All Star Wars characters are properties of George Lucas. The original characters are mine. The plot is not so original but a thrilling one yes? This Chapter is Mostly from Rex's POV.


The terrain on this planet reminded Anakin of Tatooine. He had an instant dislike.

Harsh and dusty, the scouting party from the 501st battalion found themselves in yet another "situation". The reckless Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker, led the way. His padawan, Ashoka Tano, had taken to walking on Clone Captain Rex's right side. He was trying to pretend that he wasn't injured in the crash land. The girl had noticed and instinctively moved to his side. Rex would never complain if he wasn't literally dying. Even then, he'd have an 'I'm just a clone, attitude.' However, he was glad the girl made a fuss. It made him feel valued, which was something all clones couldn't admit they felt.

There were four other troopers with them. Rusty, Milo, Crank, and Pound were the newest additions to the 501st. The other four shinies were with Jedi Master Kenobi. Rex thought it interesting that they were paired up with the personality match for the older Jedi Master. These soldiers were calm and reserved, very by the book. Because he knew the Jedi, he imagined that the other four that got teamed with Kenobi could use some lessons in cool headed thinking.

That was how Yoda operated. Always teaching was he.

He wondered if the newbies questioned the unorthodox landing of the transport even as they traversed toward the rendezvous point. Hopefully Kenobi's team had a better landing than they. Otherwise, waiting for assistance would be the only other option. While the planet was droid free, it was possible the terrain would prove to be a worthy adversary.

"Keep your scanners on to maximum diameter," he ordered calmly. He always trusted his gut. Skywalker's pace had slowed to a stalking pace which meant his internal sensors were picking up something.

"Sir, there are no droids here," said Pound. The clone had been itching to shoot something all day. He may get his opportunity.

"Yeah, sir, do you have an ability that we don't?" said Crank. Rex didn't like him. Crank was the top of his class, but too sure of himself.

"No, just following the leader," said Rex. He'd let the kid figure it out. Apparently seeing the Jedi withdraw his light saber made them all a little more conscious of their position.

"Rex, stay here with the troops. Ashoka, you're with me." The Jedi took off over looming sand dune.

Something screeched with an unholy cry. Rex vaulted up the sand dune to find the Jedi fighting with a large sand worm. He hated those things.

"They need our help," said Crank. "Let's go."

The newbie attempted get past Rex. He stuck his foot out and tripped him.

"That worm's skin is thicker than a clanker tank's hull. Our blasters are useless. Fall back soldier."

That earned Rex a glare from Crank, but the other soldiers needed to learn somethings too.

"That little Jedi is pretty good," said Pound. Ashoka had dismembered several of the worms pincers allowing Anakin a chance to deliver a death blow to its head.

"Yeah, the kid's got experience, which out here, out ranks everything," said Rex.

Anakin waved at troopers to proceed. They slid down the embankment to where the Jedi stood.

"We've got to find shelter," said Anakin.

"Scanners indicate an increased level of oxygen 3 miles north sir," said Rex.

"What's that supposed to mean?" said Crank. He was all sour grapes.

"It means," said Ashoka. "That there is plant life and vegetation, possibly a forest."

"So that's where we'll go," said Anakin ignoring the emotional fireworks behind him. It was something he wasn't equipped to handle.


They happened upon a huge forest. Anakin played lumber jack for about a half hour.

"You're having way too much fun Master," said Ashoka.

"Just stack these into shelter, Snips. It 'll be good practice."

Ashoka didn't haven much faith in Anakin's educational motives for not letting her chop them down.

Rex watched Ashoka concentrate into stacking the logs into a makeshift home for the seven of them.

"You're doing good kid," said Rex. He slid down into a sitting position against a stone slab. His ribs were killing him. He removed his bucket and sat it beside him.

"Is there something we could do to feel useful sir?" said Rusty.

"Yeah," said Rex. "You and Pound take an inventory of our supplies. See if that medic droid hologram is operational...my ribs are killing me. I'm sure they're damaged."

"Right!"

"Milo, take Crank and search the area for some edible creature we can eat for dinner."

"Right!"

"Yes Sir."

Rex could feel Ashoka glaring at him.

"Kid, we're not all vegetarians. Besides, protein will be what sustains us. We haven't got word from General Kenobi. We don't know how long we'll be here. You may have to eat some too."

"I know Rexy," said Ashoka placing her last log. Anakin came over to him and placed his hand on the Captain's side. Ashoka joined him.

"Looks bad Rex."

"I know, sir."

"Looks broken, Rex."

"I know, sir."

Anakin was very unhappy with this. Rex remembered how master Yoda scoled him for calling Ashoka "Snips". Anakin got attached to things and apparently that wasn't a good thing. Rex could see the reason for an expendable guy like him to be distanced from his leader. However, Ashoka was a precious unique individual. Plus, she was easy to like. A good kid.

"You shoulda stayed strapped in Snips."

"I know Master."

Rex had gotten hit by a flying crate of ammo that would've struck Ashoka in the head if Rex hadn't shielded her his own body. He couldn't let it happen. Before he knew it, he was up and moving. It happen so quickly.

"You should've seen that coming, Snips."

"I know Master."

"Be aware of your surroundings at all times."

"I will Master."

"Now Rex is hurt." Anakin knew how to lay it on thick. Push all the kid's buttons to drive home a point. Kenobi would've just said it. Rex is hurt because of you. Do better. Anakin was full of sass for a lack of a better word. So was Ashoka. Thus the hilarity ensued.

"I see that Master. I'm sorry Rex."

Rex couldn't believe how hilarious these two were. Since Ashoka had joined them on Christsophsis, his command had felt more like a family.

"Lighten up General, I'm just a clone."

Anakin's blue eyes burned into his.

"Not to me Rex."

"Me either, Rexy."

Rex rolled his eyes in mock disgust. He would not let on how touching this was. Ever. Anakin pretended to be furious at the Captain's insubordination. He stated rather loudly that he was going to see if he could open a com link with Obi Wan. The Jedi disappeared into the tree tops stating that's where he'd be if needed.

The ground was soft and moist. Ashoka sat down next to Rex. She was really too close. Her thigh was touching his. It was grossly inappropriate. Ashoka was unaware of how tempting she was. Too many times, he had to rough up grunts for staring too long or making an off handed remark. The padawan leaned over onto his shoulder. She was sound asleep. Using the force did that to her. It bothered Rex that she could sleep so soundly.

Rex grunted. "Hey Shinies! What are our supplies?"

Pound and Rusty had laid the supplies out exactly as trained. Then they returned to Rex since shouting was something they apparently had an aversion to. The aliens that bred them seemed to hate that about him.

They looked confused at the sleeping Ashoka propped up against him.

"Is she alright sir?"

"Yeah."

"Well sir," said Rusty. "Protocol dictates that we refrain from touching others in manners that are..."

"Inappropriate?"Obi Wan Kenobi.

He'd found them. Approached them. Over heard them without even being detected.

"In this case, Rusty, no. There's a reason she's sleeping against Rex. Jedi use the technique in the field."

"Yeah, she just gets exhausted. She props up against me like this so she senses what's going on. If we're facing a threat, I see it, she feels it. She snaps to."

"Anybody seen Anakin? I got his signal, but don't see him."

Rex pointed upward.

"Ah yes. Rex, your troopers found a small flock of birds. My team has joined them in the hunt. They should be back shortly. Are your wounds alright?"

Rex nodded.

"Alright then."

Obi Wan knew better than to fuss over him. It wasn't that he didn't care. He understood Rex. "I'm off to meet Anakin. We crash landed but our transport appears to be in much better shape than yours. We will construct another shelter for the rest our party. Have dinner and turn in for the night."

"Sounds like a plan, sir."

Obi Wan flew away. He literally bent his knees jumped into the tree tops out of sight.

Rusty shook his head, "Why didn't they just clone Jedi?"

That was a great question.

"Never mind," said Rex. "Get a fire going...I can't wait to eat."


They enjoyed their dinner in quiet conversations. How each of their transports crashed. How off course they were. What music they enjoyed the most. What they couldn't wait to do when they got back to Corusanct. Leave time was coming up for their Squadron. Anakin seemed to be lost in the flames of the fire. His mind far away from the looming darkness of this foreign planet.

Rex concluded that whatever he was thinking of, it was pleasant. Ashoka was enjoined in a conversation with the other troopers. Obi Wan was dozing soundly in one of the shelters. The Jedi had expended a large amount of energy keeping their transport from sliding off a cliff.

"We'd better turn for the night. Two troopers per watch, Rusty and Philo you're up on first watch."

Rex hoisted himself up and headed to the shelter. Without question, they obeyed him. Anakin rose and helped Rex into the shelter next to Obi Wan. Ashoka followed and rolled her mat down next to him. Anakin lay on the other side. Pound and Crank lay deeper within the shelter at the Jedi's feet. Inside it was pitch black. Anakin and Obi Wan had there light sabers if need be and he his flashlight. The darkness was actually soothing.

"Excuse me sir," said Pound. "Should we put you back here? I mean you're the only injured among us. If we're attacked, you'd be in our way."

Rex didn't move. He pretended not to the hear the question. He thought about the Shiny's statement. His own armor was dull and battle marred. Pound's armor was all shiny and new. No, the trooper would be in his way.

"We can handle it Pound. Just get some rest," said Anakin.

That night Rex got up for his watch. The younger troopers insisted that he return to bed.

"I can handle my weight, soldier," said Rex. Truth was he was hurting. He was hurting a lot. However as a good leader wouldn't lay down on the job.

"Rexy, your ribs are broken." Ashoka sounded worried.

"Thanks to you Snips." Anakin seemed irritated.

"Thanks to your flying Anakin. That's the real culprit here-" Obi Wan seemed like he'd been waiting to say that remark all day.

"At least I didn't land my ship over a cliff!"

"Quiet Anakin. I'm trying to get some rest. Rex, please."

"Fine, I know when I can't win."

Rex lay down carefully between padawan and knight. His outer armor removed.

That was the first time it happened. A hesistant hand. A pounding heart.

It started with a caress on his injured ribs. Then it traveled down to his thighs and further to his manhood. He caught his breath. The hand explored him for a moment and was gone. A venture taken under the cloak of darkness. A little bit of her innocence given to him in fleeting moment. The night was cold, but their shelter was warm.

Rex was on fire.


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