Chapter Text
Rex wakes up and his first thought is about Ahsoka, he remembers Tup taking out General Tiplar and imagining himself holding the blaster, is enough to cast away any confusion.
Opening his eyes he quickly puts a hand up to block the light that made a headache flare up annoyingly. Only for the light to then be blocked fully by a face he both fears and is hopeful to see.
“Rex!” She exclaimed moving closer, “you with me?”
“Yeah kid,” he rubbed his head, a dull throbbing beginning to build as he gained awareness, “I’m here.. Sorry about earlier..I almost killed you.”
She grinned, “Wouldn’t be the first time someone has tried to kill me and later became an ally,” she paused a more serious look on her face, “And this wasn’t your fault,”
“I should have listened to Fives, we could have stopped this, I could have stopped this.” He said into his hands trying not to let her see the wetness in his eyes.
There is a moment of silence but soon he feels a hand rest on his shoulder and he looks up to a familiar determination, one that he has seen far too many times not only in her but in the General too.
“We can still stop this, it’s not all lost yet, not while we are still here.”
“It’s too late Ahsoka, it's in every single one of us, I wish things were different but..” he said clenching his fist.
“No Rex, it's not, listen,” she said grabbing his hand, “We’ve done crazier things before, in every battle the odds are always against us, yet we’ve always found a way, this is no different we can still help them. You can still help them.”
“Well if we are going to do this we need a plan, where would we even start?” He says as he watches her get up and start pacing.
“We have the advantage of them not knowing you are back on my side, we can use that. Though I am not very confident in performing anymore brain surgeries alone.”
He huffs a laugh “We can start by getting Coric un-chipped, he’s the head medic on board so he’d be our best bet.”
Ahsoka nods her eyes on the floor, thinking.
“Okay, you can comm him in and have him come down here, once he’s in the hall you can re-seal the door and knock him out.” She says looking up. “I’ll cause a distraction to keep their attention off this area of the ship so you have more time, then I’ll make my way back through the ventilation system.”
He nods, getting up putting a hand on her shoulder, “Be careful..” she looks him in the eyes and nods, “I will.”
Seeing her leave he almost tries to stop her, he had seen too many brothers walk out the door and never come back, but he had to remind himself this was Ahsoka. She was a capable warrior, and he knew if anyone could do it, it would be her.
Putting his helmet back on he nodded to the droid as Coric walked in a mechanical precision to his movements, it almost hurt as much as having to stun him. As the droid resealed the door behind him. Grabbing him he dragged him to the table as the droids plugged into the system and began the surgery. Thankfully this time the chip would show up on the scanners due to his own already being in the system.
He could hear from his comms that Ahsoka was causing a decent distraction on the other side of the Tribunal. As he listened to make sure he didn’t have to go and rescue her he watched the droids as they were pulling out the chip.
It was strange to know that was what had caused all of this, something so small, something that he didn’t even know was in him, a part of him, a part of all of them.
A clang from above him pulled him out of his thoughts. Looking up he watches as the grate above him floats down making way for Ahsoka.
“Glad you made it back in one piece,” He says as she puts the grate back, “Coric should be waking back up soon.”
“Good, I’d rather not do that again, I almost feel bad for the droids.” she said with a sigh leaning against the other med table. Her weakened stance set off the alarm bells in his head.
“Are you alright kid?” He said worriedly as he walked up to her hands out ready to catch her. She looked down, giving a slight huffing laugh. “Yeah I’m alright, just a bit singed.”
“They grazed you?! Where?” He exclaimed, looking over her, trying to find the burn.
“I’m fine Rex, seriously, we have bigger issues right now.” She reassures, putting her hands in front of her blocking his attempt to spot the injury.
“We should at least put some bacta on it.” He says moving toward the cabinet that he knows has them when someone speaks.
“Can’t one of you tell me what’s going on?”
“Coric! How are you feeling?” Ahsoka says, jumping at an opportunity to take focus off her injury. He rolls his eyes and grabs the bacta patch anyway. Now that she is turned away from him he can spot the burn on her shoulder blade and quickly slaps the patch onto it.
“There, all better.” he says ignoring the glaring blue eyes pointed at him and turned to Coric.
“Do you remember what happened to Fives a few months ago? I know Kix was looking into it.”
Coric's eyes darkened, “Yeah Kix told me, I thought it was a bunch of bantha crap at first but he was insistent, and when he disappeared I knew there was some substance to it but I kept it to myself.”
“I thought the same, until now.”
”You want to try and un-chip everyone, don’t you? You're insane but..” he paused and looked up, “We’ve done crazier things.”
Ahsoka grinned, clapping her hands, “Alright well I’ve got a plan!”
“I’m all ears Commander.” Coric said standing up.
“First off I think you guys should call all the medics on board in here, say there’s an important meeting you need to have, if both of you say it they’d have to listen, then we knock them all out and methodically un-chip them. After that Rex can give a command that everyone on board is compromised, like those worms from Geonosis, and that you need to do emergency brain scans on everybody on board. You should also order a comms blackout, and put us under quarantine, so that nobody will figure out anything’s wrong or inform any of the other battalions that we’ve defected. Once we get out of hyperspace, I’ll escape, so they’ll be forced to stop the search and you guys can focus on finishing up unchipping everyone, I’ll use that time to see if I can get into contact with any survivors once everyone’s clear I’ll meet up with you guys again, and we can go from there.”
”You're not going alone,” Rex said sternly as she protested. He interrupted her soundly, “I’m going with you, we can un-chip Jesse and have him take over for me.”
”But Rex you’re needed here!”
Coric intervened smoothly, “I’m inclined to agree with Rex, if you’re going to be searching for survivors you’ll need back up.”
She looks between the two of them for a moment then sighs. “Okay then lets get started.” Ahsoka concedes.
“Comm the medics and Jesse, I’ll prep the beds.” Coric says getting up and going over to where the scan of both his and Rex’s chips were being displayed.
After getting them all stunned they lined them up, rotating the beds as each trooper slowly got un-chipped.
Now they were waiting on Jesse to wake up while helping the other men to understand the situation at hand. Ahsoka had left to go find a ship they could discreetly use to get off the main ship.
Rex still had his helmet on listening to comms, making sure Ahsoka didn’t get injured, or worse killed, by his men. He knew she was capable but he also knew that she wouldn’t hurt any of his brothers and that is what could get her killed, because right now they did not share the same sentiment and that scared him, it scared him a lot.
Hearing Jesse groaning he turned his head rushing over to him, Jesse was one of the few there since the very beginning, they had seen many brothers lost and grieved together. Seeing him acting like a clanker had hurt in ways he couldn’t describe.
“Rex.. it was all true wasn’t it.”
“Yes.. unfortunately.”
”You don’t understand, I could’ve prevented all of this, when everything went down with Fives I was there when he went to see Kix, and he told me everything later, I could have stopped it, if I had just helped Fives more, I could’ve prevented all of this, now the Jedi are gone and I almost killed Commander Tano. This is all my fault.”
Jesse was crying and he didn’t know what to do, he hadn't cried when Maul tortured him, or even when Kix disappeared. Jesse was one of the strongest brothers he knew, maybe even more so than himself, and here he was crying, and Rex didn’t know how to help, because he just wanted to break down himself.
Just as he was about to say something the vent opened and Ahsoka jumped out of it, everyone turned to her as she stood. She turns to Rex, “I found a ship we can use to sneak off the Tribunal. Though it's not gonna be easy.”
Rex nods and turns to Jesse again, “Jesse..” He said putting a hand on his shoulder, prompting Jesse to look up at him, “This isn’t your fault.. What Fives was saying, back then, it went against everything we knew. You can’t blame yourself for this, we were made to follow orders and that is what we did.”
“He’s right Jesse, this was a plot bigger than any individual I don’t think anyone could’ve stopped it,” she said grimly, “But what’s important is what we do now, because we can still save everyone on this ship, and maybe more after.”
Jesse laughed wiping his eyes, “Now that’s the Commander I remember, you’ve always inspired us even when you weren’t here.”
After briefing Jesse and the others on the plan, he reluctantly parted ways with Ahsoka again, trusting her to secure the ship while he was off finishing up their plan. They had to stop the ship before it reached Coruscant, or else they would risk giving away their status to the leadership of the GAR.
Jesse at his shoulder like old times was reassuring, and Ahsoka was right they’ve done crazier things.
Walking confidently onto the Bridge, the rest of the Legions Command already assembled as per his instructions via comms. The officers salute in greeting as he stops before the group.
”Men, we’ve got new orders from high up, the entire vessel is compromised. A new virus targeting the brain is aboard this ship, and all orders are to be put on hold while we deal with it. We are going to go squad by squad and systemically perform the surgery required until the ship is clear. During this time we are going to have a comms black out, and exit hyperspace sooner than initially planned so as to prevent it from spreading. Once we exit hyperspace, I am going to depart and travel to Coruscant myself to brief Command on the situation and we will rendezvous once we’re all clear. Lieutenant Jesse will take over in my stead. Any questions?”
One of the Sergeants, a newer one to the legion raised his hand, he nodded in his direction, “Sir, what about the rogue Jedi aboard the cruiser?”
“We’ll have each squad that’s decontaminated continue the search as we clear them for duty, this takes priority as we have valuable intel that we cannot allow to get into enemy hands, but reassured we will continue the search.”
After wrapping up he turned on his heel mechanically attempting to give off the air he had prior to his chip being removed, but he couldn’t help brushing shoulders with Jesse, they might not be able to verbally acknowledge each other but they can show silent support in all the ways that matter. With these thoughts in mind he made his way to the hangar, and quickly located the ship Ahsoka found and quickly got on board just as they dropped out of hyperspace.
Sighing as he collapses into the co-pilot seat, “Where to now Commander?” he says, turning to Ahsoka.
Her eyes don’t leave the stars but after a second she sighs and flips the auto pilot on, “Well let’s see if we can contact any survivors, if there are any..” As she says this she is flipping the communications back on. Not expecting to receive anything so soon they both jump slightly when the ship's dashboard immediately projects a hologram of General Kenobi.
“This message is a warning and a reminder for any surviving Jedi: trust in the Force. Avoid Coruscant. Avoid detection. Be secret.. but be strong.” Rex turns back to Ahsoka watching as her face contorts into a face of worry. “We will each be challenged: our trust, our faith, our friendships.” The holo continued, “But we must persevere and, in time, I believe a new hope will emerge. May the Force be with you, always.”
The holo cut out but the last words lingered in the air, the reality of how devastating the situation really is setting in. The war is over but so are the Jedi.
“We need to contact Master Obi-Wan.” Ahsoka says, though it's strained. It pains him to watch her try to keep it together, she is barely an adult, yet she has to watch her world collapse around her for the second time. It’s not fair, and he can’t do anything about it except be here for her. And that's what he’ll do.
“Alright kid, let’s go find him.” he says, putting a hand on her shoulder giving her a grin.
She nods, typing in the General’s code. She didn’t return the smile but her face is less pinched so he will count that as a win.
Soon enough the comms light up signaling a connection and not a second later the General’s voice filled the silence of the cabin. “Ahsoka I am glad to hear you are unharmed.” She nods, then remembering that he cannot see her she responds, “As am I Master. We heard your message..” She sighs looking far too much like that child he met back on Christophsis, “What has happened Master, why now? The war is over.. we were supposed to be safe now.. the fighting was over..”
He has never seen Ahsoka so small before. She is a confidante and competent warrior, cocky when she can be and humble when she needs to be, but right now she is the child she never got to be. Her shoulders hunched, hands in fists, eyes wet and face scrunched. Pain written all over her face, making his chest tighten.
“Ahsoka.. I do not know why this has happened but I do know we will see the other side of this conflict, just as we have many before. Just one more battle my dear.” There was a pause before a whisper came from the General’s side of the comms, “I must go, I will transmit coordinates to a friend of mine, you will be safe there for now and I will meet you there after I finish my task. Goodbye Ahsoka, may the Force be with you.”
Ahsoka opens her mouth to respond but the communication channel is cut off before she could, and not soon after, a light indicating that the General sent the coordinates.
Rex trusted General Kenobi’s judgement, he had gotten them out of numerous tight spots, and saved the day countless times. But he cannot say the same for his friends, he knew the General had a lot of interesting acquaintances, the Duchess of Mandalore being the first to mind. He had not gained the moniker of Negiotatior for nothing after all. However in such a perilous time it was hard to trust anyone, even friends and old comrades, he can only hope that once again the General would come through.
The Alderaani vessel exited hyperspace close by, checking the log registered it as the Tantive IV. He looked over at Ahsoka, a pensive expression on her face as they docked with the ship.
Ahsoka stood up first walking forward confidently, her hand subtly drifting towards her sabers, clenching his fist he put his helmet on following after her.
They slowly approached the hatch drifting closer subconsciously, it was easier to quickly spring into action if they had each other's blind spots covered.
The blast door opened to reveal none other than-
“Senator Organa?” Ahsoka said surprise in her voice, he was not familiar with the man though he had met him on several occasions in passing playing guard for Senator Amidala on the behest of General Skywalker, though he knows Ahsoka had served under her directly on numerous occasions and knew Senator Amidala more personally likely resulting in her crossing paths with Senator Organa a few times.
The man looked untrustingly at him, likely having heard of his brothers turning traitor, to satiate him he pulled his bucket off and put his hands up in a non threatening gesture, “I’m a friendly.”
“There’s someone you need to meet.” Senator Organa said gravely they traded glances and walked further into the ship following the Senator.
That someone turned out to be none other than General Yoda, Ahsoka sharp surprise cutting through the tense atmosphere.
“Good, it is to see you unharmed.” He said a note of fondness in his tone.
“I think we have some things to discuss.” Rex said looking between the Senator and Jedi an almost mistrusting gaze in his eye as he hovered closer to Ahsoka.
For the next hour or so they discussed what had occurred on Mandalore, how they had captured Maul, then he had escaped custody and fled the ship. He informed them about the inhibitor chips and their plan to free the rest of the boys. Then Senator Organa informed them about what he had witnessed in the Jedi Temple, and didn’t that hurt, to learn the rest of his men had marched on their sanctuary, he knew immediately many of his men had died in that attack. Not that he faulted the Jedi for that, no he knew who to blame for this. It also explained Senator Organa's distrust of him, the men he had witnessed were wearing 501st blue.
Before they could discuss where to go from here the comm went off, Senator Organa looked down for a moment before his eyes widened and he accepted it, none other than General Kenobi appearing before them, looking bedraggled.
“Senator, there’s an emergency, it's Padme, she's going into labor.”
Rex’s eyes widened and Ahsoka gasped, a hand going to her mouth. Everybody in the room exchanged glances as Senator Organa cleared his throat shakily.
”There is a medical facility on an asteroid belt nearby, we will be safe there for the time being, we can meet you there and figure out where to go from there. I will transmit the coordinates now.”
Without further notice he typed something quickly into the console and sent it to the General. A sharp cry rung out on the other end doubtlessly Senator Amidala as he hung up with a quick farewell.
“I will begin making preparations, please feel free to roam.” The Senator said curtly rushing off, Yoda following behind quickly.
Once the door had closed and they were alone once again Rex turned to Ahsoka. Could she know?
His answer came when she to turned to him a concerned but inquisitive stare pointed at him, “You know don’t you Rex..”
It still startled him, the words, the meaning behind them. It’s a secret he swore to take to the grave with him, but well.. Anakin never was good at hiding it was he.
“Yes.. of course I do, but if you knew why did you never say anything?” he asked.
“Why didn’t you?” And well wasn’t that an answer, of course he never said anything. He was his General. He put his trust in him and Anakin put his trust in Rex. So when he had stumbled upon this truth he swore to keep that trust.
He huffed a laugh, “Fair..” looking back up at her he saw a smile lighting up her face.
“He never was good at hiding it.” She said, shaking her head, though her smile quickly left, “Who else knows?”
“I don’t know anyone else. Would General Kenobi know?”
Her face turned thoughtful, eyes drawn to the floor as she mulled over the possibility.
“I’m unsure.. we shouldn’t say anything just to be safe.” She said looking back up at him.
After they had dropped out of hyperspace near the Asteroid Belt they rushed out of the meeting room they had been left in towards the ramp of the ship. The General seemed to have arrived not long before because not soon after Senator Amidala was rushed out with medical professionals carrying a stretcher, her prone body lay unnervingly still on top.
Ahsoka, not waiting for any of them rushed over to the Senator, worry creasing her eyes, he followed not long behind an ever present shadow.
”Padme!” Ahsoka said breathlessly, stopping right before the Senator. She seemed to be wordless which was shocking for him considering she always seemed to know what to say even in the most treacherous of times.
”Ahsoka, I’m glad you're alright, you as well Bail..” she said weakly, her eyes fluttering open, Ahsoka gently grabbed her hand and squeezed.
Ahsoka hesitantly stepped back as the medical droids ushered her into the building, the rest of their group following behind at a respectable distance, he stepped closer to Ahsoka wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “She’ll be alright kid, she’s a fighter.”
Even he didn’t sound too sure of that fact.
Pain. So much pain is written over Senator Amidala’s face. Why is this happening, they said there were complications but why is this hurting her so much.
Rex looks around to the others and everyone seems to know what is happening but it seemed so wrong. He knows that beings have children through natural means but is it supposed to be this violent? No wonder they cloned so many of his brothers this is terrible.
He turns to the window and is horrified. Why is the medical droid reaching down-
Senator Organa placed a hand on his shoulder, comforting, “You seem rather confused, don’t worry this is actually normal. Childbirth is a truly magnificent process, though my wife desired a child, she was never able to conceive due to an injury in her earlier years. She has confessed to me she is rather grateful to avoid this part of the process.”
”I don’t see how this can be considered magnificent sir, but I’ll take you at your word.”
He turns to look at where Ahsoka has been pressed against the glass since this whole ordeal started, worry written all over her face.
Suddenly she turns towards the General, “Where’s Anakin?! He should be here!” she shouts, arms thrown out, exasperated. Though she turned stoic when she saw the look on the General’s face.
“Anakin’s gone Ahsoka..” His voice strained, face pinched with sorrow.
“No.. no he- Anakin’s not..” she covered her mouth, eyes wide in horror, a small sob escaping her lips. Tears streamed down her face as sobs racked her body, slowly falling to the floor, eyes unable to move from the spot they were staring at.
Rex couldn’t blame her, he felt like he was going to collapse as well. But he had lost so many brothers that he was numb to it by this point, he would grieve later, but the child needed them.
Slowly he made his way towards Ahsoka, kneeling down in front of her. At first she doesn’t seem to notice him but when he puts his hand on her shoulder her eyes snap up to his.
Seeing the pain in her eyes made his sting even more but she needed him, he couldn’t fall apart, not now.
So he gently pulled her up and let her lean on him as she calmed herself down as best she could, sobs slowly melting into hiccups until the only evidence was the wetness on her face.
She wasn’t okay, and neither was Rex but now wasn’t the time, now they had to be strong for this child, Anakin’s child.
The droid’s voice cut through the tension like the hottest lightsaber. “We must operate quickly if we are to save the babies.”
Wait-
There’s two?!
Or possibly more, leave it to Anakin to manage to have multiple children on his first attempt, he never did anything by halves.
Senator Organa voiced their confusion, “Babies?”
“She’s carrying twins,” the droid paused for a moment then continued on as if never interrupted, “Medically she’s completely healthy, however for reasons we cannot explain we are losing her. She has lost the will to live.”
“Padme? Losing the will to live?” Ahsoka said, voicing their shock, “She’s the strongest person I know.”
“I find that surprising..” Rex said trailing off, as the screech of a baby interrupted them, General Kenobi walked over to the Senator’s side as she whispered the name of the child, he couldn’t hear what she said from here.
Ahsoka turned to him, a horrified look on her face, “Rex.. those kids.. they’re going to grow up never knowing their parents. Not like we did, sure we can tell them later, but they’ll never see Anakin's smile, or taste some of Padme’s cooking.”
He felt grief settle into his bones, he had never experienced such things before in his own childhood, but he knew Anakin and knew more than anything he deserved to be here watching this moment, showing those kids how to pilot, and teaching them to wield lightsabers, yet it will never happen.
Another sharp cry cut through the air as if reminding him of what he already knew, and what would never happen. He saw Senator Amidala whisper something to General Kenobi, and she died just like that. Most of his brothers went out in blazes of glory, in the midst of battle. It was rare to ever even make it to the hospital. But this was so much worse, she was fine just moments before and gone in the next instant. Leaving these children alone, without a mother, without a father, without a family. He had always had his brother, but these children, they won’t have anyone..
Watching as the Senator and the General discuss the fate of these two children, hearing the plan to separate them from the other, it made his blood boil. These children have no one, they are alone in this world, they shouldn’t be away from each other. Him and his brothers had each other, the children should have their sibling with them. It’s what Anakin would have wanted and he wasn’t going to stand by and let this happen.
He squared his shoulders, ready to speak his mind when he left a hand on his shoulder. Turning to see Ahsoka looking just as torn up as he was only to shake her head, because this wasn’t their place, no matter how much it hurts.
She leads them out of the room and down the hall to where the twins are resting.
They hadn’t met the tubies yet, the chaos of the last hour or so not providing any opportunity to do so yet.
Ahsoka went over to the cradles reaching into the blanket to pull out one of tubies little chubby hands. Reading the little bracelet on its arm, “Hello little Luke,” she said smiling, eyes wet. She turn to the other cradle doing the same, “Hello little Leia,”
She held both of their little hands, “Your father would have loved you both, so much.” She said, her voice strained trying not to let the tears in her eyes fall, blinking rapidly.
Picking up Luke she looks over to Rex, “Do you want to hold Leia?” Startled, he looks down at the little girl, eyes wide in fear. He doesn’t know how to hold that thing, he doesn’t want to hurt her.
“I uh- don’t think that is a good idea Ahsoka, I don’t want to hurt the tubie..” He looked up to see Ahsoka looking at him concerned but soon it turned fond.
Putting Luke down she picked up Leia and helped him arrange his arms to accommodate her. “There just like that Rex, you’re a natural.” She says picking Luke back up.
Rex looked down at the little tubie in his arms, he had never held a child let alone a tubie before. The most he had done was console his younger brothers back on Kamino but that always had a layer of detachment, this was far too intimate for his liking. The tubies eyes blinked open blearily, large brown eyes peering at him inquisitively. Speaking softly, softer than he ever had before, “You’re a little fighter aren’t you, just like your parents.”
Suddenly the room was filled with a flashing red and an ear splitting alarm making the tubies start wailing.
Panic struck him, which normally he can be calm in these situations but this time he was scared. Not for himself or Ahsoka, no but for the child in his arms, for the child in Ahsoka’s arms. He didn’t know what was causing the ship to go into emergency mode but he wasn’t going to let it touch these children.
“Rex!” Ahsoka shouted over the alarm and the wailing of the twins, “We need to get to the ship!”
Nodding Rex opened the door of the nursery and waited until Ahsoka was out then he sprinted out of the room after her, holding Leia closely to his chest.