Chapter Text
“Anakin and I should return in a rotation or two. Unfortunately, negotiations did not go as planned. We’re trusting you both to begin the attack on the Separatist presence there on Katuu, before they try to eliminate the natives.”
“You can count on us, General Kenobi,” said Commander Cody, at parade rest by the holotable. “The Seppies won’t stand a chance.”
Ahsoka Tano, beside him, tried to emulate his more easy posture and relaxed expression, but she felt a spike of apprehension at the news from Obi-Wan and her master. She had never led so many men into such dangerous territory without Anakin to guide them, and she was reminded of the battle over Ryloth – which she would have rather forgotten.
“Snips, is everything all right?” Anakin asked. His hologram flickered, but Ahsoka saw the concern on his face, brows pulled in and gaze softened. She tried not to grimace as all eyes trained on her, and she cursed herself for remaining so quiet.
The people of Katuu were depending on the Republic to stand by them and push back the enemy. Ahsoka’s guilt and her own doubts wouldn’t serve the desert planet, and she didn’t want to worry Anakin. So she said, “Yes, Master. Sorry, I’ve been thinking of strategies all day, and my mind drifted.”
Anakin tilted his head, unconvinced.
“Well, then,” said Obi-Wan, “keep us informed of your progress—”
“—and may the Force be with you both,” Anakin finished, with a wink for Ahsoka.
And the holotable went dark.
“Are you sure everything’s okay, Commander?” asked Cody before the silence could settle, his posture relaxing in the wake of the generals’ transmission.
She couldn’t meet his eyes. “Just a little nervous, I guess. I’ve never been given so much responsibility before.”
“I understand,” Cody replied, and he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I remember the first time I left Tipoca City. Let me tell you, commander to commander: I was so nervous I thought I was going to be sick. All my knowledge of the galaxy beyond Kamino came from the simulations. It didn’t take me long to realise the real deal is very different. But one thing I learned is to trust in my training, my brothers, and my general. You’ve got me, and your men – including Rex – and your presence as a Jedi will be enough to boost morale. You forget how many times you’ve helped them already.”
Ahsoka’s eyes grew hot. For the longest time, she’d been under the impression the clone marshal commander wasn’t particularly fond of her: falling headfirst into the position of a CO, like she had, by proxy of her Padawan status and despite her complete lack of military training. She wouldn’t blame him. This unexpected kindness brought a lump to her throat.
“Cody, thank you,” she said, with only the suggestion of a sniffle. “How do you always stay so calm?”
He chuckled, and crossed his arms over his chest. “That’s what I’ve got you believing, is it?”
“You’re telling me you’re nervous now, too?”
“Well, maybe a little,” he admitted.
“But you always look so composed.” Was he just humouring her?
“Sometimes it pays to have the best sabacc face in the GAR. And sometimes it’s important to let off a little steam.”
“How do you let off steam?” she asked, unable to picture the commander of the 7th Sky Corps dancing to the pulsing music in 79’s, or kicking back with a cold glass of Calamari xinphar.
He smirked. “Seeing as you brought it up: watch and learn, kid.”
Cody raised his wrist comm and spoke into the microphone. “Captain Rex. We’re in need of your expert opinion, if you could meet us on the bridge.”
The comlink crackled before Rex’s voice came through the transmission. Of course, sir. I’ll be right there.
“What are you up to?” Ahsoka asked, following Cody out of the communications room and onto the command bridge. It was quiet, the chatter subdued, with most of the crew sleeping through the night shift. They passed the few comms officers on duty and stepped up to the viewport, Katuu and its desert biome filling their view.
“Patience, Commander,” Cody replied, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “You’ll see.”
Ahsoka smiled.
A moment later, Rex stepped through the hatch and walked towards them down the aisle, his white and blue helmet tucked under one arm.
“Commander Tano, Cody,” he said upon reaching them. “What did you need me for?”
“Rex, ol’ boy.” Cody patted his brother on the back and motioned for him to join them at the viewport, passing him a pair of macrobinoculars. “See what you think.”
“What am I looking for?”
“That’s just it, we’re not sure. Over there.” And Cody waved his hand in the general direction of Katuu, then watched with something like restrained glee in his expression as Rex brought the scopes to his eyes. It was the most animated Ahsoka had ever seen him.
“I don’t spot anything out of the ordinary, Cody,” the captain confessed, zooming in, then back out again.
“A little more to your left, I’d say,” Ahsoka chimed in, beginning to catch on.
“What are you two—” Rex let out a sigh, and lowered the scopes. Cody was already chuckling, his mouth hidden behind a gloved hand. “Really, Cody? Again?”
Ahsoka shifted to get a closer look at the captain, then burst out laughing when she saw the perfect black circles around his eyes, and the look of resignation on his face. She doubled over, clutching her stomach as tears began to stream down her cheeks.
“Well, I’m glad you two are having fun,” said Rex, handing the scopes back at his brother. “But I’ve got to round up the troops. And Cody, you’d better not have used the permanent stuff this time, or I swear I’ll find a way to put you on latrine duty.”
Laughing harder than ever, Ahsoka managed to say, “C'mon, Rexter. Lenses would suit you!”
Rex shook his head. In a bid to maintain some of his dignity, he shoved his helmet back on his head and strode from the bridge. But before he did, Ahsoka would have sworn she saw a grudging smile on his lips.
As soon as Ahsoka was able to catch her breath, she said, “Poor Rex.”
“Oh, I shouldn’t worry about him. It definitely wasn’t permanent this time. I’m fairly sure.”
“So that’s how you let off steam, is it?” she asked. “You prank your brothers.”
“Works every time. But if Rex isn’t around, a nice cup of tea goes a long way, too.”