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Chapter Text

After the whole karking disaster that happened on Coruscant with the Zillo beast, the 501st was to remain stationed on Coruscant until they were given their next assignment.

Rex sighed as he passed a hand through his face, after a long day of organizing troops, assigning posts, visiting his wounded men and seeing that everything was in order, he only had a few more reports to finish and he would finally be able to rest (much to Kix's relief, who was ready to sedate him if he didn't rest)!

While doing that he was on a call with his older brothers. Both Cody and Wolffe were on Ryloth, Bly was on Felucia, and Ponds, even though he was still on Coruscant, would be out soon.

It was rare that they were able to make a call with each other once off duty, and it was even rarer when they could all get together on Coruscant or in a call, so they made the most of moments like those to make sure they were all okay in their little reunion, and just chat at ease until the battlefield made the call of hostility for them again.

"Didn't the 212th help free Ryloth long ago?" Bly asked.

"Something like that, but the Separatists are really stubborn when they want to be." Cody replied, rolling his eyes. "So, we'll probably be here for a while." He finished, pointing at him and Wolffe, who was lying next to him.

''Damn, that sucks.'' 

Wolfe sighed, annoyed "Tell me about it. But anyways, what about Felucia, Bly? Did some plant tried to eat you again ?" Wolffe asked, smiling when Bly glared at him.

"Ha. Ha. Ha." Bly laughed sarcastically "really funny, Wolffe." 

"Come on ori'vod , cheer up." Wolffe told him, still smiling.

"No, nothing has tried to eat me, thank you very much. Aayla is always attentive so that nothing takes us by surprise." Bly said with a little smile. 

"Aayla?" Rex asked with a raised eyebrow. 

"Aayla!" Wolffe exclaimed with an excited look on his face. Bly groaned at that, Wolffe wouldn't let that go anytime soon. 

"Aayla" Ponds said, amusement in his eyes. 

"Ha, Aayla" Cody snorted as he looked at Bly with a smirk. 

"Kriff all of you." Bly blurted out, a little embarrassed when his General's name was highlighted on him.

"What? You haven't asked her if she wants to be your girlfriend yet?" Wolffe asked as he raised an eyebrow. 

"WOLFFE!" Bly exclaimed as he blushed. 

"What?"

"Here we go again" Cody muttered rolling his eyes "What about you Ponds?"

"Nothing interesting really, we'll be leaving Coruscant shortly, I think I heard Mace talking about a group of cadets or something, he still hasn't told me anything." Ponds shrugged. 

"Mace?" Bly asked with a grin. 

"Mace!" Wolffe exclaimed with a smirk. The same look he had with Bly still in his eye. 

"Mace" Rex repeated with a small smile, just to annoy Ponds a little. 

"Mace. You too Ponds?" Cody chuckled. 

Ponds narrowed his eyes at Cody "Are we going to do that every time we say our general's names?" He asked them, rolling his eyes. 

"You did the same thing when I mentioned Aayla, don't complain now!" Bly exclaimed.

"Sure, Bly."

"Rex? Something to tell?" Cody asked again as he ignored his older brothers. 

"Fives and Echo haven't made a mess if that's what you're asking," Rex responded as he signed one of the final reports.

"Fives and Echo..." Wolffe mentioned "aren't those the shinies you adopted when Rishi happened?"

"That's right, Fives is a bit impulsive, and Echo is still a bit stick to the manual but, yes, they have potential" Rex said with a small smile as he put his signature on his latest report "So, when do you think you're going to be back on Coruscant?" He said as he stretched out.

"No idea, Felucia's doing fine for now, but we're talking about Felucia so..." Bly groaned. 

"Cody and I already said we might be gone for a while, Ryloth is really a mess right now." Wolffe said as he looked at his datapad for a moment.

"I'm going out soon, so I don't know what to tell you," Ponds said as he shrugged "sorry vod'ika ."

"And I have no idea, great," Rex groaned.

"Why the complaint, Rex?" Ponds asked, when Rex raised an eyebrow he continued, "I mean, you can still do fun things while you're on Coruscant," he finished.

"Oh really? Like what exactly?" Rex asked, looking at him.

"Well..."

"You can go bother Fox!" Wolffe exclaimed with a mischievous grin.

Ponds rolled his eyes "Wolffe..." 

"What? Is a good idea!"

Cody rolled his eyes at his brother "You could go to 79's with your men."

"The boys are banned from there for a while," Rex snorted.

"Again?" Ponds asked, not impressed. 

"Now what did they do?" Bly smiled a little, amusement in his eyes.

"In addition to starting fights 3 times in a row, and Fives, Jesse, and Hardcase being Fives, Jesse, and Hardcase, me and Fox thought it was appropriate that if it happened again, they would stay in the drunk tank until the next morning."

"That didn't stop them, did it?" Bly asked, chuckling. 

"They're in the tank now, because they thought it would be a good idea to sneak out like cadets from training."

Cody sighed fondly "Jesse and Hardcase and surely going to make Fives a great troublemaker, poor you." He grinned.

Rex rolled his eyes at that "If they're doing this to see if I'm going to give up with their shenanigans, I'm sure that they are going to be happy to run laps in full kit in the morning" Rex rolled his eyes before yawning.

"You should go to sleep," Ponds recommended.

"I'm not a cadet anymore, Ponds, I can stay up late" Rex said as he got up to get his helmet.

“You used to stay up late to train even when you were a cadet, Rex’ika” Cody said as he rubbed one of his eyes. 

"It doesn't mean that…" Ponds yawned, ignoring Cody "you should…do it…"

"Ha, now who's the tired one?" Rex laughed a bit as he checked his helmet "well, do you think... Guys?" Rex asked, seeing everyone suddenly asleep.

"What the..." He didn't finish saying when another yawn came out of him. Smoke began to enter the room, he tried to go towards the door, but before he had a chance to get out, he fell unconscious to the floor.

The first thing Rex heard when he woke up was the voices of his brothers confused about something and trying to find an... Exit? An exit from where exactly?

Just at that moment, Rex remembered that he passed out and began to open his eyes to see what was happening.

"Rex?" Just when he heard Cody say his name he could feel the others looking at him.

"What the hell happened?" He growled as he got up to see where he was.

"Nobody knows, we're still trying to find out," Cody replied as he approached him and looked at him, checking him to make sure he was okay.

"Well, another excellent new, the comms are not working," Fox huffed as he approached them.

"Does anyone on the outside even know that something happened to us?" Rex asked Fox.

"I don't think so" Fox denied, he shook his head and then sighed "and even if they knew, I doubt they know where to start looking, like I said, there are no communications and I haven't seen any exits... None of us have.”

"So we're stuck wherever we are, great," Bacara said sarcastically.

"Commanders?" A voice interrupted their conversation.

"Keeli? Howzer?" Rex asked. 

"Rex, it's good to see you again," Keeli said, smiling a little. 

Rex nodded at them, a small smile that quickly disappeared as he looked around. "I say the same, I wish it was under different circumstances though, do any of you have any idea what we are doing here?"

"Nope" Howzer shook his head "Keeli and I were in my office when a strange smoke appeared, before we could do anything we both passed out" he explained.

"Did we all pass out and woke up here?" Gree, which Rex hadn't realized was there until he spoke, asked.

"Yes"

"So far that's what everyone has said"

"Everybody?" Rex asked, noticing that there was indeed, more Commanders, along with 17 and Fordo, who he haven't seen since the war started "Who else is here?"

"Besides us, Bly, Ponds, Wolffe, Grey, Neyo, Doom, Thorn, Thire, Monnk, Colt, Havoc, Blitz, Fordo and Alpha-17" Cody replied.

Before anyone could say anything else, a mysterious, female voice interrupted them.

"Welcome"

At that, everyone went to alert, their hands going to their blasters. 

"Who the hell are you? Why did you bring us here?" 17 demanded, frowning.

"My name is not relevant at the moment, but I mean no harm" tried to calm the voice "to why I brought you here, well…" she...? Stopped talking not knowing how to explain.

"Well? I don't know if you know, but aside from us having troops to command and campaigns to finish, I don't know if you've missed the fact that we're fighting a kriffing war?!" Doom exclaimed, annoyed.

"I know you are fighting a war, just as I know how it ends" she said with a firm tone surprising some of them a little "and for that same reason I have brought you here, to show you the future" she finished.

At that, some snorted.

"Future?" Colt asked, incredulously "As far as I know it is impossible to see the future"

"We're kidnapped by a lunatic, great" Wolffe muttered

"I don't care what you think of me, but I need you to see the future, or the fate of the galaxy will be more terrible, if it is possible."

"Even if what you're saying is true" Rex interrupted "Wouldn't it be better if the Jedi took care of this?" He finished.

"Right now I don't think the Jedi are the best option" she said "although we haven't fallen far yet..." started to mutter.

" We haven't? "

"What?"

"You said “although we haven't fallen that far yet” " Rex said "you're a Jedi, aren't you?"

"Not exactly," she replied.

"So a sith" Cody accused as his hand was on his blaster, ready to take it out. 

"I'm not a Jedi or a Sith, I'm just someone who can use the Force, and has decided to try to use it to help people" she finished.

"Fallen?" Fox asked after a moment of silence "You said that the Jedis had fallen"

"Are the Jedi going to become Sith?" Howzer asked uncomfortably.

"Not... fall to the dark side, it's more... It's really complicated to explain, that is why I need you to see the future, and prevent not only the Jedi or the Republic from falling, but also to save the galaxy from years of suffering"

"Are the Separatists going to win the war?" Doom asked incredulously.

"Doom, in the future there is no longer a Republic or Separatists, only an Empire that takes advantage of the people, and does not care to make them suffer in order to achieve their objective."

A silence took over the entire room. An empire? The truth is that it didn't sound good at all, and if what the voice said was true, the Jedi weren't going to be there to stop it.

"What if we decide to stay?" Grey asked. 

The voice... She responded quickly "We will immediately begin to see crucial moments of the Clone Wars along with glimpses of the future, so that you can know and understand the situation more, and hopefully, avoid a few things."

"What kind of things?" Fordo asked. 

"Battles that went wrong, alliances that should not have happened, even maybe stopping a few ones from dying.."

"What about our Generals and our battalions? They'll be looking for us, right?" Bly asked.

"I've stopped time there, once we're done here and I send you back it'll only be a few seconds, so no one will know that you all disappeared"

Keeli's eyes widened "she stopped the time in the entire galaxy?" He whispered, tense. 

“Just how powerful is she?” Howzer asked in a low voice. 

Rex was thinking the same thing “if you’re so powerful to stop the time in the entire galaxy, why don’t you use your power to stop this… Empire?”

“My power can only do so much, if I could stop the Empire, I would have done it long ago. This is the only I can see of stopping the Empire.” She responded. 

"What if we refuse to see the “future”?" Neyo asked as he crossed his arms.

The voice fell silent.

Rex huffed "There is no option to deny this, am I wrong?" He asked, starting to feel mad.

"I would prefer the fact that you would stay... But if you decide to not see the future then I won't force you to" she said. 

Another silence returned to the room. After a few minutes in which no one spoke, someone decided to speak.

"I'll stay," Howzer said, sitting. 

"Howzer?" Rex said looking at him "are you- you can't be serious?" he asked, incredulously.

"We're talking about the future, Rex, and I don't know about you, but the only thing this voice has told us are tragedies that will happen sooner or later, so if there is a way to prevent these things from happening, to save my Jetti, and my men, I'm not going to waste this chance" he concluded.

After a few minutes in which everyone stared at him, another voice spoke.

"Puff.. okay"

"Keeli?" Howzer asked surprised, "Are you going to stay too?"

"Well someone has to make sure you don't cause trouble right?" That only made Howzer give him a dirty look.

Rex stared at his fellow Captains. Both of them went to sit as they bickered at each other. 

It has to be a trap, but... Howzer wasn't wrong. All the things the voice had said are tragedies... 

And the fact that there's a chance they can stop people from dying?

It's an incredible chance, a chance that he would be fool to pass... Besides, what if he could stop some of his men from dying? And Force forbid, his ori'vode ? His Buir ? And Force forbid again, Ahsoka? His little sister, his vod'ika ? 

... 

He can't believe he's going to do this. 

"Fuck it all, alll right then..." Rex said, sitting down.

"Rex?" Cody asked, surprised and maybe a little upset "Are you going to stay too, really?"

“No, absolutely not,” 17 growled. “You will not do such a thing, get up.”

Well, if this mysterious woman said she needed them to save the future, that means she won’t let 17 kill him for what he’s about to say. "Yes I will," Rex nodded as he stared at 17, who was staring at him with fury on his face. "Someone has to make sure these two" pointing to Howzer and Keeli "don't do stupid things "HEY!" so... Besides, it's the future, buir , I don't know about you, but neither do I really like what that voice said, what if it's true? We have a chance to fix the future, to save it, to save our men, our aliit " he concluded.

The others fell silent until Wolffe and Cody nodded at each other and sat down on either side of Rex.

“Oh for fuck’s sa- not you two!” 17 groaned as he looked at Wolffe and Cody. 

"This has to be a stupid joke" Bacara said "this has to be a trap" he continued as he watched as Ponds and Bly joined them.

"It's not," the voice said.

"Shut up, I will still have certain words with you later!" Bacara exclaimed, annoyed.

The voice only let out what seemed to be a small laugh.

"I swear I taught them better than this" 17 said, shaking his head as he went to sit next to his boys. "If we end up dying thanks to you, I will blame you, and the one who survives will be haunted by me until you die."

"I guess we're going to do this then" Thorn said as he sat down "What?" He asked when he saw the looks Thire and Fox gave him.

"Are you seriously going to join them?

"Well, it’s not like we have anything to lose, do we? Right guys?" Thorn asked the rest of the room.

Some agreed to his point, while others didn't give a proper response, being thoughtful and concerned about the situation they were in, thinking how crazy it is, how it might be a trap, a dream, or some sort of trial, or how it might just be a once in a lifetime opportunity to hopefully avert the terrible distant but close future.

Shaking his head not believing what he was going to do, Fox went and sat next to Thorn.

After a few minutes everyone (some looking for a way out in case something went wrong) was seated.

"I'm glad you all decided to stay" the voice said, relieved "Now, let's get started.”

Chapter Text

One of the things that none of them, the clones, or anyone else, had ever thought about was about being able to see the future. Of course they had thought about what would happen to them in the future, what would they do with their lives. Fight more wars maybe? It's not like they had a choice, the senate didn't recognize them other than as products, so while some thought it would happen, others didn't pay much attention to it. But that there was a chance to see the future? If someone had told them it was possible they might have called him crazy or thought he was drunk. But seeing the situation they were in, something that seemed impossible, being possible? They really didn't know what to think anymore... Although they all decided to stay, and why? I guess we'll find out.

"So before we start, in addition to seeing crucial moments of The Clone Wars, we will also see moments that will help us understand and prevent... Certain things," said the voice.

"Exactly what kinds of things?" Blitz asked.

"Well... Tragedies that could happen would be one of them"

"Prevent... death?" Howzer asked hopefully, remembering about that possibility, as any other vode , he never liked seeing his brothers die, being a captain, he had no choice but to watch and leave them behind so he could lead his other brothers to see if he could make them live another day.

"Possibly" the voice said "like I already told you, I know how the war begins as well as how it ends, everything I've seen, the pain, the suffering, the death... That's why I brought you here, I've already seen how it's all over, and as you can see, not in a nice way, so hopefully once we're done watching this, that doesn't happen in your galaxy."

"Hopefully? You aren't going to help us?" 17 asked as he frowned. 

"As much as I don't like the idea of leaving this weight to you, the most I can do is make you see these moments in the future, by the time we're done and I've sent you back you're going to be on your own" the voice said after taking a breath.

"In other words, everything we do can help or mess up the destiny of the galaxy," Fox said "great" he concluded sarcastically.

"Do you want to try to be a little optimistic?" Bly said, looking at him.

"Do you think I can be optimistic in this situation?" Fox replied sarcastically, again.

"Before we start" the voice began to speak, before a fight could break out, some lights illuminated the whole place, causing everyone to cover their eyes for a few seconds "the door on your right leads to the bathrooms, on your left there's food, you can have all you like, the door behind you is an exit to a small area, you know, when you can have breaks or need time for some reason..."

"We'll have places to rest, won't we?

"But of course" the voice said, sounding a little offended "once we finish watching a few moments, I will show you later where your rooms will be so you can rest" she said, letting them process what they just said "as I will show you specific moments, there are things that you may not understand, so you can ask whatever you like, although I must tell you, there may be a few things that I cannot answer, but I will do my best to do so. Now, without anything more, let's begin."

We see the battle of Christophsis, the droids start to turn around and run away. 

"Wait a second, you said we were going to see things from the future" Rex said as he tensed "the battle of Christophsis happened a long time ago, why watch it now?"

"It will serve to understand some things, in addition to seeing the first steps of Anakin and Ahsoka's relationship"

"And what exactly does General Skywalker and Commander Tano's relationship have to do with it here?" Rex asked as he tensed more. 

"Believe me, the relationship they have is more important than you think, thanks to that, important things have happened in the future"

"Important things... You mean good or bad?" Rex asked, the fact that his General and his Commander were involved in this meant no good. The voice didn't respond, Rex didn't know whether to take that as a good or bad sign.

Anakin: They're pulling back.

A ship flies overhead, Obi-Wan turns to Anakin. 

Obi-Wan: Looks like help has arrived. 

R2-D2 joins them and Obi-Wan along with Anakin and some troopers walk towards the ship as they walk.

Obi-Wan: Our cruiser must be back.

Anakin: Which means we'll be able to get our reinforcements. 

Obi-Wan: Then it looks like our problems are solved. Fresh troops, new supplies, and perhaps they brought my new Padawan with them.

"Did you hear that Rex? A new Padawan, the Padawan you took from me" Cody complained.

"Complain all you want Cody, we all know that Ahsoka belongs with the 501st" Rex said as he mentioned Ahsoka with proudness in his voice.

Cody just gave him a quizzical look as he rolled his eyes.

Anakin: You really think it's a good idea to bring a Padawan learner into all this? 

"I can't believe what I’m going to say but, I agree with Skywalker" Wolffe said "So'ika shouldn't be there"

"So'ika?" Rex asked, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

"I remind you that General Buir knew Ahsoka before Skywalker, he brought her to the temple when she was younger," Wolffe said, proud to have known Ahsoka longer than Rex.

"Change the fact that they're fighting over who knows Commander Tano better, I agree with Wolffe, she shouldn't be there" after seeing Rex's face, Bly spoke again "don't get me wrong, she's a good kid and a good Commander, but she doesn't have any kind of military training, does she? All she knows now is because you along with General Skywalker, the 501st and more people have taught her"

"Besides the fact that I'd like to know what the heck did she think of going to a battlefield dressed like that?!" Wolffe growled, no doubt when they got out of here he was going to have a talk with her little sister.

"Wolffe, make her put on some armor and you'll be my favorite brother," Rex said.

"Excuse me?" Cody asked, indignantly.

Before a fight started, 17 shut them all up with a look and then turned to see the screen again.    

Obi-Wan: I spoke to Master Yoda about it. You should put in a request for one. You'd make a good teacher. 

“No” 17 said. 

Anakin: (chuckling) No, thanks.

Obi-Wan: Anakin, teaching is a privilege. And it's part of Jedi responsibility to help train the next generation. 

"So it is mandatory to take a Padawan?" Howzer asked.

"Seems like it"   

Anakin: A Padawan would just slow me down.

After a few clones give thumbs up, the ship opens and a teenage togruta girl steps out. 

" Haar'chak , I remember when you complained that she was young Rex, but I thought you were just being dramatic" 17 said, ignoring an indignant Rex as he looked at Ahsoka "How old is she?" he asked.

"14" Rex said as he kept glaring at 17 for calling him dramatic

"And the Jetiise thought it was a good idea to put a 14-year-old girl with no military training on a battlefield because?..." 17 trailed off as he frowned. 

"To learn?" Rex asked, shrugging.

17 just sighed, when he talked to his boys he remembers how Cody, Wolffe and Rex sometimes mentioned Commander Tano. But he never thought about the fact that she was that young. Yes, the clones were practically children too, but they are created to fight and have the necessary training. The Jetiise do not. From what he can see, she lacks muscle, and as Wolffe said earlier the clothes she was wearing were also not suitable for the battlefield. Maybe when he got back he could help with something.

Obi-Wan: A youngling? 

Anakin: And who are you supposed to be?

R2-D2 beeps excited. 

Ahsoka: I'm Ahsoka. Master Yoda sent me. I was told to tell both of you that you must get back to the Temple immediately. There's an emergency. 

Anakin: Well, I don't know if you noticed, but we're in a bit of an emergency right here. 

Obi-Wan: Yes, our communications have been a bit unreliable, but we've calling for help. 

Ahsoka: Master Yoda hadn't heard from you so he sent me to deliver the message. 

Rex frowned at that, General Yoda sent a 14-year-old teenager with no battle experience to the battlefield to deliver a message?

Does he even know all the things that could have happened to Ahsoka for sending her alone?!

Anakin: (sighs) Oh, great. They don't even know we're in trouble. 

Ahsoka: Maybe you can relay a signal though the cruiser that just dropped me off. 

Obi-Wan and Anakin look at each other and the scene changes. The cruiser that brought Ahsoka is under attack.

Admiral Y: We need to go back and pick up our reinforcements. We've got to get out of here!

An officer is seen talking to Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka by the holographic table. 

Officer: We're under attack by Separatist warships, but I'll try to make contact with the Jedi Temple for you. Stand by.  

On Christophsis, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka wait, looking at each other in awkward silence. 

"Awkward" Howzer muttered. 

"Yeah, no shit, Sherlock" 

Yoda: Master Kenobi, glad Ahsoka found you, I am. 

Obi-Wan: Master Yoda, we are trapped here, and vastly outnumbered. We are in no position to go anywhere or do anything. Our support ships have all been destroyed.

Yoda: Send reinforcements to you, we will (the transmission starts cracking) 

Obi-Wan: Master Yoda? Master Yoda?!

Officer: We've lost the transmission, sir. 

Officer 2: (entering the room) We have lo leave orbit immediately. More enemy ships have just arrived. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Anakin: (after the call ends) Well, I guess we'll have to hold out a little longer. 

Obi-Wan: (talking to Ahsoka) My apologies, young one. It's time for a proper introduction.  

Ahsoka: I'm the new Padawan learner. I'm Ahsoka Tano.

Obi-Wan: I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi, your new Master. 

Ahsoka: I'm at your service, Master Kenobi, but I'm afraid I've actually been assigned to Master Skywalker. 

Anakin: (chuckling confused) What? No,no,no. There must be some mistake. (Pointing at Obi-Wan) He's the one who wanted a Padawan. 

"He didn't want her, did he?" Ponds asked.

"Well... Not at first, but now? Ha, do something to her and you'll have the 501st behind you, with General Skywalker in front of everyone" Rex said, giving a small smile.

Ahsoka: (with crossed arms) No, Master Yoda was very specific. I'm assigned to Anakin Skywalker, and he is to supervise my Jedi training. 

Obi-Wan looks very amused at this and looks at Anakin.

Anakin: But that doesn't make any sens-. 

"Is he really about to whine because he doesn't want a Padawan?" Thorn asked, shaking his head.

“He does have the right to complain though, he didn’t want a Padawan and then a Padawan is thrown at him? Yeah, even I would be upset” Havoc shrugged. 

“But there’s a way to handle that instead of yelling in front of said Padawan,” Wolffe huffed. 

Rex sighed and nodded in agreement with Wolffe “he could at least have a little tact with that though, thanks to that Ahsoka had so many insecurities that made her really reckless.”

Obi-Wan: We'll have to sort this out later. It won't be long before those droids figure out a way around our cannons.

Anakin: I'll check on Rex in the lookout post.

Obi-Wan: (sharing a look with Ahsoka) You'd better take her with you. 

“Tano ending up as Skywalker’s Padawan was his idea, wasn’t it?” Ponds asked as he stared at Obi-Wan, unimpressed. 

“General Yoda had something to do with it, I’m sure” Thire rolled his eyes. 

Without looking back, Anakin walks off, Ahsoka following behind as Obi-Wan stares at them. 

The scene changes to a building on a top of a rock, inside the building Ventress is seen talking to Count Dooku. 

Wolffe didn't hold back the snarl he let out when he saw Ventress, that fucking Dar'jetii , glaring at her, remember how he took out her eye, not to mention all the men he's lost because of her. While Rex, sharing the feeling with Wolffe, remembers how thanks to her he was left without men and he almost never comes back to tell about it.

Despite the time that passed, the nightmares are still there in both of them. Wolffe when Ventress took his eye and Rex with Teth's battle.

The others only looked at them sideways, worried.

Ventress: I have brought Jabba's son to the abandoned monastery. He will be.. safe here. 

Dooku: Good, good. Everything is going as planned. 

Ventress: (with a little smile) Yes, my lord.

Another hologram appears and Ventress kneels down.

"And who is that?" Havoc asked.

"....Sidious..." the voice said, trembling a little.

Some were confused, the... thing that had brought them Force knows where, that stopped time in the whole galaxy and is showing them the future, was afraid of... That Sidious guy?

"We should take care of him, right?" Rex asked, in itself it wasn't a good thing that Sidious was with the Separatists, but if he made even the voice tremble, the same voice that is doing all this thing, it certainly wasn't a good thing.

"...Yeah...it's better to take care of him"

Sidious: Soon the Jedi will not only be at war with you, Count, but the Hutt clan as well.

Scene: We return to Christophsis. Clones are on the balconies of the buildings, after making a sign Rex turns around just as Anakin and Ahsoka arrive.

Anakin: What's the status, Rex?

Rex: Quiet for now, sir. They're gearing up for another assault. (Looking at Ahsoka) Who's the youngling? 

Ahsoka: I'm Master Skywalker's Padawan. The name's Ahsoka Tano.

Rex: (glancing at Anakin) Sir, I thought you said you'd never have a Padawan.

"Why do you look grossed out?" Fox scoffed.

"I wasn't grossed out!" Rex answered, giving him a dirty look "Just... Confused"

"Aha"

"... Are you accusing him?" Bly asked. 

"No"

"You are"

"Bly"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up"

Anakin: There's been a mix-up. The youngling isn't with me.

Ahsoka: Stop calling me that! (A couple of troopers look at her) You're stuck with me, Skyguy (grinning).

Rex puts a hand over his mouth and starts laughing.

“You really didn't care and just laughed at him” Ponds sighed. Rex just smiled at his older brother. 

Anakin: What did you just call me? Don't get snippy with me, little one.

"So that's how the whole 'Skyguy' and 'Snips' thing started," Cody said with a small smile.

"What a way to disrespect your General Rex," Doom scoffed.

"Shut up Doom"

Anakin: You know, I don't even think you're old enough to be a Padawan. 

Ahsoka: Well, maybe I'm not, but Master Yoda thinks I am. 

Anakin: Well, you're not with Master Yoda now. So, if you're ready, you better start proving it.

"Ouch, I know he didn't want a Padawan but a little tact doesn't hurt, does it?" Keeli said, making a face.

"He already apologized for that," Rex said, trying to defend his General. 

"But Ahsoka didn't forget, did she?" Wolffe asked, remembering what Rex said about Ahsoka having insecurities and knowing how Ahsoka was one that didn't drop things so easily. 

Rex sighed "No, she didn't" at the moment he didn't believe that Skywalker had gone too far. But if it wasn't for all the dangerous things Ahsoka did to try to show herself worthy of being Anakin's student, (and after a scolding from Kix) the little Togruta would later admit to him why she always did all that. And after Rex convinced her that she didn't have to prove herself to anyone. That was when she started doing less dangerous things (or at least she tried to).

Anakin: Captain Rex will show you how a little respect can go a long way. 

Rex: (giving Anakin a dirty look) Ah... Right.

"Payback" 

"Bly!"

Rex: Come on, youngling.

Ahsoka: (walking past Anakin, irritated) Padawan.

The scene changes and we are now on the ground, Rex and Ahsoka walk together. 

Ahsoka: Have you thought about moving that line back, Captain? They'd have better cover that way. 

Rex: Thanks for the suggestion, but General Skywalker thinks they're fine where they are. 

Ahsoka: So if you're a captain, and I'm a Jedi, then, technically, I outrank you, right? 

Rex: In my book, experience outranks everything.

"Damn, look at you Rex, all wise" Bly laughed, though there was pride in his eyes.

"Bly, one more and I swear I-"

Ahsoka: Well, if experience outranks everything, I guess I better start getting some.

"Aww, she's looking up to you"

"..." Rex didn’t say anything, but there was a smile on his face. 

"...Is that a smile I see?"

"No"

"It is!!

"Shut up"

Ahsoka: (hearing a loud noise) What's that?

Rex: (smiling a bit, his face turns serious as he looks ahead)

"You're smiling!" Fox taunted.

"..."

"YOU LITTLE- CODY! YOUR CT BIT ME!" Fox yelled. 

"Good job Rex!" Wolffe celebrated. 

"Wolffe!"

"What?"

Rex: Not good. They've got an energy shield. That's gonna make things damn near impossible. (Looking at Ahsoka) If you wanted experience, little one, it looks like you're about to get plenty. 

Inside the energy shield, we see Loathsom.

General L: (peering out of his tank, looks at a droid approaching him)

Droid: (In a holographic communication) The clones are pulling back, and the lads tanks are now approaching the city center. 

General L: Get to those heavy cannons as quickly as you can!

Back in the clone camp, Ahsoka, Rex, Anakin, and Obi-Wan are together reviewing a holographic map. Ahsoka walks around trying to see the map. 

“Poor thing” Howzer murmured as he tried not to laugh, Ahsoka was really small compared to Kenobi, Skywalker and Rex. 

Obi-Wan: The shield generator is somewhere in this area. They're slowly increasing the diameter, and keeping it just ahead of their troops. 

Rex: Heavy cannons are gonna be useless against that. 

Obi-Wan: As they get closer, I suppose we could try to draw them into the buildings. That might level the playing field a bit. 

Ahsoka: If that shield's gonna be such a problem, why don't we just take it out?

Rex: Easier said than done. 

Anakin: Well, I, for one (coughing a little) agree with her. Someone has to get to that shield generator and destroy it. That's the key. 

Obi-Wan: Right, then. Maybe you two can tiptoe through the enemy lines and solve this particular problem together. 

Ahsoka: (nodding, determined) Can do, Master Kenobi. 

Anakin: I'll decide what we do. 

Obi-Wan: If Rex and I can engage them here, you two might have a chance to get through their lines undetected, here. 

Rex: They won't have much time. The droids far outnumber us, so our ability to street fight is limited without the use of heavy cannons. They will match forward under the protection of their shield until they are right on top of our cannons, then they'll blow them away. 

Ahsoka: We'll figure out a way. (Turning around) Come on, Master, let's go. 

Anakin: (behind here) If we survive this, Snips, you and I are gonna have a talk.

"Did they ever have that talk?" Cody asked Rex. 

"Nope" Rex rolled his eyes. 

Cody snorted. "Of course not" 

Rex: They make quite a pair, don't they, sir? You think they have a chance? 

Obi-Wan: They better. If they can't turn off that shield generator before it reaches the heavy cannons, there'll be no escape for any of us.

With Anakin and Ahsoka, they are seen on a high point looking at the shield.

Ahsoka: So, what's the plan? 

Anakin: (scoffs) I thought you were the one with the plan. 

Ahsoka: No, I'm the one with the enthusiasm. You're the one with the experience, which I'm looking forward to learning from. 

Anakin: (smiles for a moment and then looks back at the shield) Well, first, we need to get behind that shield, then get past their tank lines. 

" He's starting to like her" 

Ahsoka: Why don't we just go around? Outflank them? 

Anakin: That'd take too long. 

Ahsoka: Sneak through the middle, then? 

Anakin: Impossible. Unless you can turn yourself into a droid. 

Ahsoka: All right. You win. My first lesson will be to wait while you come up with the answer.

Anakin: Well, the wait's over. I've got a plan. 

Back with the clones, they attack with the cannons, but thanks to the shield, they don't do any damage.

Obi-Wan: That shield is certainly putting a crimp in my day. 

Rex: It's no use, sir! Even at full power the cannon doesn't affect it. 

Obi-Wan: All right, Rex. It was worth a try. Tell the men to fall back! 

Scene: The shield continues to advance. In a rectangular box it looks like Anakin and Ahsoka lean out a bit.

"He didn't"

"Yes, yes he did"

"This is- Rex what the hell is wrong with your general, huh?"

"Ha, and you haven't seen anything," Rex laughed.

That only made the others stare at him.

"We lost him"

"Hey!"

Ahsoka: (whispering) This is a stupid plan! We should fight these guys, instead of just sneaking around. 

Anakin: Except the fact that their deflective energy shield just passed over us. If you can't cross their lines, let their lines cross you. 

Ahsoka: If you say so. 

We see how the box moves away while the droids next to the shield get closer to where the clones are hiding. The shield passes over them. 

Obi-Wan: We're inside the shield. Just stay away from those tanks. 

Obi-Wan ignites his lightsaber and jumps down and begins to finish off the droids, clones shoot at the droids as they come down a rope.

Rex: (running towards another clone) Where's the General?! 

Clone: I don't know sir! 

The droids continue to get closer and Rex along with the other clones back off.

Rex: Fall back!! 

Obi-Wan is seen fighting alone, the scene changes and we are back with Anakin and Ahsoka.

Ahsoka: I think we made it past all of them Master. We may pull this off yet. 

Anakin: We still have a ways to go before we get to the generator station. 

Ahsoka: Do we still need this thing? I can't take it anymore. I have to stand up. 

Anakin: You have got to be careful! You never know what you're gonna run into. 

Anakin collides with a droid and he and Ahsoka fall to the ground. The droid turns around as he activates a shield.

Anakin: See what I mean? 

The droid fires at them as they block the shots with their lightsabers.

Ahsoka: We can't beat it's shield.

Anakin: Run! 

Ahsoka: What? Jedi don't run! 

“Ahsoka” Rex groaned. 

Anakin: I said run! 

They both break into a run as the droid rolls towards them.

Anakin: Ahsoka stop! 

Ahsoka: Make up your mind! 

Anakin: I said, stop! 

Ahsoka stops and runs through the droid with her lightsaber, Anakin finishes destroying it.

Anakin: Good. You take direction well. 

As Anakin walks away Ahsoka grimaces.

With Obi-Wan, he continues to destroy the droids while he protects the clones. Rex comes up from behind and shoots at a droid that nearly hits Obi-Wan.

Rex: They're right behind us sir! They wiped out most of my unit. We had to pull out of there. 

Obi-Wan: (taking cover with Rex) The shield almost reached the heavy cannons. 

Rex: We're not gonna be able to stop them sir. 

Obi-Wan: Move your troops back to the heavy cannons. Do everything you can to protect them. I'll delay the droids. 

Rex: (about to protest) But- 

Obi-Wan: That is an order, Captain! 

Just as Rex leaves, a droid jumps out where he and Obi-Wan were. Obi-Wan destroys it, then continues destroying the other droids as the clones fall back. An explosion passes behind Obi-Wan, when he turns around he sees more droids heading towards him.

Anakin and Ahsoka climb onto a flat surface, start walking towards the power generator.

Ahsoka: (Pointing at the generator) There it is. Come on. 

Back with Obi-Wan, he shuts down his lightsaber as the droids surround him. General Loathsom gets out of his tank.

General L: You must be the infamous General Kenobi. 

Obi-Wan: I surrender. 

"He's planning something isn't' he?"

"Yep"

A battle droid grabs Obi-Wan's lightsaber, then backs away.

General L: Now, Master Kenobi, order your troops to stand down. 

Obi-Wan uses the force and moves some debris.

Obi-Wan: General, have a seat.

"Kenobi too?"

"I don't know who is worse, Kenobi or Skywalker," Bacara said. 

"Hey" Rex and Cody give him a dirty look. 

"Anakin is not bad, I mean, his plans are... Something, but he is good" 

"Yeah, and Kenobi is great, not for mentioning that they care about us, thank you very much" 

General L: Have you gone mad? 

"Even Loathsom knows something is up, and is Loathsom! Loathsom " 

Cody and Rex only rolled their eyes. 

Obi-Wan: I've conceded the battle. Now we simply have to negotiate the terms of surrender. 

General L: Don't try any of your tricks, Jedi. 

Obi-Wan: Surely there's no reason we can't be civilized about this. 

General Loathsom emerges from his tank alongside a droid.

Obi-Wan: 'Tis a rare honor to be able to meet one's opponent face-to-face. You're a legend through the Inner Core. 

General L: Thank you. The honor is all mine. I'm so glad you decided to surrender. 

"You said?" Cody asked, smiling a little. 

"Shut up," Bacara said.

"Is he serious?" Thire asked.

"We're talking about Loathsom so..." 

"Good point" 

Obi-Wan: Well, at some point, one must accept the reality of the situation (clears throat). Might we have some refreshments? 

General L: You! (Points at his droid) Bring us something liquid. 

Obi-Wan: Thank you. This shouldn't take long. 

Scene: Ahsoka and Anakin move closer to the generator.

Anakin: Stay close. We've gotta be careful. 

Ahsoka: (starts to walk towards the generator) Come on! 

Anakin: Wait! 

Ahsoka: (running) Why? We're almost there. It's right.. (activates something)

Anakin: I said, wait! 

Droids start to come out of the ground.

Anakin: (running and cutting droids) Forget about the droids! Set those charges! 

Ahsoka climbs up to the generator and sets explosives. A droid comes up behind her and attacks her. Ahsoka dodges it, slashes it and sends it flying with the force. A part of the droid continues to spin, activating more droids.

Ahsoka: Sorry!! 

Anakin: Whose side are you on, anyway? 

Ahsoka: Setting the charges (starts putting the charges)

Outside the shield the clones continue to fight. A few clones keep running towards a barricade, one of them heading towards Rex.

Clone: Sir! General Kenobi's been captured! There's no one else left. 

Rex: We've got to hold out! We can't let that shield reach the cannons. Keep fighting! 

Anakin: (backing away as the droids close in) I could use a little help! 

Ahsoka: Skyguy, don't move! (starts to use the force)

Anakin: (dodging the shots) What? (looks up) No, no, no, no, no! 

A wall with a hole in the center falls, destroying the droids.

Anakin: (grunts) You could have gotten me killed! 

Ahsoka: I know what I'm doing! 

Anakin: I had everything under control.

"He... was saying that he could use a little help," Thorn said, making a face.

"So'ika saves his life and that's how he thanks her?" Wolffe says, growling.

Ahsoka: (with crossed arms) I just saved your life. 

“She did almost kill him though,” Neyo grimaced, “if she let that thing slip…”

The droids reach the clones, who try to hold out as long as they can.

Clone 1: There's too many of them!

Clone 2: Fall back! Fall back! 

Clone 3: Man's down! 

Clone 4: Medic! We need a medic here! 

Obi-Wan is still sitting in front of Loathsom, both of them holding mugs. Loathsom drinks his in one gulp while Obi-Wan gently does so.

Obi-Wan: Ah, And of course, once you've taken custody of my troops, arrangements will need to be made for their food and shelter. Tell me, do you have enough supplies to- 

General L: Enough of this! You are stalling!

Obi-Wan: Nonsense, General, there are numerous details to be discussed. 

Loathsom knocks over the 'table' in a rage.

General L: Seize him! 

Two droids behind Obi-Wan lift him up.

General L: Unless you call off your troops right now, I will have no choice but to destroy you. 

Obi-Wan: Truthfully, I was hoping your shield would be knocked out by now. 

"So he was buying some time" 

Anakin: Did you get the charges set? 

Ahsoka: Yes. 

Anakin: (looking at Ahsoka angrily with his arms crossed) Then what are you wanting for? 

Ahsoka, looking at Anakin still angry, hits the explosives button, the generator is destroyed and the shield disappears.

Droid: Uh-oh. 

Loathsom looks up and sees the shield disappear.

Obi-Wan: Oh, well. 

Obi-Wan escapes from the droids that had him dangling and jumps behind Loathsom, grabbing him by the neck. The droids start firing and one hits close to Loathsom.

General L: Don't fire! 

Obi-Wan: Ha, something appears to have happened to your shield, General. 

Rex: All cannons, fire on those tanks! 

Republic cannons fire and hit the droids.

Droid: What happened to the shield? 

Obi-Wan, still holding Loathsom, answers a holographic call.

Admiral Y: General Kenobi, if you can hear me, we're through the blockade. The Separatist armada is in retreat. Your reinforcements should be landing in a moment. 

Obi-Wan looks up to the sky and sees Republic ships arriving.

Anakin watches the ships arrive, then looks at Ahsoka, who is sitting with her head down.

Yoda reaches where Obi-Wan is.

Obi-Wan: Your timing is perfect, Master Yoda. 

Yoda looks at him.

Anakin sits next to Ahsoka.

Anakin: You reckless little one.

"Reckless? Exactly what right does HE of all people has to say that to her?'' 17 raised an eyebrow.

Anakin: You never would have made it as Obi-Wan's Padawan. 

Ahsoka closes her eyes and keeps her head down.

Anakin: But you might make it as mine. 

Ahsoka raises her head in surprise and beams at Anakin. 

Rex smiled as he looked at the way Ahsoka beamed at Anakin’s comment. 

Anakin smiles back at her.

Anakin: (getting up) Come on. 

Ahsoka gets up too and follows Anakin as a ship lands in front of them. Captain Rex on board.

Rex: Great job General Skywalker. (Looking at Ahsoka) You too, kid. 

Ahsoka smiles at him.

"Aww, look how happy she is!!"

Keeli shakes his head as he looks at Howzer.

"Rex" Howzer said. 

"What?"

"Introduce me to Ahsoka"

"And if I don't want to?"

"It's all right, I'll go meet her myself!" He said determined.

Rex and Keeli exchanged glances while the others looked amused.

Ahsoka and Anakin arrive where Obi-Wan and Yoda are.

Anakin: Thanks for the ride, Rex. 

Rex: Anytime, sir. 

Anakin: Master Obi-Wan, Master Yoda.

Yoda: Mmm. Trouble you have, with your new Padawan, I hear. 

Ahsoka gives Anakin a small look, who returns the gesture.

Obi-Wan: I was explaining the situation to Master Yoda. 

Anakin: Really? 

Yoda: If not ready for a Padawan, you are, then perhaps, Obi-Wan, we can- 

Anakin: No, wait a minute, I admit Ahsoka is a little rough around the edges. But with a great deal of training, and patience, she might amount to something. 

Ahsoka looks at him relieved and smiling.

Yoda: Then go with you, she will, to the Teth system.

Rex winced hearing from Teth, he and Coric were the only survivors, a little more and they might not have made it. 

Cody put a hand on Rex's shoulder. He knew that for his little brother Teth was difficult, yes, there have been difficult battles, but Teth left a mark on Rex, and it was not good.

Anakin: Teth? That's Wild Space. The droid army isn't even in that sector. 

Yoda: Kidnapped, Jabba the Hutt's son has been.

Anakin: You want me to rescue Jabba's son? 

Obi-Wan: Anakin, we'll need the Hutt's allegiance to give us advantage over Dooku. 

Yoda: Negotiate the treaty with Jabba, Obi-Wan will. Find the renegades that hold Jabba's son, your mission will be Skywalker. 

Ahsoka: Come on Master, it doesn't sound that hard. I'll find Rex and get the troops organized.

"She got excited because she wants to go with you!"

"I know"

"Keeli"

"Yes, Howzer?"

"I want a Padawan"

"Wha- Howzer... No- we can't have a Padawan"

"Why?"

“We already have Hera, Howzer” Keeli sighed, Howzer sometimes played like a little kid just to annoy him, but now he was doubting if this was true or not.

Howzer just held back his laugh at Keeli's face, it was always fun to tease him.

Although he would still like a Padawan, thank you very much.

Obi-Wan: Don't worry Anakin. Just teach her everything I taught you and she'll turn out fine. 

Anakin: You know, something makes me think this was your idea from the start.

Anakin is walking towards a ship.

Obi-Wan: Let's just hope Anakin is ready for this responsibility. 

Yoda: Ready, he is, to teach an apprentice. To let go of his pupil a greater challenge it will be.

I'm sorry, what?" Rex asked.

"So they just gave him Ahsoka so he can learn to let go of his attachment?"

Yep, Rex could already feel a headache.

Yoda: Master this, Skywalker must. 

Obi-Wan and Yoda watch as Anakin and Ahsoka leave on the ship.

The screen goes black. 

"Well, we'll take a few minutes break and then you'll watch the Teth battle" said the voice.

Rex got up to take a look while trying to ignore the looks the others were giving him.

Damn it with the voice, Teth had already passed a long time ago, after Teth he was and still is dealing with the pain that the fucking planet left him for to be reminded of it again.

"Rex"

Rex looked up to see Cody, who nodded for him to follow him around a corner.

"You okay?"

"I'm fine, Cody, I'm not a cadet anymore, you don't have to look at me like I'm a little kid, okay?" Rex snorted, looking anywhere but Cody's eyes.

"Okay" Cody said, when Rex got like this it was best to wait until he was comfortable or willing to talk. The last time someone that forced him did not go well at all, vomiting, dizziness and panic attacks were one of the things that Rex went through when they tried to make him speak by force.

"I just want you to know that I'm here, okay?"

"...Yeah Cody, I- uh, I... Thanks, ori'vod" Rex muttered, looking at him tiredly and with a small smile.

Cody smiled back, things were tense right now. Maybe then Rex would calm down and finally let him help him.

He would like to think that, at least. 

Chapter Text

As you may already know, in this watching I plan to make the clones see important moments from The Clone Wars.

Ok, so, here's the thing.

Here I am going to put the list of the chapters that I am going to show them. Along with that, I'm planning to show them other things about the future, like Order 66, Ahsoka and Ezra talking about Anakin, Rex and The Bad Batch and things like that. 

I searched the chronological order for The Clone Wars (hopefully it's right bc if not :( ;;) 

So, here's the list of the things they're going to react to:

From Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)

The introduction of Ahsoka until Anakin decides to have her as a Padawan in Clone Wars. ✅

The Battle of Teth in Clone Wars. ✅

From Star Wars: Clone Wars: 

Season 1:

Clone Cadets (S.3 Ep.1) ✅

Rookies (S.1 Ep. 5) ✅

Season 2 (+season 1 and 3): 

Landing at Point Rain (S.2 Ep. 5) ✅

Weapons Factory (S.2 Ep. 6) ✅

Legacy of Terror (S.2 Ep. 7) ✅

Brain Invaders (S.2 Ep. 8) ✅

Grievous Intrigue (S.2 Ep. 9) ✅

The Deserter (S.2 Ep. 10) ✅ 

Jedi Crash (S.1 Ep. 13) ✅

Defenders of Peace (S.1 Ep. 14) ✅

Supply Lines (S.3 Ep. 3) ✅ 

The Mandalore Plot (S.2 Ep. 12) ✅

Voyage of Temptation (S.2 Ep. 13) ✅

Duchess of Mandalore (S.2 Ep. 14) ✅

Death Trap (S.2 Ep. 20) ✅

R2 Come Home (S.2 Ep. 21) ✅

Lethal Trackdown (S.2 Ep. 22) ✅

ARC Troopers (S.3 Ep. 2)  ✅

Heroes on Both Side (S.3 Ep. 10) ✅

Nightsisters (S.3 Ep. 12) ✅

Monster (S.3 Ep. 13) ✅

Witches of the Mist (S.3 Ep. 14) ✅

Overlods (S.3 Ep. 15) ✅

Altar of Mortis (S.3 Ep. 16) ✅

Ghosts of Mortis (S.3 Ep. 17) ✅

The Citadel (S.3 Ep. 18) ✅

Counter Attack (S.3 Ep. 19) ✅

Citadel Rescue (S.3 Ep. 20) ✅

Padawan Lost (S.3 Ep. 21) ✅

Wookie Hunt (S.3 Ep. 22) ✅

Season 4: 

Darkness on Umbara (S.4 Ep. 7) ✅

The General (S.4 Ep. 8) ✅

Plan on Dissent (S.4 Ep. 9)✅

Carnage of Krell (S.4 Ep. 10) ✅

Kidnapped (S.4 Ep. 11) (working on it)

Slaves of the Republic (S.4 Ep. 12)

Escape from Kadavo (S.4 Ep. 13) 

A Friends In Need (S.4 Ep. 14)

Massacre (S.4 Ep. 19)

Bounty (S.4 Ep. 20)

Brothers (S.4 Ep. 21)

Revenge (S.4 Ep. 22)

Season 5:

A War on Two Fronts (S.5 Ep. 2)

Front Runners (S.5 Ep. 3)

The Soft War (S.5 Ep. 4)

Tipping Points (S.5 Ep. 5)

Revival (S.5 Ep. 1)

Eminence (S.5 Ep. 14)

Shades of Reason (S.5 Ep. 15) 

The Lawless (S.5 Ep. 16)

Sabotage (S.5 Ep. 17)

The Jedi Who Knew Too Much (S.5 Ep. 18)

To Catch a Jedi (S.5 Ep. 19)

The Wrong Jedi (S.5 Ep. 20)

Season 6:

The Unknown (S.6 Ep. 1)

Conspiracy (S.6 Ep. 2)

Fugitive (S.6 Ep. 3)

Orders (S.6 Ep. 4)

An Old Friend (S.6 Ep. 5)

The Rise of Clovis (S.6 Ep. 6)

Crisis at the Heart (S.6 Ep. 7)

The Lost One (S.6 Ep. 10)

Voices (S.6 Ep. 11)

Destiny (S.6 Ep. 12)

Sacrifice (S.6 Ep. 13)

Season 7: 

Gone with a Trace (S.7 Ep. 5)

Deal No Deal (S.7 Ep. 6)

Dangerous Debt (S.7 Ep. 7)

Together Again (S.7 Ep. 8)

The Bad Batch (S.7 Ep. 1) 

A Distant Echo (S.7 Ep. 2)

On the Wings of Keeradaks (S.7 Ep. 3)

Unfinished Business (S.7 Ep. 4)

Old Friends Not Forgotten (S.7 Ep. 9)

The Phantom Apprentice (S.7 Ep. 10)

Shattered (S.7 Ep. 11)

Victory and Death (S.7 Ep. 12)

From Star Wars: The Bad Batch:

Season 1: 

Aftermath (S.1 Ep. 1)

Cut and Run (S.1 Ep. 2)

Replacements (S.1 Ep. 3)

Cornered (S.1 Ep. 4)

Rampage (S.1 Ep. 5)

Decommissioned (S.1 Ep. 6) 

Battle Scars (S.1 Ep. 7)

Reunion: (S.1 Ep. 8)

Bounty Lost (S.1 Ep. 9)

Common Ground (S.1 Ep. 10)

Devil's Deal (S.1 Ep. 11)

Rescue on Ryloth (S.1 Ep. 12)

War-Mantle (S.1 Ep. 14)

Return to Kamino (S.1 Ep. 15)

Kamino Lost (S.1 Ep. 16)

Season 2: 

Spoils of War (S.2 Ep. 1)

Ruins of War (S.2 Ep. 2)

The Solitary Clone (S.2 Ep. 3)

Tribe (S.2 Ep. 6)

The Clone Conspiracy (S.2 Ep. 7) 

Truth and Consequences (S.2 Ep. 8)

The Crossing (S.2 Ep. 9)

Retrieval (S.2 Ep. 10)

Metamorphosis (S.2 Ep. 11)

The Outpost (S.2 Ep. 12)

Pabu (S.2 Ep. 13)

Tipping Point (S.2 Ep. 14)

The Summit (S.2 Ep. 15)

Plan 99 (S.2 Ep. 16)

Besides that, like I said, they are going to react to 'scenes' or 'extras' to put it someway. Please remember that this list can change with time.

Agreed to add:

Order 66 in Revenge of the Sith.

Anakin and Palpatine in the opera. 

Palpatine reveals he's Darth Sidious. 

Kanan's death in Rebels. 

Ahsoka's "death".

Kanan's true identity.

The Empire using Luminara's corpse as a trap.

Darth Vader reveals he's Luke's father in Empires Strikes Back.  ("I am your father" scene)

Darth Vader betraying the Emperor in Return of the Jedi and then Vader's death. 

The Ghost Crew meeting Rex, Wolffe and Gregor in Rebels. (I was thinking of putting like the scene only but I think I'm gonna write the whole chapter too) 

Rex having memories about the Clone Wars in Rebels.

Anakin accepting the Dark Side in Revenge of the Sith.  

Ahsoka and Ezra talking about Anakin in Rebels. 

Ahsoka meditating in the temple in Rebels. 

Ahsoka vs Vader in Rebels. 

Ezra saves Ahsoka in the Worlds Between Worlds in Rebels.

Obi-Wan vs Anakin and when Vader is created in Revenge of the Sith. 

Obi-Wan and Maul's last fight

Ezra, Kanan and Rex fighting old battle droids

Thinking of adding:

Obi-Wan vs Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi. 

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon vs Maul in The Phantom Menace 

Anakin podracing in The Phantom Menace 

Qui-Gon, Padmé and Jar Jar meet Anakin in The Phantom Menace 

Obi-Wan on Kamino in Attack of the Clones 

How Anakin lost his hand in Attack of the Clones 

Luke tells Leia they're siblings. 

Sassy padawan Obi wan

Vader being evil → then showing Anakin cares

Anakin and Padme's wedding

Shmi death, Anakin and the Tuskens and Padmé comforting him in Attack of the Clones (this one is already done, but I'm still not sure if I want to publish it)

The Deception ARC

Specials:

Special 1: Them seeing the things Fox does in the times he doesn't remember. (Practically a day with the Coruscant Guard)

Special 2: The Malevolence episodes 

Special 3: Tales of the Jedi

Special 4: Blue Shadow Virus episodes 

That all I got till now, if u guys think I should add or remove something plz tell me (same with the episodes)

That's it, probably gonna take a while bc of school college but yeah

See you guys in the next episode! (or not, who knows) :D

List updated at 10/24/23! 

Please read!!

You can keep recommending things to add! Just remember that it has to be from the Star Wars universe only, and it has to be before the Sequels, I like the sequels (I don't love them nor a I hate them, also FINN MY BELOVED <33), but they're are really in the future(?, and I at least don't think (and don't remember either😭) that there's something important for the clones to see. Though maybe if I get inspiration and in the mood, I can make a special in which they react to the things that happen after Return of the Jedi. That is for future me though, present me wants to finish this first 😅.

I also won't do comics in this story since I haven't read a single one, and I don't know where I can read them for free, though as I already said about the Sequels, if you recommend me something that happens in the comics and I can find it without my phone and computer getting viruses, then I will write it in another story :D 

Remember that this list can be updated a lot of times, so (though I don't know if I will add something in the next days) it wouldn't be bad if you check it sometimes :D! 

Thanks to everyone who requested so many things, and special thanks to amici for helping me and making a list of the things the people suggested! You really helped me a lot and made this a lot easier :D <3! 

Remember to take care of yourself, eat and drink something!

Love you people <3 :D

Now I think that's all for now, see you guys next time! (or maybe not)

Chapter Text

After a short break, in which the clones had already eaten (and after a long fight between Bacara, Neyo and the voice), and after Cody tried to talk to Rex trying to be calm (spoiler, he didn't make it), the Commanders along with the 2 captains found themselves in a quiet conversation as they waited for the screen to turn on.

"He still hasn't given up?" Fox asked, rolling his eyes seeing Cody trying to get Rex to talk to him, who looked unimpressed.

"Cody was always a stubborn bastard" Wolffe laughed "No doubt, Rex really has the patience I wish I had"

"Patience he took from me," Ponds said proudly as he sat down next to Wolffe.

"Ponds. Shut up" Wolffe glared at him.

"Make me"

"Ponds I swear to the Force I-"

"Ignoring those two, do you think Rex is going to be okay?" Gree asked.

That only attracted the attention of others.

"What are you talking about?" Bly asked, frowning.

"Oh please. Didn't you see Rex's face when they showed the Christophsis situation? And without forgetting the reaction he had when they talked about showing the battle of Teth"

"The Battle of Teth was that bad?" Grey asked, looking at Bly.

"To be honest I... Have no idea."

"You have no idea?" Bacara snorted, crossing his arms.

"Teth was difficult for Rex, okay? He doesn't like to talk about it. What I do know is that it was a very tough battle with almost no survivors. The one who knows more is Cody, but..."

"He's not going to say anything" Gree concluded, coming to the same conclusion as everyone.

It was not surprising, since Gree remembers Rex and Cody have always been very close. He remembered those days when Cody returned after a while to Shebse and Edee's room and said (or rather informed, because no matter what the others told him, for being as stubborn as he is, it didn't change his mind) that he had adopted a CT, saying it calmly as if it was an everyday thing. He remembers how everyone in the room kept asking him questions, it wasn't that they stopped talking until Cody, ignoring the chaos, said that he was going to the shooting range. When they decided to follow him they saw him helping Rex. Since then the blonde CT had become part of Shebse (who tried to claim him as their own which Edee wouldn't allow) and Edee Squad. Alpha-17 later agreed to let him take some CC training, behind the Kaminoans back for a couple of weeks.

Seeing him always together had become something normal (much to the Kaminoans' annoyance) although they decided to leave it when they saw Rex's score (which was better than the other CT's) being close to those of a CC.

So since Rex never betrayed Cody's trust, Cody wasn't going to either. It doesn't matter what they did.

"Cody"

"I know, I know, but Rex, I just want to make sure you're okay."

"Cody, I'll be fine, really" tried to convince Rex.

That just made Cody stare at him, it was a lie and they both knew it.

"If something happens, I promise to tell you, okay?"

"..."

"Cody" Rex said, annoyed. 

"Fine, but don't even think that you're going to get away so easily"

"Wouldn't dream of it" Rex said with a little smile. 

Before he could say anything else the voice spoke.

"Sorry for the wait, there were some things I had to solve"

"Things to solve?" Thorn asked with a raised eyebrow as he walked with the others back to their seats.

"Nothing you have to worry about" tried to calm the voice "well, without further ado, let's start"

We see how some ships leave a Republic cruiser, inside one of the ships Anakin is seen talking to Obi-Wan by a commlink.

Obi-Wan: All right Anakin, here's the story. Jabba has given us only one planetary rotation to get his son back home to Tatooine safe and sound.

"Just one? Man, Jabba sure wants them dead." 

"It's Jabba" 

"Fair point" 

Anakin: Won't take us that long, Master. 

Obi-Wan: Well, take extreme care. We have no idea who's holding Jabba's son. When I've finished negotiations with him, I will join you. 

The ships continue advancing, in the monastery a few droids are seen.

Droid: There's something coming. I can't make out what it is. 

Droid 2: I don't like it. Prepare to attack.

Droid: Ahh, What if it's one of ours? 

Droid 2: Shut up, Sergeant. I'm in command here! 

Droid: Roger, roger. 

On one of the ships, Anakin and Ahsoka are seen, wearing Jedi robes. They have a little conversation.

Anakin: Stay close to me, if you can. 

Ahsoka: It won't be a problem, Master. 

Anakin: (looking at her seriously) This isn't practice, Ahsoka. 

Ahsoka: I know, (grinning) and I'll try not to get you killed. 

Anakin smiles, seconds later the ship jerks.

In the monastery, droids are seen shooting at the ships.

Droid: (to a droid spider) Good shot boy! 

Clone Pilot: Sir! We're taking heavy fire! 

Anakin: Close the blast shields, Lieutenant! Get us under those guns! 

Clone Pilot: Yes sir! 

Ahsoka: Here we go. 

Rex: Ridge, your com's gone static. 

Ridge: (tapping his helmet) Got it.

Rex smiles a little. Ridge is a good man, even if he's still a shiny he has shown to be able to be there, he is sure that at some point, and with a little more training, maybe he would be good for Torrent.

Clone Pilot: Red light. Stand by. 

Ahsoka watches tense as the clones prepare. The ships land.

Clone Pilot: Welcome to paradise, rockjumpers. 

Clone: Green light! 

Anakin leaves the ship, the clones and Ahsoka following behind.

Rex shifted in his seat, uncomfortable and not wanting to be there. Cody gave him a worried look.

Rex: Go, go, go! 

Clone: Move it! Move it! 

Clone 2: Watch it! Watch it! 

Clone 3: Hurry!

Following an explosion, Ahsoka begins to deflect shots with her lightsaber.

Clone 4: Go, go, go! 

Droid 2: Concentrate fire on Sector 11374265! 

Droid: 1137... What was that again?

"How the hell haven't we won the war yet" Doom muttered looking at the droids.

Droid 2: (grabbing the droid's head) Just fire right there (pointing).

Republic walkers are seen starting to shoot at the droids.

Anakin: Follow me! 

Anakin led the troops to the base of the rock.

Droid: I can't see them. 

Droid 2: Where'd they go? 

Droid: (trying to see, falls) Oh my God! 

Droid 2: (peeking out) Get back here, Sergeant. 

Ahsoka: So, (looking at Anakin) this is where the fun begins. 

Anakin: Race you to the top. 

Ahsoka: I'll give you a head start. 

Anakin: Your mistake.

"Are they always this competitive?" Havoc asked.

"You have no idea," Rex said, rolling his eyes with a fond smile.

Clone: Ascension cables! 

Anakin starts to climb with the help of the cables.

Ahsoka: I'm right behind you, Master! 

Ahsoka starts to climb with the cables. As clones start to climb while shooting, she sees a walker slowly starting to climb, Ahsoka looks at it and smiles.

Anakin deflects shots with his lightsaber, Ahsoka uses the rope to swing up to the walker.

Droid 2: Wow! (After an explosion) Target those walkers! 

A spider droid shoots down one of the walkers. Droids and Clones keep firing. A droid falls and Anakin destroys it. A clone on the walker where Ahsoka is going is injured and falls. Ahsoka ignites her lightsaber and leaps in front of the walker as she deflects the shots.

As Anakin continues to fire, some droids fly towards him. Ahsoka sees them, tries to deflect the shots, but as they pass they hit the walker, who loses his balance, breaking away from the surface. Anakin sees how Ahsoka almost fell, he goes down quickly and just as the droids return, Anakin destroys them by jumping from one to another. He takes one of the ships and flies away.

Anakin: (looking at Ahsoka for a moment) Gotta keep up! 

Ahsoka: Hey! No fair! 

Anakin flies up while shooting at the droids.

Anakin: Rex, follow me!

"Follow me, he says, doesn't he see that you are below?"

"Skywalker being Skywalker" Rex answered lightly.

Rex: Yes sir! Working on it. 

After the walker stabilized. The walker clone is seen firing, Ahsoka peeking out to the side.

Ahsoka: Get this thing moving! 

Anakin moves closer to the droids, jumping and reaching with the help of the force. He goes down with a flip as the droids surround him.

Droid: Surrender Jedi!

Anakin activates his lightsaber and from below Ahsoka sees the droids fly away. Anakin destroys another droid, then 3 shield droids roll towards him.

Anakin: Blast it Ahsoka, I told you to stay close to me. 

A shot from a walker destroys the droids.

Ahsoka: (smiling) I can't get much closer, Skyguy. 

Anakin: I knew you'd get here, Snips, eventually. 

Ahsoka: Always in time to save your life. 

Rex: All clear General. 

Anakin: Nice work Rex. Have some men look after the wounded.

"Are...those troopers kicking a droid?" Colt asked.

"What? Where?"

"Behind Commander Tano"

"..."

"Kicking a droid that's clearly destroyed," Monnk raised an eyebrow, looking at Rex.

"...They were making sure that it wouldn't work anymore....?"

"Is it an affirmation or a question?" Fox asked

"Affirmation....?"

"That sounded like a question, Rex"

Rex ignored them.

Rex: Roger that, sir. Gunships are held at a safe distance. 

On a balcony, a droid is seen next to Ventress.

"That witch," Wolffe muttered, frowning. 

Ventress: The droids have done their part. Now it's your turn. 

Anakin: Too many droids here for them to be renegades. I sense Count Dooku's hand in this. Let's find Jabba's son and get outta here. 

Ahsoka: No problem. The hard part's over.

"Why did she have to say that?"

Anakin: I wish you wouldn't say that. 

Anakin starts walking towards the monastery entrance, followed by Ahsoka, Rex and more troopers. The door of the monastery opens and they begin to enter. The troopers turn on their helmet lights.

Rex: I don't like this place. It gives me the creeps.

"Scared, Rex?" Keeli teased, seeing Rex's face.

"Make fun of it all you want Keeli, at least I didn't freak out over a baby tooka" Rex sneered back.

That only caused an embarrassed Keeli to throw a pillow at Rex, who dodged it as he scoffed at him.

"He got you there"

"Shut up Howzer!"

Ahsoka: This looks like one of those B'omarr monk monasteries that I read about in my studies at the Temple. 

They keep walking, looking everywhere.

Anakin: Smugglers take these monasteries over, turn them into their own personal retreats. 

Ahsoka: And the monks just let them? 

Anakin: Smugglers usually get what they want, one way or another. 

A metallic noise is heard and Anakin activates his lightsaber, the droid that was with Ventress is seen walking towards them.

"This is a joke"

"Nope, it's not"

Ahsoka: Umm, Good guy or bad guy Master? (Looking at Anakin) 

Anakin: (pointing the lightsaber to the droid) Who are you? 

Droid: Merely the humble caretaker, O mighty sir. You have liberated me from those dreadful battle bots. I am most thankful. 

Anakin: Where is the Hutt? 

Droid: The battle bots kept their prisoners on the detention level. I must warn you it is very dangerous down there, my friend. (Looking at Ahsoka) Not a place for a servant girl.

"Servant Girl?" Wolffe growled.

"The droid has already been destroyed Wolffe" Rex said, without hiding the anger in his voice.

"Kriff"

"Ahsoka destroyed It" Rex sighed. 

Wolffe hummed and nodded, "Good"

Ahsoka: (mad, pointed his lightsaber near the droid's head) Do servant girls carry these? I am a Jedi Knight. 

Anakin looks at her with crossed arms.

Ahsoka: (Switching off her lightsaber, looking away) or soon will be. 

Droid: A thousand apologies, young one. 

Ahsoka walks past the droid, giving him a dirty look.

Anakin: Captain, we'll get the Hutt. Stay here and keep your eyes open. 

Rex: Copy that, sir.

Rex tensed, Cody seeing this only pressed closer to his younger brother.

Ventress is seen still wearing her robes entering a room filled with droids. To then start talking to a hologram of Count Dooku.

Ventress: They have taken the monastery, Master. Skywalker is here. He's on his way to rescue the Hutt. 

Dooku: Well, done, Ventress. All is going according to plan. 

Ventress: I could easily take them now. 

Dooku: Patience. Collect the data I need. You will get your chance at revenge soon enough. 

Droid 3: Mistress, the Jedi have entered the dungeons. 

Anakin and Ahsoka are seen walking through the corridors, behind them some 'hiding' droids

Ahsoka: (looking over her shoulder) Master, you know you're walking us into a trap? 

Anakin: I know

Ahsoka: We just passed two more droids. 

Anakin: I know. 

As they continue walking, more 'hiding' droids are seen.

Ahsoka: Well, I don't like this. Can I just take care of them? 

Anakin: Oh, well, if you feel so strongly about it, go ahead. 

Ahsoka deflects a shot from the droids and destroys them. As she does so, Anakin looks at her and smiles a little. 

"He's feeling proud"

"We know, Howzer"

"And look! She learns very fast!"

"Yes, Howzer"

"Rex, if Skywalker doesn't want her, can I keep her?"

"Yes, How- excuse me what?"

"If Sky-"

"I heard you, no, you can't keep her."

"But-"

"No. Howzer"

"..."

"Howzer"

"Fine"

Anakin: Not bad. You remembered to destroy their weapons first. 

Ahsoka: I'm improving your technique. 

Anakin lights his lightsaber and without looking destroys one behind him.

Anakin: Of course, you did miss one. 

Ahsoka: I did that on purpose. 

Anakin: (in front of a door) I sense our kidnapped Hutt is in here. 

Ahsoka: (exclaiming in disgust) I smell him too. 

"The door is closed?"

"Togrutas have a bit more heightened senses than clones, so it's no surprise she can smell it" Cody said "What?" he asked, seeing how they were looking at him.

"And how do you know that?" Fox asked. 

"Because when we found out that we were going to have a Togruta Padawan, the 212th did a little research on the Togrutas, and Nii'ver also made me know some other medical procedure in Togrutas in case something happened"

"Oh"

"I never thought to see Cody being responsible in his life." 17 told Fordo, smirking when he saw Cody glare at him in embarrassment.

"17!"

Anakin opens the door, Jabba's son is seen crawling towards them.

"...Looks like a snail"

"Wolffe!"

"Rather slimy"

"Monnk!"

"Nah, more like a worm"

"Not you too Bacara. Please ."

Anakin: He's a lot younger than I thought he'd be. 

Ahsoka: Oh, he's just a baby (smiling at the little Hutt) This will make our job a lot easier. Oh, he's so cute.

"Cute?"

"We lost her"

"Bly!"

Anakin: (frowning) Just wait until you see what he'll grow into. 

Outside the monastery we see the clones guarding the area. A clone approaches Rex.

Sergeant: No sign of any more droids, Captain. 

Rex: All right, Sergeant. (Talking to Anakin for the comm) General Skywalker, the castle is secure.

"Secure" Rex snorted, frowning.

Wolffe glanced at him, worried.

Rex: And it's nearly midday. 

Anakin: Thanks Rex. We've got Jabba's son. Any sign of General Kenobi yet? 

Rex: No, sir. 

Ahsoka: Master, my Jedi training didn't prepare me for this. What are we gonna do? 

Anakin: Well, since you think that smelly larva is cute, you're gonna carry it. 

Ahsoka stares at the little Hutt.

In space, Obi-Wan is seen in his ship arriving at the Republic cruiser. He lands in the hangar and is greeted by Clone Troopers.

Obi-Wan: Commander, tell Admiral Yularen to get underway. We need to reinforce Anakin. 

Cody: Right away sir. 

Back at the monastery, Anakin and Ahsoka are seen walking outside, the little Hutt in Ahsoka's arms.

Anakin: How do you like your little buddy now? Still cute? 

Ahsoka: You know, he's reminding me of you more and more. See? You're two of a kind. 

Anakin: Maybe you should carry both of us then. 

Ahsoka looks at the little Hutt, who a few seconds later begins to cough.

Ahsoka: Master, I think this little guy is sick. He's burning up with fever. 

Anakin: (Putting his hand on Rotta's head) You're right. We've got to get him back to the ship immediately. Trooper! Get me a backpack! 

The droid from earlier films Anakin and Ahsoka from a balcony. Which put Rotta in the backpack.

Ahsoka: Will you just let me do it? 

Anakin: I hate Hutts.

"Kriff"

"Just great," Neyo said, sarcastically.

Ventress walks away with the droid and calls out to Count Dooku.

Ventress: My lord, I have the recording you requested. 

Dooku: Transmit it at once. Your new objective is to recover the Hutt. 

Ventress: And deliver to Jabba unharmed? 

Dooku: Precisely. Do not fail me. 

At Jabba's palace, Count Dooku shows Jabba the recording.

Ahsoka: Will you just let me do it? 

Anakin: I hate Hutts. 

Jabba growls, not happy.

Dooku: As you can see, it is the Jedi who have your son and are plotting against you. 

Jabba speaks in Huttese.

Dooku: My droid army has already initiated a rescue. Rest assured, mighty Jabba, your son will be saved. 

Jabba speaks.

Droid: Mighty Jabba wishes to know what you ask in return. 

Dooku: Perhaps you would consider joining our struggle against the Republic. 

Back in Teth. 

Obi-Wan: (in comm) Anakin, did you locate Jabba's son? 

Anakin: We have him, but it looks like the Separatists are behind his abduction. This smells like Count Dooku to me. 

Ahsoka: I think it's little Stinky you smell. 

Obi-Wan: I'll bet Dooku is using us to get Jabba to join the Separatists.

"Kenobi is a diviner now? Damn Cody, you got the complete package" 

"Kriff you, Bacara"

Ahsoka: Master Kenobi, we have another problem. This Huttlet is very sick. 

Anakin: I'm not sure we can get him back to Tatooine alive Master. This whole rescue may backfire on us. I still don't think dealing with the Hutts is a good idea. 

Obi-Wan: Anakin, you know they control shipping routes in the Outer Rim. Jabba's cooperation is crucial to the war effort. If you let anything happen to his son, our chance of a treaty with him will disappear. 

Ahsoka: (hearing something and looking at the sky) Master? We've got trouble! 

Separatist ships are seen in the sky.

Rex: Defensive positions!

By this time Rex was already fully tense. Starting to clench his fists as hard as he could. It didn't take long for Wolffe to sit close to him, followed by Ponds and Bly.

As much as Rex loves his brothers. Like all clones, there are battles he doesn't like to tell, Teth being one of those. As impossible as it is, he would like to forget that battle.

Obi-Wan: Anakin?

Anakin: I'll have to call you back, Master. We're under attack. We could use a little help here if you have the time. 

Obi-Wan: I'll get there as soon as I can. Protect the Hutt, Anakin. 

Separatist ships arrive and start firing, Anakin deflects the shots, the clones are seen firing at the ships.

Clone: We've got spiders inbound! 

R2-D2 jumps out of the ship he was on just before it was destroyed.

He watches as more droids exit the dropship. Ventress watching.

Anakin: (to Ahsoka) Get inside! 

Ahsoka runs off along with Artoo, running under a walker who almost steps on her. The walker is hit and explodes, killing another Clone nearby.

Anakin: Fall back!

Spider droids get closer while the clones along with Anakin back off.

Rex: Fall back! Fall back! 

Anakin slips under the door just before it closes. The droids stand still as Ventress arrives.

Droid: Mistress, the Jedi have barricaded themselves inside the main vault. 

Ventress: They have nowhere to run. 

Inside the monastery.

Anakin: Captain, we'll stay here until General Kenobi arrives with reinforcements.

Anakin turns to Ahsoka who looks at him with a serious face.

Anakin: What?

Ahsoka: Master, do you honestly think we can hold them off? We've got to find a way out of here.

"Easy to say, hard to do"

Anakin: Our mandate is to protect this Hutt, and that's what we're going to do, Ahsoka. 

Ahsoka: Our mandate was to get this Hutt back to Tatooine, and time is running out. 

Anakin: I suppose you have a plan. 

Artoo starts beeping.

Ahsoka: Yes, (looking at Artoo for a moment) or I think so, R2 willing.

Anakin: All right, Snips. I'll trust you on this one. (Looking at Rex) Captain, hold them here as long as you can. 

Rex: Will do sir. You heard the General! Get ready to turn those flankers into scrap metal!

"Great way to raise your men's spirits Rex" Gree said, trying to remove some of the tense air that was there.

That drew a small smile from the Captain of the 501st. Gree took that as a small victory.

Ahsoka and Anakin follow Artoo who leads them to a control room.

Ahsoka: If there's a way out of here, Artoo will find it. 

Artoo connects.

Anakin: Make it quick. (Artoo answers him) Finally sleep, huh? Put him down. Get some rest yourself. It's been a long day for you, little one. 

Ahsoka: I can hold him Master. I'm not tired. 

Anakin: (sitting down) Okay, suit yourself. I don't see why you won't just listen to me. 

Ahsoka: I do listen to you, Master. I just don't like being treated like a youngling. 

"But... She is a youngling?"

"Ha, she's just like you Rex," Cody laughed a little.

"And what exactly does that mean?" Rex asked, giving Cody a dirty look. 

Cody just smiles and looks back at the screen. 

Anakin: You must have patience. What are you trying to prove anyway?

"Maybe that she's capable of being your Padawan? Wasn't he the one who told her to start proving she was good enough to be a Padawan?"

Ahsoka: That I'm not too young to be your Padawan. 

Anakin: Ahsoka, a very wise Jedi once said, "Nothing happens by accident." It is the will of the Force that you are at my side. I just want to keep you there in one piece. 

Ahsoka puts the backpack on the floor, the scene changes and the clones are seen pointing at the door, covering themselves with walls.

Cody starts tapping Rex's arm.

"You okay?"

"I don't know”

“You don’t know?”

“I’m okay”

“Rex?”

“I think”

Outside the monastery some droids try to open the door, while looking at the control panel.

Droid 2: The red one? 

Droid 3: No. 

Droid 2: The blue one? 

Droid 3: No, not that one. 

A red lightsaber slices through the control panel, Ventress shuts it down.

Droid 2: That'll work. 

Inside the monastery, the clones continue to take aim.

Clone: They've cut the lock! 

Rex: Here they come!

The droids enter and start shooting, the clones shoot too.

Clone 2: Hold the line! 

A clone falls. 

Clone 3: Second wave! Second wave! 

A spider droid is seen entering.

Rex: Watch your left! 

Anakin and Ahsoka look at each other in alarm.

Anakin: That sounded bad. 

Artoo beeps and projects a holomap of the monastery.

Ahsoka: A backdoor landing platform! 

Anakin: We'll call for a gunship when we get there. Lead the way Artoo. (Looking at the backpack) Ahsoka wait, where's Stinky? 

Ahsoka: You told me to put him down! 

Anakin: Find him! 

A cough is heard under a seat, Ahsoka and Anakin bend over to see and find the little Hutt. Anakin pulls him by the tail.

Anakin: Come outta there, you grubby little slug. 

At the front door. Rex is seen leaning against a wall.

"Osik" 

"That bitch-"

A couple of taps.

"Rex?"

Ventress: Take care of what's left of the clones. I'll go after Skywalker. 

Droid: Roger, roger.

Ventress: Seal the main gate and all portals. Let nothing escape this castle.

"Rex...?"

"I'm okay" Rex swallowed. 

Droid: Yes, Mistress

Rex moves slowly and taking one of his DCs points it at Ventress, who moves the droid in time blocking the shot. Rex continues to shoot at her as Ventress activates her lightsaber and blocks the shots, forcibly taking the weapon from him and beginning to strangle Rex, who growls as he puts his hands to his neck, gasping for breath.

"She. Fucking. Didn't" Wolffe said in a low, dangerous tone, clenching his fists.

At this point everyone was already tense, Rex started to tremble.

"Cody... I'm not" Rex whispered, his eyes focusing on the screen. 

Cody looked at Rex, worried. "Rex?"

Ventress: Where is Skywalker? 

Rex: (having difficulty to talk) I.. don't talk to Separatists scum. 

Ventress looks at him for a few seconds, then drops him. Rex falls to the floor, breathing heavily.

Ventress: (using the Force) You will contact Skywalker now.

"Cody, I think I'm not okay" 

Cody froze, staring at the screen with hatred, Rex never told him about this. Wolffe slammed his fist on the chair, muttering a thousand ways he could kill Ventress. Bly was thinking of a way to get out so he could shoot the Dar'jetii himself and Ponds was trying to calm down (without much success really) 17 had destroyed one of the arms of the chair and was about to do the same with the other.

The others weren't any better. Fox was thinking of talking to some of his contacts to see where Ventress was going to be next time, Bacara was thinking of more ideas to go after the Sith with Wolffe, Neyo and Gree agreeing with them. Fordo was frowning, fists clenching slightly. A little more and Rex wouldn't have gotten out of there.

Thorn and Thire don't think they've ever seen Fox this angry. But they're more than ready to go after Ventress if he asks them.

Monnk didn't have to think twice before deciding that he would help the others take down a certain Separatist Sith.

Keeli and Howzer saw this in surprise, and were not happy at all. While on Ryloth, neither of them have ever encountered or seen a sith, but they'll be damned if they let her hurt Rex again, no sir, without Rex, Keeli and Howzer might not have passed the final exam of the Citadel back on Kamino and wouldn't even be there.

"She. Fucking. Didn't" said Wolffe quietly "Rex tell me that THAT didn't happen"

"Wolffe, calm down," Ponds said. 

"Rex. Speak. Now"

"Wolffe, Stop!"

"REX FUCKING TELL ME!" Wolffe yelled. 

"WOLFFE! STOP" Ponds yelled, stand

"IT HAPPENED OKAY?! WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY?!" Rex yelled. 

"Rex, I need you to listen to me" Cody tried to convince, when Rex and Wolffe fight it never ends well.

"SHE FUCKING CAME, KILLED MY MEN AND FUCKING USED ME TO TRY TO KILL MY GENERAL AND COMMANDER!" Rex said, standing up, looking and Wolffe furious. 

"REX!"

"ANd... And she-..sh-she.." Rex tried to speak. 

"Rex, I need you to listen to me" Cody said, trying to calm his vod'ika. Rex couldn't finish, his breath quickening.

"Rex- hey, hey, hey! Rex I need you to look at me" Cody said, standing in front of Rex 

"Cody-" Rex said, gasping for breath.

"I'm here, Rex."

"Cody- Cody I can't-".

"Rex"

"I can't... Breathe... Cody, I-"

Cody took Rex by the arm and led him into the bathroom, slamming the door as he tried to calm Rex down.

The room fell silent.

"Rex, hey, look at me Rex'ika okay? Udesii, udessi, Rex." Cody said with a soft tone. When Rex had panic attacks it was hard to calm him down.

"Cody!-"

"I'm here, Rex" Cody said, what is he supposed to do in a situation like this? Ponds was way better than him. And sure he'd had panic attacks, as did his men, but normally he let a medic take care of things like that. Remembering when Nii'ver helped him with panic attacks, how did he calm him? Maybe he can call Ponds, it would only take a couple of seconds... 

No, no, what the hell was he thinking? Rex needs him right now. And just like Rex was always there for him, he was going to do the same. 

Even if he doesn't know what to do… Ponds was definitely killing him, 17 too, probably. Kypher was going to kill him along with Kix if he found out he didn't know how to help his Captain. And knowing the 501st they'd join as well.

Oh well. It was a good life. 

What was he doing? 

…

...Right, help Rex. What was that thing that Nii'ver taught him? Maybe...

"Rex, hey, can you tell me 5 things you see?" he wasn't even sure what the order was, and he didn't care right now, his priority right now was to calm Rex down.

“Y-you, the floor… the walls. The roof..and-and the door.”

“Okay, 4 things you hear?”

“Your voice… My armor wh-when I.. move, Wolffe and Fox arguing.”

“You are doing good, Rex. 3 things you can feel”

"The floor, the wall... your arm."

“2 things you can smell.”

"Disinfectant" Rex gave a small smile "And that stupid perfume that Bly always wears."

"He still thinks he will impress General Secura with that" Cody laughed a little "1 thing you can taste."

“My tears... They're salty… They taste horrible,” Rex laughed.

"Yes" he laughed "...Hey, I'm here Rex, you did well, I'm proud of you". Cody said, hugging Rex as tight as he could, stroking his hair.

Rex never let anyone touch his hair.

No one.

Well, no one but Cody. 

And sometimes the others, but mostly Cody. 

After a while, Cody looked at Rex's face, which was full of tears, but no sobs, no hiccups, just tears. Cody sighed.

Being 'defective' Rex got too used to being as quiet as possible in every way he can. That way when he complained about an injury or cried he wouldn't have to give the Kaminoans another reason to why they should decommissioning him. 

At least he was a little better now, which relieved Cody a little.

After a while Rex had stopped crying, shaking a little.

"Where are you going?" Rex asked in a low tone as he watched Cody get up.

"I'll tell the others to keep watching without us."

"No"

"Excuse me?"

"I said... no, Cody... If I don't feel good I'll leave it to you, okay? But... I... I don't want to stay here" he said looking around the bathroom "I can't stay here"

A while after Cody and Rex were staring at each other in silence, they decided to continue watching the rest of the scenes (reluctantly, of course).

The two of them left the bathroom to sit down, Rex ignoring (or at least trying to) everyone's stares. He didn't need their pity, what had already happened, happened, and there was no changing that.

"Rex" Wolffe spoke, already a little calmer than their last confrontation.

"Later, Wolffe, okay?" Rex asked, looking at him tired, he just wanted it to end.

"Rex-"

"Wolffe, Gedet'ye"

Wolffe stared at him, and nodded resignedly, feeling guilty.

Silence took over the room completely and the screen lit up.

Rex: I will contact Skywalker now. 

Ventress smiles. 

In the control room. 

Anakin: Let's see you get away this time. 

Rex: Anakin, come in.

"Anakin? I never thought I'd hear you say your General names Rex" Bly said, trying to remove the tense air from the room.

"It doesn't come as easily as it does to you, Bly," Rex said, with a small smile.

Bly just gave him a dirty look.

Ahsoka: "Anakin"? 

Rex: We've held the droids, sir. 

Anakin: That's not like Rex. 

Rex: What is your location? 

Anakin: Ventress. 

Ahsoka: Dooku's assassin?

Anakin: She's here to kill the Hutt. Come on. 

Droid: Mistress, I must inform you that Republic reinforcements have arrived."

"Finally," Keeli sighed in relief. The reinforcements were there, and Rex would be fine.

Ventress: We must hurry. 

Droid: Roger, roger. 

In space, the Jedi cruiser is seen approaching the planet, several ships leave.

Obi-Wan: Skywalker is in trouble. You know the drill. 

Clone Pilot: Copy that, sir. 

A droid is seen talking to Ventress over a commlink.

Ventress: The Jedi warships have arrived. You must hold them off until I finish my mission. Do you understand? 

Droid C: Yes, sir. I mean, ma'am, sir. Launch all fighters! 

The fighting droids fly away, and the battle begins. Obi-Wan is seen dodging gunfire on his ship. The scene changes to Anakin and Ahsoka running on the landing platform.

Anakin: Skywalker to Obi-Wan. Mark my position. I need a medical ship immediately. Do you copy? 

Obi-Wan: Anakin, do you read me? Anakin.

Anakin presses a few buttons on his commlink.

Obi-Wan: Come in! They're jamming our transmissions. I hope Anakin is having an easier time than we are. 

Anakin: I can't get a hold of Obi-Wan. I'll see if I can find Captain Rex. 

Rex is seen with another trooper, arms behind their heads.

Anakin: Come in, Rex. Do you copy? 

Droid 3: Did you hear that? 

Droid 4: It came from the prisoners. 

Rex: Let me show you how it works, clanker. 

Anakin: Do you copy?

Rex punches the droid and takes his blaster to shoot the other droids while using the shield droid. The other clones waste no time as they grab their weapons and shoot at the droids.

"Not bad Rex" 17 said.

Rex looks at the rest of Shebse with a smile. They just shake their heads and roll their eyes.

"But tell me you're not going to be punching droids like Cody does"

"Hey!"

Anakin: Captain Rex, respond. 

Rex: I read you General. We're pinned down in the courtyard. 

Rex and the troopers take cover behind a walker.

Anakin: Do you need help? 

Rex shoots some droids without speaking.

Anakin: I'll take that as a yes, Captain. Stand by, we're on our way. Skywalker, out. 

Ahsoka: Master, Stinky is really sick. He's turning every shade of green except the one he's supposed to be! Our mission was to get him back to Tatooine alive. 

Anakin: Obi-Wan will get here eventually. Right now, we need Rex to help us find a ship. 

Shield droids roll toward them.

Ahsoka: Great. Rolling death balls. 

The droids start shooting at them.

Anakin: (dodging shots) R2, the door! 

As Ventress approaches, Artoo goes and connects, closing the door. Ventress wastes no time and activates her twin sabers, smashing them through the door while starting to cut a hole.

Anakin: I think now's a good idea time for a retreat. 

Ahsoka: "Retreat"? That's a new word for you. 

Anakin: Maybe into the jungle. 

Anakin goes and looks down.

Ahsoka: Wait, I remember the jungle was a bad place. 

Ahsoka joins him and when he looks down he sees some spider droids, coming up as they fire.

Anakin: So much for going that way. 

Ventress continues to cut through the door.

In the backyard. Rex keeps shooting and goes next to a trooper.

Clone: We can't hold out much longer, sir! Where's General Skywalker?

Rex: He'll be here. 

Rex is shown firing alongside the other troopers and getting surrounded by the droids.

"Come on, Skywalker," Howzer muttered.

"You know this already happened, right?"

"Hush Rex, I'm worrying about you can't you see?"

Rex rolled his eyes, with a small smile.

Ventress has almost cut the door completely.

Anakin: Looks like we're out of options. 

Rotta starts to complain.

Ahsoka: No, not now, Stinky. 

Rotta points behind Ahsoka who turns around.

Ahsoka: Master! Another landing platform! 

Anakin: With a ship on it! 

Ahsoka: Nice work, Stinky. 

Ahsoka: So how are we gonna get over there? 

Anakin: Leave that to me. 

Anakin jumps off the platform and lands on top of one of the large flying insects.

Ahsoka: I hope I don't have to learn that. 

"She learned that, didn't she?" Gray asked.

"That and more" Rex replied, rolling his eyes, remembering the dangerous things Ahsoka did. He swears that she takes 10 years off his life every time she does something dangerous, if possible.

Ventress finishes cutting the hole and goes inside. Ahsoka activates her lightsaber and the two engage in a fight, before Ventress pulls Ahsoka back.

Ventress: Where is Skywalker? 

Anakin: (in the insect) Right here Ventress. 

The insect tail knocks Ventress over. 

Ahsoka: Time to go. 

The spider droids shoot at the platform which ends up breaking.

Anakin approaches Ahsoka still on top of the insect. 

Anakin: Hop on, Snips.

Ahsoka: Like I have a choice! 

Artoo falls off the platform before activating his thrusters and following Anakin and Ahsoka.

Ventress stares at them and a droid approaches her.

Droid: Count Dooku demands a report on your mission. Should I tell him that they got away or what? 

Ventress uses the force and knocks the droid down.

Droid: Why?! 

Back in the battle in the sky.

Odd Ball: I'm hit! I can't shake them! 

Obi-Wan chases the droid that goes after Odd Ball.

Obi-Wan: Just relax, Odd Ball. I'm right behind you. 

Obi-Wan destroys the droids. 

Odd Ball: Thank you sir. I'm sorry I panicked. 

Obi-Wan: That's all right Odd Ball. It happens to everybody. 

Obi-Wan looks at the monastery. 

Obi-Wan: It looks like there's some kind of battle on the east side of the palace. 

Odd Ball: I see it, sir. 

Obi-Wan: And if there's a battle, Anakin's probably in the middle of it.

"So that's how Kenobi knows if Skywalker in a place or not?" Monnk asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Pretty much, yeah, if there's destruction? He's there. If there's no destruction? 99% he's not there"

"And the other 1%?"

"Surprisingly, he's there".

Obi-Wan: We'll start looking for him there. All ships, follow me. 

Anakin and Ahsoka jump, reaching the landing pad.

Ahsoka: We're taking this junker? We'd be better off on that big bug. 

Anakin: Get aboard and prime the engines. Assuming it has engines. 

Ahsoka sees the droid from when they entered the monastery walking towards the ship.

Ahsoka: Hey! You're that caretaker droid. I wondered what happened to you. 

Droid: Oh, young one. I mean, soon to be a Jedi Knight. I had to get away from that terrible...

Droid 2: Okay, everything's loaded. Let's get out of...here..

Ahsoka: Why you tin-plated traitor! (Actives her lightsaber)

Droid: Blast her! 

Ahsoka dodges the gunfire as the droid tries to run away.

Anakin: (watching her) She's at it again. Let's go. 

Ahsoka destroys the droids and growls at the caretaker droid.

Droid: Don't you dare! Don't...you...dare.

Back to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan: Commander Cody, prepare the gunship for ground assault. 

Cody: Yes sir. Go, go, go!

Cody gives a signal and the ships leave, heading towards the monastery.

In the courtyard. A clone shoots a vulture droid which falls on top of other droids.

Rex: This is it! Scrap them! 

Rex and another trooper jump off the walker and continue firing at the droids. The trooper's gun runs out of ammo, so he jumps on the vulture droid and goes to hit a droid, and picks up his arm and kills him.

Obi-Wan: Take over, R4.

Back with Rex, he and the other trooper are surrounded by the droids.

Droid: Surrender, Republic dogs! 

Rex: We've got you outnumbered! 

Droid: Outnumbered? Wait. One, two, three... 

A few shots destroy the droids. Obi-Wan jumps out of his ship and begins destroying the droids with his lightsaber. The Republic ships join in and begin firing. Cody joins more troopers and shoots at the droids. Obi-Wan approaches Rex.

Obi-Wan: Where's Skywalker? 

Rex: Best guess is he's still in the castle sir. 

Obi-Wan: Keep the droids occupied. I'll go find him! 

Obi-Wan enters the monastery. 

Ventress: Master Kenobi! Always chasing after Skywalker. How predictable. 

Obi-Wan: Anakin leaves quite a mess. Which always leads me to you, Ventress.

"Are they… flirting?"

"Kenobi flirts with everything that breathes," Rex scoffed.

"That's not true!" Cody contradicted.

"It is!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"Boys" 17 spoke, ending the fight.

Back with Anakin and Ahsoka.

Anakin: Now let's get Stinky out of here. (Pushing a button, which does nothing) If we can. 

The ship still won't turn on.

Ahsoka growls, impatiently.

Anakin: Relax, Snips. R2, see if you can spark the ignition couplers. 

Artoo goes and plugs into the ship's control panel. The ship's engine still won't start.

Artoo says something.

Anakin: No, that's not it. Try opening the fuel lifters all the way. 

Artoo did so and the ship started.

Anakin: Good work buddy. 

Artoo shakes happily.

The ship approaches the battle.

Ahsoka: Master Kenobi is here. Now we'll see some real fireworks.

"Ouch, right on Skywalker's ego."

Anakin: Excuse me? What do you call what I've been doing all day? 

Ahsoka: I don't know. The word "reckless" comes to mind.

"And she can call it reckless?"

Anakin: Very funny, Snips. Back to work. The troops still need our help. Charge the main guns. 

Ahsoka: How are we gonna help? Stinky's getting sicker and sicker. 

Anakin: But we promised Rex we'd help them. 

Ahsoka: Master, we've got to get him to the medics on the Jedi cruiser. It's our only chance to get Stinky back to his father still breathing.

"I get the point, if they didn't take Jabba's son he would probably have gone to the Separatists but…" Thire said.

"She's right. The mission is more important, and I don't blame her for that" Rex said.

Anakin thinks about it for a moment and touches the commlink above him.

Anakin: Captain Rex, this is General Skywalker. 

Rex: Yes, General. 

Anakin: We're not going to be able to help you. 

Rex: (after being silent for a few seconds) Don't worry about us, General. We'll be alright. (Looks at the ship going away) The mission always comes first sir. 

Rex fires at the droids again.

Rex: Cover me!

"And now what are you going to do?"

Rex just smiled at him.

Rex brings out an explosive and rolls under the spider droid as he plants the explosive, leaving it behind just as the droid explodes.

"REX!"

"Yes?" Rex asked innocently as he looked at Shebse.

The screen goes dark.

"Well, here we go for today, I would like to show you more but there are some… technical problems, I'm sorry you saw that again Rex, but…" The voice said.

"It was necessary, yeah, yeah. This better help us save the Galaxy…" Rex growled.

"And it will" said 'or at least I hope so' thought.

"What will we see now?"

"Nothing, at least not for a while. For now, the door behind you, like I said, leads to a patio. In addition to that, it will also take you to your rooms, each one has its own bathroom and clothes so you can be more comfortable. As you come out you will follow it straight and at the end there will be a door for each one with your name in it." The voice said "I would like to take you personally, but for reasons I still can't let myself be seen. Now with nothing more to say, I wish you good night, see you tomorrow" the voice ended.

"Well, you heard everyone, go to sleep. I don't want to see any of you hanging around at night, am I clear?" 17 asked, Fordo next to him, giving each one of them a look.

"Sir, yes sir"

After leaving the room they were in and following the instructions of the voice, they saw their rooms.

Rex entered his, it had the blue of the 501st (he smiled at that), on his bed (which was gigantic by the way) there were sleeping clothes. Being tired he took a quick shower and after having changed he went out ready to sleep.

Of course, he hadn't expected to see Shebse laying so comfortably in his bed.

"What the-"

"Oh, hi Rex!" Ponds greeting of the most normal. As if he hadn't gotten into his room with his other older brothers without him noticing.

"What… what are you doing here?" Rex asked, tired and confused.

"We came to sleep, isn't it obvious?" Bly asked, looking at him quizzically.

"You don't have your own rooms?" he asked again, they wanted something. And Rex would find out what it was.

"We thought about having a... sleepover?" He said or rather asked Ponds.

"If you don't want us here just say so Rexy" Wolffe snorted, giving him a dirty look.

"Don't call me that!" Rex exclaimed, feeling his face turn red with embarrassment. Wolffe had given him that nickname, thinking it would be funny, in the end he only calls him that when he wants to embarrass him or when they are alone or with the other Shebse. "Now talk, what are you doing here? Because I'm pretty sure there's more than just a simple 'sleepover'," Rex demanded.

"I told you he wouldn't believe it," Bly said. 

"Well?" he asked again.

After a few minutes of silence as they exchanged glances, Wolffe decided to speak.

"We were worried about you," he admitted. "And... I wanna apologies, you know, for earlier"

"It's... It's alright, okay?"

"Yeah, eh, ok, cool.."

"Sooo... Worried?" Rex said looking at them confused, until he came to realization. The panic attack, Cody never said things he didn't want to…Unless he'd think he was in danger, or that he needed help. "Hey... I'm okay, alright? I mean the attack was... Something, but... It was to be expected, you know? I mean... With all this and reviving Teth again, well... No- it won't happen again. I, um, can handle this on my own. You don't need to worry alright? You can go back to your rooms, I'm really sorry for bothering you" Rex finished, going to sit on the bed, not wanting to see their eyes.

"Rex... You know you don't have to lie to us right?" Ponds said, with a gentle tone in his voice. "Panic attacks are something that come and go, okay? It's something that is difficult to control. And although it may be impossible not to have them, that's what we're here for. To help you."

"Besides, what's that 'sorry for bothering you' thing? Rex, you don't bother us. We're here because we want to, okay?" Bly said, sitting down next to him.

"Rex" Cody spoke "We came because we wanted to know how you are, okay? After all this, to see Christophsis again, and then Teth... We would like to stay, but if you think you'll be better off alone, just say so, okay Rex'ika?"

After a minute of silence Rex spoke.

"I guess... If you're gonna stay here nothing bad will happen" Rex said, looking anywhere but at the faces of his brothers.

The others just smiled, relieved, and wasting no time going to curl up on the blonde clone's bed, who was in the middle.

"Goodnight"

"Sleep well"

"Better not push"

"Nor snore"

"You do that Wolffe."

"Shut up, Cody."

"Are they going to start fighting?"

"Go to sleep! Now!"

"All right, sorry Buir." 

Without a doubt, this day was full of surprises for them. More bad than good.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

Or at least that's what Rex hopes. 

Chapter Text

The next day, things settled down and were a little better. Or at least that's what 17 hoped. After everything they've gone through and everything that has happened, to get to… Wherever they are, seeing Christophsis, Teth, the attack Rex had. They certainly deserved that break.

It has been too long since he had been in contact with his boys, but between having to train his new CC and sometimes being given missions did not help at all. Well, he means, yes he has been able to talk a little bit with Ponds, Bly and if it wasn't too much of a problem, Wolffe, but Cody and Rex were the ones the Republic almost always threw at the front lines. So the few moments that he has been able to talk to them were the moments he always makes the most of it.

17 always liked that when something happened, they would tell him directly before finding out from someone else's mouth. And though he feels upset that he didn't know what happened on Christophsis and Teth beyond the reports, he understands that they were tough battles, and while he wishes Cody or Rex had told him what happened, he didn't blame them. After what happened thanks to the betrayal of one of Cody's men, he understands that he wouldn't want to talk about it, at least if he can help it.

With Rex he knew that Christophsis had been bad for him as well. 17 had a vague idea of what happened in Christophsis with what little Cody and Rex told him. But he didn't expect Teth, although he knew that Rex had lost good men, yes, and that it was a difficult battle, but not all about what happened with that Dar'jetii. Everytime he tried talking to Rex he would end up stopping trying to get Rex to talk when he saw any signs of a panic attack and then he changed the subject to anything else.

And while he might like the idea of knowing exactly what happened right then and there, the truth is that finding out what happened, not from Rex or Cody, but from this voice that thought they were the ones best suited to save the Galaxy, left him a bad taste in the mouth.

So after 17 got out of bed with all those thoughts, he walked out the door and maybe later went to see his boys. For now he let them rest a little more, and so he continued on his way. Looking around, he wasn't sure what he expected to find, although the truth was he didn't expect to see a table full of food.

"Alpha, good morning" the Voice said. Softer than normal.

"Good morning," He murmured, feeling his stomach growl.

"I took the time to prepare breakfast"

"You did all this?" He asked her with an eyebrow raised and not looking away from the food.

"....I had a little help, but that's not the point. I thought maybe this would be better than the rations they give you, but if you prefer I can bring them."

"...I guess this isn't bad. Changing the subject, after we eat we'll see the future again, right?"

"Sort of, as we start these scenes I'll tell you if they're from the past or the future"

"You said we were going to see the future."

"Yes, but there are things from the past that also help to understand what is yet to be seen"

"Of course," He murmured.

"Well, I better let you eat in peace now. I'll be back in a while and we can continue watching" said the Voice "Oh, and Alpha?"

"Yes?"

"The food is not poisoned, you can check it, have a good meal"

After the Voice was gone (or so he assumed, thinking that it wasn't saying anything else), and after making sure the food was in good condition, he started to eat. A few minutes later Fordo arrived, who gave him a nod of greeting.

"Fordo" greeted back 17 "this food was left for us by the Voice. In a while we will return to that room to continue, I guess... 'watching' the future. Well, both the past and future according to the Voice" he replied, seeing the look that Fordo gave him and then the food.

After another nod, and 17 telling him the food was good, they both ate in comfortable silence.

Minutes later they each went to their side, 17 went to wake up Shebse and Fordo did the same to Edee.

Determined to wake Rex up first, he made his way to the bedroom.

Of course he didn't expect to see the rest there. So after looking at them with a raised eyebrow, he stared as they tried to wake up Rex (unsuccessfully).

"Rex… Rex, come on, it's time to wake up" Ponds said, shaking Rex to get him up.

"Mmm"

"Rex" 17 called, taking pity on them "time to get up"

"17?" Rex opened one eye.

"Yes, Rex'ika" he replied, his voice softening.

"I don't want to" he growled while settling back in his bed. It was actually one of the few times he has slept without nightmares. Totally peaceful. Perfect especially after experiencing all that happened yesterday...

"I know you don't want to, Rex, but you have to go and take a shower, I'll come back in a bit to get you something to eat, and you boys" he said, turning to the others "go and do the same. After you've finished I want you here in Rex's room, got it?"

"Sir, yes sir" they growled, annoyed at having to leave Rex, and the comfort of the bed.

After that, while the others left and Rex went to the bathroom, he sat on the bed. 

"17?"

He looked up, turning to Rex, who looked at him with a raised eyebrow and worried.

"All good?"

"Yes, how are you?" He asked, but then realized and remembered "I mean, after yesterday...."

"Arg... Look, I’m okay, alright?" Rex responded. 

"Rex" 17 said, not impressed.  

"Why doesn't anyone think I'm okay?!" Rex asked, upset. 

"That's exactly why" 17 murmured. 

 “What? My raised voice? I always do that 17, otherwise I wouldn't be able to control my men" Rex told 17 as he crossed his arms. 

"You have patience Rex, but aside from raising your voice when you're giving orders, you raise your voice with that little high tone when you're irritated. Or when you don't want to admit something"  

"That happens with everyone" Rex scoffed. 

"No, it doesn't happen. And you forget that although I didn't know you from the beginning, I have known you for quite some time. I know when you lie, if you ever try to that is" 17 said, glaring at Rex.  

"Excuse me? I know how to lie perfectly, thank you very much, and I'm fine, okay? Now, I'd like to go eat, I'm starving." He said, rolling his eyes, as he headed towards the door.

"Lie to yourself all you want Rex. You know, to be someone who gives so much advice that you're not alone and there are people who can help you, you suck at following them." 

"Are you going to keep criticizing me or are you going to take me to get something to eat?" Rex asked as he turned around to look at 17. 

"I just want you to know that if something happens, I'm here, no matter what it is, okay? I'd hate to have to remind you every 5 minutes. Now, come on, I'm sure Edee will already be there and the others will come…-" a knock on the door interrupted him "just now, let's go"

"All good?" Cody asked when he saw them leave.

"It's all good Cody, just 17 thinking I'm still a cadet" Rex complained. 

"Well, it does seem like it" murmured Wolffe to Bly and Ponds, who gave a small laugh.

When they arrived, Edee was already there, Monnk was sitting down, Keeli and Howzer arrived seconds after they arrived, Thire and Thorn following behind deep in conversation.

The table fell silent as they saw Shebse walk in with their gaze more specifically falling on Rex. Before they could do or say anything, Rex spoke as to first point something out and move on.

"Please tell me that you're not going to come with that if I'm okay or that you're there if I need to talk. I've had enough with this overprotectiveness, guys" he said as he nodded towards Shebse and 17.

"We're not overprotective, we just want to make sure you're okay," Ponds said, tapping him on the shoulder as he sat down with the others.

"Right"

"And all this food?" Fox asked.

"The voice" 17 answered "Apparently it did it with a little help. After this it will tell us when to go to the room to continue seeing the future".

"Oh"

"Well... Eat" 17 said after a minute of silence. 

"You and Fordo won't eat?" Monnk asked. 

"We already ate, we got up before you" he mentioned "Now eat, unless you want the rations"

With that it was enough (after confirming that the food is okay) for them to start eating, each one involved in their own conversations.

After an hour they had eaten and were just talking, back in the room at the beginning, waiting for said voice to announce itself and continue seeing what is supposed to help save the galaxy. 

"I'm glad to see that you've already eaten, sorry for the delay, now, let's start"

Brothers in arms are brothers for life.

"And... What is that?" asked Doom.

"Right… well, ahem, when I go to show you these episodes-" the voice started to speak. 

"Episodes? What are we, a series now?"

"It's easier to refer to it like that, okay? Like I said, in some of these episodes these phrases will appear. Don't ask me why because I don't know either, but they will appear"

Narrator: Clone Troopers unite! As war rages across the galaxy, the Republic's clone army strives for victory against the evil forces of the Separatists. Bravery, valor, unity, the lifeblood of victory on the battlefield and in space. It all begins on the planet Kamino, where Jedi General Shaak Ti oversees the training of clones, with the help of contracted bounty hunters. Bred to be perfect soldiers, these cadets must be subjected to intense physical and mental training before heading off to war…

We see a Squad doing a simulation. 

Droidbait: You're clear! You're clear! 

Hevy: Cover fire! 

Command: This is command. You must break through enemy linesand take the tower. 

Echo: Comlink just relayed orders from-

Cutup: We all heard the orders, Echo!

"Wait a min-"

"Echo? Like the shiny you adopted Rex?" Wolffe asked. 

"First, I didn't adopt him, okay?-" Rex started.

"Keep telling yourself that" Wolffe snorted. 

"-Second, this… is Domino Squad isn't it?" Rex asked, ignoring what Wolffe said. 

"You know a lot and they only appeared for a few seconds," Grey said.

"I help Fives and Echo mourn their brothers, of course I know about them!"

Echo: Stop calling me that!

Droidbait: Stop repeating every order! 

"That's how he got his name then huh?"

"But if he doesn't like it, why leave it?" Howzer asked.

"Considering the fact that his batch mates apparently named him like that, and now there's only Fives left, well…" Cody said.

"Oh.."

Hevy: Less yappin', more blastin! (Shoots some droids) Let's smoke these chrome domes and move on to the Citadel.

Echo: CT-782! You're breaking formation! 

Hevy: Just follow my lead, will ya? 

"They are getting very distracted," 17 said. 

Hevy keeps going while shooting.

Droidbait: He's clearing the path. I'm moving. 

Droidbait goes to Hevy's side, shoots and makes a signal to the others. Just before a lightning strikes him, Fives pushes him out of the way. 

"They don't pay attention either" Fordo muttered. 

Droidbait: Thanks, CT-27-5555. That was close. 

Fives: It's Fives! The name is "Fives"!

Hevy: Yeah, five pieces if you don't keep your head down! 

Echo: How about we follow orders? This is our last practice test. 

Fives: Will you shut up with instructions? You're not in charge. 

Shaak Ti is seen with the bountyhunters watching Domino. 

Some of the clones smiled, Shaak Ti was someone who actually cared about the clones, (despite the fact decommissioning hadn’t gone down.)

Shaak Ti: This particular unit seems to have some trouble. What do you recommend? 

Bric: Well, I'm no Jedi, so forgive me my bluntness, but I say they fail. Send'em down to maintenance duty with 99 and the other rejects.

"Rejects? That son of a-" Rex started to say. 

"That mouth!"

El-Les: We can't fail them yet. Remember, this is only a practice test. And besides, the Citadel course was constructed to be a difficult challenge. 

"...That trainer is contradicting General Ti to defend clones?"

"Maybe he does it because he gets paid to train cadets? Cadets who aren't doing the simulation very well by the way."

"Thanks for fucking up the moment, Blitz"

"No problem"

Shaak Ti: Although I don't agree with his sentiment, Bric isn't wrong. These cadets are far from ready. 

"Even General Ti thinks they can't get through? Damn."

Back with Domino. 

Fives: I can't hit anything from here. 

Cutup and Fives go to where Hevy is.

Echo: No! We have to follow orders! 

Echo is shot. 

"Echo follows pretty close to the manual doesn’t he?"

"Yes, although the guys make him loosen up a little bit more step by step" Rex replied.

Shaak Ti: The one they call "Echo" never adapts to the situation. 

Hevy keeps shooting droids, behind him, super battle droids shoot him in the back.

"And apparently Hevy forgot he has a squad"

El-Les: CT-782 seems to follow his own path. He can't do it all alone. 

Droidbait: You go. I'll cover you. 

Fives: I'm a better shot. You go 

Droidbait: (scoffs) No, you go! (Shoots a droid behind Fives). 

"And now they fight… yes, maybe they weren't ready to go out on the battlefield." 17 said.

Another droid appears behind Droidbait and with a couple of shots ends Droidbait and Fives. 

Bric: Look at those two. Argue on the battlefield, you end up dead. Ugh, and the last one. 

Cutup is shot in an arm and droids surround him. 

Cutup: I surrender! I surrender!

"And he just gave up, yeah, no, none of them were ready to go."

"Better alive than dead right?" Howzer whispered to Keeli, who only shrugged.

Bric: Need I say more? 

Shaak: If these cadets can't get past their short-sighted selfishness, they will never come together. Unity wins war, gentlemen. Computer, end exercise for Domino Squad. (Press a button) 99, would you please send a cleaning crew to the training ground? 

99: Yes, mistress. We'll take care of the mess. 

Bric: You should tell that 99 to drag away the mess called Domino Squad. 

Cutup: We almost had it this time. 

Droidbait: Oh, yeah, and we all look nothing alike either. 

Hevy: Sorry about the mess, 99.

99: Uh, it's okay, boys. Nice try. 

"99, always keeping an eye on the cadets," Rex smiled.

"Do you know 99?"

"I met him before Shebse adopted me. Whenever someone came to try to provoke me just by talking he would make them leave"

In the barracks. 

Fives: So I says to her, "Baby, you and me could really-" 

Cutup: You never even met a girl. 

"Really Fives" Rex shakes his head, sighing. 

Cody snorted and decided to stay quiet at Rex's glare. 

Hevy throws his helmet off in anger, rolling towards 99's feet.

99: You know, you shouldn't worry because most clones pass. 

Hevy: Yeah, but not all of us, right shorty? (Pats his head).

"Asshole"

"Howzer!"

Echo: Guys, we've got to follow orders. Come on! 

Fives: I don't know. I think it went rather well. 

"He thinks"

Cutup: Quit joking around! 

Droidbait: Can we please stop arguing? 

Hevy: Can you stop being droidbait out there? You're getting in my way. 

Cutup: Actually, our way. 

Hevy: Well, you want to be the best, then you got to think like it. And I'm thinking like an ARC trooper. 

The ones that are ARC Troopers raised an eyebrow. 

Echo: ARC troopers follow orders. 

Hevy: Care to repeat that, Echo? 

"Are they really going to fight again?" Bacara said, shaking his head.

Echo ignores him and bumps shoulders with Hevy who angrily pulls him back.

Droidbait: Come on. Get him Hevy! 

Cutup: Smack that know-it-all! 

Bric: (separating them) Cut it out. If you two would focus on fighting droids as much as you do fighting each other, you might stand a chance out there. 

Echo: Sorry, Master Chief. 

Hevy: Well, Master Chief, maybe our problems come from our training. 

"Did he just reply to a superior?"

"Yes"

Hevy: I'd rather be taught by a Jedi than some mercenary bounty hunter. 

"Didn't we come from a bounty hunter too?"

Bric: Jedi don't have the time to train grunts like you. That's why they hired me. 

Fives, Cutup and Droidbait come down from the barracks.

Bric: Listen, boys, when you were assigned to me, I had high hopes for you. Now we're approaching the end of your training, and you haven't advanced nearly enough. Even this batcher, 99, has more sense than you guys do, and he's a maintenance clone. 

99: (looks down) You-you don't give them enough credit. 

Bric: You're all a waste of my time. 

Hevy is about to follow Bric and Droidbait stops him, shaking his head.

The scene changes and we see Lama Su walking with Shaak Ti. 

Lama Su: I understand your concerns, Master Jedi. Ever since the unfortunate death of Jango Fett, we have to stretch his DNA to produce more clones. 

Shaak Ti: A Jedi does not feel concern, Lama Su. However, I have noticed this unit of clones have been… 

Lama Su: Deficient? My only thought is for you to search the galaxy and find a suitable donor for your future clones. 

A Kaminoan approaches to give them drinks, Shaak Ti shakes her head, as she goes to sit down.

Shaak Ti: And what of the clones produced so far? 

Lama Su: As you know, there is no one way to make a clone. Sometimes our efforts are less than successful. 

Shaak Ti: Are you suggesting we just cast off the Domino Squad? They're living beings, not objects.

"If only the galaxy thought that too," Havoc said, rolling his eyes.

Lama Su: You Jedi show too much compassion. Nevertheless, as General in charge of training, the decision on what to do with them would be yours, Master Jedi. 

"Of course, it's not like General Ti knew about the decommissioning."

"How many things do you think the Kaminoans are hiding from General Ti?" Grey asked.

"I'm sure of too many things" Colt answered "even things we don't know either. I mean, we're talking about the Kaminoans here"

Shaak Ti looks thoughtful. 

The scene changes and we see some squads, along with Bric and El-Les. ARC Troopers behind Bric.

"Well look at you Colt," Gree said with a smile.

"What?"

Gree only shook his head, still smiling. 

Bric: Gentlemen, who wants to be an ARC trooper? 

Clones: I do, sir! 

Bric: You have to pass your final test first. I want you to meet Commander Colt of the Rancor Battalion. 

Colt: I want you troopers to remember we're shoulder-to-shoulder on those front lines… Brothers. And sometimes we may quarrel, but no matter what, we are united. Rule one: we fight together. So who's ready to step up first? Let's start with the unit that ran the practice test in record time… ARC trooper time. 

Echo: Think he means us, boys? 

"Nope"

"Typical Colt, hoping and despairing troopers"

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

Colt: Bravo Unit, step up. 

Cutup: Well, bravo for Bravo Squad. 

Colt: Show an ARC trooper how it's done. 

Echo: Come on, boys. Maybe we can learn something. 

Hevy: Shut up, Echo. 

The ARCs enter a balcony.

Colt: Start the Citadel challenge, version THX, variable 1138. 

Bravo Squad begins. 

Clone: Go right! Flank him! 

Fives: We're better than these guys. 

Clone: Okay, this is it. Go for it! 

Echo: He's going to make it! 

Bravo Squad passes the test. Domino Squad put on their helmets and walk towards the simulation.

Colt: I'm impressed. You trained 'em well. Who's next? 

El-Les: The… Domino Squad. 

Bric laughs. 

Colt: And how are they? 

El-Les: Ah…

Hevy: We can do this, guys. 

Echo: All we have to do is follow orders. 

Domino Squad and Bravo Squad walk close to each other.

Clone: Check it out, guys. Time to watch the Dominoes fall. 

Cutup: They are so much better than us. 

Fives: Knock it off. 

Colt: Begin the program. Let's not take it easy on them. 

El-Les: They're getting faster than normal. 

Colt: Maybe so, but they're sloppy. 

Bric: This is nothing. Give them their next set of orders and watch the chaos ensue. I'm telling you, these guys just aren't ready. 

Hevy is in the front shooting. Fives goes next to Droidbait. 

Fives: I'll flank left. You flank right. 

Droidbait: Take it easy. I'm on your side. Get it? Your side, huh? 

"Was that a joke?"

"Even Fox makes better jokes...and that's saying something," Thire said.

"I heard that"

“I know”

Colt: Pretty unorthodox. 

Cutup: Droidbait, behind you! (Shoots the droid) Man down! 

Hevy: Forget him! I'm breaking for the Citadel. 

"Forget him?" Gree raised an eyebrow.

Fives: Hurry!

Cutup: Guys, I think he's injured. 

Fives: Leave him. Come on! 

"Fives isn't like that anymore, right?"

"No, me and Cody have been training him and Echo, and let me say they have improved a lot" Rex said. 

"Good"

Cutup follows them, leaving Droidbait behind not happy. 

Cutup: We're gonna pass this time (he shoots at some droids, not even destroying them, the droids deactivate) Okay, I spoke too soon. 

Colt and El-Les approach them.

Colt: That would be putting it mildly. Broke formation, disobeyed orders, and you left a man behind. You broke rule number one. 

El-Les: I'm sorry, Domino Squad. This is an automatic failure. 

In the barracks. 

Bric: I told you this was going to happen. We've wasted enough time on those losers. 

El-Les: Their failure is our failure. I've made a request to General Shaak Ti that Domino Squad be allowed to repeat the final test. 

Bric: Why do you care about them? 

El-Les: Why don't you? 

"....Why couldn't we have trainers like El-Les?" Howzer said, surprised that a trainer cared about them.

Bric: I care about getting paid. 

El-Les: It's a shame the bounty hunters in you sees this only as a job.

Bric: More like an impossible task. 

El-Les: These cadets will be the finest troopers we've trained. I have faith in them. 

Bric: Faith? Oh, you can't be serious El-Les. 

El-Les: We should treat them as a special challenge, Bric. 

Bric: We should treat them as failures. Besides, I've already requested that they be moved to cleanup and maintenance. That's all they're going to be good for. 

El-Les: Then I guess the General has a decision to make. 

99, who was following them for a while, stares at them as they leave.

The scene changes and we see Shaak Ti. Behind her a door opens and Fives and Echo enter.

Echo: General, may we have a word? 

Shaak Ti: You are here to discuss your squad, aren't you? 

Fives: How did you-

Echo: Ah, Jedi, mate. 

Shaak Ti: One doesn't need to be a Jedi to feel the stress on your mind. 

Echo: General, we would like to request a transfer to another squad. 

"They're more than ready to leave their squad" 17 said, shaking his head.

"They've changed 17, they're not like that anymore" Rex tried to defend.

"They are supposed to have passed their exam, and they failed because they didn't want to communicate. You already had your Jaig Eyes secured a year before them and they decided to go ahead and put you through ARC training. Not to mention that even if you didn't have good communication with the squads the Kamionans put you, you always came out victorious from the simulations" 17 contradicted.

Rex just sighed, shaking his head.

Fives: Bravo Squad, perhaps? 

Shaak Ti: I am a Jedi, where the individual and the group are one the same, much like you clones. 

Echo: Which is why Fives and I are looking out for each other. 

"They are really close, aren't they?"

"They are twins, they never leave each other's side, at least if they can help it"

Shaak Ti: As individuals, but not as a group. You are where you need to be. Solve your problems as a whole, not as individuals. I have decided to allow you and the rest of your squad to take the test again tomorrow. 

Shaak Ti he turns around as Fives and Echo share a look.

The scene changes and we see Bric looking at the ocean with Cutup approaching him. 

"This isn't going to end well, is it?" Thorn said.

Cutup: You wanted to see me, sir? 

Bric: Near as I can tell, you're the reason your squad's a failure. 

Cutup: Ah, well, I'll take that as a compliment. 

Bric: (turning around, not happy) It's all a big joke to you, right? Like those little nicknames you and your clone brothers give each other. 

Cutup: (chuckles) Oh, I could think of one for you right now, sir. 

Bric: Oh, funny. But I think it's all just a cover. You hate me, don't you? 

Cutup: Oh, no. No, no, no. How could I hate you for doing your job? You're just pushing me, sir. 

Bric: No, this is me pushing you. (Pushes him) Come on, clone. Hit me. Hit me, you joker. Can't take anything seriously, can you? You're a real cutup, aren't you? (He keeps pushing him until he hits the wall, then punches Cutup in the stomach) 

"That's assault," Howzer growled.

"Trust me Howzer, the Kaminoans aren't going to do anything" Rex said, frowning and clenching his fists 

Howzer looked at him for a moment, seeing Rex who was tense, then looked back at the screen.

Why did he react that way? His time in Kamino couldn't be too bad…

Right?

Cutup falls to the ground gasping for air and clutching his stomach.

Cutup: Thank you, sir.

Bric: For what? 

Cutup: For my name. Cutup. (chuckles) I like the sound of it. 

Bric: Out of my sight, cadet. One way or another, you'll be out of this army. Count on it.

Cutup smiling, turns and leaves.

In the barracks, we see the clones in their pods going to sleep. Hevy gets up from his bed and goes to his locker.

99: Hevy. You going somewhere? 

Hevy: Get out of here

99: You're going AWOL, aren't you? 

"Excuse me? AWOL? And exactly how did he plan that?"

Hevy: Just go back to sleep, 99. This doesn't concern you. 

99: But, you can't do this to your squad. 

Hevy: My squad? We're nothing but a bad batch. Failure, (scoffs) like you. 

"Little shit- oh no, not with 99" 

99: Yeah, but how can I be a failure when I-I never even got my chance? A chance you're throwing away. You're always trying to be the anchor, Hevy, you know, do it on your own. Well, maybe you should embrace the fact that you have a team. See, I never had that. But you need them, and they need you. 

"He wants to go AWOL, and he takes the gun too? Right, because that's not suspicious at all."

"99 being the Voice of Reason like always"

99: Why carry such a heavy burden on your own when you have your brothers at your side, Hevy? 

Hevy: Would… Stop calling me that! We're just numbers, 99. Just numbers. 

99: Not to me. To me, you've always had a name. 

Some smiled at that. Whenever the shinies went out of their way, most thought they were like droids, or as the Kaminoans said 'products' without feelings.

Even if they try to show otherwise, there was always someone who didn't believe it. For fear of being decommissioned. It was good to see that someone in Kamino was looking out for the cadets, and who better than 99?

Fives: Hey, where's CT-782? 

Echo: Yeah, where is CT-782? 

Droidbait: If he is not here, we will fail. 

Hevy: (approaching them) Not today, brothers. We pass. And one more thing… The name's Hevy. 

The others look at each other for a moment. The scene changes showing Domino going upstairs to do the simulation.

Echo: Orders came in clear, mates. 

Droidbait: Nothing to repeat, Echo? 

Echo: Not today. 

Hevy: How's that shoulder treating you? 

Cutup: I'll live. 

Fives: We all know what we have to do. 

The doors open and the simulation begins.

Hevy: That's it, boys! Stay together! 

Cutup: Fives, on your left! 

Fives: (shoots the droid) Thanks Cutup! 

Cutup: No problem brother. 

El-Les: They seem to be working together.

Bric: Still early. A lot can change.  

Hevy signals and they come out from where they had cover, shooting at the droids. 

Echo: Keep it out! We're doing great! 

Droidbait: We might actually pass. 

Hevy: Not so fast. Still got the Citadel. (They leave where they had cover and approach the target)

Echo: All right, prep the ascension cables. Let's scale this thing. 

Hevy: Wait a tick. Where are the cables? 

Fives: They're not in our belts! 

"Bric, he did something" 

"Why do you think it was Bric?" Bly asked.

17 looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "It's Bric"

"Okay, yeah, right, that's fair."

Cutup: Just when things seemed easy. 

Echo: Well, we can't scale the face without them. We'll fail the test if we can't finish. 

El-Les: What's going on? Where are their ascension cables? 

Bric: Oh, must have gotten lost. 

El-Les: What did you do?!

Bric: I thought you had faith on them, they'd be the best, right? Well, the best pass. No matter what. 

“Told you so” 

El-Les: General, you have to stop this. This is unfair to the cadets. 

Shaak Ti: Adversity in war is constant, El-Les.

El-Les: But Bric has cheated. 

Shaak Ti: The enemy won't play fair either. 

Cutup: So this is it? 

Hevy: No, not exactly. Those guns up there, we can use them as a step to the next level, form a chain, and use each other to scale this face. 

"Huh, not bad. Quick thinking, and they're focused. Maybe there's hope for them." 17 said. 

Rex looked at him with a half smile.

"I said maybe"

Cutup: Use the guns? Are you crazy? 

Hevy: Trust me. I know weapons. 

Echo: I'm gonna draw their fire. You guys blast ' em. 

Echo walks away, shooting at the droids while the others shoot at the weapons. Once they have deactivated, they go to guns and use them to climb up.

Bric: Well, I'll be… Creative little clones, aren't they? 

El-Les: No unit has shown such ingenuity. 

Fives runs up and grabs the target. He starts to celebrate with the others.

Domino Squad: Whoo-hoo! We did it!   Yeah! Whoo-hoo! I knew we could do it, boys!   We made it! 

Shaak Ti: Bric, your actions have brought out the best in these cadets. Looks like they were well-trained, perhaps the finest soldiers I've ever seen. 

Bric: Well, maybe you were right, El-Les. 

"Damn right he is!"

In the barracks.

El-Les: Congratulations. You've graduated. At ease. 

El-Les and Bric go away.

Fives: Next stop, ARC trooper. 

Droidbait: Yeah, how about we face some combat first? 

Rex made a face with that comment, remembering Rishi.

The others walk away as Hevy turns to 99.

Hevy: You were right, you know, about everything. 

99: I heard you were quite the leader out there. 

Hevy: No leaders. We are a team. All of us, 99.

99: The army's lucky to have a clone like you, Hevy. 

Hevy: Not as lucky as I am to have a brother like you. 

99: Well, this is goodbye, I guess. Hevy ships out and 99 stays here. 

Hevy: Eh, we'll see each other again. (He takes off his medal) I mean, how else I am supposed to get this back from you? (Gives it to 99)

99 looks surprised and chuckles.

Hevy: You deserved it. You're one of us. 

99 looks at the medal smiling. 

The scene changes to the hangar with Shaak Ti in front of the clones.

Shaak Ti: Today is your graduation. From here, you ship out to fight the Separatists and restore peace to the Republic. Congratulations! You are no longer cadets. You are troopers. May the Force be with you. 

Blitz: Attention! Helmets on! 

The troopers put on their helmets, and start entering the ship while Shaak Ti stares at them.

"They didn't do too bad, did they?"

"Shut up, Rex"

"Well that was the end of this episode, we'll take a little break for 15 minutes and continue with the next one"

Chapter Text

"Well, now that the break is over, we can start-" 

"Wait" Fox said. 

"Oh, is there a problem?" the voice asked. 

"I don't know about the others, but I'm already tired of calling you 'voice' it sounds stupid-"

"Fox!"

"Is there something else we can call you?"

"Well... If that is what you want, then, I guess, you can call me Koria."

"Koria?"

"Yes, you wanted to refer to me by something more formal, right? Koria is what you get. Now, without anything else, let's start" she concluded the sudden topic.

The best confidence builder is experience. 

"Huh"

"What?" 

"Nothing, nothing"

Narrator: Clone force rally. As the war escalates in the Outer Rim, the Jedi Knights are spread thinly across the galaxy. Many new clones are rushed into service to support their Jedi Generals. Unfortunately, because of the relentless demands of battle, many young clones must join the struggle before their intensive training has been completed. These clones, manning a vital network of tracking stations, are all that stand between the Republic and invasion. 

The Rishi outpost is seen. Sentry is watching.

Sentry: This is deck officer checking in. Nothing going on, as usual. 

Inside the outpost. 

Droid 1: You're listening to the Grand Army of the Republic broadcast.

"This has to be a joke" Rex muttered shaking his head, from where he was he could feel 17's disapproval.

"I take back what I said before, there is no hope for them" 17 said. 

"17-" Rex tried to speak. 

"No, Rex. First, on Kamino they couldn't do the simulation, they spent their time fighting and distracting themselves, they talked back to their superiors, they didn't know, or rather didn't want to communicate with each other, and now they are relaxed instead of being at their posts"

"......”

Droid: … the Voice of the Outer Rim. This next one goes out to the mudjumpers of the 224th, slugging it out on Mimban. Keep your heads down and your seals tight, boys.

Hevy and Droidbait are playing. 

Before someone said anything else.

"I know, I know," Rex said, rolling his eyes.

Hevy: (laughs) Yes! Ha! Who's next? Fives? 

Echo: Uh… Shouldn't you be watching your scope, Hevy? 

"Well, at least someone has some sense." 17 muttered. 

Hevy: Yeah, let's take a look (looking at a screen) Hmm, what do you know?  All clear, just like the last hundred times I looked at it. 

Echo: Personally, I like that it's so quiet out here. I can catch up on the reg manuals. 

"That's Echo, isn't it?"

"Yep"

Hevy: Echo, what is wrong with you? We should be out on the front lines blasting droids. 

Fives: Ah, leave him alone. They kept him in his growth jar too long. 

Hevy: Yeah (he and Fives laugh while Echo gives them a dirty look). You may not realize it yet, Fives, but you landed on the most boring post in the Outer Rim. 

O'Niner: And one of the most important. 

Fives turn off the music. 

Echo: Attention! Sargent on deck!  

O'Niner: At ease. Even though you're all new here, I shouldn't have to remind you that this quadrant is key to the Outer Rim. If the droids get past this station, they can surprise-attack the facilities where we were born on our home world of Kamino. There are some officers on the way, so I want everything squared away for inspection. Understood? 

Clones: Sir, yes sir! 

The scene changes to where we see some ships heading towards a Jedi cruiser, and inside one of the cruisers we see Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan: Still here, Anakin?  

Anakin: When was the last time you slept? 

"So it's all Jedi who have a thing for not sleeping? 

"Well, after talking to Aayla sometimes I can get her to sleep"

"And when not?"

"I put her one of those stupid Jedi movies that have nothing right, after complaining about all the errors she then gets bored and falls asleep" Bly said, with a smirk.

"Yeah, and then you stay with her, right?" said Wolffe.

"She says it makes her feel safe, I'm just helping my general" Bly glared at him. 

"Aha" Wolffe huffed with a smirk. 

"With Unduli it's not so much of a problem, a little talking and she'll go to sleep" Gree said, thanking her General for not being like Skywalker.

"What about the Padawan?"

"Barriss… it's not that bad, she mainly focuses more on the medical stuff, if she's not training or studying she spends her time in the medbay helping the boys, between Unduli and I we convince her to rest a little" he finished smiling a little .

"With Mace it's no problem, the only times I've seen him stay up is thanks to stuff of the Jedi Council and that's it, other than that I don't have to do anything to make him go to sleep" Ponds said, happy to have a sane General.

"Buir doesn't sleep until he's sure The Wolfpack is sleeping and that there's not problem with the shinies" Wolffe said with pride in his voice, no doubt the 104th was lucky to have Plo Koon as their General (father).

"Billaba is a lot like Windu too, and with Dume we make him see his homework and he falls asleep" Grey rolled his eyes with a fond smile.

"He does anything so he can't do his homework, does he?"

"Yep"

"Nah, Shaak is like General Koon, until she sees that the cadets are asleep and there's nothing wrong, she won't go to sleep" Colt said, ignoring the smiles Blitz and Havoc were giving him.

"Fisto and I talk for a while, then when I'm sure he's asleep I go back to my office and he's there, asking if I want to play sabacc with him" Monnk said, letting out a sigh.

"Mundi doesn't sleep just when it is necessary, other than that he's pretty responsible," Bacara said.

"Allie is also quite responsible," Neyo said.

"Tiplee and Tiplar don't fight much, yes, sometimes they have trouble sleeping but if they're not talking to some trooper or me they're together, watching one a movie or doing other things" Doom said.

"Vos is simple, just hit him in the head and he'll stop bitching around for a while," Fox said.

"That is, if he doesn't pass out first from how drunk he is," Thorn added.

"....I didn't know the Guard had a Jedi," Cody said with a raised eyebrow. 

"We don't, Vos came and decided to stay with us because Fox helped him up when he fell down from being drunk" Thire said, with a smile.

"Huh, General Di if he's not tired or busy he talks to us sometimes, other than that he rests when he knows he needs it" Keeli said, as Howzer nodded.

"..." Rex was looking at them weirdly along with Cody.

"What about you two?" Ponds asked, with a smirk. 

"Well… Kenobi rests, when he passes out from exhaustion…"

"Or when he wants to avoid the calls of the Senate" Rex muttered.

"What about you Rex?" Bacara asked. 

"Well…Skywalker rests…when Kix sedates him." Rex rolled his eyes. 

"Or exhaustion, or for being an idiot in battle" Cody said, rolling his eyes. 

"What the hell is wrong with your Generals?" Howzer asked. 

"Yeah…"

"And Ahsoka?" Wolffe asked, please don't let Skywalker infect her with his idiocy.

"Nah, with Ahsoka it's just threats to sedate her, other than that with the help of the boys she goes and sleeps, or she sleeps in the barracks sometimes" Rex said. 

"I'm going to kill Skywalker," Wolffe muttered. 

"Don't even think about it!" Rex hissed. 

Anakin: I'll sleep after we find General Grievous. Clone intelligence spotted him in the Balmorra System. That was weeks ago, since then, he vanished. 

Obi-Wan: Well, unlike you, maybe he's getting some much-needed rest. 

Artoo beeps. 

Admiral Y: Excuse General, Incoming transmission from Commander Cody. 

Cody: General Kenobi, General Skywalker. 

Obi-Wan: Cody. How goes the inspections? 

Cody: The tracking station in Pastill is fully operational. Captain Rex and I are proceeding to the outpost in the Rishi system. 

Obi-Wan: Good. Report back once you've arrived. 

Cody: Copy that. Cody out. 

Obi-Wan: Good man, Cody. 

"Did you hear Cody? Obi-Wan is proud of you!"

"Shut up Bacara" 

Obi-Wan: Don't worry, Anakin. If General Grievous comes anywhere near this quadrant, we'll know about it. 

In the Rishi moon. Inside the outpost a beep is heard, on a screen meteorites are shown approaching.

Echo: (to O'Niner) Sir, incoming meteor shower. 

O'Niner: Raise the shield. 

Echo presses a button.

Fives: You wanted excitement, Hevy.

Hevy: Right, (sarcastically, muttering) Ooh, meteor shower. 

Outside the outpost, it is seen how the 'meteorites' hit the shield, those that do not, fall on the moon. After the smoke clears, a ship is seen. Sentry watches where the ship fell.

Sentry: What the… 

A droid appears and kills him, while a droid drags the body the others approach the outpost, back with the ship it is seen how the droids jump from it.

"Osik" 

"So that's how they manage to enter...."

Droid: Get these doors open. 

Droid 2: Roger, Roger. (the droid open a little box and touch some cables) 

O'Niner: CT-327, report in (static) Sentry, do you copy? 

Echo: Interference from the meteors? 

Fives: I don't see him down there, Sarge. 

O'Niner: You two, (pointing at Droidbait and Nub) go find him. 

Just as Nub and Droidbait go to investigate the droids enter.

Droidbait: Droids! 

The droids start firing. O'Niner puts on his helmet and as he runs grabs his blaster.

O'Niner: Sound the alarm! 

Cutup goes and touches a button, which does nothing.

Cutup: They've disabled the beacon! (just when he returns he sees Droidbait and Nub, both dead)

O'Niner: Get a message to the fleet! We have to warn- Ah! 

O'Niner falls to the ground, before he can do anything the droids turn him around and shoot him.

"Fuck"

Cody closed his eyes for a moment, before Domino, he got to chat with O'Niner for a bit, he definitely didn't deserve to die like this.

Rex did the same with Nub and Droidbait. He knew that Droidbait was part of the Domino Squad, and Nub, where they were going to send him, there were only four spots for soldiers left, so they sent him to the Rishi outpost. They didn't even know who they are or were his batchmates. Nor if they know about what happened. 

Cutup: Sarge! 

The clones back up to where they were first, Hevy closing the door and ripping some wires out of a box next to it.

Hevy: That should slow those buckets down (run to one of the walls and open a hatch) This way. Hurry!

Echo: No! We can- (the droids begin to cut through the door) 

Hevy: There's too many! (Hevy enter the hatch) 

Echo looks at the door again and then follow Hevy, closing the hatch to follow the other. 

Just then the droids enter the room.

Rex let out a relieved sigh.  

Just in time.

A little more and they wouldn't have made it…

Droid: our clones escaped, Captain. 

1. Droid : They don't matter. 

"Bitch" Neyo cursed. 

"Neyo! Language!" Ponds exclaimed. 

"Basic, next question" 

"Fuck you" Ponds gave Neyo a dirty look. 

"Language!" Bly repeated. 

1. Droid: Hard-wire the all-clear signal and contact General Grievous. 

In Separatists space. We see many ships, in one of them we see General Grievous.

Droid C: The outpost is secure, General. We shut down the alarm and turned on the all-clear signal. 

Grievous: Excellent. Keep that signal alive. I don't want the Republic to find out we're coming. 

Droid: General, our spy on Kamino-

"Son of a-"

"In Kamino?" Colt growls.

Droid: -Is making contact. 

Ventress: All the preparations for your invasion are in order.  

"That bitch" Blitz hissed, clenching his fists

"Invasion huh? Just wait until we get back from here and I'll show that Dar'jetii-" Havoc muttered. 

"Breathe Havoc, remember, we can avoid things like this" Colt said.

"Yes, but in any case we have to be careful with what we do or say, anything we do could make everything better or worse" 

"Don't remind us, Gree, please"

Grievous: Good. Our fleet is approaching the system. We are almost at the rendezvous point.  

Ventress: Very good, my lord. I will await your arrival. 

Grievous: The destruction of Kamino will stop their production of clones for good. 

"Not if we have something to say about it, you bitch" 

The ship that Cody and Rex are on is seen.

Cody: Rishi outpost, this is Commander Cody. Do you copy? Rishi outpost, please respond. 

Droid: Open… open… (in a clone voice) Open Comlink channel. 

"Man, I really hate droids," Grey said, passing his hand over his face.

Cody: Rishi outpost, come in. Rishi outpost, come in. 

Droid: Sorry, Commander. We're, um, expecting technical difficulties. 

Cody: This is the inspection team. 

Rex narrowed his eyes.

Droid: Inspection? Negative, negative. We, uh, do not require an inspection. Everything is fine here. Thank you. 

Cody: We'll be the judge of that. Prepare for our arrival. 

Droid: Roger, roger. 

Rex: Something's not right here. 

Cody: (grinning) Well, good luck. I'm putting you in charge of this one. 

Back at Rishi, Cutup, Hevy, Fives, and Echo come out of the sewer.

Fives: What do we do without the Sarge? 

Echo: The reg manual says the next- 

Hevy: (raising his hand) Wait, wait! Did you hear that? 

Fives: Yeah, what is that? 

Hevy: It doesn't sound like droids. 

It looks like something is crawling on top of them.

"Shit" 

"What is-"

"Rishi eel" Rex said. 

Hevy: Don't forget about those giant eels. 

Fives: Yeah, I've never seen- 

An Rishi eel just comes out of one of the holes, behind Cutup, who when he looks back yells as the eel takes him away.

Fives: Cutup! 

"Oh Force" 

Hevy starts to shoot at the eel, he doesn't hit it, Fives was going to do the same and sees that he doesn't have his blaster.

Hevy: What the hell was that?! 

Echo: Uh, that was an eel. Now, that's why we have the regulation not to go outside. 

Hevy: Let's move before it comes back. 

Echo: (sighs) Poor Cutup. 

"Well they don't look so sad about it" Doom said. 

"It's because of the shock and adrenaline of the moment, after we returned with them to the cruise I found Echo and Fives, both of them were crying and about to have a panic attack remembering Cutup." Rex said, with a firm tone. 

"Right, uh…sorry…" Doom apologized.

Fives: (a ship is heard approaching) Look! It's Commander Cody. 

"It's Commander Cody" Rex mocked in a low voice. 

"Jealous vod’ika?" Cody smiled.

"Not as much as you were when I took the Domino Twins." Rex smiled when Cody gave him a dirty look. 

"Why you little son of a-"

Echo: It's the inspection team.  

The ship lands and Cody and Rex exit.

Rex: This is not good. I don't see the deck officer anywhere. 

Cody: These boys are sloppy (a droid is shown behind a few boxes) There should always be an officer on duty. 

Hevy: We have to warn them. Get on the comlink. 

The outpost door opens and a 'clone' comes out.

Rex: I have a bad feeling about this. 

'Clone': Welcome to Rishi, Commander. As you can see, the outpost is operating at peak efficiency. Thank you for visiting and have a safe trip back. 

"Thanks for visiting he says, what is this an amusement park now?"

Rex and Cody look at each other. 

"Both of you look so done"

Cody: We need to inspect the base just the same. 

'Clone': Uh, there is no need. Everything is fine and fully operational. 

Back with Domino, Echo is trying to use the comlink, but only static is heard. 

Echo: It's no good. Their comlinks are on a different scramble set. 

Hevy: I'll signal them with this flare. 

In the outpost. 

Rex: Take us to the sergeant in command. 

'Clone': Roger, roger. 

Rex and Cody look at each other again, only to look up at them and see a red flare.

Cody: A droid attack flare?  

Rex doesn't think twice before raising his blaster and shooting right into the 'clone's head.

Cody: Whoa! Rex! What the heck are you doing?! 

"Damn, Rex, you didn't even think twice" Monnk said. 

"What would have happened if he was a clone huh?" Keeli asked. 

"I knew he wasn't," Rex shrugged.  

"How?" Howzer asked. 

"A lot of weird movements, trying to get us to leave too quickly, and without saying how he was talking" Rex said, obviousness in his voice.

17 smiled proudly, he certainly trained him well.

Rex: (walking to the 'clone') Relax. (takes off his helmet) Just as I thought. Looks like one of those new commandos droids. That flare must have come from the survivors. 

"See?"  

The others just looked at him amused or shaking their heads, of course he knew, you couldn't expect less from the Captain of one of the best legions in the GAR.

Droids that were hiding start shooting at them.

Rex: Ambush! 

A droid shoots at Cody, who dodges the shots and shoots at the droid. The droid returns and stands up.

"Like I said, I hate droids"

Cody: Aah! Those clankers have tough armor. 

Cody and Rex back up, taking cover in some crates.

Rex: We're cut off! 

A droid runs out of the outpost and throws a grenade.

Rex: Off the platform! 

More droids come out and throw more grenades.

Cody: Copy that. 

The grenades activate, causing the platform to explode.

Droid: No sign of them. They must have been pulverized. 

A droid laugh. 

"Did the droid just laugh-"

"Yep"

"....Fucking droids"

Droid: Resume defensive posts. 

Rex and Cody, who are hanging from a rope thanks to their blasters, are seen then climbing down.

Rex: Well, that sure complicated things, Commander.

Cody: No worse than that time on Tibrin. 

Rex: We had Jedi with us on Tibrin. They helped. 

Before Cody can take another step, Rex stops him, out of the smoke, 3 clones approach.

Rex: Hands above your heads. Take your sun bonnets off. 

 All of them raise their hands.

Echo: Uh… sir? 

Rex: Take'em off! Now!

The 3 take off their helmets, just as an eel comes out of one of the holes, Rex kills it with a single shot.

Hevy: Nice shot. 

Rex: The name's Rex. (seeing the eel's blood in his hand) But you can call me "Captain" or "Sir". 

Fordo smiles at that, that was something that he always said to the shinies. 

He smiled more when he saw 17 huffing, irritated. 

Clones: Sir, yes, sir! 

Cody: I'm Commander Cody, your new boss.

Fives: My designation is trooper 27-5555, sir. 

Hevy: We call him Fives. I'm Hevy. This is Echo. 

Cody: Where's your sergeant? 

Echo: Dead, sir. We're all that's left. 

Rex: Looks like we got ourselves a batch of shinies, Commander. 

Echo: Shinies, sir? 

Rex: That's right. Your armor, it's shiny and new, (putting his hand with blood in Echo's armor) just like you. 

"Well not anymore, look, you already dirty it." 

"Shut up Keeli"

Hevy: Sir, me and my batchers are trained and ready. We'll take back our post, shiny, or not. 

Rex: (looking at them, smiling) There's hope for you yet, rookie. 

Hevy, Fives and Echo looked at each other. 

In a Jedi cruiser. 

Admiral Y: Commander Cody, do you copy? (Static) Captain Rex, please respond. (Static)

Obi-Wan: They should have checked in from the Rishi station hours ago. 

"Hours?" Ponds asked. 

"Yep," Cody confirmed. 

" Hours " Ponds repeated. 

"Yes, Ponds, we know the word" Rex said. 

Ponds gave him a bad look.

Obi-Wan: (to Anakin) It appears your captain follows orders as well as you do. 

"Hey!" Rex groaned while the others smiled or laughed.

"He-he's not wrong Rex" Bly laughed.

"Shut up Bly" Rex said, embarrassed.

"It's the truth Rex," Cody laughed.

Anakin: Hmm. Perhaps Cody is boring Rex with standard procedures and protocol. 

"Excuse me?" Cody said, offended.

"Ha!" Now Rex laughed "I mean, he's not wrong, you know?"

Cody looked at him while Shebse continued to laugh and Edee smiled. 

Obi-Wan: We need to work on our own boring procedures and figure out a strategy to find Grievous. 

Anakin: Right. Admiral, let me know if you hear from Rex. 

Back in Rishi moon. We see Rex and Cody next to Domino climbing a rock. 

Rex: Look sharp, rookies. As long as those tweezers occupy this post, our home planet Kamino is at risk. 

Rex and Cody give their blasters to Fives and Echo. 

Echo: But there's so many of them. 

Rex: Doesn't matter, kid. We have to retake this base, so we will retake this base. 

Domino prepares. 

Cody: How do you propose we get through those blast doors, Rex, old boy? 

Rex: I have a few ideas. 

"That doesn't mean anything good"

"Now what are you going to do Rex?" Keeli asked, smiling. Rex just smiled back at him. 

Inside the outpost, a noise is heard.

Droid: What is that? (The droid watches through a camera as Rex approaches, walking strangely)

"Rex, what the hell are you doing?"

"Just wait"

Cody just shook his head with a smile, no doubt it was a stupid plan, but it worked.

Droid: Unit 2-6, is that you? 

Rex: Roger, roger.

"I-"

"You fucking didn't" Howzer said. 

"Yep" 

"You didn't" Bly looked at Rex. 

"I did" Rex said, calmly. 

"You gotta be kidding me" Ponds muttered. 

"I'm not" Rex smiled. 

"You gotta be fucking kidding Rex" Neyo shook his head. 

"Not a little bit" Rex's smile grew bigger. 

"Skywalker what have you done with my vod'ika?" Wolffe muttered.  

Rex just kept smiling.  

Droid: You sound strange. Is something wrong with your vocabulator? 

Rex: (touching his neck) Roger, roger. 

Droid: Take off your helmet. Let me see your faceplate. 

Rex: Roger, roger.

Rex steps off the camera and the head of a droid is seen. Rex is kneeling on the floor while he is holding the droid's head.

Cody: This is never gonna work. 

"Oh really? Becau-" 

"Yeah, yeah, i get it"

Droid: (after opening the door, sees Rex pointing his DC at him) Clones! 

Rex: Roger. Roger. 

"You sound so sassy here" 

"Sassy?"

"Yes, sassy" 

Rex shoots the droid and the others come out from where they were hiding, destroying the other droids.

 Rex: Right, let's move! 

After running for a little 

Fives: Permission to take the point, sir?

Rex: I'm always first, kid. 

"Show off" Howzer smirked. 

"Shut up" Rex crossed his arms. 

The clones advance, starting to shoot at the droids, one of them wounding Fives.

Fives: Aah!

Echo: Fives! 

Hevy: He's okay. 

Cody: Focus on the battle. 

Rex who was ahead dodges a shot, shoots the droid taking the weapon from him which takes another weapon from his sword, jumps towards Rex who rolls and dodges it, full from behind takes his head, destroying it.

Cody shoots another droid, Echo and Hevy both shoot another droid.

Echo: I got one! 

Hevy: Sorry, Echo. I junked that one. 

Echo: Like hell you did. 

Hevy: (to a droid on the floor) Not so tough now, are you, Sparky? 

Cody: (touching a bottom) Get to the window. It looks like we have more visitors. 

The clones head towards the window, Echo reports what he sees with the help of his helmet.

Echo: It looks like a Separatists fleet. 

Cody: That's why they commandeered the outpost. They're mounting a full-scale invasion. 

Rex: We have to warn command. 

In the Separatists ship. 

Droid: The Republic base is still transmitting the all-clear signal, but for some reason, our commando droids are not responding. 

Grievous: We can leave nothing to chance! That base cannot be allowed to alert the Jedi that we're coming. Send down reinforcements to investigate. 

Back in the outpost. 

Echo: Those clankers sabotaged our transmitter, and they hard-wired the all-clear signal. It'll take time to repair. 

Rex: We don't have time. 

Cody: Look. 

A Separatist ship is approaching.

Fives: (to Hevy) Well, buddy, you always said you wanted to be on the front lines. 

Many droids are seen leaving the ship, heading towards the outpost.

Cody: We can't protect the outpost long against that army of clankers. 

Rex: Then we'll destroy the outpost instead. 

Echo: But, sir, the mission is to defend this facility at all costs. 

Rex: We have to warn the Republic about the invasion. They'll take notice when the all-clear signal stops. 

Fives: That's right. When they stop receiving our beacon, they'll get the message something's wrong. 

Rex: We'll need every thermal detonator in the inventory. 

Hevy: It'll take more than a few detonators to destroy this outpost. 

Echo: We can use the LT. This moon freezes for over half the year. We use liquid tibanna as fuel to heat the base. 

Cody: Liquid tibanna: highly explosive. 

Rex: Good. Bring the tanks here and prime the detonators. 

The droids keep walking towards the outpost while other droids stay close to the ship.

Rex: All right, listen up. 

"Are we gonna watch one of your speeches?" Bly asked, with a smile.

"No"

"Yes, we are," Cody confirmed with a smile. 

"Our little Rex'ika isn't so little anymore," Ponds said with a small smile, pride in his voice.

"Oh please," Rex murmured, rolling his eyes as he felt his face heat up with embarrassment, Howzer and Keeli laughing. 

Traitors. 

Rex: There's only one target of interest in this sector: Kamino. It's the closest thing we clones have to a home. Today we fight for more than the Republic. Today we fight for all our brothers back home. Understood? 

Clones: Sir, yes, sir!

"Not bad, Rex," Bly said with a smile. 

"Don't. Say. Anything" Rex said, embarrassed. 

"All right, all right." Ponds said, pride still in his voice. 

The clones put on their helmets, we see Fives, Cody and Hevy walking into a room. Behind them, Echo and Rex move a droid.

Hevy: I think we can even the odds a bit, Commander, especially since they don't know we're here. (taking a heavy weapon) This one here is mine. Ha! 

Echo: Big gun doesn't make a big man. 

Droid: Reinforcements reporting. Open up. 

The door opens and Hevy points his gun at them.

Hevy: Didn't say please. 

Droid: Clones! Get 'em! 

Hevy destroys the droids, then those who were on guard on the ship head towards them, Cody and Fives join him, Fives throws a grenade.

Cody: We could use a Jedi about now. 

They back up and Cody presses a button, locking the doors.

In the Jedi cruiser. 

Admiral Y: Captain Rex, come in. Commander Cody, are you there? (Static) General, there's still no response. 

Obi-Wan: How about the all-clear signal? Is the base still transmitting? 

Admiral Y: Yes, sir. 

Obi-Wan: If something were wrong, Cody would contact us. 

"And in case something went wrong but they can't make contact?"

In a Separatists ship. 

Grievous: What is the status of the base?

Droid: Uh, we've run into some difficulties. There seem to be few clones left, sir. 

Grievous: Then wipe them out. We can't let a few puny clones stop us. 

"I'll show you a puny clone you son of a-" 

In the Rishi moon. 

The droids open the door and enter the outpost.

Cody: Fall back to the op center, Move! (he and Hevy back off) Rex, time's wasting. 

Rex: Almost ready. The handset isn't liking up with the detonator. Hevy.

Hevy: Yes, sir. 

Rex: This detonator isn't working. 

Hevy: I'll take care of it. It'll be fixed in no time. You guys get out of here. 

Rex grimaced, if only he had paid a little more attention, maybe...

"We don't know if there was any other possibility Rex, you can't blame yourself for something that isn't your fault" Cody said, looking at Rex. 

He didn't see it that way.

Cody wasted no time, sticking close to Rex, giving a sigh.

Rex: Just make it fast. Those droids are getting close. 

As Hevy deals with the detonator, Echo opens the hatch, Rex, Cody, and Fives entering.

Hevy: There. That should fix it. 

As Hevy looks at a small screen, droids can be heard approaching in the background. Hevy presses a few buttons, on the control that lights up green while on the detonator it lights up red.

Hevy: This isn't good. There's got to be another way. 

Hevy grabs his gun, and going to the hatch, he closes it.

"...He's going to sacrifice himself, isn't he?..." Bacara asked. 

".... Yeah…" Rex sighed, he didn't deserve to die like this, Damn it with the clankers, Damn it with the Separatists, Damn it with the Republic.

Damn it this fucking war.

Hevy goes and hides behind a wall. The droid enters the room. 

Droid: The base is ours again, sir. The clones are fleeing. 

Droid 2: Cowards! 

Droid: Secure the area. 

Outside the outpost, Rex, Cody, Echo, and Fives climb out of the sewer.

Rex: Hevy, hit the… (looking behind him) Where's Hevy? 

Hevy: I'm on it, sir. 

Rex: Hevy, get out of there! 

Hevy: The remote isn't working. I have to detonate it manually. 

Droid: Hey, hold on there. Blast him! 

The droids start shooting at Heavy.

Cody: Hevy. We've got to get up there. Back to the maintenance pipe. Let's move.

Hevy: It's no use. I know what I have to do. 

Hevy shoots at the droids.

Rex: I don't like your tone, rookie. 

Hevy drops to the ground, still firing, taking out 3 droids. Behind him a droid shoots at him, wounding him in the arm.

Rex: Soldier, come in. Are you there? 

Hevy gets up and starts shooting at more droids as he backs away.

Rex: Soldier, come in! Respond! Talk to us! 

The others run to get back to the sewer.

Hevy goes to the main room, and shoots at the droids in it. Behind him more droids appear, his weapon, which has run out of ammo, he throws towards the droids. A few more shots and Hevy falls to the ground.

"Why the hell did you have to do that, Hevy?" Rex muttered.

Cody squeezed his shoulder.

Outside the outpost, Echo and Fives are seen running.

Echo: Hevy, come in! Come in, Hevy! Hevy, come in! 

Hevy crawls towards the detonator.

Droid: Do we take prisoners? 

Hevy moves. The droids point at him.

Hevy: I don't. 

Hevy presses the button, causing the outpost to explode.

Rex closed his eyes, lowering his head.

".... He didn't deserve to die like that" Howzer said, in a low tone.

Keeli put a hand on his shoulder.

Echo: ... Hevy always did hate that place. 

He and Fives look at each other.

Now is was just he and Fives.

The last Dominoes.

In the Jedi cruiser.

Admiral Y: The all-clear signal has been disabled? The Rishi base has stopped transmitting. 

Anakin: Grievous. 

Obi-Wan: Sound the invasion alarm. Let's get the fleet under way. 

In a Separatists ship. Grievous looks at the outpost explotes.

Grievous: I didn't tell them to blow up the station. 

Droid: But isn't it good that the base is destroyed? 

Grievous: Idiot! 

Several Republic cruisers arrive. 

Grievous: The Republic fleet. We're outgunned. Get us out of here. 

The cruisers begin firing at the Separatist fleet, which is turning to flee.

Echo watches as the Separatist fleet leaves.

Echo: We've got those tinnies on the run. 

Rex: Thanks to Hevy. (the ships are heard) Gunships. We're getting off this crater, boys. 

The ship approaches and the clones beckon. The ship lowers to receive them.

In the Jedi cruiser.

Obi-Wan: On behalf of the Republic, we thank you for your valiant service, and we honor you comrade's sacrifice. 

Anakin: Your new unit is lucky to have you. (He and Obi-Wan give Echo and Fives

medals) I'd be proud to fight beside you anytime, anywhere. 

Anakin and Obi-Wan bow as Fives and Echo salutes them.

Rex: Congratulations. You're not shinies anymore. 

Echo: With all due respect, sir, we failed our mission. We don't deserve this honor. 

Cody: No, if it weren't for you, the Republic wouldn't have learned of the Separatists' invasion until it was too late. 

Rex: You showed me something today. You're exactly the kind of men I need in the 501st. 

Clones: Sir, yes, sir! 

Fives and Echo walk and the episode ends.  

"Well, I see we still have time, so you're gonna take a 15 minute break and then we'll continue watching" Koria spoke suddenly, making some jump and glare at the ceiling.

"Rex?" Cody asked. 

"I'm going to the bathroom, I'll be back in a moment"

Before Cody could say anything Rex was already entering the bathroom, the other Shebse approached Cody.

"Is everything okay?" Ponds asked, the big brother instincts kicking in.

"To be honest? No.." Cody responded. 

"Is it because of what happened with Hevy?" Bly asked. 

"Rex won't stop blaming himself for that, it doesn't matter what I tell him…he just ignores it"

"We are talking about Rex, Cody, he is the one who always has that habit of believing that he is to blame for anything even when he is not" Wolffe said. 

"Damn it with the Kaminoans," Cody muttered.

"What we can do now is- hey, hey, hey!" Before Ponds finished speaking Wolffe was about to go to the bathroom "and where do you think you're going, huh?"

"To the bathroom," Wolffe said. 

"For what?" Ponds asked. 

"For what? Did you hit your head or something Ponds?" Wolffe glared at him.

Ponds just raised an eyebrow.

"You- you don't expect me to leave Rex alone do you?" Wolffe asked. 

"Rex needs space now, okay?" Ponds said, when he saw that none of them moved, he sighed "I'll go see him, okay?"

"And why did you-"

"Because I haven't had a moment alone with Rex since we got here, and something tells me that this time, it's better if I go"

Silence filled Shebse.

"I want to talk to him too" Bly said "don't be long" he finished, to turn around and join Edee.

"He's going to be in good hands," Ponds said, looking at Cody and Wolffe.

"We know," Cody smiled a little. 

"But that doesn't mean we can't worry about him" Wolffe added "if something happens, find us"

After that they each went their separate ways, Cody went to join Bly, and Wolffe went with Fox to probably annoy him a bit.

Ponds wasted no time and entered the bathroom, making his presence known.

"Rex?"

"Ponds? Is…everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, just… Rex, are you okay?"

Rex looked Ponds in the eye for a while, the fact that he was blonde and the Kaminoans had an eye on him made him good at lying. He had been able to lie to Bly, to Wolffe, to Cody (although it didn't last long) even to 17! (Or so he likes to think.)

But Ponds always knows when he's lying, one way or another.

"No, I'm not," Rex said as he walked over to him, and dropped his head on Ponds's shoulder.

Rex wasn't a fan of having his hair touched, leaving only Cody to touch him, but there were times when he needed comforting (although he'll have a hard time admitting it, too much for Ponds liking) and when Cody wasn't there, Ponds wasted no time helping him. Or just hold him in his arms while he talked about the thing that was bothering him.

"What happened to Hevy…he didn't deserve to die like that, Ponds" Rex closed his eyes, relaxing as Ponds stroked his short hair.

"Nobody deserves to die like that Rex'ika, this war has taken so much from us and will continue to take away a lot, and, unfortunately, there is nothing else we can do but remember those we lost, and fight for them"

"I'm tired of losing our brothers, Ponds"

"Me too Rex, believe me…. It's always going to be hard to be the one who always survives in the end, but don't forget you don't have to carry that burden alone, okay?" Ponds said, breaking away from Rex to bring their foreheads together.

".... Yeah." 

"Alright, have you said your remembrances?" Ponds asked. 

"No, not yet" Rex shook his head. 

"Do you want me to go or stay?" Ponds asked. 

"... Can you stay?" Rex asked in a low voice. 

"Of course," Ponds said with a small smile. 

After a short silence Rex took a deep breath. "Ni su'cuyi, gar ky'adyc, nor partayli, gar darasuum, Sentry, Nub, O'Niner, Droidbait, Cutup…. Hevy"

"It's okay Rex..." Ponds said after a short silence "I'm sure they're already resting with our other brothers, and one day, we'll join them"

Rex just nodded, feeling a lump in his throat, Ponds wasted no time hugging him, while Rex practically melted in his older brother's arms.

"Thank you, ori'vod"

"No problem, Rex'ika"

Rex really wants to believe Ponds, but he still feels that guilt, at least he already knows that he doesn't have to carry that burden alone.

…

Hopefully one day he can accept that.

Chapter Text

After a few more minutes, and where both Ponds and Rex were just silent still holding each other. They decided to leave, the rest of Shebse going approaching them as soon as they saw them.

"Rex, are you okay?" Bly asked, as he walked over to him, he glanced back quickly before bringing his forehead together.

"I…" he had always been very stubborn, for everything, the truth, he was always more used to being alone than accompanied. And although it had been a while since Shebse had adopted him, there were times when it seemed strange that they really wanted him.

However, the feeling that they love him, that they are not with him out of obligation and that they are with him because they really care. It's something that made him feel something warm on his chest.

The truth, he never really had a problem with admitting things, it was just a matter of time before the truth came out. 

Of course, it was very different from the fact that he admitted things to his squadmates, brothers with whom he would spend very little time. And admitting things to his brothers, his ori'vod, the ones who always tried to be there for him no matter that they were really different. Always with that fear that if he said something, they would decide to leave him.

The fear is still there, but he knows they wouldn't do something like that.

"No, I wasn't. But I'm fine now… I think" Rex responded, giving a small smile.

"Well, remember you can always come with us no matter what, okay?" Bly said, placing a kiss on his forehead before looking at him.

"Yes, ori'vod." Rex rolled his eyes. It didn't matter if they looked like children when they fought over the stupidest thing. One thing they have in common is that they are overprotective of him.

"How about we go sit down? The break is almost over anyway."

"Okay" Rex nodded, walking over to where he was sitting with Shebse following. The others already seated, still in their conversations.

17 was looking at them, Cody gave him a nod and 17 gave him another. They would talk later.

The screen lit up, indicating that the 'episode' was about to begin.

Believe in yourself or no one else will. 

"You know, these tips aren't that bad," Howzer said.

"Seriously?" Rex asked, looking at him.

"What?"

Narrator: Counterattack! With the Clone army stretched in a desperate attempt to engage General Grievous's starfleet, Separatist planets that were once thought secure are now rising up against the Republic. On Geonosis-

"That fucking planet" Gree said. 

"I can already feel a headache coming," Rex said, grunting.

-Separatist leader Poggle the Lesser, safe in his newly ray-shielded factories, creates thousands of terrible new weapons which march off the assembly line against the outnumbered Clone army. The Jedi, resolute in their effort to restore order to the Republic, mount a massive invasion to retake Geonosis and shut down Poggle's factories of terror once and for all. 

On one of the cruisers, we see Obi-Wan and Ki-Adi Mundi.

Obi-Wan: I cannot believe we're back here again. 

Mundi: It is unfortunate. The resistance from the native Geonosians was stronger than we anticipated. 

Obi-Wan: The same can be said for their loyalty to Count Dooku. 

Mundi: A fact is often overlooked. 

Anakin and Ahsoka arrive.

Obi-Wan: You're late. 

Anakin: Sorry, Master. Ahsoka and I were busy routing the Seppies near Dorin. 

Ahsoka: My squadron alone had 55 skills. 

"Not this again" Rex growled, already knowing why the headache. 

The others just looked at him confused.

Anakin: Yeah, but mine has 76. 

 "....Are they competing to see who destroys most droids?" Colt asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yep"

"...This isn't the first time it's happened, is it?" Blitz asked.

 "How do you guess?"

 "The fact that you have that tired tone of voice and not at all impressed"

".... Yep"

Ahsoka: (shaking her head with a grin) Show-off. 

Obi-Wan: Well, I'm glad you two are enjoying yourselves. 

Anakin: Hey, it's just a little friendly competition, Master. Nothing to worry about. 

"Him saying there's nothing to worry about makes me decide to worry," Fox said.

 "Good, you should." Rex nodded.

 Fox stared at him.

Hell, a drink would really be nice right now.

Obi-Wan: What I worry about is the way this war seems to be drawing out with no end in sight. 

"Right..." Rex began to speak "Koria?" he asked

"Yes Rex?"

"Do you think you can answer me something?"

"Depends"

"How long is the war going to last?"

Cody raised an eyebrow and looked at him, Rex just shrugged.

"...Three years," replied Koria, after a short silence.

That took everyone by surprise.

"Three?!" Bly said surprised.

"Yes"

"Shit" Bacara said.

"... We're done," Neyo said. 

"Three years? Are you serious?" 17 asked.

"It's the truth, 17"

".....So we only have 3 fucking years to try to avoid everything we'll see?" Blitz asked.

Koria sighed, she really hated that she couldn't help them once they got out of here. But even the mightiest power had its limits and she was no exception.

"Yes, 3 years" she confirmed.

"Osik"

Mundi: Which is why it is crucial our invasion of Geonosis meets with success. 

Anakin: Agreed. Ahsoka, contact the Outer Rim Command. We're ready for our briefing.

Ahsoka: They're already waiting for us. 

The scene changes to see Obi-Wan, Mundi, Anakin, and Ahsoka talking to Windu, Yoda, and Palpatine over comm.

Obi-Wan: Our ships are in position, and we are ready to begin our camping against the Geonosians. 

Windu: And what about Poggle? Any report on his location? 

Obi-Wan: It seems he's holed up at the primary droid foundry here (pointing at the holomap) The factory is protected by a shield generator. Anakin, Ki-Adi, and I shall attempt a three-pronged attack through their defense lines to a staging area just short of the shield. Once we have landed, we shall knock out the shield generator. This is our primary target. 

Palpatine: Isn't it risky committing three generals to one area of the attack? If something went wrong, we could be dealt a serious blow. 

Yoda: To ensure that rise again Geonosis does not, capture Poggle we must. 

Palpatine: Of course. As always, I shall leave the strategy to you, Master Jedi. 

Obi-Wan: Our thanks, Chancellor. 

Windu: May the Force be with you. 

Just as the call ends, Rex, Cody, and Jet enter.

Obi-Wan: Good, Cody. These are the coordinates for the rendezvous. 

Cody: Yes, sir. When we hit the ground, we'll create a perimeter there. Getting past their defense here will be the trick. General Mundi will come across the defensive lines from the north. We will make our assault through the middle. General Skywalker will make his attack on the defensive line from the south, and we will meet at the rendezvous point at 0700 exactly. 

Mundi: If we meet with strong resistance and are forced down away from the landing zone, hold out until we join our forces before attacking the shield generator. 

Ahsoka: Their front lines are heavily fortified. Look at that giant wall with all the gun emplacements. That won't be easy to get past. 

Anakin: Don't worry. We're not going anywhere near that. 

"Oh really?" Rex growled.

"Now what did Skywalker do?" Wolffe asked.

"And Tano" Rex said "being as reckless as ever, improvising plans, you know, the usual"

Obi-Wan: Come now. What happened to all the enthusiasm I saw earlier? 

Anakin: Don't worry about us. You just make sure you get yourself to that landing zone in one piece. 

Obi-Wan: Yes. I shall be waiting for you when you finally arrive. 

Luminara: (in comm) Gentlemen, if you are quite finished, we have a battle to begin. 

Obi-Wan: Quite right. Cody, prep the gunships. I'll meet you in the hangar. 

Cody: Yes, sir. 

In the hangar, we see how the clones give the green thumbs up to the ships, which begin to leave. Back with Obi-Wan and Cody, we see them walking towards a ship.

Cody: No, sir, I wasn't involved in the first assault of Geonosis. 

"And thanks the Force" Cody muttered.

Obi-Wan: Well, you didn't miss much. Last time, I was chained to a pole and attacked by several humongous monsters. 

Cody: That sounds… entertaining. 

Obi-Wan: (with a chuckle, entering a ship) It was… for the Geonosians. 

The ship's doors close and the ship takes off, from the Negotiator, we see how more ships leave, carrying clones, and walkers.

On the ground, we see some Geonosians, who shoot at the ships, which dodge as best they can.

The battle continues, one of the ships is shot down by the Geonosians. Bombs fall from the sky and destroy another Republic ship. At the same time other ships come to shoot at the Geonosians.

On the Jedi cruiser. We see Anakin and Ahsoka, entering a ship where Rex along with other troopers were waiting for them.

Anakin: We all ready, Rex? 

Rex: (putting on his helmet) Yes, sir. General Kenobi is already under way. 

Anakin: Well, he's got a head start. We'll have to catch up. 

More ships leave the Jedi cruiser.

Admiral Y: Good luck, General (talking to Mundi). 

Mundi: There is no such thing as luck. 

Bacara rolled his eyes. 

From one of the ships.

Clone: Good thing those bugs can't aim. 

"...."

Just then, the ship explodes, sending the clones flying.

"Osik"

"Shit"

"Why did he have to speak…"

The ships fire at the Geonosians' bombs. The ship that Anakin, Ahsoka, and Rex are on is shot and begins to fall.

Ponds pressed himself closer to Rex, not liking this at all. He had heard one thing or another when the first battle of Geonosis occurred, when those who went into battle decided to count here and there. And clearly hadn't been good.

And the second, well, only knew from the reports, as with Teth, Rex nor Cody want to say anything. He knew that it was a great disaster, and he heard one thing or another, but there is a big difference between how it is told and how it really is. This may have already happened, but that does not mean that his concern for Rex and Cody is not there.

With Mundi

Mundi: The flak is too heavy. 

Clone: (in radio) We're down, Repeat! Down! Location, five… 

Jet: I just lost contact with Skywalker's team. 

With Anakin. 

Anakin: (getting up) Come on, get up! We have to keep moving! (Knocks down one of the ship's walls, exiting the ship, followed by Ahsoka and the other clones)

Clone: Here they come! 

Clone 2: Watch it. Watch it! 

An explosion goes by and a Geonosian is seen shooting.

Anakin dodges the shots as he kills the nearby Geonosians.

Ahsoka: (deflecting shots with her lightsaber) They're falling back. Come on! 

The clones that were taking cover follow her.

Back in the sky, more ships come down.

Mundi: Get the tanks on the ground now! (The ship in which he is going is shot)

Jet: Cody, get the tanks down. Come in, Cody! 

With Cody.

"At least you're okay" Bly said with a sigh "...right?"

Cody just smiled at him.

“That does not answer my question”

“Oh, I know” 

“... You little-”

Jet: Cody, come in! Get the tanks down! 

Cody: Copy that. Pilot, begin landing sequence. 

Pilot: Copy that, Commander. Have fun down there. 

The ship drops the walker and leaves, while the other ships land and the troopers begin to leave.

Cody: Move it! Move it! 

Clone: Here they come. Bugs coming! 

Clone 2: Man down! Man down! 

Cody: (in comm) General Kenobi, don't land. The zone is hot. 

On Kenobi's ship.

Obi-Wan: But there's nowhere else to go. 

Some Geonosians in some ships approach and start shooting, one of the shots hits Kenobi's ship.

Obi-Wan: We're hit! We're going down! 

The pilot yells.

Obi-Wan: Brace yourselves! 

Back with Mundi, we see how the situation is, destroyed ships along with wounded and dead clones are everywhere, in one of the ships, a clone helps Mundi.

Mundi: What are our losses, Captain? 

Jet: We got hit pretty hard. I think only Kenobi's forces made it through the flak to the landing zone. 

"Everything that could go wrong did go wrong," Howzer said.

"Hm, just wait, this is just the beginning," Cody said.

"The beginning?' Howzer asked, not liking that at all.

Mundi: And what about Skywalker? 

Jet: Captain Rex reported they're still in the middle of a firefight. Skywalker's tanks are gone, and they're trying to contact General Kenobi's forces for support. In the meantime, they'll press on to the rendezvous point. 

Mundi: Very well. Load the injured onto the tanks. We'll make for that ridge (pointing it) With any luck, we can meet up with Skywalker on his way to Kenobi's position.

The scene changes and we see some Geonosians shooting, Anakin and Ahsoka dodging the shots. Rex runs towards them, taking cover to speak into his comlink.

Rex: Okay, Cody. I'll speak with General Skywalker. 

Anakin: Rex, what's the word? Can Obi-Wan send support or not? (Dodges one more shot to drop down to where Rex is.)

Rex: I don't think so, sir. Cody says General Kenobi never reached the landing site. They think his gunship got shot down. 

Anakin: Great. The one time I actually ask Obi-Wan for help, he's nowhere to be found. 

Ahsoka joins them.

Ahsoka: Well, what if something happened to General Kenobi? He could be injured or- 

Anakin: (interrupt her) No time for that kind of talk. Rex, we need to mobilize. Now. Get the men together. We're gonna rush the guns. 

Rex: Yes, sir. 

Rex leaves to find the men, and Anakin turns to Ahsoka.

Anakin: Ahsoka, you're with me. We need to give Rex cover when we attack. 

Ahsoka: Got it. Just give the word…

Anakin: Hey, I'm worried about him too. But you have to keep your mind in the here and now, otherwise we'll never be able to help Obi-Wan. 

The Geonosian continues to fire, Rex along with the other Clones arrive at were Anakin and Ahsoka are.

Rex: All here, sir. 

Anakin: Ready. Now! Go! Go! Go!

Anakin jumps out from where they had cover, Ahsoka and the Clones following him.

Rex: Take 'em out! Take 'em all out! 

With Cody. With the ships and the walkers they made a barricade. A clone is looking at a ship with binoculars. 

Clone: Not good. The bugs are splitting up. 

Some clones approach Cody.

Boil: Boil reporting as ordered, sir. 

Waxer: Waxer reporting as ordered, sir. 

Cody let out a smile, Boil and Waxer were good soldiers, efficient and he had no doubt that if they continued like this, they would be incredible ARC Troopers one day.

Cody: We've got a downed gunship five klicks east. We believe it's General Kenobi's. I need you to get out there and check for survivors. 

Both: Sir, yes, sir!  

Waxer and Boil waste no time and run, trying not to get hit by any shots. A Geonosian gives an order to the others, and they along with the ships begin to move.

Waxer and Boil arrive at the ship.

Waxer: Why do we always get the fun missions? 

Boil: Oh, this isn't the fun part. Getting back to the Square is the fun part. 

Between the two they open the doors of the ship, revealing an Obi-Wan along with another clone. Both of them were injured. 

Obi-Wan: Waxer, Boil, am I glad to see you. Trapper and I are the only ones still alive. 

Cody closed his eyes, the second battle of Geonosis had taken good men. Without a doubt it was and it is still difficult to say their names, shiny and not shiny alike.

Ponds wasted no time seeing Cody, and put him under his other arm ignoring the look he gave him, he could complain later, for now he can hold on.

Boil: (he goes to help Obi-Wan while Waxer goes to Trapper) Good to see you, sir. Commander Cody's established the square just beyond this position. The bugs are on the move and trying to surround us as we speak, sir. 

With Cody, the clone from earlier watches as Boil and Waxer walk out with Kenobi and Trapper.

Clone: They've got the General. 

Cody: AT-TE 636, lay down cover fire at 0.35. 

The clones go to their positions and continue firing at the Geonosians. Some clones go and cover Waxer and Boil.

Clone: Take it down! Take it down! 

As they continue walking, Obi-Wan dodges a shot that passed near his head. Cody approaches them.

“That was close”

“Too much close”

Cody: Are you injured, General? 

"Cody" Fox said, looking at him with a scowl.

"Listen to me"

"Cody, are you serious?" Bacara joined the asking.

"Can't you see how he is?" Doom asked.

"I get it, I get it" Cody growled, glaring at them.

"But, Cody"

"I was asking if he had any fatal injuries, okay?" Cody asked. 

"Doesn't matter"

"I don't even ask such obvious things," Neyo muttered with a smile. Making Cody give him a dirty look.

Obi-Wan: No, nothing too serious. What's the situation here? 

Cody: Ah. We've got no air cover, two generals on the ground beyond our position, and a mess of bugs surrounding us. The enemy was more than prepared for our attack, sir. They knew our every move. 

Obi-Wan: Arg. Well, I'm sure General Skywalker and General Mundi will make it to our position. We just have to make sure we're still here when they arrive. 

With Mundi, he cuts a stone spike with his lightsaber so a walker can pass through. The clones are seen above the walker.

In the sky, the battle rages on with gunfire and explosions, as the Geonosian ships try to close in on the Jedi cruiser.

Admiral Y: Negative, Captain. We will be unable to provide any air support at this time. 

Jet: I understand that, sir. But we have three attack forces on the ground and only one at the landing zone. 

Admiral Y: This is a planetary wide invasion, Captain. If I devote resources to your position, it will mean sacrificing other areas of the campaign. 

"It really was a tough campaign," Ponds said. Stroking Rex's hair and letting Cody play with his hand.

"You got that damm right" Gree muttered.

Although he arrived after Mundi retired and things were… 'calm' doesn't take away from the fact that that campaign was a pain in the ass. And then with everything that happened with Barriss and Ahsoka and the factory and the worms, those things didn't help matters.

"Complicated or not complicated, what I know is that as long as I don't have to go back to that dust ball in my life I'll be fine" Rex said, as he settled down, happily using Ponds as a pillow.

Admiral Y: All we can do at this time is help you find General Skywalker. 

Jet: All right, sir. I'll report to the General. Commander Jet out. 

"... Wait, wasn't he a Captain?"

".... Do not question it"

"But-" 

Admiral Y: Give me every fighter you can scrape up. (He approaches a clone who is looking at a holomap of the planet) Have you located General Skywalker's position?

Officer: We think he's somewhere along the eastern barrier. 

Admiral Y: That's not a barrier. It's a fortress. 

Rex let out a groan, Cody just snorted, with a smirk.

"Now what?" 17 asked.

"Just wait, 17" Cody said, still smiling.

"Should I be worried?" 17 asked again, letting out a tired sigh.

"It's Rex we're talking about, 17, of course you should be," Bacara said. 

"Hey!" Rex exclaimed. 

"It's the truth Rex'ika" Cody laughed.

"Cody" Rex said.

"Yes?"

"Fuck you"

"I love you too"

Anakin, Ahsoka and the clones reached the fortress wall. Above the wall, battle droids and super battle droids lean out and start firing.

Rex: Gentlemen, careful. 

2 clones fall while the others go and take cover behind some rocks.

Ahsoka: Well, this is another fine mess you've gotten us into. 

Explosion.

Anakin: What? Hey, it's not my fault. You were supposed to study the holomaps. 

Ahsoka: I did! Remember, when I reminded you about the giant wall, and, and you said, "Don't worry, Snips. We won't be anywhere near that". 

"I mean…she's not wrong," Havoc said.

Anakin: Just get ready to climb. 

Ahsoka rolls her eyes.

Jet approaches Mundi.

Jet: General, I left a squad to protect the tanks. Are you sure this is the shortest way to the landing zone? 

Mundi: No, I'm not sure, Commander. All I can do is trust my instincts. 

"Great way to calm down the troops," Fox said.

"Do you have any other better ideas?"

Mundi walks some more, entering a cave using his lightsaber to illuminate. Mundi signals for them to stop.

Clone: Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I have a wing vibration up ahead. 

The clones prepare to fire. A clone looks up and sees a Geonosian flying, between him and another they fly him away.

"I really hate the Geonosians" Wolffe said "even though I haven't faced them"

"Lucky" Rex, Cody and Gree muttered.

More Geonosians appear, a clone kills a Geonosian that was closing in on him. He starts shooting at the other Geonosians who were attacking the other Clones but one comes from behind and attacks him. Mundi kills him with his lightsaber.

Mundi: Don't stop. We must push on. Forward! 

With Anakin and Ahsoka. 

A clone gives Anakin a backpack. Who gives it to Ahsoka.

Rex: So, what's the plan, General? 

Anakin: Just keep us covered, Rex. There's too much laser fire for all of us to make the climb. Ahsoka and I will handle this. Just be ready when that wall comes down. 

Rex joins the other Clones. Anakin and Ahsoka run towards the wall while dodging the shots. They take out some devices and by pressing the button a rope comes out and hooks on some stones above.

Anakin and Ahsoka climb up as they run and dodge more shots.

With Mundi, he and the Clones dodge and fire at the Geonosians, who also fire at them.

A clone is killed by a Geonosian. The battle continues, shots flying everywhere. Clones fall or are taken by the Geonosians.

With Anakin and Ahsoka.

With the help of their lightsabers they dodge the droids' shots.

Anakin: How many droids have you shot down so far? 

Ahsoka: 25

Anakin: (grins) Ah, you're falling behind. Let's go. 

They both jump from where they were, falling into the wall and starting to destroy the droids.

Downstairs, Rex and the Clones keep firing, Rex shoots a droid that is on the wall, destroying it. He looks up to see Anakin and Ahsoka, who are now retreating as the droids close in on them.

Rex: (to another clone) Focus on the droids on the top of the wall. (He runs away)

"Rex?" Thorn asked.

"Yes?"

"Now what are you going to do?"

Rex just smiled.

"Forget it, vod, when he smiles like that it means either something good, or something that will make Shebse go crazy" Thire said.

The clone beckons and the shots go up the wall, destroying it.

With Obi-Wan and Cody, the situation is just as bad as with the others. The Geonosians have moved closer to the barricade. An explosion sends a clone flying.

Boil: Man down! 

On one of the ships, a clone is shot down, more clones join.

Clone: Hang on. There they are! 

The Geonosians arrive at the barricade.

With Anakin and Ahsoka. Below the wall they see how the clones fall. Above the wall Anakin and Ahsoka destroy the missing droids.

Anakin: Look for a hatch. We need to put the explosives inside the wall. 

Ahsoka: (looks behind her) Found one. 

From the hatch, a shield droid comes out, Ahsoka falls to the ground, Anakin sees it and goes towards them. Right behind Anakin in another hatch another shield droid comes out and starts shooting, Ahsoka jumps on top of Anakin dodging the droid's shots just in time.

Ahsoka is having difficulty fighting the droid, then she sees Rex silently approaching, entering the droid's shield and shooting at it.

"You really did not waste time"

"I arrived on time… I guess"

Anakin jumps up and falls under the droid, activating his lightsaber and destroying it.

From the hatch, a battle droid peers out.

Droid: Hey, did you get them? 

Anakin: (throws backpack at droid) Catch. 

Droid: Huh? Wha… 

Anakin forcefully knocks the droid to the ground and Ahsoka throws her backpack at him as well.

Droid: No! 

Anakin: Come on Rex. 

Ahsoka: Up and away.

Anakin and Ahsoka lift Rex with the Force. 

"Pfff" Bly tries not to laugh, covering his mouth.

"He did what"  17 hissed. Shaking his head. Fordo put a hand on his shoulder, he had a small feeling this would focus a little more on Rex than the others. And if it was true, another moment where it would drive his brothers and his Buir crazy would come.

"And they still do that, don't they, Rex?" Cody said with a smile. Rex glared at him.

17 felt his eye twitching at that. He did not like Skywalker using the Force on Rex like that. 

If Skywalker makes Rex die thanks to one of his plans, or thanks to one of his stupids stunts...

He also didn't like the fact that for what he heard, it was something Skywalker was still doing. 

More things he's going to talk about with the guy once they're back in Coruscant...

Great, just great. 

"Rex, don't give Cody a dirty look," Ponds scolded softly, though still concerned about his little brother.

"What the hell is going on in your battalion, Rex'ika?" 17 said, massaging his forehead.

"That's a very good question, 17"

Rex: Whoa! 

Anakin and Ahsoka go to the edge of the wall, and without thinking twice they jump.

Droid: Help! 

The explosives go off and the wall explodes. Anakin and Ahsoka keep falling, being followed by Rex who doesn't stop screaming.

"Oh please- Rex I need your helmet" Wolffe said, laughing.

"For what?" Rex continued to glare at them. Even Bacara, Doom and Neyo had a little smile!

"Because he wants to look for that exact moment," Fox said. Shaking his head.

"Wolffe, kriff you"

"Fox, why don't you shut up?" Wolffe said, looking at him badly.

"Because it's fun to annoy you," Fox said, with a bitching smile.

As they bickered, 17 stared at the screen, just by that he could see a lot of times that could had gone wrong. 

The clones stare. Anakin and Ahsoka use the Force to stop their falls. And between the two they use it to stop Rex.

17 sighed slowly.

What if Skywalker and Tano didn't managed to stop Rex in time? What if just as they were about to stop him was to late? What if, what if, what if... So many what if's... 

They both hear a noise and look up, the rubble of the wall falling, Anakin and Ahsoka use the force.

The laughter that had been there before was gone.

"Fuck"

"Rex!"

"Yes?"

"Don't do that again"

"......"

"Understood?"

".... Okay?"

Rex: Next time, (accepting Anakin's help) just tell me to jump. 

Anakin: Now where's the fun in that? Come on, we can't keep Obi-Wan waiting. 

Rex: You heard him, lads. Let's go! 

They start running. The scene changes and we're back with Mundi, who is dodging the lightsaber shots as best he can.

Mundi: We're almost through.

"Really? Because it doesn't seem like it…." Havoc muttered

Mundi: Bring the flamethrowers! 

Three clones go forward with flamethrowers in their hands. And without wasting time they activate them, killing the Geonosians.

With Anakin and Ahsoka.

Ahsoka: Look, what's that? (He points to the cave where Mundi and his men are, fire is seen and some burning Geonosians coming out of there).

We see Mundi killing a Geonosian, more Geonosians on fire trying to get out of the cave.

Anakin: Master Mundi, do you read me? 

Mundi: We are here, Skywalker. We took a slight detour that put us out of communications for a bit. 

Anakin: This has been a day for detours, Master. 

Mundi: Indeed. But now the road is clear. I can see the landing zone. It does not look good. 

Anakin: Can you get me Admiral Yularen? 

On the Jedi cruiser.

Anakin: Admiral, we're at the breaking point. You've got to get some fighters down here. 

Admiral Y: You are in luck, General Skywalker. I have one squadron available. 

With Kenobi. A Geonosian shoots while he is in a speeder. One of the shots hits one of the ships where the clones are, causing a small explosion.

Clone: Retreat! Go, go, go, go! 

A ship explodes.

Clone: Take this! 

The clones are retreating, surrounded by Geonosians.

Cody: Make every shot count! Give it all you got! 

Obi-Wan, who was still seated, struggles to his feet, breathing heavily, active his lightsaber.

Clone: Reinforcements! The reinforcements have arrived! 

"Just in time" Keeli said, relived.

The Republic ships close in, firing at the Geonosians. The clones celebrate, relieved, and without wasting time join the battle.

Clone: Go, go, go, go! 

Clone 2: Move it! Move it! 

Clone 3: You heard him, lads, let's go! 

Obi-Wan leans back again, relieved.

Clone 4: Up to the front! 

Anakin, Ahsoka and Mundi arrive along with their troops and join the battle.

Clone 5: Come on! Hurry, hurry! 

Clone 6: There they are! Move it! Move it! 

Ahsoka walks over to Obi-Wan, worried.

Ahsoka: Master Kenobi. 

Obi-Wan reassures her by placing a hand on her shoulder.

Anakin and Mundi approach them.

Anakin: Well, what happened to you? 

Obi-Wan: I might ask you the same question. 

"Sassy Kenobi" Hower murmured. 

"... Did you just call General Kenobi 'Sassy Kenobi'?" Keeli asked in low voice. 

"No.."

"Oh Force" Keeili groaned, what mess did he get into? 

The scene changes, Obi-Wan, still lying down, shows a holomap, explaining some things to Anakin, Ahsoka and Mundi together with the clones.

Obi-Wan: Our combined forces should be enough to destroy the shield generator. Anakin, you'll need to take a small squad through the shield, as close as you can get to their gun emplacements. From there, you'll be able to temporarily jam their scanners, so they are unable to target the incoming tanks. Once the tanks knock out the shield. Master Mundi can bring the rest of the troops in with the gunships. 

Anakin: Consider it done, Master. 

Clone: All units are in position, sir.

Mundi: (to a clone) Tell Skywalker to start the attack. 

Clone: Begin the attack.

Anakin activates his saber, and together with the clones enter the shield. Gunfire starts, clones fall or are carried by the Geonosians. Ahsoka joins him along with more clones

They both join up and take cover behind a rock. Anakin looks up, seeing more Geonosians shooting at them.

Anakin: Ahsoka, Let's jam their scanners. Droid poppers ready. 

Anakin and Ahsoka drop the droid poppers, causing the droids to stop working.

Ahsoka: Looks like it's working.

Anakin: It won't last long. Bring up the tanks. 

The walkers arrive, and without waiting any longer they aim and start shooting. Destroying the machines, the tip of the generator falls, destroying the antennas.

Republic ships arrive, Mundi comes out of one of them along with his men. They surround the remaining Geonosians.

The scene changes, Anakin helps Obi-Wan get to a transport.

Ahsoka: So, Master, what was your total? 

Anakin: Not now, Ahsoka. 

Ahsoka: Come on. Are you afraid you lost this time? 

Before Hower could open his mouth Keeli gave him a look.

"You better do not call Commander Tano "Sassy Tano"

Howzer stopped trying to talk real quick. 

Anakin: Fine. 55, that's my count. And you? 

Ahsoka: 60. Looks like I won. 

Anakin: Yeah, but I called in the air strike. Tie.

Ahsoka: (rolling her eyes with a smile) You're impossible.

Obi-Wan: I'll never understand how you can simplify these battles into some kind of game. 

A clone goes and helps Obi-Wan into the ship. Who then leans on Mundi.

Anakin: Well, take care of yourselves. I expect to see both of you back here by the time I've destroyed the main factory. 

Obi-Wan: We shall do our best. 

Mundi: 65, Skywalker. 

Obi-Wan looks at him.

"Kenobi looks so done right now" 

"When is Skywalker and Tano? Ha! I think he's always like that"

Anakin: I'm sorry? 

Mundi: My total. 65. So what do I win? 

Obi-Wan looks at Anakin with a small smile.

Anakin: My everlasting respect, Master Mundi. 

Mundi: Oh. 

"Pff- 'Oh' he sounds so disappointed" Howzer laughed.

"Hm, I would be too," Bacara muttered to Doom, with a small smile. Doom just shook his head with a sigh.

Obi-Wan: That is a gift Anakin rarely bestows, I assure you. 

Mundi nods, smiling, and the transport closes the doors, leaving. Anakin goes and meets with Rex and Ahsoka.

"Well, in a few moments we will start the next chapter, so if you are going to do something I recommend you do it now" Koria said.

After she finished speaking, Ponds gave Rex a small look, switching between him and Cody. Rex gave him a nod with a small smile.

"Well, I'll go with Bly and Wolffe, see you guys later" Rex said, leaving without waiting for an answer.

"And now what happens to him?" Cody asked with a raised eyebrow.

"He said he was going with Bly and Wolffe, maybe he wanted to spend some time with them."

“But he did-....” Cody looked at him, still with his eyebrow raised, he didn't believe any of that and they both knew it. He gave Ponds a look, looking him in the eye and realizing why Rex left.

"Oh please- Ponds, I'm fine"

"Oh really? So how you acted when Obi-Wan said he and Trapper were the only survivors was being okay?"

"......"

"Cody, you're not okay, and it's okay that you're not, but pretending you are when you're not is not okay. Besides, you're not alone in this. You've got me, Bly, Wolffe, 17, Rex."

Silence between them happened, Ponds asking himself if it was better to talk about this with Cody later.

"Cody, I-"

"....Three Years Ponds"

"Hmm?"

"We have three fucking years to stop everything we're going to see, THREE... How the hell are we going to do it?" Cody said, letting his head fall onto Ponds's shoulder.

"We'll find some way... We will, and while we may not be able to save everyone, we will turn this whole mess around. We'll save as many as we can."

"Ha... Since when did you get so good at comforting others?" Cody asked her with a small smile.

"What do you mean since when? I was always good" Ponds said, giving him a little push.

"Yes, yes... whatever you say" Cody laughed a little.

"Can you promise me something?"

"Depends…"

"If something happens, no matter how stupid it is, do you think you can come with me so I can help you? Be honest with me"

"Ponds"

"Cody, please"

"...You didn't even tell Rex that"

"Maybe not, but once we get back to our rooms I'll talk to him, so he doesn't run away either. And yes, Bly and Wolffe are included as well."

"I can't promise anything.."

"Cody-"

"But I'm going to try"

The two stared at each other for a few minutes in total silence.

".... Okay" Ponds broke the silence "I'll take it"

"Thanks, Ponds" Cody smiled at his older brother, who smiled back.

"Well" Koria interrupted the moment "now we can continue, please return to your seats so we can continue watching"

After everyone was seated the screen lit up.

Chapter Text

No gift is more precious than trust. 

Narrator: The final surge. Having learned of warlord Poggle the Lesser's plot to rebuild a Separatists droid foundry on Geonosis, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, prepare to assault this heavily fortified installation. Their mission: destroy the factory at all costs. 

Rex and Gree tried to hide a grimace. They certainly didn't have a good time on that mission, having to send their Commanders alone and then believing them lost was not easy at all.

Narrator: Anticipating stiff resistance, Republic commanders send Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee, to reinforce the attack. But time runs short for our intrepid heroes as the dreaded droid mill nears completion. 

In one of the transports.

Luminara: Captain, the only safe landing zone is south of Skywalker's position. 

Captain: Yes, General. 

Luminara: Barriss, I assume you've made the necessary preparations? 

Barriss: Precisely as you instructed, Master. 

Barriss gives a small bow as Luminara smiles.

"Barriss is very polite, isn't she?" Havoc asked.

"Both her and Luminara are," Gree said with a small smile.

Gree: Buckle your belts and check your cells, soldiers. We're going in! 

The clones prepare by grabbing their weapons. The scene changes and we see Anakin, Ahsoka and the Clones. Ahsoka is explaining the plan to them.

Ahsoka: This bridge is our first waypoint. Focus your fire on the gun emplacements here, and here, because it's only- 

Anakin: (interrupting her) Because it's only after we neutralize the guns that we can push for the factory. 

"Oh no," Rex sighed, massaging his forehead.

Ahsoka: I was-... Yes. We can push for the factory. 

Two clones look at each other, one of them smiling with amusement.

Ahsoka: Now, expect stiff resistance from- 

Anakin: (interrupting her and pushing her) And don't forget to top off your energy cells and ration packs. (Behind him, Ahsoka looks at him, irritated) Once we leave, there will be no re-supply. Anything else, Ahsoka? 

"Isn't that supposed to be Ahsoka's briefing?" Cody asked.

"Anakin was doing that for a few briefings, I spent a whole week listening to Ahsoka complain about that" Rex answered, rolling his eyes.

“Well she has a reason to complain, how is Commander Tano going to know about giving briefings if he doesn't let her?” Thire asked. 

Ahsoka: No. I think you've pretty much-covered everything in my briefing.

Anakin: Very well. Squad dismissed.

The clones nod and leave.

Anakin: Okay, what's next? 

Ahsoka: You know, Master, my briefings might go better if you didn't interrupt me every time I try to- 

Anakin: (interrupt her, again) I wasn't interrupting. I was trying to help you. 

"By interrupting her?" Wolffe asked. 

Ahsoka: Which I would appreciate it if you didn't interrupt me to do it. I just think maybe you don't trust me to give the briefing. 

Anakin: It's not about trust. It's about getting the job done right. 

"I mean, I get what you mean…sort of? But the way he said it…" Thire trailed off. 

"It wasn't the best." finished Thorn.

Ahsoka: Ah! So you don't trust me to get the job done right. I knew it! 

Anakin: (sighs) Snips, I never said- 

 Ahsoka: No. No, it's okay. I understand. I'm the Padawan. You're the Master. 

Ahsoka leaves upset. The scene changes and the transports land, Rex goes and greets Luminara and Barriss.

Rex: Good day, General. Skywalker's waiting for you. 

They both give Rex a small nod and walk over to Anakin and Ahsoka, who are fighting. Again. 

Luminara: At it again, are they? 

"Damn, they fight so much that even Unduli is used to it?" 17 asked.

"The truth? I'm not even surprised." Rex sighed.

"Wow, even me and Wolffe didn't fight that much," Fox said.

"That's the worst lie I've ever heard you tell" Wolffe sing-song with a smile, too much happy "Bly, my credits, now"

"You really couldn't wait a little more, Fox?" Bly growled as he gave Wolffe his credits, who was still smiling. "Bastard," he muttered.

Barriss: "Again," Master? 

Luminara: Let's just say that they have a penchant for playing loose with regulations and rules of command. 

"That's one way to put it," Ponds agreed.

"Or is it better to say that they prefer to do it their way, instead of doing it as they are told," Doom said as he rolled his eyes.

"Well, but you can't deny that they get the job done, right? And it's one of the legions with fewer casualties." Keeli disagreed.

"That's true," Gree agreed.

Anakin: …if you listen to me. 

Ahsoka: Well, if you don't trust me, then maybe you should send me back. 

Anakin: Oh, don't tempt me, Snips. 

"Is he provoking her?" Cody asked incredulously.

"So it seems, and it's probably not going to end well."

Luminara: If you're both finished with your little discussion, we do have a factory to destroy. 

"Unduli it's acting like a mother," Bacara smirked, looking at Gree. 

"How funny of you, vod, that's not even possible, Bacara" Gree huffed. 

Luminara: Well, Barriss, aren't you going to introduce yourself? 

Barriss: (bowing towards Ahsoka) Padawan learner Barriss Offee at your service. 

Anakin looks at Ahsoka smiling.

"He's definitely provoking her"

Ahsoka gives him a dirty look and holds out her hand to Barriss.

Ahsoka: Glad to meet you. I'm Ahsoka. 

Barriss accepts her hand and they both stare at each other, smiling. 

Rex and Gree looked at each other, a small smile on their faces, both since Ahsoka and Barriss knew them they had told them that neither of them had many friends in the Temple, so see what they considered their younger sisters (and sometimes a daughter, in the case of Gree) get along without a doubt filled them with relief and joy.

Anakin: It's good to see both of you again. 

Luminara: I wish it was under more peaceful circumstances. 

The scene changes, some clones load other injured clones into a transport, another clone is seen repairing a walker, finally, Luminara, Anakin, Barriss and Ahsoka are seen looking at a holomap.

Luminara: A frontal assault is risky. Our losses will be high. 

Anakin: But not as high as they'll be if that factory comes online. 

"Frontal assault or not frontal assault, I'm sure either way, unfortunately, would have high losses," Gree said, frowning.  

Luminara: Indeed, but there is an alternative (some tunnels appear under the factory) Every Geonosian building has a series of catacombs beneath it that run deep underground. 

Ahsoka looks pensive. 

"I don't like that face, Rex, tell Skywalker not to infect 'Soka with his recklessness," Wolffe said. 

"You're late" Rex sighed. 

"Shit"

Barriss: Some of the tunnels are close enough to this cliff wall so that you could cut a hole and make an entry point. 

Luminara: Once inside, we could find the main reactor, plant the explosives, and blow the factory inside out. 

Anakin: Oh, looks like a good way to get lost, if you ask me. 

Luminara: For the unprepared perhaps, but I have instructed Barriss to memorize the labyrinth, all 200 junctions. 

"200?" Howzer asked, surprised.

"That's Barriss for you," Gree smiled proudly.

Anakin: You always were thorough. 

Luminara: It pays for one to be prepared. Right, Barriss? 

"That's true, I remember our trainer kept saying that it was better to be over-prepared than unprepared, right Fordo?" 17 asked, looking at his brother, who just rolled his eyes remembering perfectly.

Barriss: Especially when other people's lives depend on your success. 

Ahsoka: How do we keep the Geonosians occupied while someone else is settling the bombs? 

Anakin: Good point, Snips. If whoever's going in there is going to be successful, we'll need to create a diversion.  

Luminara: Precisely. That task will be carried out by you and I, Skywalker, while the destruction of the factory falls to the Padawans. 

"...Did he just leave something this risky for Ahsoka and Barriss? Who are Jedi students? Emphasis on students, please." Howzer said in disbelief.

"Well, from what I understand, Padawans are taught the basics of lightsaber fighting and self-defense, so I guess they learn on the journey?" Ponds said.

"Jedi nerd" muttered someone Ponds couldn't see.

"Hey, I'm not a Jedi nerd! Mace just gets bored sometimes and tells me how things are at the temple."

"Mace?" Fox asked. 

"Mace." Doom raised an eyebrow.

"Mace!" Bacara exclaimed with a smirk. 

"Mace." Neyo said, looking at Ponds with his head tilted. 

"Not this again," Ponds growled, covering his face.

"Nope, I still don't believe it," Howzer denied.

"Well, Howzer, begin to believe it, because I'm sure it won't be the last time we see how they give Padawans missions that are too risky." Keeli finished.

Anakin: Now, hold on. Who decided that? Walking into that factory could be suicide. 

"See?" Howzer looked at Keeli, who let out a long sigh.

Luminara: Not if you and I are successful holding Poggle's attention at the bridge. 

Ahsoka: Master, I can do this. I've had riskier assignments.

"Riskier assignments she says" Howzer murmured. 

Anakin: But unlike Barriss, you aren't prepared for this mission. 

"I know he didn't want Ahsoka to get hurt but…" Neyo winced.

"Ouch," Howzer said.

"Ouch" Monnk repeated. 

Luminara: Not to worry. My Padawan is reliable. She can lead them both through the maze. 

Barriss: Well be in and out, Master. 

Ahsoka: See? Dependable Barriss will get us through. Don't worry, Master. As you well know, I can follow orders. 

Luminara: It's decided then. 

Luminara hands a backpack to a very smiling Ahsoka who doesn't hesitate to put it on. 

"She is enjoying it far too much"

Anakin: I guess it is. 

Luminara: We'll monitor your progress on these chronometers. Synchronize on my mark. Three, two, one, mark. (the chronometers made a sound and flashed at the same time).

Ahsoka: Let's get going. After you, Barriss. 

Barriss starts to run, Ahsoka right behind her. Anakin and Luminara stare at them. The first with a worried expression and the second with a calm expression.

Luminara: You feel Ahsoka's not up to the task. 

Anakin: I never said that. 

Luminara: What is it, then? 

Anakin: Nothing. Let's prepare the men. 

Luminara stares at him, not believing him.

Luminara: We'll have to make a bold move if we're to draw them out of the factory and keep their attention on us and not the Padawans. 

Anakin: The best way to do that is to march our troops straight up in the middle, parade-style. They can't resist that. 

Luminara: With no cover? 

Anakin: Well, we have to make it tempting. 

In the factory. 

Droid: The factory is operating at 50% production capacity. We have 10 garrisons of new droids ready to deploy. 

Poggle says something. 

TX-21: No, the super tanks are not ready, but when they are, the Republic forces will be routed. They have no weapon that can penetrate its heavy armor. 

Outside the factory, Anakin, and Luminara march together with the clones, approaching the factory. The factory gates open and the droids begin to pour out.

Anakin: Here come the droids. Everybody steady. Steady. Keep marching. 

Luminara: I hope the Padawans have made it past the bridge by now. 

Ahsoka and Barriss are seen climbing down in some rocks.

Anakin: That looks like a lot of droids. 

Luminara: Well, it is a droid factory. 

Anakin: As long as we can destroy 'em faster than they can make 'em, we'll come out on top. 

Luminara: (laughs) I love your simple logic, Skywalker. 

“Simple, sure”

Both activate their lightsabers, behind them the clones raise their blasters.

Anakin: Here we go. 

The droids begin firing and wasting no time, Anakin and Luminara run towards them, the clones following behind.

In a tower, a Geonosian has TX-21 on via comm.

TX-21: Let them fall into the trap.   

Droids and Clones alike fall, Anakin pulls a droid with the force and destroys them. Luminara pulls another droid with the force and uses it as a shield, before destroying the other droids nearby.

TX-21: You may now commence attack. 

 From the tower, Geonosians emerge, falling behind the clones and beginning to fire.

With Barriss and Ahsoka, they both make it under the bridge and run into the tunnels, gunshots ringing in the background.

Ahsoka stands guard while Barriss puts his hands on the wall using the force, until he feels something and taking out his lightsaber, sticks it in a specific place. Making a hole and with force removing the stone.

Ahsoka: Nice work. Well, here goes nothing. 

Ahsoka is about to enter but Barriss stops her.

Barriss: I should go in first. I know the way. 

Ahsoka: Be my guest. 

They both enter, the scene changes and we see them both deeper into the tunnels. Both continue walking until Barriss signals and they hide, later, some Geonosians stand guard, watching for a moment and then leaving. Barriss makes another sign and they walk again, just before she bumps into something, she gasps in surprise and then sees it's more Geonosians. They both start talking in low voices.

"Okay, I understand Howzer's point, I think it would have been better if Skywalker and Unduli had gone, '' Doom said as Gree cursed.

Barriss: They're sleeping. 

Ahsoka: We have to find another way. 

Barriss: We don't have time. This direction is the fastest. 

Ahsoka: Maybe you're wrong. 

Barriss: Trust me. 

They both start to crouch down trying not to make a sound, just as Barriss is about to pass a Geonosian drops his paw on her head.

Gree held his breath, although Barriss told him a little about what happened, she didn't tell the whole story, and Force he's glad that place is already destroyed.

Barriss: (yelling-whispering) Ahsoka. Ahsoka!

Ahsoka turns and goes to help Barriss, taking the Geonosian's paw as carefully as possible, Barriss slipping out of her grasp and Ahsoka letting go of the paw gently. Just as they both leave, the Geonosian wakes up.

"Fuck" Rex cursed.

"It was being too easy"

"Easy? Are you serious?"

"What?"

Back in the battle on the surface, some Geonosians shoot at some clones, then a clone with a machine gun kills them.

Anakin and Luminara continue to destroy the droids.

Luminara: They should have entered the catacombs by now. 

Anakin: You sure hope they're not lost down there. 

Back with Barriss and Ahsoka. 

Barriss: Left at the next junction. Dead end. 

Ahsoka: If we make a wrong turn, we may never find our way out. You do remember the way, don't you? 

Barriss: Of course I do. (Barriss looks around and then looks up, an entrance is visible) It's not left, it's up. (Ahsoka smiles) It's this way. 

They both jump towards the entrance, just as they leave, the Geonosian from earlier appears and follows them.

"They should have sent them with at least some of the boys if the Generals couldn't go with them." Gree muttered, clenching his fist.

With Luminara and Anakin. The battle continues, it looks like there are fewer clones left, just at that moment some droids with shields appear.

Anakin: Rex, a little help here!

Rex: (signaling to a clone) Get up there, trooper. 

A clone with a rocket lance walks forward and fires. Destroying the droids with shields. The walkers’ fire destroyed more droids.

Poggle, who is watching the battle from the factory, bangs on the table in annoyance and says something to the droid.

TX-21: My Lord, I beg you to let us use the secret weapons.

Poggle says something. 

TX-21: We have 20 units ready now, and many more on the way. 

Poggle says something else, pointing to specific places. 

TX-21: Thank you, my Lord. (Pressing a button on a console) Deploy the super tanks. Attack formation. 

The factory gates open again and tanks pour out. Many of them.

Luminara: Looks like the Separatists have a new toy. 

Anakin: Rex, pick your targets. 

Rex: Yes, sir. Elevation four-two-seven. 

With Barriss and Ahsoka, they both go up the entrance, in another entrance, they both see thousands of droids being transported on tapes.

Ahsoka: Whoa, that's a lot of droids. 

Barriss: Come on. The main control room is this way. 

From the entrance they came through, the Geonosian is still following them.

Returning to the battle above, the tanks continue to close in. Rex watches them draw closer.

Rex: Steady. Steady... Fire! 

The Republic tanks start firing, but the Separatist tanks are unscathed.

Droid: Our shields are holding. They can't touch us. 

Droid 2: That's a relief. 

"That's a relief" Grey mocked "fucking droids..." 

Back with Rex, he sees the Separatist tanks, not even a single scratch.

Rex: Sir, nothing could withstand that. 

Anakin: They must be ray-shielded. 

With Barriss and Ahsoka. Opening a hatch, they both exit alongside the side of the reactor.

Barriss: This is it. We're here. 

Neither wastes time and starts planting the explosives in the reactor.

With Poggle, the Geonosian walks in and says something.

TX-21: Two Jedi in the control room? That is impossible. How could they have gotten past security? 

Poggle says something, annoyed.

Ahsoka plants one last explosive, then presses a button on the chronometer on his wrist.

Ahsoka: And now we make ourselves scarce. 

Just before they leave, TX-21 along with Poggle, a tank, and some Geonosians stop them. They both activate their lightsabers.

"Haar'chak," 17 cursed.

“Is there ever going to be a day where some mission goes just like we planned it?” Doom asked, not liking the situation the Padawans found themselves in.

"I think you're asking too much, vod." Gree tried to comfort, he knew how this was going to end, and that right now, after they finished watching and they go back, if he looks for Barriss,  she was sure to meet Luminara or watch those stupid romantic comedies with Ahsoka. He knew his adi'ka was safe (or so he wanted to think). 

But he's never gonna forget the fear he had when no one knew if they were alive. The silence in the battlefield, he remembers the silent prayers the 41st and the 501st said so quietly, hoping that their padawans, their little sisters were alive. 

With Anakin and Luminara, a beep is heard. 

Anakin: Green light. The bombs are active. 

Luminara: (sighs in relief) The Padawans did it. 

Anakin: And just in time. 

Anakin looks ahead, the tanks open, ready to fire again, a droid presses a button.

Droid: Fire. 

Explosives come out of the tanks. Destroying Republic tanks.

Anakin: Get down! 

The tanks keep firing explosives, killing more clones.

Some closed their eyes for a few moments while others lowered their heads, the war is supposed to last 3 years, however, it has already taken too much. Maybe Geonosis has passed, but they are sure that there will be battles the same or worse, and they will do everything possible to save everyone they can.

With Barriss and Ahsoka, while Ahsoka dodges some shots Barriss somersaults and kills a Geonosian, Ahsoka doing the same. Poggle says something and then leaves, the remaining Geonosians going towards the explosives. 

TX-21: You heard his Highness. Collect their pathetic little bombs, then we will kill them. 

Poggle closes the entrance, the tank is aimed at Ahsoka and Barriss, while the other Geonosians remove the bombs.

Ahsoka: (removing her backpack and pulling out a bomb) See if your stupid tank can take this! 

The Bomb drops into the tank, right next to TX-21.

TX-21: (laughs) Fool, the super tank is impervious to all weapons- 

TX-21 is destroyed. 

Right on the target, Rex smiled, that was his little sister.

Barriss and Ahsoka smile at each other, then turn their attention back to the tank. They both dodge the shots as best they can.

In the battle above, the Separatist tanks continue to release explosives, destroying the walkers and killing more clones.

Luminara and Anakin run to where Rex is.

Anakin: Rex, tell the men to fall back. 

Rex: But, sir, you can't be asking us to turn tail and run? 

“You sound upset,” Blitz said.

"I was," admitted Rex. "But then I remembered that I was with Anakin and with the look on his face that he probably already had one of his plans that surprisingly work even if it sounds stupid and with no sense and I got over it."

"Even if you hate it?" Grey asked. 

"Even if I hate it"

Anakin: I'm not asking you to run, Rex (Picks up a backpack Rex handed him.) I want to draw those tanks out onto the bridge. 

Luminara: I see what you have in mind. 

Anakin: I always come prepared, Master. Let's go! 

“Always he said” Rex murmured, shaking his head. 

With Barriss and Ahsoka, they continue to dodge the tank's fire. A Geonosian removes another bomb and Ahsoka notices it.

Ahsoka: The bombs! 

Both go towards the Geonosians, who are flying, Ahsoka wastes no time and jumps, hanging from two Geonosians. Ahsoka screams.

Barriss watches as a Geonosian comes out from where they entered.

Ahsoka: Stupid green bugger! Aah! 

The Geonosians approach the roof of the reactor and hit Ahsoka, causing her to fall. Ahsoka falls, rolling through the reactor.

Rex clenched his fists, trying to calm his breathing. 

She was okay. His little sister was okay. 

Barriss protects Ahsoka, who is on the floor without reacting. The Geonosians go to where the other Geonosian was, taking the bombs with them.

As the tank begins to approach, Barriss exchanges glances between the tank and Ahsoka.

Back with the other battle, we see the clones are running.

Clones: Fall back! Fall back! 

Anakin signals to Luminara, who nods, both of them are hidden in some stones.

Both are dropped on the edge of the bridge and start planting bombs under it.

The clones keep running and Anakin and Luminara keep planting bombs.

In one of the tanks.

Droid: Give everything you've got. 

The tanks fire again, Anakin and Luminara, who finished planting the bombs, return to the top of the bridge. And without wasting time, Anakin presses the detonator.

Droid: Uh-oh.

Droid 2: Roger, Roger.  

The bridge explodes and the tanks fall. The clones cheer and wave at Anakin and Luminara, who wave them back.

Anakin: Where are they? Those bombs are going to go off any second now. Rex, any sign of Ahsoka or Barriss on your side? 

Rex: No, sir, but this place is getting ready to blow. The evacuation ships are arriving. I suggest you get on one. 

"You didn't think of leaving Ahsoka, did you?" Wolffe asked.

Rex glared at him.

"Of all the stupid things I've heard you say, this has to be the one that wins the prize." Rex huffed, not happy at all. "Why the hell would I leave her Wolffe? She's my commander, my vod'ika for the love of force!"

"Okay, okay, sorry," Wolffe apologized.

Rex just rolled his eyes. Shebse shared glances, Wolffe and Rex mad at each other? This was not good.

Anakin: Not without Ahsoka. 

Luminara: My Padawan will not fail. 

Anakin: Ahsoka, can you hear me? Ahsoka, where are you?

The factory doors open, and droids begin to pour out of the factory. Anakin and Luminara activate their lightsabers.

With Barriss and Ahsoka.

Ahsoka finally wakes up, starting to stand up, the tank keeps getting closer, Barriss activates her lightsaber, and jumping on top of the tank opens a hole.

Droid: Where'd she go? Aah!

Barriss destroys the droid. He stops the tank and opens a hatch which Ahsoka jumps into. 

Barriss: The bugs took the bombs.

Ahsoka: What are we going to do now? 

Barriss: I don't know what to do without the bombs. 

Ahsoka: Well, this tank could destroy the power generator… and probably us along with it. 

"Tell me they're not going to do what I'm thinking," Howzer said, eyes widening with concern.

"They're going to," Rex stated, causing Howzer to groan.

Barriss: I guess that's our only choice. 

"There has to be other options, right?" Bly asked.

"Perhaps, but if they didn't explode the reactor at that moment, they would have killed the other clones, or even at some point one of the Generals would have..." Cody didn't have to finish that sentence, everyone knew what he meant.

Ahsoka: Master, can you hear me? Master?

Anakin: Ahsoka, set off the bombs! We're trapped. 

Ahsoka: I'm sorry, Master. We can't make it out. 

Anakin: Can't make it out? Ahsoka, wait! 

Ahsoka: Fire. 

The tank breaks open and shoots into the reactor, causing it to explode. Anakin and Luminara watch the explosion. Both concerned and in shock.

Gree closed her eyes, while he tried to calm down, that had already happened, and Barriss was safe, she was no longer on that karking planet. She was with Luminara, or with Ahsoka, she was safe, and that was what mattered.

Rex let out a shaky breath, no doubt Ahsoka gave him and his brothers quite a scare. But he had to calm down, now he himself was sure that she was with Skywalker and Kenobi, if not, with the boys making a mess in the barracks.

Ahsoka is okay. 

Barriss is okay. 

The factory explodes, and the clones are seen watching. Anakin and Luminara run off as the factory collapses.

Gree: Get down. Get down! 

In the rubble, Anakin and Luminara are seen. Anakin tries to talk to Ahsoka

Anakin: Ahsoka. Ahsoka, can you hear me? Come in. 

Luminara kneels, closing her eyes.

Anakin: (putting his hand on Luminarias' shoulder) Master Luminara, don't worry. 

Luminara: Be at ease, Skywalker. 

“At ease? I don't know if she knows there's a chance her Padawan is- Ouch! Ponds!" Bly groaned as he felt a sting in his ribs.

Ponds just glared at him, looking at Gree and then back at Bly. Who after a few minutes understood the message.

"Right... Sorry." Bly murmured, sending Gree an apologetic look. 

Anakin: At ease? We need to act now. Ahsoka and Barriss may still be alive down there. 

Luminara: There's not enough time. I sense them drifting away. 

Anakin: No, we'll get them out. 

A transport lands near them. Rex gets out and approaches them.

Rex: The tank lifters are here to move the debris as ordered, General. 

Anakin: Get to it, Rex. 

Anakin looks at the ground, concerned. The scene keeps going down until we see Barriss and Ahsoka, using their lightsabers as lights.

"At least they're okay... or as okay as you can be under those circumstances."

Barriss: How deep do you think we're buried? 

Ahsoka: It's probably best not to think about it. Hand me that power cell, would you? 

Barriss takes the power cell and passes it to Ahsoka. 

Ahsoka: Thanks. Mind holding the light? 

Barriss: Whatever you're doing, I hope it works, because I'd sure rather have died fighting up there than starve to death down here. 

Gree frowned at that.

Ahsoka: Don't worry. We'll run out of air long before we starve. 

Barriss: That's a comforting thought. Thanks. 

Ahsoka: Master Skywalker has taught me a trick or two. I think I can get this communicator working. 

With Anakin, we see the tank lifters moving the debris. 

Anakin: (approaching Luminara) We cannot abandon our Padawans. 

Luminara: You misjudged me. I too care for my apprentice, but if their time has come…

"Doesn't Unduli love her Padawan?" Havoc asked. 

"Of course she does!" Gree exclaimed.

"But….?"

“It's just… Look, this isn't the first time Luminara and Barriss have been on dangerous missions, okay? They both care about each other but something they put first is the well-being of others before their own.”

"So if Barriss had to leave Luminara to save countless lives…

“I think it happened once, okay? In Barriss' early Padawan years. But yes, even if it hurts the other, they would do it in order to save as many lives as possible.”

The room fell silent, and the episode continued.

Anakin: I refuse to let Ahsoka die. She will find a way out. 

Luminara: If my Padawan has perished, I will mourn her, but I will celebrate her as well through her memory. 

Anakin: Well, I still plan on celebrating this victory with my Padawan in person. 

Rex grimaced. 

With Barriss and Ahsoka.

Barriss: What happens to us now doesn't matter. By destroying this factory, we've saved countless lives elsewhere. 

Ahsoka: (smiling, in a tired voice) Well, I'm about to save two more. 

With Anakin and Luminara, Anakin's comlink begins to beep.

Anakin: Wait, I'm picking up a pulse, Ahsoka's comm channel. It's coming from over there. 

With Ahsoka and Barriss.

Ahsoka: (weak, losing strength) Master, I know you're up there, and I know you're looking for me. 

Rex smiled a little, even though Anakin and Ahsoka were still trying to be on the same page back then, no one could deny that those two had a special bond, almost similar to the one he has with Kenobi.

Barriss looks at Ahsoka and gives her a hand, which Ahsoka takes.

With Anakin and Luminara. 

Rex: I'll move the heavy machinery over, sir. 

Anakin: No time. 

Anakin and Luminara begin to use the force and remove a piece of debris the tank is seen.

Ahsoka: (gasps surprised) Someone's digging. 

Anakin and Luminara drop the debris elsewhere and look over to the tank, from which Barriss and Ahsoka climb out, coughing.

Luminara: (relieved) Barriss. 

Anakin: Ahsoka. I knew they were still alive. I told you we shouldn't give up on them. 

Luminara: It's not that I gave up, Skywalker. But unlike you, when the time comes, I am prepared to let my student go. Can you say the same? 

Rex frowned at that, as he understood Jedi were not supposed to have attachment, Anakin was good, don't get him wrong, but sometimes he cared too much. And instead of having good consequences, he had the opposite.

Anakin shakes his head and approaches Ahsoka, who tries to climb up with the help of a clone. Anakin gives her his hand and pulls her up.

Ahsoka: I knew you'd come looking for me. 

Anakin: I never doubted you for a second. 

Some raised an eyebrow at that but decided to say nothing.

Luminara: Padawan, you did well. 

Barriss: Thank you, Master. But if it weren't for Ahsoka, we'd still be down there. 

Luminara: (looking at Ahsoka with a smile) Indeed. Your master never lost faith in you. 

Anakin and Ahsoka look at each other smiling.

We see more ships are approaching where they are.

The episode ends. 

"Well, we'll take a 5 minute break and then we'll continue." Koria said as she snapped the lights on, causing some to groan.

Gree dropped her head, closing his eyes for a moment, he had been on many missions with Luminara, and with Barriss. But none had scared him as much as the Second Battle of Geonosis had. He will never forget how the factory fell, Of how he and his brothers were celebrating until they heard that Barriss was who knows where under that rubble with Commander Tano.

He will never forget how his boys were quieter than usual, it's like even though Luminara tried to hide it, it seemed like she was going to burst into tears at any moment.

Of course, he won't forget how his boys couldn't be more relieved when they saw their Commander, their little sister come out of that tank, dusty, tired, and weak. But alive.

How, after he and Luminara made sure that Barriss was resting, when they were in private Luminara burst into tears, relieved that her Padawan, her student, her daughter practically, was just a few corridors away, was sleeping, breathing calmly. Alive. 

In truth, Gree is not one to understand the Force, or to try to, but he will never stop thanking it for bringing his General and his Commander alive and back with them.

"Hey" Rex appeared behind him "Everything okay?" he asked worriedly.

"Now it is." Gree gave him a small smile, and squeezing Rex's shoulder lightly gave him a nod, which was returned. The screen starts to light up again. 

Chapter Text

After Gree and Rex calmed down, the lights went down and the screen came back on.

Sometimes, accepting help is harder than offering it.  

A little war of looks began for a few minutes. Although no one said anything.

Narrator: Victory on Geonosis. After a massive planetary siege, the Separatists forces on Geonosis have finally fallen. Key weapons factories have been destroyed, but at a heavy cost to Republic troops. Now, as Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and Obi-Wan Kenobi begin a cleanup of the planet, they launch an intense campaign to find the Separatists Leader Poggle the Lesser and bring him to justice. 

In a transport, some clones board other injured clones. Rex talks to Barriss and Ahsoka.

Ahsoka: Sorry to leave you here, Rex. There's still a lot to do. 

"A factory just fell on her, and she's apologizing for having to leave?" Wolffe asked, incredulous.

"You know her Wolffe, that's how Ahsoka is" Rex sighed with a small smile.

Rex: You two have done enough destroying that factory. Go get some rest. We'll let General Kenobi take it from here. 

Barriss: We'll be back before you know it, Captain Rex. 

Clone: We're ready, sir. 

Ahsoka and Barriss board the transport, which wastes no time and leaves. 2 other transports fly away as well.

On a mountain we see Luminara, who is watching the camp. The 2 transports from earlier land behind her.

Obi-Wan: (getting out of one of the transports) A hard-won victory. 

Luminara: Indeed. And a costly one. We suffer a great many losses in these battle. Too many. 

Gree let out a sigh. After they were out of Geonosis, he and Luminara were mourning all the losses that had occurred. They had lost good men in those battles.

Obi-Wan: The battles do appear to be coming with growing frequency. 

Luminara: No sign of Poggle, then? 

Obi-Wan: Nothing. We have clone squadrons spread out all over the area but no hits yet. 

Luminara: (walking towards a speeder) I'll go out and find some clue as to where he went. 

Obi-Wan: I'm sure the clones can handle-

Luminara: Poggle has too much information about the Separatists to let him get away. 

Obi-Wan: Very well, Master Unduli. 

Luminara: Just make sure to leave a bit of strategic planning for me when I come back, Master Kenobi. I'd hate to feel left out. 

"How the Jedi always crack jokes at critical moments will never cease to amaze me," Rex said.

"Skywalker always does that, doesn't he?" Fox asked.

"Yes, why?" Rex asked.

"Even if the Guard doesn't have a Jedi-no Thire, Vos doesn't count-I'm sure only Skywalker and Kenobi are the only ones who do that."

"And Luminara," Thorn added.

"And Luminara, apparently." Fox finished, rolling his eyes.

"And Rex," Bly added.

"And Rex," Fox said, with a small smile as he ignored the look Rex sent him.

“And with what rights you say that? All of us do that” Rex said, making everyone quiet.

"Not everyone" muttered Bly. 

"Shut up."

Luminara leaves. The scene changes and we see Poggle in a transport carrying some boxes. One of the boxes falls.

Droid: We lost one. 

Poggle says something. 

Droid 2: Lord Poggle says leave it. We got to keep moving. 

Back at camp, inside one of the Jedi cruisers, Obi-Wan approaches Mundi, who is looking at a map.

Obi-Wan: What's this? I didn't expect to find you up and about. 

Mundi: After enough time in a bacta tank, one longs for the mundane comfort of star charts. 

Obi-Wan: It seems like it did you some good. Your wound looks almost healed. 

Mundi: I wish I could say the same for most of my men. 

Obi-Wan: Well, let's make sure we don't have to take Geonosis a third time. (Activating a hologram of the planet)

"We better never have to go back to Geonosis." Rex growled. Cody, Gree and Bacara agreed with him. The planet was a nightmare. 

Obi-Wan: Poggle's forces seem to have come from the Northern Hemisphere. 

Mundi: And where was Master Unduli's last contact made from? 

Obi-Wan: This region farther to the west, but there's nothing out there according to our latest intel. 

With Luminara, she and Buzz are looking through binoculars at the box that fell from Poggle's transport.

Gree closed her eyes for a moment. Buzz was a good man, he had been in the 41st a while before Geonosis, he was a good man. Seeing him again… It wasn't easy.

Luminara: There. 

Buzz: Where? 

Luminara: 150 klicks southwest. 

We see Mundi and Obi-Wan talking to Luminara via comlink.

Luminara: It appears to be a munitions container of some kind. 

Mundi: It could be debris. 

Luminara: I don't think so. (She and Buzz are shown examining the box) There was no battle in this area. 

Buzz: It looks like Poggle was on a direct course, 11 mark 72, that way. 

Luminara: Headed directly for the Progate Temple. 

Mundi: That makes no sense. Nothing in the Temple could have survived the munitions we used in the first wave of our attack. Why would he risk exposure to go there? 

Luminara: I’m not yet sure. Perhaps he doesn’t realize the extent to which we cleared that area. 

Anakin: (approaching the holotable) Master Luminara, I’m tracking a sandstorm that’s heading your way. 

Luminara: No matter. Poggle is out in the open, and I intend to grab him before he can get offworld. 

Mundi: I advised against it. You might get lost in the storm. 

Obi-Wan: Then we'd have to find both you and Poggle. 

Luminara: I feel it is a risk worth taking. 

Mundi: As you wish. 

Luminara: (hangs up and walks over to Buzz) Let's go. 

They both get into their speeders and head to where Poggle went. The sandstorm is seen in the distance. The scene changes and we see Poggle's transport, which is inside the sandstorm.

Droid: OM 5, are you still there? 

OM 5: Yes, I think I'm right next to you. 

Droid: Where is Lord Poggle taking us?.... OM 5? OM 5! 

Poggle says something, annoyed. 

Droid: Yes, sir. Right away, sir. 

OM 5: Don't... leave me. 

Luminara and Buzz are seen, who are inside the sandstorm.

Buzz: I can't track Poggle in this storm. 

Luminara: We'll reach the temple soon. We can get out of the storm there. 

They both pass OM 5, which is almost completely covered in sand. On the Jedi cruiser, Anakin is watching the sandstorm.

Anakin: What could be taking her so long? Something must have happened. 

Mundi: Patience, Skywalker. It's a delicate operation. I'm sure we'll have more information soon. 

Anakin looks worried. 

Obi-Wan: I must admit, I am troubled that we've not heard from her. 

Mundi: Let's not start worrying yet. Luminara's not one to take unnecessary risks. 

"That's true" confirmed Gree when some looked at him.

In the sandstorm, Luminara and Buzz arrive at the temple.

Buzz: You were right. He's here somewhere. 

They both enter the Temple. Luminara look towards some statues of some Geonosians, which seem to be growling.

"Creepy" Howzer said, shivering. He never went to Geonosis, and he will always be grateful for that.

Luminara: (activating his communicator) Master Kenobi, we tracked Poggle to the Progate Temple, but now there's no sign of him. 

Obi-Wan: Go no further until we can send support. The storm is making things difficult. (Buzz is shown approaching a statue) We can barely read your transmission as it is. 

Buzz looks at the ground, seeing a tunnel which was almost covered, with his foot he opens it a little more and then continues walking.

Mundi: Are you sure he went into the temple? 

Luminara: Yes, we saw him enter, but I think he's gone down into the catacombs below. 

Obi-Wan: Those catacombs go on for miles. I fear we may have lost him. Get yourself out of there. 

Buzz's screams are heard in the background, Luminara turns around activating her lightsaber.

The tension that had gone from Gree's shoulders returned. Yes, this may have already happened, and he knows how it ends, but that does not mean he has to be relaxed.

Obi-Wan: Master Unduli. Master Unduli! (transmission is cut off) 

Mundi: We've lost the connection. 

"No shit Sherlock" Keeli muttered.

Anakin starts to walk. 

Obi-Wan: Where are you going? 

Anakin: Take a guess. 

Obi-Wan: We'll never get to her in this storm. The gunships can't handle it. 

Anakin: We can't wait. 

Mundi: I'm sorry, Skywalker. We have no choice. We must be patient and trust in Master Unduli.  

Obi-Wan: We'll leave as soon as the storms lifts. 

Anakin looks out into the sandstorm with Obi-Wan and Mundi. None of them happy.

The scene changes and we see a transport going to the Progate Temple. The transport lands and some clones come out of it along with Anakin and Obi-Wan.

Clone: Hup! 

Obi-Wan: Stay alert, everyone. 

Anakin: Spread out and look around, men. 

The clones begin to investigate carefully. Cody walks over to Buzz's body.

Cody: General. 

Anakin and Obi-Wan run towards Cody.

Cody: Buzz is dead. 

Gree closed his eyes and lowered his head. Doom put a hand on his shoulder, they both shared a look before looking back at the screen.

Anakin: Any sign of Luminara? 

Cody: No, sir. 

Obi-Wan looks at the tunnel.

Obi-Wan: There was a struggle. 

Obi-Wan walks a bit and finds Luminara's lightsaber. Anakin runs towards him.

Obi-Wan: (taking Luminara's lightsaber) This is not a good sign. (hands it to Anakin) Luminara's lightsaber. 

Anakin: Poggle didn't do this. But maybe that did. 

Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Cody look at a statue of a Geonosian. An entrance is seen.

Cody: That is one ugly bug. 

"That's one way of putting it," Wolffe snorted.

Anakin: I haven't seen one that looks like that before. 

Obi-Wan: I don't believe anyone has. It could be the Geonosian queen. 

Anakin: The bugs have a queen? 

Obi-Wan: Hmm, rumored. But we haven't found any proof of her existence. Until now. (Obi-Wan, Anakin and the Clones stare at the entrance) This way. 

Cody: Come in, the. Let's move. 

Anakin and Obi-Wan use their lightsabers to illuminate, the clones activate their helmet flashlights and enter.

Deeper into the entrance, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and the clones continue to walk in silence, looking around.

Cody's wristband starts to beep.

Cody: This lead to a dead end. (Cody kneels in front of a smaller doorway) This one goes down the furthest. Sir, I'd say that's our best bet. 

Obi-Wan: I'll go first. 

Obi-Wan and Anakin enter, followed by the clones. They continue walking in silence, the only sound coming from Cody's wrist.

The scene changes and Geonosians are seen dragging an unconscious Luminara. Poggle on the head.

Gree let out a growl, thanks to those fucking bugs he almost lost his General. If it wasn't for the fact that the Republic already took over Poggle he would go and kill him.

Overall, he would be doing more good than bad.

Luminara wakes up and sees the Geonosians, who have their eyes white.

"I'm not an expert on Geonosians, but from what I've seen that's not normal...is it?" Thorn asked, looking disgusted.

"Nope, you'll see why." Cody answered.

Luminara somersaults free of his grasp. The Geonosians look at her, white eyes glowing in the dark, they move closer to her. Luminara stares at them and then starts kicking them. One of those hits inside the stomach of a Geonosian, who starts screaming.

Luminara tries to escape but 2 Geonosians surround her, Luminara keeps kicking, Poggle approaches. Luminara keeps kicking back and forth and pulls the comlink out of her.

Luminara: Master Kenobi. 

With Obi-Wan and Anakin. Obi-Wan's comm begins to beep, Obi-Wan pulls it out and Luminara's transmission appears.

Luminara: If you're following me, you must leave this place. Just get out. I repeat, fall ba- 

Luminara is interrupted by a Geonosian who pulls her, causing the communicator to fall. In the shadow of the wall, Luminara is seen fighting the Geonosians.

"Kriff" Grey blurted out. He has already understood why the others weren't fans of Geonosis. He hoped he never had to go to Geonosis. 

Obi-Wan: She must be close by. Come on. 

Obi-Wan, Anakin and the clones start running. Obi-Wan stops when he hears clicks. Cody lights up the front seeing more Geonosians. All with white eyes.

"Damn it, they really are fucking horrible" said 17, disgusted.

"You can say that again," agreed Keeli.

Obi-Wan: I don't like the looks of this. 

More clicking is heard, Anakin and the clones look back, more Geonosians approaching.

Cody: Look out! 

Anakin runs towards the Geonosians, starting to kill them. Obi-Wan doesn't take long to do the same, the clones start shooting.

Cody shoots a Geonosian in the head, which does nothing but throw its head back, when he looks back he sees a worm coming in and out of his nose. The Geonosian still stands.

"This is a fucking joke" Rex said with wide eyes. Cody told him what happened, but it was one thing to hear it and another to see it.

"I think I'm going to throw up," Bly muttered.

The others watched with open eyes. Everyone is tense.

Clone: I can't stop them. 

Anakin goes and kills the Geonosian that Cody shot. The body falls and it is seen how the worm comes out.

"Gross" Thorn said.

Obi-Wan kills more Geonosians until he hears clones screaming. Some Geonosians take them away before Obi-Wan can do anything.

Rex moves closer to Cody, who doesn't take his eyes off the screen.

Obi-Wan stares, annoyed.

Obi-Wan: Back, everyone, back! Take out the tunnel supports. It's the only way. 

As Anakin and Obi-Wan run off, the clones shoot at the tunnel's support, causing it to fall.

"Huff, a little more and they don't make it..." Neyo said.

Anakin: What were those things? We couldn't kill them. 

Obi-Wan: I've heard stories of a Geonosian hive mind so powerful, so strong, that it can maintain its connection with its warriors even after they have died. 

"Damn…" Blitz cursed.

"Do you think the Jedi can do that?" Havoc asked.

"No idea," Colt replied.

Anakin: And you think that's why we couldn't kill them, because they're…

Obi-Wan: Already dead, yes. 

Anakin: That can't be true. That's impossible. 

"You just saw what happened and you don't believe it?" Baccara asked.

"Denial, it's understandable," said Monnk, "imagine if something suddenly doesn't die no matter how much you shoot, or in the case of the Jedi, if it gets cut off. I don't know about you but I would be pretty out of the loop."

Obi-Wan: Impossible or not, these creatures keep moving after we cut them up or shoot them down. 

Anakin growls. 

Obi-Wan: Call for reinforcements. 

Anakin activates his comlink but nothing comes through.

Anakin: (sighs) There's no signal. 

Obi-Wan: We must be too deep underground. You two, head back to the surface and contact General Mundi. Tell him we need reinforcements. 

Clones: Yes, sir. 

Both clones leaves.

Clone: I won't be unhappy to get out from under all this dirt. 

Gearshift: This place gives me the shivers. 

They both keep walking without seeing a Geonosian, who growls low.

A sound is heard, they both stop for a moment and start looking around.

Gearshift: Wind's probably playing tricks on us, right? 

Clone: Look around. There's nothing…

A growl from a Geonosian is heard.

Clone: What the? 

Some Geonosians approach them.

Clone: Blast 'em! 

They both start shooting but neither shot hurts them.

Gearshift: They're not going down! We have to turn back! 

Gearshift looks back, a Geonosian grabs him by the neck pulling him up, Gearshift starts screaming.

Clone: Gearshift!

The other clone grabs him by the leg, the Geonosians come from behind and kill him.

With Obi-Wan and Anakin. They both keep walking until they hear the clones screaming. Neither wastes time and runs back towards the screams.

They both stare at the floor. A clone approaches the bodies.

Cody lowered his head, how many more of his brothers is this war going to take?

Anakin: Obviously this thing is a lot more powerful than we assumed. I'm going to the surface to alert General Mundi myself. 

Obi-Wan: I think that would be a foolhardy move, Anakin. We can't divide out troops again. We don't have time to double back to the surface. Every moment we waste puts Luminara in greater danger. 

The scene changes and Luminara is seen waking up, some Geonosians are seen removing eggs from the queen.

"Okay, this time I'm going to throw up," Bly said as he looked away.

"You're not the only one," Howzer said as he breathed slowly.

"Geonosis is a fucking nightmare" 17 growled, Fordo nodded in agreement.

Gree was silent. His general didn't want to tell him much about when she was a prisoner, and he understood why. But it was one thing to hear it and another to see it.

It was a good thing they already destroyed that place, because if they didn't, it wouldn't be long in going to the damned planet to do it himself. And he has no doubt that if the 41st knew about this, they would go with him without hesitation.

Luminara looks up and sees the Geonosian queen. Back with Anakin and Obi-Wan. The clones enter through a small entrance.

Obi-Wan: The air is warmer here. We must be getting close.

Anakin: Oh, forget the heat (coughs) It smells down here. 

Obi-Wan: Keep your voice down.

Anakin: I'm just saying, this planet is rotten from the inside out. 

"That's true," Cody muttered.

Anakin and Obi-Wan reach the queen. Luminara hanging in the background.

Anakin: I've got a bad feeling about this. 

Obi-Wan: It must be the queen. 

Anakin: Any sign of Luminara?

Cody: I see her. She's suspended near the throne. 

Anakin: Perfect. What about Poggle? 

Cody: He's speaking with the queen. 

Anakin: Good. You take the soldiers. I'll take the queen. 

Obi-Wan: Must you always rush into things? 

Anakin: Oh, no, you don't actually want to talk to it, do you? 

"Kenobi is going to talk to the damn thing, isn't he?" Wolff asked.

"Yes," Cody confirmed.

"Well, they don't call him The Negotiator for nothing."

Obi-Wan: Matter of fact, I do. Anakin, don't you wonder why they took Luminara captive? Why not just kill her? 

"I wouldn't complain about that," Gree muttered.

Cody sent him an apologetic look.

Anakin: She's leverage. She's a hostage. 

Obi-Wan: Leverage of what? No, there's something else going on here, and these zombies are connected to it. 

Anakin: Fine. We'll try it your way. 

Obi-Wan: So glad you agree. Cody, set your men up around the perimeter. These creatures live in darkness. The light from your helmet should blind them temporarily. Turn your lamps on at my signal. They should create enough confusion for us to get Luminara out of here. 

Cody: But what happens when the bugs pursue? You've seen them in action, sir. We can't kill them. 

Anakin: We'll have to bury them. It'll at least slow them down. Shoot out the support pillars and this whole place will collapse. 

Obi-Wan: Let's go. 

Anakin and Obi-Wan approach the queen. Cody signals to the other clones. 2 to the right and 2 to the left.

Anakin and Obi-Wan continue walking towards the queen. The Geonosians growl. Luminara looks at them worried and annoyed.

The Geonosian queen screeches loudly. 

Anakin: How did you know they wouldn't just attack us? 

Obi-Wan: Because I make observations while you think with your lightsaber. 

Rex let out a laugh, then quickly covered his mouth, though it didn't take long for the others to let out a few laughs.

Poggle looks at Luminara, the clones run getting ready.

Anakin: Well, that quick thinking of mine is usually needed when your observations get us into trouble. 

Obi-Wan: Anakin, the queen took Luminara hostage. She wanted a Jedi. Now she has two more. I want to know what's she's after. 

Anakin: Well, when this doesn't go as planned, which it won't, I'll be ready. 

Obi-Wan: That is so reassuring. 

Luminara: I thought I told you not to follow me, Master Kenobi. 

Obi-Wan: Yes, well, I took a lesson from Anakin and decided not to follow orders. 

Anakin: Hey. 

Cody and Rex let out a few laughs. It was always the same with their Generals, but they wouldn't change them for anything.

G.Queen: You. You… are the creatures that attacked Geonosia. 

"Yes, and who gave the first attack?" Doom asked angrily.

G.Queen: Why have you… come before me? 

Obi-Wan: Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, and this is Anakin Skywalker. It is our sad duty to inform you that your rule is at an end. 

G.Queen: You not dictate to me, Jedi. My empire is forever. 

Luminara looks at them. 

Obi-Wan: I'm afraid it does not appear that way, your grace. You shall release the Jedi Luminara and submit to Republic law. 

The Geonosian queen screams. 

G.Queen: I no submit to you! 

2 Geonosians point their weapons at them and Anakin activates his lightsaber but Obi-Wan stops it.

Obi-Wan: No, patience, Anakin. Wait. 

Anakin shuts down his lightsaber and the Geonosians take their weapons from them.

Obi-Wan: Majesty, destroying us shall only make the Republic's judgment of you harsher. 

G.Queen: (groans) No, Jedi. No! I no destroy you. I devour you. I control you. I had but one Jedi before young Poggle bring me. But now I have three. Now, watch as my child enters your Jedi friend. (A Geonosian approaches Luminara with a worm) And once inside, her mind becomes my mind. Her thoughts, my thoughts. 

Obi-Wan: It's a sort of mind control, a hive mind. She thinks she can possess us. 

Anakin: Great. Find out everything you wanted to know yet? 

Obi-Wan: No, wait. I want to see how it works. 

"Excuse me?" Gree asked with a raised eyebrow, not liking where this was going.

Now the apologetic face Cody had made was starting to make sense.

Anakin: I don't think Luminara wants to see how it works. 

"No, I'm sure not," Gree said, starting to get annoyed.

Luminara: No, I don't. 

Obi-Wan: I'm curious. The more we know, the better. 

The Geonosian brings the worm closer to Luminara's face.

Luminara: (trying to get away from the worm) I disagree. 

Anakin: So do I. 

Obi-Wan: Come now. The nose or the ear, which do you think it will enter? 

"Is this a joke?" Gree said, angrily "Cody! What the hell is with your General?"

"Gree, if you could try to calm down-" Cody tried to speak.

"No, my General almost turned into a zombie, her mind is almost controlled by those stupid things and you want me to calm down?!"

"Gree-"

"Gree" Fordo spoke "Calm down, breathe, that's over, Unduli is okay, alright? Once we get out of here you can see her again."

Gree breathed slowly for a few minutes, finally calming down.

"Yes…. Yes… Thanks Fordo... I'm sorry Cody." Gree apologized.

"It's fine, if it were the other way around, I'd be sure I'll react the same way."

"Or worse," Bly muttered.

"So…" Cody said after giving Bly a dirty look "no hard feelings?"

"No hard feelings"

Luminara tries to get away.

Anakin: (sighs) I think the nose. 

Luminara: Uh, I hope this is part of the plan. 

The Geonosian releases the worm which begins to crawl across Luminara's face.

Obi-Wan: Isn't it always? Cody, now! 

The clones come out and turn on their helmet flashlights pointing them at the queen who screams. They then point them at the Geonosians who start screaming.

Anakin and Obi-Wan use the force and retrieve the lightsabers, Anakin using his and Luminara's. Obi-Wan after killing a Geonosian uses the force and pulls the worm from Luminara's face.

Anakin goes and frees Luminara, giving him her lightsaber. Luminara turns it on and points it at Poggle.

Anakin: You're coming with us, Poggle. 

Anakin puts the handcuffs on Poggle. The clones shoot at the Geonosians while Obi-Wan finishes them off.

Anakin: Obi-Wan, look out! 

The worm starts to crawl up Obi-Wan's arm, Anakin runs up and hits him in the arm, causing the worm to fall. Anakin steps on it.

Obi-Wan: Wha… Anakin, no! 

Anakin: Got it. 

Obi-Wan: What are you doing? I was going to study that. 

Anakin: Study the bottom of my boot. Come on, let's get out of here. 

Cody: Here they come! 

The clones shoot at the Geonosians.

Cody: Take out the supports! 

The clones shoot at the supports causing the cave to start falling. Everyone starts running, Cody makes sure the Jedi get through first. He stares at the cave from which Geonosians are still emerging.

Cody: They're still coming! 

After running they reach the exit.

Luminara: (pointing up) This is our way out! 

Anakin: Start climbing.  

Luminara goes up first, followed by Anakin, Cody, Obi-Wan who throws Poggle and then goes up. The remaining clones also go up. Some rocks that were stacked at the exit begin to fall.

Luminara: Obi-Wan, look out! 

They all stick to the walls as much as they can. The rocks fell, throwing the Geonosians who were climbing.

The Geonosian queen screams as the rocks destroy her. The smoke that was there makes everyone shoot up, everyone screaming.

The temple begins to collapse, everyone runs out.

Anakin: (tired) All things considered… (coughs) That went better than I expected. 

Obi-Wan: I wish we could have gotten one of those worms. Knowing how the queen controls her minions could have proven valuable.  

"Unless it had ended up in the wrong hands and well…." Keeli trail off.

"Those things better be completely destroyed," Neyo said.

“Yep” 

  Anakin: Well, hopefully the secret is buried with her. 

  They all stare at the destroyed temple.

 The lights came on slowly.

 “Well…that was…something,” Ponds said.

 “Well, at least we're done with that. Right, Koria? Gree asked, already wanting to go to sleep.

 "Well... there's another episode left." Koria said.

 "Koria" Gree said, tired.

 "Just that one, and then you can go rest, I promise."

 After a few minutes of silence Gree spoke.

 "Okay."

 The lights went out again, the screen turning on.

Chapter Text

Attachment is not compassion. 

Narrator: Victory on Geonosis. 

"Mm... but at what cost?" Cody muttered under his breath.

"It's the cost of war, Cody, and sadly we'll keep seeing it until it's over," Wolffe replied.

"It doesn't mean I have to like it," Cody replied.

“I never said you had to like it.” Wolffe rolled his eyes, looking back at the screen.

Narrator: After a massive assault, the Republic has finally recaptured the Separatists planet and shut down its droid factories of doom. An investigation by Luminara Unduli led to the discovery  of Queen Karina the Great, whose hive-mind could reanimate dead Geonosian soldiers. During the destruction of the Queen’s temple, the Jedi apprehended her advisor, Poggle the Lesser, and now prepare to deliver the villain to Coruscant for trial. 

Ahsoka and Barriss come out on the ship Poggle is boarded on. Mundi exits the ship and heads towards the Jedi.

Mundi: I'm afraid we have a complication. 

"Don't we always?" Rex asked. 

  Anakin: Don't we always? 

Some looked at Rex, who just kept ignoring the stares (or trying) as he kept his eyes straight on the screen. Yes, he just said the same thing as his General, it's not the first time it happened, Anakin and he were friends, and just like with Ahsoka, Rex considered him a vod. Part of his aliit.

Mundi: I've just received a distress signal from our forces on Dantooine. Master Windu's defenses held, but at a great cost to his men. They need medical supplies immediately. 

After that, some looked at Ponds, who was frowning. What Mundi said, along with Ponds's face, already showed that it was not a good battle.

Mundi: We can obtain these supplies at the medical station near Ord Cestus. 

Anakin: We're delivering Poggle to Coruscant, and Cestus is not exactly on the way. 

Luminara: The Republic must begin debriefing Poggle right away if we're to get useful intelligence from him. 

Anakin: Master, I suggest we let our Padawans handle the supply mission. 

Gree and Rex made a face, so they were going to show what had happened to those stupids worms? They both shared a look, neither of them was going to enjoy this.

Ahsoka: Whatever needs to be done, Master. I'm happy to help. 

Barriss: As am I. 

Obi-Wan: Very well. Take a medical frigate. And after we've delivered Poggle to Coruscant, we'll rendezvous with you for the voyage to Dantooine. 

Mundi, Obi-Wan, and Luminara enter the ship, Anakin looks back.

The scene changes and we see some clones sleeping. Behind a rock there is one of the worms in which it comes out of the egg and approaches one of the clones.

The worm climbs through his body until it enters through his nose, the clone complains for a moment to continue sleeping.

"Ouch! No! No, no, no. NO!" Howzer yelled "so fucking disgusting".

"Howzer" Keeli glared at him, although he couldn't deny that his batchmate was right, that was disgusting.

Doom and Neyo shared glances, something was going to happen, and it obviously wasn't good. Their suspicions were confirmed by the faces of Gree and Rex, with Rex they never talked so much with him, but Gree? He was their batchmate (adopted, but still) for the love of the force! Something was wrong with him and they both knew it.

Bacara saw them and raised an eyebrow, but Doom just motioned for him to look at the screen. Bacara rolled his eyes, though he glanced sideways at Gree, making a mental note to keep an eye out for his brother. Rex will be fine, just like Rex has Shebse, Gree has Edee, and if it doesn't work out they can always do a cuddle pile.

Bacara is not a fan of physical contact, but with his batchmates? He would do anything. And yeah, for Rex too, Shebse and Edee were (and still are) close, and the time Shebse adopted Rex, he too was part of Edee. Just as Gree was part of Shebse when Edee adopted him. And if that means Bacara has to give up his pride to comfort his younger siblings (because yes, Gree was younger than him no matter how much the other denies it) so be it. He could recover his pride later, his brothers go first.

Another clone approaches them and fires his blaster into the sky, causing the clones to jump up and grab their weapons quickly.

"At least they react quickly?" Colt said, trying to lower the tension.

"At least they're not like some that don't even wake up," Blitz muttered to Havoc who just rolled his eyes.

Clone: Sorry, boys. Hope I didn't interrupt any pleasant dreams. 

Clone 2: Got another mission, sir? 

Clone: You bet. We're making a medical supply run to Ord Cestus. 

Pulsar: Ugh. Though we were breed for battle, not running errands. 

Clone: Hey. 

"Busted," someone muttered. 

Clone: We were bred to follow orders, Pulsar. You got a problem with that? 

Pulsar: No, sir. No problem. 

Clone: That's what I thought. Now move. 

Pulsar turns around and wakes up the clone that has the worm. 

Pulsar: Scythe. Come on. Up, brother. Up and at'em. 

Scythe turns around and then squirms for a moment, his eyes turning blank for a moment before returning to his normal eyes. Scythe gets up in a strange way.

"I definitely hate Geonosis," Gray whispered, disgusted.

"I hope I never have to go," Monnk agreed.

Pulsar: Hey, Scythe. Welcome back to the land of the living. 

Scythe: Thank you, sir. 

The tension was evident in the room, Gree and Rex knew firsthand what would happen. And obviously, it wasn't a good thing. Wolffe also knew a little of what happened, Ahsoka had called him to tell him what happened, seeking comfort from her older brother. The Wolfpack ended up knowing what happened, and boy they weren't happy at all.

With Barriss there was no difference, once the 41st found out they wouldn't let (or at least try) her out of their sight. In addition to the fact that after a while she did the same as Ahsoka, she sometimes fell asleep in the barracks for not wanting to go back to her room because the nightmares were too much.

Ahsoka is seen entering the transport with the clones, Scythe walking behind them and taking a look at his backpack, which is seen to have more eggs.

In the Jedi transport, Anakin watches the ship, then enters his transport. The ship leaves Geonosis, Ahsoka and Barriss speak with Kit Fisto.

Barriss: We are ready to make our jump, Master Fisto. 

Fisto: Good, I look forward to your arrival. 

The ship enters hyperspace, the scene changes and Barriss is seen sleeping, Ahsoka tries to sleep without success, after moving for a while she opens her eyes and looks at Barriss. 

Barriss: What? What is it? 

Ahsoka: It's too quiet. It's a big change from all the fighting the last few days. 

Rex let out a sigh, it wasn't the first time that had happened. When they were in the temple Ahsoka would sometimes go with Anakin, or Obi-Wan, and another time to the barracks because her room was too quiet.

It didn't bother him, and he doubts it bothers his brothers, he just wishes she didn't have to lose sleep because she was too used to the sound of battle.

Barriss: You should enjoy this peace while it lasts.

Ahsoka: I can’t. Let’s go eat. 

Ahsoka and Barriss leave their room, walking to the dining room. Scythe sneaks away, being careful not to be seen. After they leave, Scythe enters the barracks. He opens his backpack and takes out the Geonosian eggs, leaving them next to each bed.

“Oh no, no, no, no. Is this never going to end?" Ponds complained.

The worms hatch from the eggs and enter the clones' noses, who squirm for a moment. And then getting up, all infected. Scythe smiles.

The scene changes to Ahsoka and Barriss in the mess hall.

Ahsoka: I was just thinking about what you said earlier about enjoying the peace while it lasts. As a Jedi, I'm not sure I know how to do that. 

Barriss: Master Windu has said we are keepers of the peace, not warriors. However, once the war is over, it will be our job to maintain the peace. 

Ahsoka: Yes, but will we do so as keepers of the peace or warriors? And what's the difference?

"But she's a Jedi, isn't she? Why the confusion?" Howzer asked.

"The Jedi aren't supposed to be involved in the war," Ponds said.

"From what I heard, wasn't a Jedi the one who requested the creation of the clones?" Bly asked.

"Well, apparently he went behind the Order's back, Obi-Wan told me that the Jedi didn't know we existed until he told them after he went to Kamino," Cody said.

"Many questions and few answers, maybe the more we see we can answer them." 17 said, finishing the conversation.

Barriss: I don't have all the answers, Ahsoka. Like you, I'm a learner. What does your Master tell you? 

Ahsoka: Anakin? Oh, um, you might find some of his thoughts on the future, uh, a bit radical. 

"Well… Radical is one way of putting it" Rex said with a small smile.

  Barriss: Really? Why? 

Ahsoka: Let's just say my Master will always do what needs to be done. I'm not sure how peacetime will agree with him. 

17 raised an eyebrow at that, there was something he didn't like. Skywalker, they say, is a good general, and Rex even considers him a great friend, even going as far as to call him a brother sometimes. But there was something that felt... wrong.

From the look on Fordo's face, he thought the same, it would be best to be cautious. At least until they know why something feels… off.

The scene changes and the bridge is seen, Scythe enters along with 2 other clones.

Pilot: Just came up to check on us, Scythe? Well, we are on course, and all systems are green.  

The clones that came with Scythe raise their weapons.

Pilot: What the?- 

Before he says anything else, the clones fire, killing the pilots.

None of them manage to suppress a flinch. Brother killing brothers, fuck, that wasn't suppose to happen. 

Rex and Cody shared a look, remembering Slick before lowering their heads.

Scythe: We have control of the bridge. 

Back in the mess hall, Ox and Edge walk in and stare at Ahsoka and Barriss.

Ahsoka: (smiling) Evening, Ox, Edge. Would you like to join us?

They both keep looking at them.

Ahsoka: Is something wrong, troopers? 

They both raise their weapons and start shooting at them.

"Shit"

"How fast did the worms spread?" Keeli asked.

"It appears it went really fast," Bly replies.

“If any of those were to escape on Coruscant…” Thorn said, not wanting to imagine what would happen.

Barriss and Ahsoka waste no time as they ignite their lightsabers, blocking the shots.

Ahsoka puts her foot on the table causing it to fall, she and Barriss use it as a shield.

Ahsoka: Troopers, stand down! 

Ox walks up to Barriss who uses her lightsaber to slice through his blaster, then punches him causing him to fall. Edge takes aim at Barriss and Ahsoka uses the force, pushing them back causing them to hit the wall, knocking them unconscious.

They both approach Ox and Edge, looking at each other confused. The door opens again, Trap and Havoc running in, guns pointed. Before the clones get any closer, they both activate their lightsabers a short distance from their faces.

Trap: What are you doing? 

Ahsoka: Two clones just attacked us. What is going on? 

Barriss: Trap, do you know what happened to those troopers? 

Trap: Couldn't tell you, Commander. I'm just confused as-

Barriss: You're in charge of those men. Did you order them to kill us? 

Trap: No, sir. I did not. 

Ahsoka: What's happening? Why would they do this? 

Havoc: We don't know. We heard shots. 

Barriss: Why should we believe you? 

Trap: Look, no guns. 

Both clones put their weapons on the ground, Ahsoka and Barriss look at each other, before deactivating their lightsabers. 

Some let out a sigh of relief.

"At least not everyone is infected," Grey said.

Barriss: These men wouldn't just attack us without reason. 

Ahsoka: My Master had a clone betray them once, a traitor who was paid off by Ventress. 

"Wait, really?" Thire asked, looking at Rex.

"His name was Slick," Rex said.

"He was one of my men, but it doesn't matter anymore, that happened before the battle of Christophsis." Cody finished, looking at the screen again. He didn't want to talk about it and he let it be known, keeping those who had questions silent. 

“Didn't know about Slick” Thire whispered to Thorn and Fox, who looked at him. 

“He’s in custody of the Guard now, it happened before you joined us” Fox said quietly. Thire hummed and looked back at the screen. 

Barriss: It can't be that simple. (look at Ox and Edge) At least, it didn't feel like that. 

Trap: Excuse me, sir. We should make sure that we're still in control of the bridge. 

Barriss: (trying to speak to the bridge) Bridge, this is Barriss. Respond. 

Obviously no one responds.

Ahsoka: We need to get up there. We need to find out what's going on. 

Barriss: (Looking at Ox and Edge) But these two will be coming around any minute. 

Trap: Havoc can watch them until we check on the bridge. 

"I didn't know there was someone else with your name," Blitz said, looking at Havoc with a smile.

"Shut up"

Blitz decided to remain silent, still smiling, he would bother him later.

Ahsoka: Okay, let's go. 

Trap grabs his gun and runs off, followed by Ahsoka and Barriss. Havoc takes the gun from him and stares at Ox and Edge.

On the Jedi cruiser, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Rex approach Luminara and Mundi.

Luminara: The cargo ship failed to check in on schedule. I attempted to contact them, there is no reply. 

Anakin: I don't like it. Something's up. 

Luminara: It is certainly most unlike either Padawan to lose contact. 

Anakin: They're in trouble. 

Obi-Wan: Anakin, have faith in your Padawan. 

Anakin: She would have checked in. 

Obi-Wan: Like you always do? 

Rex, who is behind, lets out a smile, watching in amusement.

Although there was still tension in the room, that didn't stop a few laughs from breaking out.

Anakin: ... Good point. 

Obi-Wan: Sometimes I don't think you realize how alike you two have become. 

Mundi: (clears throat) We need to continue our interrogation on Poggle. 

Obi-Wan: Yes, agreed. He's being most uncooperative. 

As Obi-Wan, Luminara and Mundi leave the bridge, Rex approaches Anakin.

Anakin: Keep your ears open in case Ahsoka calls. 

Rex: Got it. 

"Skywalker really cares about her, doesn't he?" Fox asked.

"He does," Rex smiled. 

Back with the medical transport, on the bridge 2 clones drag the pilot bodies.

Scythe: Engage the autopilot and put up the security shields. 

The clone obeys. With Ahsoka and Barriss just as they are about to cross the corridor to the bridge, multiple shields activate.

Ahsoka: Someone doesn't want us going up there. 

Barriss: I'll attempt to override the controls. 

Barriss approaches the control panel and presses some buttons, Trap who is behind them raises his weapon, Barriss listens to him and without wasting time activates her lightsaber.

Trap: Ugh!

Trap lunges at Barriss causing her lightsaber to fall, Trap opens his mouth and a worm is seen coming out of it.

"Kriff" Gree was squeezing the arms of his chair, it seemed that at any moment they were going to fly away.

Fox looked at him worried, when this was over he would talk to Gree. 

Rex kept clenching his fists as tight as he could. He should have gone with them, Appo could handle the 501st just fine, even Jesse could do it! He understood that Padawans need experience but what the hell were they thinking?! A part of him wanted to blame someone, but the other part knew that he clearly couldn't, because they never thought something like that could happen.

The little tension that was gone had fully returned to the room.

Barriss: He's infected. 

Barriss pulls out her lightsaber and puts it into Trap's stomach, activating it and killing him. Barriss pushes him away and the worm jumps at her, trying to go for her nose.

"She…killed him," Neyo said, in a quiet voice.

"No…Barriss had no choice…" Gree said, clenching her fists.

The room remained silent.

Barriss: Get this thing off me! 

Barriss throws the worm and Ahsoka slices it in half with her lightsaber.

Barriss and Ahsoka stare at the worm, which, still cut in half, writhes.

Ahsoka: Ugh, what is that? 

Barriss: Looks like some type of parasite. It must be controlling their actions. 

Ahsoka: Mind control. Well, that explains a lot. Trap was my friend. He would never have tried to kill us. 

"Were they close?" Thorn asked.

"Trap was one who helped her learn a few battle signs." Rex answered, with a small smile, which quickly disappeared as he remembered what just happened.

Barriss and Ahsoka take the worm. 

Ahsoka: How did these things get on board in the first place? 

Barriss: They must have infected the clones while they were on Geonosis. 

Ahsoka: We'll have to quarantine the ship. 

"Too late, if Trap was infected Havoc must be too," 17 said.

"So these things know how to act, they learn from their mistakes apparently," Ponds added.

"Then I imagine that all the clones at that point are already infected." Grey said, running a hand over his face. This was not good at all, when he saw Tano and Offee, even though they were older, he couldn't help but think about Caleb, what would he do if he was in that situation?

He didn't like to think about it. He didn't want to think about it. Would Caleb do what needs to be done? Would he kill them just as Offee did? Would he stun them?

Caleb… his sweet kid, he wouldn't kill them. No matter what they do to him, he would never point his lightsaber at them with the intention of killing.  

And that was probably the thing that made Grey want to vomit, thinking of Caleb, of his vod’ika-... thinking of his ad’ika, of his sweet kid, looking at them terrified, begging them to stop.

…

He just knows that if at some point he’s forced to point his blaster at Caleb, he wouldn't survive it. He would rather die than point his blaster at his kid, at his ad… 

Barriss: We should also contact Master Fisto, and let him know the situation. 

Ahsoka: Let's go. 

Barriss and Ahsoka run through some corridors until they hear the sounds the Geonosians make.

Barriss: That sound, it's… 

Ahsoka: (upset) Geonosian. 

Ahsoka and Barriss lean out of a doorway, Scythe and another clone holding another clone to hold him still. Havoc approaches with an egg from which a worm hatches.

Ahsoka: We have to help him. 

The worm enters the clone's nose, which squirms until he stands up.

Barriss: It's too late. 

Behind Barriss and Ahsoka, a clone comes up behind them running and shooting at them.

"Everyone was already infected" Monnk said with a frown.

Barriss and Ahsoka activate their lightsabers, blocking the shots.

The clone that was just infected points in his direction.

Barriss and Ahsoka back up as they block shots. Entering the cargo room.

Ahsoka uses the force and closes the door. From behind, Havoc approaches with 2 eggs, heading towards Barriss and Ahsoka. Ahsoka uses the force to attract them and they cut them down.

The clones scream and draw their weapons, shooting at them. Barriss and Ahsoka begin to block the shots. The door opens and the other clone starts shooting. Ahsoka and Barriss stand back to back, blocking the shots as best they can.

Barriss uses the force and makes some boxes fall in the path of the clones, Ahsoka continues to block shots until he makes one hit the clone's shoulder.

They both hide behind a box, Ahsoka looks out and sees a clone approaching.

Ahsoka: (pointing up) Barriss, let's go for the vent. 

Both jump from box to box until they get close to the duct, Barriss uses the force removing one of the walls, which falls near the clones. None waste time and jump into the vent.

Barriss: I'll go to the reactor room and disable the thrusters. You heard for the aft comm-center and send a warning to Master Fisto. We have to stop the ship from reaching the medical station. 

Ahsoka: I don't know, Barris. I think we should stay together. 

“So do I,” Gree said. 

Barriss: As do I. Unfortunately, that's not a luxury we have right now. One of us must succeed, Ahsoka. If you need to, you'll do what must be done. I know it. 

Ahsoka: Yes, of course. Then I'll see you soon. 

The two separate, going their different ways. The scene changes and we see the medical station. Kit Fisto is talking to Ahsoka.

Ahsoka: As long as these things are on board, we dare not dock with the medical station. 

Fisto: You must bring the ship in. The only way we can stop these parasites is to analyze them. 

Ahsoka: You don’t understand how terrible these things are. What if they get loose? 

Fisto: We will take precautions. 

Ahsoka: I have a bad feeling about this, Master Fisto, but I will follow your instructions. 

With Barriss, she opens one of the vent gates and jumps out. Walking carefully towards the doors that lead to the bridge. Just as she walks in she is electrocuted.

"What the-" Gree blurted out, jumping a little, Barriss told her that she had been infected by those things. But she never told him how. Nor that she had been electrocuted.

When he gets out of wherever they are, he will have a talk with his Commander.

Barriss groans in pain and falls to the ground exhausted, her lightsaber falling from her hand. A clone takes the lightsaber from her.

Clone: If there's one thing we clones know, it's how to stop a Jedi. 

On the other side of the door, more clones appear pointing at her.

Scythe approaches her, egg in hand, and Barriss stares, terrified.

The doors close and we only hear Barriss screams.

Barriss: No! 

Gree started scratching his arms nervously, he knew how that ended, of course it did. Commander Tano was able to stop everything in time and she, Barriss and the clones who had it were fine.

But looking at it is... Something, god, no wonder his Commander always had nightmares for a month after that.

Doom looked at Gree, then took the hand Gree was using to scratch his arm, which was quite red already.

“Breathe, okay? Barriss is fine, when we get out of this place you can go see her and scold her for anything you want.” Doom said, giving her shoulders a light squeeze.

Gree let out a small, shaky smile and looked at Doom gratefully. 

Back with Ahsoka. 

Ahsoka: Almost got it. 

Rex: Cargo ship TB-73, this is clone Captain Rex. Please respond. 

Ahsoka: Rex, this is Ahsoka. Boy, am I glad to hear your voice. 

Rex: Likewise, sir. I've got someone here who wants to speak with you. 

Anakin is seen.

Anakin: Ahsoka, what's going on? Are you okay? 

Ahsoka: Well, not exactly. 

In the corridors, the clones from before are seen, now Barriss with them. Barriss uses the force and senses Ahsoka and walks in another direction.

Anakin: Make sure you have a wrist com. Keep it on. I'm going to interrogate Poggle. He might have some answers. Find Barriss and wait for my signal. 

Ahsoka nods and the transmission cuts off, the camera zooms out and Barriss is seen looking at Ahsoka. Ahsoka looks at her, freaking out for a moment before calming down.

Ahsoka: Barriss, you're back. Were you successful?

Barriss continues to look at Ahsoka, saying nothing.

Ahsoka: Barriss… What's wrong? 

Barriss raises her hand.

Ahsoka: Barriss, no! 

Barriss smiles and uses the force, destroying the window. Ahsoka uses the force to block the crystals.

Ahsoka: I'm your friend! Barriss, snap out of it. 

Barriss activates her lightsaber, leaping to attack Ahsoka, who activates hers and blocks the attack.

Ahsoka: Barriss! It's not you. It's the creatures. Fight them. 

Barriss does nothing but smile, Ahsoka kicks her causing her to fall, and without wasting time she runs off.

On the Jedi cruiser, Anakin approaches Poggle's cell. Not happy at all.

Rex raised an eyebrow, he had seen Anakin angry many times, but something felt strange. And he wasn't sure if he was a good weird or a bad weird. 

Anakin: (to some clones) Leave us. 

After saluting him, both clones leave and Anakin enters the cell.

Anakin: You will answer my questions. 

Poggle says something. 

Droid. P: Your feeble Jedi mind tricks do not work on Geonosians. The other Jedi already learned this. 

Anakin turns around. Getting more angry

Anakin: Mind tricks? 

Anakin punches Poggle, knocking him to the ground.

Anakin: I don't need mind tricks to get you to talk. 

Poggle says something.  

Droid. P: I will never talk, Jedi. 

Anakin uses the force to strangle Poggle.

Anakin: We'll see about that, Poggle. 

Poggle squirms trying to breathe, Anakin doesn't even care, glaring at him.

"None of the other Jedi know Skywalker is there, do they?" 17 asked.

"Why you ask?" Rex asked back, after being silent for a few minutes.

"Aren't the Jedi the non-violent ones and all that?" 17 raised an eyebrow. 

"17 has a Rex point," Cody said, choosing his words carefully. "You know how close Obi-Wan is with Skywalker, and he would never approve of something like that, not Mundi, not Unduli, and certainly not Obi-Wan," he finished.

After a minute of silence Rex spoke.

"No, no one besides me knew" he sighed "But I didn't know he was going to do that, he told me he was going to make Poggle talk, but it didn't occur to me that he would do something like that…." Rex finished, frowning.

With Ahsoka, she continues to run from Barriss, who uses the force to throw her against a wall.

Barriss jumps up ready to attack Ahsoka. Ahsoka reacts and activates her lightsaber just in time.

Ahsoka kicks Barriss, who loses her balance for a second before attacking Ahsoka again.

Ahsoka backs up and dodges Barriss, jumping and flipping, then knocks Barriss down and then kicks her to run.

Ahsoka jumps into the vent and Barriss, after standing still for a moment, walks past.

On the Jedi cruiser. Obi-Wan, Mundi and Luminara talk about something. Anakin runs to the bridge.

Anakin: I made contact with Ahsoka. 

Obi-Wan: What's the status? 

Anakin: Geonosian parasites have infected her crew. 

Obi-Wan: How did they get on board her ship? 

Anakin: Poggle said the parasites must have needed a new host after we raided the Queen's temple. 

Luminara: You interrogated Poggle? 

Anakin: (upset) I did. There wasn't time to get the rest of you. 

Mundi: How did you get him to talk?

"Strangling him," Doom muttered.

Rex decided not to say anything. What was he supposed to say? He just watched as his General almost killed someone to get answers. 

Anakin: Look, all that matters is that he told me how to stop the worms. 

Back with Ahsoka, she waits for some clones to pass before activating her comlink.

Ahsoka: This is Ahsoka. Come in. 

Anakin: Ahsoka, listen to me. The worms are affected by the cold. 

"By the cold? That's it?" Monnk asked.

“It makes sense if you think about it, desert planet, they are so used to that ball of dust that they have probably never been so cold.” Ponds said.

Ahsoka: Cold? That's how we stop them?  

Anakin: Rupture the coolant system- 

As Anakin speaks, a clone appears, Ahsoka covers her wrist, silencing the comlink. The clone stays for a moment and then leaves.

Anakin: Did you hear me? Rupture the coolant system! 

Ahsoka: The coolant system. Got it. 

Ahsoka leaves the duct after seeing that no one is there. Barriss uses the force to see where she is.

Ahsoka enters the room of the temperature system, pressing some buttons and then pulling a lever. 

All over the ship, smoke billows out, Ahsoka smiles as the clones stare. The ship comes out of hyperspace, approaching the medical station.

In the medical station. 

Fisto: That's Ahsoka's ship. It just came out of hyperspace. Send out the tugs to help guide them in. 

Two ships leave the medical station.

Fisto: Warn all medical hazard crew that I don't want anyone boarding that ship until the parasites are contained. Sound all the alarms, and prepare the subzero conduits. 

The medical station ships go and stand on either side of the frigate.

Clone: Engage tractor beam. 

With Ahsoka, she runs through the corridors, stopping for a moment because of the cold.

Barriss: There you are. You can't hide from me. 

Ahsoka jumps into a vent. On the other side of the ship, the clones fall unconscious from the cold.

With Ahsoka, she opens a vent cover with trembling hands. Leaving in front of the bridge.

Ahsoka: The bridge, at last. 

Ahsoka enters the bridge and presses some buttons in the cockpit.

Ahsoka: We’re coming in awfully fast. This is Ahsoka Tano. Can you hear me? I'm shutting down the engines. I'll try to reverse the- 

Barriss appears from behind trying to hit Ahsoka who dodges it, Barriss's lightsaber destroys something causing tubes to fly through the cockpit.

With the escort clones.

Clone: I've having a hard time slowing her down! There's no one at the controls. The pilot must be dead. 

Inside the station.

Clone 2: Sir, she's listing. 

Fisto: The escort ships must maintain control.  

Back with Ahsoka and Barriss, the bridge is almost completely frozen over. They both keep fighting.

Ahsoka takes one of the tubes and puts it in Barriss's face, who starts screaming before falling to the ground.

Ahsoka falls to the ground, weak.

Barriss: Kill me, please. 

Gree froze for a moment, his Commander, whom most of his boys consider a younger sister, whom he considers part of his aliit.

She had asked to be killed.

His ad'ika asked to be killed...

He didn't know how to feel about it, feeling so many emotions that at one point it was overwhelming. 

Ahsoka: I can't. 

Ahsoka watches as they get closer to the medical station. When he looks back Barriss attacks her, putting her hands on her neck, the worm comes out of Barriss's mouth, Ahsoka screams and pushes her away then kicks her, causing Barriss to back up until she is under one of the tubes. 

Ahsoka activates her lightsaber and approaches Barris. Ahsoka stares, Barriss screams and Ahsoka uses her lightsaber.

On the escort ships.

Clone: Full power. Now! 

The ship stops just in time.

Clone: We got her. We got her. Attach the subzero conduits. 

In the medical station. 

Clone: The temperature's below freezing, sir. 

Fisto: Let's board, then, but stay on guard. They may still be dangerous. 

The scene changes and Fisto enters the bridge, on the floor, the worm is cut in half. Up ahead, Ahsoka is hugging Barriss, who is unconscious. They are both frozen. Barely alive.

Fisto walks over to Ahsoka, lifting her head with his hand.

Ahsoka: (shaking, barely conscious) Hello, Master Fisto. We're ready to pick up the supplies. (falls unconscious)

Fisto: We'll take care of that. You rest now, Ahsoka. 

The screen goes black and then lights up, Anakin is seen sitting, looking out the window.

Ahsoka jumps up gasping, Anakin looks at her and walks over to her.

Anakin: (putting a hand on her shoulder) It's all right, Ahsoka. It's okay. You're safe. 

Ahsoka: Barriss? 

Anakin: Barriss is fine, thanks to your efforts. (Both look at Barriss who is still unconscious) And so are the clones. 

Ahsoka: What were those things? 

Fisto: I think I can help answer that. We had the parasite worms analyzed. They are the same type of creature you found on Geonosis, Master Skywalker. 

Anakin: We'll have to inform the troops on Geonosis. This parasite might explain how they recaptured the planet the first time. I don't want it happening again. 

Fisto: (to Ahsoka) You have been through quite an ordeal, little one. 

Ahsoka: Master Skywalker, may I have a word? 

Fisto makes a small nod and leaves. Anakin sits on the stretcher, close to Ahsoka.

Ahsoka: Master, on the ship, Barriss was gone, and she wanted me to kill her. She told me…

Anakin: (smiling) But you couldn't do it. 

Ahsoka: No. No, I couldn't. But should I have? I mean, it worked out now, but if we had failed, if the ship docked and the worms spread, and…

Anakin: Ahsoka, it's your duty to save as many lives as you can. Barriss knew you could save thousands if the worms were destroyed, which she thought meant destroying her too. But you did the right thing. You knew the freezing cold would kill the worms. 

Ahsoka looks at Barriss, smiling a little.

Anakin: Letting go of our attachments is a difficult struggle for all of us. You followed your instincts. I'm sure she would agree that you made the right choice. 

Anakin smiles at her and leaves. Ahsoka looks at Barriss, then looks out the window, from which a Jedi cruiser is visible. The screen goes black.

"Well" while Koria spoke the lights were slowly turning on "We have finished the episodes of Geonosis-"

"So, we can finally go to sleep?" Monnk asked.

"That's right, I know this has all been exhausting for you, you can go to your rooms if you wish, have a good night." Koria finished and then disappeared.

The room fell silent, each in their own thoughts. Rex glanced over at each one of his brothers until his gaze fell on Gree, worried, after what happened to their Commanders, they had talked more, either to make sure the other was okay or to see how they were doing. 

Keeli looked at Rex, who shared a look with him and then looked at Gree, Keeli gave a nod and stood up.

"Well... I don't know about you, but I'm tired. Howzer, will you come with me?" Keeli said, yawning before leaving. Followed by Monnk and Grey who wished the others a good night.

After Fox finished talking to Thorn and Thire they both left, giving the Commanders a nod, following the others to their rooms.

The room fell silent again, Shebse and Edee looking at Gree worriedly, the Commander of the 41st hadn't said a word for a long time, and that wasn't good. Something was wrong with their brother, probably bad, and they didn't know what to do.

"Gree?" Ponds asked softly.

"Mm?" Gree looked up "And the others?" he asked after looking around the room.

“They decided to go to sleep, we decided to stay because…we wanted to see if you were okay, with everything that happened.” Bly said softly.

"Yes, yes, it's... I... Luminara and Barriss told me parts of what happened to them, obviously not everything and obviously I respect that but... Seeing what happened to them... EVERYTHING that happened to them... It's... something I didn't expect.” Gree said with a lost look.

“You didn't expect it to be like this,” Rex said, understanding the sentiment.

"Exactly... I know it happened but, it's just that I didn't expect it to be like that..." Gree sighed "I guess... I don't know how to feel about it"

"What do you feel right now?" Fordo asked, sitting down next to Gree. After giving a nod to Doom who gave him his seat.

“I feel anger, for the Geonosians, because Luminara and Barriss didn't tell me what happened, but at the same time I know it was difficult for them and I understand why they didn't tell me, I feel sadness for what happened to Luminara, Barriss and Ahsoka, for all our brothers that we lost in Geonosis and those that we lost in the fragada. I feel calm because in the end everything went well but…”

"It's too much?"

"Yeah... Right now I just feel... Exhausted" Gree let out a humorless laugh.

"It is understandable that you feel this way, Gree, with everything that has happened until now, only to later find out about something not at all pleasant that happened to your General and your Commander." 17 said.

"I... I really don't want..."

"Sleep alone?" Doom asked, understanding, to which Gree nodded.

"Say no more, just let us go to our rooms to take a bath and change and we'll meet in your room, okay?" Fordo asked.

"You don't mind if...  it's just my...?" Gree looked at 17 who understood the message immediately.

"No problem, Gree, I just want to remind you that Shebse is there for you at any time" Gree nodded, with a small smile "And the same for you, okay?" 17 asked , looking at the rest of Edee, who gave a nod. "Okay, good night, boys." 17 called to Shebse who followed him after saying goodbye to their brothers.

"Thank you 17..." Gree smiled and then got up and went towards the exit, followed by the others.

Edee followed Gree, since their rooms were next to each other, the same with Shebse.

"And what about you?" Cody asked, looking at Rex.

"What about me?" Rex asked back.

"With everything that happened, you know with the Factory, with Anakin and Poggle, with Ahsoka and with the fragada" Cody said.

"The truth? I don't know how to feel about Anakin and Poggle" Rex admitted "Regarding Ahsoka, there are things she didn't tell me, but I still understand why, it wasn't easy, I just feel calm knowing that both Anakin and Ahsoka are in Coruscant and they are fine.” he replied.

"Where is she now?" Wolffe asked.

“Before I was on the call with you both said they were going to train, my guess where they are now? Anakin is probably with Senator Amidala and Ahsoka will be with Offee or the guys in the barracks making some mess” Rex said, rolling his eyes but smiling.

"Well, shower, we'll change and meet you in your room, okay?" Bly said, looking at Rex.

"Why?" Rex asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You didn't think we were going to leave you alone, did you?" Cody asked.

"Correction, you didn't think we were going to leave you two alone, did you?" 17 asked looking at Rex and Cody.

"Me? And why me?” Cody asked, confused.

"Oh please Cody, let's not start this ok? We saw your reaction to what happened with Kenobi and your men." Wolffe said, to which Cody gave him a dirty look "Don't give me that look ok? I don't feel like fighting you right now, I'll meet you in Rex's room in a few minutes, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah see you in a bit" Cody said as he rolled his eyes to enter his room.

"Kill me, please"

Ever since he walked into his room he hasn't stopped hearing Barriss say that. It repeated over and over again. It was like a broken record, and he couldn't stop it.

"Kill me, please"

He knew that it was impossible for Barriss to not see the cruelty of the Galaxy, she already knew that since she became Luminara's Padawan.

But a small part of him, ever since he met her, thought that maybe he could protect her a little more. That she could be more of a teenager than a soldier.

Because yes, the Padawans were no longer students of the protectors of peace, they were soldiers. Child soldiers. They were children, children who will have to grow up very quickly to be Commanders, and in some cases, Generals. Children who are fighting a war they shouldn't, but in which they don't have a choice.

And yeah, maybe the clones are practically childs too, but they are trained. The Jettise are not. The clones had trained for years, to adapt to the situation, to be ready to do what needs to be done if it means it will make the Republic win. 

He always hoped he would manage to protect Barriss, and clearly that wasn't the case, first she didn't think twice about sacrificing her life with Commander Tano to destroy the factory, and then she was controlled by some fucking mind control worms.

"Kill me, please"

She had asked Tano to kill her. Perhaps it was so Ahsoka could focus on stopping the ship so she wouldn't hit the medical station? Or maybe it was because then she wouldn't have to attack Ahsoka, who had been nothing but kind to her.

Maybe it was because she wanted to stop being controlled by some fucking worms, because she couldn't bear to see how something controlled her body, her actions, what she said. And she couldn't do anything to stop it. She couldn't do anything but watch as something controlled her.

She couldn't do anything but watch.

"Kill me, please"

Barriss was already 16, on some planets she would already be an adult, but on others, she wouldn't be until she was 21, at least 18. Maybe she wasn't a child anymore in many eyes.

But for him? She was still an ad'ika, his ad'ika. He was going to do everything he could to protect her, so that once this war is over she can explore the galaxy without having to watch out over her shoulder searching for someone who wants to kill her.

She deserved better, and Gree would do whatever she could to make sure she got the best.

Because it was Barriss, who even though she wasn't the best at socializing, talked to her brothers every chance she got to get to know them, who didn't think twice about jumping into the fire of battle to treat the wounded, who didn't sleep until she saw that everyone in the medical bay was stable. Because she was Commander Offee of the 41st, because she was Barriss Offee, Padawan learner of Luminara Unduli.

Because she was just Barriss Offee and she deserved to be happy, she deserved to have options, she deserved to choose. Gree never had a choice in his life, but he'll be damned if Barriss goes through that too.

That and more thoughts ran through Gree's mind, who hadn't moved from the bed since he came out of the bathroom.

"Gree?" A voice made him jump, when he turned his head towards the door he saw Fox "I knocked several times, but since you didn't answer I decided to go in, I was worried" he said while entering the room. 

Gree let out a small smile, although Fox tried to look like the grumpy badass of the squad, whenever it came to his batchmates he was the first to worry and see if they were alright, ready to jump with claws in the air if someone tried to hurt them. But that's history for another time.

"I… I was just thinking…" Gree said.

"If it is possible to know, what were you thinking?" Fox asked, as he sat down next to him.

"Barriss…."

"Kill me, please"

"Damn…." Gree said, his ad'ika had asked to be killed. She had asked Tano to kill her.

She was willing to die so that others might live. She was willing to give her life without a second thought. A 16 year old girl was ready to give up her life so others could live. 

And that terrified him.

"Barriss asked to be killed, Fox," he said, clenching his fists.

"Gree" Fox tried to speak.

"Fox, Luminara almost died, she almost got controlled by one of those stupid worms. Barriss almost died together with Tano in the factory, and after that, which I think everything will be fine, they both almost froze to death in that Frigate." Gree said, looking into his eyes "I almost lost my General and my Commander, Fox... If it had happened, I... I have no idea how I would react. And how the boys would react, the 41st would not do the same again Fox."

"Try not to think about what would have happened, but about what happened" Gree looked at him with a raised eyebrow "I know, I know, I'm not the best at comforting but listen to me, Unduli and Offee are alive okay? The few times that I have seen them, I have seen the way they look at the 41st, with happiness, with relief, with sadness, they are ready to do everything they can to go back to the Jedi, to go back to you. Offee is alive, so is Unduli, and once we get out of here you can go to them so you can see that they're okay."

Gree was silent for a few minutes until he snorted, looking at Fox with a small smile.

"For someone who doesn't know how to comfort, you're not bad at all, you know?" Gree smiled "Ah…. I'm tired…" he sighed. 

"Let's go to sleep, I think I heard the others were going to look for food before coming here." Fox said, looking at him with a small smile.

"Of course" Gree rolled his eyes, lying down on the bed, closing his eyes and then opening them, turning around to see Fox.

"Fox?" he asked him quietly.

"Yes?"

"I haven't said my remembrances yet"

Fox opened his eyes, looking at his younger brother, before he could say anything the others entered.

"Hey, everything okay?" Doom asked, looking at Gree.

"Yeah, it is now...or well...I haven't told my remembrances yet." Gree replied in a low tone.

"Do you want us to stay or….?" Bacara asked.

"Could you...stay? Please?" Gree asked.

"Of course, vod'ika" Neyo responded, after he went to his trainer from back then and came back with a completely new personality, it was rare for him to make or initiate physical contact. Ironic considering that before that he was one who spent his time handing out hugs as if they were gifts.

"Ni su'cuyi, gar ky'adyc, nor partayli, gar darasuum, Buzz, Gearshift, Edge."

"Nu ky'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la"

After a moment of silence, Gree spoke.

"Thank you, for staying with me today." Gree thanked them.

"You are our little brother Gree, whenever you need us we will be here for you."

Gree decided to remain silent and did not say that after Fox he was the oldest, he wanted to stay at that moment where his brothers were not in some battle risking their lives with a great possibility of not coming back.

This whole thing about being brought here to see the future was crazy, but for now they're safe, and he couldn't be more grateful for that.