Dear Obi-wan,

I'm sorry. I'm gonna say it now, because I don't know how much time I have left. I should've done more, should've fought harder against these restraints. You always told me that I was unique, that I was something special. I should've listened to you, sir. You were right and it took this to make me realize it. I should've told you this more often, but I always thought of you as a brother, not like Rex or Alpha, but like what you and Anakin or Mace have. I've got to do this, sir; it's the only way to protect you all. In the package you'll find everything you'll need to understand what I'm saying. I know it sounds like nonsense, but you'll understand. I hope to make it back, but if I don't, you'll know what to do.

Tell the boys bye for me, I was never good at it anyway. Tell Echo I'm proud of him, he was always like a son to me. Remember that time he crashed the speeder right into Ventress's ship? He's a good kid, make sure he gets somewhere in life; don't let him end up like me. He has amazing talents; don't let him waste them in this blackhole like I did. Tell Odds to go out with that gal he found, he needs something stable in his life. Get Meds to loosen up a bit, get him out and about. Tell Anakin I'm happy for him, you probably understand, and tell him to not do anything stupid. He's got a big responsibility and needs to be there for a long time. Tell Rex he needs to wise up a bit, that he needs to open his eyes to reality and see what he has right in front of him. Tell Ahsoka I'll miss her and to follow her heart. She always held a special spot in mine. I left something in the box for her, in case I make it back.

Watch yourself, Kenobi; I won't always be there to watch your back. I'll miss you all.

Cody

Obi-wan stared at the letter, then looked down at the package in his lap. Why had his friend done this? Why did he have to go it alone? He looked up at the others in the room, their tear-filled eyes reflecting his. This was not the first time he had read the letter, but it still hurt as much as the first time. Cody had been gone for three months and he had finally gotten the package a week ago. Three months, doing this, alone, probably dead to save them.

"He always said we did too much for him," Meds voice cut through the silence, gruff. He and Obi-wan had done everything they could to find Cody, but this was all they had turned up.

"Why?" was all Echo could muster, and then he and Ahsoka held each other, crying softly.

"It's his way of saying thank you, kid," Rex said softly, looking down at his hands.

"I should've said it sooner," a voice said from the doorway. "I really wish I had, but now I have a chance to."