Chapter Twelve

Separation

Hyperspace, The Sleight of Hand. 14 Standard hours after the execution of Contingency Order 66.

Rex had a really bad feeling about this.

The way he figured, he had reason to be. Certainly, he and Ahsoka had narrowly escaped an unfortunate end by Republic blaster fire, and had apparently been granted an indeterminate lease on life. But any relief that fact might have provided was more than offset by their both being handcuffed, sprawled out in the dark amidst the junk heap that passed for the bounty hunter's spaceship. It certainly didn't help that Rex was still experiencing some rather intense pain from his humiliating injury, which was only compounded by Ahsoka's weight on his lap.

Not that he would have let her move had she attempted to. The pain was lessening already, and was manageable. It was certainly nothing to speak of compared with his distress at being trapped aboard a smuggling vessel, with a piece of galactic filth at the helm, headed for who knows where, without any hint of what sort of plan Ahsoka had in mind.

If indeed she had any plan at all. Rex wasn't above making decisions on instinct and impulse, but he did like to think on his feet. Cooperating with a criminal wasn't at all the sort of move he would have approved. And if he were honest, he was a little put off that while he was trying to remain alert and aware of Cad Bane's moves, Ahsoka was content to promptly fall asleep almost the moment the ship entered hyperspace.

He sighed, his gaze lowering to her sleeping face, still drawn with worry even in unconsciousness. He may have preferred to engage in a strategy session at this point, but he couldn't fault Ahsoka for resting, not after the strain she had put herself through - on his behalf, no less. She never should have pulled that stunt on the bounty hunter; her recovery might well be set back for days now. Then again, doing things she wasn't supposed to do was not an unreasonable summary of Ahsoka Tano's career.

The thought was oddly comforting. Apparently some things never changed.

Rex glanced around the dark, shabby cabin with distaste. It was worse than how he remembered this ship, during a brief encounter with this same bounty hunter on Ryloth, almost two years ago.

Bane. Cad Bane. Known across the galaxy as the most ruthless and fearsome bounty hunter since the death of the revered Jango Fett, the libertine who, ironically enough, had lent his face - and then some - to the lawful Grand Army of the Republic. Rex had dealt with Bane and his kind before; vile, wretched sentients who would do anything for the right price. By programming and from his own experience, Rex despised the type.

Rex also held grudges of a more personal nature against this Durosian mercenary. Cad Bane was the scum who had killed Lieutenant Denal - Rex's right-hand man through many a campaign - and, adding insult injury, donned the fallen trooper's armor as a crude escape ruse. On that same mission, Bane had attempted to send then-Commander Tano to an early death via an airlock. And that was after imprisoning and torturing her to bait General Skywalker.

Rex could list numerous subsequent instances of Bane's insidious efforts, nearly always on behalf of the Separatists, and universally displaying his cold-blooded killer's mentality. With a record like that, did Ahsoka think he could be trusted now?

Recalling Ahsoka's allusion to 'feeling' that this was for the best was only a minor reassurance. And while Rex wasn't one to doubt her Force abilities, she hadn't given much indication as to exactly what she did or did not 'sense' about Bane and his plot.

I guess it beats being dead, he mused. Although, now that he thought about it, he wasn't so sure. It was common knowledge among both military and law enforcement personell that Cad Bane was wont to deal with all manner of unscrupulous entities, including the Hutt clans, and likely the Black Sun and other criminal syndicates. Wasn't it just as likely that Bane had rescued them only for the galactic slave market? Himself, perhaps as a laborer in some spice mine? And as for Ahsoka... Rex's face drew to a hard scowl. Ahsoka. A young, healthy, attractive Togruta female, who happened to be a former Jedi for good measure.

Their rescue mission to Zygeria had demonstrated just how well Ahsoka played the part of a slave, and that with both comparatively conservative attire and a somewhat innocent station under her 'Master'. Not even close to what a true slave girl with Ahsoka's 'assets' would've have to endure at the hands of the galaxy's lowlife.

Rex wasn't superstitious, but by this point he was ready to beg the Force that Ahsoka wouldn't end up in that degrading role, for real.

The apprehension was growing to be too much, and Rex had to force the fears away for now. He leaned against the bulkhead behind him, trying to find less uncomfortable position. His hands were still cuffed, and Ahsoka's body seated crossways on his lap limited his motion. But he did manage to allieviate the strain on his back a little, easing himself into a slight recline and allowing Ahsoka's head to rest in the crook of his arm.

The closeness was unsettling, especially after the incident in the medbay, but he didn't allow himself to dwell upon it. Ahsoka had definitely recovered from that condition, and it wasn't like Rex could just lay her on the floor.

He kept his eyes open, glancing warily from side to side even as he allowed his head to settle against the wall. He hadn't slept in... he couldn't remember how long, and Ahsoka's weight and natural body warmth were not helping matters at all. But he could afford to sleep now. He needed to stay alert, stay sharp, in case Bane tried to pull a fast one on them. It wasn't safe here.

I can't sleep. Not now...

Outer Rim, The Sleight of Hand, docked with space station 'Gimmix'. 21 Standard hours after the execution of Contingency Order 66.

"Cut the necking, kids. We're here."

Rex opened his eyes, unable to recall closing them. Can't.. sleep... wait... we're here? Where? As his mind kicked back into gear he quickly recognized they were in a ship's cabin. Ah, right, Cad Bane's ship, Rex remembered. And aparently they had arrived somewhere. How long had it been? He held back a yawn, trying to get his bearings, before jolting awake, eyes darting about the dark cabin, his arms wrapping - as best they could - protectively around Ahsoak.

Bane. What's he doing with us now? he wondered as he began scanning the cabin for their 'host'. I hate this filth. Kids, really? And what in the blazes is necking, anyway?

Shaken by his sudden movement, Ahsoka began to stir, followed by a long groan, whether from sleepiness or pain he couldn't tell. "Rex?" she whispered as her eyes fluttered open. "Where are we?"

I could ask you the same question, was Rex's first thought but he immediately rebuked himself for it. "The bounty hunter's ship. Bane. You agreed to have us go with him, remember?"

She yawned, then blinked. "Oh." Even in the dim light Rex could see stripes on her lekku darkening, indicating her embarrassment. "Sorry, I must have fallen asleep."

"I guess so," Rex nodded, all too aware that he hadn't performed much better on the alertness front. "It looks like we've reached wherever he was taking us." He frowned, looking down at her. "You still sure this is a wise... idea?"

Ahsoka stretched her arms ahead of her with another yawn, and shifted to an upright position, still seated across Rex's lap. "Well, only one way to find out, right?" she asked with a forced smile.

She was about to say something else when Bane stepped out from the shadows towards the now-dark cockpit. He gave Rex a passing glance, then addressed Ahsoka. "Can you walk yet or should I have the clone carry you again?"

Rex scowled at the bounty hunter, but Ahsoka spoke first. "The name's Rex, sleemo," she snarled with a glare. "He's a man, and a better one than you'll ever be."

Bane chuckled. "I might question your measuring rod. Personally I define better as the ones that win." He held up a hand, silencing Ahsoka's retort. "No time for chit chat, the two of you follow me. And don't try anything... funny," he added, a hand falling to his remaining LL-30 in a wordless threat.

His scowl never letting up, Rex eased Ahsoka to the bench beside him, then stood, slipping his arms beneath Ahsoka's knees this time. She reached her own bound hands over his left shoulder, holding on as best she could while gripping Rex's arms by folding her legs. Rex staggered a bit as he stepped back, sore from the earlier fight as well as his unnatural sleeping position.

"Clumsy," Bane drawled with a smirk. "Wouldn't have suspected the Republic's finest to be quite so sensitive. A droid never minds a kick to the crotch."

Ahsoka hissed at the insult but Rex shushed her; this was hardly worth a confrontation. With reluctance he began to follow the bounty hunter, stepping across the airlock threshold and into a short corridor. He caught a few glances outside the viewports, noting several asteroids not too far away. Must be a secret base of some sort. It made sense that Bane would have a remote hideout like this, perhaps several.

They stepped out of the corridor into yet another, this one much larger. It was tubular in cross section, almost like the interior of a civilian transport, and appeared to curve inwards either side, suggesting that the entire hull of the station was one large hollow ring.

All surfaces were coated in a scuffed layer of matte gray, not unlike a GAR cruiser, and the only illumination was courtesy of small, recessed lights set every few meters along the ceiling. One either side of the corridor were numerous doors and hatches, including the docking port they had just entered, all secured by biometric scanners and keypad locks.

Bane led them to the left, walking with a cocky swagger down the corridor. Rex per normal began a visual sweep of his surroundings, looking for blind corners or perhaps potential escape routes, should they have the opportunity. He noted several security cams mounted on 360 swivel mounts in the ceiling; they appeared to be spaced out so as to cover the corridor from horizon to horizon with a safe overlap. As if that weren't thorough enough, as he walked, the cameras tracked him. This is one well protected nest, he's gotten himself, Rex thought with grim foreboding. No hiding places here.

Suddenly Bane held his hand out, signaling them to halt. Rex looked around, startled for a moment. He glanced to his right, in the inside wall of the corridor.

He didn't like what he saw.

A small room, plain and mostly empty like a prison cell, open on the nearest side, and sealed off by the translucent orange film of an energy shield.

Bane hit a switch on his wrist, and the shield deactivated. "Girl's room," he announced, motioning towards the small cell. "Set the lady down, and be quick about it."

Rex tensed, clamping his arms over Ahsoka's knees like a vice. He felt her grip tighten as well. No way I'm leaving her with this scum! He glared with new-found ferocity at the Durosian mercenary, growling his refusal. "Not on your damn bottom-feeding life!"

Bane winked a red eye, that maddening smirk coming over his face again. He drew his weapon, and sauntered up to Rex, who for his part refused to flinch. Placing the barrel of the pistol against Rex's chin, Bane addressed Ahsoka. "Missy, you might wanna convince the lad to be a gentlemen and cooperate. Unless of course," he added with a malicious grin, "you'd rather clean him up from off the floor."

Ahsoka stared in shock at his unmistakeable threat. Trembling, her own eyes locked on the pistol, she whispered to Rex. "Please, Rex, I know it's not what we want, but please, just go along for now." Risking a glance at Rex's eyes, she added, "I'll be okay, just leave me here."

Rex felt like his teeth would break from the pressure between his clenched jaws. With every fiber in his being he hated the idea of leaving Ahsoka to this animal's mercy. But if he were dead, he couldn't help her at all, and there'd be no chance of reuniting, short of Ahsoka's death as well. Bane was in control, and logically speaking it probably made sense to submit, but Rex was having a hard time thinking logically with a blaster at his neck, not to mention a galactic villain demanding he leave behind his self-appointed charge.

"What are you going to do with her?" he demanded, hoping they could at least get some idea of what Bane had planned for them.

But it seemed Bane has no such intention, and his grin only widened. "Let's just a say a hell of lot less than you'd do if you had the chance, I'll wager. I'll be around to answer questions later, for both of you. Now do as I say, or you won't be around to find out." He jabbed the weapon deeper into Rex's skin, leaning in with his face only inches from the former Captain's, the wide brim of his hat shading Rex's face as he murmured,"You don't want to break her pretty heart, do you?"

Defeated. Shoulders slumping, Rex looked down at Ahsoka.

"Please, Rex," she whispered, meeting his gaze. Go, she mouthed silently.

Muttering something between a curse and a prayer under his breath, Rex stepped into the room, carefully setting Ahsoka down on a small, unpadded cot against the back wall. He scanned the room. No other entries or openings. A small lavatory was recessed partially into the left hand wall, not nearly enough to provide decent privacy, but at least it was there. An even more rustic sonic shower was on the opposite corner without even a curtain to afford modesty, and Rex could only trust that Ahsoka had the sense not to take advantage of that amenity. Besides those basics there were no other furnishings or items in the room. Aside from the obvious threat posed by Bane himself, it looked fairly innocuous.

He cast a worried glance at Ahsoka; worry that was only matched by the fear in her own eyes - fear for him, he knew her well enough. "It'll be okay, Rex," she repeated, trying to sound reassuring, though he could tell she was just as reluctant to be separated from him as he.

Miserably, Rex turned away and walked towards the open side of the room, towards the corridor again. Bane stood near the entrance, pistol still drawn, with an amused smirk on his blue face. As Rex reached the threshold he turned back to look at Ahsoka. She was lying on her right side, propped up on her elbows as best she could while handcuffed. She was also looking at him, tears welling in her eyes, though she tried bravely to blink them back when he returned her gaze.

"I'm sorry, kid," Rex choked out, wanting nothing more than to run to her side and hold her and never let go.

"I'm fine, Rex," she answered quickly, her voice breaking. "I'll see you soon. Stay safe," she added in a whisper.

Bane guffawed. "Enough with the drama, kids." He motioned down the corridor. "Move it."

Still glaring at their rescuer and captor, Rex stalked out of the cell. With a hollow twang, the shield activated, sealing Ahsoka behind the luminous barrier. He began walking down the corridor, his shoulders slumped, Bane's pistol trained on the back of his head.

From one failure, to another.

Outer Rim, 'Gimmix'. 22 Standard hours after the execution of Contingency Order 66.

Ahsoka had a really bad feeling about this.

Bane's demeanor towards them seemed to make their situation quite clear. They hadn't been rescued, they had been captured. And for what reasons, she could only imagine. But she could imagine quite a few, and they weren't appealing.

But the worst of all was that now Rex was alone with the sleemo, and Ahskka had no way of knowing what Bane would do with him. Surely he wouldn't hurt or kill him after taking all that risk getting them both off that cruiser, right? Bane might be cold, but he wasn't stupid; he wouldn't have expended the effort to save someone without something to gain.

The thought was not all reassuring.

The urge to cry was almost irresistible, and her eyes did water a bit. But she couldn't allow herself to break down, to look weak. Everything now depended upon her ability to stare the bounty hunter down; she needed to show Bane she could take whatever he could throw at her and then some. She'd had faced him before; after all. Even after Bane had tortured her and threatened to kill her, she didn't break, and that was within her first year of active duty. She wasn't a youngling anymore; she could handle anything the scum had.

Anything except... Rex, she realized with a shudder. She shouldn't have made her... 'attachment', to him so obvious. Bane had already used it against her once, to convince Rex to leave her here. Now Bane could use Rex as bait to try and get whatever he wanted out of her.

And the worst part was that she knew she'd probably give it to him.

Her hands trembled under their bonds as her anxiety mounted. What is he going to do with Rex? What if he tortures him, to get information about something? What if he sends him away to some other station?

There wasn't much she could do about it.

She glanced down at her clothing. Her tunic was torn, blackened with soot and dirt. Her leggings and battle-skirt were also in bad shape. She was still wearing bandages across her arms, legs, chest and back. *And I really, really need a shower. She craned her neck to glance at the small refresher. There was a small sonic, recessed into the wall, but only partially, and it was also open towards the hallway. Ahsoka was no stranger to 'roughing it' as far as personal hygiene went - there wasn't much privacy on the battlefield, after all - but there was something infinitely more disturbing about it, with someone like Bane prowling about on the other side of a transparent energy shield.

I think I'll have to pass on the shower.

Sighing, Ahsoka decided to at least try and get a little more sleep. Moving slowly, and still laying on her side, she doubled over and reached to unzip her boots, kicking her feet free of them and letting them fall to the floor. She frowned as she wriggled her toes, her nose wrinkling in distaste at the perspiration and dirt that always seemed to find its way into even the most form-fitting of footwear.

She rolled onto her stomach - it seemed to be the least painful way to recline given the blaster wounds on her back and lekku - folding her arms beneath her head as a cushion, and trying to ignore the grime between her limbs and forehead.

This is all my fault. She had agreed to go with Bane, because she was selfish, because she couldn't stand to lose her last known friend. Maybe it served her right that he be taken away from her as a result. Maybe she should have refused, should have fought to the death, or at least until more troopers had arrived to finish them all off. Then again, Bane could just as easily have stunned her and hauled her out without her cooperation, and then Rex would be dead for sure.

She flinched at the thought. It seemed there were no good options. No matter what I choose, something awful's on the other side.

Why did this have to happen? What had happened? Why did things have to go so horribly wrong?

She closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep. She needed rest, needed to recover. She didn't know what was going to happen, but she had a feeling she'd need all the strength she could get.

Another sigh escaped her lips. She rotated her head, glancing towards the shimmering transparent wall that held her prisoner.

I hope he's okay. Please, let him be okay.

Outer Rim, 'Gimmix'. 23 Standard hours after the execution of Contingency Order 66.

Rex sat alone in sullen silence on the small cot.

Bane had led him past several cells - all virtually identical to the one Ahsoka occupied, though some had doors rather than shields - before choosing one apparently at random for Rex. The layout of the facility almost resembled prison, or perhaps a barracks, and he wagered that this particular station was designed for long-term storage of hostages. There was no use resisting directions" a point blank shot from a LL-30 meant instant, foolproof death. And Rex was far too intent on getting back to Ahsoka to throw his life away just to make a statement.

He had demanded an explanation from the bounty hunter several times, but only received cryptic remarks or obscene insults in reply. Then again, there was no trustworthiness in anything Bane did say, so it was a pointless effort regardless.

Rex clenched his gloved fists in frustration. There was no telling what this vile mercenary would do to Ahsoka. Would she even be there if and when he was released? She could easily be shipped out, sold off to some obscene entertainment chain or a slaving operation. And Rex wouldn't be able to do a thing to help her.

He let out weary sigh. Ahsoka would never want him to worry about her like this. She was a Jedi, if a young one, and extraordinarily capable for her age. She could take care of herself.

But Rex couldn't shake the crushing sense that this was all his fault. If he had only remembered his armor... Granted, it was a newer feature of the Phase II tech, one that he never actually had reason to give much thought to. He had only heard about it in passing during orientation when the new armor was cycled to the front; in use, it provided the HUD with more accurate tallying of casualties and facilitating battlefield coordination. The mechanics of it - the chip wasn't removeable or replaceable - were perfectly forgettable.

But still, he could have- he should have remembered it. It was the job of a soldier to anticipate the unforeseen, to expect the worse and act accordingly. And if Rex had done so, Ahsoka would still be free. For a while at least.

This is all my fault. Whatever happens to her, it's my fault.

On that despondent note, Rex sunk to the cot, and slipped into a fitful sleep.

Outer Rim, 'Gimmix'. 1 Standard day after the execution of Contingency Order 66.

"Good morning."

Ahsoka awoke with a start at the abrasive voice, lifting her head and glancing about her. She took only a second to recall where she was, and then her eyes flew straight to the figure standing in the doorway.

Bane. He was inside the cell, and had already closed the shield behind him. Of course, she couldn't have made an escape in her condition anyway, but it was nonetheless frustrating to see Bane's impeccable caution in action.

"You're awake," he stated matter-of-factly.

Ahsoka scowled, baring her teeth instinctively as her first question - demand, rather - came to mind. "What did you do with Rex?"

Bane chuckled. "Your clone's in perfect condition, darling. No need to worry."

Still scowling, Ahsoka continued to question. "What do you want from us? Why did you take us here?"

"I answer the questions I want to, when I want to, sweetheart," Bane responded sharply. "Sit up. We're going to have a little chat."

Ahsoka eyed him warily, trying to get a feel for him - passively, of course; she couldn't risk tipping off Bane by using the Force outright on him. She couldn't detect any outright malice in his demeanor; he was salty in manner but not intent on harming her.

With some effort - and a little Force assistance - she pushed her self upright, sitting on the edge of the cot, pressing her legs together and crossing her arms defensively. "Still glaring, she awaited Bane's next move."Well then," she prodded with a cold glare. "What do you want?"

Bane's response was to lean against the wall of her cell, making a trivial adjustment to his hat before inserting an electro-cig between his teeth. His own arms were crossed, and he raised one leg and braced his boot against the wall behind him. Apparently satisfied with his almost stereotypic 'villain' performance, he regarded her for a long, uncomfortable moment.

Finally he spoke. "I have a small... proposition."

Author's Note: (Updated 4/30/12)

Whew, this one came together pretty fast. :) Again, mostly updates to character portrayals, and a tad more scenery.

Thanks for reading, and please review!