Chapter Summary

The Jedi and Captain Rex go undercover to rescue the missing Togruta colonists.

Chapter Notes

I definitely was inspired by this chapter of War Bonds for a bit of this. Up next is Onderon.

This is my first story so thanks for the kudos

/works/26159386/chapters/70941711

They had fallen into an easy routine, every few rotations she would come to his office to 'help with paperwork' His men were accustomed to her unusual willingness to assist in the mundane elements of war and the regular Djarik games between the Commander and the Captain were a consistent source of entertainment and gambling for the men. So luckily no one had noticed when they spent even more time together outside of official battles and meetings.

She had been teaching him the emotional and academic side of the force. They both decided that if he fully tapped into the physical benefits that were now available to him, it might help him in battle but would be far too difficult to explain to Skywalker how he had also cleared a giant wall or survived an impossible fall. Besides what point was there of surviving a battle if he was decommissioned immediately after.

One of their first lessons was how to protect his mind in more depth than just repeating his name, rank, and number like he had been taught on Camino.

The awful feeling of Ventriss clawing around in his mind still haunted him and so feeling like he could now protect himself and be less likely to betray anyone close to him had lifted a weight off his shoulders that he hadn't realized he was still carrying.

It had been a particularly challenging session, the concept was simple, but the execution was proving difficult. She had shown him how to make a mental wall that would protect his thoughts from anyone including her. It was a very important lesson considering there were many embarrassing thoughts regarding her that he never ever wanted her to know.

Like how his breath caught in his throat everytime she laughed at his joke, or how he still couldn't remove his armor without the ghost of her fingers haunting him from that fateful incident in the medbay…

He was trying to gather all of his feelings, desires and hopes in the little box in his mind and shut it up tight so that it wouldn't accidentally spill out. However it didn't help that her mere presence was adding to that pile. He'd eventually managed to get a sturdy enough barricade that Ahsoka couldn't sense him behind it, but they were both exhausted by the end.

It had proven more difficult to not confide something this big to his closest brothers than he had anticipated, but he knew it wasn't worth the risk and instead he simply contented himself by projecting a calming or strengthening presence whenever he thought he could get away with it. The Generals didn't know what was different but they did seem to have more confidence in him, giving him more and more responsibilities, which is probably why he had been selected to accompany the Jedi to Zygerria to find the missing colonists.

It seemed absurd to send him on an undercover mission since he had the most recognizable face in the galaxy... but they knew best. At first he had been honored that he was chosen to come along with the three Jedi, but when he heard that the plan of Ahsoka parading as a slave his enthusiasm was quickly tempered.

The feeling of dread deepened when General Skywalker had ordered him to help her in one of the abandoned boutiques left behind by the togruta colonists to find her a more slave appropriate outfit. Rex swore he saw Skywalker wink as he sent him after her, and he definitely heard his muttered good luck.

Did he suspect something? No he couldn't possibly, if he had any inclination of Rex's true feelings towards his padawan he would keep him as far away from her as possible, not make excuses for them to be together.

Relaxing he hastened his step and joined her in the small shop.

"Alright Rexter, our goal here is to find something fine enough that people will believe that I was kept around as eye candy, so look for bright colors, or ones that show some skin. What do you think of this?"

She turned to him and held out what looked like a pile of white bandages, he gulped nervously as he took it

"So what is this supposed to be then? Surely it's not an outfit! There's a few inches between each of these strips."

"Precisely, according to the holonet, being able to see skin peaking out in between is supposed to be attractive"

The now familiar heat blossomed low in his stomach as he pictured what she described. In a gruff voice he said

"Definitely not that one then."

"You think it would be too much?"

"Too little."

His ears were positively burning with embarrassment at this point, so trying to get this whole ordeal over with he grabbed a pile of teal fabric off a nearby shelf and shoved it towards her.

"We need to get going, this should be fine."

Her giggle as she accepted the bundle wasn't helping matters so he added

"Look kid, I've never had to pick out clothes before, this whole thing is very far outside my comfort zone, just give me more bombs to diffuse, I'm great at that."

Her giggling turned into full blown laughter at his grumbled pronouncement

"Alright I'll spare you the struggle and just use this one, it is a beautiful color."

Ahsoka had joined them on the bridge covered from head toe in a black robe, so all he had been able to see was the bright gold headpiece that brought out the blue of her eyes.

He hadn't been mentally prepared for the reveal of his chosen outfit, he was sure he heard the General snort at the undignified sound he made when she shrugged the robe off right before they landed.

Now technically the new outfit didn't show much more that her usual attire, in fact it actually had more coverage of her chest than her old tube top, but it was designed to catch your eye.

The sparkling gold jewelry was molded to follow all her curves as it led his eyes to places that they definitely shouldn't be. The bright teal looked amazing against her skin and the high slits that framed her thighs as she walked were certain to be a distraction.

They had technically hit their goal with this outfit, but he didn't like it, she was far too appealing. Rex knew what kind of slave they were trying to pass her off as and the whole thing made his blood boil. What if something happened, what if things went wrong and some slimy lowlife skug tried to keep her.

He felt his fists clench and at her questioning gaze he took a few deep breaths to try and relax. She is strong, smart, capable and definitely wouldn't appreciate him implying that she couldn't handle herself. This mission is going to go fine, they would be in and out with the colonists in just a few days so there was no need to get all worked up he told himself as the ship descended over the planet.

"Well Captain, what do you think? I like it, the color is bright enough to serve our purpose but my movement is unrestricted"

She struck a battle pose to prove her point.

He felt his heart begin to pound as the skirt fell away to reveal beautiful white markings on her inner thigh... kriff kriff kriff I'm not supposed to know about things like that. He resumed his deep breathing and fixed his eyes firmly on the hanger door while he simply nodded, not trusting himself in front of both Skywalker and Kenobi.

They had split up and as anticipated everything had gone almost immediately to shit. Skywalker seemed to think that he could just flirt with the Queen and she would tell him where they had taken the missing colonists. So he and General Kenobi had taken the more direct approach to problem solving. As usual the Jedi had been reckless. Upon locating the governor he had abandoned all pretense of stealth and tried to simply carry him out of the crowded courtyard. Of course that had been an abysmal failure, so to had Rex's subsequent rescue attempt. After the chaos at the auction he and General Kenobi woke, bruised and sore with shock collars fitted around their necks aboard a strange shuttle.

"Well Captain, I think we're about to find the missing togrutas. I am sorry that we dragged you into this mess. I think we're in for a rough go of it. We will most likely be used as an example to other prisoners."

"Understood General, it's a good thing we clones were made to have a high pain tolerance then."

Unfortunately, the cruel Warden Agruss had taken a different approach. The large, blue Zygerrian was smart enough to recognize that he would be unable to defeat the Jedi master physically. Departing the shuttle they were met with the sight of around fifty togrutas, evenly spaced across the platform looking throughly downtrodden.

"General Kenobi, you are the first Jedi I have entertained in my educational center. Few possess a Jedi's resolve... and it is strength of will that is my greatest enemy."

With the push of a button on the arm of his floating chair he had sent seven innocent colonists to their deaths simply to send a message. The control the slavers had over them wasn't in the collars. It was to be watching others be punished for their actions. Rex had noticed one of those poor colonists had been a girl about Asoka's age with similar orange skin. Obviously he knew it wasn't her, but watching someone so similar drop to her death and be unable to do anything had been excruciating.

The 'training center' on Kiros was easily one of the most inhospitable places Rex had been in his short life. The name was simply a flimsy cover for the mine they were forced to labor in.
It was back breaking work to shovel in the heat, the air was thick and smoggy creating a truly oppressive atmosphere. The togrutan colonists were not going to last long here without help. One small brightside was that Cody wasn't here to see how low his General had been brought. There was something unsettling about seeing someone who was usually so fearless be afraid to even lift his head.

The whole ordeal was made worse by the knowledge that they were capable of leaving at anytime, but their mission to protect the colonists far outweighed their own lives. So until the other Jedi arrived they would simply have to endure.

The Warden seemed to take great pleasure in tormenting Obi Wan, but his lieutenant had focused his attention on the clone Captain. His yellow eyes had glowed with malice as he told Rex

"You've always been a slave you know. All of you clones were made to serve and one day soon everyone of your brothers will trade their republic slave collars for our far more sophisticated ones."

Rex had tried to remain impassive, to not let the horrible man realize how sensitive that particular spot was. Unfortunately as his face had clouded and his fists had clenched involuntarily. A triumphant smile had spread across the mans cat like face.

Having found his mark, the Zygerrian was determined to break Rex's faith in the republic. He made a point to stand near where Rex was working, asking him questions like 'how many of your brothers do you think we killed today?' Or 'you were made to be subservient, so doesn't it feel better to be in your natural state?'

There had been a particularly nasty time after he had been accusing the Jedi of trying to take over their empire by literally manufacturing their own supply of slaves, where it took all of his self control not to break out of his cuffs, take the electric whip from the Zygerrian and kill every slaver in the area. However he knew that even if he saved every man woman and child on this line, there would still be plenty of civvies to take the punishment.

He had pushed through and kept working but unfortunately his words were harder to shake since they touched on a few bitter thoughts Rex had been pushing aside for ages. Slicks words came back to him as he had defended his own betrayal so many years ago.

"It's the Jedi who keep my brothers enslaved, we do your bidding. We serve and die at your whim. I just wanted something more."

His actions had led to the death of hundreds of clones, he was wrong then just as the warden was wrong now. But still the thoughts of things that Rex the man wanted outside of Rex the soldier crept back in. Even once they left this hellhole he still wouldn't really be free. To make him own choices, to pursue what he truly wanted... Trying to distract himself both from those thoughts and the blisters he felt forming from the rough shovel, he sent his mind out through to force to try and reach Ahsoka.

He could sense that she was alive but beyond that he had no idea what had happened with her and General Skywalker. They were getting good at sharing thoughts and emotions with each other across moderate distances, but separate planets was apparently too much for them.

Besides how could he explain to General Kenobi how he knew what was going on... All they could reasonably do now was wait and keep their heads bowed to protect the innocent people they were supposedly rescuing. He knew that Commander Tano and General Skywalker both had strong personal connections to this mission and nothing short of death would stop them, so now he needed to trust them. Heaving a sigh he got back to work.

Deep inside the facility it was impossible to tell how much time had passed. The Zygerrians would bring them to the barracks in shifts to rest, pacing outside to make sure that there wasn't too much noise.

As the patrolling footsteps receded, Rex decided to try talking to the Togrutas. Hoping he could provide some moral support at least, and maybe while he was at it he could get to know more about togrutan culture, since he had never met anyone other than a Jedi of the species. Ahsoka had left for the Jedi temple so young that she didn't seem to know much either, she might appreciate whatever information he could gather.

Gently lowering himself from his bunk he moved towards the small group that were still awake and chatting, a few of them stiffened his approach but when he projected calm and security through the force they relaxed and a few motioned for him to join their circle.

After exchanging names and complaints about their situation, the clone finally felt comfortable asking some questions about them and their home, hoping that it might cheer them up a bit. One man clearly didn't want to think about it and left the circle to go to bed. The others however seemed happy for the distraction. One of the women happily began to tell Rex about how the colony of artists and peacemakers have been created,

She personally had joined after being part of the queens own guard but upon the death of her lover realized that she wanted more to life than just to fight. She had barely finished her heart wrenching tale when another chimed in with their own history.

Rex focused on remembering every detail so he could share them with Ahsoka, someone was even kind enough to teach him traditional togruti phrase "Tara sootan koora manera narak, meaning May the Force bring you home" eventually the approaching guards sent all of them scurrying silently to their bunks.

Rex treasured the opportunity he had had to talk to them, and he couldn't wait to tell her all he had learned.

"That was kind of you Captain, I would have joined you but they don't feel safe around me now."

The sorrow and bitterness was unmistakable in the Generals voice.

"Everything about this place is designed to shatter the will and its working"

"Don't worry sir, we've gotten out of worse scraps than this."

"None that I can think of. But while we're here there is something I've observed that I wish to discuss with you in private."

Rex's blood turned to ice in his veins. He wasn't sure sure whether he was more afraid of Kenobi bringing up Ahsoka or the force. If the Jedi Master had a problem with the depth of their friendship they might be separated, but on the other hand if the General noticed him manipulating the force and reported him... The idea of being sent back to Kamino and strapped down while a medical droid advanced with a needle scared him more than anything the Zygerrians could possibly do to him. Giving him an appraising look Obi Wan continued

"Now what I am about to tell you may come as a shock, but I suspect that you may be force sensitive and subconsciously manipulating it."

Frozen in place Rex waited for him to continue with bated breath, if he was going to be punished surely the older man wouldn't be discussing it with him.

"I've noticed waves of calm and security being pushed through the force previously but I had assumed it was Anakin or Ahsoka reassuring the men, however I distinctly felt it just now and I know it wasn't me."

He fixed the clone with a piercing stare

"So now the question that remains. Is your compassion for others manifesting accidentally, projecting your emotions to others, or did you know already and have been consciously accessing the power that flows all around us?"

Rex considered playing dumb for a moment but quickly decided against it. Master Kenobi was for too astute to miss an obvious lie. Knowing that the General respected strength and determination Rex squared his shoulders as he looked the Jedi in the eye.

"It has been intentional Sir. It is my duty to serve the Republic in any way I can. If I have the ability to sense danger or support my men I am honor bound to do so. I hope you can understand that."

There was definite glint of defiance in his amber eyes that almost made Obi Wan crack a smile as he studied the man before him. The implications of a force sensitive clone could be far reaching and was definitely something that should be discussed with Master Yoda, but he saw no reason why that discussion couldn't be a hypothetical. He liked Rex, considered him a friend. Like Cody he was kind, honorable, and determined to protect those around him. Truthfully he would make an exemplary Jedi if given the opportunity. Maybe once this war ended he would have it.

"Well Captain, I think you're right. I'm sure you are aware of the potential danger you would be in if the wrong person discovered what I have, but you have my support. At some point you will be in need of training, especially on resisting the dark side. Maybe I can send you some books from the Jedi library? If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask."

Reaching his hand out, Rex took it with a firm shake, relief etched across his face

"Thank you General, that means a great deal to me. And with all due respect Sir, I saw more than enough of the dark side on Umbara. It holds no appeal for me."

"No I suppose not Captain."

He mused, a frown returning to his face as he continued,

"I am deeply sorry for the events that transpired on Umbara, we should have, I should have noticed his fall before he could do any harm."

Yes you should have, whispered a small vindictive part of Rex, but he dismissed it quickly. They all could have done better but dwelling on it would only amplify their despair. He told the General so, and the two men fell into a companionable silence, drawing strength from each other.

They had been pulled unceremoniously from the mine and brought before Keeper Agruss, holding a hologram of Count Dooku who apparently wanted to witness their execution personally.

Rex steeled himself for the end. After all he knew that Kenobi wouldn't risk the lives of the colonists just to save them. He had always known that he would likely die in the service to the Republic but he had hoped that he could have sacrificed himself heroically to save others but this would have to do. He had just started to worry about how Ahsoka would take the news when the warden had announced that Anakin and Ahsoka had arrived with reinforcements.

Rex was so relieved he could cry when General Kenobi finally broke that karking collar off his neck.

Swinging into action he immediately turned on the guard to his right wrenching the staff from his grasp and turning it back on him. Moving quickly while he still had the element of surprise he went after the next guard in line. Ignoring his aching body he quickly cleared the room of all the zygerrians except for the warden and his lieutenant.

He stared at Rex with a savage look across his catlike face as he dropped into a fighting stance, I've been waiting for this the clone thought to himself.

Looking back at the staff that was buried firmly in the chest of a slaver, Rex quickly decided that it wasn't worth retrieving and lunged forward to grab the whip that had caused so much pain. Unfortunately the zygerrian was ready for him and he winced as he felt the man's claws cut through the thin fabric armor and deep into his shoulder. Struggling to regain control, Rex threw caution to the wind and tapped into the force to aid him as he flipped over the slavers head. Catching hold of the whip as he went. Pulling it tight around the skugs neck, Rex leaned in to whisper in the slavers ear

"You're wrong about me, about all of us and I almost wish you could live to see us tear down your entire slave empire brick by brick. Almost."

Activating the whip he sent the charge through the man, dropping him as he felt him go limp. Panting with the effort he turned and saw General Kenobi in a stalemate with Agruss.

Rex was confused as to why the Jedi was simply standing there until he heard the warden say

"and I know it Jedi would never kill an unarmed man"

rolling his eyes Rex saw another discarded staff near a prone guard. Popping it up with his feet he caught it and threw it like a javelin, straight through the fat blue slaver. At Obi-Wan's shocked expression he simply shrugged "I'm no Jedi"