Echo and Fives sandwiched Rex between them in the mess the next day, and Ahsoka sat across from the three clones. "That went well."

Rex grunted. "Yes, but what happens now?"

Fives laughed. "You become a Padawan."

"I don't think so. And they're still talking. How long does it take to convene the council, Commander?"

Ahsoka shrugged. "Maybe a day, maybe two, maybe even a week. It all depends on the member's postings. But, regardless, you have Master Obi-Wan on your side. The worst that could happen is that you're assigned back here as a 'civilian advisor', given 'recently recycled' armor and weapons, and 'heavily relied upon' in combat situations."

Rex almost laughed at the absurdity of it all. "A clone civilian?"

"Hey, you heard the man!" Fives slapped the Captain on the back. "Kamino no longer has any business in your affairs."

Rex glared and wordlessly gestured to his sling.

Fives quickly moved to Ahsoka's side of the table.

Echo chuckled at his brother's antics. "With all due respect, sir, they can't get rid of you. They need you to keep Fives and Hardcase in line."

Rex shook his head in amusement.

"Republic transport approaching. Captain Rex to the hangar."

Rex looked up at the announcement. "I have a feeling they've decided my fate."

As he stood, the two ARCs stopped him, clasping his forearm Mando-style. "K'oyacyi, vod."

Rex nodded. "K'oyacyi."

"May the Force be with you!" Ahsoka called as he walked out the door.

…oOo…

In the hangar, Anakin was talking with an Iridonian Jedi. They paused their conversation when Rex jogged up. "Ah, Rex! This is General Koth. He offered to train you to control your powers."

Eeth nodded. "You will not be trained as a Jedi, but you will be my apprentice. You will maintain your rank of Captain for now."

"Honestly, sirs," Rex said, "this is better than I expected."

Eeth grinned. "And faster than anyone expected, too."

The three men chuckled.

"I was on my way to rendezvous with my new command at Kaliida Shoals Medical Center. Many of them, I hear, are bored and causing trouble."

Rex noted the way the new General's eyes sparkled at that comment, and he smiled. "I'll pack quickly then, sir."

Eeth nodded and shook his hand firmly. "I look forward to working with you, Captain. We'll discuss our structure of command when we reach Kaliida, what with two captains and all."

Rex saluted and jogged off to his quarters.

Ahsoka was waiting for him. "No fair! You get Master Koth! He's one of the fun masters!"

Rex raised an eyebrow at that. "Because being Skywalker's Padawan is so dull."

"Fun, Rex, I said fun. And he's famous-"

Rex coughed subtly.

"- he trained the Howlrunner."

Rex nearly dropped the tray of medals he was packing. "He trained Sharad Hett!? His tactics were one of the first we learned!"

Ahsoka smirked. "You're drooling."

Rex gave her his best 'I'm not amused' glare.

"You're leaving, sir?"

Rex looked up to see Tup in the doorway. "I'm sure it's only temporary."

"Sure?" the younger trooper asked. "Or sure?"

"The former," Rex answered as Ahsoka slipped outside to wait.

Tup took a step inside the room, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "Permission to hug you, sir?"

Rex looked up in surprise, then shook his head, bewildered. "Get over here, ad'ika." The two brothers briefly embraced, then Rex pulled away. "Keep an eye on everyone for me. Try to help Kix stay sane."

"I will."

"Good." Rex slung his duffel over his good arm and squeezed Tup's shoulder. "K'oyacyi."

Ahsoka fell in step beside Rex as he made his way to the hanger. "That was sweet. He looks up to you like a father-figure, you know?"

Rex just shrugged, unsure of how to respond.