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questforgalas · 10 months

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Code Red Training

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Summary: Kix has to give a training on the menstrual cycle to the 501st. It goes exactly how you think it would

Characters: 501st legion (Jesse, Fives, Rex, Kix, Echo, Dogma, Appo, and made up clone names), Ahsoka Tano

WC: 2.4K

Notes: This is based off another silly HC I posted the other day I couldn't get out of my head. I think the idea of the engineered clones raised surrounded by men learning about the menstrual cycle is a hilarious concept. Very silly stuff. The boys are in awe of their commander after

Tags: descriptions of the menstrual cycle and what occurs. Swearing

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Kix was running out of tasks to keep his hands busy. The informational flimsies were on the fourth variation of stacking, and he’d rearranged the educational sculptures in every possible space on the desk. He wasn’t nervous. He just could make a list of 1000 other duties he’d rather be doing than, well, this.

Kix had the 41st Elite Corps to thank for this one. The poor padawan commander of the 41st apparently wasn’t prepared for her cycle, and while she was trying to retreat to her quarters to remedy the situation, she was caught with a noticeable blood stain that, understandably, caused her troopers to go into a panic. Chaos ensued as an entire corps sprang into action to save their commander who, to their knowledge, was bleeding to death for no reason.

There’s no official report on the matter, but the message from Insi, the medic of the 41st, simply said “The troopers involved won’t be looking Commander Offee in the eye anytime soon”.

So now, all battalions led by a female general or commander had to sit through educational training on the menstrual cycle.

A 3-D model of the uterus taunted him from across the desk.

“Gotta say, don’t exactly envy you with this one, Kix,” Captain Rex’s voice interrupted Kix’s internal battle to cancel the next session and run, but instead, he turned to face his Captain, standing at attention and offering a short salute.

“You envy everything else I get to deal with, sir?” The medic offered a sly smirk as Rex put him at ease.

“You got me there,” Rex chuckled. “Although, last I remember, it wasn’t too long ago you’d be right next to Fives and Jesse when I’d be threatening another ‘fresher duty to ward off any antics.”

Kix brought a hand to his chest, feigning hurt, “Me, sir? Antics? I’d never.”

“Just because you knew how to hide the evidence better doesn’t mean you were more innocent.” A playful shove on his shoulder broke his performance.

“It’s called a medic’s attention to detail, sir.”

Rex offered a hum in response, the fond smile on his lips softening the threat of his eye roll, and he continued to make his way across the room to the chair set up in the back corner. As the commanding officer, Rex had to give his approval on the training which meant Kix already took him through the session – The captain remained professional the entire session, but the increasing crimson of his cheeks didn’t go unnoticed – so his presence here now only meant one thing.

Rex knew who was on the roster, and he was here for a show.

“You think you’re being sly Captain, but I see right through you,” Kix accused.

“I’m not sure what you mean. It’s my duty as captain to perform surprise training inspections. It’s for the good of my men.” Rex’s face remained impassive, but the medic didn’t miss the smirk tugging at his lips or the glint in his eyes.

Before he could answer, he heard voices coming down the hall. Kix went through the same mental routine he did when he boarded a LAATi, and with one last deep breath, he readied himself for battle.

_____________________________________________________________

“Wait, wait, wait! A tube?! They have an actual tube in them?”

“Not just a tube, Hardcase. Two tubes!”

“Can females create metal?!”

“How does a baby even fit in there? Like, the same size as us in the tube? Come out of THAT!”

“FEMALES LAY EGGS?!”

The first ten minutes of the session went about as well as Kix could hope for. Characteristic of this group, they were rowdy when they filed in, most coming in from the mess hall, and many in the middle of glorified battle stories that their audience wasn’t buying. As they took their seats, they settled in, and most conversation had quieted down, but when Kix stood upfront waiting for a second too long, pointed looks by Echo and Dogma had the room quieting down quickly.

Much to Kix’s surprise, the group remained attentive and curious during the first parts of his notes as he walked them through the anatomy. Not to his surprise, all hell broke lose when he started to explain conception and gestation. When the questions erupted, Kix stole a glance to the back of the room. Rex was barely holding his composure, and it looked like Jesse’s outburst broke the professional dam as Rex quickly hid his face behind his hand, shoulders shaking.

“Alright, alright, alright. Calm down! One question at a time,” Kix barked. “First, the fallopian tubes are not metal tubes, Hardcase. It’s just what they’re called because they connect two sections. Second, yes, babies as big as we are when we come out of the tube are born through the vagina. If necessary, they can be cut out, bu-“

“THEY CUT THEM OU-“ Smack “Ow!”

“Cut it, Appo,” Echo scolded.

“As I was saying, they can be cut out, but that’s in emergency situations. And lastly, they don’t lay eggs. Not females with this anatomy. They carry eggs, and once a female hits puberty, their ovaries release one egg once a month for it to be fertilized,” Kix finished.

“Oh I can tell you allll about how they’re ferti-“ Smack. “Ow!”

“Fives, you’ve never even talked to a girl,” Echo was on a roll Kix very much appreciated.

Taking a pause before moving onto the next section, Kix swept his gaze across the room. Dogma furiously scribbled notes while Hardcase and Oddball looked like they were trying to solve the equation of an ion engine. Echo lazed with his arms across his chest, attention trained on the medic, but gave Appo another swat when he noticed his head nodding to the side. Fives still rubbed the back of his head where Echo hit him, looking like a hurt loth pup not getting to make his crude joke.

Crowded in the middle, a hand raised. Kix recognized the trooper as one of the newest 501st.

“Yes, Doma?”

“Thank you, sir. I’m just curious. What, what happens to the egg if it isn’t fertilized? Does it just…fall out?” The trooper looked around on the ground as if expecting to find a scattering of eggs around him. A soft laugh floated from the back corner of the room.

“Well, Doma, that leads us into the final part of this training. If the egg isn’t fertilized, then the female body goes through what is called the ‘menstrual cycle’ in common. It’s possibly called other things in other languages, but it all refers to the same process.”

Kix picked up the 3-D model and moved back to the front and center of the room, pointing to the uterine lining.

“When released, the egg settles in the lining of the uterus. If it’s not fertilized, the lining sheds and discards the old lining and the egg through the vagina. Then the lining builds up again over the next month preparing for the next egg,” Kix explained. Silence settled over the room and not a single trooper moved. Even Echo looked like Kix just explained a 10-page battle strategy to him with one minute to learn it. “Ok, where did I lose you all?”

Eyes glanced around, no one wanting to speak first. Finally, Dogma raised his hand.

“What exactly do you mean by ‘sheds and discards the old lining’?” he grimaced.

“Here goes nothing,” Kix thought.

“Well, exactly what it sounds like. The lining literally tears itself from the uterus, falls through the vagina, and exits.”

Eruption.

“YOU MEAN-“

“THEIR BODY IS LITERALLY TEA-“

“HOW OFTEN DOES-“

“SHEDS? LIKE, THEIR BODY JUST-“

Fives, Hardcase, Jesse, and a trooper Kix didn’t recognize jumped to their feet, yelling questions. Dogma turned pale. Doma was bracing his head in his hands. Echo’s eyes went wide, stare fixed on a spot in front of him, and troopers around the room reacted with a mix of horror and confusion. The quiet laugh in the corner of the room mingled with the ruckus. Acting fast, Kix brought his fingers to his lips and let out a whistle the patrol across camp could probably hear. Immediately, the questions ceased, but the looks of horror remained. His narrowed eyes got the message across, and all the troopers settled back into their seats. Once he was sure they were focused back on him, Kix went on.

“This is where we’ll open up the question portion of the training.”

Every hand shot up.

“Fives, if this is a joke,” Kix warned.

“No, it’s serious I promise!” Fives pleaded. Kix nodded for him to go on. “When they’re going through this men-menstrol? Mens-“

“Menstrual.”

“Thanks, vod. When they’re going through this menstrual cycle, is it painful?”

“Yes. Pain can vary female to female, but common symptoms are severe cramps. Many females experience cramps painful enough to cripple them anywhere from a couple hours to days. Other common symptoms are muscle cramps in their lower backs and legs, interrupted sleep cycle, severe mood swings, bloating, digestive changes, and headaches or migraines.” Kix explained. A room of faces grimaced back at him.

“How long does it last for,” Echo asked.

“Again, it varies female to female, but on average 3 to 7 days.”

“7 days?! They’re just…bleeding! For 7 days!” A trooper exclaimed in the back.

“Maker, I didn’t think of that,” Jesse mused. “They’re just walking around with their bodies tearing itself on the inside, and they’re just…ok?”

“Well…” Kix started. “I wouldn’t say they’re ‘ok’, but they’re expected to go through life with it. So yes, many females you encounter could be in their cycle.”

“And this happens, every month?” Jesse asked, amazement in his voice.

“Yes, once the female becomes of age, and as long as everything is regular, it happens once a month.”

“Whoa,” Awe passed over the troopers.

“Wait,” Appo shot up in his seat. “Commander Tano!”

Kix’s eyes instinctively found Rex’s. The captain’s smirk turned into a wolfish grin, and it took all of Kix’s respect for the decorated captain to not flip him off.

“What about the commander?” Kix returned to the group.

“Well, she’s a female!” Appo blurted.

“Appo, are you asking if Commander Tano experiences a menstrual cycle?” Kix asked. The captain answered with a vigorous nod of his head, blood rushing to his cheeks.

“Well, I can’t disclose patient information, but Commander Tano is of the age that it’s common for females to begin theirs.”

“That..is so…fucking…cool!” Oddball exclaimed.

“You mean our Commander is out there kicking clanker butt while her body is literally tearing itself on the inside? I mean, can she be any greater?” Echo proclaimed, a proud twinkle in his eye.

“Ohhhh is that why she randomly hordes all the chocolate cakes in the mess?” Fives mused.

“I don’t think I need to remind all of you that it is not procedure or polite to bombard the commander with questions about this,” a stern voice interrupted from the back. Amusement still danced in his eyes, but the expression on Rex’s face shut all conversation down immediately.

“Yes, sir,” echoed unanimously.

“Alright, well, if there aren’t any more questions, that concludes the training,” Kix dismissed. While his brothers filed out of the room, Kix allowed himself to relax his shoulders for the first time since Fives entered.

Rex appeared in front of him, hand clasping down on his shoulder, “Not bad trooper. I think you’ll only be getting questions from Hardcase for the next 20 rotations.”

____________________________________________________________

“Hey, Rex. Have you noticed the boys have been…odd lately?” Ahsoka asked while she and Rex made their way through the halls of the Resolute,

“Not sure I know what you mean, Commander,” Rex responded.

Walking through the narrow halls, a few troopers stepped to the side to salute the commander and captain as they passed. Ahsoka noticed two things. First, their eyes went wide when they first took her in. Second, their force signatures spiked instantly with something mixed with astonishment and pride. Once they passed, she could swear she heard one of them murmur, “An absolute legend.”

These types of occurrences had been happening regularly over the last few weeks, and Ahsoka grew more confused with each one.

“I don’t know. All of them have been looking at me like the shinies look at Anakin when they meet him for the first time. It’s, unnerving,” she explained.

Rex did his best to hide the chuckle rumbling in his chest. Of course, he’d noticed his brothers completely obvious demeanor change towards their commander. Ever since Kix’s trainings finished, the whole 501st viewed their vod’ika in a whole new light – one that put her on par, if not higher, than their general.

“Eh, I’m sure it’s nothing. You know how they get, especially in between missions. Restless and bored. Start actin’ weird. Don’t pay attention to it,” Rex tried to deflect.

Making their way around the corner, Fives and Echo were spotted leaving the mess heading in their direction. When the ARCs recognized who was ahead of them, Fives bounded their way.

“Commander! Lucky running into you. Here, I grabbed an extra chocolate cake just for you. Figured you can stash it away, save it for later,” Fives suggested, giving a wink like he and Ahsoka were in on a secret only the two of them know.

“Uh, thanks, Fives. That was, kind?” Ahsoka shot a look to Rex that said “See?”, but he just shrugged her off as if Fives giving her chocolate cakes happened every day.

“Oh, and commander, I stopped by the med bay earlier. I saw they were low on high strength painkillers, so I requested that Kix put in a supply order right away so we’re well stocked. Wouldn’t want to be caught unprepared, right?” Echo added.

Rex groaned internally. For ARCs, these two were the most obvious troopers he’d ever known.

“That’s, good to know, Echo. Thanks, I think?” Ahsoka tried her best to sound polite, but the whole interaction just confused her more.

“You’re welcome! Well, we’re off to the rec center for some sparring. Rex, join us later?” Echo asked.

“Another time, Echo. I have a briefing at 1500,” Rex answered, dismissing the troopers.

Later that day, Ahsoka stashed that cake in her quarters and made a note to stop by the med bay to grab some of the painkillers before next week. She didn’t know what was going on with the boys, but she wasn’t going to not take advantage.

#tay writes #star wars #the clones wars #501st legion #captain rex #arc trooper echo #arc trooper jesse #arc trooper fives #clone trooper dogma #captain appo #clone trooper kix #clone medic kix #clone trooper hardcase #divider by samspenandsword #cw: menstruation

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littlemissmanga · 7 months

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I just need opinions on how you think any of the 501st men or Clone-Force 99 would handle chronic pain, something like migraines maybe, in their partner? I love all your work btw it's really incredible 🩵🩵🩵

Aw, thank you, Nonnie!

So this is something I think about a lot as I have a fucked up back. Fortunately, I have a really good group of drs so I've been able to go longer and longer without a flair up, but when I'm incapacitated on my couch, thinking of how these guys would react brings me so much comfort.

I think most of the boys would be really understanding and helpful. But let's get into it! HCs below the cut :)

Hunter may be able to sense acutely when you have a bad day before you even notice the symptoms (those heightened senses strike me like the way medical alert dogs can sense a seizure coming on in their human). His first instinct is to hold you against him, but he holds off until he ensures you are in the most comfortable place, your environment is perfect for what you need, and you have any medication needed. Then he'll wrap around you and do what he can to make you feel better. IDK why, but I feel like he'd gently hum a little tune as he holds you, literally trying anything and everything to soothe you. If he can't take away the physical pain, he can make damn sure you feel cared for.

Wrecker is also someone who's gonna try and cuddle you through an episode. If that's something that helps you, you'll be in heaven. He'll literally make a nest for you and bring you all the snacks. If your condition comes with muscle pain, he'll give you the most gentle and soothing massage. He will get that sad look in his eyes, though. Personally, I like seeing my partner care but I know some people don't like to feel pitied so if that's you, you may need to have a conversation with him. Similarly, if physical contact isn't helpful for you, you'll have to let him down gently. Best to give him something else to do - like help with the responsibilities you can't do - because Wrecker really doesn't like feeling as if he can't help.

Tech is going to learn everything about your condition itself. And I mean everything. He'll become the (secret) preeminent expert on your condition if he has to - and he'll very much believe he has to because frankly he doesn't trust previous doctors who told you this was just a condition you'll have to live with. You have to have a few talks with him that his insistence on trying new approaches to "cures" isn't helpful when you're having a flair up, and that while you love the intention behind it, you need him to either help you in the moment or leave it to you. That sobers him up a bit. But he mostly just puts the "cure" search on the backburner and focuses more on finding the optimal remedies for your symptoms in the moment. He won't really cuddle with you unless you expressly ask but he absolutely will bring his datapad into the room and research/work by your bedside so he can monitor your progress. He'll wake you every few hours to give you more medicine and make sure you stay hydrated.

Echo also studies up on your condition, but unlike Tech, he only cares about remedies. He'll run his findings by Tech, but generally trusts the literature regarding mitigating symptoms. If you find something that works better than other remedies, he's a stickler about making sure you have access to that remedy at all times. He's a big believer in being prepared. He may have some small treats for you, but he'd prefer to have nutritionally balanced food for you during a flair up to give your body everything it needs to get through this and recover. He usually doesn't cuddle with you, preferring to give you the space you need to settle in and recover. But he will be touching you constantly - caressing your head or arm - and talking softly with you if you're up for it.

Crosshair doesn't like admitting your condition scares him. You've explained it's not fatal or anything but it does cause you pain on the regular. And he doesn't like how matter of fact you are when you tell him you experience pain strong enough to put you out of commission with enough regularity that you have a plan for what to do when it happens. He knows you're not a complainer and you tend to push yourself, so for something to knock you out means it's serious. He feels useless and weak at not being able to help in what he feels is a meaningful way.

At first, he'll pull away, selfishly hiding from the sight of you in pain because he doesn't want to confront it. But if he does see you struggling or if he hears you in pain/call his name, he'll be right at your side. You need him. You asked for him. He won't leave you alone again. It'll take him a bit to figure out little tricks to helping you/making you feel better, but eventually he'll get into a rhythm. And woe be to anyone who crosses your path if you have a flair up in public - Crosshair is very much a shoot/punch first ask if they were a threat to you (in act or attitude) later.

501st Boys

Jesse, and Fives are going to learn all they can about the best way to make you feel better not through research but literally by quizzing you. They try asking the first time they see you in an acute flair up and realize those questions will have to wait until you're feeling a little better. And by quiz, I mean these guys prove why ARCs are made different. They'll get down into the minute details. The next time you feel your pain coming on, they'll make sure the environment is perfect for you to rest - as dark and quiet as you need, with all the water and snacks you could possibly want. And they'll totally give you snacks you want that'll make you feel better emotionally more than good for you snacks. If they can stay, they'll bring you bring you fresh, cool towels to drape over your forehead or ice packs/heating packs for your muscles every 30 minutes. Both feel like failures when they have to leave you during an episode.

Between the two, Jesse definitely relies on his humor and tries to keep you talking (if it doesn't hurt you more) to get you through this, and you love that he treats you like normal, that there's no pity in his eyes. But for Fives, this is a situation where he actually gets quiet, lowering his energy to give you the space to rest up.

Kix is, like Tech, going to do all the research. Unlike Tech, Kix has access to military-grade medical facilities. And he WILL use them to get a thorough understanding not just of your condition, but how your body handles the condition. He hates to see you in pain, and it's a negotiation with him as to how much medication you want/need as if Kix had his way, he'd just stick you in a bacta tank each flair up to minimize your pain and any damage ... which obviously isn't practical. Also, there's no "Maybe I can push through it, this flair up feels manageable." The moment Kix knows you're feeling symptoms, you're in the medbay. You'll also find the smallest of treats next to your bed when you wake up.

Dogma similarly, tolerates no negotiation. Sure, you've been dealing with your condition for a while, but if you're not following dr.'s or Kix's orders to the letter, he will make you. I feel like Dogma is incredibly passionate and feels deeply, and he will not risk your health or well being, even if you ask him to just trust you. Eventually, you need a mediation with Kix so Dogma gives you a little room to breathe. Like Wrecker, it helps to give Dogma things to do while you have a flair up so he feels like he's helping. He'll bring you everything you need and then go tidy up your living space or do your paperwork on your behalf or just general errands you need to run. Acts of service is his love language anyway, so this is a system that works really well for you both.

Rex hates that he can't always be with you during a flair up. He literally has a list of people you can call (in order of those he trusts the most to take care of you) if you need assistance. But you've come up with a code to message to his datapad in case he can't be there. If he gets your message, he'll excuse himself as quickly as possible to call you and just talk you through the worst of your flair up and ask if you need someone to be with you.

If he can be there, you won't find a more attentive and gentle person to nurse you through. He'll make sure you're settled and have everything you need and he'll talk you through it until you fall asleep. Then, he'll straighten up your living space and make some food for you for when you wake up. When you do, he'll give you a small portion to start with and hold you against him when you're done.

Tup will run you the most perfect bath ever. Water at the perfect temperature, no harsh smells in case that makes things worse. He helps you get settled then starts helping you wash. And by helping I mean he refuses to let you do anything for yourself. Getting your hair washed by Tup is a spiritual experience and something that, even if your pain persists, reenergizes your soul. He'll dry you gently with the fluffiest towels and then settles you in your room with all your comforts. He's another who will sit by your side until you feel better and he'll cuddle on request if it won't hurt you more.

I hope this is what you were looking for!!

Taglist: @clonemedickix @idontgetanysleep @sunshinesdaydream @dystopicjumpsuit @dreamie411 @secondaryrealm @wizardofrozz @wolffegirlsunite @blueink-bluesoul @wings-and-beskar @freesia-writes @multi-fan-dom-madness @starrylothcat @sinfulsalutations

#tbb #the bad batch #tbb hc #501st battalion #501st headcanons #captain rex #clone trooper dogma #clone trooper tup #clone medic kix #arc trooper fives #arc trooper jesse #sergeant hunter #tbb hunter #tbb tech #tbb wrecker #tbb echo #tbb crosshair

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kkrazy256 · 1 year

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rememememdy and fonx

#commander fox #clone medic remedy #tcw #star wars #sw mine

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calamity-aims · 2 years

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commission for belovedest @kkrazy256 of their guy Remedy but - oh no - looks like he came back wrong! Whoops!

#thank you so much for the support!#I adore you #clone medic remedy #others ocs #calamity art #star wars #tcw

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mwolf0epsilon · 11 months

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Summary: In which several clone medics create a private comm chat where they can discuss the daily shenanigans they are exposed to. Chaos, as usual, ensures.

[A chatfic where you get to see the clone medics either unwind after a long day, or occasionally pester each other for a quick laugh. Each chapter will be fairly short and simple, and there will be a LOT of Clone Medic OCs in it. Some chapters might focus primarily on certain characters rather than the group as a whole.]

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skellymom · 5 months

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"Vagabonds" Chapter 6

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

(Posted 11/12/23)

To read Chapter 5:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/730320896366149632/vagabonds-chapter-4?source=share

ᴛʜɪꜱ ꜰɪᴄ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ ɴꜱꜰᴡ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ 18+ ᴅɴɪ

Word Count: 1.5K

Background: Mad takes a job that's more than she bargained for. Hunter and Wrecker go shopping. Omega and Sil bond over shared experiences.

Warning: Fear, the "F" word, Star Wars swearing, droid prejudice, brief mention of medical experimentation on unwilling participants, brief conversation of abuse and PTSD, supporting character death by blaster.

(Credit: Cool moving star dividers by @4ngelic-wh1spers )

Recap: If what the butcher back on Coruscant said was true, Tiggy was a hybrid between two Force sensitive breeds of canine: Vornskr hunting dog and wild Loth Wolf. Seems her tail was docked to remove the venomous barb at the end and blunt any aggression. Mad was concerned about any residual Vornskr aggression against Force users, but hoped the lofty Loth Wolf would dilute this. Either Tiggy was going to be a great pet or a total disaster. Mad was going to have to consult with Tech later to see if he had any knowledge or advice on the matter.

She tiptoed toward the refresher to clean up and get ready for the next job...

"Job Gone Wrong"

Mad strolled across Ord Mantell and arrived at the meeting place for her next pick up. She knocked 3 times on a non-descript door, waited for 2 knocks on the other side, then knocked 3 times again.

When the door opened, an older bespectacled gentleman appeared. He was short and wearing a clinician’s uniform.

“Dr. Zebba?” Mad inquired.

He nodded, “Mad?”

“The one and only.”

The doctor stepped aside and Mad entered. He seemed VERY nervous. Not the best sign, but not totally out of the ordinary, as he didn’t seem like the type used to smuggling. “Come with me, please.”

Mad rested a hand on her blaster...just in case.

Dr. Zebba led her through a small entryway, then another door. The room she stepped into was a clinic. Rudimentary, but well kept. The doctor walked over to a handheld cooler and lovingly caressed its top. A 2-1B med droid was busy cleaning and organizing the facility. Mad eyed it suspiciously. Its unemotive “face” and skeletal-like design was the furthest thing from providing comfort in her mind.

“This is ‘Remedy’” Dr Zebba fondly motioned to the droid. “She’s been my assistant for quite a few cycles now.”

Mad stood silently, hand still on her blaster, staring warily at the droid.

“Remedy, meet Mad.”

“Hello, Mad, pleased to meet your acquaintance.” A very calm electronic female voice emanated from the droid. It... she extended a metal hand in greeting.

“NOPE!” Mad backed away from the meddroid with one hand up to block the greeting. The other now gripping the handle of her blaster. “Don’t touch me.” Mad’s hip firmly bumped into the table and jostled the cooler sitting on it.

“Remedy is gentle, she would NEVER hurt anyone.” Dr Zebba looked slightly hurt by Mad’s reaction. The droid stood in place silently.

“The Nomaadi have...a ’history’...as unwilling medical experiments, doc.” We are VERY wary of medical staff...and meddroids.” Mad was starting to sweat. “You can thank the fucking Kaminoan’s.”

Dr Zebba was stunned by Mad’s very frank reply. An uncomfortable silence hung in the room for a few minutes.

“Shall I step out for a while, Dr Zebba?” The meddroid politely inquired.

“Yes, thank you Remedy.” He watched her exit the room, then cleared his throat. “Shall I brief you on this job?”

“Go ahead.” Mad kept her eye on the door the droid exited from.

“Well...as you know, the deal was to ferry humans across the galaxy. Unfortunately, the courier and the clone soldier sent to accompany her were...intercepted. Instead of two individuals and this cargo...well, it’s just this cargo.”

“Clone, huh? I don’t work for The Empire. Sorry.”

“No worries. I assure you this was and still is purely a mission for The Rebellion.” The doctor seemed legitimate in his sincerity. “Since we lost our courier, I am requesting that you carry it. Otherwise, this mission will fail. Several lives are hanging in the balance here.”

“Oh?”

“You will be compensated handsomely for the inconvenience.” He pulled an extra case of credits out of drawer, setting it upon the table.

Mad opened the case to see twice the number of credits that was quoted for the job.

“When you deliver the cargo at its destination, another payment will be given to you. We will supply you with any chain codes to ease your journey, of course.”

“Ok, so what’s the catch?” Still eyeing the door and rubbing her bumped hip.

“Please sit and I will explain the details.” Dr. Zebba gestured to a chair.

Mad sat down to hear what crazy plan would earn her more credits than she had the past 6 months of smuggling.

Meanwhile, at the Marauder, Hunter emerged from the refresher. Tech and Echo had already left for the antique parts junkyard. Wrecker was snoozing in the pilot’s chair. Hunter’s night with Mad played back in his head. He looked forward to seeing her again tonight. Hunter wanted to get her something special. No kriffing idea what, though.

He wished he had asked Echo about such things. Echo was good at choosing heartfelt gifts. Tech perhaps might even suggest something unique and exotic. Hunter glanced at Wrecker sleeping while tying up his hair in a clean bandana.

This wooing a woman stuff was new territory for Hunter. Especially such a vivid woman like Mad. No simple trinket would do. Something significant, with meaning, but maybe not too much. He didn’t want to seem desperate. Oh, but he was...desperately falling for Mad.

“Wrecker, wake up”

“Zzz...wha...whatchawant?”

“I uh...need help.” Wrecker could see something was eating at Hunter. “Have to make a stop at the Vendor’s Market. Come with me.”

“Oh? Can’t be food, we just stocked up” Wrecker stretched, then peered mischievously at Hunter, then lowered his voice, “Oooh, it’s for Mad, isn’t it?”

“Matter of fact, yes.”

“You really got the hots for her! Even more than that girl back in basic training...or that Twi’lek at 79’s... or...”

Hunter chuckled and shook his head at Wrecker.

“Never brought them gifts, though.”

“No...”

“Sure, I’ll help ya” Wrecker grabbed Hunter and squeezed him tightly. “Must be serious!”

“Just don’t want to show up empty handed to the ‘Dame for dinner.”

“Whatever you say” Wrecker chuckled and winked.

Mad accepted the terms of the job. Dr Zebba was able to talk her into it if “The Droid” stayed in the other room. The extra money was going to be a boon as well. Meeting at the extraction point sounded like it would be quick and easy.

“Now remember what I said about...” a sudden explosion in the next room interrupted the doctor’s instructions. He dropped the bacta patch he was about to adhere to Mad’s hip.

“WHAT THE KRIFF???” Mad jumped from the sudden loud noise.

Dr. Zabba immediately grabbed the cooler, shoved it into Mad’s chest and yelled, “RUN! No time, our security has been breached!” And pushed her along frantically towards the back door to the clinic. He opened the door which led out to an alleyway. Another explosion in the room behind her and blaster fire. As Mad crossed the threshold of the doorway, a heavy weight fell onto her back. She stumbled, slammed into the ground, cooler flying out of her grasp and into the alley. The wind was knocked out of Mad, with Dr. Zabba’s dead body sprawled across her legs. Mad squawked in terror and struggled to shove his body aside. She felt the adrenaline surge, kicked herself free, got up and started running. Pulled her blaster and squeezed off a few shots for good measure. Mad grabbed the cooler and took off down the alley as fast as her legs could run. Abdomen cramped with stress, she bit her lip and kept going.

“Shitshitshitshit” What the fuck was she going to do? Who was pursuing her? The Empire? Mercenaries? Bounty Hunters? She had nowhere to go except the Beldame. No backup plan, no alternative hiding spot. This job was supposed to be simple.

Mad ran blindly in the direction of her ship. Crossed the vendor’s market, hoping to find cover and lose her pursuers. Whomever was after her didn’t care about causing a scene as there were still active laser blasts and screams of people running away from danger.

Hunter and Wrecker had successfully acquired a gift for mad, with time left over to sit in the vendor square and relax. Their respite was short lived, however, as the sound of blaster fire and screams filled the air. They both shot up to their feet and drew weapons. Vendor tents caught fire and smoldered, filling the air with thick smoke and affecting visibility. A crowd of vendors and patrons ran in all directions adding to the confusion.

Hunter heard her voice before he even saw her. Mad was still swearing to herself as she ran through the smoke. A crazed exercise in self-soothing.

“Mad!” She heard Hunter’s voice and slid to a stop, quaking in place. “Stay still, I’m coming to you!!!”

She was enveloped in thick grey smoke. Voices, screams, and blaster fire coming from all directions.

Mad was easy to find. Hunter could smell sweat and fear, hear her frantic breathing. Wrecker followed behind his brother.

Hunter reached through the smoke and grabbed Mad’s hand. She spun around wildly with abject terror on her face.

“They’re after me. It all went bad!”

“You ain’t kiddin’!” Wrecker quipped.

“Who???” Hunter implored.

“I don’t know for sure. Didn’t stay around long enough to find out!”

“Let’s get out of here. Wrecker, I'm taking Mad back to the Beldame and leaving. You run to the Marauder and get off world with Echo and Tech. Comm them ahead to prepare the ship. We can meet up later. Hopefully this smokescreen will buy us some time!”

“I’m on it!” With that Wrecker was gone.

“C’mon!” Hunter and Mad took off towards the ‘Dame.

“Where did she get this?” Omega marveled at the bobbling plasticine Rancor affixed to the ‘Dame's dashboard.

She and Sil had been sitting in the cockpit conversing and watching Love levitate Tiggy. The puppy was happily executing the doggy paddle through the ship. It was an easy way to tire her out and restrict access to anything chewable.

Omega bumped the Rancor to make it bobble again. Mad had “modified” the toy so the Rancor was holding a severed doll head by the hair. The head bore a certain likeness to Emperor Palpatine.

“Mad picks up all sorts of odd things all over the galaxy.” Remarked Sil. “From traders, other Nomaadi, odd shops, even things cast aside on the street. She’s got an eye for it. Used to bring me and the family exotic and funny gifts when we met for Reunion...that was before I was taken away.”

Uncomfortable silence for some time.

“It’s ok. Talk to him.” Love urged Omega telepathically.

“I’m sorry they hurt you.” Omega hoped she wasn’t speaking out of turn. But she could tell by Sil’s expression he was dealing with some heavy scars. Love had Force spoke to Omega briefly about how they found Sil and that he had been missing for several years.

He nodded and sighed. What could he say? There was so much. Certain triggers: A tone of voice, a touch, certain body postures, even random noises. Panic attacks during the day and nightmares after dark. Physical and psychological scars from things done to him. Sil was trying the best he could to heal and not be seen as a burden to others.

“You’re NEVER a burden, Couzin” Love whispered in his head.

Sil glanced over to Love. He forgot that occasionally his Couzin could sense intense emotion and snippets of internal dialogue with individuals they emotionally bonded with.

Omega proceeded carefully, “The Kaminoan’s...they would run tests on me. Sometimes I didn’t want them to touch me, but I had no choice. The first time I ever left Kamino was with my brothers. The Kaminoan’s would have kept me locked up at the facility forever. It took me a while to heal...not completely. Not sure that’s possible.”

Sil was quiet for several minutes, thinking about Omegas words. She extended her hand and held it open. Sil reached out, took it, and gave a little squeeze. They smiled at each other.

Behind them Love smiled.

Tiggy, sensing the emotion in the room wagged her tail and continued to doggy paddle in levitation.

The ‘Dames comm lit up with Mad’s voice, “Love...Sil...Hunter and I are en-route to the ship. Start her up! We need to leave Ord Mantell NOW!!!” Laser fire and screams could be heard in the background of the transmission.

Sil spun around in the pilot’s chair with wide eyes. “Love, lower the gangplank and meet them there. It sounds like they’re in trouble. You might have to do “that thing” again...like on Coruscant.”

“What ‘thing’???” Omega demanded to know exactly what.

“No time! Take Tiggy and belt into a seat!!!” Love Force spoke inside Omega's head, handing her the pup, and running to the gangplank.

Sil fired up the ‘Dame and kept it running. He used the thrusters to turn its nose towards the city. Smoke and fire came into view through the cockpit windows. Ships around them were taking off and leaving in a hurry, more than usual. Something big and emergent was happening.

“What the kriff is going on???”

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

To Read Chapter 7:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/734468366280065024/vagabonds-chapter-7?source=share

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lost-on-kamino · 2 years

Text

The sinking feeling

In which Kix tries to fix what he can and Scully makes a choice in what they must do when the world turns upside down

(Something a bit different and wanted to explore; our main Focus today is Kix and Scully! Some warning of Order 66 and how i imagine it all fell into place...)

Kix wasn't sure what he was expecting when the General returned with Clone Force 99 and Rex after retrieving the 'Algorithm' which ended up being a familiar face in the form of Echo.

One of his Vod'ika.

Twin to… Fives…

Fives was a constant nightmare. The moment in 79s when he was… not right. Not like how Tup had been but… He was scared.

Kix had never known Fives to be so scared of… everything. He was jumpy and doubted everything enough to convince Kix that what he had to tell was important. Though he passed on the co ordinates like he'd ask…

Only to find out from Rex that Fives had died from a blast from a Brother. Kix and Jesse had remained by their captain, some of the last pillars of Torrent still standing. Denal, Redeye, Mixer, Del, Attie, Zeer… then followed by Echo, Hardcase, Dogma, Tup and now Fives… Coric took one look at the three in the bunkroom and just asked the off duty medics to keep watch. Sometimes it was Sponge and Beautiful who would rest by their feet, sometimes it was Twitch and Pitch who would involve the three in conversations to take their mind away.

And then Anaxes happened, the 501st had been drawn away to assist General Windu and General Kenobi with recent losses.

He didn't want to think more about recent events… Sponge and Coric were watching Cody's recovery, so he would request Twitch and call Pitch to service with Echo who was more than welcomed back into his Brother's arms. The three worked like clockwork as they checked over their lost brother, Kix gently brushing his recently grown curls back. To hide the evidence of what he had done.

Twitch had commented that Kix had looked a lot more tired than usual, the on duty medic had only responded that he was still dealing with the result of what happened to Fives. Which hadn't convinced his vod'ika what so ever.

So Kix took Twitch aside while Pitch watched over Echo's check up, he spilled everything. Explained about Fives, the chips in their heads and a plot to destroy the republic; he just needed the evidence. And so, Twitch had offered his help. And then there were two.

They reasoned that once they had more information, the rest of the medics could be pulled in and then they could work on a mass execution over removing the chips from their brothers, sisters and siblings. And there was a brief spark of hope in Kix's heart. That they could save the Republic… he just needed more time before the next deployment.

It came in the form of shore leave, the 501st touching down after losing Echo to Clone Force 99, Kix had held his vod so tightly Jesse was worried he was going to dent the cybernetics of their younger vod. The 501st medic team had also seen Echo off with their own wishes and many threats towards the batch if they would hear anything off from their vod. Kix liked to think that their combined glares had unsettled Crosshair at least. And with that, officially from the original Torrent Company stood; Rex, Jesse and Kix as Echo blasted off to his new life.

Kix hoped Echo knew that he was always welcome back home with his family.

Kix had leaned back in his seat as he watched the day turn to night. Scully had snuck in to catch up; he had remembered meeting them with Jesse and Hardcase one night after 79s. Someone had been harassing a Twi'lek and the three had gone to intervene only for the Twi'lek to suddenly change, changing their form to disguise between the three clones. The offender soon walked off, scoffing how it was another meat droid; Hardcase had noted how the second Kix seemed to have greener eyes to which their once Twi'lek now Clone turned friend finally shifted back into the form of a Chiss.

She had been extremely grateful towards the trio and offered them a reward. That had been the first night the trio had settled to watch what had been a story about a princess and her lost love, a holofilm that Hardcase had eventually quoted every so often. And that was how they met their new informant; Scully and her Jedi friend; Erin.

Scully had been missing the company and had invited Jesse and Kix over to chill in quiet company. Only for the Medic team to joke that he would leave them for a civvie's movie night. Kix swore he would join them tomorrow on an outing while they had the chance.

Strangely enough he felt sad, as if he was saying goodbye to them, turning to walk away with the Clawdite and Jesse.

Coric, Sponge, Pitch, Twitch and the others… He was so happy to have them as his medic team and family. Thick as thieves and a strong bond over everything that had happened. He gave one look to Twitch who nodded back before moving off with the other medics to finish off their duties to join the rest of the battalion at 79s.

Jesse gently nudged Kix as Scully began to catch them up on what they had missed.

Kix paused as he looked to the two ahead, Scully rapidly going on about one of their misadventures over helping the Guard on their cases. The medic looked behind him, it was the same feeling since arriving back at Coruscant. He didn’t notice his feet slowing down until they came to a stop in front of an alleyway.

Scully and Jesse realised their numbers had shrunk before turning their heads to see Kix’s face. He looked paler, as if he was sick to his stomach The medic faltered slightly as he gripped his hands into fists, his mouth shifting to a grimace.

He needed to tell Jesse, his remaining batchmate. And Scully… they’d know what to do to help… maybe warn the Guard, especially Fox if it came to it.

He took a deep breath-

And then immediately lost it as a stun bolt slammed into him and he crumbled.

All he could remember seeing as Jesse calling his name and Scully transforming into one of the Coruscant Guard, one of the Riot Troopers, his mind thinks before he fades to black and Kix falls into oblivion.

When Rex heard a commotion within the barracks, he thought it was the men playing boloball… When he spotted a panicked Jesse and a Riot Troo- no wait… it was that Clawdite, Scully he recalled. The Captain made his way through the crowd; landing on his knees as he looked over at the ARC Trooper who was cursing as Scully looked at him.

“Kix.” Was the word uttered and Rex’s heart shattered more. He looked to Jesse and Scully, pulling them into his small room the Commanders would be allowed to use.

“What happened with Kix?” Rex looked between the two, Jesse’s back towards him, hands tightly gripped. Scully looked back and forth, seemingly lost as she glanced at the Captain.

“….Kix was taken… We didn’t get to see… who… We were too far ahead…” Scully was distraught and it was no secret they had gained a fancy for the Medic.

“We tried to give chase but… they vanished…” Jesse spoke up with a grunt as he looked to Rex, his face was red as he tried to control the overwhelming emotions.

“Listen, it wasn’t your fault, the both of you did what you could… You were taken unaware.” Rex reasoned before his comm went off. Jesse’s comm also lit up.

Which only meant one thing.

Orders were coming in. Jesse cursed as he kick out at the spare chair and Rex glanced to his bucket perched on the desk.

“Yerbana” Rex muttered. “We’re to support General Kenobi and the 212th. We… won’t be able to search.”

“…Leave that to me.” Scully looked up, determined. “I’ll search for Kix… Considering at this point, let’s believe he won’t make the time to deployment… Just try and keep his position open… I’ll search the whole of Coruscant if I have to.”

Jesse looked to Rex who nodded, pulling his brother in close with a hug and a gentle keldabe.

“Please do… and keep us updated.”

Scully nodded, but didn’t move until Jesse pulled them in close, her arms wrapping around and clenching his armour tight.

“You were going to tell him.”

“…I will.” She reasoned. And it was in the silence of that office, the three stayed until the call came and Scully saw the Captain and Arc Trooper off to board.

Now she had her job to do… And it would be best to question a few friends lower down.

Kix found himself, flickering between states of consciousness and the void. He talking, people questioning why a Clone was wanted by Count Dooku, something else about him knowing something he shouldn’t.

Dooku?

What information… His mind froze at the realisation. The Chips. Dooku knew.

It was real, this was proof. But how to escape? He needed to warn the General. From where he was pinned, a medical grade table with straps by the looks of it, he didn’t recall seeing his commlink nor the top half of his armour at all.

It was when he opened his eyes in panic that he saw flashes of red and white. The Guard.

His eyes stared in horror before he strained against the table.

“Help… Help me please.” He begged.

The Clones stood firm, though he saw one subconsciously grip his blaster while frozen like a droid.

The Guard… they were being controlled by the Chips, how long had this been happening? His mind wept for his lost brothers and sisters. He recognised one of the markings on the armor.

The Communications Officer, Pitch’s batchmate. He was seemingly leading the group to wherever they were taking Kix… Probably to a ship to take the medic to Dooku. Kix grimaced and fought his bindings.

When the droids came to position to collect their prize, a droid jabbed his neck and he cursed loudly.

As his vision slowly fades again and his body relaxed, Kix swore he heard the faintest voice… But he could always tell a Clone from anyone.

“…I’m sorry"

How could everything spiral so suddenly?

Just days after the 501st left, the Droid Army decided to rain down upon Coruscant, prompting them to return to Coruscant to fight off the invasion. Then the Chancellor was taken and rescued all in the space of like 3 hours, Dooku died along the way.

Scully had just left the underground infirmary after a visit to a dear friend for any information. Some of the Guard were acting funny, they could tell… the Commanders were gone for long hours, nor had they been open as much after Scipio. Considering how Thorn had died alone in the fields of battle and after Rhythm had brought his helmet back for them, mumbling how he didn’t want Thorn alone anymore. Olly had instantly taken his vod’ika to the side to help clean the armour from the stains of war, Remedy ensuring Rhythm knew he wasn’t alone in that thought. After all, the Guard watched out for themselves most of all.

It was when they smelt smoke, their eyes shot up and they began to run.

The great temple was burning alive, they could almost feel the pain oozing from the brickwork. For how long this Temple had stood… and there was dashes of white and blue scattered around the blasterfire and sabermarks.

Their hearts fell to pieces as screams of children suddenly died out, the Jedi Knights clamouring to defend their home and then to fall to the floor in eternal sleep. Scully looked around and took the form of the fallen body of a clone. A poor 501st member who had gained a nasty saber slash.

And they ran into the fray.

Must be something they can do… Why would they turn… Was Jesse and Rex doing this? Was Kix??

They paused and moved into position as they saw a squad of Clones move past. Her heart fell even more when she recognised crosshatched armour and a solid blue right arm with surgical marks. Running in even further, they could recognise a stern medic’s posture and the pale vambrace followed by blue lines.

The medics all kept close together. Though they couldn’t see Jesse or Rex…

Were they further in?

Scully proceeded inwards. Looking around before opening a door to the muffled sobbing of children. Two kids surrounded by their dead creche mates… Where was their Creche Master?? They would have died protecting them…

Did they…?

Scully looked over raising their hands, free of any weapon.

“You can sense it…? I’m not one of them…”

The younglings looked at each other.

“Yes…”

“I’m here to help y-'' She was cut off when she gained a Bothan in one arm and a Xexto child in the other. She had to control herself or she’d lose focus.

Take them somewhere safe.

They managed to smuggle the two kids out, shifting back into their Nautolan form as they ran; chest aching as they moved to the lower floors. Having stolen laundry to change the kid’s outfits to make them not stand out, stopping past their apartment for a rest and making plans to the Spaceport.

They needed to go. Find Erin… Erin would know what’s happening.

They would help these kids…

They’d gather all they could, tell these kids to keep close… and leave Coruscant. As much as it pained them… and that they couldn’t go to the Guard and work out what had happened. Their Galaxy had turned upside down instantly… and they hoped it would reverse soon.

Their search for Kix would have to be on hold… it would be what he’d want… Right?

-----

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ahsokathegray · 1 month

Text

A Remedy for Memory || Part Two

Pairing: Rexsoka

Prompt: Rexsoka Monthly Jan. ‘24 - Accidental First Kiss

Summary: One simple fall causes a certain commander to fall in love with his co-commander all over again. Rex expresses his gratitude to his lover rather affectionately — unaware that he's never done so before, unaware that he and Ahsoka aren't together.

Tags: order 66 didn't happen, temporary amnesia, whump kinda, fake dating kinda, protective brotherly Anakin

Word Count: 5,713

A/N: if you saw the rom com this was inspired by, no you didn't. but fr go watch it, it's called the other zoey! (@rexsoka-monthly)

read on ao3! / masterlist

Three Months Ago

“Commander Rex, the latest briefing has come in.”

Her Commander turned to face the officer on the bridge before focusing his attention back to her, “Want to have a look? It might have an update on General Kenobi’s efforts.”

That kind smile flashed upon his lips and reached his bright eyes. Ahsoka found that she was incapable of refusing. Being at his side in these few days since her return felt almost magnetic and she didn’t desire to part with that anytime soon. She followed the officer and Rex waited for her to fall in line before he let himself move his feet.

The doors to the briefing room swept aside and encased them in the small space, the holotable glowing with the waiting figure of Commander Cody. “Rex, are you and Commander Tano en route to Coruscant?”

Ahsoka smiled at the man’s use of her former title. No one was seemingly able to drop it either out of habit or respect or both. Even outside of her former legion, the clones continued to refer to her as their Commander. She smiled and Cody greeted her as well.

“We are. Just departed from Mandalore and had entered hyperspace right before you called. Maul is in custody below,” Rex answered. “Any update on your end?”

“Yes. My men are retrieving the body of General Grievous as we speak… what’s left of him, that is. General Kenobi was successful in his efforts against the pile of scrap. I shouldn’t speak too soon on such matters brother, but, with the death of Grievous comes the end of the war — rendering the Seperatist’s forces without orders and therefore… ineffective,” Cody said, his voice sounding as if he didn’t believe the words he spoke.

The words sounded wrong to everyone.

Rex’s eyes narrowed and he had to sit his helmet down, “You’re positive?”

Cody laughed, “I had to confirm three times myself. My medics declared him dead. Proceed en route to the capital, Rex. Commanders. We’ll join you shortly. Cody out.”

His blue form fizzled and the holotable went dark.

Ahsoka’s mouth hung open and she searched Rex for his reaction. His eyebrows were high on his forehead, a similar expression of shock painting his face. They stood there in a weighted silence. Neither of them knew what or how to feel.

It went without saying that this war had been their only real purpose in life, each of them growing up in it and knowing nothing other than to be a soldier. All they knew was the mission, the field, the fight, the reports, the lack of sleep. They only ever knew the hurt and pain of war — the never ending loss amidst small victories. It wasn’t an endless cycle, it was just their life.

Neither she nor Rex remembered a life without the war or life without the other person in it.

What did they do now if it was all over? How did they proceed after the people they were on Mandalore?

He was the first to speak, cutting through the loud and suffocating silence, “Well, in the theme of good things resulting from war.” A half-hearted chuckle rumbled in his chest, referencing their earlier conversation on the bridge. “They end.”

“What will you do now?” she blurted, the words leaving her mouth as soon as he finished.

He put his tongue in the pocket of his cheek, scanning the empty room. No… not here. Such honesties weren’t appropriate in this location — not that said honesties were appropriate in any scenario. “Whatever the Republic asks of me, I suppose. My loyalty remains with it. The fight won’t end overnight,” he said.

“And if it does?” Ahsoka prompted, not satisfied with his answer and knowing well that he was right.

She should’ve felt more shame with the way her focus rested on his lips, watching them part in anticipation of his response, far too hopeful that he’d mention the gundark in the room. Rex’s tongue darted out to wet his bottom lip and she hung desperately onto each torturous movement. His tongue rose behind his teeth as he prepared to speak, but his response never came.

The door opposite of the bridge slid open and Jesse and a squad of clones stepped in. Rex’s attention fell from her to his brothers.

Jesse was out of breath. “Commander Rex, I just got an update from Cody.”

“We just got off with him,” Rex said. “What he says is true, but don’t go telling the men just yet. We want them to finish up with everything before they start producing flasks and alcohol out of thin air.”

Jesse laughed guilty and patted a pouch on his waist, “You got it, Commander.” He saluted Rex and faced Ahsoka, doing the same, “Commander.”

The doors didn’t close behind him as his small squad left, allowing air into the tense little room and allowing the Commander and Advisor to catch their breath, but stripping them of their criminally short bit of privacy.

Rex fought with his decision not to tell her. He’d waved the opportunity by as it passed him yet now intensely wanted it back. They’d unfortunately rejoined reality, but it was nowhere close to feeling as real as the reality they’d been a part of when the briefing room had been theirs alone. The tight, charged bubble of air that had encapsulated them on Mandalore followed them on the bridge of the Tribunal, shrinking steadily all the while and pushing them further together. It had reached a point of suffocating smallness, but one that Rex and Ahsoka both had welcomed — only for it to suddenly burst.

Ahsoka stepped away from him and he could physically feel the distance growing between them in the pit of his stomach. It was then that he realized the end of the war didn’t quell his fear of losing her again — now in more ways than one.

“You coming?” she asked, moving toward the exit. His stomach lightened. “The sooner things get done, the sooner we can tell everyone the good news.”

Rex picked his helmet up and his shoulders along with it. The soft curve of her full lips made his entire body feel lighter. There was not a thing in the galaxy to feel so mournful about just yet.

“We could check up on how far along the men are with the post-mission checklists again,” Rex suggested.

Ahsoka bit her lip midway through his sentence, suppressing a curious grin and shutting off her datapad.

“What?” he asked, his own lips curving upwards. They’d been doing that frequently since her return.

“We can only check the status of the gear so many times, Rex,” she laughed. “It’s been four years. Your men have it under control. They could probably do it in their sleep, I’d wager.”

That pulled a laugh from his lungs, “I reckon’ you’re right. The boys would start thinking I’ve come down with something if I start hovering again. Besides, the corries being on board are enough to do a lot of it for me.”

“I think I’ll have to confer with Jesse on that one. A relaxed Captain Rex is not something I can picture,” she teased, bypassing the final set of ships in the hangar.

“I’ve told you. It’s true. More than just Jesse can attest.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Ahsoka kept on, giving him a wink and that smirk of hers as he jogged up to catch her. “We’ve seen to our duties three times over now—”

“Two and a half,” he corrected, winking back at her, the blood in his ears pumping furiously.

That earned him a mocking eye roll, squeezing at his heart. “So far, you’re not proving your case. And as your advisor, I’d advise you to turn in early and get caught up on lost sleep. You should take every opportunity you get. I hear the war will be over soon,” Ahsoka jested. It’s all the men were talking about. Word had spread more quickly than even the Blue Shadow Virus had.

He shrugged his shoulders, a loose smile playing at his lips, “Which doesn’t exactly mean the end of reports.”

“Vaughn has them covered as Captain,” she countered, crossing her arms and foiling his one and only excuse to remain in her presence for just a little while longer.

Blast it.

The last thing Rex wanted to do was turn in early. He very much wanted to finish overseeing the men, and he wanted to fill out the various mission reports from the siege… not that it necessarily needed to be done now or by him specifically. It was something that gave him purpose and perhaps a bit of joy. Did he still experience that same joy from said tasks when Ahsoka wasn’t around as he did them?

Well, not exactly, but that has nothing to do with anything. And how many more opportunities would he get to do those things with her if the war truly was ending?

Even though it was still unclear, Rex felt a mass settle in his chest that told him their time together was limited. Did they just not address all that banter? The absence of appropriate distance between the two of them? The shortness of breath where they got perhaps too close?

They were running out of time and he knew it. Everything was about to change.

Rex wasn’t Force sensitive by any means, but he could feel that Ahsoka knew it too — just as he could somehow sense that she felt everything he felt.

They came to a lift adjacent to the hangar and Rex stepped in after her, something like the wings of keeradacks brushing against the walls of his stomach. Had these things always been so narrow?

He swore they were bigger on the Resolute. The Tribunal had to be an updated model of the Jedi cruiser.

Their arms touched.

Ahsoka cut her eyes up at him from under her lashes. He smiled but didn’t move. She didn’t either. Her gaze fell to his throat, watching it bob as he swallowed. The confines of the lift were having a physical effect on him and it was not going unnoticed. Ahsoka smoothed her dress. It was doing the same thing to her.

A sharp ding then filled the thick air between them and Rex cleared his throat, hanging behind to allow her to exit first — because he was a gentleman and also because he wasn’t.

He bit his tongue at the way her short dress hugged her backside.

Ahsoka led the way through the corridor, passing the men’s empty barracks and heading toward the wing reserved for commanding officers and other such superiors. She was taking the long way and didn’t think he’d notice.

It shouldn’t have, but the air felt thick up here as well. There was no one around but the two of them — their forces still cleaning weaponry and finalizing tasks for their return to Coruscant. These halls wouldn’t be so deserted soon, but for now, they echoed.

Commander’s quarters were within sight all too soon and Ahsoka leaned against the wall opposite of his door. Rex stopped suddenly, not approaching the door. It had been on his mind since they departed for this mission and he’d not gotten the opportunity to offer beforehand.

“Ahsoka,” he said, earning her curious eye. “You can have my quarters if you’d like. I know they used to be yours and it’s something that would feel familiar. You shouldn't have to sleep in a guest room.”

She smiled softly, “I wouldn’t ask that of you, Rex. Besides, I am technically a guest as an advisor. I appreciate it, but it’s quite alright.”

“I know you’d never ask it of me, which is why I’m offering it to you.”

“Rex, I’m not taking your bed from you.”

He swallowed, that specific string of words lighting his insides on fire.

“Then sleep in the General’s quarters at least,” he suggested. “If the Council hadn’t done what they did to you… that’s the room you’d be in right now anyway.”

Her brow markings dipped questioningly, an amused yet honest expression decorating her features. “What’s this about, Rex?”

If she said his name one more time, it would be the medic he’d have to seek out.

The closer she stepped, the more his throat seemed to close. “General Skywalker promoted me and, well, your bed is worlds more comfortable than mine — the Commander’s bed, I mean,” he corrected himself, cursing the blush that was blooming under his collar. “It’s worlds better than the Captain’s ever was and I deduced that the guest beds must be about the same as the barracks.”

Ahsoka raised her brows and nodded, confirming his suspicions, a little laugh punctuating her words, “You’d be right on the credits with that assumption. Always seeing between the lines.”

“Skywalker didn’t assign me to you for no reason,” he said, half joking. She laughed. Kriff, he loved it when she laughed. He loved even more than he could be the reason she laughed.

“You wouldn’t tell if I hijacked the General’s quarters, then?”

“Not a soul, General,” he playfully saluted.

She rolled her eyes and pushed herself off the wall, approaching the door beside his. Her door whooshed open and his followed.

Slender sienna fingers gripped the door and they drowned in one another’s eyes, staying quiet for too long and staring longer than was acceptable. If the war wasn’t coming to an end and there were more scenarios like this one, Rex wasn’t so sure either of them could keep a leash on their self control. That pull was back — that gravitational force between them — the bubble shrinking around them.

She finally broke eye contact and glanced away, skin tinged with a blush. Her goodbye was reluctant. “Good night, Rex,” she whispered.

There was no no remaining moisture in his mouth and a frightened love in his “Good night, Ahsoka,” tugging back on itself, trying to keep itself a secret.

He waited until her rear lek disappeared through the door and it slid closed, the distance and the wall between them a heartache. Rex ran a hand over the back of his head and looked at the cold door.

He loved her. It was in every word spoken to her, in the crossing of blaster under saber, in longing stares, in the lingering behind after everyone else had gone, the accidental touching, the knowing what they were doing with all that banter. He loved her. She made him understand the word in a way he never thought possible.

At no point in the war had Rex paced so karking much. He did it until he thought maybe he was keeping Ahsoka awake with it, as they shared a wall. One wall. One fucking, miserable, mocking wall. He sat on the bed. His knee bounced incessantly. He didn’t even try to shed his armor and get the shut eye she’d advised. Sleep would not be coming any time soon. Rex knew well that her being an advisor had meant the war variety, not in the sleep variety. She had only been half teasing when she’d suggested it, of that he was aware, but he didn’t want to let her down.

She plagued him. She infected his every cell. He ought to find the medic and get him to run a diagnostic. He was sure the monitors would beep with a high amount of ‘A-count’ over that of the normal M-count he heard talk of all those times Kix had seen to Ahsoka’s injuries.

Ahsoka had invaded his body and mind and he didn’t want to get her out. She reigned over all of his senses.

He checked the chrono and released a huff of air. It had only been an hour since they’d both confined themselves to their quarters. His mouth was void of all moisture, knees bringing him to stand from the bed and approach the door. With a sharp inhale and a setting of the jaw, he pressed the button to open it and the brightly lit hallway greeted him.

Roaring laughter could be heard to the right, pouring from the barracks. A drink was what he really needed, a bit of Tihaar to numb his nerves. Jesse would no doubt have a separate stash he could borrow from, with no fear of running low. But he didn’t turn to the right. Rex took one step to the left and found the door to the General’s quarters open — Ahsoka’s door.

It was dark inside and he peered in, finding the sheets awry and no one in bed. No one was in the room at all. Where had she gone?

For a fleeting moment, Rex reconsidered the barracks, wondering if Ahsoka had joined the men in celebrations. But he shook his head, walking in the opposite direction. Rex had no destination in mind. Like his future, his current path was undetermined, leaving him aimlessly wandering about the cruiser.

Most sections of the ship were completely untouched, indicating that the Tribunal had only recently been released from the Kuat Drive Yards. He wondered if Mandalore had been its maiden voyage — if it had been constructed for a war it would never see.

After all, the siege had not officially been a part of the war.

He sighed, trying with proven difficulty not to think about the time that had already passed and the time that still would. They were all waiting like sitting convors as one era quietly bled into the next. He didn’t expect to ever be so… unsettling.

The rambunctious chatter in his helmet did nothing to lift his mood or ease his mind, moving him to switch his comms off entirely. No one was looking for him at this time of night, all under the impression he’d gone to bed. Hell, if a drunken trooper came face to face with him in the corridors, they’d look even more so like a kybuck in headlights than they did when sober.

At any rate, Jesse was with them and doing an excellent job of being both the babysitter and the drinking buddy.

Their laughter echoed down the halls even this far away from the barracks. Ahsoka had to know what they were all doing, but either didn’t mind or had gone somewhere else to sleep. Between her not being on this mission as a Jedi as well as the war’s status being up in the air, she wasn’t there to bust any codpieces.

His face flushed furiously under his bucket at the thought.

Rex had no idea how all this had managed to happen in just a few days' time. She was never not on his mind. If he took a left up ahead, it would lead him on the path to the medbay. It might be worth going to sort this thing out. He had to have breathed in some kind of pollen or intoxicant that made him feel this way about Ahsoka…

But deep in his heart he knew that nothing had gotten into his airways — nothing except her.

Rex took said left and found himself walking above the hangar. The lights had been shut off, meaning the men had properly finished their assigned tasks without him going behind them to ensure it. He spoke too soon, however, as there was one light still on.

Without the comm chatter of the boys in his helmet, Rex’s own thoughts filled the bucket and suffocated him. Completing that earlier two and a half rounds of inspections would do well to clear it. He sighed and made for the lift in the hall to take care of the light when he passed by the hangar control center, catching sight of sharp movement from within through his periphery.

The room was completely dark.

“Hey,” he called, walking into the small room, his tone taking on that of reprimanding a loitering shiny. “No one should be in here, it’s after hour—”

His pauldron caught the edge of the wall and he lost his footing, catching himself with ease but not before bumping into someone.

Ahsoka.

She was leaned up against a panel, smirking up at him as if she’d been waiting for him to get here, backlit by the one light in the hangar and the glow of the control panels. More importantly, she was flush against him and hadn’t moved despite his misstep.

He had never been more regretful in his own steps as he backed away. Kriff, she was angelic.

“After hours? Even for advisors?” she asked playfully, crossing her arms.

He’d done nothing but smile like a fool since her return and now was no exception. Rex stood there admiring her, transfixed with her beauty and out of breath at the way she shone in the dim light. It was difficult to swallow, but he managed, thankful she couldn’t see his lopsided grin under the helmet. “I distinctly recall you infamously never abiding to the rule anyway,” he said, adding, “Some things never change.”

Even in the dark he could see her knee-weakening curve of the lips, smiling at his second use of the phrase, referencing a slice of their amorous interactions on Mandalore. Karking hells. This had taken the top spot of most beautiful things he’d ever seen — and everything on the list was Ahsoka.

Rex didn’t smile so genuinely very often, yet her return had broken new records. Seeing her face for the first time again, her reaction to the helmets, his handiwork had swelled in his chest and engorged his heart. He didn’t anticipate her being so beautiful, so perfect. As soon as those doors had opened and she’d walked in with Skywalker, Rex had been done for. And once they were on their way to Mandore — once they were alone — the banter began, but not ever how it had been before. His heart fluttered and his stomach flipped, that muscle behind his navel coiling. It was charged, magnetic, and only increased over the past few days.

His poor heart hammered against his chest plate, threatening the integrity of the armor.

“Don’t tell me you’re up because you were going to triple check the men’s efforts in the hangar,” Ahsoka taunted.

He pressed his lips together and chuckled softly, “Well, if I told you I couldn’t sleep, that would be a lie.”

And a lie it would be. As much as he hadn’t wanted to admit it to himself, his path tonight was never undetermined — it was always going to lead him to her.

Ahsoka stepped forward and yet again they were nearly flush together, the distance between them now so small that it would raise all sorts of concern and probably broke several protocols. She studied his helmet and tilted her head, offering him a sweet smile. Rex knew better than to think she was merely taking stock of the armor, looking instead past it at the man underneath.

Ungloved hands closed around the bottom half of the bucket and lifted, all of Rex’s suffocating thoughts and feelings dissolving into the air.

That had to be a protocol violation — but it would be one he never filed and his heart wasn’t complaining.

And he was past letting it.

Ahsoka hummed, “You didn’t even try, did you?” Rex offered her a guilty raise of the hands and purse of the lips and she laughed. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. And,” she said, running a finger along the rangefinder on his helmet, her words tickling his lips. His entire body came alight with electricity. “You’ll be pleased to know that the men did a perfect job with the ships in the hangar, like I said they would.”

His brows knit together and his mouth fell slightly agape, their breaths mingling. They were probably the only two people on board not drunk off their shebs, but Rex swore that was changing. He was becoming intoxicated just being this close to her, his mind struggling to work past the haze.

Thankfully, his reserves kicked in and her meaning fell into place. “And you called me unrelaxed,” he heard himself say.

Shrugging, Ahsoka mirrored his earlier words, “Old habits and all. Like you said, some things never change, right?” He swore she winked at him but couldn’t be sure, the haze fogging his brain could’ve seen what it wanted to. “I did save you one though.”

A single brown eyebrow raised and he mirrored her smug little smirk, “Oh yeah?”

“I had a feeling I’d find you wandering this way at some point tonight,” she said, turning to exit the room, still holding his helmet and casting a soft, unreadable smile over her shoulder.

Rex followed her again into a tiny lift and made a point to purposefully graze her arm with his, not that it wouldn’t have happened naturally if he didn’t try. He watched her lips raise out of the corner of his eye.

The ding sounded all too soon and he decided that there was very little in this universe he wouldn’t give to be able to get stuck in this lift with her.

She led him down the dim hallway towards the main doors, walking in comfortable silence and feeling his heart inch further up his throat with every step. This was where he had to tell her. They were quite literally walking into the opportunity. It was quiet all around them, but his thoughts were loud, so loud in fact that he was sure they’d start echoing in the hangar along with his and Ahsoka’s combined footsteps.

The ship in question was a small shuttle tucked away to the left. It was the only thing in the hangar that was lit — the overhead light above it buzzing.

“I can practically hear the gears turning in there,” Ahsoka commented softly, glancing back at him.

“Just on edge a bit,” he said truthfully. “Guess we all are with the rumors that are circulating,” he said less truthfully.

She pressed a button that lowered the ramp of the shuttle, nodding in agreement. “Whatever happens, I’m looking forward to not being a soldier with you, whether it's now or later.”

Rex straightened his shoulders, “I’m not sure what will happen to all of us clones, but it would be the highest honor to assist you in being a keeper of the peace. There’s nothing I’d rather do.”

He half thought she’d salute him again as she did on the bridge, but Ahsoka only boarded the ramp and set his helmet down on a nearby surface.

“So… you’re rejoining the Order, then?” he asked, feeling the available air around them diminish.

Her lips flattened in thought and she nodded. “I think so, yes, but I'm not without my conditions. Besides, how else am I supposed to see you all the time?” she added, pretending like she was only joking.

Something in the way she wet her lips told Rex otherwise.

They’d barely made it two steps inside the shuttle’s narrow entryway and his heart already threatened to short out. He could control his breathing in any and all other situations, except for those that involved her. And for the first time, he noticed that her breathing pattern was the same. If not even the use of the Force could help her with regulating it, then he was fighting a battle he was destined to lose.

By some miracle of the universe, his voice didn’t betray him as he spoke. “Did you really save this ship for my inspection?”

Ahsoka didn’t miss a beat and took a step forward. “You do have the better eyes,” she said, searching him far beyond that of the surface level. She seeped into his very pores.

Not another missed opportunity would pass him by, not when she was this close again, not when she was looking at him like that.

Rex pushed away from the surface behind him and matched her forward step, entering her space and turning her steps into reverse, backing her into the opposite wall.

He was careful not to crowd her and she pressed herself into the durasteel behind her, looking up and finding his intense gaze. “I’d wager a fair amount of credits that yours are better,” he drawled, not at all in reference to her inspection abilities. One of his hands raised and settled on the wall next to Ahsoka’s head. Her left montral grazed the inside of his wrist and the breath in both of their throats hitched.

The blue of her eyes felt like home and not just because they were the blue of Kamino’s waters on a day without rain. He would gladly sink to the depths for her if she asked it of him. Her wide eyes searched his, full lips parting as the inches between their faces dwindled. His knee ran along the outside of hers, that bubble around them tightening — constricting the air around them, forcing them to share the same breath.

Whether or not Ahsoka had truly left this shuttle for his inspection or not was irrelevant. He’d figured out her unreadable smile and sleight of hand. She wanted to see if he truly had relaxed, if he could allow himself something like this despite his duty and despite his title — if he could love her.

He did.

He did and he was tired of not admitting it. Both to himself and to her.

The backs of his knuckles slowly swept up her inner arm, gliding along her bicep. His fingers shook and his breath trembled, but he refused to look away from her, ready for any sign or signal that she wanted him to stop.

She swallowed visibly, tucking her bottom lip between her teeth and tilting her head just so, exposing her neck to him. The subtle movement was almost imperceptible, but Rex caught it, journeying to the skin and grazing her lekku with his knuckles along the way.

Ahsoka sucked in a heavy breath, heart pounding mercilessly. Rex continued, sliding his fingers over her neck and pressing over her very rapid, very visible pulse. She let out a breath of air as if to laugh at herself, but it became trapped in her throat as he leaned down, eyes on her. The ‘no’ never came.

His lips were soft as they pressed to her pulse point, kissing with the utmost delicacy and lingering not nearly long enough.

Her eyes were blown wide when he pulled away, chest pushed forward and heaving.

“‘Soka, I—”

She whimpered and cut him off, bringing both of her hands to his face and pulling him close, desperate to share his air again and feel his lips on hers this time. Rex’s hand fell to her waist and she wiggled to where his leg was situated between her legs. Ahsoka inhaled with quivering lips into his mouth and Rex did the same, lips touching briefly. His other hand cradled her face, thumb stroking the marking on her cheek, watching as her brow markings couldn’t settle on what to do.

Rex smiled into her mouth, sighing in relief as he closed his eyes and—

“Who left this light on? Someone turn that off before Commander Rex shuts the party down,” a voice echoed in the hangar.

Ahsoka’s forehead pressed against Rex’s, the both of them out of breath and looking desperately into the other’s eyes as the footsteps drew nearer.

Another voice joined the first, “I saw Sterling turn all these off. Must’ve been an accident.”

Two orange fingers were held up and Rex nodded. Two troopers were coming this way and the ramp to the shuttle was still lowered. Fek, he hoped she had a plan.

He wasn’t disappointed. Ahsoka closed her eyes and lifted her hand into the air, her nose scrunching as slightly as she navigated the Force. Rex watched on as the light from outside flickered a few times, repeating a few times and sparking before shutting off completely. The dark blanketed them completely.

“Keep going,” she whispered breathily.

A blush blossomed over Rex’s entire body. Those men were still out there.

“What the—” he heard one of them say.

“Must be a bad fuse. Tell a droid and let’s wipe our hands with it. I’d like to return to my drink,” the other giggled.

“Good with me.”

Karking hells they had to be right by the shuttle, with no idea that their Commanders were inside.

His lips found that spot on her neck he’d kissed before, pressing his lips to it and deepening the kiss, one hand cradling her neck as the other found the tip of her right lek. Ahsoka sucked in a sharp breath and clenched her teeth to keep from making any noise. He bravely swiped his tongue along the tender skin and her body jerked, hands wrapping around his neck.

“Rex,” she whispered, panting.

He hummed against her feverish skin, squeezing her lek and running it through his fist.

She sighed, trying to control her reactions, “I think, I’d like to— I’d like to amend my statement from earlier.”

Rex sucked at the spot he’d been stimulating, right where her jaw met her neck, drawing the most delicious sound past her wavering lips. “Yeah? Which one is that, ‘Soka?”

He felt her swallow and catch her breath, antsy hands falling to his belt, “Whe— When I called you my friend,” she gasped.

All he could do was chuckle against her, pressing one final kiss to her neck. “I think we both knew what you meant,” he breathed.

A small bit of light bled through the hangar as the two troopers vacated the area. She glanced towards the door and straightened despite the return of their privacy. “Linger back a bit,” she whispered. “Meet me in the General’s quarters.”

“Ahsoka,” Rex said, being sure to use her name properly. “Are you sure?”

Her wrist was taken between his fingers and her other hand rubbed his shoulder in response. “I’ve never been more sure of anything, Rex. I’ve been sure for… how many days has it been?”

Rex expelled a bit of air from his nose and leant down to peck her cheek, “I’ve lost count by now, because of you.”

#rexsoka #rexsoka fic #rexsoka monthly #january 2024: accidental first kiss #my fic #a remedy for memory #ahsokathegray

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freesia-writes · 8 months

Text

Chapter 22: Return

···

During the Clone Wars, the Bad Batch is tasked with a variety of missions across the galaxy. An unexpected addition to their team throws a wrench in the mix, particularly for Tech, who finds a particular connection with this disillusioned Padawan-turned-mechanic named Vel throughout the events in this action-adventure romance. COVER ART BY @zaana!!

Master List of Chapters

Tech bounced his knee impatiently as the Marauder lurched out of hyperspace, Alderaan appearing in front of them. As they slowly glided toward the surface, Hunter appeared behind him, resting a hand on the back of his chair and observing the planet. It felt like they'd been here yesterday, but months had passed.

"There are so many impracticalities, Hunter," Tech confessed.

"We've been over this. Life is short, and ours even shorter. She's handy on missions and clearly made an impact on you. You already shared all your reasons, and we're here anyway," Hunter replied.

"True. But I am concerned that my perception of reality has been altered by literary portrayals of this sort of thing," Tech returned.

"Well, take it one step at a time," Hunter advised, turning to gear up with the others.

Tech's hands tightened on the steering controls momentarily, and he sought distraction by moving through the long-memorized actions of the switches and buttons of the landing sequence. He had been forced to make a quick departure after his last conversation with Vel, called to another mission before she had woken up. He had remedied the situation by sending a transmission, informing her of his absence and his regret at their separation.

He had also determined it was the right thing to do, concerning his apparent interest in her, to follow in the steps of a variety of literary and historical characters and maintain communication during their time apart. He had been diligent to send transmissions on a regular basis, filling her in on their adventures as much as he could while maintaining confidentiality.

Unbeknownst to the others, he had even made a few attempts to reflect upon and convey his feelings, in a variety of approaches, from descriptive analysis to poetry, though the latter was too subjective for his tastes. And now, forty-two missions later, they had completed their recent objective and found themselves landing on the very planet on which Vel had been recovering from her spinal injury.

***

Vel grimaced, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. She had completed five full laps on her own, without any of the equipment, and was going for a few more with the assistive walker. It had been a long journey, but she was able to get around on her own and was now working on her stamina. She paused for a moment, leaning on the walker, when she heard his voice.

"If you keep pushing yourself like that, you're going to be outrunning me in a week," a gravelly male voice said. She turned to see Arthen grinning next to her, dressed in his standard medical attire, with a datapad in his hand. "You've made so much progress."

She stood up straighter, tilting her head and returning his smile with a bright one of her own. "Well, you know I've got you to thank for that, so you're really just complimenting yourself."

Arthen laughed, wagging a finger at her before tapping on the screen.

As Clone Force 99 entered the expansive physical therapy facility, Crosshair located Vel immediately with his sharp eyes, nudging his brother with an elbow. Tech followed his gesture, spotting her brown hair, and felt considerably unsettled.

"You sure you don't want us to come with you?" Wrecker asked, wrapping an arm around Tech's neck and rubbing a fist into his hair.

"No, thank you!" Tech snipped, wrestling himself away from his brother and fastidiously returning his hair to its... well, you know.

"Alright, we'll see you at lunch," Hunter said, "Come on." They headed for the door, Crosshair turning back to give a wink before disappearing into the corridor. Tech stood for a moment, watching Vel talk to the medical personnel, going through his speech again in his head to ensure it was precisely adequate.

With a deep breath, he approached them slowly, hands fidgeting at his sides, "Hello, Vel."

She turned toward him, utter shock on her face. "Tech? What..." she drifted off, "I mean, hello."

As she identified this newcomer, Arthen's eyebrows dropped briefly, but he recovered quickly and extended a hand. "Arthen Rass. Nice to meet you... Tech, was it?"

"Yes," Tech responded automatically, shaking the hand after an initial pause. He turned to Vel, shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other, unsure where to begin despite all his practice.

"Um, I was just about to finish and go tidy up," Vel said, feeling a need to escape the situation.

"Might I have a quick word before you do?" Tech inquired politely, having trouble looking at her, eyes heavy with the weight of the time they'd been apart.

"Sure," Vel answered, "Arthen, I'll see you later?"

"Looking forward to it," he responded warmly, leaning in to kiss her cheek. He lingered for a moment, whispering something in her ear that caused her to blush and push him away, then he offered a nod to Tech before heading for the door.

Vel turned to face Tech, cheeks still flushed, and he stared at her, dumbfounded. So many questions flew through his mind, and he was completely thrown off from everything he had been thinking leading up to this moment.

"You are romantically involved?" he asked bluntly.

"Yeah, kinda," Vel answered, looking at the ground for a moment before raising her eyes back to his. "What are you doing here?"

"I came... We came... We were on a mission nearby," Tech finished, still clearly distracted.

"Nice," Vel responded flatly. "Well, it was good to see you. I'm sure you've got places to be." And she turned toward the door.

Tech's mind was racing, but the sense of urgency brimmed over his self-control, "Vel, I came to see you. It has been a while, but as you know, I have not stopped thinking of you."

Vel stopped, turning over her shoulder, eyes narrowing. "As I know? I don't know anything, Tech. You disappeared without saying goodbye. Then you show up after months and months and just expect everything to be the same? You can't keep dropping me off and fetching me like a spare part when you suddenly find a need for me again."

"That is not--" Tech began, feeling flooded with responses and questions.

"Take care of yourself, Tech," Vel said, turning back to the door, "And tell the boys I said hello." And with that, she walked as smoothly as she could, exhaustion requiring her to use the assistive walker, and disappeared out the door. Tech remained, arms at his sides, frozen in place by the oppressive weight of confusion and disappointment.

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