnet saxifrage Butternut Calendula Coltsfoot Dropwort English ivy European angelica Garden thyme Garden violet Lady’s mantle Lavender Mallow (both) Meadowsweet Mountain holly Mouse ear Norway spruce Pansy Pleurisy root Primrose Rosemary Sage Sticklewort

INSECT BITES Aloe Balm Basil Betony Birthroot Bistort Black cohosh Borage Calendula Coltsfoot Comfrey Echinacea Fennel Gentian (all) Goldenrod (all) Hound’s-tongue Houseleek Leek Lion’s foot Marsh tea Mint (all) Olive Parsley Pennyroyal (both) Plantain (all) Shinleaf Skullcap Wild hyssop Witch hazel Yerba santa 

INSOMNIA Anise Balm Bearded darnel Blind nettle Blue vervain Brier hip Cannabis Catnip Cleavers Coral root Damask rose Dandelion Dill European linden Fragrant valerian Garden violet German camomile Hawthorn Heather Hops Lettuce (both) Life everlasting Mother of thyme Nerve root Orange Passion flower Pearly everlasting Primrose Rosemary Skullcap Squaw vine Sweet marjoram White birch White melilot Wild marjoram Woodruff Yellow melilot

ITCHING: see Skin

JAUNDICE: see Liver

KIDNEYS Alfalfa Aloe American sanicle Birthroot Black cohosh Black currant Black elder Bloodroot Brier hip Burnet saxifrage Carline thistle Celery Cucumber Desert tea Dogbane Dropwort Dwarf nettle European goldenrod Fraxinella Fringe tree Heather Hemlock spruce Hepatica (both) Horseradish Indian corn Juniper Kidney bean Madder Mallow (both) Meadowsweet Milkwort Mouse ear Oat Parsley Peony Pipsissewa Pokeweed Queen of the meadow Red pimpernel Restharrow Sassafras Seven barks Shave grass Turkey corn Watercress Water smartweed White birch White oak Wild daisy Wild Oregon grape Witch grass

LACTATION (To promote the flow of milk. Those marked with * will stop it.) Anise Basil Bitter milkwort *Black walnut Borage Burnet saxifrage Caraway Dill Dwarf nettle *English walnut European angelica European seneka European vervain Fennel Fraxinella Goat’s rue Hops Iceland moss Lavender Parsley *Sage Wild raspberry

LEUCORRHEA Althéa Alum Amaranth Balm Bearberry Bistort Black walnut Blind nettle Blue cohosh Buchu (all) Comfrey Common groundsel Cubeb English walnut European centaury European ragwort Fenugreek Fraxinella German camomile Goldenseal Horehound Juniper Lady’s mantle Life everlasting Magnolia Milfoil Pearly everlasting Plantain (all) Ragwort Sage St. Benedict thistle St. Johnswort Shave grass Silverweed Slippery elm Squaw vine Sticklewort Sumac Tansy Tormentil Wax myrtle White oak White pond lily Wild daisy Wild Oregon grape Wintergreen Wormwood 

LIVER Alder buckthorn American angelica Artichoke Barberry Black cohosh Black root Bloodroot Blue flag Burdock Butternut Cascara sagrada Cat’s foot Celandine Chicory Clubmoss Dandelion Elecampane English oak European centaury European ragwort Evening primrose Female fern Fringe tree Fumitory Garlic Gentian (all) Hemp agrimony Hepatica (both) Lavender Mandrake Milk thistle Mouse ear Mugwort New Jersey tea Oat Onion Orris root Peppermint Pokeweed Prickly ash Radish Ragged cup Red pimpernel Rosemary St. Benedict thistle Sandalwood Sticklewort Turtlebloom Wahoo White birch White oak Wild daisy Wild Oregon grape Witch grass Wood sorrel Wormwood Woundwort Yellow bedstraw Yew

LUMBAGO: see Backache

LUNGS (* Indicates those suitable for supplementary followup treatment of tuberculosis.) *Agave *American sanicle Bear’s garlic *Betony * Birthroot Bitter milkwort *Blue vervain Celery *Chickweed *Colombo *Comfrey Cubeb *Dwarf nettle Eucalyptus European seneka *Fenugreek Flax *Ground ivy *Hemp nettle *Iceland moss *Irish moss *Kidney bean *Knotgrass *Lad’s love Lady’s thumb Life everlasting *Lungwort *Milfoil *New Jersey tea Pansy Pearly everlasting *Pennyroyal (both) *Plantain (all) Pleurisy root *Redroot *Red sedge *Sage *Shave grass *Skunk cabbage *Slippery elm Strawberry-bush Wahoo *Watercress *Wax myrtle *Wild black cherry *Yerba santa Yew

MENOPAUSE Balm Bearded darnel Birthwort Blind nettle Chervil European mistletoe Fragrant valerian Great burnet Hawthorn Hops Lady’s mantle Milfoil Motherwort Mugwort Rosemary Rue Shepherd’s purse Silverweed Silvery lady’s mantle White melilot Woodruff Wormwood Yellow melilot

MENORRHAGIA: see Menstruation, Excessive

MENSTRUATION, DIFFICULT Balm Belladonna Black cohosh Buttercup (all) Calendula Carline thistle Common groundsel Cowslip Elecampane Eur. five-finger grass European ragwort German camomile Hops Lady’s mantle Milfoil Monkshood Mother of thyme Mugwort Parsley Pasque flower Ragwort Saffron Sage Shepherd’s purse Silverweed Silvery lady’s mantle Storksbill Wild marjoram Woodruff Wormwood

MENSTRUATION, EXCESSIVE Amaranth American sanicle Birthroot Bistort Burnet saxifrage Comfrey Common groundsel Cotton Ergot European ragwort Goldenseal Great burnet Horseweed Knotgrass Milfoil Periwinkle (both) Ragwort Shave grass Shepherd’s purse Smartweed Sorrel Star grass Storksbill Tansy Wax myrtle Wild strawberry Witch hazel

MENSTRUATION, TARDY Alder buckthorn Blind nettle Birthroot Birthwort Carrot Celery Common groundsel Cotton Damask rose European ragwort Fraxinella German camomile Ginger Lady’s mantle Larch Lovage Milfoil Parsley Pennyroyal (both) Peppermint Pride of China Ragwort Rosemary Rose of China Sage Silvery lady’s mantle Star grass Sweet marjoram Tansy Tarragon Thuja Watercress White mustard Wild ginger

METRORRHAGIA: see Hemorrhage, Internal

MIGRAINE: see Headache  

MORNING SICKNESS: see Nausea, Vomiting

MOUTH, INFLAMMATION IN: see Stomatitis

MILK: See Lactation

NAUSEA, VOMITING (* Indicates not to be taken during pregnancy.) Anise Asparagus Balm Balm of Gilead Barley Basil Blue flag Calendula Caraway Clove Colombo European linden Fragrant valerian Gentian (all) German camomile Ginger Ginseng (both) Goldenseal Hops Horsemint Kidney vetch Lavender Oswego tea Peach tree *Pennyroyal (both) Peppermint Quaking aspen Rough avens Sage Savory Spearmint Star anise Sweet marjoram Tacamahac Water avens Wild clover Wild red raspberry Wild yam Winter savory Woodruff Yellow melilot

NERVOUS CONDITIONS Almond American sanicle Asafetida Balm Betony Blue vervain Borage Catnip Celery Corydalis European linden Fragrant valerian Garden violet German camomile Hawthorn Henbane Hops

NERVOUS CONDITIONS Indian pipe Jasmine Lavender Lettuce (both) Life everlasting Motherwort Mountain laurel Musk-mallow Nerve root New Jersey tea Olive Orange (both) Pansy Passion flower Peach tree Pearly everlasting Peppermint Periwinkle (both) Queen of the meadow Red pimpernel Rosemary Sage St. Johnswort Savory Skullcap Skunk cabbage Spruce Squaw vine Thyme Twin leaf Wild clover Wild marjoram Wild yam Witch hazel Woodruff Yellow jessamine

NEURALGIA Allspice Black elder Blue cohosh Buttercup (all) Cannabis Celery Cowslip Dog poison German camomile Henbane Horse chestnut Hound’s-tongue Kola tree Monkshood Mountain laurel Pasque flower Queen of the meadow Skullcap Solomon’s seal (both) Twin leaf Wild marjoram Wild yam Willow (all) Woodruff Wormwood Yellow jessamine Yerba maté

NIGHT SWEATS Balm English walnut European linden French rose Hops Hyssop Nettle Sage Wild strawberry

NOSEBLEED: see Hemorrhage, Internal

OBESITY Alder buckthorn Apple Balm Black currant Black elder Celery Chickweed Cleavers Common buckthorn Dwarf nettle Dropwort European centaury European goldenrod Fennel Fig tree Ground ivy Hops Irish moss Meadowsweet Nettle Restharrow St. Johnswort Sassafras Scurvy grass Shave grass Watercress White birch White melilot Willow (all) Yellow melilot

PERSPIRATION: see Antihydrotic (in the Glossary of Medicinal Effects) PILES: see Hemorrhoids

PIMPLES: see Acne

PODAGRA: see Gout

POSTNASAL DRIP: see Sinus

PROSTATE Blind nettle Buchu Carline thistle Club moss Dwarf nettle European goldenrod Garlic Goldenseal Horse chestnut Indian corn Lady’s mantle Larkspur Nettle Parsley Pipsissewa Poplar (all) Rosemary Saw palmetto Speedwell Thuja White pond lily Wintergreen Witch grass

RASH: see Skin

RESTLESSNESS: see Nervous Conditions

RHEUMATISM Alfalfa Allspice Alpine cranberry Apple Arum Asparagus Barberry Birch (both) Bird’s tongue Birthwort Bittersweet nightshade Black cohosh Black currant Black elder Black mustard Blue cohosh Blue flag Borage Boxwood Brier hip Bryony (both) Buchu (all) Buck bean Burdock Burnet saxifrage Buttercup (all) Carline thistle Cayenne Celery Colombo Columbine Comfrey Coriander Cowslip Dandelion Dropwort Dwarf nettle Dyer’s broom English walnut European linden Feverfew Garden thyme Guaiac Heather Hedge garlic Hemp agrimony Henbane Horsemint Horseradish Horseweed Imperial masterwort Indian turnip Juniper Kidney bean Laurel Male fern Marsh tea Meadow saffron Meadowsweet Monkshood Mother of thyme Mountain holly Nettle Oat Pansy Pasque flower Pipsissewa Pokeweed Poplar (all) Prickly ash Quassia Red sedge Rosemary Rowan Rue Sarsaparilla Sassafras Scurvy grass Skullcap Skunk cabbage Sticklewort Sweet flag Watercress White melilot White mustard Wild clover Wild Oregon grape Willow (all) Wintergreen Witch grass Wormwood Yellow melilot Yellow parilla Yerba santa Yew

SCIATICA Black elder Buttercup (all) Fenugreek Ground ivy Kidney bean Life everlasting Monkshood Mustard (both) Yellow jessamine Yellow toadflax

SEXUAL DESIRE, EXCESSIVE: see Erotomania

SEXUAL DESIRE, IMPAIRED: see Impotence, Frigidity

SHINGLES: see Skin

SINUS Blue flag Coltsfoot Common mullein Eucalyptus Fennel Garlic Goldenseal Ground ivy Gum plant Hyssop Leek Mullein Orange mullein Wax myrtle

SKIN Adder’s tongue American elder American sanicle Arum Barberry Basswood Bearded darnel Bearsfoot Beechdrops Bilberry Birch (both) Birthwort Bittersweet nightshade Black alder Black hellebore Black nightshade Blackthorn Black walnut Bloodroot Buck bean Buttercup (all) Calendula Carline thistle Celandine Celery Chervil Chickweed Chicory Cleavers Comfrey Common lettuce Common mullein Coral root Cucumber Cypress spurge Dwarf nettle Dyer’s broom Echinacea English elm English ivy English walnut European centaury European goldenrod European sanicle European vervain Evening primrose Figwort Fumitory Garden violet Goldenseal Green hellebore Guaiac Heather Hedge hyssop Henna Herb Robert Horehound Houseleek Juniper Kidney bean Knotgrass Lady’s thumb Laurel Lemon Life everlasting Madder Magnolia Ma-huang Marsh tea Mezereon Mountain laurel Mullein Musk-mallow Nettle New Jersey tea Oak (all) Oat Olive Orange mullein Pansy Papaya Pearly everlasting Pennyroyal (both) Peppermint Periwinkle (both) Pokeweed Pomegranate Prickly ash Primrose Privet Rattlesnake plantain Red elder Red pimpernel Red sedge Rose St. Benedict thistle Sandalwood Sarsaparilla Sassafras Shave grass Silverweed Slippery elm Smartweed Smooth alder Soapwort Sorrel Speedwell Spikenard (both) Stillingia Sweet fern Sweet gum Sycamore maple Thuja Turkey corn Virginia snakeroot Watercress Water dock Water smartweed White pond lily Wild clover Wild indigo Wild jalap Wild Oregon grape Wild strawberry Willow (all) Winterberry Wintergreen Witch grass Witch hazel Wood sorrel Wormwood Yellow bedstraw Yellow dock Yellow parilla Yellow toadflax

SLEEPLESSNESS: see Insomnia

SMOKING, TO STOP (* Indicates a tobacco substitute.) American angelica Black cohosh Blue cohosh Blue vervain Catnip *Coltsfoot Echinacea Fragrant valerian Hedge hyssop Kola tree Magnolia Motherwort Nerve root

SMOKING, TO STOP Peppermint Quassia Skullcap Slippery elm Sweet flag

SORE THROAT (* Indicates those especially suitable for gargle.) Acacia *Althea *Amaranth *American mountain ash *American sanicle *Arum *Balm of Gilead *Barberry Basswood *Bistort *Black alder Black currant Black elder Blackthorn Blazing star (all) Brier hip Buck bean Burdock *Burnet saxifrage Carline thistle Columbine *Comfrey Corkwood *English oak English walnut *Eur. five-finger grass *European sanicle *Fenugreek *Five-finger grass Flower-of-an-hour Galangal Ginger *Goldenseal *Goldthread *Greater pimpernel Ground ivy Groundsel *Hemlock spruce *Henna Hollyhock Horehound *Hyssop Juniper Lemon Life everlasting Lovage Low cudweed *Mallow (both) *Marsh hibiscus *Mouse ear Myrrh *New Jersey tea Orris root Pearly everlasting *Peruvian bark *Pomegranate *Privet *Quaking aspen Red alder *Red currant Restharrow *Rock-rose Rose *Rowan *Sage *Savory Shave grass Shinleaf *Silverweed Slippery elm Smooth alder Speedwell *Spotted cranebill *Sticklewort *Sumac *Tacamahac *Tormentil *Twin leaf *Wax myrtle *White oak *White pond lily Wild bergamot Wild ginger Wild plum Wild strawberry *Wintergreen *Winter savory *Witch hazel *Woundwort

STOMACH (* Indicates those helpful for ulcers.) *Alfalfa Allspice *Althea *Amaranth *American angelica *American sanicle Anise *Arum *Balm *Balm of Gilead Basil Bearded darnel Bennet *Bistort Bitter milkwort Black mustard Black pepper Buck bean *Burdock Burnet saxifrage *Calendula Camomile (both) Caraway Carline thistle Catnip Cayenne *Chickweed Chicory Clove Colombo *Comfrey Coriander Cornflower *Dwarf nettle *Elecampane *European angelica European centaury Fennel *Fenugreek Flax Fragrant valerian Galangal Garden thyme *Garlic Gentian (all) Ginger *Goldthread Hedge mustard *Hops Horehound Horse chestnut Hyssop *Iceland moss Imperial masterwort Juniper *Knotgrass Lad’s love Lavender *Licorice Lovage *Low cudweed *Marsh hibiscus Milfoil Milkweed Mother of thyme Musk-mallow *Nettle Nutmeg *Okra *Onion Orange (both) Papaya *Pennyroyal (both) Peruvian bark *Plantain (all) *Prickly ash *Quaking aspen Quassia *Ragged cup *Sage Savory Scurvy grass *Shave grass *Silverweed Speedwell Star anise Sticklewort Sweet flag Sweet marjoram *Tacamahac Tansy Tarragon *Twin leaf *Virgin’s bower Wafer ash Water dock White melilot White mustard Wild ginger Wild marjoram *Wild strawberry Willow (all) Winter savory Witch grass Wood sorrel Wormwood Yellow melilot

STOMATITIS Bilberry Bistort Black currant Blackthorn English walnut Garden thyme Herb Robert Hollyhock Matico Myrrh New Jersey tea Sage White pond lily STRANGURY: see Urination, Incomplete SYPHILIS: see Genito-Urinary Ailments TENSION: see Nervous Conditions

TETTERS: see Skin

TONSILLITIS (Mostly as gargles) American hellebore Betony Bistort Black walnut Common mullein Echinacea Goldenseal Lemon Mallow (both) Mullein New Jersey tea Orange mullein Peppermint Pokeweed Rowan Sage Slippery elm Stone root Tansy White pine Willow (all) Witch hazel Yellow jessamine

TOOTHACHE Balm Burnet saxifrage Clove Common plantain German camomile Hops Mullein Myrrh Pennyroyal Periwinkle (both) Prickly ash Rose Sassafras Savory Scotch broom Smartweed Sweet marjoram Tansy Water smartweed Wild marjoram

TUBERCULOSIS: see Lungs

UPSET STOMACH: see Indigestion

URINATION,INCOMPLETE American elder Arnica Asarum Asparagus Barberry Bennet Birch (both) Black currant Black elder Blackthorn Brier hip Brooklime Buchu (all) Burnet saxifrage Buttercup (all) Carline thistle Carrot Celery Chervil Chickweed Chicory Club moss Cowslip Cubeb Dandelion Dropwort Dwarf elder Elecampane European angelica European linden European vervain Garden violet Greater pimpernel Guinea sorrel Hepatica (both) Horsemint Horseradish Horseweed Indian corn Jimson weed Juniper Kidney bean Larch Leek Licorice Lovage Low cudweed Lungwort Marsh tea Matico Meadowsweet Onion Orris root Pansy Parsley Pasque flower Peach tree Pipsissewa Purple goatsbeard Queen of the meadow Radish Red elder Red eyebright Restharrow Water eryngo White holly White weed Willow (all) Witch grass Yellow goatsbeard Yellow toadflax

VAGINAL DOUCHE Acacia Althea Amaranth Barberry Birthroot Black walnut Blind nettle Blue cohosh Calendula Common plantain Fenugreek French rose Goldenseal Hemlock spruce Hollyhock Indian pipe Lady’s mantle Magnolia Marsh hibiscus Milfoil Myrrh Oak (all) Pomegranate Privet Shave grass Shinleaf Silvery lady’s mantle Slippery elm Spotted cranebill Sumac Wax myrtle White pond lily Wintergreen Witch hazel

VARICOSE VEINS Barberry Bear’s garlic Bennet Bistort Blind nettle Brier hip Burnet saxifrage Calendula European mistletoe Great burnet Hawthorn Horse chestnut Red oak Sassafras Shave grass Shepherd’s purse Sticklewort Sweet marjoram Wax myrtle White melilot White oak Witch hazel Yellow melilot

VENEREAL DISEASE: see Genito-Urinary Ailments

VERTIGO: see Dizziness

VIRILITY: see Impotence, Frigidity

VOMITING: see Nausea, Vomiting

WARTS Alder buckthorn Bulbous buttercup Calendula Celandine Dandelion Fig tree Garlic Houseleek Lemon Mandrake Marsh crowfoot Milkweed Mullein Spurge (all) Sundew Thuja White weed Wild sage

WORMS Aloe American senna Bennet Bird’s tongue Black birch Blue vervain Buck bean Butternut Carrot Catnip Cyclamen Elecampane English walnut Female fern Fraxinella Garden thyme Garlic Goat’s rue Houseleek Jalap Kousso Lad’s love Larch Larkspur Life everlasting Male fern Mexican tea Mother of thyme Mugwort Mulberry (both) Onion Papaya Pinkroot Pomegranate Pride of China Pumpkin Quassia Tamarind Tansy Tarragon Turtlebloom White oak Wild plum Wormseed Wormwood Woundwort

WOUNDS Aloe Althéa Amaranth American elder Arnica Beechdrops Betony Birthwort Bistort Blackberry Blue vervain Buttercup (all) Calendula Camomile (both) Carline thistle Cleavers Club moss Comfrey Cowslip Cyclamen Dandelion Echinacea English elm Eucalyptus European goldenrod European linden European sanicle European vervain Figwort Flax Gentian (all) Goldenseal Hemp agrimony Horseweed Houseleek Kidney vetch Lady’s mantle Larch Lemon Lungwort Onion Pansy Papaya Pasque flower Peach tree Pearly everlasting Plantain (all) Poplar (all) Prickly ash St. Johnswort Shave grass Silvery lady’s mantle Slippery elm Solomon’s seal (both) Stone root Sweet gum Sycamore maple White melilot White pine White pond lily White weed Wild daisy Wild indigo Willow (all) Woundwort Yellow bedstraw Yellow melilot Yerba santa

From the pages of The Herb Book by John Lust

[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?”

Tag List: @redheadgirl @cyarbika @witchklng @djarrex @arctrooper69

@sleepingsun501 @ladytano420 @rexxdjarin @echos-girlfriend @zoeykallus

@leftealeaf @galacticgraffiti @hidden-behind-the-fourth-wall @ariadnes-red-thread @goblininawig

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[fandom-friday]

Thank you so much to everyone that submitted recommendations this week! A comprehensive list of this week’s submissions can be found under the cut! Recommendations are organized by show/media, and any main pairings will be listed after the title.

✨ = 18+ content

Fics:

The Clone Wars: ✨ In Command (Captain Rex x OFC Senna Aven) by @wild-karrde ✨ Walk Me Home (Commander Wolffe x OFC Cherise) by @cyarbika Dominoes by @meridiansdominoes

The Bad Batch: ✨ Quiet Corners of the Galaxy (Crosshair x OFC Dara) by @badbatchposts Fools Errand (Crosshair x OFC Doc) by @staycalmandhugaclone Brother, My Brother by @iiidunno He's Not Heavy, He's My Brother by @therisingdarkness The Hardest Word by @therisingdarkness How Long Will it Take for You to Learn to Slow Down? by @saturn-sends-hugs

Star Wars Prequel Series: ✨ Unbreakable Bonds (Obi-Wan Kenobi x OFC Cressida Vox) by @thegreatwicked ✨ Memories of Chocolate Laced Kisses (Obi-Wan Kenobi x OFC Cressida Vox) by @thegreatwicked Lover, Fighter (Obi-Wan Kenobi x f!Reader) by @thegreatwicked

Republic Commando: The Revenant (Sev x OFC Kiva) by @mikaiyawa

Batman: Where the East and the West Meet by CassowaryFinch (AO3) Rules Were Made Because of Dick Grayson by KitsuneThorn (AO3)

Art:

The Clone Wars: Captain Rex Art by @catd3mon Commander Wolffe Art by @chyarui Shaak Ti Art by @coldbrewarts OC Grim Kennet Inquisitor AU Art by @thechaoticfanartist

The Bad Batch: Tech Art by @vimse Crosshair Art by @forcesavetheclones

Rebels: Kalluzeb Art by @designsbyjoe

Miscellaneous: Horse Art (1 2) by @sometimesanequine

[entergamingxp]

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ATV SUPERCROSS ENCORE  $7.49  $29.99 MY TIME AT PORTIA  $14.99  $29.99 ONRUSH STANDARD DIGITAL EDITION  $2.49  $24.99 OUTER WILDS  $18.74  $24.99 OVERCOOKED  $6.79  $16.99 OVERCOOKED HOLIDAY BUNDLE  $7.99  $19.99 OVERCOOKED: GOURMET EDITION  $7.99  $19.99 PIERHEAD ARCADE  $7.49  $14.99 PILLARS OF ETERNITY: COMPLETE EDITION  $12.49  $49.99 PLAGUE INC: EVOLVED  $10.49  $14.99 PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS  $14.99  $29.99 PREY: PLAYSTATION DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION  $19.99  $39.99 PROJECT CARS  $3.99  $19.99 PROJECT CARS – GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION  $7.99  $39.99 RAGE 2  $19.79  $59.99 REAL HEROES: FIREFIGHTER  $7.49  $14.99 RED FACTION  $6.74  $14.99 RED FACTION GUERRILLA RE-MARS-TERED  $11.99  $29.99 REMOTHERED: TORMENTED FATHERS  $10.49  $29.99 RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER: 20 YEAR CELEBRATION  $8.99  $29.99 ROUNDGUARD  $13.99  $19.99 SAINTS ROW IV RE-ELECTED  $4.99  $19.99 SAINTS ROW IV RE-ELECTED & GAT OUT OF HELL  $7.49  $29.99 SAINTS ROW: GAT OUT OF HELL  $3.74  $14.99 SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE DEVIL’S DAUGHTER  $7.49  $49.99 SINNER SACRIFICE FOR REDEMPTION  $9.49  $18.99 SLEEPING DOGS DEFINITIVE EDITION  $4.49  $29.99 SLIME RANCHER  $9.99  $19.99 SLIME RANCHER: DELUXE EDITION  $17.99  $29.99 SNIPER ELITE 4  $11.99  $59.99 SNIPER ELITE 4 DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION  $17.99  $89.99 SNIPER ELITE V2 REMASTERED  $19.24  $34.99 SNIPER GHOST WARRIOR 3 SEASON PASS EDITION  $7.99  $39.99 SNIPER GHOST WARRIOR CONTRACTS  $19.99  $39.99 SOUTH PARK: THE FRACTURED BUT WHOLE – SEASON PASS  $14.99  $29.99 SPEEDRUNNERS  $2.49  $9.99 SPEEDRUNNERS DELUXE BUNDLE  $5.09  $16.99 STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT II: CELEBRATION EDITION  $19.99  $39.99 STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT II: CELEBRATION EDITION UPGRADE  $12.49  $24.99 STAR WARS BOUNTY HUNTER  $4.99  $9.99 STAR WARS PINBALL: SEASON 1 BUNDLE  $14.39  $23.99 STAR WARS: JEDI STARFIGHTER  $4.99  $9.99 STAR WARS: RACER REVENGE  $4.99  $9.99 STEEP X GAMES GOLD EDITION  $19.99  $49.99 STREETS OF ROGUE  $9.99  $19.99 THE COUNCIL – THE COMPLETE SEASON  $7.49  $24.99 THE CREW ULTIMATE EDITION  $15.99  $39.99 THE DISNEY AFTERNOON COLLECTION  $4.99  $19.99 THE ESCAPISTS  $4.99  $19.99 THE ESCAPISTS  + THE ESCAPISTS 2  $17.49  $34.99 THE ESCAPISTS 2  $6.79  $19.99 THE ESCAPISTS 2 – GAME OF THE YEAR EDITION  $9.17  $26.99 THE EVIL WITHIN 2  $19.99  $39.99 THIEF  $2.99  $19.99 THIS IS THE POLICE 2  $8.99  $29.99 TITAN QUEST  $8.99  $29.99 TOEJAM & EARL: BACK IN THE GROOVE  $3.74  $14.99 TOM CLANCY’S GHOST RECON WILDLANDS STANDARD EDITION  $14.99  $49.99 TOM CLANCY’S GHOST RECON WILDLANDS YEAR 2 PASS  $14.99  $29.99 TOMB RAIDER: DEFINITIVE EDITION  $4.49  $29.99 TROVE – MEGA MENAGERIE PACK  $19.79  $29.99 TROVE – SQUARE NECESSITIES  $11.99  $19.99 TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP  $19.79  $59.99 V-RALLY 4  $11.99  $59.99 WARHAMMER 40000: INQUISITOR – MARTYR  $9.99  $39.99 WARHAMMER 40000: INQUISITOR – MARTYR | IMPERIUM EDITION  $10.99  $54.99 WE HAPPY FEW  $14.99  $59.99 WE HAPPY FEW DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION  $19.99  $79.99 WE HAPPY FEW SEASON PASS  $11.99  $19.99 WE SING  $7.49  $29.99 WE SING POP  $7.49  $29.99 WHAT REMAINS OF EDITH FINCH  $7.99  $19.99 WOLFENSTEIN: CYBERPILOT (VR)  $9.99  $19.99 WOLFENSTEIN: YOUNGBLOOD DELUXE EDITION  $19.99  $39.99 WORMS BATTLEGROUNDS  $7.49  $24.99 WORMS BATTLEGROUNDS + WORMS W.M.D  $17.49  $34.99 WORMS W.M.D  $8.99  $29.99 WRC 7 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP  $17.49  $49.99 WREKFEST: RETRO RAMMERS CAR PACK  $2.39  $3.99 WWE 2K20  $14.99  $59.99 WWE 2K20 ORIGINALS: EMPIRE OF TOMORROW  $9.74  $14.99 WWE 2K20 ORIGINALS: SOUTHPAW REGIONAL WRESTLING  $9.74  $14.99 WWE 2K20 ORIGINALS: WASTELAND WANDERERS  $9.74  $14.99 XCOM 2 DIGITAL DELUXE EDITION  $18.74  $74.99 YOOKA-LAYLEE  $9.99  $39.99 YOOKA-LAYLEE AND THE IMPOSSIBLE LAIR  $17.99  $29.99

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2020/04/playstation-under-20-sale-features-far-cry-5-battlefront-2-and-more/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=playstation-under-20-sale-features-far-cry-5-battlefront-2-and-more

[ladykatakuri]

Stardust Reblog Challenge December Part 3

15th:

Soldier Boy: The Depth of Fear - Fives x Reader by: @zoeykallus

SFW

Wolffe x F!Reader by: @twistedstitcher27 SFW

Calling You - Crosshair x F!Reader by: @interstellarwraith SFW

Dincember: December 9 Lights - Din Djarin x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

Unreasonably In Love - Tech x GN!Reader by: @interstellarwraith SFW

Your Affection - Luke Skywalker x GN!OC!Reader by: @princessxkenobi Rating T or M

25 Days of Life Day 10 - Decorating Cookies with Fives - Fives x Reader by: @kaminocasey SFWish

All Along - Luke Skywalker x GN!OC!Reader by: @princessxkenobi SFW

Beyond - Prince! Luke Skywalker x Wife!OC Reader by: @princessxkenobi Rating T or M

Before Dawn - Luke Skywalker x F!Reader by: @princessxkenobi Rating E

In Command part 2 - Rex X OC! Senna Aven by: @wild-karrde SFW

Keep Me Warm - Wrecker x F!Reader by: @zoeykallus SFWish

The Things We Fight For - Hunter x Reader by: @arctrooper69 SFW

The Cottage part5 - Rebels!Rex X Reader by: @kaminocasey NSFW

25 Days of Life Day 9: Mistletoe - Crosshair x Reader by: @ladysongmaster SFW

25 Days of Life Day 11 - Matching Holiday Sweaters with Howzer by: @kaminocasey Suggestive language

Kix X Medic!Reader by: @wild-karrde SFW

Clone Effect-Rebels : Pivot Point - Rex X F!Shepard by: @clone-effect-nexus SFW

My Beloved Enemy: Harsh Words - Crosshair x Reader by: @zoeykallus SFW

Skinny Dipping - TBB /Cody/Fives x F!Reader HC`s by: @zoeykallus NSFW

Dincember: December 11 Frost - Din Djarin x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

25 Days of Life Day 12: Life Day Ballet with Fox - Fox X Reader by: @kaminocasey NSFW

It Started With a Vacation - Crosshair x F!Reader by: @monako-jinn-stories SFW

It`s a Wonderful Lie - Obi Wan Kenobi x F!Reader by: @firstofficerwiggles SFW and NSFW depending on Ch4 choice

Tech: Aurora Means Dawn - Tech& various other characters including OCs by: @wild-karrde SFW

Do You Hear the People Sing part7. - Fox X F!Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

Gregar Typho x Hunter by: @wild-karrde Rated M

House of Sins & Pleasures VII - Oberyn Martel x F!Reader and more by: @princessxkenobi NSFW

Dincember: December 12 Tree - Din Djarin and Grogu by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

Crosshair x GN!Reader by: @wild-karrde NSFW

A Soft Touch - Echo x Reader by: @zoeykallus SFW

Must Love Massifs - Sergeant Hound x GN!Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

Imperial Tech by : @wild-karrde SFW

Tech and Omega by: @wild-karrde SFW

25 Days of Life Day 13 - Decorating the Palace with Boba - Boba Fett x F!Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

Training for Failure - Echo x Reader by: @arctrooper69 SFW

Dincember-December 13: Warm - Din Djarin x Reader by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

25 Days of Life Day 14: Snowball Fight with Din Djarin - Din Djarin x Reader by: @kaminocasey NSFW

Loverboy Part 4 - Echo x Sith!Reader by: @kaminocasey SFW

Bloodied and Bruised - TBB x F!Reader HC`s by: @zoeykallus SFW

27th:

Gar Cyare Chapter 9 - Alpha 17 x F!Reader by: @wanderinginksplot SFW

My Sunshine Is Sleeping - Kix x F!Reader by: @arctrooper69 SFW

Cold is the Night - Crosshair x F!Reader Chapter 2 by: @interstellarwraith SFW

Take My Hand - Obi Wan Kenobi x F!Reader by: @princessxkenobi SFW

Dangerous Seduction Imp TBB x F!Reader HCs - Imp!Echo x F!Reader Imp!Hunter by: @zoeykallus NSFW

Dincember 16: Family - Din Djarin x Astra Djarin by: @dindjarindiaries SFW

25 Days of Life Day 17 - Wrapping Gifts for the Corrie Guard with Thire by: @kaminocasey SFW

25 Days of Life Day 16 - Making Mulled Wine with Sinker by: @kaminocasey SFW

Dancing in the Rain - TBB/Cody/Rex X F!Reader by: @zoeykallus Slightly Suggestive

Taglist: @imabeautifulbutterfly@chaoticvampirejedi@hellothere-generalangsty@cyroku@reluctant-mandalore@uponrightful@zinzinina@saradika@galacticgraffiti@ashotofspotchka@dindjarindiaries@dinbeskarbaby@djarrex@djarinsbeskar@rowansparrow@photogirl894@rigelmoonshine@rigel-the-moonstrider@nahoney22@loth-wolffe@neon-junkie@bobafetts-princess@cyarbika@charnelhouse@zoeykallus@kin-rokku@jgvfhl@honestly-shite@here-comes-the-moose@dindjarindiaries@firstofficerwiggles@fictional-men-ruin-lives @ladysongmaster @lozalot @moonstrider9904@lorjukka@m-o-o-n-s-g-o-o-n-s @rain-on-kamino @monako-jinn-stories @middimidoris @wild-karrde @arctrooper69 @eyecandyeoz

[wild-karrde]

In Command - Part 19

Master List | Previous Part | Next Part

A/N: DESIGN REVIEW IS DONE, SO HERE'S A NEW CHAPTER TO CELEBRATE. As always, thank you to the wonderful @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading for me!

Chapter Rating: M

Warnings: language, mild sexual content

Word Count: 5.8k words

As the mountains of Alderaan rose into view through the purplish haze of the twilight atmosphere, Senna felt her breath catch in her throat. She'd heard of the beauty of this world, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. It was a ludicrous idea to come here, but without any other options, she’d found it hard to argue with Senator Organa’s plan. In spite of her misgivings, some of the weight seemed to lift off of her shoulders, and she finally felt like she could slip free of some of the worries that had been languishing in her mind since they left Lothal. 

Tech gently coasted the Marauder into the hangar that had been designated for them, bringing the ship down with a light touch on what appeared to be a private landing platform. The first gust of air that rushed in through the hatch when it opened made it very obvious to Senna how stale the air inside the ship had become. She inhaled deeply, trying to ignore how self-conscious she suddenly felt about her appearance. 

Rex was leaning against her heavily as she helped him limp down the Marauder’s steps. He’d insisted Wrecker not carry him this time, but it was clear he was still in plenty of pain, pride be damned. His face was drawn with effort, but Senna could see he was also relieved to be planetside again. 

Safe. At least for now.

Bail Organa and several aides were waiting for them on the tarmac. While they were familiar with one another through a few common friends from before the war, it was the first time Senna had ever met the senator in person, and she was struck by the kindness in his eyes. He smiled at them, opening his arms as if he were greeting old friends. 

"We're so glad you made it," Organa said warmly, clasping Hunter's arm in greeting. Senna slowly walked forward, firmly holding Rex's arm as he favored his injured leg. The senator’s eyes roved over the two of them, lingering on Rex’s leg and Senna’s half-hidden lightsaber. She pulled her cloak over it nervously. 

“You’re among friends,” Organa stated, seemingly sensing Senna’s apprehension. “Everyone here is trusted, and we have kept knowledge of your arrival fairly quiet.”

“Should we move our ship somewhere more discreet?” Tech offered.

The senator shook his head. “This is my private hangar. Only my most trusted staff have access to this facility. No one will know you’re here.” 

“With all due respect Senator, how much of your staff do you trust?” Echo asked, one of his eyebrows raising skeptically. 

Organa dipped his head in acknowledgement. “I understand your concern. However, I could not do the work I do if I did not have staff that I’d trust with my life, with my family’s life. I assure you they’ve all been vetted and in our service for decades. You will not encounter traitors here.” 

Senna felt somewhat comforted by Organa’s reassurances, but she noted that Rex felt tense. While the others had seemingly relaxed, Rex still felt as though he was still on guard, ready for a threat to emerge at any moment. She caught his eye, but he shook his head, refusing to answer the question that lingered in her gaze. 

What’s got him wound so tightly?

"Anyhow. We welcome you. And you two," Organa said, apparently not noticing Rex’s tension, "We owe you a great debt. Your work has proved incredibly valuable to our cause. Please allow my medical droids to take a look at the captain's injuries, and take some time to rest and recover here.” He smiled. “You have all earned it."

Senna was hesitant to allow Rex out of her sight again so soon, but he gave her arm a reassuring squeeze before allowing two medical droids to maneuver him into a hovering medchair. 

"I'll see you in a bit," he said, giving her a wink. 

Senna withdrew her hand from where it had been resting on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around herself and nodding as she forced a smile back at him. She internally chided herself at her nerves, but in reality, Rex and she had never been separated during the entirety of their mission without knowing where the other was. No matter how many reassurances Organa made, it still felt wrong to allow him to just be taken away to some unknown place. 

You’re being silly. 

Turning back to the group, Senna noticed that Organa was watching her, but if he had any opinions on the slight show of intimacy he'd witnessed, he didn't share them. "Please allow my aides to lead you to your quarters. I hope you find them comfortable and are able to rest and recuperate.” 

With that, the senator spoke a few hushed words to his staff before turning and departing, taking the same route Rex and the droids had taken.

A shower would be nice, Senna thought, still fighting down the worries in her mind. I’m sure I smell like a bantha pen. 

Senna and the clones followed the aides out of the hangar and onto a private skyway with transparisteel walls that gave a breathtaking view of the area around the palace. Alderaan’s single sun was setting behind the mountains, and the lilac and pink clouds sharpened the last of the lingering light into golden, brilliant rays that reminded Senna of the temple guard lightsabers. The shadows cast by the snow-capped peaks that surrounded the palace stretched out in long purple tendrils that triggered lamplights across the valley to flicker on, casting everything in a soft, warm glow. One of the aides was explaining to Tech how the transparisteel windows could be frosted via a control panel if more discretion was needed or if the sun warmed the passage too much. Senna pressed her fingertips against the surface, relishing slightly in the chill against her skin. 

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Echo murmured next to her. 

“It is,” she agreed, giving him a small smile. “Have you ever been?”

“Once or twice. And after the last few places we’ve been staked out, I have to say I’m enjoying the change of scenery.” 

“Hard to complain,” Senna said quietly. 

“But?”

She glanced over and met his eyes, his brows furrowed with concern. Rex had always said Echo was quietly observant, picking up on things others didn’t. To her surprise, Senna didn’t feel unnerved; rather, it felt nice to be understood by someone she trusted without having to put her emotions into words. 

“Aren’t you nervous?” she asked. 

He chuckled. “Of course. But what I’ve found is you sometimes have to take a leap of faith and trust the ones around you. We rely on people to do this work, and worrying about everything that could go wrong rather than focusing on what’s actually happening around you makes you more prone to mistakes. Better to live in the moment and worry about the variables you can control if you ask me.” He nudged her with his shoulder. “Besides, what if everything goes right?”

Senna laughed. “That’d be a first.”

“First time for everything, Senna.” 

She sighed, blowing a stray hair out of her face. Echo smiled. 

“Come on. Rex is gonna get himself taken care of and cleaned up in whatever med center he’s being taken to. You don’t want to still smell like that when he gets done.”

“You’re no spring rose yourself,” she countered, walking to catch up with the others. Echo fell into step beside her. 

He leaned closer with a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. “Maybe not, but I’m counting on sleeping alone tonight.” 

Senna felt her face warm, and she shoved Echo, who huffed a laugh as they sped up to catch up to the others. 

As they approached the doors of the palace, Senna tipped her head back to get a better look at the sparkling towers looming overhead. The spires reached into the clouds, looking like crystals standing amongst the mountains that surrounded them. After passing through the large, arched doorway, Organa’s staff quickly led them down a long hallway that looked out over a series of gardens, and Senna found herself thinking about walking between the trees with Rex. It was silly and romantic, but the thought warmed her slightly. She smiled to herself.

Live in the moment. Like Echo said. Maybe he’s right. 

The staff members led them down several more corridors, seemingly further away from the central part of the palace. Senna was certain she’d get lost in the halls, no matter how much she tried to map their route in her head. Finally, they paused in front of a series of closed doors. The young man Senna had guessed was the one in charge smiled at them, gesturing at the doors. 

“These will be the quarters for the duration of your stay here. Please make yourselves at home and relax after your journey. I must ask that you do not go wandering beyond this wing without an escort. You can summon one from the control panel in your room. Clothing and other items have been provided, but should you require anything else, please don’t hesitate to comm one of us.” He paused a beat, as if anticipating questions. Senna glanced around, and aside from Tech, who was still punching away at his datapad, they all looked dead on their feet and eager to land face-first into whatever accommodations they’d been provided. Wrecker was watching Tech warily, and Senna could see he’d put his brother in a headlock if he asked a single solitary question that would keep them from rest. Fortunately, Tech didn’t have any queries, and the aide nodded at the silence. 

“Very well. I will send someone to collect you when dinner is ready.”

With that, they were left alone in the hallway, alone. Wrecker was already poking his head in one of the rooms and grinning. 

“These are huge! We get our own bunks and ‘freshers!”

Echo smirked. “Good, at least I won’t have to listen to you snore for a few nights.”

Wrecker grunted something Senna couldn’t quite understand, and they all seemed too exhausted to carry on the conversation further, each of them moving to whichever door was closest without any argument over who got what room. 

The room wasn’t extravagant by any measure, but it was perfect to Senna. A wide bed sat invitingly against one wall, but Senna passed it by, moving towards the refresher. She knew if she sat on the bed, she wouldn’t have the energy to get back up again, and a cursory sniff of her underarm cemented the fact in her mind that she was long overdue for a shower. Kicking off her boots, and peeling off her socks, she wiggled her toes against the soft rug, glancing around at the desk against one wall and the large window opposite it. A full-length mirror was tucked into one corner next to a door that she guessed led to a closet of some sort. 

The refresher itself contained a large tub that Senna considered for a moment before opting for the shower. She turned on the water and stripped out of her torn and dirty clothing, dropping it on the floor to be dealt with later. She inspected her healing injuries in the mirror before her eyes finally met her reflection. Large bags and dark circles framed her eyes, and she released her hair from its bun, rubbing at her sore scalp with a sigh. 

Safe for now.

She inhaled sharply when the first drops of the shower hit her skin, but when she grew accustomed to the temperature, she washed her hair and body quickly before resting her forehead against the glass wall, allowing the hot water to beat against her shoulders and back. Closing her eyes, she let some of the tension slip away with a deep exhale, her shoulders dropping away from her ears. 

I hope Rex is alright. 

Exhaustion settled into the place the stress had vacated. Senna got herself dried off and found some clothes in the small closet that were mostly the right size before collapsing into the bed. She fell asleep before her head even had time to warm the pillow.

—

Rex was so lost in his own thoughts that he almost didn’t hear the slightly-hurried footsteps approaching from behind him. Senator Organa fell into step next to the chair, hands clasped behind him. Rex was quiet as the medchair hummed along, uncertain of what the senator wanted. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but an escort down to the medbay wasn’t it. Organa and he had met a few times before, but never outside of the capacity of captain and senate member. He certainly wouldn’t classify them as friends, and if Rex was honest with himself, he preferred it that way.

Bail Organa had never given him a reason to be mistrustful, but Rex had always struggled with trusting politicians, particularly after Palpatine’s turn. Granted, he’d never fully bought into the former Chancellor’s professed selflessness and altruism, but he still wasn’t sure he’d ever have predicted the plans that had been put in place to allow him to seize power. Even now, he was certain he didn’t grasp the full extent of the plot, of all the ways in which Palpatine had bent the galaxy to his will. He would never be fooled like that again, especially by those that painted themselves as trustworthy. 

“I see you and Master Aven have developed quite the rapport,” the senator commented, breaking the silence. Rex glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. He hadn’t missed the fact that the senator had used her Jedi title.

“You knew her then? Before the war ended?” he asked.

“We had a few common friends. I’d never met her in person until today, but yes, I was aware of her various skillsets.”

“You only ever mentioned half of them,” Rex grunted.

The senator stopped walking. “Please speak plainly, Captain.”

Rex took control of his chair and swiveled it to face Organa, trying to keep his emotions in check as he searched for the words. He didn’t like being deceived, and it certainly felt like he had been. “You knew what she was, and you didn’t think it was important that I know that?” 

Organa’s mouth drew into a thin line. “I apologize, but I did not feel that information was mine to share. I assumed that, with time, if the two of you grew close, that she’d open up.” 

Rex huffed a mirthless laugh. “That was a hell of a gamble on your part.”

“How so?” One of the senator’s eyebrows was raised inquisitively, but a corner of his mouth was quirked upward at an amused angle that annoyed Rex slightly. 

“I’m a clone, Senator. We don’t have the best history with someone with her abilities,” ‘Rex replied flatly.

Organa smiled grimly.. “Perhaps, but based on both of your histories and mutual friends, I felt that things would work themselves out.” 

Rex sighed, allowing one of the droids to take back over piloting the chair as the senator began walking again. The silence stretched out for a few more moments before the senator spoke again. 

“Speaking of mutual friends, have you heard from our young Togruta friend recently?” 

Rex’s nostrils flared with anger. This was one sore spot he had with the senator, and Organa seemed to have no issue pressing on it. 

“No,” he lied. 

“I see.” He couldn’t tell if Organa believed him or not, but frankly he didn’t care. “Should you hear from her, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know.” 

“She’ll reach out to you when she’s ready,” Rex growled. 

This time, Organa stepped in front of the chair, and Rex was annoyed that the droid piloting it kept chair from at least bumping the senator in the shins. 

“Believe it or not, Captain, I too am invested in her safety.” 

“Of course you are. Someone with her abilities is always valuable in this fight,” Rex sniped. He was too tired to put on a polite front and well past caring about it.

Organa heaved a frustrated sigh. “Master Skywalker and Senator Amidala were my friends too, Captain Rex. I know what Ahsoka meant to them, what she means to you. I want her safe as much as you do.” 

Rex glared at him for a moment. “Is that why you gave her a commlink at Senator Amidala’s funeral?” 

It had always bothered Rex. Ahsoka had been insistent to go to Naboo, to be there for Padmé’s funeral in spite of his concerns. He’d offered to stay with the ship as she slipped into Theed, offering up some flimsy excuse about needing to stand guard. In reality, he’d been afraid, too cowardly to see one more brother under the Empire’s influence, beyond his help, like Jesse had been. And so he’d let her go alone, and that’s when Organa had cornered her, giving her a commlink. Ahsoka had promised him that the senator’s intentions had been to protect her, but Rex had been angry. At that point, he’d admittedly been angry at just about everyone and everything, every politician that had allowed Palpatine to seize power, every person that had made a decision to rob him and his brothers of their agency. In his mind, Organa was just another powerful individual that hadn’t done enough to stop Palpatine’s plan from succeeding, another bureaucrat bogged down with decorum and the “proper” way of doing things. 

He only grew a spine after it was too late, Rex had internally seethed as Ahsoka slept in the back of the bomber. And now he wants her help picking up the pieces and fixing the mistakes he and his colleagues made. 

After sitting with it for a year, he knew that the truth likely was somewhere between the two extremes, but he still felt like Organa crossed some unspoken line with Ahsoka. Of course, he’d wanted her to stay too, but the choice was hers, and he didn’t want anything to change that. But if Rex was sure of anything, it was that Ahsoka, like her master, was driven by a sense of duty and honor. And Organa giving her that commlink, giving her a way back into the fight and impressing on her how much she was needed in the fight without saying the words, had absolutely planted a seed in her mind. He had to have known that the commlink would serve as a reminder of how needed she was, of how much the galaxy needed the remaining Jedi to fight for it. And Rex knew, without a doubt, that Ahsoka would one day come back because of it. 

He just wanted her to have time to grieve, and he was glad she was taking it, as much as he missed her and worried about her. Rex also thought Ahsoka would one day return to the fight, but the last thing he’d ever wanted to do was influence that decision, not after everything she’d been through. And on the off chance he was wrong, then he’d have found a way to be fine with it. This was a decision she was entitled to make on her own, without any guilt or convincing, and in Rex’s mind, Organa had tipped the scales, even if unintentionally. 

Bail Organa was looking at Rex with an expression he couldn’t quite interpret.

“I just wanted her to know that she’s not alone. That she still has people out there that will help her if she needs it.” His eyes fell to his feet for a moment, and he swallowed hard before raising his gaze back up to meet Rex’s evenly. 

Rex watched the senator for another half a beat before settling back in the chair. “I just want her to have a choice,” he said quietly. “And I don’t want her to feel pressured to do anything.” 

Organa nodded. It was clear he had one more lingering thing he wanted to ask, and Rex could guess what it was, but he was still going to make him ask. 

“Is she… have you heard…” For once, the normally well-spoken politician seemed to be struggling to find the words, and Rex couldn’t blame him. 

There’s no nice way of asking someone if they’re a liar. He knows I’m covering for her. 

And he does care. And trusts us enough to bring us here, where his family is.  

“She’s safe,” Rex said, conceding slightly. “She reached out a little while ago.” 

Organa dropped his eyes to the ground again, nodding. He exhaled hard, as if letting go of a weight. 

“Good,” he said softly, and Rex could hear a trace of emotion in his voice. Without another word, the senator stepped out of the path of the chair, and the droid started pushing Rex again. The senator didn’t call Rex out on the fact that he’d initially lied, and to the captain, it felt like some sort of agreement or at least understanding had been reached as Organa fell into step next to him again. Rex decided that was going to have to be good enough for now. 

“So how good are your medical facilities here?” Rex asked after a few minutes of silence, hoping the unprompted question served as enough of a peace offering. 

“State of the art,” Organa replied with a slight upturn of his mouth. “Should have you back in top shape in a few hours. It looks like you were about as well taken care of as you could be up until now.” 

Rex smirked at that. “I was.” 

—

Senna wasn’t sure how long she slept, but she was awakened by a weight shifting on the bed. Her eyes flew open to find Rex sitting on the edge of the mattress smiling down at her, one of his hands resting on her shoulder. 

“You were snoring,” he teased.

Senna rocketed to a sitting position, her hands pulling at the buttons of his shirt to inspect the wound on his chest. She found it freshly bandaged and looking significantly less red and angry around the edges of the patch. Rex grunted at her poking and prodding, and she withdrew her hands before glancing down at his leg. 

“You walked in here?”

“All on my own,” he said with a smile. “It’s a wonder what a soak in a bacta tank can do. Well, that and access to more than just first-aid med supplies.” He winced slightly as he shifted, but Senna could still see that he’d drastically improved. 

“How long has it been?” she asked, rubbing at her eyes. 

“A few hours. Took me a bit to find my way here.”

“How’d you know what room I was in?”

“I didn’t, but Wrecker was more than happy to redirect me when I disturbed his nap,” he joked. Leaning forward, he pushed some of the hair out of her face. Senna leaned into his touch for a moment before flinging the blankets off of herself and climbing into his lap, wrapping her arms around him. She buried her nose in his neck, inhaling deeply as she cradled the back of his head. Rex relaxed in her embrace, and she felt his arms wrap around her waist, holding her close. 

“Is this alright?” she whispered. “I’m not hurting you?”

“Not one bit,” he chuckled, readjusting and hugging her harder to him as if to reassure her. 

Senna sighed against him, realizing she hadn’t hugged him like this in a while, not really. She’d wanted to, but there hadn’t been time, and then he’d been injured, and everything falling apart around them, but now, here she was, able to wrap her arms around Rex uninhibited, to feel safe and warm and loved in his embrace. Of course they’d kissed and made love and everything in between, but there was something about how tightly and yet how gently he was holding her, as if he never wanted to know what it felt like to not have her in his arms. She found it hard to tear herself away from his warmth, from how he smelled, from the comfort that was inherently Rex. 

“How are you feeling?” he murmured into her shirt. 

Senna stroked his head, nuzzling against his throat, and she felt him shudder slightly. 

“More rested than I’ve been in a few rotations. This bed is so comfortable, and I’m not just saying that because I was sleeping on the Marauder’s floor most of the time.” 

“Is that so?” Rex asked playfully, raising his head to meet her eyes. Senna could see a mischievous twinkle in his brown irises, one she found irresistible. Leaning down, she kissed him gently, but Rex had other plans. Senna found herself sighing as he worked his lips down her cheek to her jawline, pulling her shirt aside to gain access to her neck. “Do you think we should test out how comfortable it is?” 

“Are you sure you’re up for it?” she asked breathily, her hands already working at the buttons of his shirt. 

“I’d say this is what I’ve looked forward to most in the last few days,” he teased, biting at the soft place where her neck met her shoulder.

Senna grew impatient then, shoving his fumbling hands aside to get her shirt off. 

“Well then, I’d say you made some grand promise about the both of us not leaving this room until we were hoarse and walking funny.” 

“And I intend to make good on that promise,” Rex chuckled, his palms sliding around her waist and pulling her warm core against his hardening length. Senna groaned as Rex trailed kisses across her collar bone, his hands moving to cup her ass and pull her even closer. She let her head tip back, her eyes closing as she focused on the way Rex’s mouth felt on her skin. 

A sharp knock at the door made them both freeze. 

“Dinner is ready,” came the familiar voice of Organa’s attendant that had guided them to the rooms earlier. Senna let out a frustrated huff before replying, trying to keep the edge out of her voice. 

“We’ll be right out.” 

That seemed to satisfy the attendant, and Senna could hear Wrecker grumbling from down the hall when the message was delivered to him a few doors down. 

Rex sighed against her skin, and she chuckled quietly, resting her forehead against his. 

“We’ll have to pick this back up later, I guess.” Her stomach grumbled loudly, seemingly agreeing that dinner should be the priority. 

“Oh, we absolutely will,” Rex agreed. “And there’ll be no interruptions then.” 

Senna kissed him deeply one more time before clambering out of his lap. She couldn’t help but giggle as Rex adjusted himself in his pants while she pulled her shirt back over her head. It was a little big, but she didn’t mind. Rex was watching her hungrily as she stood in front of a mirror that was tucked into one corner of the room, pulling her hair into a messy bun on top of her head. 

“What?” she asked. 

“I just don’t understand how you’re so beautiful,” Rex breathed, and Senna rolled her eyes to hide her blush. 

“Please, this is hardly the nicest you’ve seen me look. I don’t recall you swooning when I was in all of my finery on Empire Day.” 

Rex stood, closing the space between them to wrap his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder. “I had a lot on my mind then. Mainly, how the kriff I was going to keep from kissing you all night.” 

Senna smiled at his reflection in the mirror. “Well good news. No one’s stopping you now.” 

Rex spun her around by her hips, leaning down to press his lips to hers as he shuffled her towards the door. “No one could stop me if they tried.” 

—

The dining room, like the rest of the palace, had a simple elegance to it that Rex found stunningly beautiful. Vaulting, graceful ceilings curved towards a large window at the end of the hall that looked out over the soft glow of the city. While sometimes simplistic architecture and design could feel cold, there was something about the entire space that felt warm and inviting. The room was bustling when Senna and the clones arrived, with servant droids swarming the table, laying out food and drinks on beautiful blue and purple tablecloths. This particular area was clearly meant for more private dining affairs, smaller than what Rex would expect for a state dinner or other government function. 

I’m honestly surprised they let us eat outside of our rooms at all. Organa really does trust his staff. 

Wrecker was eyeing every dish that came out as if it were the last food in the system. Rex stood next to him and nudged his shoulder. 

“Calm down there Wreck, or the droids are going to think you want to eat them.”

Wrecker looked at the captain with mock indignation in his eyes. 

“All we’ve had are ration bars for weeks. Now, we get real food. Almost brings tears to my eyes. Almost.”

Rex laughed, moving towards the table. There were no visible place assignments, but there were more chairs than he’d expected. He noted Senna had gravitated towards a seat towards the one end of the table, and he stood next to her, placing his hands on the back of the chair next to hers.

“Subtle,” she muttered with a hint of a smirk.

“Wasn’t trying to be,” he teased back quietly.

Suddenly, Rex felt something slam into the back of his legs, caving in one of his knees as he let out a surprised grunt. He regained his balance and spun around to see the culprit, a toddler with brunette curls, clinging to his right calf and staring up at him with soft brown eyes and a wide grin. He chuckled, turning and squatting down to be on her level. 

“Well, hello there, little one. And who might you be?” 

The toddler reached out and wrapped her pudgy hand around one of his fingers, steadying herself between his outstretched hands. She was staring at him with a look of interest, as if sizing him up, and something about her eyes was eerily familiar to Rex. He was certain he’d never met this little girl before, but something about her expression made him feel as if he was meeting an old friend after a long time apart. The little girl babbled at him with only a smattering of words he could somewhat make out, and he laughed. 

“Is that so?” 

He looked up at Senna and saw her watching him with unmistakable adoration and amusement. Trying to hide the way her gaze made his insides flutter, Rex shot her a lopsided grin before the toddler babbled loudly, clearly trying to refocus his attention on her. He obliged with a soft laugh, turning back to his tiny compatriot. 

“You have my undivided attention. I promise.” 

Suddenly, a beautiful woman with sharp features and dark hair swept into the room. Rex had never met Breha Organa before, but he immediately recognized her by the pulmonodes that were glowing softly through her gown’s fabric. Her eyes scanned the room before landing on the toddler and widening. 

“Leia! There you are!” 

She rushed over and picked up the little girl who squealed in delight, reaching towards the woman’s braids and taking one in her hand. 

“I’m terribly sorry. She’s just learned to walk, and we can barely keep up with her anymore,” the queen huffed in exasperation. 

“It’s quite alright. She was just introducing herself,” Rex assured her.  

Breha heaved a sigh before turning to hand the child off to an awaiting nurse droid. 

“Please put her down for the night in our room. I’ll tend to her after dinner.” 

The droid turned and left the room with the babbling toddler, exiting down the hall the queen had entered from. Leia waved a pudgy hand at Rex, and he returned her wave with a smile, which only made her giggle loudly before disappearing around a corner.

Turning back to face them, the queen smiled, brushing the disturbed braid back over her shoulder. 

“I apologize again, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Breha Organa.” 

She extended a hand to Rex, who took it, bowing his head slightly.

“Your highness.”

She smiled back at him. “You must be Captain Rex, and you,” she said, turning to Senna, “must be Senna Aven. It’s a pleasure to welcome you both to our home.”

Senna mimicked Rex, bowing her head slightly. “I’m terribly sorry for the risk we bring with us, my lady. We are forever indebted to you for allowing us to stay here.”

Breha smirked and her eyes twinkled. “Nonsense. After the service you two have provided to our cause, it’s the least we can do. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go introduce myself to the infamous Clone Force 99 before we eat. Please, have a seat and we’ll start dinner once my husband arrives, which should be any moment.”

Senna and Rex both bobbed their heads again as she turned to place a hand on Hunter’s shoulder and extend him a greeting. 

She lives up to the legends, Rex thought as he pulled out Senna’s chair for her. She rolled her eyes at his sense of chivalry before sitting down. 

As he slipped into the chair next to her, Senna leaned over and whispered, “I’ve heard so much about the queen, but I have to say, she’s even more impressive in person.” 

Rex couldn’t stop himself from grinning at the apparent awe that sparkled in Senna’s eyes as she watched the queen speak to Hunter and his brothers. He couldn’t deny that he felt some of that same awe himself. He’d heard of the queen through political channels, but there was something about seeing her in person, pulmonodes proudly on display, that just made her admirable in his eyes as a soldier and a leader. She wanted her people to remember her dedication to them, how she’d sacrificed her body to claim her right to lead them on her Day of Demand. From what little he’d heard, that set of trials was no walk in the park, and the extent of the queen’s injuries confirmed that. The act of displaying her scars so visibly wasn’t something he’d expect out of the stuffy politicians he’d met during the war. She was a warrior.  

“I didn’t think the queen was capable of bearing children due to her condition,” Senna whispered. 

“She can’t,” Rex replied under his breath. “She and her husband adopted that little girl. Right after the war ended.” He huffed a laugh. “Seems like she’s quite the handful. But I’d have a hard time saying ‘no’ to that face.”

“She’s adorable,” Senna agreed. “And Leia is such a pretty name.”

“Yeah,” Rex replied, still trying to pinpoint what it was about that little girl that was tugging at something at the back of his mind. “Yeah, it is.”

A/N: Pulmonode Breha Organa Supremacy. That is all.

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 @bucketbunny99 @fordo-kixed-rex @nerd-ika @amish---paradise @arctrooperechy

[wild-karrde]

In Command - Part 17

Master List | Previous Part | Next Part

A/N: I HAVE FINALLY RETURNED WITH A NEW INSTALLMENT OF THIS VERY NEGLECTED FIC (sorry). As always, thank you to the outstanding @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading for me!

Chapter Rating: E (18+ MINORS SKEEDADDLE)

Warnings: canon-typical violence, language, explicit sexual content (fingering, cum eating)

Word Count: 8.8k words

It was not an easy night. 

Rex awoke with Lothal’s twin moons high in the sky, casting wild, flickering reflections across the walls from the small water deposit inside the cave. He tried to will the ache in his chest away, hoping he could just doze back off and ignore it, but it eventually blossomed into a searing pain that felt as though it was tearing his upper torso apart. He wasn’t sure how long he tried to ignore it, and he didn’t realize he was groaning quietly until he felt a hand press against his cheek. His eyes flew open to find Senna hovering over him, her features etched with concern. 

“I’m giving you another dose. Hang on.” 

He might have protested if he was more alert, but before he could even think of an argument, there was a slight pinch in the muscles of his neck. The painkiller did its job almost instantly, flooding his body with relief, but it was nothing compared to the warmth he felt at the sight of seeing Senna still there, still with him. 

After all this time and everything I’ve been through, I’ve at least got that going for me.

He let his head rest back against the bag heavily as she wiped sweat from his face with a cool, damp cloth. She offered him more water, and that was when he realized desperately needed to relieve himself. 

Kriff. 

He tried to roll over and stand on his own, but even with the painkiller winding its way through his system, his knee buckled almost immediately when he tried to put weight on it. 

“Rex, stop. What do you need? I can get it.”

He grimaced at her. “Not something you can get, love.” 

Senna was clearly confused until understanding dawned across her face. “Ah. Ok, well I’ll help you stand and get outside.” 

“Sen, I can’t ask-”

“You’re not asking. I’m telling you. I’d have done this even if we weren’t madly in love with one another.” She winked at him teasingly as she quickly pulled her clothes on, but the words she’d said made him almost giddy.

He gave her a pained smile. “I’d somewhat hoped to not ruin the magic just yet.” 

She grinned back at him and shrugged. “Who says it’s ruined?” 

Gently, she helped pull him to his feet, taking all of the weight off of his injured leg, and the two of them carefully started moving towards the mouth of the cave. Rex had always hated depending on people for seemingly routine tasks when he was injured or incapacitated, but somehow, having Senna hold him up and help him was far less humiliating than he’d anticipated. In fact, there was something oddly intimate about it. 

Madly in love with one another.

He was certain he’d never get tired of hearing those words. They sounded so good falling from her lips, he’d almost wondered if he’d dreamt them in the moment. Luckily, he had a massive wound in his chest to ensure he knew he was, in fact, quite awake. 

Rex managed to lean himself against the cliff’s face, bracing one shoulder against the rock, and was relieved that Senna turned away, absently kicking at a clod of dirt to give him a semblance of privacy. He managed to relieve himself with only minimal awkwardness and grunting, finally managing to fasten his pants closed again. 

Feeling triumphant and perhaps overly confident, Rex tried again to stand on his own once more, pressing his palms against the rocky wall, and again, he failed as his leg crumpled beneath him. Senna’s hands caught him immediately as his knee buckled, and she managed to haul him back to his feet.

“Stop being so stubborn and let me help you,” she muttered, pulling his arm back over her shoulders as she dug her fingers under his belt to hold him up. There was only a little heat in her words, but as he looked at her, he could see she was smiling. Everything about them felt natural to him: leaning on her for support, allowing her to help him, allowing her to love him fully and loving her just as much in return. Being with her was easy, the easiest thing he’d seemingly ever done. Of course, Rex understood there would be hard times still. It was inevitable, but at least for now, he relished this moment with her and the newness of it all. He smiled to himself as they limped back to the bedroll. 

Senna managed to ease him down with only minimal grunting and shuffling, offering him a sanitation wipe for his hands from the medpack before lying down next to him and pulling the blankets back up over them. Rex shifted onto his side to face her, propping himself up on one elbow. Her eyes crinkled slightly as she smiled at him, reaching out to gently touch his chest. 

“How are you feeling?”

“The best I’ve ever felt,” he rasped, feeling his cheeks beginning to ache from his smile. 

She rolled her eyes at that. “I’m serious, Rex.”

He caught her hand, bringing it to his lips and brushing a kiss against her knuckles. “So am I.” 

Senna ducked her head slightly, dipping her nose beneath the covers, and even though the dim lighting made it impossible to tell, he was certain she was blushing. After a few moments, she scooted closer to him, close enough that their noses brushed in the dark, and Rex slipped a hand into her hair, cradling the back of her head as he pulled her lips against his. 

Maker, he was certain he’d never get tired of kissing her either now that he’d been given permission to. And the best part was how eagerly she kissed him back, as if she too was basking in the newness of it all, of the fact that she no longer had to keep that part of herself locked away. 

“Careful,” she whispered, mischief dancing in her eyes. “Or else I may have to take you for another ride.” 

He chuckled against her lips. “As if I’d deny you that.” His hands were already moving, slipping underneath the blankets to her waistband, her skin flushed and warm under his fingertips. She groaned into his mouth as his tongue slipped past her lips, teasing her gently. 

“You need to sleep,” she mumbled, her scolding tone half-hearted at best. 

“I’ll sleep when we get picked up tomorrow,” he murmured, slipping his hand into her trousers. Despite her protests, Senna’s legs fell apart to grant him access, and he found the warm wetness of her arousal waiting for him underneath her undergarments. He huffed in satisfaction as he felt her breath stutter when his fingers grazed her soaked core.

“Besides,” he whispered against her ear. “I don’t think I could go back to sleep knowing how wet you are right now.” His fingers gathered her slick, circling her clit, and her hips bucked against his hand. Her fingers dug into his forearm, and she pressed herself closer to him, making it easier for him to slide two fingers into her cunt. 

“Rex,” she whined. 

“I’m right here, love. Tell me what you want.” 

The wound in his chest protested slightly as he worked his arm, plunging his fingers further into her and searching for the spongy place deep inside of her, but the pain certainly wasn’t enough to deter him, not with the way Senna looked right now. Her chest heaved with each high-pitched moan and gasp, and her cunt clenched around his digits. He felt her hips rise to meet his hand, pressing her clit against the heel of his palm, and he applied pressure, watching as the tendons in her throat became more pronounced. She gasped when he found that sensitive place inside her, pressing against it with the pads of his fingers as he pushed a third finger into her. 

The cave’s quiet was punctured by Senna’s whimpers and the obscene wet sounds coming from between her legs as Rex worked to bring her to orgasm. His cock was straining in his pants, but at the moment, he was completely focused on Senna, his own pleasure distant in his mind as she came undone for him. He’d pleasured other partners before, but there was something so very different about watching Senna come undone for him. 

He wanted to see her orgasm so badly, and he needed to be the one to give it to her. 

Her brows pinched together as she stared into his eyes, and he felt her body shudder once more, her cunt clenching around his fingers. He’d dreamt of giving her this pleasure for months, of what it would feel like and how she’d look, but nothing he’d ever imagined compared to this, and he was certain he’d never get enough of it, of her. 

The times they’d been intimate prior to tonight had been laced with apprehension, the looming question of what everything meant hanging in both of their minds. But now, he knew where he stood with her, no more secrets keeping them from fully indulging and letting go. 

And he certainly wasn’t going to be held back any longer.

“Don’t stop,” Senna whispered. 

Her eyes were pleading, begging for release, for pleasure that only he could give her, and he wanted nothing more than to watch her fall apart on his fingertips. He wanted to learn how to perfectly strum every inch of her, to map every place that made her orgasm, to memorize every sound so that he could know exactly how close she was to the precipice. The knowledge that he’d get to do just that, spend as long as he wanted touching and kissing every inch of her unhindered sent excitement coursing through his veins. 

She’s mine, and I’m hers. And I get to touch her like this. I get to sleep with her, sleep next to her, wake up with her in my arms. All of it. 

She was clutching his forearm so tightly, he was certain her fingernails were leaving crescent-shaped indentations in his skin, but when her spine arched and his name fell from her lips, he knew there would be no stopping himself from pulling her over the edge, no matter how much his body protested. His hips jerked reflexively, and pain shot through his leg. He buried his face in Senna’s neck, grunting against her skin. 

“Rex, we can-” she tried, noting his clenched teeth and labored breathing.  

“Shhh,” he whispered. “Let me take care of you. Tell me what you want.” 

“Kiss my n-neck,” she whimpered, relenting to him. “I… I like it when you do that.” 

Rex tilted his head so that he could press his lips against the sensitive place on her throat that he’d made a note of the first night they’d been intimate. Senna’s response was immediate, and Rex’s pulse thrummed with pride as she clenched around his fingers. 

“Rex… fuck, right there. Fuck. I’m close.” Senna was frantically grinding against his palm now. “L-let me touch you. F-fuck let me-”

“No, Sen. This is about you,” he replied huskily, gritting his teeth against the pain in his chest and leg. He wanted to see her come undone again for him, needed it, and that trumped all of the pain he felt. He sucked the skin of her throat, and felt her pulse leap under his tongue. He loved that he could feel her approaching her orgasm, that the signs were already so apparent to him, but he’d always been able to read Senna. 

Now, he was just allowed even more. 

“Cum for me, Senna.”

Her back arched, and he pulled back to take it all in. Sweat beaded along her hairline as her mouth fell open. The tendons in her throat were taut under her skin as she unleashed a stuttering moan. He felt her cunt spasm around his fingers as she suddenly rocked forward, curling over herself and whimpering as she rode through her orgasm. 

“Rex, I-I…”

“I know, love. Let me have it all.” 

She shuddered a few more times, her cunt clenching in tandem with the waves of her climax before she finally slumped against the cave floor, her chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath. When she finally opened her eyes, she grinned dopily at him, reaching towards his belt, but he stopped her. 

“But you-”

“I’m fine,” he reassured her. “That was what I wanted.” He leaned back, sucking her release from his fingers, and Senna playfully growled. 

“See? The magic’s still very much intact. Especially if you keep doing that to me.” 

Rex grinned, leaning down to kiss her. “I look forward to doing that more often. To doing everything more often.” 

He felt her mouth curl into a smile against his lips. “I’m open to trying anything if that’s the sort of orgasm I’ll get.” 

Rex stroked her cheek, resting his forehead against hers. “I’d give you anything you asked for, Senna Aven.” 

She bumped her nose against his before settling back onto her bedroll, her eyes still sparkling as she watched him readjust. Her hand gently grazed the bandage on his chest, smoothing over the edges that were starting to peel up slightly. 

“Maybe we wait for the more physically demanding asks until you get better.” Her voice was soft, and he could tell she was thinking about how he’d almost died. He hadn’t needed to be awake to know how strenuous that time had been on her. The minute he’d opened his eyes, he had been able to see the strain she’d been under, the fear and the desperation that came with him being on the brink of death. He’d felt a certain amount of guilt that she’d felt that way on his account, a guilt which had grown when he’d realized she’d sacrificed some of her own life force to save him. 

But now I carry a piece of her with me. Forever. 

He rested his hand on top of hers, meeting her eyes. “I love you,” he said quietly, hoping the words brought her peace and reassurance that he was still here, that he was hers.

“And I love you,” she whispered back. “I’m sorry it took me so long to come around. I just… I wasn’t sure I could be with you and keep you safe. But maybe I can do both.” 

“We keep each other safe,” he said quietly. “That’s what we’ve done from the start.”

“That’s right,” she agreed with a small smile. “There… there’s something I haven’t told you about me, Rex.” 

He couldn’t keep his eyebrow from rocketing up, and he could see it immediately made her nervous. “It-it’s nothing major. I just…it doesn’t feel right that you don’t know.” Her tongue darted out to wet her lips. “Just before…well, before the war ended, I was granted the rank of Master. I’m a Jedi Master.” 

Rex stared at her for a moment as he turned the new piece of information over in his mind. He was far from an expert in Jedi traditions, but he knew it was no small feat to be granted the rank of Jedi Master. That honor came with multitudes of privileges and responsibilities, none of which the Senna he knew seemed that interested in, so it did surprise him slightly. She was still watching him nervously, as if that piece of knowledge was something she’d long kept secret. 

She has, he thought. It’s the last bit of herself she’s kept hidden from me.

“Did you think that would change how I see you?” he asked, trying to probe for the source of her nerves. 

“Not necessarily. It’s… it’s something that was so new, and then when the Order fell, it didn’t feel right to even mentally acknowledge that. I felt like I’d failed and let the entire Order down, but it is a piece of me. Who I was… am. I’m… I’m a Jedi Master. And I wanted you to know that.” 

He squeezed her hand. “Well, since we’re sharing, I was technically a commander for a short while. I was promoted before Ahsoka and I left for Mandalore, but when I didn’t carry out Order 66, I was verbally demoted to captain again. Not sure how official that became since the ship we were on went down. But-” His mind stuttered as the image of the young Togruta he’d escaped with came to mind. 

Ahsoka. I haven’t told her.

“Rex?” Senna had lifted her head to look at him, clearly concerned something in the memory had wounded him. He smiled reassuringly. 

“There’s something else I meant to tell you. Never found the right time. But Ahoksa commed me.” 

Senna’s eyes widened, and she propped herself up. “When?”

He cringed slightly, embarrassed now at how much space he’d put between them.

I thought it was for the best.

And deep down, in the moment, he’d wanted that conversation with Ahsoka for himself. But now, it felt only right to share that with Senna, someone who cared just as much about the young Togruta’s wellbeing. 

“I had a message waiting when we got back from the capital.” 

She nodded, her teeth digging into her lip as she watched him for a few moments. “How is she?” she finally asked. 

“Safe. On Raada.”

“Yes, that’s good, but how is she, Rex?” 

He sighed, letting his gaze drift up to the ceiling. “Still hurting. Still finding her way.” 

Senna snuggled closer to him, pressing her forehead against his bicep as she ran her fingers along his arm until they interlaced with his own, gently squeezing his hand. 

“Do you think she’ll come back to the fight?” 

His eyes burned slightly, and he cleared his throat hard to keep the sudden rush of emotions at bay. “I hope so. I really do. But I’d understand if she didn’t.” 

Senna appeared to note the change in his tone, and she kissed his shoulder. “She’ll come back, Rex. Like I did. It might take longer, but I do think she’ll come around eventually. And I’m glad she called you.” 

He smiled, turning his head to meet her eyes. “I told her I was with you.” 

Senna raised an eyebrow. “And what did she say about that?”

Rex chuckled. “She liked the idea. I obviously told her things weren’t romantic at that point.”

Senna rolled her eyes. “Obviously.”

“But she knew anyway. And I… I think she liked the thought that I wasn’t alone. That I had someone with me, someone she knew, in whatever capacity that was.”

He felt Senna hum against his skin. “Well, next time you talk to her, you can tell her things worked out. And that I was an idiot. She always did tease me about overlooking the obvious things in favor of making everything more complicated.” 

Rex smiled, managing to place a kiss to her forehead. “I think I can take some of the blame as well. I’d been trying to find the right place and time to talk to you for weeks, and just could never find the right way to start.” 

So instead everything came rushing out all at once. Every draft I’d thought through, unfiltered and anxious. The same thing happened last night. 

But it worked.

“You came around in your own time, and that’s all that matters,” he whispered. 

They drifted off intertwined with one another, both smiling as sleep took them. 

—

The sun filtered in through the cave entrance, bouncing off the surface of the small pool of water and the various rock formations, warming Senna’s cheeks and the parts of her that were poking out from under her blanket. Gently, she shifted, turning her face to look at the sleeping form lying next to her. Rex’s face was peaceful as his chest rose and fell in rhythm with his deep breathing. He had an arm draped over her, and when she shifted, she felt his grip on her waist tighten, a smile playing across his lips as he slowly opened his eyes to look at her.

“Good morning,” she whispered.

“Morning,” he rumbled.

“How do you feel?” she asked, searching his expression for any indications of him being in pain.

He smirked. “All things considered, not bad.” His eyes were playful, but she could see he still was a little uncomfortable. Leaning over, she dug through the medkit for another pain killer dose, but when she rolled back over, he stilled her hand. 

“I’m alright.”

“You’re hurting, Rex.”

“It’s not that bad.” 

She didn’t buy it, and she knew he could see her skepticism. 

“I want to wait in case the pain gets bad,” he said quietly. “Just in case our ride gets held up or we need to move. We’ve only got, what, one more in there?”

Senna sighed. “Yeah. Just one more after this.” She met his eyes. “I just hate seeing you hurt.” 

Rex huffed a laugh, wincing slightly as he reached to cradle her cheek with one hand. Senna leaned into his touch, sighing as she felt the warmth of his palm against her skin. She closed her eyes, placing her hand over his. 

“I promise I’m better than I’ve been in months, even though it might not look like it,” he replied, brushing some hair out of her face. 

She chuckled quietly, turning to kiss his palm. “You’re cheesy, you know that?” 

He shrugged. “I’ve heard that, although never in this sort of situation.” He played with one errant curl that framed her face. “I’d tried for so long to plan this big speech out to tell you how I feel, and you sort of got every draft of that last night. Everything just came pouring out at once.”

She smiled, feeling her cheeks warm. “I’m glad it did.” Her fingers brushed his brow, smoothing over the bandage on his forehead. 

“Maker, you’re beautiful,” he whispered. 

“I’m yours,” she replied, leaning down to kiss him deeply. 

“You sure?” he asked, his hand trailing along her back.

“Yes, for the first time in a long time, I am finally sure about something,” she said, resting her forehead against his. They sat like that for a few moments, basking in the peace. 

While part of her still whirled with worry of what was to come, the most overwhelming thing Senna felt was relief: relief that they were alive, relief that she’d been honest with Rex and herself, relief that he still felt the same, even after everything. 

We’ll make it work. We’ll figure it out. Together.

Senna had the silliest thought for just a moment of the two of them just staying there, in this cave, hiding away from the galaxy and just being with one another. She immediately discarded it, knowing there was no universe in which that was a realistic option, but it was a nice thought, to just be with Rex.

“I should get up and get us ready to move out when Echo gets here,” she sighed after a few minutes. “I expect they’ll be here sometime before this evening.”

Rex tightened his grip on her. “Just a little while longer? I’ve been wanting this for a long time.”

She thought about it and then slipped back under the blankets with him, wrapping her arms carefully over his chest. “Me too, even if I was too stubborn to admit it,” she sighed, tucking her head into the soft spot near his shoulder. “What are we going to tell the others?” 

She felt his fingers run through her hair, twirling her curls over his fingertips. “Whatever we want. We don’t even have to tell them anything if you don’t want to.”

Senna turned to look at him, resting her chin on his chest. “I don’t really care if you don’t. I just don’t want people to think that we…we’re compromised and unable to do our jobs. This work, this rebellion… it’s everything to me, Rex. I want to keep fighting.”

He grunted a little, brows furrowing. “Yeah, well those in charge don’t seem to feel the same.”

“Is this about the Ilum information?” she asked, stiffening slightly. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t had the same thoughts, felt the same frustration. Even still, she felt the need to defend the rebellion and its leaders, as if admitting the movement that had given her life meaning at her lowest was flawed would destabilize the ground beneath her feet. She met Rex’s eyes. “They’ve got to make the best decisions they can based on very small pieces of intelligence. If they don’t think it’s feasible, then I have to respect it, whether or not I agree with it.”

He looked at her. “Do we? We risked a lot for that information, and to have it just shrugged away is…I don’t even know. Infuriating. It fits with everything else we’ve provided, so why would they just toss it away?”

Senna wasn’t used to seeing Rex insubordinate, and it shook her slightly. 

We all have our limits, and he’s been through a lot. Especially in the last few rotations. He has a right to be frustrated. 

She sighed, turning to press her cheek against him again. “I know. Trust me, I know.”

Rex stared at the ceiling of the cave for a few moments, and she could tell he was trying to carefully word his next question. 

“All of that, the not having our intelligence valued by leadership who aren’t out in the field with us, doesn’t that…bother you? And make you think that maybe this isn’t all worth it?”

Senna squeezed her eyes shut, trying to steady herself as some of the fears she’d dismissed threatened to come creeping back in. “Of course it bothers me, but what other choice do we have? It’s do this or do nothing.”

“Would nothing be so bad?”

“I don’t think I could live with myself.”

He sighed. “Yeah, I thought so.”

“You could just walk away from this that easily?” she asked quietly.

“No, no it wouldn’t be easy. This is a fight I actually get to choose to believe in, not like the war. There, I was just lucky my personal loyalties aligned with what I was created for. But…in the same breath, if Organa and the others aren’t going to listen to what I have to say, then I don’t see the point in continuing to risk it all. Last time I was ignored, I wound up shooting my own brothers.”

Senna flinched at the mention of Umbara. Rex had confided in her about that campaign over one of their dinners, about how Pong Krell had lied and manipulated and misled him and his men. She knew it still haunted Rex, so it was understandable that he’d be cautious when he felt like he was being shrugged off or manipulated. 

But this was different. Very different. The rebellion leaders had good intentions and weren’t purposefully sending people to their deaths like Krell. They wanted to make the galaxy better, not purposefully cause harm. 

But if the results are the same, needless risk and deaths, then does their intent really matter?

She dug her teeth into her lip, trying to still her racing mind. Rex was right; doing nothing wouldn’t be terrible for them. In fact, it would damn near be bliss, just the two of them off on some remote planet. They could survive on their own, disappear and never be heard from again, and that thought did have a certain appeal. But it also conflicted with how she’d been raised, and she knew that deep down, Rex felt the same, even if he was saying otherwise right now. Still, it was nice to fantasize about how their lives might look if they abandoned the rebellion and let the galaxy do as it would.

But she loved Rex for his tenacity, for his selflessness, for how much he cared. Those qualities mirrored her own values and intentions in so many ways, and she knew those were what kept them both in the fight, even on bad days.

Feeling his eyes on her, she glanced up and met his gaze.

“I don’t disagree with your frustrations and your reasoning,” she said carefully, “but I have to believe I can drive change by being part of the rebellion. I can’t give up on it yet.”

Rex brushed some hair away from her face, sighing deeply. “I respect that. And that’s one of the many reasons I love you. You’ve got a lot of faith for someone that’s been through so much.”

“You’re one to talk.”

“It’s in my programming,” he joked dryly.

“No, it’s because you’re a good person, Rex,” she replied, squeezing him gently. 

He smiled, and she was almost certain there was a slight flush in his cheeks at the compliment. It was incredibly endearing, and somehow, she felt herself falling even more in love with him. Taking her hand in his, he kissed the top of her head. 

“I’d never give up the fight while you’re still here, Senna. And I won’t ask you to either.” 

Relief flooded through her, and she buried her nose in his chest, sighing deeply. 

“Thank you for understanding,” she said softly. 

“Of course,” he replied. “I meant it when I said I love you.” 

“Good. Because I’m not letting you take that back ever.” 

—

Senna managed to get everything repacked and Rex’s bandages changed one more time before the emergency beacon comm buzzed, alerting them to an incoming call. She felt her shoulders sag slightly with relief as Rex answered and Echo’s voice piped up on the channel. 

“Rex, we’re approaching your location now. You should see us in a moment.” 

Rex handed Senna the beacon as he pulled his shirt back down. The wound in his chest was looking significantly better even with just a day’s worth of healing, and Senna knew it concerned Rex. He’d been watching her carefully all morning, as if he was waiting on her to collapse from the strain. Fortunately, aside from some lingering exhaustion, she really didn’t feel terribly different. She was almost certain that the act of channeling her life force into him had taken a larger toll than the loss of the force itself, but it wasn’t a point she wanted to debate with Rex. She could see he felt guilty, but she hoped it would fade with time, time that they’d have together because of what she’d done. 

No regrets on my end. 

Unfortunately, his leg was still greatly limiting his mobility, so he could do nothing other than sit and watch as Senna grabbed her macrobinoculars and moved to the mouth of the cave, carrying the beacon with her. She scanned the horizon until she finally picked up the approaching ship. It was an Omicron-class attack shuttle that looked like it had been to hell and back. 

Certainly traveling in style, she thought grimly, her mouth pulling into a tight line.

The shuttle landed carefully about a hundred meters from the cave entrance, folding its wings up as it touched the ground gently.

“They’re here,” Senna announced. “I’ll be right back.”

“Not like I’m going anywhere,” Rex huffed from where he sat.

Senna grinned, tossing a wink over her shoulder at him as she made her way towards their rescuers.

The shuttle door opened and a set of stairs dropped to the ground as a group of clone troopers in armor unlike any Senna had ever seen stepped out, walking to meet her. Echo was the first one to her, his scomp arm giving him away even before he removed his helmet. Senna gave him a big hug that seemed to momentarily catch him off guard, but he chuckled, returning her embrace. 

“I’m so glad you’re here. We were in a pretty bad jam,” she told him, patting him on the back congenially.

“You’ll have to tell us all about it once we get you loaded up. There were some Imperial scout patrols we spotted on the way in, and I don’t want to wait around too long. I doubt they’ll give us as warm of a welcome.”

Senna managed to suppress the shudder that threatened to tear through her. 

A few more hours and we might have been up to our necks in Imps. 

“Seems your timing is impeccable,” she joked dryly. “Care to quickly introduce me to your brothers?”

The second clone was lean with armor that most closely resembled the armor that Senna was used to from the troopers she’d worked alongside, although it had clearly been repainted, as they all had. His helmet gave off a particularly menacing impression despite its teal coloring that wasn’t alleviated when he removed it to reveal a face that was tattooed in the pattern of a skull on one side. He wore a red headband that also had a skull depiction that somewhat matched the scarf around his neck. The clone’s voice was surprisingly gentle as he extended a hand to her. “Hunter ma’am…er, General,” he corrected, glancing down at her lightsaber.

Senna’s eyes widened as her hands flew to cover her weapon from view instinctively. Echo gently grabbed her arm. “I didn’t know,” he said quietly. “But it’s alright. We’re friends. I promise.” 

“No one was supposed to know,” she muttered. 

“But Rex does?”

She nodded. 

“Well, your secret’s safe with us,” the largest clone rumbled from beneath his helmet. Pulling it off, he revealed an incredibly scarred face and one milky white eye, but the warmth he exuded almost negated his size and physical appearance. “We’re good at keeping secrets.”

“That’s Wrecker, and that’s Tech,” Echo said, gesturing at the last clone in white armor accented with orange and black. The clone was busy typing something on his datapad and halfheartedly waved hello before pushing his visor back up a little further on his helmet, his goggles reflecting the glow of the datapad’s screen.

“Well, it’s great to meet you. Also, for the record, not a general,” she said turning to Hunter. 

He nodded. “Commander, then?”

“Nope, just a normal technical specialist that also happened to be a Jedi,” she grinned. That statement finally grabbed Tech’s attention as he looked up from his datapad, readjusting his goggles to survey her more carefully with bright, attentive eyes.

Echo let out a chuckle at Tech’s reaction. “I figured you two might get along.”

“As much as I’m enjoying all this chit-chat, we really should get you two loaded up on the Marauder,” Hunter interrupted. “The patrols weren’t too large, but I’d still rather not risk it.” 

“You’re right,” Senna agreed. “You guys are going to have to help move Rex. He’s not in much of a state to be doing anything right now. Also, if you’ve got better first aid on that ship, he could probably use a second look. I’m not well-versed in medicine, but I did what I could.”

“I’ll get him,” Wrecker grunted, stepping into the cave. The massive clone squatted down next to Rex, and the captain reached up to grasp his arm in greeting.

“Good to see you again Wrecker. If you’re gonna pick me up, maybe do it a little gentler this time.”

Wrecker cackled at that. “If you insist, Cap.” Slipping his arms under Rex, Wrecker lifted him bridal style as if he was weightless, carrying him back out towards the ship.

“I probably could have walked on my own, you know,” Senna heard Rex mutter as he was carried past her.

“Yeah, well better safe than sorry,” she called after him, biting back a giggle.

Suddenly, Hunter stiffened next to her, whirling to look out over the plains behind them. Senna followed his line of sight, noting nothing at first aside from the breeze whistling through the grass. It was quiet. Too quiet. 

Taking notice of his brother’s reaction, Tech stepped forward, bringing up his macrobinoculars to look in the direction Hunter was staring.

“It seems we’ve been spotted. One patrol inbound, about a klick out and closing fast. It would appear they have a troop transport and an AT-DP.”

“Great. Better hustle,” Hunter grunted. 

Senna nodded, sprinting back into the cave to grab her bag while the clones crouched down behind a rock formation to huddle up. As she sprinted back to them, she could hear Tech speaking quickly to Hunter.

“I still need time to complete the pre-flight sequence since the hyperdrive’s been misbehaving. Otherwise, I feel our chances of getting out of here will be significantly lower.”

“Then do it,” Hunter sighed. “We’ll keep them busy until she’s primed for takeoff.”

“I think I can help with that,” Senna said. “Tech, can you get my bag aboard?”

The goggled clone nodded, taking her sack and sprinting off towards the ship without another word. Senna unclipped her lightsaber from her belt, and that seemed to serve as the cue for Hunter and Echo, who both slid their helmets back on. Senna’s eyes widened as she noticed that Echo’s helmet snapped into place under the equipment wrapped around his head.

“Ok, I have a lot of questions about that helmet later,” she said with a grin.

“Thought you’d like that,” he chuckled, his voice now modulated through the vocoder.

Hunter drew his weapons. “Alright, take cover behind the rocks. Echo and I will draw them in, you slice and dice. Also, if you’ve got any ideas about how to take down that walker, I would love to hear them.”

Senna’s teeth dug into her lip as she considered it. “Let me think on it a bit and I’ll get back to you,” she said, ducking down behind the rocks.

Adrenaline thrummed through Senna’s body as she felt the rumble of the approaching transport grow louder until it felt like it was rattling her chest, and the ground shook slightly with each of the walker’s heavy steps. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, and she felt sweat begin to bead along her brow. Hunter and Echo crouched down beside her, training their blasters on the transport and starting to pepper it with fire. Senna drew hers as well from its place at her hip, firing at the oncoming transport. A few return blaster bolts hit the rocks in front of them, and they ducked lower, covering their heads as pebbles and dust rained down around them.

“You got any explosives or disruptor cannons on that ship?” Senna yelled over the noise.

“Nothing big. We were due for a restock when you commed. Just got a few detonators on me,” Hunter replied, continuing to fire at the transport as it began to slow. The walker was now within range as well, and its weapons shrieked as it unleashed a barrage on their cover. Senna covered her face as much as she could as a cloud of dust inundated them, coating her tongue with dirt and stinging her eyes. She coughed and spluttered loudly as the two clones next to her continued to fire. 

“That walker is gonna be a problem,” Hunter shouted over the din.

“Alright, since we’re out of luck with anti-tank explosives, we’re going to have to get that thing close enough for me to do something about it. Our blasters will be useless against its armor,” Senna yelled back, blinking hard to clear the grime from her eyes. 

“I’m assuming that’s when you’re going to get that fancy saber out?”

She smirked. “That’s the plan.” 

Hunter nodded, and she was pretty sure he was grinning under his helmet. “You got it.”

The troop transport skidded to a stop a few hundred meters from their position, and stormtroopers began pouring out of it, their armor glinting in the sunlight. The walker moved into position behind them, steadily bombarding the rocks Senna and the clones were hunkered down behind. Senna tried to cover her head and make herself smaller, and Echo grunted next to her as a large chunk of rock cracked against his helmet. 

“Are you alright?” he yelled over the commotion.

“Yeah, but we’ve gotta scatter these guys a little. We’re sitting mynocks with that walker!” She chewed her lip for a moment. “Hunter, how many of those detonators do you have?”

The sergeant reached into a hip pouch, pulling two out and waving them at her. “These and a few more. Should be enough to be a problem.”

Senna nodded. “Great. Toss these into the middle of the pack when I give the signal. Echo, give him cover fire.”

“What about you?”

She unclipped her lightsaber from her belt, grinning. “Like you said. Time for the fancy saber.” 

Hunter and Echo nodded in acknowledgement. Senna moved to a low crouch and focused on the environment around here. She could feel the troopers across from her, the pilots of the walker, and something else. It felt cold, strange, threatening, but distant. 

No time to examine anything. Worry about what’s in front of you. Focus.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes. 

“NOW, HUNTER!”

Hunter stood, flinging the explosives right into the middle of the pack of approaching stormtroopers. Senna leapt over the rocks as the explosives went off with a roar, immediately downing half a dozen of the troopers. Several more were flung in various directions from the blasts while the remaining ones still on their feet scattered for cover. Echo picked off a few that were on the ground while Senna advanced on the soldiers that were still standing on their right flank. In two bounds, she was on them, her lightsaber humming as it sliced through metal, plastoid, and flesh.

She didn’t relish killing, but she did love the feeling of the warmth racing through her, the presence she’d cut herself off from for over a year. It felt right, smooth, as if she was a fish in a current, made to swim through the flow around her. She felt everything, but most of all, she felt like herself, really and truly, for the first time in a long time. 

Turning, Senna reached out with the Force to fling a line of advancing troopers coming from the other direction back against the rocks. Hunter was on them in an instant, pulling a vibroblade from a sheath on his wrist and slicing through any blasters within his reach as he fired with the DC-17 in his other hand. 

“BEHIND YOU!” she heard Echo yell, and she felt one of the troopers behind her raising his blaster and taking aim at her. She dropped the blade of her lightsaber behind her back just as the weapon fired, deflecting the shot back into the stormtrooper’s helmet.

“Not bad for a technical specialist,” she heard Hunter laugh. 

“We’re not done yet!” she shouted back.

“Heads up!” Hunter tossed her two more detonators. “For the walker!” 

Senna nodded, taking off towards the lumbering machine at a sprint. She zig-zagged as she raced forward, leaping between the rocks as the walker fired at her, sending dirt and rocks flying from her footprints, but she managed to stay a step ahead. When she was within ten meters of it, she reached out and focused, channeling the Force around her into a jump. She leapt through the air, landing crouched on top of the walker. The metal hummed underneath her fingertips, but she was already moving again, reaching for the hatch and ripping it open. Two startled Imperials yelled as she dropped the detonators in before slamming the hatch shut and sprinting towards the front of the walker. She dropped into a slide, slicing off the cannon on the front panel with her lightsaber as she skidded by it, wincing as the edge of the viewport scraped her back and shoulders. 

The ground rushed up at her as she slid off the front of the walker, and she managed to roll as she slammed into the dirt, scrambling forward as the mechanical beast exploded, teetering forward and falling. Hunter and Echo grabbed her just as the walker fell, diving out of the way and obscuring them in a huge dust cloud. The durasteel groaned and smoldered, and the ground shuddered beneath them as what remained of the crew compartment crashed down a few meters from them.

Senna could smell smoke and burning electronics as she lay in the dirt between Hunter and Echo, trying to catch her breath and listening for any signs of life from their attackers. There were none, and she closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. 

Not bad for being rusty. 

She heard approaching footsteps and opened her eyes to find Wrecker’s massive boot centimeters from her face. 

“Awwww come on!” Wrecker moaned. “I wanted to blow it up!”

“Better luck next time, big guy,” she joked as he pulled her to her feet with ease.

Wrecker helped Hunter off the ground next, and Senna yanked Echo up, dusting off his kama as he straightened. Hunter’s hand flew to the comm button on his helmet. 

“Talk to me Tech. Are we ready to go?” Senna saw the clone’s spine straighten as he dropped his hand. “We’ve got to go. Tech says there’s another speeder inbound, and it’s going to be here in a few seconds. Ship’s ready and I think I’ve had enough fun for one day.” 

Senna nodded, but the chill she’d sensed still lingered. Reaching out, she felt it surge suddenly, curling through her veins. She didn’t know who or what was on that speeder, but a sharp spike of fear tore through her. 

Whatever was coming wasn’t good. 

Echo seemed to notice her discomfort, tilting his helmet at her, but she just gave him a tight smile. “He’s right. We should go.” 

Dipping his head, Echo started sprinting towards the ship. Hunter glanced at her, but followed Echo, seemingly understanding there’d be time for questions later. Senna let Wrecker go ahead, lingering slightly to scan the horizon before turning and running. The cold was piercing now, growing stronger with every passing second, and Senna tried to keep her alarm in check. She’d never felt anything like this, but she’d heard Anakin describe it enough to recognize the sensation: it was the presence of a Dark Force user, and they were strong. 

Senna could now hear the speeder approaching above the sound of the walker burning and the whine of the shuttle’s engines. The Marauder was close, but tossing a glance over her shoulder, she confirmed the speeder would overtake them.

I’d rather meet them in the open, away from the ship. 

And in spite of herself, she was curious. She slowed, reigniting her lightsaber.

Echo and Hunter had paused, noting her hesitation. 

“GO!” she shouted over her shoulder. “I’ll buy you some time, just leave the stairs down for me when you take off.”

Hunter started to argue, but Senna was having none of it, raising her hand. 

“That’s an order, Hunter.” 

“Let’s go,” Echo urged, seemingly understanding something was wrong. Hunter glanced at the approaching speeder, clearly weighing his options before he appeared to concede with a nod. Without further argument, the clones sprinted for the ship just as the speeder disappeared into the dust cloud the walker had created.

Senna turned to face the new enemy, squaring her feet in the dirt as she reached out again.

The speeder was mostly obscured from view by the lingering dust cloud, but she could just make out the silhouette of a tall, armored figure as the engine quieted to an idle. The newest assailant appeared unrushed, observing her for a moment with a strange interest before walking towards her with a slow, deliberate pace. Senna narrowed her eyes, reaching further to try and glean anything, but without warning, her chest tightened, and her breath caught in her throat. She felt darkness reaching back, squeezing her lungs, and she fell to her knees, gasping. The darkness felt overwhelming, consuming, and for a moment, she wondered how Anakin had stood against this feeling so many times and come back seemingly unphased. A chilling voice slithered through her mind. 

Well hello, Master Aven.

“Who are you?” she shouted, trying to keep her voice from shaking. 

Get it the fuck together, she internally chided herself.

The voice intruded into her head once more. 

I am the one who will correct the wrongs of those who came before me. I am the Grand Inquisitor.

The figure extended his arm, igniting a dual bladed lightsaber that glowed red in the dust. Senna’s breath caught in her throat as her fears were confirmed. 

A Sith.

She scrambled backwards in the dust as the Inquisitor slowly began to advance on her. Senna could see his face clearly now; he was a Pau’an, tall and thin with the trademark pale skin and red markings. He wore black armor emblazoned with the Imperial symbol that appeared spotless even with the surrounding dust swirling in his wake. His eyes glowed yellow, and his lip was curling into a grin that revealed sharp teeth. 

“Now now, little one. There is no need to run. It will only prolong things,” he said, finally speaking aloud. His voice was soft and yet threatening in its tone, and it sent another shudder rippling through Senna. Behind her, she heard the engines of the Marauder fire up as it lifted off the ground. The Inquisitor’s yellow eyes flicked to the ship, and he huffed a laugh.

“It appears your friends are leaving you to die. No matter, they will be dealt with in due time.” 

Senna pushed herself to her feet, trying to hide the way her legs were shaking underneath her. Her anger fought for control with her fear. 

“You will not harm them,” she snarled. “I won’t let you.”

The Pau’an raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Oh? I don’t know that you’ll have much say in the matter.”

Rage flared within Senna, winning the battle with her apprehension, and she charged him. The Inquisitor’s grin widened as he deftly blocked her first blow with no more effort than if he were swatting an annoying insect. Senna continued to swing her blade wildly, and he continued to parry her at every turn. As she sidestepped him in an attempt to flank, he thrust out his hand, lifting her off of her feet and flinging her into the rock face with a flick of his wrist. Her shoulder blades slammed into the stone knocking the wind out of her, and she knew she was going to bruise as she fought to refill her lungs with air. 

The bruises are the least of my problems at the moment. 

The Inquisitor was already coming towards her again, glowing red blade at his side, prepared to attack again. Senna huffed frantically, scrambling to get back on her feet. 

GET UP. GET UP. GET UP.

Suddenly, the ground between her and the Inquisitor exploded with blaster fire, and a new cloud of dust was kicked up as the Marauder hovered above them. Whoever was flying had maneuvered the ship to allow Wrecker to shoot at the Inquisitor with the ship’s gun, and Senna could hear him cackling gleefully through the ship’s open door. The Pau’an leapt backwards away from her, deflecting the blasts back towards the ship. Some of the bolts peppered the outside, scarring the hull, but mercifully not hitting anything critical. 

They won’t be that lucky forever.

Senna saw her chance and took it, hooking her lightsaber back on her belt, sprinting towards the open door on the side of the ship as hard as she could. She could see Hunter hanging out of the door, peppering the Inquisitor with fire and dodging the deflected bolts that were slamming back into the side of the ship. 

“COME ON, SENNA!” Hunter shouted. “TIME TO GO!”

Channeling the Force once more, Senna leapt, stretching her arms out towards the dangling stairs. Her fingertips slammed into the bottom step and she held tightly as her legs swung wildly underneath her. Her knuckles creaked from the strain, and she ground her teeth, clinging hard as the ship shuddered and jerked.

“ECHO, COVER ME. I’M GONNA GRAB HER. TECH GET US OUT OF HERE!” Senna looked up in time to see Hunter hook a cable to his belt and carefully make his way down the steps towards her as the ship quickly began gaining altitude. He reached out, grabbing Senna’s wrist and helping her pull herself back up. The ship rocked violently again, and Hunter swore as he gripped the cable holding them and wrapped his other arm around her waist. Senna fumbled to find a handhold on his armor and wound up just clinging to him clumsily as he yanked her up the stairs with him. With one final lurch, they flew through the hatch together and collapsed on the inside of the Marauder just as Echo slammed the door closed behind them.

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[wild-karrde]

In Command - Part 16

Master List | Previous Part | Next Part

A/N: I HAVE BEEN SO HYPED ABOUT THIS CHAPTER, AND NOW IT'S HERE, SO BUCKLE UP. As always, thank you to the wonderful @teletraan-meets-jarvis for beta-reading for me and mutually screeching with excitement with me!

Chapter Rating: E (18+ MINORS SKEEDADDLE)

Warnings: canon-typical violence, graphic description of injury, language, explicit sexual content (PiV sex)

Word Count: 7.7k words

The sun’s rays were just starting to creep over the horizon when Senna finally slowed the speeder bike near one of the small outcroppings of mountains that peppered Lothal’s grassy plains. She had no idea how long they’d been going or even how far they were from the city, but the sound of the pursuing speeders had faded hours ago. Still, she’d kept going, trying to put as much distance as she could between the two of them and the Imperials. Her body ached from stiffness and cold and injuries that she had yet to tally, but she hardly noticed as she maintained her connection to Rex through the Force. His life signs were fading, and she was frantic to find shelter. 

Several cave entrances loomed in front of her at the base of the cliffs as she slowed the bike to a stop. Climbing down, she took her lightsaber from her belt, and stepped inside the nearest cavern, choosing proximity and convenience above all other factors. Every second that passed felt like a significant loss, and her fear was spiking as Rex’s life signs continued to weaken. She did not sense any life forms within the cave, but wanted to ensure they weren’t about to walk into some creature’s nest while it was out. Finding the cave entirely deserted with nothing but a shallow deposit of water and a handful of rock formations, she jogged back to the entrance and pulled the bike and Rex inside. 

As soon as they were far enough in for her to feel safe and hidden, she illuminated a glow rod and set out her bedroll from her pack before pulling Rex from the bike, nearly collapsing under his weight and her own exhaustion. After a good amount of shuffling and swearing, she managed to gently lay him on the bedroll in the corner of the cavern, pulling the bedroll’s thin blanket up to cover his lower half as she tucked a bag under his head to serve as a makeshift pillow. Her breath caught in her throat as she finally surveyed the extent of his injuries. 

His face was alarmingly pale and his skin felt clammy. Several trickles of blood had dried on his temple and across the bridge of his nose from his forehead wound, but that was superficial, much to her relief. It was nothing compared to the burn mark in the middle of his chest that had left a hole large enough to turn her stomach. The wound had mostly cauterized from the bolt, but some parts of the charred flesh had reopened, likely from being jostled on the bike, and Rex’s shirt and cloak were soaked with blood. 

Senna fought the urge to burst into tears.

There’s no way that missed all of his organs. 

She closed her eyes and took a deep steadying breath. 

He’s survived a shot in almost the exact same spot before.

But that was with a smaller caliber weapon. And he had immediate care from an actual medic.

Digging her teeth into her lip hard enough to draw blood, she opened her eyes. 

He’s dying. I can’t let that happen. There’s got to be a way.

As quickly as her shaking hands would allow, Senna ripped open Rex’s go-bag, which had somehow managed to stay fastened on the back of the speeder bike, and fished out the meager medpack. Her heart sank as she took stock of the inventory. There wasn’t much inside, certainly not enough to heal him fully. She felt a sob tighten her chest, but she swallowed hard as she tried to think. 

“Calm your mind. Only through calm will you find your way.” 

Her master’s words echoed in her mind as she grasped for solutions, doing her best to keep the chilling feeling of despair at bay.

You’ve got to save him. You can’t let him die. 

Senna could contain the sob no longer, and she finally allowed her fear to burst through in a shuddering exhale as tears began to leak from her eyes. Her mind continued to race, trying to find any possibility of how to save Rex. 

It’s not enough. 

Her hands trembled as she started to consider even the most implausible solutions.

What if I went back? Turned myself in and bargained for his safety? His life for my surrender? 

She almost laughed aloud at the ridiculousness of it all. 

It’s the fucking Empire. They won’t bargain. Especially not Fisk. 

She glanced over at Rex. 

He’d tear me a new one if he knew I was even considering this, even as a last option. 

Senna buried her face in her hands, letting the tears flow freely.

What the fuck do I do?

She wasn’t sure how long she sat like that, but suddenly, a brief memory from her time as a youngling surfaced, a story that they’d been told of a Jedi knight who had healed his padawan by channeling his life force into him, a tale to teach the Jedi way of self-sacrifice in the service of others, particularly future generations. 

Is it even true?

It was barely a glimpse of a memory and, as with many of the Jedi stories, it had never been made clear to them if the story was real or just a fable meant for a moral lesson.

I have to try.

Senna stared down at her trembling, bloody hands. She shuddered as she remembered how she’d allowed the cold to seep into her again the night before, how angry and vengeful she’d felt as she’d charged those two stormtroopers. It had been an act of desperation, her reaching for the only reliable source of power she could tap into. She was ashamed of how she’d done it, but she couldn’t find it within herself to fully regret it, not with Rex here, alive at least for now. 

It got us out of it, even if it was wrong. And now you can still do some good. The right way.

Closing her eyes, Senna steadied her breathing, trying to reach for the warmth of the Force again, focusing on Rex’s dwindling signature. 

You can do this. 

She rubbed her hands nervously together, trying to center herself. 

I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me. 

Gently, she undid Rex’s cloak and peeled back what remained of his shirt so that she would be able to place her hands on his bare skin. The sight of the exposed wound marring his chest, the skin that her fingers had traced so intimately less than a week ago, made her stifle another sob. 

Stay focused. Breathe. 

She gave him one of the few injections of pain killer she had in his neck and placed her shaking hands on the skin on either side of the wound. She tried to not think about how cold he felt. 

I am one with the Force and the Force is with me. My life for his. Please let me be able to keep him alive. 

She felt nothing happening, so she reached deeper, furrowing her brows in concentration. 

Breathe. You can do this. You have to do this. 

Sweat broke out across the back of Senna’s neck. She pictured Rex’s eyes opening, looking into hers. She thought of his smile, of his laugh and how she had come to treasure that sound. 

I love him. 

The thought came unbidden, but she couldn’t stop it, nor did she want to. 

I love him. 

It was as if her internal admission chipped away further at the barriers she’d put in place between herself and the Force. Suddenly, she felt awash with the familiar warmth, her fingertips growing warmer. Her heart began to race.

I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me. My life for his. I am one with the Force. 

She felt the warmth tingle at the points where her fingertips and palms were placed against Rex’s skin, and she desperately wanted to open her eyes to see if anything was happening, but she restrained herself, fighting the surge of hopefulness welling up within her to maintain her concentration. 

NOT YET. FOCUS. YOU HAVE TO FOCUS. 

I AM ONE WITH THE FORCE AND THE FORCE IS WITH ME. 

“Come on, Rex. Don’t leave me.” She didn’t realize she was whispering to herself immediately, but her pleas grew louder, echoing in the quiet cavern. “Please don’t leave me.” 

Sweat trickled down Senna’s brow as she resumed her silent vigil, repeating the mantra in her mind as she anchored her thoughts on Rex. She wasn’t sure whether seconds or minutes or even hours had passed, but finally, she felt him shift underneath her hands. Her concentration shattered, and her eyes snapped open to see him mouthing the mantra with her, his eyes still closed.

“Rex?” she choked.

There was no answer, but when she placed her fingers against the pulse point on his throat, she thought she felt his heartbeat grow ever so slightly stronger. Squeezing her eyes shut, she reached out through the Force and found him once more. His signature seemed to shimmer a little brighter. Her breath caught in her throat. 

Please don’t be wishful thinking.

Her eyes fluttered open again, watching him carefully for any apparent sign of improvement. Of course she didn’t expect him to open his eyes and suddenly start speaking to her, but that didn’t stop a small part of her from hoping for it. She stared at him a moment longer, barely daring to breathe. 

The wound doesn’t look any better, but his pulse was definitely a bit stronger, and he seems a little less pale. 

I have to try again. 

Her hope renewed, Senna calmed her mind, her determination hardening her against distractions. 

I can do this. I have to do this.

Hours passed. Senna kept trying, straining and focusing as hard as she could. It was clear her connection still wasn’t completely unhindered, sputtering and slipping through her fingers at times, but her resolve was unshakeable. She was too stubborn to consider any alternatives but success, denying all outcomes where Rex didn’t survive. 

As the sun was sinking back below the horizon and the shadows in the cave were growing longer, Senna managed to get a bacta patch placed over Rex’s chest wound before she finally collapsed from exhaustion. She’d never spent so long attempting to channel the Force, and had never tried to do so in this way. Her connection still wasn’t fully repaired, and she suspected that made things even more physically taxing. Every cell of her body felt heavy, and she could barely keep her eyes open. The hard, coolness of the cave’s floor hardly phased her as she allowed herself to relax against it. 

Please let it be enough.  

She managed to open her eyes one more time to look at Rex and saw his chest rising and falling evenly, his breathing more steady and deeper. Some of the color had returned to his cheeks, the ashen pallor returning more to the warm brown tones she was used to. Despite her fatigue, she was certain the edges of the wound had been looking less angry and red as she’d bandaged it, that it appeared as if it was starting to heal. It wasn’t perfect, but it seemed to be enough for now. He’d still need medical attention beyond what she was capable of performing, but death at least seemed to be off the table for the immediate future. 

Senna knew she should stay awake to keep watch, but she couldn’t keep her eyes open any longer. Making sure her lightsaber was within reach, she scooted closer to Rex and curled her knees into her torso, resting one hand on his chest so she could feel the rise and fall as he breathed. His heartbeat felt stronger under her fingertips, and as she drifted off, her final thoughts brought a slight smile to her lips. 

He’s going to live.

—

Senna awoke with a start, struggling to remember where she was. Her scraped knees were stiff and stinging as she straightened her legs, and her back and shoulders ached from the hardness of the stone she was lying on. The glow rod she’d illuminated had faded, but the cave entrance was bathed in moonlight, cascading across the shallow pool and sending light dancing over the walls. As her mind fully awoke, the memory of the last rotation slammed into her at full speed. 

Rex.

She whirled to find him looking at her, his warm, brown eyes piercing her in the dim light. 

“Rex!” she gasped, scrambling closer to him. “Are you alright? How do you feel?”

He gave her a tight smile, failing to hide a wince. His voice sounded raw and gravelly from lack of use, but just hearing him speak was enough to almost make her cry. “I’ve had better days, and a few that have been worse I suppose.” He propped himself up on his elbows, and Senna carefully helped him sit up against the wall, pulling the blanket up further. Rex slowly turned his head, grimacing at the stiffness in his neck. 

“How long have we been here?”

Senna’s mind was still foggy from sleep, but she managed to croak out an answer around the emotion that was threatening to overwhelm her. “Assuming I haven’t been asleep for more than a few hours, it’s been a full day. We got here just before the sun came up this morning.”

“And the Imperials?”

“Lost them for now. We drove all night to find this place.”

Confusion rippled across his features. “How…how did you…how are we alive?” 

She laughed a little as her voice cracked. “You almost weren’t. I managed to handle the other two speeder bikes after you were shot.” She swallowed hard, pushing away the memories of how Rex had looked only a few hours ago.

Rex glanced down at the wound in his chest, carefully prodding at the bacta patch on it experimentally. He sucked a sharp breath in when he hit a painful spot before looking at her again. 

“I thought I was a goner for sure. That bolt hit me square in the chest.”

“Yes, it did.” She couldn’t think of what else to say. The memory of Rex’s grip loosening around her waist as he’d lost consciousness sent a chill down her spine. She clenched her fists to hide the tremble in her hands. 

“Senna, then how-“

“I’m not sure,” she said slowly, “but I think I was able to heal you a bit. With the Force.”

“With the Force? I didn’t think it had healing properties? That would have been handy during the war,” he joked dryly.

“No, no. I think…”

Oh, he’s gonna hate this.

She gave him a small, somewhat sheepish smile. “I think I transferred some of my life force to you. Using the Force.”

It took a moment for Rex to realize what she was saying, and when he did, his eyes widened in horror. “Senna, you can’t do that anymore.”

“Rex, it’s fine.”

“No, absolutely not,” he insisted.

“I didn’t transfer that much. You’ll still need to heal.”

“I’ll do it the old-fashioned way then.” He tried to sit up straighter, sucking a sharp breath in as the pain from his chest and leg shot through his body. He reached down to check the damage on his thigh and knee.

Senna’s face burned with embarrassment. “Oh, your leg! I completely forgot about that.” She realized she hadn’t even wiped the blood from his face before she’d passed out earlier. 

You’re not a medic, but you could have at least cleaned his face off before taking a nap.

“Yeah, well I didn’t, somehow,” he said flatly as he shot her a pained smirk to let her know he was teasing.

She returned the snark reflexively. “I’m sorry. I was a little more concerned with the gaping hole in your chest.”

He nodded in concession. “I can see why that’d be the priority.”

She noticed he was shivering, and she chided herself even more harshly internally. 

Karking hells, Aven.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t set up camp or anything. I just… I’m sorry.” 

Rex didn’t say anything as she hurriedly pushed herself to her feet, but she could feel his eyes on her. She tried to ignore the protest of her joints as she strode over to her retrieve pack, which she’d left next to the bike with Rex’s. Limping back to him, she set both packs down and began digging through them for rations and water. Of course, Rex had packed more than she had, and it was much more organized. She quickly found two ration bars and water packets, handing one of each to Rex and setting the other set aside for herself. Rex was still watching her as she shifted uncomfortably, his eyes flicking down to the bloodied and torn knees of her trousers.

“Your knees–” he tried to protest.

“Are in better shape than you are,” she cut him off, gingerly squatting down to get more med supplies out of the medpack. Rex apparently saw no point in arguing with her. He drained the water she’d handed him in seconds, tearing into the ration bar with a hunger that made her gut twist with guilt. 

How long was he lying there awake, hungry, and cold while I slept? 

Senna prompted Rex to sit forward, grabbing the other bedroll’s blanket and wrapping it around his shoulders and across his chest to keep him warmer. It seemed to help a little. She’d found a few sterilization wipes and another bacta patch in the medpack, and she tore one of the wipes open with her teeth as she tilted Rex’s face towards her. The moonlight reflecting off the shallow pool flickered across his face, illuminating his eyes as he watched her. She tried to ignore the heat rising to her cheeks again as she carefully cleaned the blood off of his face. He winced when she swiped over the cut. 

“Sorry,” she said softly. 

“S’alright,” he chuckled. “Told you you’d get the opportunity to patch me up before this was all said and done.” 

Senna’s chest clenched at the memory of the two of them sitting across the kitchen table from one another, Rex gently examining the wounds on her wrists that Fisk had left. Meeting Rex’s eyes briefly, she could see he was thinking of that moment too, of a time where they hadn’t been at odds. 

Are we still though?

She’d kissed him. 

She didn’t regret it. She’d thought they were probably going to die. But she still hadn’t torn that barrier down between them, not fully. There was a lingering awkwardness, some lingering doubts as to where they stood with each other that hung in the air like a thick fog. 

He said we’d talk about it later. Not sure when later is. 

She moved to crouch next to Rex, taking out a penlight to examine the injuries on his leg. The wound in his thigh was more of a graze, and the hit to his knee hadn’t landed as directly as she’d thought, skimming along the joint, but mercifully leaving it intact. 

He may need to surgically repair any tendons or ligaments that were damaged from the bolt or the fall, but he’s incredibly lucky. 

Working quickly, she cleaned both wounds, cauterizing where she needed to before smoothing bacta patches over both of them. 

“Would you be alright if I checked your chest wound?” she asked. 

Rex nodded at her, still chewing at his ration bar. He turned his head away as she moved closer to him, not looking as she opened the blanket and braced one hand against his skin while she peeled the patch away as gingerly as she could. Senna could still see Rex’s face twitch slightly from the pain out of the corner of her eye, but overall, he remained silent as she pulled the bandage the rest of the way off. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the wound before her. 

It was definitely starting to heal. The redness had faded completely from the edges, and scar tissue was already visible around the outside, pink and shiny. The inner portion was still angry-looking, but compared to how it had looked when they’d first arrived, anyone would have thought he’d have been soaking in a bacta tank for a day. 

Rex shared her look of awe as he carefully examined the wound. 

“Sen,” he said softly. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t let you die,” she replied, her voice breaking slightly. “I-I couldn’t.” 

The silence stretched out between them, all of the implications and questions that simple statement raised waiting to be reached for. After a few moments, Senna wet her lips. 

“So what do we do now?” 

Rex’s brow furrowed as he thought. After a few moments, he shifted awkwardly, trying to reach for something in one of his pockets. 

“What are you looking for?” Senna asked. “Can I get it for you?”

“No,” Rex grunted before he finally managed to get his hand into his pocket. “I just… ah good, didn’t drop it.” He pulled out a small device and immediately began fiddling with it.

“What’s that for?” Senna watched as he punched a button on the side. A bright red light illuminated, blinking steadily, and the sound of static filled the cave followed by a regular beeping. 

“It’s the emergency beacon I mentioned,” Rex replied. “Was worried I might have dropped it in the fray, but looks like our luck held for once. This is our ticket out of here.” 

The static and beeping ping suddenly ceased, replaced by a brief crackling and a familiar voice. “Rex? That you?”

Relief spread across Rex’s face, and Senna couldn’t help but smile to see him finally relax a little. “Yeah, it is. Glad to hear your voice, Echo,” he chuckled. “Listen, we’re in a bind on Lothal and need a pick-up. Are you able to home in on my beacon’s signal?”

Echo paused, and Senna could hear the distinct clicking of control console buttons being punched in the background. “It’s pretty weak, but once we get into your system, I should be able to pinpoint your location. How fast do you need us there?”

Rex looked at Senna and she shrugged. “Not sure, but sooner rather than later. The Imps raided our dwelling last night, but we managed to get out and blow the place up. We’re a good distance out from the city, holed up in a cave somewhere out in the grasslands. Haven’t heard any patrols passing by yet, but I have to imagine they’ll make their way out here eventually. I’m pretty banged up, so I don’t think we’ll be moving anywhere new soon without help.”

“Understood.” Senna could hear Echo speaking to someone briefly, a man with a matter-of-fact tone that she didn’t recognize. Echo replied with something unintelligible that sounded like an affirmative before returning to the line. “We can be there in a rotation, two at most. Can you hold out that long?”

Rex’s eyes met Senna’s, and she nodded in confirmation. “Sounds like we’ll manage.”

“Roger that. I’ll get the boys spun up and we’ll head your way ASAP. Keep the beacon on and stay safe.”

“Will do.” Rex clicked off the comm and set the blinking beacon next to him. “Well, that’s one thing sorted. You really think we can do a day or two?”

She poked through their bags, mentally inventorying their supplies. “Yeah, we’ve got enough rations in here for that I think. Might have to go hunting if we get too hungry, but we won’t starve to death. The water in here is pretty convenient, although it’ll need sterilization. I think I’ve got enough tabs for two rotations. Overall, I think we’ll be fine.” She shivered. “I’ll go find something to make us a fire with. It’s cold in here.”

“You don’t think that’ll let the Imperials know we’re here?”

“I’m more concerned about keeping predatory animals away that might want to sleep here and keeping us warm. Let’s worry about the immediate threats, and then when the Imperials become one, we’ll worry about them. Plus, there are plenty of hunters and nomads out here. I don’t think campfires are anything out of the ordinary.”

“Maybe not, but they’re not always looking for someone.”

“We’re so far from where we started, Rex. And you and I both know they didn’t have many vehicles good for a large search in the city. If it was me, knowing you were hit in the escape, I’d assume we’d have stopped much sooner to try and fix you up or rest. I’d start the search in a much smaller area as I waited for additional resources and troops to arrive. Then I’d expand the circle methodically.”

She expected more pushback, more arguing, but instead, Rex shrugged, seemingly accepting her logic. Doing her best to hide her surprise, Senna ventured out to find something to make a fire with.

An hour later, they had a small fire burning towards the back of the cave. With the better illumination, Senna went to work on re-patching Rex’s chest wound. Even with its apparent improvement, Rex still swore loudly when she cauterized the few spots that still needed it. 

“Is this payback for when you were shot?” he hissed as she examined her work.

“Now, Rex, I’m hurt that you think I would be that petty,” she teased. Even with her joking, she still took extra care to be gentle when placing the bacta patch over the wound, and soon she could see the tension in his shoulders easing as the pain began to subside.

“You need another injection?” she asked. “We’ve got three more.”

“Nah. I’d like to keep my head about me.”

She nodded, packing the supplies back into the medkit. “I’ll take first watch then.” 

“You’ve done enough,” he grunted as he shifted himself around to get more comfortable.  “I’ll do it. I’ll need your blaster since I dropped mine.” He held out his hand for the weapon. When she hesitated, he waved his hand at her insistently. “Rest a while. I’ve got this.”

Senna shook her head, pulling out the other bedroll and placing it on the ground a respectable distance from Rex. She saw his eyes note the space between them as well. “Thanks, but I don’t think I’ll be sleeping much more tonight,” she said quietly, unable to meet his eyes. “I’ll watch.”

“Senna.” 

Her breath hitched in her throat as his warm hand closed around hers. 

“Senna, look at me.” 

She finally raised her eyes to meet his. He was silently pleading with her, wanting to comfort her, but not wanting to push her. He wanted to help her, but he didn’t know how. 

“I thought you were dead,” she whispered, her voice quivering. “And then I was so sure you were going to die, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.” Emotion was beginning to overwhelm her again, and she swallowed hard, sitting down on the mat next to him. Rex released her hand, but he stayed quiet, clearly wanting to allow her to speak her piece. “I… I thought I’d lost you, Rex.”

“I’m right here, Sen.” The nickname shattered her, and she unleashed a shuddering sob, covering her face with her hands. 

What do I even say? 

She heard Rex take a deep breath, sighing gently. 

“You didn’t lose me,” he said quietly. “You won’t ever lose me, Senna. Regardless of where we stand with each other. I won’t leave you. Even if we’re not…” his voice trailed off.  

“You can’t make that promise,” she rasped. 

“You’re right,” he conceded. “I can’t, not with what we do. But what I can promise is that I will do everything in my power to try. Just to try, Sen. That’s all I can do.”

Senna let her hands drop away from her face, meeting Rex’s gaze again. He gave her a gentle, sad smile. The firelight flickered across his warm brown irises, still so comforting to her even though he was the injured one. He loved her, it was so obvious now when she saw the way he was looking at her. Of course, he’d said as much, but the way he was looking at her was such a resounding confirmation that he’d meant it.

Even now, he’s giving me an out. He’s not pressing me. Even after I kissed him. Even though he feels that way. 

It was as if someone threw a switch in Senna’s brain, and suddenly everything was so clear. 

I don’t know if I’ll endanger him more being what I am, but I can’t be without him anymore. I can’t. I almost lost him tonight. And if I had without telling him, without him knowing… I’d have never forgiven myself. 

Rex was still watching her, clearly trying to gauge her reaction. 

What we do always will be dangerous, with or without each other. And there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep him safe. But maybe I can do that better with him. Maybe we do things better together. 

Maybe it’s worth the risk. 

“Senna.” 

Don’t we deserve this? her mind whispered. 

The question was apparent in his gaze. 

Where do we go from here? Tell me what you want. 

Slowly, she crawled over to him, kneeling next to him and ignoring the stinging of her bloodied kneecaps. She stared at him for another few moments as the last holdout in her mind finally surrendered to her heart. Rex was quiet, but she could feel the nerves rolling off of him, the concern, the love, and suddenly she realized how she was feeling those emotions from him. 

She closed her eyes and reached out through the Force. 

He’s warm, like sand on a beach when the sun’s starting to finally set. He’s solid, unwavering, so sure of himself. I can feel it all. 

A warm, calloused hand rested against her cheek and she let out a stuttering breath, bringing her hand up to interlace her fingers in his. “You were right, you know,” she whispered, her voice quivering.

“About what?” He sounded devastatingly hopeful, but also reserved, as though he was still trying to withhold every emotion until she was certain. 

And she loved him more for it. 

Her eyes fluttered open as she took a deep, shaky breath. “I do love you, Rex.”

Saying the words felt like a weight had lifted from her. It felt right. The last day had served as a violent reminder that tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed, and she wasn’t going to waste another moment fighting the way she felt. Not when Rex, the man she loved, was staring at her like that. Not when she’d been lucky enough to have another opportunity to tell him exactly how she felt. 

He studied her, his eyes searching hers as if he wanted to be absolutely sure he understood what she was saying. 

“Yeah?” he rasped.

She leaned closer, pressing her forehead to his, giggling softly. “Yeah.”

“Do… do you want…” He wasn’t sure how to ask the question, but she understood anyway. She stroked his cheek reassuringly.

“I almost lost you last night, and in that moment, all I could think of was how much time I’ve wasted over the last year. I didn’t feel like I was allowed to be happy or want for anything because I survived when so many did not. This felt like penance, and if I allowed myself joy or any other emotion that wasn’t tied to the rebellion’s success, I wasn’t doing that penance correctly.” She chewed her lip, searching for the right words. “But you were right, Rex. We do deserve happiness, and I didn’t realize how much I was going to regret not having you until I almost didn’t. So, yes. I want this. I want you.”

His breath was warm against her lips.

“Say it again, Senna. Only if you mean it.” 

“I love you, Rex. I love-”

He cut her off, crashing his lips against hers and kissing her hard. Those three words had been all the confirmation he needed.  

She surrendered to him. 

Rex’s hands wrapped around her thighs, pulling her on top of him to straddle his hips. The blanket slipped from his shoulders, pooling on the cave’s floor.

“You’re hurt,” she tried to protest.

“Don’t care,” he insisted, pulling her mouth back to his. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer against him. She felt his hands slide under the edge of her shirt, pressing against her spine with enough force that she was forced to rest her hands against his chest. 

“It’s fine,” he muttered against her lips. “Stop worrying about me.” His fingers tangled in her hair as he kissed her desperately. Senna let him take the lead, shrugging out of her jacket and flinging it off to the side. Her fingers wrapped around the back of Rex’s neck as she began to grind her core against him. She needed him, needed reassurance that this was real, that he was here with her and safe and that they loved one another. Rex was giving her all of the permission she could ask for to do so. She ran her hands down the side of his neck, one hand wrapping around the back of his head while the other one trailed down his chest. She felt him shudder under her touch. 

“I love you,” she breathed. Now that she’d finally said the words, she wasn’t sure she could stop. Every time she said them, she felt Rex’s heart rate leap beneath her fingers, felt his mouth draw into a smile against hers. It was intoxicating. 

Rex’s lips worked along her jaw to her neck, and Senna granted him access, arching into his touch and letting her head fall to the side so he could nuzzle at the tendons of her throat. He pushed the neck of her tunic aside to expose the scar on her collarbone, gently placing a kiss on it. Senna let out a small gasp at the intimacy of it, remembering how he’d kissed the same place that night in the inn. 

“You survived for a reason,” he whispered against her skin. “You’re going to do so much good in this fight, I truly believe that. But I also have to believe you survived so that you could help me. So that you could show me how to love someone in a way I never thought I would.” He cradled her face, pressing his forehead to hers again, his breath stuttering against her lips. “You deserve the galaxy, Senna. The least I can do is offer you myself. All of me for as long as you could possibly want me. I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I want to find out. With you.”

“I love you, Rex,” she whispered again, quivering in his grasp. “I love you so much.”

“I know. And I love you too.”

Heat raced through her, pooling between her legs. His hands were on her skin, holding her firmly and yet so gently, and electricity licked up her spine as he lifted her shirt over her head. She allowed him to fumble with the bindings on her breastband for a few seconds before she swatted his hands away and removed it herself. 

“Can I have you again?” he rasped, and the words sent arousal coursing through her like lightning searching for the ground. 

“Are you… sure you’re up for it?” she panted, already awkwardly wriggling out of her pants. 

“I’ll manage,” he muttered, shimmying his own trousers down just far enough to free his cock before pulling her back into his lap. 

“I’ll be gentle,” she whispered teasingly in between panted breaths. 

“I can’t guarantee I will be,” he rumbled, winking up at her. 

Senna felt the head of his cock notch against her entrance easily, and another shiver rippled through her. Rex threw his discarded blanket around her shoulders before resting his hands on her hips, slowly guiding her down onto him with a groan. 

Senna’s head rolled back and her eyes fluttered closed as she felt her walls stretch around Rex’s thick cock once more. Every cell of her body was screaming at her to go faster, to bury him as far inside of her as he could go, to let him claim her in whatever way he desired. She needed to feel every inch of him, needed to be coupled with him like this. The sex they’d already had paled in comparison to this. Every barrier she’d put in place between her and Rex, between her and the Force was gone, and she felt him, every piece of him, physical and otherwise. She was vulnerable, but she was with him, the person she trusted more than anyone else. She was safe. The connection was unlike anything she’d ever experienced, overwhelming her in every way. She didn’t realize she was crying until she felt Rex’s thumbs swiping against her cheeks. 

“Sen, we can stop.” 

“No. Please don’t,” she whispered. “I need this. I need you.”

“You have me,” he said softly, kissing her cheek. His voice was taut, and it was clear he was holding back, waiting for Senna to adjust to him. “All of me, Sen. I’m yours.” 

Her hips finally rested against his, his thighs warm underneath her. She ground against him experimentally, and they both moaned quietly. Her clit dragged through the dark curls that haloed his base, and she clenched, ripping another gasp from Rex. His hands found her breasts, cupping them gently as his thumb brushed over her nipple. Senna whined, pressing against Rex more insistently, and he pulled her closer with one hand splayed against her back. 

“Tell me what you want,” he asked, just like he had at the inn. 

Senna was ready this time, her misgivings and worries abandoned as she relinquished herself to him fully. “You,” she gasped. “Only you.” 

“You have me.” He tugged at her nipple experimentally, and her nails dug into the back of his neck, drawing a grunt from him. “Now, tell me what you want, pretty girl. I’ll give you anything.” 

“P-put your mouth on me,” she begged. 

“Atta girl,” Rex praised, pulling her breast to his lips and sucking her nipple lightly, flicking his tongue over the hardening bud. His hand cupped her other one, squeezing gently and massaging her other nipple. It was ecstasy when his teeth gently scraped against her flesh. 

Senna picked up her pace, pressing herself closer to him as she rode him. “Maker, Rex. More.” 

His lips trailed across her chest, sucking marks into her skin as his hands guided her hips against him. Desperation took over, a need that made the world around them disappear into a muted, out of focus afterthought. All she could see was Rex, brow furrowed as he watched her, lips slightly parted in pleasure. She was acutely aware of every place their bodies touched, the way his fingertips were digging into her skin, the way his chest heaved against hers, the way his cock twitched inside of her, the feeling of his lips against hers and the taste of his tongue. It was all so much and not enough at the same time. 

Senna almost laughed to herself, remembering the club in the capital and how she’d been warring with herself then, how she’d denied what was so clearly there. This time, she let herself go, whispering Rex’s name and spurring him on with whimpered pleas. Despite his injuries, Rex was persistent and attentive, studying her every reaction, searching for the places that made her moan and the touches that made her come undone. 

This was so different from any other time that they’d been together. The club had been rushed, desperate, frantic. Even back at the inn, there had been space between them, unspoken concerns and worries that kept them at a distance even while they were coupled. None of that existed now. There was no hesitation, no fears, nothing stopping the two of them from giving themselves to the other as fully as possible. The intimacy was staggering to Senna, and looking at the way Rex was watching her, she could tell he felt the same. 

She’d never get enough of him. She was certain of it. 

Her knees were screaming in protest as the wounds rubbed against the bedroll beneath Rex, barely cushioned from the hard stone of the cave floor, but she didn’t care. Not as Rex coaxed an orgasm from her and then another, pulling her close and kissing her sweaty skin until she recovered enough to keep going, silencing any of her worries or protests with insistent kisses. It was awkward at times, Rex trying to find ways to meet Senna with his bad leg and failing, the two of them falling into one another in fits of giggles and apologies before one of them would pull the other back under. 

It wasn’t flawless, but it was perfect. 

The fire had died down to glowing embers by the time Senna felt her final climax starting to edge forward. Her fingers dug into Rex’s shoulders as she felt her body beginning to tighten once more, signaling her impending orgasm. It was going to be devastating, she could tell by the rate at which the coil within her was tightening, the way her head was swimming as though she was drunk on him. She was almost sad, knowing she wouldn’t have another in her, understanding that her exhaustion was going to claim her once they were done. 

She never wanted to stop. 

But he’s yours. There’s more time. You have time. 

“Rex, I-” A gasp cut off her whimper as the head of Rex’s cock brushed the perfect place inside of her again. 

“I know. I can feel it,” he rasped. “I’m close too.”

“Cum with me,” she pleaded. Her vision was blurring with tears as he nudged her closer to the precipice, his cock striking the same place inside of her with every stroke. “Please.”

“Anything for you,” he groaned, his voice taut again as he dangled over the edge with her. She could feel the muscles in his thighs tightening as he chased his own orgasm. She allowed her forehead to rest against his again, staring into his eyes. His fingers dug into her hips as he increased their pace, thrusting up into her with grunts caught somewhere between pain and pleasure. Like her, he couldn’t be bothered to stop, no matter how much his body ached. 

“I-I love you, Senna Aven,” he stuttered. 

“I’m yours, Rex.”

One of Rex’s hands slipped around the back of her head, keeping her face pressed to his as he finished with a punctured gasp. Senna felt his cock twitch within her as his warmth flooded her, dribbling out between her legs. That sensation alone sent her hurtling over the edge after him, and she buried her face in his neck, crying out as the waves of her orgasm crashed over her. 

Senna had no idea how long they sat like that, molded against one another with Rex’s softening cock still nestled inside of her. Finally, Rex wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her firmly as he leaned over and grabbed the other bedroll, yanking it closer with a grunt. Sitting back up, he brushed the hair that had come loose from her braid out of her face. His fingers lingered against her skin, and Senna turned to press a kiss to the inside of his palm. 

“Still love me?” he asked quietly, the beginnings of a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. 

“After that, how could I not?” she joked, kissing him gently. “Yes. I do.” 

Rex finally allowed himself a full smile, one that nearly split his face in two. “Good.” 

Maker, he’s handsome, Senna thought with wonder. And he wants me.

She finally slid off of him, taking care to mind his injuries. She didn’t bother to put her clothes back on, finding the blanket surprisingly warm as she wrapped it around herself.

“Will you let me fix your knees?” Rex prompted.

Senna giggled. “Yes.”

Even with his injuries, Rex was quick, pulling her legs across his lap and cleaning the abrasions thoroughly before smearing bacta over them. Senna winced at the sting, but Rex leaned down to gently blow on the damaged skin, soothing it with cool air before he gently bandaged each knee. When he was finished, he met her eyes, placing a light kiss to each bandage. 

“Better?” he asked. 

“Much.” They’d just made love, but she couldn’t stop herself from blushing at the tenderness of the act. 

This is what we do, she thought as Rex wriggled down to lay next to her. We fix each other up. We take care of one another. 

Because we love each other.

Senna noticed Rex was holding out his arm in invitation. She took it, snuggling into the crook of his shoulder as he pulled her close. 

“Is this alright?” she whispered. 

“It’s perfect,” Rex replied, playing with her hair. “When I wake in the morning, you won’t be gone this time, right?”

Senna’s heart clenched with guilt. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “But yeah, I’ll be here.” She snuggled closer, listening to the rhythmic beat of Rex’s heart as her cheek pressed against his chest. Her eyelids were already fluttering closed with a sudden drowsiness that she hadn’t felt in a long time, one that came with relief and allowing herself to not be on guard constantly. The voice in the back of her mind that usually would have been screaming at her to keep watch was silent. Just this once, she tossed caution to the wind.

Just for tonight. 

I don’t think either of us could stay awake if we tried anyway. 

Just this once. 

She smiled as she inhaled deeply, smelling Rex’s skin. 

“You’re stuck with me, Rex. Hope you know what you’re signing yourself up for.” 

He interlaced his fingers with hers, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. “Oh believe me, I know exactly what I’m getting myself into.” She was already snoring softly against his chest, so Senna never saw the way he looked at her in that moment, hardly felt the kiss he pressed to her forehead. 

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Rex said quietly before drifting off himself.

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