I've Shared Some Of Her TikTok Videos Before, But This Creator Is Starting To Carve Out A Place On YouTube.

Not me clutching this screenshot to my chest, grinning like an idiot, because YES. YES HE'S BACK. I AM SEEING IT WITH MY EYEBALLS. IT'S REAL NOW

THAT’S CROSSHAIR AND HUNTER.

I REPEAT.

THAT’S CROSSHAIR AND HUNTER.

WHY ARE THEY SHOWING US THIS????

THEY HAVE TO GET TOGETHER BEFORE EPISODE 7.

SO I’M 95% SURE THAT THE SECOND PART OF THE SEASON IS ABOUT GETTING TECH BACK.

LOOK AT THEM.

CROSS IS WITH HUNTER. WITHOUT HIS HELMET. THEY CANNOT DENY IT ANYMORE!

TechPhee Weekend: Day 2

(almost 2 weeks after the actual event)

Title: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also

Rating: T

Summary:

TechPhee Weekend Day 2: Treasure

A year after the fall of Tantiss, Tech is recovering well from his time as CX-2. The more he feels like himself, the more he is ready for a taste of freedom. Phee, with one of her treasure hunts, seems just the opportunity he needs. And if the mission gives him time more time to spend with her alone, all the better.

And here is the TechPhee Weekend Day 2!

1.5 weeks after it was supposed to be done…

Oh well, the flu and just life in general got in the way. I do like to think this one was worth the wait. I started out with a basic plot idea…and it kinda devolved into fluff.

This takes place in the same timeline as the first day: Tech was CX-2 and was saved during the fall of Tantiss. I wanted some more normal Tech, so it’s been a while and he’s recovered a fair amount. 

Anyway, let’s get going!

DAY 2: Treasure

For the first Galactic year after Tech had come home with his family, he had been content to stay on Pabu. He had needed peace to heal and to forgive himself. But the anniversary of the destruction of Tantiss had come and gone, and he found himself growing increasingly agitated with the sedate lifestyle.

As a result, when Phee asked him to accompany her on a short retrieval mission, or ‘treasure hunt’ as she liked to call it, he was eager to accept.

His brothers were not.

“Are you insane?” Crosshair spat. “We finally have a safe place, no one’s looking for us, and you want to galavant off to who knows here on one of Genoa’s laser brained schemes?”

Tech frowned. He felt rather like he was standing before a tribunal rather than in front of his brothers in their modest home’s living room. At least Omega was in bed and was not adding to the conflict. 

“Phee’s plans are well thought out and prepared for.” He said tersely. “You did not experience Cid’s missions. Phee is far more competent and trustworthy.”

Wrecker chuckled at that.

“Gotta point there.”

“I wouldn’t be comfortable sending you if it was a plan by Rex and Echo.” Hunter said. “Tech, we don’t need to risk ourselves anymore. And let’s be honest, you’re not at your best.”

“I am well enough to go to an uninhabited planet.” Tech said. “To explore the ruins of a village.”

“I don’t like it.” Crosshair said, folding his arms.

“Neither do I.” Hunter said.

“Unfortunate.” Tech said. “I was not asking for permission. I was merely giving you the courtesy of informing you of my plans.” 

Crosshair’s expression immediately darkened. 

“Fine.” He snapped. “Go risk your life, I don’t care. But you get to tell Omega what you’re doing.”

Tech quietly thought that Omega may be the most accepting of the plan. But a part of him did twinge with guilt as Crosshair got up and stalked from the room. Silence followed.

“Tech.” Hunter said finally. “I guess we can’t stop you. But I need to know you’ve thought this through. You’re okay here- but what if you run into the Empire? We don’t know how you’ll react.”

“The planet is uninhabited.” Tech repeated.

“Daro was supposed to be too.” Hunter said.

Tech tightened his lips to a line. As much as he disliked it, Hunter was correct. The Empire had a habit of appearing where it was not expected. And he could not guarantee that he would remain calm when faced with them.

“If we find an Imperial presence, we will retreat.” He found himself saying. 

Hunter frowned, as if he did not believe Tech.

“I could come with ya, too.” Wrecker piped up.

Tech paused, considering. It would likely assuage Hunter’s worry, but Tech found that he wanted to go with Phee alone. It was likely due to their mutual attraction and budding relationship.

“While appreciated, it is not necessary. Either the mission will be as we expect, without danger, or we will retreat.” Tech said.

Wrecker’s brow furrowed, but he shrugged.

“I guess you’re going.” Hunter said. Tech could tell that he was still displeased. “But don’t expect help getting Crosshair to talk to you again.”

He got up and followed Crosshair. Wrecker just shrugged before retreating as well. Tech sighed. His brothers were not happy. But it would be well worth it to leave the planet, if only for a short while. 

As Tech expected, Omega took it well the next morning, telling him to be safe. Perhaps her hug lingered longer than normal, but she seemed in relatively high spirits when he left. 

Phee was waiting for him at her ship. Her face lit up into a smile when she saw him and Tech could not resist smiling back. 

“How’d they take it?” She asked, turning to board the Providence.

Tech grimaced. 

“They were- resistant. I had to inform them that I was not asking permission.”

“Ooh.” Phee said with a wince. “I bet Crosshair wasn’t happy.”

“He was not.”

“Well,” Phee said, taking the pilot’s seat. “Hopefully this will go well, we'll grab our treasure, and they can get a little used to the idea of you leaving every once in a while.”

Tech sat down in the copilot’s chair, which still felt a little odd to him. 

“I did tell them that if we ran into the Empire, we would retreat.” He told her as she started the ship.

“Probably a good idea.” Phee admitted. She paused, hands hovering over the controls before turning to him. “Is this a good idea, Browneyes?”

Tech blinked at her. 

“This was your plan.” He reminded her. 

“I know, but-” Phee trailed off, but reached out to take his hands. She ran her thumb over the knotted scars on the back of one, brushing the thin cybernetics implanted there. “We can't lose you again.”

Tech squeezed her hands.

“We will be cautious.” He said. “I trust your intel and I trust you. I would very much like to go on this mission with you.”

Phee gave him a crooked smile. 

“You're such a charmer when you want to be, Browneyes.” 

“I was merely being sincere.” Tech said. 

“And you know what that does to me.” 

Phee turned back to the controls and guided the ship into the sky. 

“It'll be a couple of hours.” She said once they were in hyperspace. “How do you want to pass the time?”

“You have not told me about the artifact we are seeking.” Tech said.

Phee grinned at him.

“Well, we might as well get comfortable.” She said, getting up.

Tech followed her to her bunk. Hers was far more pleasant than the Batch’s had been on the Marauder. Phee grabbed her datapad and plopped down on the edge of the bunk. She patted the spot next to her. Tech sat and hesitantly brushed his shoulder against hers. She, in return, leaned fully against him. He ended up with an arm around her waist, her head on his shoulder.

It was- nice.

“For once we’re looking at something worth a fair bit of cash.” Phee said, pulling up a sketch of a crystalline figurine. “Depiction of a goddess of wind, Sylphrena. It’s carved from wind-crystal, which is why it’s worth so much.”

“And how did you discover its location?” Tech asked. 

“I’ve got a friend who doesn’t like the ‘hands on’ part of collecting artifacts.” Phee said. “He contacted me with the details.”

Tech glanced at her.

“You trust him not to send competing ‘liberators?’” He asked.

“Yeah, Luthen’s good at not setting up races.” Phee said. “And he pays well.”

Tech nodded. Phee took jobs like these occasionally to keep her other operations funded.

He relaxed slowly as Phee explained the history and mythology behind the figurine. They did this often on Pabu, but it was even more pleasant here in the quiet of hyperspace.

The hours passed quickly and soon the ship’s console beeped. Phee sighed as if annoyed.

“Time to get ready, huh?” She said.

As she went to guide them down to the planet, Tech kitted up. He had wanted to dispose of his CX armor, but Echo had insisted that it would be better to keep and repurpose it. He had been correct. The armor was near unrecognizable now due to Tech and Echo’s work, but he sometimes still had a hard time looking at it.

He joined Phee in the cockpit and surveyed the jungle landscape. Most of it was shrouded by a layer of clouds. Kaladin IV was known for its rain. 

“There are not many landing areas.” Tech commented.

“Nope.” Phee said. “I’m thinking the ruins will be overgrown too. But lucky for us, the site is near some mountains. Might be easier to find a place there.”

Tech nodded and found what he assumed to be the mountains in question on the horizon. They quickly approached the range: great stone wedges devoid of the green below.

“There we are.” Phee said, pointing.

Tech raised an eyebrow at the small ledge she indicated. Possible, yes, but difficult.

“Would you like me to-”

Phee cut him off by sending the ship into a sharp dive. With a smooth jerk, she twisted the ship and settled it neatly on the surface. The ship did not even shift as she turned the engines off.

Tech stared at Phee. Had he ever flown with her as the pilot before? How had he not known how exceptional she was? He knew that he was attracted to her, but he felt that her beauty was more apparent at this moment.

“Hey, you okay?” Phee asked.

Tech blinked.

“I am fine.” He told her.

Her brow was furrowed.

“You were staring.”

Oh. 

“I am well.” He assured her. “It was not like before.”

She nodded slowly, but she watched him as she got up and grabbed her vibroblade and blaster.

“I was not having a flashback episode.” He told her. “I was merely- appreciating your talents.”

She raised an eyebrow, but to his relief, she smiled.

“You charmer.” 

Tech shrugged.

“I was unaware of your flying skills.”

“You always insisted on taking the controls before.” Phee said. She made her way to the ramp. “And I didn’t want to deal with any man pride you had.”

“Man pride?” Tech asked. 

“A lot of men, in my experience, don’t react well when you’re as good- or even almost as good, as they are in certain areas.” 

Tech frowned. 

“I do not think I would react poorly.” He said.

The rain pattered on his helmet as he followed her.

“Well obviously now I know that.” Phee said. “But at the time, I didn’t know you as well. This way.”

The trek down the mountain was more straining than Tech would like to admit. He had still not returned to the physical prowess he had had in the past. He did not know if he ever would.

Phee, observant as ever, proffered him her arm about halfway down. Tech took it. He was long past the point of pride.

“Sorry.” She said. “I should have realized we would have had to climb down.”

“It is my own fault for not considering it.” Tech replied. “I will manage.”

And he did, if not slightly out of breath and slower than he would have liked. The rain fell on his helmet less frequently as they moved into the verdant cover of the jungle. Tech winced at the swishing of wet ferns as they moved forward. Too much sound. But there should not be any enemies here. Kaladin IV was abandoned. 

Which was why, after thirty minutes of hiking, Tech froze at the sound of voices not their own. Phee stopped as he did, cocking her head and listening. Tech signalled the direction the voices were coming from and quickly began a scan on his datapad. 

Several lifeforms, specifically eleven, within a klick. Most were in the same area. He showed Phee the datapad and she grimaced. Tech nodded. The coordinates the intruders were at were likely the village.

Tech signalled again and they backed away, until the voices faded to nothing.

“I guess there goes that paycheck.” Phee muttered.

“We have no indication that they are the Empire yet.” Tech pointed out. “I doubt they will be friendly, but I only promised to retreat if we ran into Imperial forces.”

Phee sighed and rolled her eyes.

“You and your semantics.” She mumbled. “Tech, part of the problem is that we don’t know how you’ll react to combat situations.”

“You have expressed fondness for my interpretation of definitions and the like in the past.” Tech said. “And I am a trained soldier, genetically designed to be resistant to PTSD that would affect my performance in battle.”

“I know, but-” Phee shook her head. “I’m going to scout. If I see that stupid cog, we’re leaving.”

“Agreed.” Tech said.

Normally he would have volunteered, but she was likely the better choice. He could not guarantee his ability to be stealthy. She gave him a lazy salute before forging back into the brush.

He watched her go. He trusted Phee in all things and her skills were not near the bottom of that list. Still, he could not help but worry. His anxieties had risen significantly since his return to them. He could not prevent the images of Phee being caught and mercilessly slaughtered from coming to his mind. Or worse, her being captured and being given to Hemlock- 

No. He thought forcefully. Hemlock was dead. Even if he wasn’t, the Empire had no reason to take Phee to their scientists. 

He still found himself inching closer, straining his ears for any sound. 

This anxiety was not what he had been anticipating for his escape from Pabu. He had imagined freedom and relief. He was feeling quite the opposite.

After fifteen long minutes, he clicked his comm on. It stuttered with static and his heart rate rose to meet it. Why would these individuals block comms if they did not suspect enemies? Or worse, had captured an enemy and now were keeping watch for her allies?

Tech plunged into the brush. He slowed after a moment and forced a deep breath. He could not run down there, blasters blazing. He was outnumbered. Perhaps once there was a time where he could defeat eleven enemies, but that time was past. 

He kept low in the ferns, thankful for the wind that made them wave and the rain pounding the leaves overhead. He finally picked up voices. As he came close enough to make them out, he realized they were speaking Pyke. 

Not the Empire. Part of his fear melted away. Still, the Pykes were a formidable and often cruel faction. 

He sorely missed his old helmet. He didn’t know much of the Pyke language and while his datapad could translate, it would not be advisable to just stand there and read what they were saying, even if his datapad could clearly record their voices from this distance. He needed to keep moving.

They laughed, a harsh sound, and a shiver ran down Tech’s spine. Were they rejoicing in the fact that they now had a captive to torture? That thought caused him to hurry faster. 

Soon he could see two guards, chatting to each other as they peered into the jungle. He glanced down at his datapad, but it seemed they were discussing their next job after this one. Tech pulled out a thermal detonator and connected it to his datapad. He gauged the distance and when the wind rippled through the ferns again, he rolled it along the ground. He let out a breath as it came to a rest not far from the Pykes’ feet, but still out of sight. 

He crept away. If the Pykes were competent, they would have formed a perimeter. If Tech could find each pair and set up a thermal for each, he would be able to eliminate all of them in one fell swoop. 

He found the next set of guards easily. They seemed more alert than the last pair, silent as they searched the jungle. It was much more difficult to get close enough to roll the grenade. Tech brought the thermal out and then paused as both guards straightened as a comm chirped. As usual, they had a free frequency unaffected by the blocking device. Tech quickly engaged his datapad as one responded to their comm.

The words ran across the datapad screen as their ally spoke: We’ve found the figurine. It’s undamaged.

Finally. Where did it end up being?

In the largest building.

Tech raised an eyebrow. They were speaking as if in a casual conversation with a friend, rather than giving a report. He was so used to dealing with militaries, he had forgotten than some were not as well trained as he and his brothers.

We searched that one three times.

I know, it was-

A blaster shot shattered the air. The Pykes jerked their heads around, searching. Tech’s breath caught, and he took an involuntary step forward. A branch cracked under his foot.

The Pykes stopped their frantic hunt and turned to look straight at him.

Old instincts moved him. With one hand he hurled his thermal towards the Pykes. With the other, delayed a few seconds, he detonated both this one and the original left by the first set of guards.

The explosion threw him backward. He saw a flash of red and orange, heard screams of pain, and then something hit his head, and he knew no more.

“Tech!”

Tech groaned at the noise. He tried to open his eyes, but when he did, the light made his head throb. 

“Tech!” 

He knew that voice. He tried to speak, but he could only cough. He then tried to move, which went just as well due to his heavy, aching limbs. He couldn’t quite feel his legs. 

“Tech!” 

The tone in the voice made him force himself to speak.

“Phee?” He croaked.

Footsteps thudded nearby and then someone jerked his helmet off. He blinked his eyes open to get a flash of her worried face, but once again, the light hurt. He felt her feel at his body, searching for breaks or injuries.

“Possible concussion.” He managed to tell her. “And- possible damage to cybernetics.”

He was very confused when he felt her lips press to his face. Then again. And again.

“What happened?” She asked between the quick kisses. “I was on my way back- they’d blocked the comms and cut off my escape route. I just had to distract them. I was coming.”

“I-” Tech tried to speak. It was very distracting to have her caress his face with her hands while all the while pressing kisses to every part of it. “I was concerned for your safety.”

Phee let out a breathless laugh.

“So you got yourself blown up?” She asked. “Kriff- When I heard the explosion and you weren’t answering, I thought-”

She took a deep, shuddering breath before kissing his forehead. 

“We’ve got to get you back to the ship.”

“The Pykes-” Tech said.

“I took care of them. Do you think I’d be kissing you silly if we still had hostiles around?” She asked.

Tech shrugged.

“Perhaps.”

Phee laughed again.

“Come on, Browneyes.”

“The figurine-”

“Nuh uh.” Phee said. “We don’t have time for me to search the whole village. They called for backup before I finished them off.”

Tech frowned.

“But-”

“No buts.” Phee said. She rested her forehead against his. “I’m not risking you again, not for any treasure.”

Tech’s hazy mind took pleasure in her closeness, but he needed to let her know.

“I know where it is.” He said.

Phee froze in the act of trying to get him to his feet.

“Why didn’t you lead with that?” 

Tech tapped vaguely at his head.

“Possible concussion.” He reminded her. “They said- the largest house. If you go now, you can retrieve the figurine before more Pykes arrive.”

Phee didn’t say anything for quite some time. Then he felt her lips on his.

“I’ll be right back.” 

A few hours later, Tech lay on the bunk on Phee's ship as she jumped them to hyperspace. He glanced to the side to the shadowed figurine. He was glad they had been able to retrieve it, though he couldn’t quite remember how they had.

Phee came back into the darkened hold a few moments later. 

“Hey.” She said, sitting by the bunk. “How are you feeling?”

“As well as can be expected.” Tech said. 

His head throbbed and his stomach churned, but the symptoms would likely fade now that they were no longer dodging enemy fire.

He saw the glint of her teeth in the low light as she smiled. 

“Sorry about the crazy flying.” She said. “The Pyke ships showed up right as I broke atmosphere.”

“I like your flying.” Tech said. “I find it very attractive.”

He had not meant to say that aloud. Phee stared at him and then grinned broadly.

“Oh yeah?” She said, leaning against the bunk frame.

“Yes.” Tech said. “I must add it to the list of appealing traits you possess.” He had not meant to say that either. Phee glanced at his datapad, placed out of reach lest he be tempted to use it.

“You actually have that list, don’t you?”

“Perhaps.”

Phee smiled again and ran her hand through his hair.

“You going to let me take a peek one day?” She asked.

“I will give you an answer when I am not concussed.” Tech’s head gave a particularly strong throb and he winced. “While I am glad that we retrieved the artifact, I do not believe this was conducive for my health: mental or physical.”

Phee chuckled, but it turned into a sigh.

“Your brothers are going to kill me when we get back.” She said. “And they’ll be right to. We shouldn’t have done this.” 

“I was the one to insist on coming.” Tech said. “Perhaps we were foolhardy, but we survived and we retrieved the target. The mission was a success.”

He paused.

“Though I am not eager to experience Crosshair’s ire when we return.”

“You’re not looking forward to it?” Phee asked. She continued stroking his head. “You’ve got a concussion. He won’t be able to yell at you. I’m free game.”

“Then stay close to me.” Tech said. “He will not be able to lecture you if I am in close proximity.”

Phee pressed a kiss to his head.

“I was planning on that anyway, Browneyes.” She murmured. “Gotta make sure my treasure ends up somewhere safe.” 

Confused, Tech looked at the blue-white figurine strapped to one of the crash chairs.

“It will be safe in the Archium until you can deliver it.” He said.

“Not that treasure.” Phee said. “I don't plan on ever giving this one up again.”

It took his hazy mind a moment to interpret what she meant. But when it clicked, he hesitantly took her hand and pressed it to his cheek. 

“And I do not plan on leaving again.” He said.

Phee let out a long sigh as she laid her head next to his. 

“That a promise, Browneyes?” 

Tech thought of Pabu, of his brothers and sister, of Phee, of home.

“It is.”

I can imagine that Tech would get bored after a while. And even in this case, I don’t know if he’s bored exactly. It’s more like after being CX-2 and having no freedom, he needs to be able to make a few choices in his life. 

Crosshair does not like this idea.

Wrecker: I could come with you on your date!

Tech: please do not

Phee and Tech are very much aware of their feelings for each other at this point and are, in Tech’s case especially, learning how to let themselves act on it. They haven’t used the word couple yet, but yeah, they’re a couple. Just a budding relationship.

If you’ve read my other fic, Across the Stars, you might recognize Kaladin IV as the planet Gek lives on. He may or may not still be running around the planet. Several Imperial patrols looking for Jedi have certainly disappeared. And of course, it’s a reference to one of my favorite book series, and the figurine they find is an expansion of that.

I grieve every day that Tech did not witness the insane stunt Phee pulls in season 3. He would ONE HUNDRED PERCENT think it was super hot that she can fly like that. I feel like Phee has dealt with her fair share of toxic masculinity and is kind of over it. Luckily, Tech is not that.

…can you guess that I got a little impatient and just wanted to get to the scene where Phee finds Tech? I just had the image of her just kissing him over and over out of relief and I got excited lol. 

Frick the Pykes. They deserve to get blown up.

And then it devolves into fluff. Oh well. I liked writing it. 

My idea for the next day is much shorter and will hopefully only take a few days.

Stay safe, remember to review, and have a great day!

Preach it!

A couple points of note before we venture into Bad Batch season 3 tomorrow...

Let us remember a few things before Bad Batch season 3 begins tomorrow.

It is NOT Dave Filoni that we "blame" for any emotional trauma. It is Jennifer Corbett and Brad Rau 😝 He may be one of the executive producers, but Filoni hasn't been involved in the writing of this show since the pilot, it's all Jennifer and Brad.

Our theories/headcanons are NOT canon! Which also means that if your theories don't pan out, it's NOT "bad writing". WE are not the tellers of this story, we are the receivers of it. We do not determine how this season is going to go. That is Jennifer, Brad and Lucasfilm. So don't get mad and pissy if certain theories don't happen or if things didn't go the way you thought they would. (Unless anyone dies, then you have every right to be mad 😝)

BE! PATIENT!! If we haven't seen certain characters in a while...be patient. They might show up in the next episode or two. You never know. If we haven't had certain questions answered yet...be patient. They'll most likely get answered in time. There are 16 episodes, so not everything is gonna happen at once. It's okay to wonder, but don't be getting mad that certain things haven't happened yet. We've got a couple months of this and it's gonna be a very long ride if you're not patient!

If things happen in the show that you don't agree with, but other people do, don't be rude about it. Either just keep scrolling and don't engage with discussions about those topics if you're not gonna be nice about them or just block the posts/people who talk about them. It's not that hard!

ACT YOUR AGE!! A good majority of us in this fandom are adults. ACT like adults and don't get pissy about things. Get as emotional as you want (cuz we all know it's inevitable), but still be mature about it all. Follow all of the above points and you should be fine. Don't be hateful, don't be rude, don't act like you're better than anyone, etc.

If anyone has other things they think the fandom needs reminding of before tomorrow, feel free to add them!

Otherwise...once more unto the breach, my friends 🥺 We're in for a long, emotional ride, so let's get through it together!

You know, Crosshair is probably the only character that turned out softer than I imagined them, but also while staying completely in character. And I am loving it.

Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 2: Some Like it Hot

A tiny bit longer than the last one, and one of my favorites. Enjoy!

Day 2: Some Like it Hot

Ahsoka wandered the halls of Chopper Base. She was agitated. Commander Sato had asked her to stay for a few days. She had meditated, done her katas, taught Ezra a few tricks, and it was only the first afternoon. Then she felt a familiar presence reenter the base, along with Zeb.

She ran into Zeb first.

"He's in one of the break rooms." Zeb told her when she asked. "We just got off a supply run."

It took two or three break rooms to finally find Rex. He was leaning back in his chair, studying a datapad. He had a glass of something in his hand. 

He saw her and his eyes crinkled with pleasure. She smiled back. 

"Good to see you, Commander." He said, setting down his data pad.

"How was the supply run?" She asked as she took a seat next to him.

She studied his features. Even with his accelerated aging, he was still so handsome. His jaw was still strong, and his eyes still sparkled with affection when he looked at her.

"Good." Rex said. "Nothing to complicate things." 

"That's good." Ahsoka said. "What's that you're drinking?" 

Rex looked down at the light brown liquid.

"Some new fangled way to drink caf." He said. "Iced caf. Zeb told me to try it. It's pretty good."

"Cold caf?" Ahsoka said, wrinkling her nose.

Rex took another swig of it.

"It's better than you'd think." He said. "Here, why don't you give it a try?"

He offered the glass to her. Ahsoka glanced between the drink and his face. His lips glistened with the remains of his last drink. 

What the hell. Ahsoka thought.

She leaned forward, past the proffered cup, and kissed Rex. As she expected, his lips tasted of the caf. Even sweeter was his sharp intake of breath and the wide eyed look on his face when she broke away.

"Mmm." Ahsoka said. "I think I prefer normal caf."

Rex's jaw worked silently and he stared at her. Ahsoka grinned and leaned in to kiss him again.

Her comm went off and she cursed silently.

"Commander Sato needs me." She said with a sigh. "Well, I'll see you later, Rex."

He made an unintelligible noise.

The next day, when Ahsoka came into the mess hall, Rex was drinking normal caf.

Check it out and my other ongoing Rexsoka fics on A03!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34125910/chapters/84951619

https://archiveofourown.org/users/ExecutiveCucumber/works

12 Days of Rexsoka Day 3: Force Bond/AU

I'm determined to get these out, even if they're late.

Okay, so since my other fics are basically Force Bond central, we're going with an AU. I'm usually not a fan of crossovers, especially when it's the characters meeting each other. For some reason it just doesn't click for me. However, I do enjoy imagining what kind of roles the characters would play if they were in another fictional world. You know, like when people assign Hogwarts Houses to characters. I decided to try that with the Mistborn Universe, by Brandon Sanderson.

Here's what you need to know if you aren't familiar.

There are two classes, the noble class and the skaa. The skaa are slaves, owned by their god-emperor, the Lord Ruler, and basically leased out to the nobles. The nobles, for the most part, see the skaa as subhuman, killing them without remorse. Nobles also fight amongst each other quite often.

The world is dying, in a way. The sun is red, ash volcanoes spout ash into the sky which falls to the earth, and plants are mostly brown and sickly. At night, mysterious mists come out that react to the world's magic.

If you have noble blood, there's a possibility that you are an Allomancer, which are the magic users of the world. The powers are used by ingesting specific metals and 'burning' them to get specific powers. Most Allomancers only have one power, called Mistings. Mistborn have all of them. The following are the known Allomancer powers at this point of the world's history.

Atium: rare God metal that allows the Allomancer to see into the future a few seconds. Makes on practically invincible.

Brass: Allows Allomancer to soothe emotions, called Soothers

Bronze: Allows Allomancer to find anyone burning any metal, called Seekers.

Copper: Allows Allomancer to hide themselves from Allomancers burning bronze, called Smokers.

Iron: Allows Allomancer to pull on any source of metal, seen by blue lines connecting the metal to the Allomancer's chest. If the metal is lighter than the Allomancer, it will fly to them. If the metal is heavier or stuck into something, the Allomancer will move, called Lurchers.

Pewter: Enhances Allomancer's physical abilities, like their strength, reflexes, and speed. Can also help overcome wounds and heal somewhat quicker, called Thugs.

Steel: Allows Allomancer to push on any source of metal, seen by blue lines connecting the metal to the Allomancer's chest.. If the metal is lighter than the Allomancer, it will fly away from them. If the metal is heavier or stuck into something, the Allomancer will move, called Coinshots

Tin: Enhances all five senses. Allows Allomancer to 'pierce' or see through the mists, called Tineyes.

Zinc: Allows Allomancer to riot or rage emotions, called Rioters

You have to have noble blood in order to have Allomancy. Skaa Mistings are not supposed to exist, and are hunted by the Lord Ruler's priests, the Steel Inquisitors.

That should be everything you need to know!

Day 3: AU

Ash fell from the sky.

Rex looked up, squinting against the dark flakes. It began to dust the stone walkways of the keep wall. It wasn't a good evening for the ash. A ball was being held at Keep Kenobi, whose main attraction was a mostly outdoors ballroom. They had a canopy they could draw over it, but Rex could think of at least one nobleman who would throw a fit over it. Lord Skywalker, one of Lord Kenobi's adopted scions, would be one of them. Skywalker was kind, as far as noblemen went, but Rex was part of his personal guard and would have to listen to the man complain well into the night. Lord Skywalker seemed so much less composed than the rest of the noblemen. It made Rex wonder if the rumors about him were true: that Lord Skywalker had skaa blood in him.

Rex shook himself. He was skaa. It wasn't his place to wonder about his betters. That lesson had been literally beaten into him during his training under House Kamino. Most skaa soldiers were from the noble house. They dealt not in goods, but in flesh, training the Final Empire's soldiers.

"No! Not tonight!" Lord Skywalker's voice rang out from somewhere inside.

Rex shared a covert look with his brother, Cody, who guarded the same door as Rex. In a moment the young Lord burst from the door, staring into the sky in disbelief.

"By the Lord Ruler!" Lord Skywalker swore. "Damn ashmounts! Not tonight!"

It was only a moment before a slender young woman with dark skin and sparkling blue eyes followed him out. Rex straightened at the sight of her. She deigned a smile to both Cody and Rex. Rex still hadn't gotten used to her friendliness after the few weeks she had been there. Lady Tano looked up at the sky and shrugged.

"It happens almost everyday, Anakin." She said. "You're just upset because Lady Amidala is going to be here and you wanted everything to be perfect."

"No." Lord Skywalker grumbled.

Lady Tano gave an exasperated sigh.

"Whatever you say, Anakin. I'd better go get ready for the ball. I suggest you get over yourself and do the same."

She turned with a grace that Rex swore wasn't natural. The rumors were that Lady Tano had been sent here by her previous patron, Lord Koon, because she was a Mistborn, to be trained under Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker. They were apparently Mistborns too, but watching Lord Skywalker storm back into the keep like a petulant child made Rex wonder about those rumors.

To Rex's surprise, Lady Tano stopped before entering the keep again.

"Anything out of the ordinary?" She asked Rex and Cody.

Rex blinked and glanced at Cody. Lady Tano had a teasing lilt to her voice. Rex knew better than to respond in kind.

"No, my Lady." Rex finally said.

"Keep up the good work then." Lady Tano said.

She left, Lord Skywalker complaining after her.

Rex waited until they were out of earshot before turning his head slightly to Cody.

"What was that about?" He muttered.

Cody shrugged.

"I guess not all nobles are like House Kamino."

It was dark soon and the mists came. Rex shivered in them. Even House Kamino's harsh training had not completely removed the fear of the mists from its skaa soldiers. It didn't make sense, seeing as Rex, along with almost every other soldier under their 'care', had been taken at a very young age. Rex barely remembered his mother. He wasn't even sure that Cody was his full blood brother. Not that that mattered. Rex considered many of the soldiers he had trained with his brothers.

The limelights soon were lit and Rex could see the carriages begin to roll in. He recognized most of them; most bore their house's colors and crest. He spotted Lord Koon's, Lady Amidala's, and Lord Organa's. Good people, at least by noblemen standards.

Music began drifting up from the open pavilion that Lord Kenobi used as a ballroom. The ash fall had stopped, so no canopy was needed. From up on the wall, all Rex could see was vague colored shapes that represented the couples.

Rex's stomach growled. He wouldn't have a chance to eat until the night's festivities were over. He was used to it. House Kenobi was in fact far more generous in feeding their skaa than House Kamino had been.

He watched the swirling bright colors below him. Ball nights usually meant the guards could be a bit lax. Any Mistborn that would want his lords dead was probably at that ball.

The hours passed slowly. Rex vaguely wondered how they could keep dancing for so long. He didn't see the appeal.

A noise behind him made him jump. Both he and Cody stepped back, readying their spears at whoever was coming through the door.

It was Lady Tano, dressed in a sparkling maroon ball gown. Rex relaxed as she slipped out of the door. She was bearing a large tray, filled with pieces of bread stuffed with meats and cheeses.

"Lady Tano?" Cody asked. "Is there something you need?"

"I'm more concerned about what you need." She said. "Obi Wan told me that ball nights are long for the guards. I'd figured you hadn't had anything to eat."

She proffered the tray. Rex and Cody stared at it. Questions lay on Rex's tongue, but even with Lady Tano's friendly demeanor, he didn't dare ask them.

Lady Tano rolled her eyes.

"Obi Wan said it was okay." She said. "All the other guards took one. Go ahead."

Rex finally lifted one off the tray and bowed his thanks. Cody followed suit. Lady Tano's smile widened.

"You're Cody and Rex, right?" She asked.

Rex blinked in surprise. Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker knew their names, but it had taken far longer than a few weeks to get them right consistently. Rex nodded again.

"Have a good night then, Cody and Rex. Hopefully the ball won't last much longer." She said.

She turned, most likely to find the next set of guards.

"Why aren't you still at the ball?" Rex burst out, then winced.

Lady Tano turned with a dark expression. Rex swallowed, but ready to be punished for speaking out of turn.

"I don't care for much of the company down there." She said. "And I don't care to pretend to."

It took a moment for Rex to realize her anger wasn't directed at him. She was glaring down at the bright lights and swirling colors.

"I understand that we have to keep the Houses from war, but-" She shook her head. "Tolerating scum like Dooku and Krell is too much."

Rex watched her expression. Even with her brow furrowed in frustration, she was beautiful. Rex found himself wanting to stare for a long time.

Then he remembered what she was, and more importantly, what he was. He looked down.

She sighed and turned around again. Once again boldness hit Rex.

"Have a good night, my Lady." He blurted.

She looked at him and broke into a genuine smile. Rex's heart fluttered oddly.

"Thank you!" She said, as if he had given her a lovely compliment. "Good night!"

Rex watched her go. Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker were good masters, but there was something different about Lady Tano. It was almost as if she cared.

Rex found himself thinking of Lady Tano often, especially on quiet nights like tonight, as he led the midnight patrol. In the weeks following the ball, Rex tried not to let himself get too attached to her. Lady Tano made it very difficult. She was constantly around, talking to the guards and servants. She seemed genuinely interested in their lives. Rex had tried very hard at first to be terse with her and give little information, but she was beginning to crack him. He was still waiting for the day that she proved her noble status.

Lady Tano never visited too late at night. Rex guessed it was because she was out training as a Mistborn. Rex had never seen one before, but he had heard plenty of rumors. They were supposed to be gods among men, able to kill with a look, and virtually invincible.

A crash sounded above. Rex and his men looked up. As if called by his thoughts, two dark figures had burst from a window and were flying towards Rex's patrol.

Rex gave a shout, readying his men. They moved into position. The first dark figure landed in front of them on the wall, tassels floating around them. Rex's suspicions had been right: a Mistborn. The figure wore no hood, and Rex recognized the man as Lord Maul Talzin. The man turned a crazed eye towards the group of soldiers. Rex was thrown backwards by his breastplate, skidding across the ground. Most of his men followed him. Out of the corner of his eye, Rex saw one of the guards go over the side.

"Jesse!" Rex roared, trying to get to his feet.

"No!" A new voice shouted. It sounded like Lady Tano.

The second figure had landed. The mists swirled around her and from over the side, Jesse rocketed back up. Rex scrambled to catch him as his fellow guard crashed back onto the wall. Rex glanced back at the two Mistborn. The second was definitely Lady Tano. Had she Iron-pulled Jesse back up?

Lady Tano rushed at Maul, two daggers gleaming in her hands. Maul laughed openly and dodged gracefully out of the way. Rex watched them duel, uncertainty freezing his limbs. Should he help? Did she even need help? Where the hell were Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker?

As the battle progressed, it became clear that Maul was the stronger Mistborn. Rex realized that Lady Tano was struggling against her foe as well as keeping his attention away from his patrol. She was backing up farther and farther away down the wall. Rex looked down, one of their spears at his feet.

She had been kind to him, kind to his men. But could he risk-

Lady Tano cried out as Maul scored a hit. Rex didn't think as he grabbed the spear, hefted it, and hurled it at the dueling pair. Then, burning the steel he shouldn't have been able to use, he pushed. The spear flew down the length of the wall, like an oversized arrow. It hit its mark. Maul froze as the spear pierced his back. Lady Tano took the opportunity to slash Maul's throat.

Maul fell.

Lady Tano paused only for a second before hurrying back towards the patrol. Rex felt cold. He'd revealed his secret, the power he wasn't supposed to have. There was a difference between being kind to skaa and accepting a skaa Misting. If he was lucky, Lady Tano would just kill him right then and there. If he wasn't, she would call the Steel Inquisitors to take him away.

Rex bowed his head as Lady Tano grew closer. He waited for her angry words or even her blade. She rushed past him to his groaning squad.

"Is everyone okay?" She asked. "Jesse? Are you hurt?"

Relief washed over Rex as he heard his men assure her they were all right. They had been disorientated by Maul's Steel-push far longer than Rex had. Had they realized what he'd done?

"Go inform Lord Skywalker and Lord Kenobi what's happened." Lady Tano said. "I must speak to Rex."

Rex listened to his men's armor clank as they ran off. He could feel Lady Tano's eyes on him.

"You're lucky he wasn't burning atium." Lady Tano said. "Otherwise that would never have worked."

Rex stayed silent. Lady Tano came closer.

"It was you who helped, wasn't it?" She asked. "You were the only one up. Only an Allomancer could have made that shot. Are you a Thug or a Coinshot?"

Her voice- it wasn't angry or aggressive. Just curious and thankful.

"Coinshot." Rex found himself muttering.

He chanced a glance upward and found Lady Tano studying him. She didn't seem offended by his existence.

"Do you know who in your family is noble?" She asked.

Rex hesitated. She was probably trying to out whatever noble was failing in his duty of killing his half-blood bastards. No matter. Rex's father was dead.

"Lord Jango Fett." He said.

Lady Tano cocked her head.

"Huh." She said. "He always seemed more efficient than that."

Rex snorted. If only she knew the amount of half breed bastards Jango had left behind. Rex knew of at least four other Mistings from Jango's line. Cody was a Smoker, Wrecker was a Thug, Crosshair was a Tineye, and Hunter was a Seeker. Rex knew better than to let Lady Tano know that.

It was silent for a long moment after that. Rex clenched his fists. Was she or was she not going to turn him in?

"Lady Tano-"

"Do you want me to teach you?" Lady Tano interrupted.

Rex stared at her.

"What?" He asked. "You're- you're not going to have me killed?"

Lady Tano's expression darkened.

"No." She said. "No, Rex, I'm not."

"Will you tell Lord Kenobi or Lord Skywalker?" He asked.

"Not if you don't want me to." She said.

She held out her hand.

"Let me teach you." She said. "You have a wonderful gift."

Rex hesitated. If any other nobleman found out-

He looked into her earnest, beautiful eyes.

He took her hand.

The mists were Rex's home. He wondered how he could have ever feared them as he fell through the air. Of course six months being forced to fly about in them desensitized one to the swirling white mass. Rex pushed against a blue line, forcing himself higher into Luthadel's night. The cool air rushed past his face. Ahsoka flew parallel to him, mistcloak tassels streaming behind her. She flashed a grin at him.

No, the mists alone were not his home. Being in the mists with her was home. They arced over buildings together, pushing in sync. Suddenly she veered off to the side, disappearing into the mists. It was an invitation. Catch me if you can.

Rex immediately changed course, pushing on an iron gate below to follow her trajectory. Part of him wished for the abilities of a Tineye, to pierce the mists, but that would take away some of the challenge of the game. He didn't know if he wanted that.

She was better than him, of course, but he was improving quickly. He didn't know if he'd ever be able to match her. She had an unfair disadvantage of being able to Steelpush and Ironpull. The mists streamed by him. They hid the ugly, dirty shame that was Luthadel. At night, Rex could almost ignore the suffering of the city. Ahsoka and Rex's lords did everything they could to alleviate the misery of the skaa here. Rex loved her for that.

"Rex!"

Ahsoka's voice bounced around the mists, seeming to come from everywhere. He managed to see her silhouette far above. He pushed on a few more lines to reach her, and pushed on something below to join her.

He burst from the mist into a field of white. He looked around, disorientated, until he saw Ahsoka. She was hovering in the air, pushing just enough so that she neither fell or went up. Rex quickly balanced himself as well. He followed her gaze, which was trained upward.

"Stars." She whispered.

Rex could barely see the pinpricks through the hazy sky. Ahsoka had told him about them, but most nights it was too clouded by the ash to see them. Rex stared at them. What exactly were they? What made them burn? Why-

He noticed with a jolt that Ahsoka had drifted closer to him. Her relaxed posture as she looked up belied the intense effort and concentration it would take to float over to him.

Rex took in her face, captivated by the enraptured look there. She always made the hardest things look easy.

"I wish we could see them every night. I wish the world wasn't this way." Ahsoka said. "The ash, the noble squabbles, the way the skaa are treated."

She closed her eyes for a long moment. Rex realized that tears were streaming down her face.

"Ahsoka." Rex said.

She turned to look at him. Her eyes were so blue. There was no color that was that vibrant in nature.

Rex fought against years of training and being told he was less than those he served as he lifted his hands to her face. Those beautiful blue eyes widened as he touched her. He prayed he wasn't making a mistake as he used his thumb to wipe away some of her tears.

"Things have changed. You changed them. Things are better for the skaa in the lands you and the lords control. You made them better."

She continued to stare into his face. He had nothing more to say, but he kept his hands on her cheeks.

"Thank you." She whispered.

Lord Ruler, he loved her.

He lifted her face slightly. He heard her breath catch as he lowered his head. He pressed his lips to hers.

She wrapped her arms around him and together they lowered slowly back into the mists, where they belonged.

I hope you enjoyed, even if you're not familiar with Mistborn. (I highly recommend Brandon Sanderson, start with Mistborn: The Final Empire)

The next one should be out in a couple of days. I'm so close to being done with the semester.

Executive Cucumber's (sorta) thoughts about the Bad Batch 03×10 & 03x11!

Spoilers under the cut

All right guys, I'm not doing my full list of thoughts. These episodes were really, really emotional for me for many reasons and I do not have the emotional energy to do my usual dives. I'm stepping away from the fandom in general for this week. Honestly, for my mental health, I just do not need to be around Fandom discourse right now. I've already left the pertinent subreddits and hopefully I'll survive.

But my brief thoughts!

So, I majored in the Humanities in college. I saw and read a lot of amazing art. But there was a category of art that I like to call, 'this was beautiful and poignant and life changing, but I never want to consume it again.'

These episodes fall under this category. They were art, and they were excruciating.

I also am still firmly in camp 'CX-2 is Tech.' Because it actively makes The Point of No Return less tragic if it is not him. Part of the reason I was sobbing during it was that it was TECH who was being so cruel, destroying the home he'd nearly had, destroying HIS ship, nearly killing his brothers.

And it's Tech, who gave Omega her first comm, who loves her, who would die to keep her safe, who takes her comm and takes her back to Tantiss.

Plus, who the heck else says 'domicile?'

(On the plus side, he gets his revenge on Cid)

My heart is broken for Omega. I hate that she has to make this choice. I KNEW she was going to sacrifice herself. If anyone says 'the Empire did nothing wrong' to me, even as a joke, they're losing a finger.

I dread how the rest of the Batch are going to confront each other about this. Crosshair was also the only one who would let her do this. In a positive way.

...I loved seeing Phee.

I wish I had more to say about Identity Crisis, but I spent that episode trying to overcome my disappointment that it wasn't about Tech. It was still an exceptional episode, regardless of my expectations.

But I do want to say, Cad Bane takes a lot of kid jobs. What's up with that? Weirdo.

Anyway, happy birthday to me! I get: Omega getting taken and Tech destroying everything he loves. Yaaaaaaaaaaaay.

Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 4: It Happened Once in a Dream

Back aboard the depression train!

Day 4: It Happened Once in a Dream:

The small home Ahsoka and Rex kept was quiet. It always was, but now the silence was oppressive. Ahsoka had to say something as Hera walked with her to Rex's room.

"Thank you for staying with him." She said. 

"It was my pleasure." Hera said. "He's like family."

Ahsoka smiled a little. Rex had been practically adopted by the Ghost family for which Ahsoka was grateful. They had supported him while she was gone.

"How was Corvus?" Hera asked.

Ahsoka knew the true question. 'Is there news of Ezra?' Ahsoka hesitated. She didn't want to give Hera false hope. 

"It might be something." Ahsoka admitted. "I'll ask Sabine to check it out with me."

Hera's eyes widened.

"Thank you, Ahsoka." She said. 

"It's my pleasure." Ahsoka said. "I want to bring him home."

Then she was in front of Rex's door. The plain wood was daunting to her. Rex had deteriorated quickly after she had left for Corvus. She wasn't sure she wanted to see him in such a state.

"Go on." Hera said. "He's been waiting for you."

Ahsoka opened the door.

She had imagined Rex transformed into a skeletal, decrepit wretch. What she saw was just Rex, but a little thinner and paler than usual. A little more tired. He was sleeping peacefully in the neat bed.

"I hope he wakes up soon." Hera said. "He sleeps a lot these days."

"He'll wake for me." Ahsoka said. 

"I'll- give you some privacy." Hera said, and left Ahsoka alone with Rex.

Ahsoka slowly approached his bedside. His face was placid. She hoped his nightmares had finally left him. 

Ahsoka leaned down and pressed her lips to his head. His eyes flickered open as she pulled back. He smiled at her, eyes shining like they had twenty-eight years ago. 

"'Soka." He said warmly.

He took her hand in both of his. His grip was weaker than it had ever been.

"Rex." Ahsoka said. "How are you?"

Rex chuckled.

"I'm hanging on." He said. His voice was soft. "I don't do much anymore. Hera and Jacen have been taking good care of me."

"What's the doctor saying?" Ahsoka asked.

Rex let out a long sigh.

"I'm just running out of steam, Ahsoka." He said. "Haven't been the same since the battle of Endor. And we weren't built to last long."

Fear bubbled in Ahsoka's chest. He spoke so casually of his death. Fitting for a soldier born to die.

"Isn't there anything they can do?" Ahsoka burst out. "Rex, you're only forty-one!"

"I don't feel it." Rex said with a smile. Then, seeing her face, squeezed her hand. "It's all right. I saw the end of the Empire. There's not much more I could wish for. And- I'll be with my brothers."

There was so much more Ahsoka could wish for, like a Rex who could stay by her side for years to come. A Rex who could give her what she had wanted since the Siege of Mandalore. Suddenly the words she'd kept in her heart for all the years couldn't stay silent any longer.

"I love you." She whispered.

Rex's eyes shimmered at her profession.

"I love you too, 'Soka." He said.

Ahsoka shook her head, unsure if he understood what she meant.

"No, Rex." She said. "I love you."

She leaned forward and kissed his lips for just a moment. He took a sharp breath.

"Like that." She said softly.

"Oh." Rex said. More tears threatened to overflow in his eyes. "Oh, Ahsoka." 

He looked down at their entwined hands.

"I- I wanted that." He murmured. "For a long time, ever since the Siege of Mandalore."

Ahsoka felt a burning in her throat. She knew he had felt that way about her. The way he had acted during the siege and right after told all. 

"If things were different-" Ahsoka said.

"If things were different." Rex agreed.

If things were different they could have had a life together. They could have stopped fighting. Rex could have lived a full life with her. 

But because of the Empire, because of Palpatine, that life was forced to live only in their dreams.

Check it out and my ongoing Rexsoka fics on A03!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34125910/chapters/85045030

https://archiveofourown.org/users/ExecutiveCucumber/works

Me, going over some older chapters that I’ve already posted: oh man, I did a great job with this OC! I really like them! What was I going to do with this character again?

Also me, remembering that I’m going to kill them: oh yeah

Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 5: Show Me Your Dark Side

Honestly, I’m considering fleshing this one out into a full fic.

Day 5: Show Me Your Dark Side

Commander Rex stood at the communications station. He was not supposed to be here, but as both Lord Vader's and the First Sister's favored pet, few would challenge him. Rex never thought he'd be grateful for that position, especially now that he was leaking information to the Rebels. But it gave him protection from the clone-hating higher ups, like Tarkin, who would have him killed in a moment.

Rex tried to look business-like as he entered the frequency for whoever received his information. Part of him clung to a hope that it was his brothers that used his knowledge to fight against the Empire. He had been able to wake up from the chip; surely there were others.

"This is King." He muttered into the receiver. "Sending coordinates for Imperial supply rendezvous now." 

He entered the data stick that would wipe itself after it transferred the information. He waited, tense as it uploaded the coordinates.

"Coordinates received." A distorted voice crackled through the comm. "Thank you, King." 

"May the Force be with you." Rex said before shutting the comm off.

It was easy to erase the logs of his communication. He crushed the datastick under his heel and threw it down the garbage chute. He sent a few sanctioned messages before turning to the doorway.

It was occupied.

The First Sister's sickly yellow eyes narrowed as Rex met her gaze.

"My lady." Rex said calmly, though his heart was in his mouth. "Do you need something?"

"What were you doing?" Her voice was harsh.

"I was sending communications to-"

"Don't lie to me, Commander."

Rex stood straight as she stalked around him. 

"Did you think we haven't noticed?" She hissed in his ear. "Your work is sloppy and obvious. You think Lord Vader and I will protect you. You are wrong."

A lightsaber ignited behind him and Rex tried not to flinch.

"Why now?" Rex asked, hit with a surge of boldness. "If you've known this whole time, why only now?"

The First Sister did not immediately run him through.

"It is the Emperor's will." She said softly, sounding more like herself than Rex had heard in months.

Then Rex was correct. She, along with Vader, had tolerated his treachery out of, if not affection, respect for their previous bonds. Rex slowly turned to again meet her gaze.

"Ahsoka-"

"That is not my name!" She hissed.

"You know this is wrong." Rex plowed on. "You've always known."

Silence.

"I thought you were above stalling for your own life, Commander." She said.

"I'm not stalling for mine." Rex said. "I'm trying to save yours."

She once again didn't respond.

"This isn't who you are, Ahsoka." Rex said. This time she didn't protest the use of her old name. "You're like me. We are meant to protect."

"There is no turning back." Ahsoka said. "The person I was is dead. It's- too late for me, Rex."

Rex shook his head. He refused to believe the woman he had loved was gone.

"I don't think it is." Rex said. "And I don't think you're going to kill me."

For a moment, Rex thought he was wrong. Her eyes grew hard and she lifted her sabers. 

Rex tried not to shake as he reached past the red blades to touch her face. Immediately she closed her eyes against his touch and her lightsabers lowered. They shut off.

"I can't, Rex." She whispered. "You know what we've- what I've done."

"I can be with you." Rex said. "I'll help you. We can undo the harm we've caused."

Pain crossed Ahsoka's face. Rex could see her slipping back under into the shroud of the First Sister.

“Ahsoka-” Rex pleaded, desperate to keep her here with him.

“So, you have caught the traitor in the act.”

The deep voice of Vader made Rex’s blood freeze. He barely turned his head to see the imposing figure of his general in the doorway.

“Why do you hesitate?” Vader said. “The Emperor has ordered his death.”

Ahsoka’s lightsabers ignited again. Rex closed his eyes and readied himself for her strike.

It did not come.

“He’s been leaking information to the Rebellion.” Ahsoka said. “There is much he could tell us.”

“The Emperor was clear in his instructions.” Vader’s voice was flat. “If you are too weak to do it, then I will.”

He ignited his own lightsaber. Rex flinched as the red blade swung towards him. It was caught by Ahsoka’s sabers. Ahsoka stumbled back, as Vader lifted his blade. She seemed surprised by what she had done.

“You are not only weak, but a traitor as well.” Vader said. 

“No, Master, I did not mean-” Ahsoka stammered. “His information is beneficial to us! Master-”

She sounded like the padawan Rex had first met on Christophsis.

“I had deluded myself into believing you would not be a disappointment.” Vader went on. “I should have trusted my instincts.”

Rex did not expect the pain that flashed across Ahsoka’s face. Nor did he expect Vader to raise his hand and hurl Rex backwards into the wall of screens. Rex let out a strangled shout and then darkness fell.

Rex woke with a throbbing headache. His training kicked in and he forced his eyes open regardless. The first thing he saw was the glowing streaks of hyperspace and the dashboard of a ship. He was propped up in the co-pilot's chair of a Lambda-class Imperial shuttle. He knew who would be in the pilot's seat, but he still slowly turned his head.

Ahsoka was silently controlling the craft. What he could see of her face was pale, but her hands were steady. She was turned slightly away from him and he couldn't see her eyes.

"Ahsoka?" Rex asked.

"How do you feel?" There was something in her voice that hadn't been there since before the Empire rose to power.

Rex reached his hand up to feel the back of his head. His fingers met bacta patches.

"Like I've been thrown against a wall of screens." He said.

Ahsoka was silent.

"I'm sorry." She finally said. "I should have realized he would have gone for you.”

“It’s okay.” Rex said. “How- how did we survive?”

He had served under Vader long enough to know that few escaped his wrath.

Ahsoka shrugged.

“I knew there was a storage bay beneath that room. I managed to cut through the floor and grab you. I was able to lose him there. You know he can’t move that quickly.”

Rex nodded slowly.

“Thank you.” He said.

She didn’t reply. For a moment Rex let the silence hold, but eventually he needed to know.

"Where are we going?" 

"Away." 

"From where?" Rex asked.

"Everything. The Empire, the Rebellion, all of it." Ahsoka said.

Rex sat up straighter. This- wasn't what he expected. He supposed it was foolish to think she would turn back into the idealistic young woman he had known. Too much had happened to them.

"Ahsoka, we don't have to run away." He said. "There's good we could do."

"No." Ahsoka said. "No, the Empire is searching for us. We would do more harm."

"Ahsoka-"

"You're all I have left." Ahsoka said. 

She turned to look at him. One of her eyes shone a soft blue at him. The other was still a sharp yellow.

Rex was suddenly glad they were not going to the Rebellion.

"Okay." Rex said. "Okay. We'll lay low."

For a while. He added in his head. They would have to do something about that eye. Rex wasn't very knowledgeable about the Force, but he knew Ahsoka's eyes had changed when she had.

But he was confident that he would be able to turn her to the Rebellion's cause.

She leaned forward to take his hand. She studied it for a moment, before pressing it to her lips. He shivered at the touch.

"I will protect you." She said against his skin. "I won't let them have you."

Rex cupped her cheek with his other hand. He swiped his thumb across the white markings of her cheek. He relished in having her back..

But the back of his mind shuddered at her words. Protect him from what? And at what cost?

Check it out and my ongoing Rexsoka fics on A03!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34125910/chapters/85106296

https://archiveofourown.org/users/ExecutiveCucumber/works