Chapter Forty Eight

Fixation


Space Station Gimmix, Outer Rim, 32 days after the execution of Contingency Order 66.


No one could accuse Cad Bane of going cheap when it came to his hideouts.

The space station – nestled deep within a remote asteroid field Britani had never heard of – had a rather imposing external appearance; a tubular hull that was structured as an continuous ring, with a long central structure that extended perpendicular to the plane of the rest of the structure. It quite resembled a wheel, or even a ancient gyroscope, actually. Several narrow conduits connected the central spire to the hull like spokes, while long, spindly bumper arms projected an advanced repulsor shield that insulated the hideout from the massive slabs of stone tumbling aimlessly through the black void.

Inside, the station seemed even larger and more intimidating than it had from without. The long, curving hull was dimly lit, without even regular viewports, though the haze of dust and debris that inevitably accompanied an asteroid field meant there'd be little to see anyway. It did feel indeed more like a prison than a safe haven, outfitted with an astonishing network of security cams, stun shields, and sensor arrays.

When Britani mentioned this observation to their bounty hunter host, as he led them towards their accommodations, she received a curt response.

"When you're on the wrong side of the law, you don't take chances."

A fair rationale, but one provided little reassurance.

Despite the unnerving thoroughness of the security provisions, Bane seemed all but disinterested in their activities aboard the station. After a terse introduction to the facilties, and a few warnings regarding his own private quarters, the bounty hunter seemed perfectly content to let them roam the station of their own. The fact that he could likely monitor their movements was not lost on any of the Jedi, but it wasn't hard to find convenient loopholes in the security network. Between blind corners and even the occasional 'dead' corridor, there were no shortage of places for off-the-record conversation, so long as Bane kept his distance. Something the fugitives could certainly take advantage of.

As they certainly would.

For now, they would take advantage of what amenities the bounty hunter had provided. Britani's injury, while not fully healed, was reduced to a dull throbbing in her leg, and with care – and an occasional bit of Force assistance – she was able to get around on her own without much trouble.

Without luggage of any sort, the Jedi and clone band quickly coordinated their next moves. The first of which involved cleanliness. Two of the sleeping rooms Bane had led them to featured sonic showers, and after some awkward glances, the group parted company, the men utilizing one room, and Ahsoka and Britani the other. Their host had most thoughtfully provided them with a few changes of clothes, which all save Rex gladly availed themselves of; the clone opting to stick with his familiar -and now clean – body suit, remaining armored from the waist down.

Refreshed and clad in plain but fresh attire, the group convened in the small galley that was situated down the hall from the sleeping quarters, Ahsoka leading the way. Her bearing was moreconfident now, a noticeable change from her nervous, uncertain and mildly aggressive manner she had exhibited on and off since Britani met her aboard Bane's vessel. She also seemed familiar with the station overall, which stood to reason as Ahsoka had told them that she and Rex had stayed here for some time after being rescued from Imperial capture.

The young Togruta moved quickly to procur seating and provisions for the small band. Beyond being crude and dimly lit, the galley was unusually large for a crew of one, and Britani infered that it perhaps served as a meeting place with potential clients, as much as a safe haven from the law. Several tables and stools were strewn about the space, together with a large compliment of debris in the form of shattered bottles, flimsi wrappers, and dried liquor. Clearly sanitation was not one of Cad Bane's priorities.

Rex demonstrated his familiarity as well, indicating a single table that showed signs of being wiped down within the past few weeks, anyway, and hurrying to gather enough seats for all. Ahsoka promptly made her way to the back of the kitchen area, returning with an assortment of what appeared to be flash-frozen rations.

"Not much variety here, I have to say," she stated with a shrug as she deposited the packages of food into a pile on the table. "But it keeps you going, at least."

Britani gave her a wry smile. "I doubt it has anything on a Weequay spice trader's fare," she said, before selecting one of the more conservatively marked items.

"At least it's dead," Derik remarked with a grimace. "The Gungan smuggler that got me off Belasco only stocked live provisions."

Rex frowned. "Live provisions?"

"Fancy way of saying, worms."

Ahsoka let out a huff as she took a seat and reached for a package. "Thanks for spoiling my dinner, hero boy."

The banter continued over the unusual but appreciated meal. Like most modern ration packs, the packages were self-heating, and the pungent smell of alcolhol was soon joined with a myriad of unique but not unpleasant scents of meat and vegetable flavorings; enough to induce salivation, anyway. Despite the artificial nature of the food, a semi-warm meal of any kind was a welcome change from the fare Britani had substited on before arriving on Kessel – Derik's worms notwithstanding. Rex, Ahsoka and Derik each helped themselves to no fewer than three items apiece, and despite being particularly moderate in appetite, even Britani managed to consume two portions; it was amazing how hungry one could become without realizing it.

As their appetites were sated, the conversation began to return to more serious subjects.

"Okay, so we need to figure out some things here," Ahsoka announced, in an effort to get everyone's attention. Her white brows arched as she cast a seemingly casual glance across the dingy galley, a motion which Britani recognized as a reminder that they were likely being watched.

Ahsoka confirmed her suspicions, speaking in low tones as all four leaned in over the table. "He does keep an eye on us, but he's pretty hands-off between operations. We probably have a few minutes more before he'll notice we're here and stop by, in my experience. I sensed him, he seems busy with something, but we should make this quick."

Derik grimaced, his eyes darting towards the corridor. "So… what are we doing?"

"Talking. I hope. About…" Even in the low lighting, the flush of the Togruta's lekku was visible. "I guess I didn't think that far," she admitted.

Britani broke in before Derik could respond. "At the very least, we can decide our next meet up. I imagine we'll all have plenty to discuss once we've gotten a feel for this facility."

Taking some courage from the assistance, Ahsoka spoke up again. "Right. Also, whether we like it our not, we've got to deal with Bane when it comes to our next move. Rex and I will handle that."

"For contingency purposes," Rex added, "I suggest Derik and Jedi Matalis-"

"Britani."

"Right, you two might want to keep a low profile and avoid any suspicious activity, recon and the like. If anything happens, you should be out of the line of fire and able to respond."

"We out number him four to one," Ahsoka interjected. "I don't think he'll do anything antagonistic right now, anyways."

"But we don't know this station like you do," Derik objected, frowning at Ahsoka. "If something goes wrong, we're not equipped-"

"We'll figure it out," Britnai corrected. "The Force is with us," she whispered, more to Derik than to the rest.

Ahsoka smiled gratefully at the older girl, though there was grimness in the expression. "Thanks, and we'll be sure to give you heads up if anything develops. Also, I'm… I'll probably try to talk to Bane again, later." She bit her lip, and it almost appeared she didn't mean to announce that particular intention, but Britani decided not to pry.

Ahsoka continued, "I'm also going to be trying to get Todo – Bane's droid – up and running again. He was pretty loose around me before, and provided some good intel."

"I could help you out there, if you like," Derik offered, tentatively. "I'm pretty handy with droids and all."

"I'd appreciate that," Ahsoka answered, with a sincere smile. "In the meantime, let's get some rest, and plan for our next huddle back here at eleven hundred tomorrow, assuming Caddy doesn't grace us with his presence. Any objections?"

There were none. "Good."

The discussion continued for some time afterwards, with practical questions asked and answered, and a few more rations consumed, as well. Despite their earlier refreshment, weariness was still weighing on all, and after perhaps a standard hour Rex suggested that they break up their meeting and retire for the remaineder of the night cycle.

Despite an amusing bit of apprehension from Derik and Rex, it seemed that all implictly agreed that they would divide up by couple, though other than Britani no one seemed comfortable saying as much. Ahsoka took initiative and gave a nod to Rex. The two of them stood, crossing the galley threshold and disappearing down the main corridor.

Derik and Britani stayed a moment longer, she taking in their surroundings more closely, and he finishing his meal. It was only a few minutes before they too stood, walking side by side as they stepped into the corridor.

"Well, I suppose we should head towards the living quarters again," she suggested, turning to eye Derik. Her companion nodded, tension still in his face as they began to walk. Britani's leg was still causing significant discomfort, forcing her to lean a little into Derik. Not that he'd mind.

Neither Rex or Ahsoka appeared nearby, though it was not at all difficult to detect their presences in this largely lifeless space station. Whild there was no immediate necessity, Britani felt better knowing they had the capability to contact their comrades. She motioned to Derik's wristcom. "Can we keep in touch with them that way?"

Derik nodded. "Yeah, but we're not sure if Bane monitors those channels. In theory he can't, because I can open an encrypted link between two units right down to the firmware, but still…" he sighed, shaking his head. "I don't like this. I don't trust him."

Britani nodded, slowly, waiting for his own words to settle in his mind before responding.

"Do you trust the Force?"

Her companion looked at her, a look of worry and conflict clouding his face. "I'm…" his voice almost cracked and he sighed once more. "I… I think I do."

"That's not enough, Derik, and you know it." Britani's eyes trailed along the perimeter of the deck, the dreary gunmetal gray of the entire interior reminding her of the tunnels from which they had so narrowly made an escape.

An escape that was not by accident.

"Derik," she spoke again. "Tell me, you trust this space station, don't you?"

Derik frowned, and out of the corner of her eye she saw him trying to meet her gaze, which she didn't grant him just yet. "What are you getting at?"

Britani continued speaking, her tone quiet but frank. "I don't hear you worrying that this hull will give way, and leave us to the vacuum of space, or fretting that a fuel line will rupture any second, and incinerate us all. To tell you the truth I've yet to hear you voice a single concern about this rattlebang bit of dilapidated hardware that looks from the outside like it'd be better suited for a Hutt's skiff than a space station."

She risked a quick glance at Derik, who looked bewildered at her rapid fire monologue, though there was a trace of curiosity in his expression, as well – he knew her well enough to expect some sort of point out of this admittedly odd set of observations.

"You don't worry about this station's spaceworthiness, because you subconsously trust it. You have faith in physical law, that a solid structure will not succumb to pressures it is designed to withstand. You have a confidence that is rooted upon fact, born of experience, and you have no reason to doubt it."

Derik still frowned, understandably puzzled. "Right… but I don't see the connection. I don't have any confidence in a bounty hunter."

"But do you have confidence in the Force?" Britani questioned, not waiting for an answer before she went on. "You have no hesitation in trusting this crude complex with your life and mine. How can you not have equal faith in the power that binds our very being together, like a rivet joins steel to frame, like a tendon binds muscle and bone?"

Derik's mouth quirked a little as he murmured, "You always did read too much poetry."

"Did I? Honestly I can't remember where that came from," she answered with a chuckle, before sighing. "I can't speak for you, Derik. I don't trust Bane anymore than you do, but I do trust will of the Force. It's brought me too far to doubt it now. It led me from Murkhana to Kessel. It led Ahsoka and Rex to Nar Shadda. And it brought us all together, here."

A sudden spike of pain in her leg caused Britani to catch her breath, and Derik wasted no time shifting to better support her. After a few seconds the sensation subsided again, and she motioned for him to continue. Neither Jedi spoke as they rounded the continual curve of the hull, towards their destination.

As they came in view of the sleeping quarters, Derik finally broke the silence. "I think that's my… that's what's bothering me."

"What, exactly?"

"I… after all that's gone on, trying to find you" Derik hesitated again, grimacing as he searched for words. "I just don't want to lose you again," he finally admitted, his volume a hair above a whisper.

For a moment neither spoke, and their pace slowed to a near standstill as they reached the row of lodging chambers. Then Britani gave Derik a sad smile, before speaking. "Derik, I understand how you're feeling."

"Do you?" Derik countered, though his tone was more despondent than challenging. "You've always been a better Jedi than me," he added, lowering his head as he sighed. "It's not that I don't appreciate what you're saying, Brit. I admire your… your faith, your confidence, but…" His eyes shut for a moment, before concluding in a hoarse whisper.

"I can't help how I feel about you."

At this, Britani spun on her heels, gripping both of Derik's shoulders and stopping him in his tracks. The sharp pain of the sudden motion was absorbed into the intensity of the moment, and her eyes locked with his as she spoke with a passion she hadn't realized she was capable of.

"And do you think I can?"

Derik froze, returning her gaze with equal parts of intensity and surprise. His mouth opened a little, but it wasn't to speak.

"Every night since the order I thought of you," she continued, her voice low and laced with emotion. "It seemed almost every waking moment, amidst all the chaos and confusion, I would wonder where you were, whether you were even alive. And when I believed I was to die in those mines like Bultar, for all my faith in the will of the Force, my one regret was that I would never see your face again."

As if on cue, her left hand wandered up from his shoulder towards his face, flicking aside a wisp of his jet black hair before resting lightly on his cheek. Derik took a sharp intake of breath at her touch, his eyes never straying from hers. Time and space may well have stopped in that moment, as the two survivors all but forgot where they were, or why it mattered.

"I can't help how I feel about you either, Derik," she whispered, some part of her mind realizing she was speaking only centimeters away from his face.

It was a short-lived bit of distance.

In retrospect, it was probably Derik who moved first, as he usually did, but Britani wasted no time evening the score as their lips met in a blur of emotion and fervor. Her right hand slipped from his shoulder and joined the other behind his head, pulling him towards her, her fingers interlacing with each other and with the thick locks of his hair. Derik's hands moved to her waist as his mouth claimed her's whole-heartedly, but he was clearly blinded by the force of feeling that Britani brought to bear through the kiss.

For a moment, it was only them. Only the firm grip of his calloused hands supporting her slight frame, only the warmth of his richly colored skin pressing against her cheek, only her eyes being dazzled by the intensity in his own before fluttering shut. It seemed their very presences mingled with one another, while the Force itself flared between them, giving its own brand of approval to the display.

The thing about these sort of moments, was that they tended to be short.

"Is this Jedi mating season?"

Britani spun around, her eyes wide and her breath shallow as she tried to scrape together some semblance of composure. Derik, looking a hydrospanner short of enraged at the untactful interruption, quickly stepped past her, putting himself between her and a somewhat amused Cad Bane.

"I always thought your type were prudes," the bounty hunter drawled. "Seems the ones I run into are all about sucking face as much as spinning lightsabers."

Despite his decisive action, it was clear Derik was in no condition to spar – verbally or otherwise – with Bane, as his own face was still flushed and his breathing quickened. Forcing back her own surprise, Britani stepped past Derik, struggling to chase the red from her cheeks and meet Bane's eyes.

"Where do you suppose new Jedi come from?" she retorted, tongue in cheek. "We don't exactly sprout from-"

"Brit?"

Derik's incredulous hiss almost caused Britani to lose her already fragile nonchalance, and the flash bewilderment on Bane's drawn face was too much for her to resist a wry half-grin.

The admittedly odd tack had the desired affect, at any rate. Bane's amusement morphed into a muted disdain as he suddenly tossed an object towards the Jedi. Derik started towards her as though a bomb had been flung at them, before the item landed with a light thud against the durasteel deck.

It didn't take long to identify the object as a wrist-mounted comlink, of the same type as that the bounty hunter himself wore, as well as Derik and the others. A fairly unassuming half-meter long, it looked well padded and suitable for long-term usage; the only truly unusual attribute being the density of the controls and keypads that adorned the top portion of the device. Apparently realizing the identity of the unit, Derik stopped and picked up the comm, eying it and Bane warily.

"You can show your girl how it works," the bounty hunter muttered, presumably speaking to Derik as he began to turn around. "Don't waste time, I'll be turning the security back on in three hours."

Odd. I hadn't realized the systems were inactive. Apparently these comms functioned as identification as well. I'll have to ask Derik about it later.

But for now, she needed to say something.

"Excuse me," Britani spoke up again before the Duros could turn away. Bane paused, looking halfway over his shoulder, his crimson eyes shielded by the brim of his hat.

Force, help me. "I wanted to thank you for your part in my rescue," she began, speaking as words came to her, "and in that of my colleagues. I hope we will be able to find a mutually acceptable way to compensate you."

Bane's eyes narrowed just slightly, and he gave a short nod. "Sure, I'm… sure we'll figure something out."

At that cryptic statement, Britani's eyes narrowed as well, but she continued. "A Jedi's abilities are not to be underestimated, Bane," a hand fell to rest by her lightsaber, though not in an overtly threatening manner. "But we are far from perfect, as you surely know."

The bounty hunter's face drew to a near scowl, and he looked like any second he would storm away. Again Britani spoke on sheer impulse, recalling the revelations Ahsoka had made earlier, and trusting the Force itself to guide her words.

"Some wounds can only be healed be being opened again."

Bane snorted in apparent disgust. "You can stick your prophecies up your own exhaust port, they'll be better appreciated there." With that, he spun around, and stalked back up the corridor.

Britani and Derik stood in silence for a moment. "What was that all about?" her companion asked, confusion in his tone.

She sighed, running a hand across her temples. "I'm not sure exactly. I wasn't thinking about what I was saying, I just…"

Derik grimaced, as he suggested, "The Force?"

"Yes. I trusted that the Force would guide my words, and…" she exhaled heavily again. "Time will tell what the results will be."

The weight of their predicament was not lost on Britani. Certainly she hoped Ahsoka would be able to accomplish something, that some sort of meaningful connection could be established. But it was out of her control, for the moment. I've done what I can, for now, she decided. I will not allow myself to be dragged down by fear of the unknown. Nor will I let Derik do the same, if I can help it.

As if to confirm her inward resolution, she turned to examine the wristcom in Derik's hands. "I suppose in the meantime you should introduce me to this new toy?"

Despite his clear misgivings, Derik couldn't help but display some interest in an advanced, sophisticated gadget. "Sure, it's not that complicated really."

"Really?" Britani repeated, doubtfully, her eyes straying from the comlink in Derik's hands to trail up his arms, his chest, his chin…

"Like I said, the basic circuit seems to be derived from the old VersaLink models, but… Brit?"

Britani was by this time staring intently at Derik's lips, and she was certain she could feel him blushing, whether through the Force or not she didn't know. She held the gaze for a moment, then when it seemed something simply had to be said, she snapped out of her reverie.

"Oh yes, VersaLink," she repeated emphatically, meeting Derik's wide-eyed stare with an innocent smile. "Do tell me all about it."

Derik was on to her joke by this point, and rolled his eyes, a smirk coming over his face. "I guess I do have some of my charm left, don't I?"

His cockiness was too much to resist. "Mmm…" she murmurred, as though lost in thought. "Yes, I would likely rank you above a wristcom, if pressed. A good holo-novel, on the other hand…"


Rex wasn't one to become fixated on something.

Of course, he hadn't exactly had cause to be fixated on anything specific, given his experiences as a clone officer. He always had far too much on his mind, and far too many responsibilities, to devote his thoughts to any one thing for very long. And certainly nothing that wasn't relevant to his role as a Captain and his duty as a soldier. Some men might obsess on an enjoyable pastime or hobby, or, for some of the more adventurous clones, even a person – usually a humanoid female.

But not Captain Rex.

So it was with some embarrassment that, the moment he and Ahsoka were out of sight of their two comrades, the first thing to come to his mind was… well, the very same thing that had come to his mind when they first docked with the station, and he awoke to find Ahsoka wrapped securely in his arms. The same thing that he'd been wondering off and on ever since they left that grim scene in the Kessel mines. When they stood in the middle of the horror and the carnage, and Ahsoka took his hands, and whispered to him.

"This isn't the time, but Rex… Next time we have the chance, I need to talk to you."

Somehow Rex knew that she had something important to say. That didn't make it any less frustrating. He wasn't sure if it was a Jedi thing, or if civvies were this way too, but it seemed that non-clones had difficulty just saying what they meant to say, rather than scheduling their statements for later.

He also knew he was being ridiculous. There was no reason why he couldn't just wait until Ahsoka was ready to say what she wished. There was no hurry, and Rex was not impatient. And he certainly wasn't concerned in the slightest that she might forget all about it despite her repeated promise to not do so.

And yet… maybe he was.

"I can't even remember which of these we stayed in last time."

Ahsoka's voice brought him out of his reverie, and Rex turned to see what she was looking for. She stood in the middle of the corridor, her brows furrowed as she examined the row of three doors leading to the separate cells – or whatever they are – two of which had held them when Bane first brought them here.

"I guess it doesn't matter," Ahsoka continued, "It's just-"

"That one," Rex pointed at the last doorway, the recollections of their last, very tense stay at the station still vivid in his mind. That was the room where he and Ahsoka had been first introduced to the bounty hunter's crazy proposal. That was the room where Ahsoka, still handcuffed and restrained, expressed her desire to do something to help her fellow survivors. The room where Rex had first confronted and battled against the feelings that he now tentatively allowed himself.

"Lot of memories, huh?"

Rex nodded, without a word. Memories. I guess that's one word for them.

"Well, unless you want to stand around, maybe we could go… sit?"

He turned to meet her gaze; there was nothing mischievous or sly about her face, but he immediately recognized her hesitancy. She wants to talk about something.

And Rex felt very sure he knew what it was.

He nodded again, and the two of them made their way to the small single bunk in the back of the room. Ahsoka motioned towards the exit, suggesting that he activate the energy shield that had once held them prisoner in this very chamber. However, as Ahsoka pointed out, the possession of a lightsaber meant that there was really no way to keep them in this room anyway, and so Rex obliged, activating the shield with a tap of his wristcom, the glow of the luminous barrier and its low hum actually providing a welcome sense of being left alone.

Though to be frank Rex's mind was otherwise engaged.

It seemed every movement Ahsoka made was in slow motion, despite Rex's lack of impatience. She sat crossways on the bed, her legs dangling over the edge, taking a moment to remove her boots before sitting cross legged. She motioned for Rex to sit beside her, which he did without hesitation. It took all his control not to stare at her mouth, not with any... unprofessional motives, but out of an uncharacteristic eagerness to hear what she was about to say.

Ahsoka's voice was soft, only barely audible at all, and Rex moved a little closer to better pick up her words. "Yeah?"

He found his heartbeat increasing, his breath coming faster, and for a moment he truly believed that yes, this was the moment he'd been waiting for since leaving Kessel. That finally Ahsoka was about to reveal what it was she thought was so important she had to wait to tell him. His entire being seem to freeze with a alien anticipation as she began to speak…

"You know I need to talk to him."

Oh. That.

Something burst within Rex as realization set in. The 'him' she referred to was most definitely not him, and this was definitely not the conversation he'd been waiting for. As much as he knew that Ahsoka was under no obligation to him, he couldn't help but feel…

Get over it, soldier.

Pushing the ridiculous thoughts from his head, Rex nodded. This was important, after all. This was their mission, and they needed to be prepared. Like it or not, Bane was their closest thing to an ally, and their relationship with him was of high strategic significance.

"Right. What's our plan?"

Ahsoka took a breath, then continued speaking. "I think I can get through to him, now. I really think he's realizing he has to admit to his weakness in order to move past everything. And if I can help him do that…"

Rex nodded, trying not to grimace. "Right, I guess so." He cocked his head in thought, for a moment, trying push the stupid feelings of disappointment and want aside, and failing. Instead, he flailed about inwardly for questions that made some degree of sense for the current conversation, without much interest behind them.

"Should we wait till tomorrow, or-"

"Not we, Rex."

The words were spoken so quietly he wasn't sure at first if she had said anything at all. His conflicted thoughts disappeared in an instant as Rex blinked, unsure of what she was getting at. "Sorry?"

Ahsoka bit her lip, looking every bit apologetic and self-conscious. "I need to do this alone this time, Rex," she whispered. "It's not that I don't want you to be there, I really do, but I don't think he'll listen to me with anyone else around. I have to do this. Alone."

"No," the word came before Rex could stop it, not that he would have anyway. "Ahsoka, the last time you confronted him alone he took out his pain on you. Now he knows you were involved in his experience. You can't go in there by yourself."

"I have to, Rex." Ahsoka leaned even closer into him, turning her head to the side to rest her cheek on his shoulder. "I understand the risks, but this is too important to risk it all for my safety. I need Bane to trust me, and I can't possibly get him to trust me and somebody else." Her volume fell even lower, if possible.

"Please, Rex. Let me do this."

Rex tried his best to formulate a response, but given the conflicted nature of his thoughts it was difficult to think straight. The fact that she had actually asked for his approval was perplexing enough, even if it wasn't the first time she had done so. She needed no permission from him.

But could he even give it to her, anyway? Part of him didn't think so. Part of him wanted to throw his arms around her and physically restrain her, to keep her away from the scum that was Cad Bane, and from every other hazard or danger in the galaxy.

And yet, the greater part of him knew he wouldn't do that. Not because he trusted Bane, which he most certainly did not. Not because out of habit he occasionally still thought of Ahsoka Tano as a superior to be obeyed. Not because she was clearly capable and lethal and able to take care of herself.

No, Rex knew her too well. He knew she'd always do what she believed was right. He knew she'd always be ready risk her life for the sake of others. And he knew that there were some tasks that she'd have to alone, as much as he wanted otherwise. It was part of who she was, and to be frank, it was part of why he thought so highly of her in the first place.

And suddenly he remembered what Ahsoka had said before making her cryptic promise. When she told him that this was the way things would have to be, and that there would be times when he'd be forced to let go, just like she was asking now. Because, as hard as it was to accept at times, Ahsoka was not made for a life of safety and ease. Let the Jedi say what they would, Ahsoka Tano was a warrior, a hero. She was dangerous, and would always be in danger to some degree. She was like a flame, a blaze of heat and light in a dark galaxy.

That was why Rex… felt for her, the way he did.

"Can you accept that?" she had asked him, in the mines.

Yes. He could. And he would.

"Alright," he responded, swallowing hard. "But Ahsoka, please, if anything happens," he looked earnestly into her eyes. "Let me know. I'll be there."

Ahsoka smiled, her eyes glistening. "I know you will," she whispered. "Thanks, Rex." She laid her head back down against his shoulder, growing still save the slight swell of her lungs as she leaned against him.

Of course, his thoughts returned to where they always did, lately. Perhaps now would be a good time to discuss… whatever it was? She didn't seem to be in a rush to confront the bounty hunter again. They were alone, practically speaking. It was likely the best setting they would ever get under the current circumstances. Perhaps if he brought it to her attention, she'd agree. Even if she hadn't forgotten, she couldn't be offended with a subtle reminder. It was worth a try.

It ended up taking a few tries, as every time Rex willed himself to formulate words or vocalize them his ability to speak seemed to vanish, leaving him with a dry mouth and a stuck throat. Once, twice, three times he tried to broach the subject to the young Jedi resting against his shoulder, but to no avail.

Finally, he managed to force one word out.

"… Ahsoka?"

Silence.

He turned his head as much as he could, only to see her head slowly slump down his shoulder. He shifted to catch her before she landed in his lap, and from this angle he could see her eyes had closed.

It was disappointing all over again, but there was a silver lining, this time.

She was smiling.

He wasn't sure why, but he had a few ideas. At least it wasn't likely about Cad Bane, anyways. Moving slowly, Rex reached an arm beneath her knees, while encircling her shoulders with his other arm to support her head. Her legs extended across his own knees, while her arms hung limply as she stirred and grunted for a moment, then fell silent again, the ghost of her smile still playing on her lips.

Rex thought about laying her down on the mat, then changed his mind. Easing back to better relax himself, he let his head loll to the side. His eyes drifted back to Ahsoka's face, and though he was far from completely at ease with everything, he couldn't resist returning her smile.


Author's Note: Just to make sure everything's clear, our heroes are now back on the space station where Bane, Ahsoka and Rex left to try and rescue Rema Saa'lu, and Derik. It's sort of the staging ground for Bane's little project.

Also, several people commented on Brit's positions in the last chapter. As I said in that A/N, Brit is a idealist, even a radical, and she's a bit of an extremist towards one side of Jedi philosophy. Most of her positions I modeled after statements made in "No Prisoners", but I really turned everything to 11. I'm afraid the structure of the last chapter gave a sort of "finality" to Britani's statements, but it's only one Jedi Padawan's POV. She raises some (I think) valid issues, and she forces Ahsoka to question the status quo, which was really Brit's ultimate point (or was supposed to be).

I'm pleased that some of you found her perspective thought-provoking (as was intended!) and I'm also very happy to find folks feel differently about it. While she's hardly obnoxious (I hope not!), Britani Matalis is meant to be a polarizing character. She's just really nice to you when you get mad at her. :P

As always, thanks to all my reviewers! witchcoven, laloga, DoubleEO, Jess Marylin, Admiral Daala, Queen, Sarge1995, Hoenn Master, Etain-Skirata, Wolffe41, TheLightIsMine, Starcrier, shadow-dog18, and jedig1rl. I so appreciate you guys!

Please review!