Honestly, this chapter is a bit short but there wasn't much to do with it. We will be experiencing quite a time jump.
Cody hadn't seen Rex this depressed since Commander Tano had left the Jedi Order.
His brother stared down at the lifeless body of ARC-5555, as he was carried away on a stretcher.
Fives had been a loyal brother and friend… at least that's what Rex thought. Cody wasn't sure what to think. He had always loved Fives and had enjoyed his brother's company, but the commander wasn't sure what to make of Fives' claim.
Chips? In their heads? That would make them blindly follow orders? Seemed a bit hard to believe.
But Cody couldn't think of another reason to why Fives would act like this- mental illness? Maybe he had been injected with a hallucinatory drug?… But it didn't matter at the moment because Rex needed him.
The commander placed his hand on his brother's soldier. "He was a good man, Rex. One of the best we've ever fought beside."
Rex didn't answer, but lowered his head slightly. Silence fell for a moment as Fives finally vanished from view onto the transport that would take him to have his body processed. All of the troops around began to file out, slowly and silently. The still air was filled with enough tension to cut a knife through it.
Eventually, only Cody and Rex remained. And that was when Rex finally felt the right to break down. He babbled nonsense as he fell to his knees, the tears unable to remain held back any longer.
Cody immediately sank beside him and pulled him into a hug, mumbling comfort in Mando'a.
The captain was babbling uncontrollably, gasping for air, "I- I- couldn't stop- I- I- fault. My- my- fault."
"Shh… You did your best, brother. Don't blame yourself. You tried. You tried."
"Was- wasn't- enough-" Rex gasped, hitting his fist against Cody's chest, but being so weak that it only made a slight thumping sound.
"Don't you dare say that, Rex. Fives wouldn't want you to blame yourself, he'd-"
"Co- Cody- please- d- don't-" Rex sobbed. He buried his face in his brother's shoulder, unable to speak anymore, the tears becoming too much.
Cody hugged him tighter, trying to keep his breaking brother glued together. "Rex… Shhh… It's alright. I have you. I'm here."
Rex sobbed harder, "But- some-someday you- you may- may- may not be!"
The commander flinched slightly at those words. "Rex, I will be here-"
But Rex wasn't done, "E-Echo, Hard-Hardcase, T-Tup, and now- now Fi-Fives… What-what if you- you're next!" He clutched his brother, afraid he would suddenly disappear. Every lost brother seemed to crash down on him, and the captain was slowly suffocating from the grief.
Cody was too shocked to speak. He gripped Rex tighter and thought for a moment before he finally answered, "I… I may not always be here for you, Rex. But I am right now."
Rex cried harder, unable to speak.
That was how a squad of troopers found the two a few hours later, each asleep, leaning against the other.
One week later, Rex put in his formal resignation papers and packed his bags. Cody met him in the hangar at the ramp of the ex-captain's ship. There was an honor guard standing at attention, helmet's off- all members of the 501st.
Rex gave Cody a small smile when he finally reached the commander. "I guess this is goodbye."
"For now," Cody corrected his brother. He reached out and hugged his brother, "If you ever need me, I'll be there. I promise."
"I know, Cody." Rex smiled and pulled away, holding his brother at arm length. "My offer to join me is still open."
Cody smiled. "Sorry, Rex. But someone has to hold the fort with the Generals."
"Yes, General Kenobi would hate to lose his best pillow."
"Rex!"
The clone smiled. "Good luck in battle, Brother."
"And good luck on your journey, Brother." Cody hugged him again, his heart heavy.
Rex pulled away and marched up the ramp, stopping at the top. He turned around and saluted to Cody and the rest of the troopers. Everyone replied in sync, sad smiles and nods of farewell in the mix as well.
The ex-captain felt a wave of love for his brothers and had to push off the sorrow that shortly followed. "It's been an honor serving with you, brothers… Now go blast some clankers for me!"
All the troops smiled and saluted.
Cody and Rex nodded to one another and then the shuttle doors closed.
Aww... Poor Rex and Cody.
You know, since this was so short I think I'll post the next one. Aren't I nice?