Chapter 7: Rule 15. Do not allow the Commander to play darts against Commander Cody

Swift had been with 501st for several months and could understand why almost all of the rules were needed except one.

"Why is the Commander not allowed to drink or play darts against Commander Cody?" He asked Hardcase during rec time one day.

"The Commander is allowed to drink sometimes. When the Captain agrees to it. Besides Coric and Kix taught her how to drink; they were thrown into the brig for a day afterward by the General and we're not quite sure about the punishment they received from the Captain but they ran out of any room he entered for over a month. Anyways the Commander can drink us under the table if she wanted to. The states do not let her steal General Kenobi's whiskey."

"Why?"

"Have you ever seen General Kenobi angry?"

"I've heard him yell at Skywalker a few times after he almost got himself killed...again. For someone called the negotiator he can be pretty scary."

"That's why. It wasn't just the Commander that got in trouble when she took his whiskey as a prank and he found out she learned how to drink. All of Torrent Crew got in trouble."

"Just Torrent crew?"

"The Commander is an honorary member and we are the ones closet to her if she gets into trouble it's on us."

"Okay so that explains the first have of the rule but why can't she play darts against Commander Cody? Is she not good at the game or something?"

"Not good? HA! That rule is there for Commander Cody's sake, the man doesn't know when he is defeated. The rule should say don't allow Ahsoka to bet against Cody but that will never happen. We just try to stop them from playing darts."

"That doesn't answer my question though. Why is it such a bad idea?"

"The best example for this rule would be about six months ago when the Commander was named Acting General for a month."


Six Months ago; Ten hours before the Sabaac game

Captain Rex stood at attention in the docking bay with Fives and Coric; they were waiting for General Kenobi's ship to dock.

"I don't understand sir, why we're here. Where's the General and the Commander? Shouldn't they be the welcoming committee?" Fives complained. Rex stifled an irritated sigh. He would have rubbed the bridge of his nose two but that act was impossible with the helmet on.

"The Commander is on deck with Admiral Yoularen and the General had to take a call from Master Yoda. Without them present we are the officers in charge which means we are the welcoming committee."

"The Commander isn't on the bridge." Coric interrupted.

Rex's back straighten in alarm "Coric what do you mean she's not on the bridge? That's where she was headed."

"She might have gone to the bridge sir but on my way here I saw her. She was heading towards med bay wanting to check on Appo and Longshot, shes really worried about the injuries they got from last week's battle."

Rex sighed in relief "At least she's not causing trouble."

"The Commander doesn't cause trouble all the time Rex." Fives piped into the conversation.

"Not for the battalion maybe; but for me, she's always causing trouble. She's worse than Skywalker sometimes."

"Oh stop fake whining you wouldn't want things to be different; what would you do with yourself if you didn't have those two running around causing havoc."

Rex was about to retort but at that moment General Kenobi's ship landed and everyone snapped to attention. Rex watched as the General and Commander Cody made their way down the gangplank and made their way towards them.

"Captain Rex my good friend. Wheres Anakin and Ahsoka?" Kenobi asked. His voice sounded commanding but his eyes were filled with mirth.

"The General had an urgent call he had to take from master Yoda and Commander Ahsoka should be on the bridge." Rex stated clearly before mumbling under his breath "hopefully". Apparently, Kenobi heard the last part and his eyebrow quirked up with amusement.

"I don't understand how your still sane Rex; dealing with those two reckless shenanigans every day" With an absent-minded pat on the back Kenobi walked off in search of his former padawan leaving Cody with the rest of the group.

"So do you know what's going on? General Kenobi had us rush over here with no briefing what so ever." Cody asked business first as usual.

"I don't know yet but Skywalker has been talking to master Yoda for a long time. We should know something soon." Rex replied. His friend nodded his head in acknowledgment and the group walked out of the hanger towards the interior of the ship. Rex and Cody quickly fell behind Fives and Coric. The two caught each other up on recent missions and battalion changes.

"So have you been thrown off of any more walls lately Rex?" Cody teased.

"Why the fek did I even tell you about that? It's been three years damn it; let it go."

"So what crazy and reckless stuff have your General and Commander been getting into lately?"

"Besides getting themselves almost killed in battle every three minutes because they are reckless? Since the Commander has been found and brought back things have been quiet lately." As soon as lately came out of Rex's mouth a loud crash could be heard from the room ahead of them along with the sounds of vod cursing and the Commanders laughter. "Well, things were quiet."

Rex and Cody went into the room to see Ahsoka rolled in a ball laughing hysterically, Denal covered in water and Ace hanging upside down; his foot caught in a rope connected to the ceiling.

"Do I even want to know what happened in here?" Rex asked startling the group. At the sound of his voice, Ahsoka picked herself up off the ground and tried to shake off her laughter.

"Rex!" Ahsoka greeted the Captain excitedly before turning towards Cody and flinging her arms around the surprised fellow Commander. "Cody! It's so good to see you again, does this mean Master Kenobi is here yet? I feel like haven't seen you guys in months."

Cody awkwardly hugged the exuberant Jedi back while pulling away at the same time not comfortable with the situation. Every time he was around the girl his head went spinning; she just wasn't like other Jedi and it was hard to forget that she wasn't one of them and Cody didn't like that feeling. He preferred everybody to stick to the stations they were given.

Rex seeing how uncomfortable his vod was decided to save Cody by prying the Torgurtan out his arms grabbing her shoulders and spinning her to face himself.

"Do you want to tell me what's going on here and why you weren't at the docking bay to greet General Kenobi?" Rex asked sternly but without any anger. There was a loud thump behind them as Ace fell to the ground but the two ignored it.

"After leaving the bridge and med bay I got caught up with these to di'kuts and we started talking about my adventure with the Trandoshan hunters and one of the traps they tried to use against us." Rex paled at Ahsoka's words. He preferred not to think about how he almost lost her forever two weeks ago and he knew Skywalker felt the same way; becoming even more overprotective his padawan than usual. "They wanted a demonstration so I rung one up. It's not my fault they accidentally sprung it." Ahsoka finished explaining.

Before Rex could even think about saying something in return all three of their comms went off. Cody answered his first. They were summoned to the briefing room.


Anakin and Obi-Wan stood around a dark holo table, their faces stern. Obi-Wan began the briefing.

"Our new mission is a complicated one. We have been asked to take a three-person team to recon and infiltrate a small separatist powered moon that could hold the key to taking out a large portion of the droid army. Yet at the same time, there have been large movements of their army heading towards Alderaan."

Anakin took over, turning on the holo table and pressed buttons until it showed the moon they would be going to. "After much deliberation with Master Yoda, I've come with a plan. Because of certain factors that will be discussed later, this mission will take about a standard galactic month to complete and both Obi-Wan and myself are needed on the moon. Rex due to your skills and quick thinking we would like you to join as the third person."

"Yes, sir. What about Alderaan and the fleet though?"

"I'm glad you asked that. After much discussion with Master Yoda, it has been decided that for the next month the 501st and the 212th will be merged together with Master Plo Koon and the 104th battalion. Snips, you are being promoted to Acting General in our absence. Cody, you are her second in command. I want you to take good care of my padawan."

The room was filled with silence as Anakin finished talking. The implications of what he was saying soaking into their brains.

"Acting General? Masters, you trust me enough to be acting General?" Ahsoka asked voice wavering with shock.

"We feel you are ready for the responsibility young one, you have learned much over the years. The council has faith in you." Obi-Wan commended with a warm smile.

"I wouldn't have offered up the proposal to the council if I didn't think you were ready. We have faith in you too. I have faith in you. That being said though, Obi-Wan, Rex and I are going to be gone for a month and I want you protected. I just got you back snips and I'm not losing you again. While we are gone you are to have personal bodyguards with you at all times while planetside."

"What!" Ahsoka screeched at the top of her lungs.

The argument over Ahsoka's safety had begun.


Rex and Cody sat in the officers' lounge nursing some Corellian Whiskey that Cody had on hand thanks you Kenobi always having several bottles with him at all times. Their minds were still in the briefing room, weighing heavy with everything that happened. The Resolute was in transit to Coruscant merge the three fleets and resupply before they headed out on the mission. They figured it would take another four hours to get there.

"One month."

"One month."

"It's going to be a kriffing long month."

"Long we can handle but everything else..."

"If anything happens"

"Nothing will"

"Good"

"Another glass?"

"Force yes."

Ahsoka sauntered into the room and headed towards the two men, she flopped down in the seat between them and banged her head onto the table.

"Give me some." She commanded, never lifting her head off of the table while holding her hand out for a glass.

"Sir I don't think that would be wise." Cody admonished.

Ahsoka lifted her head off the table and looked at Cody blankly. "First don't call me sir we are off duty its Ahsoka. Second, if you are worried about my age or what Skyguy and Master Kenobi will say don't. I've been old enough to drink for the past few years and I've gone out to bars with them several times. It won't turn me into a homicidal maniac like caff; even though I may kill Skyguy in his sleep. Haven't decided yet. Body Guards for flying fek's sakes! Overprotective ass. Give me a glass." She ranted. Cody looked at her with an overly concerned expression, as he was about to object Rex poured a glass and pushed towards the obviously frustrated girl. Ahsoka gulped the glass down in one shot and held it out for more. "Thanks, Rexster I needed that." Ahsoka hummed Happily as she downed her second glass, this time slower. Rex poured her a third one.

"I could tell. No more after this one though lil'un, I don't want you to get drunk. Go slower on this one."

"No promises; besides I'm a Jedi. It takes a lot more than three measly glasses to get us drunk."

"I'm sure your right but for my sanity no more. Besides if you do decide to kill the General in a drunken rage I refuse to let be on record that we were on the ones that helped. Even if its indirectly. This is solely for my benefit, not yours."

Ahsoka rolled her eyes at Rex's plea. "Always looking out for your own shebs aren't you Rexster."

"Always," Rex confirmed with a smile

"Ugh fine." Ahsoka relented before she took a small sip of the whiskey, nursing it slowly. "So.." Her voice trailed off leaving the conversation open.

After a few tense seconds of awkward silence, Cody finally spoke up "So your officially Acting General."

Ahsoka groaned and put her head on the table again. Cody and Rex looked at each other and rolled their eyes at the tantrum Ahsoka was having. Rex started to pat Ahsoka's shoulder in comfort.

"Come on lil'un being Acting General is a huge honor. It shows just how much Skywalker and the Jedi council trust you."

"Other Generals don't need a personal team of bodyguards. I'm going to be with Master Plo Koon and I'm surrounded by three battalions but I still need bodyguards apparently. I'm not a youngling anymore and I haven't been for a while now"

"The General is just worried about you. Losing you like that it was...I've never seen him like that before and I don't want to. Besides I agree with him." Rex told her.

Ahsoka glared at Rex who just calmly looked back. "You too! Why?"

"Because I won't be there to protect you," Rex said plainly. His eyes spoke more than his words and after a few seconds, Ahsoka looked away. Dropping her argument for the moment.

The group settled into a heavy silence each worried about the next month. Finally, Cody had enough of the silence and feeling like a third wheel. "Darts anyone?" He asked while getting up and grabbing the darts from the board.

"Sure why not," Rex said.

"Why not. I'm game."

The three surrounded the dartboard grabbing darts and calling out their first numbers. Double 20, single 18 and so forth. After a few rounds the group had loosened up; the mission no longer on their minds.

"I bet you can't hit the bullseyes while standing behind the bar." Ahsoka taunted Cody who was boasting about being able to hit the bullseye anytime from anywhere. The fellow Commander looked at the Togrutan sizing her up. The two stood toe to toe before Cody turned away and started to walk behind the bar.

"You're on." He called out right before he took aim and threw the dart sinking it into the bullseye perfectly. He looked at Ahsoka with a smug grin.

"Easy shot, anybody could make that." She scoffed not in impressed.

"Oh really? Then why don't you try to make it."

"I'll not only make the shot but I'll do it blindfolded." Ahsoka boasted. She walked up to the board took the darts out of them and grabbed a rag from her belt and handed it to Rex. "Tie this for me would you."

"A few drinks and you guys already causing trouble," Rex mumbled while taking the rag out of Ahsoka's hands. He spun her around to where she wasn't facing him and carefully placed it over eyes and gently tying it behind her head. He patted her between her montrals signaling that he was done and Ahsoka confidently walked towards the bar.

At the bar, Ahsoka turned around and let the dart fly. The second she heard it sink in she yanked off the blindfold with a triumphant smile. She looked at the dart which was sunk into the bullseye rather deeply. "Beat that Cody." She taunted sarcastically with a hand on her hip knowing she won the game.

Cody looked between the dart and the feisty Jedi Commander. Fire lit behind his eyes as he smiled darkly. "If you can hit the triple nineteen from behind that pillar over there without looking I will personally help you pull off a prank against General Kenobi and get away with it."

"And If I don't make the shot?"

"I refuse to be a part of your personal detail."

Ahsoka grabbed the darts once again, looked at the dartboard than moved behind the pillar. Her hand was held out in an uncomfortable position as she took aim and threw. Ahsoka walked out from behind the pillar up to the dartboard appraising her work.

"It looks like your helping me prank Master Kenobi Cody." Ahsoka grinned.

"You cheated! You used your Jedi senses to make that shot!" Cody objected not wanting to believe she made an impossible shot.

"No Jedi powers needed. That was all me and something called skill." Ahsoka smiled and batted her eyes which made Cody even more frustrated. "I am after all one of the best shots in the battalion."

"Do you even know how to hold a blaster?" Cody asked snidely.

"You honestly think I can be a Commander for four years, be surrounded by gunfire every day and not know how to use a blaster?" Ahsoka demanded. Her markings going pale. "Why don't we go to the shooting range and I can show you just how good I am with one."

Cody held out his hand mockingly. "Lead the way." Ahsoka spun on her heel and stomped out the lounge. Rex watched the exchange in silence. Debating if he should stop things before they got too out of hand. Yet at the same time why not watch and see how it all played out. The two were going to be together for the next month and they needed to get used to each other and what better way than this.

On the way to the shooting range, the terms were settled. Rex would be the referee, and if Cody won he not only wouldn't be her bodyguard but he would also get first call in all bollo ball bets for the next month. If Ahsoka won Cody would help her prank Kenobi and Commander Wolffe.

The group entered the shooting range which was occupied by Fives, Hardcase and Echo. The three men saw the group entered and gave a brief salute before going back to their business.

"You made the rules so you get to pick the weapon, Cody," Ahsoka said. Cody walked away to the weapons wall without replying. Rex leaned against a wall and Fives, Echo and Hardcase surrounded him wanting to know what was going on.

"What's going on?" Echo asked.

"Cody doesn't believe that Ahsoka is one of the best shots in the battalion so they are having a friendly competition to see who is the better shot."

"There is no such thing like a friendly competition when the Commander is involved," Hardcase muttered making the others laugh.

"Doesn't he know that you were the one that trained her," Fives stated.

"Nope." Rex smiled proudly.

"Knowing the Commander the stakes are high."

"If Cody loses he is to be one of Commander Ahsoka's bodyguards for the next month."

"Commanders bodyguard? I accept! No one will get close to her as long as I'm breathing." Hardcase exclaimed enthusiastically full of conviction. Fives and Echo looked at each other before also volunteering for the job. Rex just nodded his head in acceptance. They were the men he was going to pick anyways, their loyalty towards the little Commander as they called her sometimes was borderline reverence. They loved her and would do anything for her.

"So why aren't you trying to stop the bet?" Fives asked.

"Because it will be fun."

"Rexster get over here Cody finally decided on a weapon!" Ahsoka yelled from across the room. The men joined a calm and relaxed Ahsoka and a smug Cody. Both were holding DC-15A blaster rifles.

"Remember whoever hits dead center or closest to dead center ten times out of twenty shots wins," Rex stated.

Cody watched as Ahsoka checked her rifle, making sure her pack was full, all the parts in their correct place and safety was off. All of which she did in a few seconds."You do know which end the bolts come out from right?"

Ahsoka rolled her eyes at Cody's statement before lifting the gun up and getting in position "Are you ready?"

"Are you? That rifle has a bit of kick I don't want you to get hurt." Cody's thinly veiled sarcasm was responded to by laughter from the men. Rex stayed silent with a smirk on his face.

"Ahsoka no use of the force." Rex reminded.

"As if I actually need it."

"Begin."

The sounds of fire echoed throughout the room. In less than ten seconds they were done. Cody smiled triumphantly while Ahsoka was a perfect picture of a serene Jedi. No emotion showed on her face what so ever; but her eyes were sparkling with amusement. Rex pushed a button and Cody's practice sheet came flying towards them. Hardcase, Fives and Echo crowded around it appraising the work

"Twelve shots in the center, five in the second ring and the rest in the outer rings." Hardcase bellowed. Rex pushed the button again and Ahsoka's sheet came rushing towards them. Once again the men surrounded the sheet. "Four in the outer rings, two in the second ring the rest in the center."

Rex stared at the sheets with a deep frown. "Lil'un I thought I taught you better than this." Rex scolded with a disappointed shake of his head.

"Your right, I need to practice more, I'm pretty rusty with the rifle not having used it since I first learned how." Ahsoka sighed in disappointment as she looked at her work. She really was rusty.

"Winner is Ahsoka," Rex stated making Cody splutter in astonishment.

"How? She even told me when I was picking out the weapons she only held it once!"

Rex just shrugged at his friend making Cody even more irritated.

"She had to use the force."

"Nope, and if I used the force all of them would be dead center."

"I want a rematch. I don't believe you."

"Same gun or do you want to pick something different?" Ahsoka asked. Cody just stomped over to the gun rack again to pick out their next weapon.

"This is going to take a while," Rex mumbled which made everyone laugh.

"At least it will be entertaining." Echo said while plopping himself on the floor.

"What are you doing Echo?"

"Getting comfortable. What are you doing Hardcase?"

"Isn't there a rule against sitting down in the gun range? Better yet, shouldn't you be citing that rule instead of breaking it"

"There is but we are off duty and if Rex isn't going to tell me to get up then I'm not going to."

"Whatever," Hardcase said in defeat before sitting on the floor himself. Fives quickly followed him. Rex looked at the three men sitting on the ground with an eyebrow quirked up before turning around ignoring them.

"So why does Ahsoka need bodyguards?"

"No clue, I forgot to ask."

"The Captain seems relaxed for once."

"I was passing by the officers' lounge earlier; he and Cody were downing shots like nobodies business."

"It must have been a bad day than"

"Nah I don't think so. If it was a bad day they wouldn't be in here betting against Ahsoka."

"Got a point there. But only Cody is betting against her Rex is the referee"

"Rex is to smart to bet against Ahsoka"

The men's conversation was cut off by the sound of gunfire. Cody chose the DC-15S blaster carbine. After several seconds and much cussing from the 212th Commander Ahsoka was again declared the winner.

"Again!"

"Cody I think our point was proven. I'm a good shot."

"Yeah let it ago man you lost the bet." Fives interrupted which earned him a glare from all three Commanding officers.

"Who taught you to shoot you like that? The only other clone that good is.." Cody stopped mid-sentence and turned towards Rex. "You! You taught her!"

"Yep, she's even almost better than me on really good days with duel pistols"

"So Cody, you ready to be my bodyguard?"

"I don't believe this. Rex taught you. But being a good shot doesn't mean anything"

"Are you suggesting another bet?" Ahsoka asked eagerly with maybe too much glee in her voice.

"We're going back to playing darts."

"What's the new rules?"

"three hundred credits. I bet three hundred credits."

"Where are you going to get three hundred credits?"

"Don't worry about that, instead worry about how you're going to get three hundred credits after I win."


The group had found themselves back in the lounge surrounding the dart board Cody took another shot of whiskey before picking the darts up and throwing them. As Cody threw the darts Ahsoka poured herself some whiskey also. Right before she could take a sip Rex, who wasn't even looking at her grabbed the glass from her hand and put it back on the table.

"No more."

"Ah come on Rex It will be fairer to Cody if I'm buzzed."

Rex chuckled "Cody is still sober lil'un he's just frustrated, the man has a competitive streak almost worse than yours and he hates to lose."

"He's still sober? I've never seen him like this though."

"That's because Cody puts duty first at all times, especially around Jedi."

"So why is he loosing up around me now? I'm still a Jedi."

"Hmf, you and Skywalker are not like most Jedi, if it wasn't for the lightsabers and the use of the force its hard to forget your not one of us. No, it's because he thinks of you as one of us even if he won't admit it."

Ahsoka stared at Rex eyes shining with a wavering hope "He thinks of me as vod?"

Rex looked at the orange Torgurtan and smiled a soft smile that he only used for her. "No, not vod. Vod'ika, just like Torrent Company and most of the 501st. Your family lil'un."

Cody walked over to the two and passed Ahsoka the darts. It was her turn. Before Ahsoka could throw her first dart Kix ran into the room, skidding to a stop and bumped his hip into the table which caused him to curse loudly.

"I heard from Longshot that the Commanders were playing against each other. I had to see for myself."

"How did Longshot find out?"

"Hardcase told him."

Ahsoka threw the darts hitting the bullseye every time. Soon they were doing trick shots more elaborate than the last. Hanging upside down from the ceiling, doing a flip as they were throwing it, jumping from tables and so on.

Cody was on a bollo ball for his next shot but lost his balance falling backward, the dart flew out of his hands and towards the face of an unsuspecting Fives. The dart was about to hit Fives eye when the buzz of a lightsaber was heard. Ahsoka's blade was millimeters away from his face blocking the dart at the last moment. Before anyone could blink more or less figure out what just happened Ahsoka's saber was once again off and in her holster.

"That's enough, you two are done, If anyone tries another trick shot I'm shooting them before they kill someone." Kix snapped. Both Cody and Ahsoka looked ashamed, knowing their game was getting out of hand.

"Where's Rex?" Ahsoka asked curiously just noticing that the Captain was gone.

"He got a comm from the General. Put me in charge your game."

Ahsoka and Cody stood awkwardly as everyone left the room now that fun was over. Soon it was just the two of them. Their gazes met, they grinned and started to laugh like idiots.

"I still won't be beaten, kid."

"Keep telling yourself that Cody. In the meantime, I promise I will try not to give you to hard of a time for the next month."

"I still don't understand how Rex isn't crazy dealing with you every day."

"Rexster learned a long time ago if you can't beat them join them. Besides, don't tell Skyguy this but Rex is the one that helped me prank Senator Amidala when we were on Naboo getting over the blue shadow virus."

"That was you two? When General Kenobi found out about that incident we didn't believe it."

"We were off duty for a month and were told that we weren't allowed to do anything besides 'recuperate' or we would get court-martialed. We got bored after the first day sitting in medical."

"It doesn't surprise me. Rex has always been a joker, even on Kamino he was pulling pranks."

"You'll have to tell me about them sometime."

"Only if you win our next bet."

"You're on. One more trick shot?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Whoever can hit the board while riding wraith blindfolded wins."


Admiral Yoularen had a stressful day. He was informed of what would be happening over the next month and his nerves were skyrocketing. Ahsoka as Acting General. The padawan was an amazing fighter and tactician, she put the safety of the men before anything else but she was just as bad, even worse than Skywalker and twice as reckless. Hopefully, with master Plo Koon also merging his battalion with the others things wouldn't be too bad. Everyone knew just how much respect and admiration Ahsoka had for the Jedi Master that found her and brought her to the temple.

Admiral Yoularen was heading towards the officer's lounge. His mind was set on having a nice cup of herbal Aldaaren tea and a slice of the shuura fruit rolls that he saved from the last time he was planetside on Coruscant. He barely entered the room when he was tackled and thrown to the ground by Ahsoka at the same time a dart flew over their heads.

"Hey Admiral sorry about that, Wraith jumped at the last second and Cody's aim was thrown off because of it."

"What is your demon pet doing in the lounge Ahsoka!"

"We were playing darts."

"Darts!" Yoularen shrieked some more as Wraith bounded up to her 'friend' and licked his face. Ahsoka and Cody laughed.

"You may be able to beat me at darts but I bet you can't beat me in a round of Sabaac."

"You're on. The second we're off duty planet side we're playing."

"Its a deal."

"No, its a bet."

Rex entered the room the second Ahsoka finished talking. He looked at the Admiral screaming while Wraith chased him and the look of determination on Cody and Ahsokas faces.

"Do I want to know what happened in here?" Rex asked warily

"Probably not," Ahsoka said with a shrug, Cody just nodded in confirmation and Rex internally groaned.

"What's the bet between the two of you now?"

"A friendly game of Sabaac once we're done with our duties planetside. You want to join in?" Cody challenged.

Rex looked from his best friend to his Commander, both of them were smiling at each other. Ahsoka looked at Rex and smirked.

"Come on Rexster a friendly sabaac could be fun." Rex smiled. How to shoot a blaster wasn't the only thing Rex taught Ahsoka and the girl was a card shark out for blood.

"Why not, I haven't played in a while it might be fun."