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Chapter Text

Some time after the events of The Wrong Jedi

When night fell upon Coruscant, it was never really night. Sure, the sky might be dark and the sun had fallen behind the horizon, but it was never a true night. The city that never sleeps, they called it. A planet that never sleeps. 

Coruscant wasn’t the only thing that was awake in the wee hours of the night. Clone captain, soon to be commander, Rex tossed and turned in his bunk, unable to find a comfortable position. 

Good lord. He thought to himself. There was something keeping him awake, and he couldn’t figure it out for the life of him. He couldn’t think of doing anything other than to just stare at the slats of the bunk above him. 

Rex heard the door to the clone’s barracks slide open, the light from the hallway spilling into the room. One of the boys. He grumbled to himself. Sneaking in after being out too late again. Rex was too tired to do anything about it. This one would get away with it.

He watched the shadow of the clone walk silently through the barracks. But wait. Rex squinted his eyes. The shadow was far too short to be a clone, not to mention the horns protruding from its head. 

Oh, what the hell. Now he had to take care of this. Civilians weren’t allowed in the barracks. 

The shadow snuck closer to Rex’s bunk. He sat up, still squinting into the darkness. The shadow slunk along the wall, moving with silent footsteps. Almost too quiet to be a normal civilian. 

“Rex.” A whisper emerged from the darkness, a familiar voice. “Rex, it’s me.” 

As the shadow tiptoed closer to Rex, he thought, no way. Not fucking way. 

“Ahsoka?”

Chapter Text

Anaxes. A peaceful and unassuming planet, turned into a warzone. Once a beautiful landscape, now filled with smoke and dust. Plants and animals alike, trampled by endless Separatist tanks and eternal sounds of marching. The sound of gunfire and explosions seemed to ring throughout the whole planet. Never ending, the siege continued. 

Ahsoka, commander of the 501st and former Jedi, sat on the edge of a cliff just outside the main Republic base. Two lightsabers hung by her side, a dull shine reflecting the fleeting sunlight.

Next to her sat her second-in-command, Captain Rex. Although, she’d rather refer to him as her best friend. They sat in silence, like they had many times before. If you were to ask him, he would say it was his way of getting away from the battlefield and away from the commotion of the base. Just a place for two tired soldiers to rest their minds and spill their darkest secrets. 

Absentmindedly rubbing dirt between her fingers, Ahsoka asked: “So did you tell them?”, breaking the emptiness between them. 

“Yeah.” Rex fidgeting with the scope on this helmet. “I-yeah.” 

Ahsoka turned to look at him. “And then what?” 

He took a minute to reply. “Cody and I have been approved to take a squad. Cody’s calling in one of his special squads.” 

“Who?” 

“Don’t know. Never heard of ‘em.” 

Ahsoka didn’t reply. Instead, she looked out on the horizon, her eyes squinting at the barely visible sun. 

“Do you want to come along?” Rex asked, finally looking at her. 

She thought for a second. “No. It’ll draw too much attention.” 

This time, Rex didn’t respond. 

Ahsoka leaned back onto hands and looked up at the sky. “I’d stick out like a sore thumb.” 

The two sat in silence once again. Ahsoka closed her eyes, feeling the coolness of the night wash over her face. 

Rex sighed, feeling his body break into a cold sweat. “Can I tell you something?”

“You can tell me anything.” She responded, sitting up to look at him. 

Rex sighed again. “You might think I’m crazy.” He said, leaning forward, putting his face in his hands. 

Ahsoka couldn’t help but giggle. “After everything I’ve told you, you think I’ll call you crazy?” 

He rubbed his tired eyes. “You’re right.” The rest of his face cracked in a weary smile. 

“So what is it?” 

Rex took a moment to respond, wondering how he would phrase it. “I think Echo’s alive.” 

Ahsoka took the moment after that. “You think?” She turned to look at him, but failed to meet his eye. 

“Yeah.” He stared forward into the wilderness. “The signs are all there, ‘Soka.” 

“Signs?” 

“How else would they know our battleplans? It's everything Echo and I drew up together way back.” 

Ahsoka contemplated his words, looking into the night sky. “So you think the Seppies have him?” 

“I-I know it’s far-fetched.” Rex turned to look at her, “I just have this feeling.” 

Ahsoka met his eye. “No, I believe you.” She said, putting a hand on his shoulder. 

An all-too-familiar feeling washed over Rex. It was like a wave of calm, crashing through his body. All his aches and pains, gone with her touch. All his worries disappeared into the night, replaced by a smoky haze. 

“Why do you do that?” Rex mumbled, almost leaning into her hand. 

“Do what?” Ahsoka asked, rubbing circles with her thumb. 

“That thing.” Rex yawned, “Whenever you touch me. Makes me sleepy.” 

Ahsoka found him amusing. “I’m not doing anything.” She said with a smile. 

“Yes, you are. Jesse says you’re putting spells on us.” 

She laughed. “I’m not putting spells on anyone. I didn’t even know I was doing anything.” 

Rex rubbed his eyes and blinked. “I swear you’re doing something.” Then mumbling under his breath, “It’s addicting as hell, too.”

Ahsoka removed her hand from his shoulder. “You guys never told me.” 

As soon as her hand left his shoulder, Rex felt the haze lift and the tension in his body return. The twinge in his lower back, the anxiety surrounding the upcoming mission, and tired feeling in his eyes returned. He grumbled, slightly disgruntled about it. “It only started after, uh…” 

He had no need to continue. Ahsoka understood. 

“When are you leaving?” Ahsoka asked. 

Rex shrugged. “As soon as Cody’s squad gets here, I guess.” 

And that was the end of that. Nothing more needed to be said. Ahsoka laid back, bathing in the moonlight. The blue of her lekku was a stark difference against the orange-brown dirt of the ground. 

Rex looked down at her. How times have changed. He thought to himself, also laying down after a moment. How times have changed.

Chapter Text

Ahsoka sat atop a small pile of storage crates, watching the command center’s landing pad bustle with activity. Small gunships came and went, carrying clones with them. The sky was hazy with engine smoke, as it was nearly every day. Just below her, two of the 501st soldiers stood, waiting for more to join them. 

“Clone Force 99, eh?” One said. “Heard mixed things about ‘em.” 

“They have a 100% mission success rate.” The other responded, shifting a medpack on his back. 

“You hear about them, Commander?” The first said, looking up at Ahsoka. 

Ahsoka smiled. “Not ‘til Rex said something.” She rolled onto her stomach and looked down at the men. 

“What’d Rex say?” 

“Nothing really. Just that it was one of Cody’s squads.” 

Soon enough, Cody and Rex would join them. “Jesse. Kix.” Cody said, nodding at each of the two clones. “Commander.” 

“Good morning, gentlemen.” Ahsoka said in response. 

“Come to see us off?” Rex asked. 

“I guess so.” She said, watching an unknown ship enter the landing pad with alarming speed.

“Repeat, coming in hot on platform TT-3-9-7.” A clone’s voice came over the P.A. 

TT-3-9-7? Ahsoka thought to herself. Well damn, that’s the platform I’m on. She sat up, squinting at the ship. “That them?” She asked, looking down to watch the commotion of clones clearing the platform. 

“Yeah.” Cody responded, shielding his eyes from the dust cloud the ship kicked up. 

“Clear the platform! Clear the platform!” The P.A. system blared again. 

The ship plunked down with a loud thud a few meters away from the clones. “Did they take flying lessons from Anakin?” Ahsoka said under her breath. “Goddamn.”

Stairs emerged from the ship as the door opened. One by one, each member of Clone Force 99 stepped out of the ship, each looking more unique than the next.

Kix stepped closer to Ahsoka. “They don’t look like clones to me.” He whispered as the largest of the group removed his helmet. 

“No kidding.” Ahsoka replied, sitting up straight. 

The largest of the group decided to make his squad’s introduction. “The Cavalry has arrived!” His large, booming voice echoed throughout the landing zone. 

The other members of the group removed their helmets. As they approached the other clones, Cody said: “Sergeant. Good to see you again,” extending his hand to the leader of the group. 

“You too, sir.” The clone responded. 

Ahsoka watched the clones’ exchange from above, assuming none of the Bad Batch had seen her. Hunter, Wrecker, Crosshair, and Tech were their names. Kix was right, though. None of them looked like clones. 

Crosshair, though, had caught her eye. Or in better words, she had caught his eye. He shot her a sharp glance, his eyes darting between the clones in front of him, the lightsabers on her hips, and her face. 

Ahsoka waved and gave him a sly smirk. Leaning back onto the crates, she watched as Crosshair elbowed Hunter in the side. Hunter looked up at the Jedi, who winked before sliding down the opposite side of the crate pile. 

Jesse: whyd you leave???? :(((( 

Ahsoka: cuz I can

Jesse: no come back

Jesse: these guys are weird as hell

Wandering in the command center, Ahsoka approached the main holotable, which scrolled through 3-D images of Anaxes’ various fronts. 

Across from her, stood her former Master, Anakin Skywalker. “Hey, Snips.” He said, looking up from the table, “The boys leave yet?” 

Ahsoka nodded. “Yeah. Interesting group.” 

“You spying on them again?” 

Ahsoka nodded again. “Two of them saw me, so I had to dip.” 

He chuckled. “You feeling alright?” He asked, his face becoming more serious. 

“Better, yeah.” Ahsoka leaned forward onto the holotable, “I think I'm finally figuring all this stuff out.” 

“Good.” Anakin crossed his arms, “I still want you to talk to Master Yoda about it.” 

Ahsoka pursed her lips. “You know how I feel about that.”

“I know. I’m just making a suggestion.”

Ahsoka sighed, but didn’t respond. 

Anakin uncrossed his arms and leaned forward to look at her. “I know how you feel about the Council. I’m just making a suggestion.” 

Ahsoka didn’t respond again. Instead, she looked down at the holotable. 

“There are some things you can’t deal with alone.”  

Ahsoka thought for a second. “I want to talk to you about something first.” She said, raising her eyes to look at him. 

Anakin met her eye. “What’s up?” 

Ahsoka ran her hand over the many buttons on the holotable. “Have the boys told you anything weird about me? Like I’m putting spells on them or something?” 

Anakin smirked. “Well, the newbies keep asking if it’s regulation for you to be sneaking into the barracks every night.” 

Ahsoka gave him a look. “Not that.” 

“Nothing about spells. Why?” 

Ahsoka shook her head. “Rex’s been saying I have this weird effect on him whenever I touch him. Said it started when I came back.” 

“Well, when you’ve been sleeping in his bed every night-” Anakin’s words stopped with an icy look from Ahsoka, “What?” 

“It’s not just him.” She rolled her eyes, “And I don’t sleep in his bed every night.” 

The smile faded from Anakin’s face, replaced with curiosity. “What kind of effect?” 

“No idea. Said it made him sleepy.” 

“Huh.” Anakin walked around the holotable until he was at Ahsoka’s side, “Try it on me.” 

Ahsoka hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder. 

He looked at her hand. “A little tingly. Nothing weird going on.” 

Ahsoka removed her hand. “Try it on a clone?” 

“Good idea.” Anakin turned, looking for a stray clone. “Hey, Chip!” He called to an unsuspecting clone in the corner, “C’mere!” 

“Yes, General!” The poor, innocent clone hurried to Anakin’s side. “Sir?” 

“Try it on him.” Anakin said to Ahsoka.

“Try what?” Chip asked. 

“Nothing.” Anakin replied, with a hint of a mile. 

Ahsoka shrugged and put a hand on his shoulder. Almost immediately, Chip’s eyes glazed over. Ahsoka felt his shoulder relax beneath her hand. 

“Hey…” Chip mumbled, slightly slurring his words. 

Ahsoka removed her hand from his limp shoulder. “I’m not doing anything.” 

Anakin furrowed his brow. “Hm. Chip, what’d that feel like?”
Slowly, the haze in Chip’s eyes faded. “I don’t know.” He blinked, “Like I’m falling asleep or something.” 

“Anything else?” Ahsoka asked. 

Chip shrugged. “Calm. Don’t know, really.”

Ahsoka and Anakin stared at the clone for a moment, not saying anything. Chip squirmed under the Jedi’s gaze. “Got rid of that crick in my neck, though.” he said. 

Ahsoka nodded, looking at Anakin. 

“Thank you, Chip.” Anakin said, finally. “You’re dismissed, soldier.” 

“Uh, thank you, sir.” Chip responded, seemingly thankful for the dismissal. “Weird-ass Jedi.” he mumbled under his breath, taking no time to linger. 

“See?” Ahsoka said once he was out of earshot. “I swear I’m not doing anything.” 

Anakin crossed his arms. “Huh.” 

She nodded. “Yeah.” 

“This would be,” Anakin paused, running his fingers through his hair, “Something I would talk to Master Yoda about. But, I might have a temporary solution. Come with me.” He turned to walk out of the command center with Ahsoka in tow. 

“Has this happened before?” She asked, half-jogging to keep up with Anakin.

“No.” He responded, coming to a sudden stop at his quarters. Opening the door, he continued. “When I first started training, I had a tendency to break everything I touched. Obi-Wan got tired of me breaking his precious china.” 

“So what does that have to do with me putting all the clones asleep?” Ahsoka followed Anakin into his room and took a seat on the floor. 

Anakin started to rummage through a box in the corner. “Well, the reason why I was breaking everything was because I didn’t have a lot of control over my powers with the Force.” 

Ahsoka stayed silent as Anakin continued.

“My theory is that your time away from the Order opened up some new doors for you. And we should probably try and control what’s going on before anything bad happens.” 

“Huh.” Ahsoka looked down at her own hands, “I really didn’t do much. I just kind of sat in the Underworld.” 

“I’m sure there’s an explanation somewhere.” Anakin said, pulling out a pair of sheer, paper-thin gloves. “Maybe you’ve had some divine intervention. Plenty of Jedi have had epiphanies when they’re away. Here, try these on.” He handed the gloves to Ahsoka. “They fit me when I was a padawan, so they should fit you.” 

Ahsoka turned them over in her hands. They were almost invisible, like a tiny spider web, gently tickling her fingers. “So you think these will help me stop doing that thing?” 

“Maybe.” 

“What do they do?” She asked, sliding them over her hands. 

“They’re supposed to partially block the touch receptors in your hands. Muffles the Force, or something.” He waited for Ahsoka’s response. 

Ahsoka flexed her hands, her face showing a film of disgust. “It feels…like I’m deaf, but in my hands.” 

Anakin nodded. “Sounds about right. I felt the same way.” 

“When did you stop using them?” 

“A long time ago. When I learned to control myself, I guess.” 

“How?” Ahsoka asked, pulling the gloves off of her hands. She shuddered. “I don’t like that.” She mumbled, the feeling in her fingers returning. 

Anakin thought for a moment. “A lot of training.” 

Ahsoka made a face. “Damn, I thought I was done with training for a while.” 

Anakin couldn’t help but chuckle. “Just because you’re a Knight doesn’t mean you’re done with training. You’re my padawan for life, you know.” 

“I guess.” 

“And speaking of training, you and I are sparring in the gym when Rex and the boys get back from their mission.” Anakin nudged her shoulder. “You and me and then you and the boys. We’ll see if Cody’s squad wants to join.” 

Ahsoka threw her head back. “Ughhhhhh.” She groaned, half joking. 

Anakin laughed out loud. “It’ll be fun. New opponents?” 

Ahsoka looked back at him with a glint in her eye. “You’re right.” 

Jesse: plz help they’re being mean

Ahsoka: idk what you want me to do dawg

Ahsoka: i’m not in charge

Jesse: noooooooo

Ahsoka chuckled at Jesse’s message before one from Rex popped up. 

Rex: Kix and Cody are headed your way.

Chapter Text

Ahsoka climbed to the top of the storage crates where she had first seen the Bad Batch. Their ship, The Marauder , was still parked precariously on the landing platform, backlit by the afternoon sun. The sky was surprisingly clear and for the first time in months, she was able to see the many cruisers floating in orbit above the planet. 

It was a peaceful day, for the most part. It was a day of briefings, resupplying, and reorganizing the base with barely any action on the battlefield. These days seem to drag on and on and she wondered when the sun would finally set. A small group of clones passed beneath her, unaware that their Jedi Commander sat above them. She didn’t expect them to see her, anyway. 

She sighed, relaxing back into the crates. She supposed she could take a gander in the command center for any action, but she knew she would get locked out by Mace Windu. Again. Since coming back to the Order, those meetings had become off-limits for the young Jedi Knight. And when she was allowed? Almost as boring as one of Obi-Wan’s lectures. Nothing against the Jedi Master, but his voice droning on put Ahsoka to sleep. 

On these days, she wondered about her role in this war and how important she really was to the Council. Sure, they let her back in, knighted her. But every day, she felt the icy cold glare of Mace Windu shivering down her back every time she spent time with Rex and the clones, when she proposed new mission plans, and when she took a moment to rest. 

She thought about leaving on days like these, and wondered what would happen. Rex could be promoted to commander, she guessed. The Council could be free of her presence. And she would be free to do what she wanted. 

Problem was, she didn’t know what she wanted. All she knew was the war, the long hyperspace trips, traveling from one end of the galaxy to another to fight in another battle, another siege, another rescue. She could travel the galaxy, she thought. But she had already been to more places than she can count. She could find a quiet job working on a quiet planet. But she would get bored. 

She would miss her master and her brothers. That’s why she came back, after all. The loneliness became unbearable and she would rather endure the pressing stares of the senior Jedi in the Temple if it meant she would have company. Every second she was away, she felt the pull of her Jedi instincts, telling her to return. She missed the training Anakin would give her and the countless times he had the clones shoot at her until she collapsed. She missed the sparring matches between padawan and master, the endless times Anakin had told her, “More practice.” She missed the open-hand combat training Rex used to give her. Not that he really trained her anymore. Her Force sensitivity gave her an upper hand on the clone captain. 

Ahsoka pulled out the pair of gloves Anakin had given her. Turning them over in her hand, she picked off the fuzz and dirt it had accumulated from her pocket. To be honest, she didn’t know what was going on with herself. One day, the Council was accusing her of bombing the Jedi Temple, the next, she’s exploring the lower levels of Coruscant, scavenging for scraps like a rat, and the next she was sneaking into the clone barracks. 

Ahsoka found herself sitting in a room in the Jedi Temple. The room sat on the highest level, overlooking the highest buildings in Coruscant. Still she sat, watching the city beneath her disappear into smoke. It was oddly quiet as she felt a familiar presence enter the Temple below her. 

Anakin. But his presence was cloudy, like he wasn’t all there. Stepping onto the balcony, she peered below into the smoke, blinking away the burn in her eyes. She couldn’t see anything beneath her, almost like she was among the clouds. 

She felt the unmistakable presence of the clone army, strong and sturdy. A faint sound of marching floated up to her. The clones never marched. They weren’t a droid army. The only times she saw them march was on Kamino. 

The marching got ever closer as Ahsoka continued to squint into the distance. She felt unusually calm in the unfamiliar situation, except for the piercing pain in her heart. Ouch, she thought. It was the same pain every night. The same feeling of heartbreak. 

Anakin’s presence remained ever cloudy, fading with every passing moment. Soon enough, the unmistakable sound of blasterfire made it inside the Temple. 

Ahsoka felt another presence outside. Just one, though. 

What the hell was going on? Ahsoka wondered this every night, each passing day getting her closer to answers. 

Is this my fate? 

“Ahsoka.” A clone’s voice cut through the haze, startling the sleeping Jedi awake. 

Ahsoka blinked herself awake. “Hm?” She was still atop the pile of crates and night had fallen. 

“‘Soka, down here. It’s me.” Below her was Rex, with Tech timidly standing behind him. 

She rubbed her eyes and looked down. “Hey, you’re back.” 

Rex nodded. “General Skywalker wants to see you in the aquarium. And so do I.” He said the last part in an almost-whisper. 

Ahsoka stretched her arms above her head. “Oh, yeah right.” Shouldn’t you be debriefing?” She asked, hopping down from her hiding place. 

He frowned. “Already did.”

Tech looking Ahsoka up and down. “Morning.” She said to him, “You’re already done?” She asked Rex. 

Rex’s frown grew. “The Generals weren’t too keen about a debriefing at two in the morning.” 

“General Windu doesn’t approve of our proposed mission.” Tech said, his datapad illuminating his face. 

Ahsoka rubbed her eyes again. “What mission?” 

“The one to rescue Echo.” Rex responded.

He’s out there?”

“Yeah, he is.”

“Really?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Okay, okay.” Ahsoka pinched the bridge of her nose, “Hold on just a second. Where’s the rest of the Batch?” The question was aimed at the Tech. 

“At the aquarium.” Rex answered for him. 

“Shit, that’s right.” Ahsoka sighed. “Okay. Tell me about your mission.” 

As the three walked deeper into the base, Rex began his story. 

“When the ship crashed, we had to take the speeders to the Cyber Center. Got in there pretty easy, and we asked who was making all the battle plans. I heard his voice when we asked who was on the other line.”
“Echo?” Ahsoka asked. 

“Yeah, Echo. He just repeated his number over and over again. And when we came back, General Windu just said he would consult the Council on the mission.” 

“Well,” She crossed her arms, “We know what the Council is like.” 

Rex lowered his voice. “General Skywalker said he would find us a solution.” 

The others remained silent as the door to the aquarium slid open. “Do you know if he has a plan?” Ahsoka asked, her voice as low as Rex’s. 

Rex shook his head. “He just sent me to find you.” 

“Okay.” 

As Ahsoka was about to split off from the pair of clones, Rex grabbed her arm. “Ahsoka, I know he’s out there. I’m not crazy.” 

“I know, Rex.” She said, turning to him. “I’m sure Anakin has a plan. If not, I’ll make one. You just need to play your part.” She shook herself free from Rex’s grip. “I’ll be right back, okay?” 

Rex’s face drained itself of emotion. “Yes, Commander.” He said, as his General approached the three. 

“Took you long enough.” Anakin said, grabbing Ahsoka by the shoulder. He led her away from the pair into the large glass cage in the center of the room. 

As the Jedi departed, Rex and Tech made their way over to the rest of the Bad Batch. “This is the Jedi aquarium.” Rex explained, “They train with each other inside the glass and sometimes us clones get to watch. Those who are unlucky enough get to join them.” 

“Have you been in the aquarium?” Tech asked, sitting on a small chest against the wall.

“A few times.” Rex nodded, “Usually with Ahsoka.” 

“How come you’re on a first name basis with her?” Hunter asked, “I thought we were taught to refer to our Jedi superiors by their title.” 

“Well,” Rex pondered for a moment, “There was a time when she technically wasn’t my superior and wouldn’t let me call her Commander. And I’ve known her long enough, I think. She doesn’t mind.”

“Small change of plans.” Anakin said, unclipping his lightsaber from his belt. 

“And that is?” Ahsoka asked, doing the same. 

“You know.” He said, with a glimmer in his eye. 

Ahsoka raised her eyebrows. “Do I?” 

“Oh yeah.” Anakin weighed the lightsaber in his hand. “No conditions. Let me see your progress.” 

“Yes, Master.” Ahsoka said, assuming a fighting stance. 

“Have you ever fought a Jedi?” Rex asked Hunter, nudging his shoulder. 

“Can’t say I’ve had the pleasure.” Hunter replied simply. 

Rex smiled. “Not much of a pleasure.” He said as the two Jedi began to spar. 

“What do you mean?” Hunter inquired, leaning forward to watch. 

“There are a few things in life that truly scare me. One of them being the martial prowess of the 501st’s Jedi leadership.” 

“You’re scared of a kid?” Crosshair asked, chewing on a toothpick. 

“Ahsoka’s not much of a kid anymore.” Rex replied, “Scares the absolute shit out of me when she goes on a rampage. I would hate to be on the wrong side of her lightsaber.” 

“I didn’t know General Skywalker had a padawan.” Hunter commented, “Thought he was more of a solo guy.” 

“So did I, ‘til she came along.” Rex’s words were drowned out by the sound of lightsabers. He watched as Ahsoka defended herself from her master jumping backwards, backwards, backwards until bam! She got her feet off the floor and nailed Anakin in the face with a spinning roundhouse kick. 

“Yeah!” Wrecker cheered, standing up, “That’s what I like to see!” 

“The records read that Ahsoka Tano is a Jedi Knight, not a padawan.” Tech said, typing away on his datapad. 

“General Skywalker still trains her.” Rex replied, “He says her training is never complete.” 

“I see.” 

The group fell into silence as they watched student and master exchange strikes. Rex leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees, his eyes glued to the match. 

Dammit. Ahsoka bared her teeth, sucking air into her mouth. She backpedaled, barely able to clench the sabers with her sweaty palms. Anakin came at her, swinging his saber with both hands. His powerful attacks just missed her body, causing her vision to blur with each blow. 

She couldn’t muster the energy to counter his attacks, her body reeling from each hit it took. Oh, fuck me. She danced backwards, blocking each attack with both of her sabers. 

Okay, ‘Soka. Just look for an opening. Patience. 

Her window would be short. Anakin would be relentless as long as he was standing. 

Finally catching the slightest pause, she struck him with a punch to the solar plexus, trying to wrench a bit of the Force into her strike. 

Anakin barely moved. The energy from Ahsoka’s blow stopped at his feet, his study stance gluing him to the floor. 

Ahsoka followed her strike with a yell and a swing at his neck. Her outburst focused her eyes, tunneling them on the man in front of her. Her swing nearly clipped Anakin, who stumbled backwards, eyes wide. 

She turned on the offense, taking quick jabs and strikes towards her opponent. Anakin deflected and countered them, taking small movements around the outside of his body. It wasn’t long until Ahsoka started to feel exhausted again.

She silently begged Anakin to make a mistake. Leave his body open, trip, stumble, just do something. 

But, he didn’t. Anakin’s feet glided across the floor, his robes dancing around him. His face betrayed no sign of fatigue. 

How am I supposed to do this? Ahsoka thought back to her training, to the many times Anakin did exactly the same. 

Find the solution. He had told her. 

Ahsoka slowed her strikes. Her arms burned and a sweat began to build on her forehead. What solution? She thought back. Maybe if she could find another opening for her spinning roundhouse kick…

“Commander Tano is 17 years old?” Tech asked, his face buried in the glow of his datapad. 

Rex nodded. “Mhm.” 

Hunter sat up to lean over to his squad mate. “Do you have her file up?” He asked, “That’s weird, Tech.” 

“It is public information.” Tech pushed his goggles up his nose, “It can be accessed by anyone.” 

“No need to comment on her age, though.” 

Tech looked up from his datapad. “She is one of the youngest Jedi Knights to exist. It is an interesting fact.” 

“Bless you heart, Tech, but god damn. You need to stop making creepy comments.” 

“It is not creepy.” 

Their conversation was cut off by another loud shout by Ahsoka. The group quickly looked up to watch her land another roundhouse kick to the side of Anakin’s head. Only this time, she followed it with a slam of her heel to the temple. Anakin crumpled under her foot, his lightsaber deactivating. 

The group leaned forward to get a closer look at the collapsed Jedi. 

“Oh, yeah!” Wrecker stood up again, cheering for the young commander. 

“Is the General alright?” Hunter asked, his face between worry and amused. 

Rex nodded, stretching his legs. “He’ll be fine. General Skywalker’s got a hard head.” 

Anakin rolled over onto all fours, groaning. “That was good.” He half-mumbled to his apprentice, who stood over him. “You gotta do that more often, Snips.” 

Ahsoka laughed sheepishly, still panting a bit. “I didn’t mean to hit you that hard.” She extended a hand. 

He took it and stood up. “Thanks.” He shook his head, rubbing his temple with his good hand. “You’re becoming a good fighter.” 

“Thank you, Master.” Ahsoka said, slipping her master’s old gloves over her hands. “I think we put on a good show.” She smiled. 

Anakin stretched his arms. “Let me talk to you for a second before we meet with the clones.” 

Ahsoka wiped her forehead with her arm. “Hm?” 

“The plan.” 

“Oh, right.” She looked up at him. “What is it?” 

“I don’t plan on waiting for the Council.” Anakin said, crossing his arms. “I’m sending you, Rex, and the Bad Batch, since you’re all under my command at this time.” 

Ahsoka nodded. “When? Now?” 

“Your choice. Rex’ll implode if you make him wait, though. Which is another thing I wanted to talk to you about.” 

“What about Rex?” Ahsoka turned her back to the clones outside and towards Anakin. 

Anakin paused. “I have a feeling he’ll be more worried about Echo than finding out what's causing our losses here. He won’t tell me anything, either. I know he’ll listen to you, though.”

Ahsoka nodded again. “I understand. I’ll see what I can do.” 

Anakin sighed. “You’re in charge. Come on, I’ll introduce you to the Batch.” 

Rex and the Bad Batch watched the two Jedi Knights exit the glass cage. 

“Some show.” Crosshair said, chewing on his toothpick. 

“Yes, interesting.” Tech replied, looking up from his datapad. “The two have strikingly different fighting styles, which are both ineffective and effective against each other at the same time.” 

“That makes no sense.” Hunter said. “How is someone’s fighting ineffective and effective?” 

 “Perhaps I was unclear. I was commenting on the fact that for every attack, there was a counterattack, and another counter for that. I thought it would end in a stalemate.” 

Rex snapped to attention. “General.” He nodded at Anakin, who materialized beside him. “Commander.” He nodded at Ahsoka, his face softening ever so slightly. 

The rest of the Batch straightened to look at the Jedi before them. 

“Boys, this is Ahsoka Tano.” Anakin said, gesturing to his second-in-command. “Ahsoka, this is the Bad Batch. Hunter, Crosshair, Tech, and Wrecker.” 

Ahsoka nodded at each in return. Hunter extended a hand, “Pleased to meet you, Commander.” 

Ahsoka hesitantly took his hand. “Sarge.” She studied his face for a response. His face showed no sign of discomfort. Good. 

“Alright, then.” Anakin clapped Ahsoka’s shoulder. “Ahsoka’s in charge now. I’ve got some business to take care of.” 

Ahsoka and Rex gave Anakin a strange look. 

“Jesse’s helping me out.” Anakin gave them both a sly smirk before hurrying away.

“Well,” Ahsoka started, “Are you guys ready to move out?” 

“Ready when you are, Commander.” Hunter replied.

Chapter Text

Ahsoka sat cross-legged on the co-pilot seat of The Marauder . “So, how many missions have you guys been on?” She asked, pointing the question at the clone sergeant, who stood beside her. 

“Hard to tell.” Hunter responded. “All sort of blends together.” 

Ahsoka nodded. “I’m surprised we haven’t worked together before.” She commented, “Considering how close the 212th and the 501st are.” 

Rex chuckled near the back of the ship. “I don’t think we needed a special squad with you and the Generals cooking up a suicide mission every other day.” 

“We keep to ourselves.” Hunter said, “Usually don’t work with the Jedi.” 

“Makes sense.” Ahsoka turned her chair towards the pilot’s seat, “How long is it to Skako Minor?” She asked Tech. 

Tech pressed a few buttons on the ship’s main console before responding. “Approximately eight hours.” 

“Really?” Ahsoka looked surprised, “I thought it would be closer. Seppies don’t have the biggest of brains, I guess.” 

“You are correct. The hyperdrive is working at a slightly lower capacity due to damage the ship sustained on Yalbec Prime.” Tech explained. “I have extended the jump duration to lessen the damage.” 

“Oh, we could have fixed that before we left.” Ahsoka said, “Or, I could have fixed it. The line for getting ships fixed on Anaxes is like, days long.” 

Tech shrugged. “It is working just fine. The Marauder requires a special touch.” 

“Whatever you say.” Ahsoka turned to address the rest of the group. “In that case, I would suggest resting. Got a long day ahead of us.” 

Hunter nodded. “Commander’s right. Rest up.” 

At Hunter’s word, the rest of the Bad Batch settled into their resting places. Wrecker slumped against the gonk droid sitting in the back, who beeped dejectedly under his weight. Soon enough, Wrecker’s snores floated throughout the ship, droning on like a well-oiled machine. Crosshair climbed to the top bunk and curled into a ball, his back to the wall. Tech remained in his pilot’s chair, swapping between his datapad and the console in front of him. Hunter settled against a crate, his arms crossed in front of him and his head tilted sideways. Rex slid down the wall next to Ahsoka’s chair, partially hidden behind it. 

“I have a question about the Jedi.” Tech said, breaking the silence. 

Ahsoka turned to him. “What?” 

“I have a question about the Jedi.” He repeated. 

“Oh.” Ahsoka said. “I’m not sure I would be the best person to ask.” 

“Why not?” 

“I’m not exactly your ideal Jedi. You would be better off asking Anakin or Master Kenobi if you’re curious.” She glanced down at Rex, who raised his eyebrow. “I’m sure they would be willing to talk to you.” 

Tech cocked his head. “Ideal Jedi?” 

Ahsoka sighed, looking off into the deep pull of hyperspace. “They would probably be able to tell you more about traditional Jedi values and practices than I would. I know more about war.” 

“What would be different about your point of view?” 

Ahsoka thought for a moment before responding. “I’ve been a soldier of the Republic ever since I became a padawan. The Jedi are to preserve life and peace, and yet in my training, I’ve killed more people than I can count and caused the death of so many more. I’ve spent more time in briefings and on the battlefield than I have studying Jedi philosophies.” She looked down at her hands, calloused from years of fighting. “Would you consider that being a traditional Jedi?”

“You raise a fair point, I suppose. Although, this war is all I have experienced, so I cannot make any comments.” Tech scrolled on his datapad, seemingly ignorant to Ahsoka’s hesitance to answer his inquiries, “I believe all points of view are significant. Would you say that the public records on the Jedi are accurate?” 

“You ask a lot of questions for someone who supposedly knows everything about anything. The scholarly articles from journals are mostly accurate, depending on the area of study. I wouldn’t trust the news, though.” 

“Unfortunately, I do not know everything about anything, hence why I am asking you questions.” Tech typed on his datapad before asking another question. “Is it true that you are one of the youngest Jedi Knights to exist?” 

Ahsoka seemed uncomfortable at that fact. “I, uh. Yeah. I don’t belong in the ranks of the prodigies from generations past, if that is what you are comparing me to.” 

“Why not?” 

Rex shifted below Ahsoka. “Well,” Ahsoka said, glancing down at him, “For starters, I didn’t have to pass the Jedi Trials before becoming a Knight.”

“The Trials?” 

“A series of tests devised by the Jedi Council to test a padawan’s abilities before they become a Knight.” 

Tech looked puzzled. “And you did not pass the Trials?” He scrolled through his datapad, which displayed her public file from the Jedi Order.

Ahsoka shook her head. “I was Knighted on my return to the Order. Should say that on my file, if you’re reading it now.” She said with a chuckle. 

“I am.” Tech looked up, “But I would assume there had to be something that happened to promote you.” 

“That’s not in there?” Ahsoka looked down at Rex, who shrugged. 

Tech blinked, looking clueless. “No? It reads that you left the Jedi Order due to undisclosed complications.” 

“Undisclosed complications?” Ahsoka laughed out loud. “That’s hilarious. I was falsely accused of terrorism and dismissed from the Order.” 

“I see.” Tech looked uneasy at the information. 

“I am not responsible for any terrorism.” Ahsoka reassured him. “When they realized I was innocent, they offered me Knightship.” 

“I see.” Tech said again, unsure of what else to say. 

A loud alarm blared from the back of the ship, interrupting the awkward silence. Ahsoka looked up, glancing at the clone seated in the pilot’s chair, then the back of the ship. A few buttons began to flash on the main console, some red, some white. Ahsoka ran her hand over them, bringing up an assessment of the ship’s systems. 

“Excuse me.” Tech said, rising from his chair. He hurried to the back of the ship, datapad in hand. 

Ahsoka looked back at Tech before flipping through the hologram in front of her. “Nothing major.” She said to the clone beneath her. “Hyperdrive’s just hungry.”

“Are you going to take a look?” Rex asked, shifting his legs. 

Looking back, Ahsoka said: “I will. Not my ship, though.” She glanced up to see Hunter striding towards the back of the ship. “I don’t know why we didn’t fix this before leaving.” 

“They don’t like to ask for help.” He said, “They’re very independent.” 

“Well, I see that now.” Ahsoka scanned through the display before her, squinting at the small print. She closed the hologram and stood up from her chair. “Be right back.” 

Following Hunter into the back of the ship, Ahsoka stood two steps back from the pair of clones fussing over an open panel. 

“I did a diagnostic of the ship.” She said.  

Tech plugged his datapad into the cables protruding from the ship. “Oh, thank you. I will pull it up now.” 

“It’s nothing serious.” Hunter said, running his hand down the wall next to the open panel. 

“How do you know?” Ahsoka asked. 

Hunter rubbed his nose. “I can feel it.” 

“Mm.” Ahsoka crossed her arms, “He’s right.” She said to Tech. “I think you’re getting some energy loss in the hyperdrive, so you could either try and redirect the flow or just boost it for now.” 

Tech looked up at the open panel before him. “I will try to redirect the power. Thank you, Commander.” 

“No problem.” Ahsoka turned to walk away. “I’ll take a look when we land. See what I can do.” Walking back to her chair, she caught the eye of Crosshair. His expression was blank, betraying no feeling. She nodded, acknowledging his presence, before exiting the hallway into the cockpit. 

Settling back into the copilot’s seat, she felt a wave of unease wash over her. Not her’s, though. “You should be napping, cap.” She said. 

Rex shifted beneath her. “Can’t.” 

“I know.” Ahsoka turned to him, her knees at his face. “It’s about Echo, isn’t it?” She stole a glance to the back of the ship, where Tech and Hunter still stood.

Rex didn’t respond, meeting her eye before fixing his gaze on the floor. 

“I can feel it.” She leaned down, her elbows on her knees. “You can’t hide anything from me.” 

Rex pinched the bridge of his nose. “I know.” He looked up at her. “What if he isn’t out there?” He asked, voice low. 

Ahsoka sighed quietly. “Then,” She paused, “He isn’t.” 

“Then what?” 

“Rex.” She gently laid a hand on his shoulder. “This mission is about Anaxes, not Echo. You need to be prepared if he isn’t there.” 

“I am, Ahsoka.” Rex half-closed his eyes, expecting her touch to put him to sleep. The feeling never came. “Trust me.” He said, half-disappointed. 

“Okay.” Ahsoka leaned back, her gaze still on Rex. “Just remember, okay?” 

“How do you do that Jedi thing?” He asked, “No attachments?” 

“Depends.” She started, “You can be an emotionless husk of a person or you can do it properly.” 

“And that is?”

Ahsoka exhaled softly. “It’s less about attachment and more about learning to let go, really. Well, to me, at least. I cannot control what happens around me, but I can control what I do in response. I try to remember that.” 

Rex thought about her philosophy for a moment. “But how do you get good at it?” 

“Lots of time and meditation. Self reflection.” She leaned back, closing her eyes. “It’s not easy.” 

“Hm.” Rex let a moment of silence pass before changing the subject. “I didn’t expect you to tell Tech all that about yourself. Some of our troopers don’t even know that about you.” 

“I figured it was harmless.” She responded. “They probably would’ve found out eventually and I’m not one to say no to a curious mind.” 

He chuckled quietly. “I remember when you used to get mad at the new troopers for asking you about your lightsabers.” 

Ahsoka smiled. “There’s a difference between respectful curiosity and someone who's never seen a woman before.” 

Her comment made Rex laugh. “Honestly, ‘Soka, I don’t think most of them expect their Jedi commander to be all buddy-buddy with them anyway. I didn’t.” 

“You didn’t like me when we first met.” She reminded him. “You thought I was some spunky kid.” 

“You were a spunky kid. I had never seen General Skywalker more annoyed before that.” 

“Hey,” Ahsoka crossed her arms, “I wasn’t that bad.” 

“That’s debatable.” Rex adjusted himself to a more comfortable position, almost slouching under Ahsoka’s chair. 

She made a grumpy face. “And I remember when you used to be nice to me.” 

“I am plenty nice to you.” 

“Nuh-uh.” 

“Yuh-huh.” 

Behind them, Tech returned to his seat, his face still buried in his datapad. “The hyperdrive is working as efficiently as possible now.” 

Ahsoka looked up, breaking her eye contact with Rex. “Good.” She said, acknowledging Tech. “You should at least try to rest.” She whispered to Rex. 

“I am.” He responded quietly. “You should too.” 

Ahsoka sighed. “I’m not tired.” 

Tech ran his hands over the console in front of him. The ship’s maintenance was his responsibility. The constant set and reset of its systems were like second nature to him. Weapons, hyperdrive, computers, it was more familiar to him than his own body. He could disassemble and reassemble the ship with his eyes closed. Idly, he tuned into the conversation next to him. He assumed it was meant to be private, but he couldn’t help but listen. 

He found the Jedi commander intriguing, to say the least. Her fighting style was curious, almost like she was dancing. General Kenobi had once told him that lightsaber combat was a dance. His statement puzzled him. Combat was not a dance. The Jedi had always confused him, like a riddle’s answer that constantly evaded him. Their sensitivity to the Force made no sense. It defied every law of physics. He read and reread the countless literature written about the Jedi’s midichlorian count and their powers.The only conclusion that he could draw was that the research available to him was insufficient. He would ask Ahsoka more questions later, perhaps on the trip back to Anaxes. 

He returned to his work, moving his operations to the back of the ship once more. The ship was running fine, but he might as well clean up his mess. 

Ahsoka moved herself to sit next to Rex on the floor, stretching her legs out in front of her. She leaned against his shoulder, staring at the display on the opposite wall, which displayed a map of the Anaxes system.

“Are you still having those dreams?” Rex asked. 

Ahsoka blinked herself out of her daydream. “Yeah, I had that vision again. When you came back earlier.” 

Rex frowned. “Again?” 

“That’s the only one I have, really.” Ahsoka pinched the ends of her lekku. “I can’t make any sense of it.” 

“I’ll be honest with you.” He took a deep breath, his chest moving upwards. “That’s weird, even for you Jedi lot.” 

“Visions are common.” Ahsoka mumbled, her eyes half-closed.

Rex looked down at her. “But paired with all that other odd shit you’ve been doing.” 

“I’ll talk to uh,” Her words were slow, “Master Yoda if we finally get back to Coruscant.” 

“Are you really going to or are you saying that to shut me up?” 

“Mm.” Ahsoka adjusted herself against Rex and closed her eyes. 

Rex watched his commander drift off to sleep against him, like he had many times before. The rhythm of her breath, the relaxation of her muscles. It looked like she was at peace. If only she was. He hoped she was telling the truth. 

“You’re late again.” 

Anakin stood in the dark before a flickering, blue hologram of his dear wife. “My apologies.” He said with his eyes closed. “I didn’t think the Outer Rim sieges would last this long.” 

Padme looked up at him with her large, beautiful eyes. “Sounds like you thought you could just swoop in and save the day, hm? Like the great war hero you are.” 

“You know me too well.” Anakin flexed his metal hand, unsure of what else to say. 

Padme tilted her head, her figure poised. “Is something bothering you?” She asked, her face soft and still.

Anakin stood, gathering his thoughts. “Ahsoka and Rex.” He said in an almost-whisper. “There’s something wrong with Ahsoka and neither of them will tell me.” 

“Something wrong?” 

He nodded, face solemn. “It’s the Council. They treat her so terribly, her spark’s gone.” 

“You’ve told me this.” Padme shifted her stance, her hand resting on her abdomen. “It sounds like the cause of your problem.” 

“I think there’s something else.” Anakin’s eyes moved to the floor. “I try not to ask about it. She doesn’t like it when I do.” 

Padme blinked. “Do you trust them? Ahsoka and Rex?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then, you shouldn’t worry.” She pulled Anakin’s eyes back to her’s, captivating him in her gaze. “Ahsoka is an adult now. She’s had a tough time, Ani. You know she’s strong. She can handle herself. ”

Anakin sighed. “I know, it’s hard. To let her go.” 

“I know.” 

A loud banging interrupted Anakin’s response. “Damn.” He said, looking back. “I have to go.” 

“So soon?” Padme’s face fell ever so slightly, almost disappointed. 

“Obi-Wan’s here.” Anakin looked back, taking in the image of his love. “I’ll be home soon. I love you.”

Padme smiled. “I love you too.”

Chapter Text

A balance, an equilibrium. The one thing the Force craved. Over thousands and thousands of years, the equilibrium flowed light and dark with each new power rising to rule all. The death of billions, the birth of so many more fueled this struggle: the galaxy's eternal curse. Now, it sensed a shift in the times to come, another turn in the infinite cycle of light and dark. 

The Force considered intervening tonight into the affairs of the living. It had its eye on a lost child, betrayed by her home and the ones she called family. Without the intervention of the Force, she would leave them behind forever, looking back only when it was too late. 

Ahsoka descended the steps away from the Jedi Temple, each footstep echoing in her head. Each was a harsh reminder of the decision she just made, a decision she would live with for the rest of her life. She didn’t dare to steal a glance back, not until she was far enough away, at least. 

The city lights lit up the night sky, making the stars above nearly invisible. Bits of light flashed overhead: Republic Venators, Senate shuttles, and satellites in orbit. Ahsoka didn’t stop to marvel. 

Instead, she walked. And walked. And walked. Her mind was a haze, filled with nothing but fog and smoke. She passed expansive buildings reaching high into the sky, alleys filled with trash, and a seemingly endless stream of night goers. Her journey into the depths of Coruscant was like a glass bead through a marble run, going down, down, down until it stopped. Stuck. 

It was near morning when she finally became aware of where she had taken herself. Coming to her senses, she slumped against a dirt-caked brick wall, her fall somewhat cushioned by a pile of trash. Harsh, fluorescent lighting hit her eyes, converting itself to pain shooting in the back of her head. She sat up, pieces of plastic and paper rustling on the ground. Where was she? Nowhere near the city’s surface, that was for sure. 

She sat where she was, trying to get her bearings. Stay where you are. Anakin had once told her. Wait until you know where you are before you move. She winced at the memory, the events from the day before hanging open like a gaping wound in her mind. 

She had no money, no help, no direction. Not that it mattered to her much. She knew how to physically survive. It was the mental survival that was the problem. 

Poor child. The Force focused its eye on Ahsoka, watching her look left, right, and down at herself. The Force had grown to be quite fond of the Jedi Order. It was a shame that the decision they made to expel Ahsoka only held tragedy for them, but it was time for the scales to tip. But, that didn’t mean that the Force would simply allow the Jedi to fall. The Force would give them a fighting chance. Their chance needed to know what was to come, if she were to survive the apocalypse to come. 

Sleep. Ahsoka heard a voice in her head, bouncing back and forth off her temples. She had no time to wonder, for sleep was what came. Ahsoka’s consciousness drifted as she curled onto the grimy floor, tucked away from passersby. 

She found herself sitting on the roof of the Jedi Temple, looking up at the starry night sky. It was just like any other night: peaceful, calm, and quiet. It was almost like the war didn’t exist there. She could descend into the Temple and walk through the halls to find empty classrooms where younglings studied during the day, a vast library holding thousands of years of data, and seemingly endless open spaces to train. Throughout the place, she would run into Jedi of many races, each with their own unique personalities and views on the Force. For a curious mind, it was a goldmine. It could be just like the time she was a youngling herself. No war, no worries, and faith in the Jedi Order. 

The air around the Temple seemed to hold itself oddly still, like it was waiting for something, or someone, to come. Ahsoka became painfully aware of her vision when her limbs turned to lead and the air became freezingly cold. Goosebumps rose on her arms as she shivered violently under the moonlight. 

Without thinking, she rose from her seated position, peering over the edge of the roof. The ground below was bare of any living beings, aside from the soft flowers lining the walkways. She walked around the edge, coming to stand above the front of the Temple where she had left only a day prior. The air only became more tense as she stood, waiting for the unknown.

A mild groan arose behind her. Slowly, she turned to look. Moving through the thick air felt like swimming. 

There, isolated in the dark, were two figures clad in white armor. One stood over the other, his armor decorated as red as the blood he just drew. Coruscant guard, commander rank. Ahsoka recognized it almost immediately. It was Fox, the same man who led the chase against her. She didn’t blame him for his actions. He was following orders. The second clone was harder to identify, as his armor was perfectly white, almost brand new, apart from the single blaster shot in the chest. 

She squinted at his face, looking for any identifiable marks. She could tell from his face that he was older. He turned his head, revealing a goatee and a small tattoo on his temple. 

Fives? Ahsoka tried to look closer, but with every blink, the image before her became more unclear. One moment, it was Fives, his face crystal clear before her. The next, it was another clone with long hair and a teardrop below his eye. She knew that clone as Tup. The baby, she used to call him.  

Ahsoka could only watch as the light faded from the clone’s eyes, now firmly as Fives. Fox did nothing to aid him, the blank stare of his helmet burning a hole into Ahsoka’s eyes. Fox cocked his gun, his stare still boring into Ahsoka’s soul as the two faded from existence, leaving a single drop of blood soaked into the Temple roof. 

Ahsoka blinked the fire of Fox’s gaze from her eyes. She gasped quietly, not realizing she was holding her breath. Now aware of the breeze, the clouds covering overhead, and the faint sound of marching approaching her, she turned again to the steps below her. Once again, she looked over the edge directly below her, then into the distance. 

A battalion of clones seemed to materialize out of the night, led by a cloaked figure holding a bright blue lightsaber. Ahsoka recognized the group almost instantaneously: Anakin and the 501st. But, what she didn’t know was why they were marching on the Jedi Temple. Anakin’s presence was unmistakable: powerful and strong. But this time, she didn’t feel the warmth he normally emanated. Reaching out to him, Ahsoka only felt cold and unwelcome, like the Anakin she knew was closed off from her. 

She shivered in the freezing night, filled with dread and confusion. Anakin and the clones marching on the Jedi Temple could only mean two things: the Separatists had successfully attacked Coruscant or Anakin had turned. Both scenarios spelled out one outcome. The Jedi had fallen. 

As the battalion passed below her, Ahsoka pondered what this all could mean. There was no question about the clones,  It could very well be a vision of the present or a message from the Force, a warning for times to come. What she did know, however, was that she was exposed out there. Either way, she would soon be in the line of fire. 

Her train of thought was paused by sharp footsteps behind her. She turned around again to find another clone standing where Fives and Fox were moments before. 

“Rex?” Ahsoka stepped towards him, unsure of what to say. 

Rex’s helmet showed no emotion as he stood before her, his pistols grasped firmly in his hands. “Commander.” His voice was robotic, sounding almost like a battle droid. 

“What’s going on?” Ahsoka took half a step back, her senses on high alert. She glanced down at the guns he held, then back at his face. “Rex?” She froze in place, unable to move. 

Stuck in time, Ahsoka watched as her best friend slowly raised his gun to her head. Rex’s figure stood like a statue, his posture stiff and droid-like. Without a moment of hesitation, he squeezed the trigger. 

Ahsoka’s vision ended with a flash of blue light, cold as ice. 

Ahsoka woke with a start, her head reeling back from the blaster bolt, smashing against the brick wall behind her. She squeaked as the pain of the impact hit and curled back into a compact ball, cradling her head. Her sudden movements startled the vermin that nestled around her, vanishing into the cracks and crevices. 

There she laid, the throbbing pain in her head overwhelming any ability to think. Still, she felt cold, like she was back on top of the Jedi Temple waiting for her death. The only thing she could manage to do was sob into the litter beneath her until the world around her became dark again. 

For days, she hid, alternating between restless sleep and unconscious wake. The Force watched over her, cradling her fragile mind in its hands and feeling it twist in its hands, shifting light and dark. She needed protection from the outside world until she could manage on her own. It wondered how long it would take for her to recover, how long she would rot in the depths of Coruscant. Despite her condition, the Force would make sure she had these visions every time she closed her eyes, a reminder of the times to come. 

It could be considered cruel, torture almost. But, the Force never thought itself to be kind. 

Ahsoka was strong. She would survive. 

Ahsoka stood in the Jedi Council’s chambers before her master, who sat in the central chair. 

“Join me, Ahsoka.” He said, face hidden by a dark mask. “The war is over.” 

Ahsoka didn’t respond, instead choosing to raise her eyes to look at the two clones who flanked him. Once again, their helmets betrayed no expression, blankly staring at her. Would they shoot her if she refused?

“Ahsoka.” His was sharp like a razor, slicing into her. 

She woke, blinking the dirt out of her eyes. She groaned, rolling over onto her back, feeling tears well into her eyes. Goddammit, Ahsoka. She thought to herself. Get a grip. Sitting up would cause every muscle in her body to scream, protesting her movement after days of being stationary. She ignored her body’s opposition, pushing herself up to slouch against the wall. The tears in her eyes fell as she leaned her head back, stinging like acid. They followed a familiar path, a clean streak running vertical on her puffy face. 

“My head. My head hurts.” She whispered to no one in particular, wiping her face. The dirt on her hands turned to mush, which she then wiped on her pants, thickly encrusted with the mud from many days past.

I need to get up. Ahsoka’s inner monologue started the same way every time she woke up. I need to get out of here. Sometimes she passed out within a few minutes of waking, other times she sat for hours, lost in the sea of her own mind, thinking about everything and nothing. 

I need out. She told herself again. Her body did nothing to respond. Ahsoka, you need to get up. 

Her body cried out in pain as she struggled to sit up straight, joints popping with every new movement. Her muscles were stiff like a wooden board, threatening to rip as she stretched her legs. Almost immediately, they cramped, involuntarily curling into her chest. Ahsoka grimaced, trying to force her limbs straight with her arms. 

After a moment, she relaxed, breathing heavily. Calm down, Ahsoka. She considered allowing herself to sleep again, as her actions had spent most of her energy. But, it would come with the price of yet another haunting vision. 

The Force watched her movements closely as she slowly stood, leaning heavily against the wall. It smiled, finally watching its investment make a profit. 

Ahsoka scrounged the lower levels of Coruscant where she had initially collapsed all that time ago. Now seeing it clearly, it was an interesting place she found herself. The area surrounding was bare of anything of use, just alleys filled with paper litter and accumulated piles of dusty dirt. 

Slowly but surely, she would make her way back up the levels, hiding in the shadows. She took little time to rest; the visions always returned. 

Was it day or night? It was a question she wondered when she did take a moment to rest. The artificial lights of the lower levels dimmed and brightened with the planet’s rotation, but the passage of time seemed to elude her. She still had no idea what day it was or how long it had been since that peaceful night, where she left her life behind. 

Eventually, she broke the upper city surface, finally raising her head to see the stars above instead of soulless fluorescent lighting. Taking in a breath of fresh, crisp air, she paused her journey to sit in another alley. Only this time, she was the dirtiest thing in the area. The starships above cast a soft light upon her, much more friendly on the eyes than the constant light she endured. She looked up, admiring the skyscape she had seen all her life. Then was when she realized how filthy she really was. Suddenly, she was conscious of the layers of grime that clung to her body and the odd shade of brown her skin had turned. She rubbed her eyes, which still burned from weeks of crying, the polluted air of the lower levels, and the dirt from her hands. 

I need to find somewhere. The voice in her head spoke for the first time in a while. Safe. 

I need to talk to someone, anyone. I need help. I need help. I need help. 

Her first thought was the clones. 

Without thinking, Ahsoka turned, making her journey towards the horizon, marked with an all too familiar silhouette: the Jedi Temple. There, she would find a small building nestled near the base of the Temple, housing hundreds of clones. If she made it in time, she could arrive when the building slept, where she could sneak in, covered by the quiet of the night. She hoped the 501st would be present, or at the very least, the 212th. 

The Force continued to watch her out of the corner of its eye; its guidance was no longer required. Ahsoka would be well on her way to serve her purpose, or so it hoped. The future continued to weave itself into an intricate pattern, remaining unclear, forever changing until it became the present, then the past. 

Ahsoka crouched outside of the clone’s barracks, just out of sight of the surveillance cameras that were dotted around the outside. This was never a place she felt the need to sneak around, but that was before she was accused of being a criminal. She sat where she was, debating whether or not her decision to return was a good idea. Trusting the clones, especially the 501st, was of no question. There was no reason for her to doubt their loyalty. But still, being there made her feel uneasy. 

She closed her eyes, focusing on the presence of the clones that she sensed. It stood like it always had: strong, sturdy, and safe. It oozed a feeling of belongingness, sweet like honey. It drew her in, innocently coaxing her to approach. Everything is okay, it seemed to say. You’ll be just fine. 

She hoped she would be as fine as it claimed. She was vaguely aware of the life or death situation she had put herself in while teetering on the edge of sanity and the conflicting thoughts in her mind only made it worse. I could probably make a better decision. She thought, hazily aware of her state of mine. It was almost like she wasn’t in charge of herself, controlled by something else. Was it as safe as it seemed? Or would she be shot on sight, marked as an enemy of the Republic? She supposed the latter question was unlikely, as her name had been cleared before she left. But the possibility was still there, as she would not be allowed on Republic military grounds. 

Taking a deep breath, Ahsoka took another look at the dark building before her, a small entrance naively staring back. With every breath, she could feel a bit of confidence rise within her, the outside influences adding to it. Although, it could be considered delusion, considering her current state of mind. 

Without another thought, she crept her way to the entrance, slowly opening the door with her mind. Jeez. Using the Force sapped more of her energy than she had thought it would. Never mind. 

Tiptoeing down the hallway, Ahsoka felt every door she passed, looking for any familiar presences. Still, it drained her energy to search. 

Coming to one door she knew all too well, she felt a strong presence within the room and stopped. It was…Rex. And the 501st.  Holding her breath, she slowly slid the door open, struggling to do so every so slightly. 

Shhhhhhh…

She snuck in slow as a snail, passing faces that she knew like the back of her hand, to the one that attracted her the most. He was awake. Good. 

“Rex.” She whispered, “Rex, it’s me.” Her voice was hoarse from lack of use. It felt odd in her throat, which was used to heaving from sobbing and coughing up dry dirt. 

She heard Rex rustle in his bed, jerking from her voice. She held her breath, not knowing what would come next. She wouldn’t die, that’s all she knew. 

“You’re not supposed to be here.” Rex’s voice came out of the darkness, hushed. His shadow leaned forward towards her, squinting for a better look. 

Ahsoka shrunk back, the confidence she had conjured up leaving as quickly as it came. “Don’t hurt me.” She said, flinching at the movement of his hands. The sight of him in his armor pointing his pistol at her flashed across her mind, chasing away any comfort she had. 

Rex paused, looking around for disturbances. “I’m not going to hurt you.” 

Becoming more uneasy by the second, Ahsoka asked: “Can we go outside?” She couldn’t shake the feeling of danger. 

“Yeah, yeah.” Rex slid off his bed, crouching next to Ahsoka in the darkness. “Come on.” He said, standing up. 

Hesitant to follow him, Ahsoka hung back for a second before trailing him like a shadow. The air around him felt like static, buzzing when she got too close. It was as if his presence affected every molecule around him. He led her back in the hallway, traveling a short distance before coming to a stop at another closed door. 

Punching a code into the wall, Rex said: “I figured you’d like a shower.” as the door slid open, spilling an appropriate amount of light into the hallway. “Oh my-” 

Rex’s heart dropped at the sight of his former Jedi Commander. In the white light, she seemed to have a brown aura to her, clouding the once bright tones of her body, only broken up by shiny, crusty cuts and scrapes along her arms. Two once sparkly, now dull, blue eyes sunk into her dirt dusted face, looking almost puppy-like. Not bearing to look into them, his own eyes scanned the rest of her body, tracing the streaks of mud on her clothes, the broken nails on the tips of her shaking hands, and worst of all, how thin and fragile she looked. Where had she been? Ahsoka stood in silence as he stared in shock, her eyes averted downwards like a child caught in a lie. 

“I-uh.” Rex stammered, “Let me, uh, let me get Kix.” He turned to hurry away, but turned back to gently push Ahsoka into the open room. “Stay there.” He said more softly, “I’ll be right back.” 

Ahsoka stepped sideways into the room, which she now recognized as a private washroom. In the corner, stood a small shower, partially hidden behind a cream curtain. Directly in front of her, hung a large mirror and sink, with an expansive countertop spanning from one end of the room to another. Looking up, she got the first sight of herself in weeks. 

I look dead. The voice in her head said. Like a zombie. 

One would think she would be shocked at her current state, but to be honest, she wasn’t. What would one expect after living in a dump for weeks and taking no effort to take care of themselves? Filled with fear, she didn’t dare to move from her spot. It grounded her in place as she now began to doubt every choice she made that led here. 

Paranoia began to creep into her mind, telling this was a trap. They were coming to get her. It would be like her vision. Rex would return not with Kix, but with his signature pistols and an intent to end her life. How could she feel safe surrounded by clones after seeing them raise their weapons against her for nights on end? How did she feel safe returning to them, not knowing how they would react? Maybe it was something hidden within her that drew her to them, or perhaps a lack of rational thought. 

A single tear streaked down her cheek, a feeling she now knew all too well. It opened a trail down her face for more to follow as she wondered: Am I safe?

Her thoughts were partially interrupted when Rex returned, followed by a half-asleep Kix. “Commander.” He said, pulling her the rest of the way out her head.

“Please,” Ahsoka felt more tears drip from her eyes, “don’t call me that.” She felt turned inside out, like her vulnerable insides were exposed, protecting a hard outer shell, instead of the other way around. 

Kix stifled a gasp, the sight of Ahsoka shaking him to alertness. “Good lord.” He muttered to himself, glancing down at the medkit he had brought. “You look terrible.”

Ahsoka said nothing, just looked at the clones with shame, now replacing the fear in her. How they must feel, looking at their commander who came crawling back after abandoning them, defeated by a vision and a pile of trash. How would Rex feel if he knew Ahsoka expected him to kill her, when all the signs pointed elsewhere? The clones had done nothing but follow her lead and be her devoted companions through the war. The guilt she felt, questioning their unwavering loyalty. 

“Um, okay.” Kix looked at Ahsoka up and down. “Maybe…a shower would be more beneficial before I treat you.” 

She nodded every so slightly, wiping her running nose with her arm. 

“There should be a towel in the shower.” Kix continued after an awkward pause. “I can put your clothes in the wash, if you want.” 

“Okay.” Ahsoka's voice came out a squeak. She sniffled as she moved stiffly towards the shower, leaving dirt marks where she stepped. 

Kix and Rex glanced at each other as the shower curtain slid shut, followed by the sound of running water. Kix gestured towards the door, which both clones stepped through, allowing the door to close and Ahsoka her privacy. “I want to take her to the medbay.” Kix said. “She doesn’t look good.” 

Rex sighed. “It needs to be off record. She’s not supposed to be here. And we need to get General Skywalker.” 

Kix pursed his lips. “What if I find something bad?” 

“Then we’ll figure it out.” 

“At least let me clean her up before getting General Skywalker. He’ll turn this place upside down trying to find whoever did that to her.” 

“We’ll figure it out.” Rex turned away, “There’s an extra set of clothes for her in the armory that he left. I’ll go get it.” With those words, he left Kix to contemplate the situation in the dark. 

Little more needed to be said about Ahsoka’s current situation. She would be welcomed back by her brothers and her former master, Anakin and Obi-Wan, and taken care of by Kix. During that time, she would forbid the clones from calling her ‘Commander’, even though it was her proper title. “I don’t deserve to be called that.” she would tell Rex. 

“Loyalty means everything to us clones.” he would respond. “Jedi or not, you’re still our Commander.”

Over the weeks ahead, she would lurk in the background of the 501st’s operations, choosing to focus on the strategy of the battle, rather than the front lines. It allowed her the illusion of quiet in the chaos of the battlefield, where she would spend time asking clone strategists about their war philosophies. Still, in those early days, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the clones would one day turn against her. 

Reluctantly, the Order would grant her the rank of Knight. ‘Master Tano’, the younglings would start to call her, although she would prefer Ahsoka. “I’m only here because it’s best for me.” She would tell herself when she began to doubt her decision to return. “Would you rather be back in the dirt?” 

Some days, the dirt seemed better than the long, long lectures from the Council she would endure. Pull your weight. They would say in cryptic terms, turning their criticisms into jabs at her and Anakin. You will never be promoted to General if you don’t do more. 

She learned to ignore them. I don’t want to be a General. I’m only here because of my visions. I’m only here to help bring peace to the galaxy.