Rex was a clone. The only reason he and his brothers were brought into existence was to fight, and more than likely die, in this horrific war. Needless to say the thought of death crossed his mind on many occasions.

Needless to say, he didn't he'd go out to a uptight prick with a glorified slugthrower in a ruined prison, yet here he was.

The 501st had been sent to Sol to help the Reef and Guardians clear up a prison riot. All went well at first. Sure, the prisoners proved to be a tough nut to crack, but they seemed more pre-occupied with killing each to take them on. Then came the report from Petra: This wasn't a prison riot, it was a prison break. He didn't know what had gotten loose that was scary enough to spook her, but Cayde-6 did, given his first reaction was to bring down the control center to take a short-cut to the depths of the prison to cut the escapees off. As (bad) luck would have it, Rex and his squad were the closest to Cayde when he took his ride down. Least, close enough to get there right after his little clanker had been destroyed, taking his powers and immortality with it.

What happened after that was horrible. These, screeching abominations that used to be Fallen came at them. Rex and the troopers gave it their all, making their stand around the wounded Vanguard. But one by one, they were wiped out, with Rex being thrown about by explosive thrown by one of the freaks. When he came to, his ears were still ringing, and it took a bit for his vision to return to him. When it did, he saw Cayde, laying on the floor across from him, beat to hells, with another cloaked figure standing over him, holding the Guardian's own gun. Soon after, his hearing returned to him

"-gun I could borrow, would ya?" Cayde asked, still playing the obnoxious joker

"No. But I do have a bullet. With your name on it." The man said mockingly He knew it wasn't going to end well for the vanguard unless he did something. No doubt the assailant thought he was dead. Rex had pulled himself up, and reached for his deecee, aiming at the Hunter's would be killer. But, the man saw him, and wheeled around, and fired, at the same time as the captain. Rex'S shot went into the assailant's shoulder, while the assailant's shot hit Rex directly in his chest, piercing through his armor. Rex knew he wasn't going to make it before he hit the ground. Not by a long shot.

Cayde probably would've met the same fate as him, if the Guardian-he didn't catch their name, and probably never would-hadn't burst into the room seconds later, sending the killer running for the airlock. Rex didn't see if they got him. When the Guardian returned, first thing they did was go to check on Cayde. Which, it was understandable they'd check up on a close friend first. The Vanguard waved them off. "Kid...I'm fine...right as rain...just...check up on the cap. Please." The Guardian nodded, before going to Rex's side.

"It's just as bad...as it looks." He said weekly. He wanted more than anything to hold on, just long enough to say goodbye to his comrades. To Fives. To Jesse. To Kix. To Skywalker. To Tano. But he'd have to settle for having this stranger pass it on instead. As the little droid materialized and confirmed the worst to it's Guardian, Rex grabbed them by the wrist. "Don't worry...it's fine...your friend...your people need him...Better me than him." Rex could swear he heard the Vanguard trying to argue with him on that point, but he was fading too fast to hear him. "Please. Tell them...tell them not matter what happened, no matter...what happens after...I'm...I'm proud...so proud...of them."

He'd lost so many brothers in this war.

Figured it was about time he'd join them, give them orders.