Chapter 3
Getting to the Cave
~Rex POV~
By the time we reached the cave the sun had already set, Dogma was inside making himself comfortable. Until he noticed us coming towards the cave, he then came down to help us with carrying the supplies. As we made our way to the entrance he informed me that it was safe for the night, but you could hear animals in the distance so we might still need someone to watch.
"Alright," I nodded then looked over to the commander, she really doesn't look too good, she needs to stop pushing herself, "Dogma help me with Five so the commander can have a break." He came over and traded places with her, she slowly followed us, I would occasionally look back just to make sure she was still there.
~Dogma POV~
Rex called me over to trade places with the commander when I did she didn't look too good. I noticed Rex kept looking over his shoulder and looking towards her, I wonder if something happened to her, he seems really worried. We entered the cave and put Fives down next to where Kix had laid Hawk down, Rex told us that we would need someone to keep watch. He asked if anyone was able to take the first watch with him, and I volunteered, then he told us who would be on the other shifts and with whom.
"Alright Dogma and I will take first watch, then Fives and Echo. Kix with the commander, and Hawk who Kix said should be awake by then."
"Yes sir," we replied.
~Rex POV~
After telling the men who would be on when and with whom they got busy making camp, I noticed Ahsoka leaning against the cave wall. I knew the others didn't notice her, they were busy, so I decided to make sure she was really okay. Why do I keep checking on her? She said she's fine, but then again you say the same thing when you're definitely not fine. He debated with himself as he made his way towards the cave entrance where Ahsoka was.
~Ahsoka POV~
I leaned against the wall of the cave noticing that Rex was talking to the men, good they don't notice me. Next thing I knew I saw Rex walking towards me, Come on body stand come on you're a jedi, don't be so weak in front of the men they need you to be strong. But I felt exhausted and when I turned to talk to Rex, I turned too quickly because as I locked eyes with him pain shot through me. So dizzy and my body felt so heavy, I just needed to sleep it off.
I couldn't hold myself up anymore, so tired my legs gave out as I fell towards the ground. I expected to be greeted with a hard impact with the ground but instead I landed in someone's arms. Even though I know they were wearing armor I could still feel how strong they were and how safe I felt in their arms. Someone caught me? But no one was close enough to catch me- wait a second a voice. Rex's voice Rex caught me, but did he run so he could catch me or was he closer then I remember? WAIT I said he was strong and I felt safe in his arms! I thought about Rex until I fell asleep soon after.
~Rex POV~
Ahsoka looked like she was thinking about something, but she really doesn't look too good, I needed her to get some rest. I noticed she had turned so that she was now facing me and we locked eyes. She opened her mouth like she was going to say something but before she could say anything, I saw her legs buckled as her silhouette fell towards the ground. I quickly ran over to catch her before she hit the ground, looking down at her; her eyes were closed and looking like she was in pain. I picked her up carrying her farther into the cave and called for Kix.
"Kix come quick, it's the commander!"
I noticed that my brothers were now staring in my direction as I carried Ahsoka into the cave. Kix grabbed his medical bag and hurried over to where we were, I saw that Ahsoka's face went from a pain filled expression to a resting one with what seemed to be a small smile. Well Kix was examining her, I waited impatiently, and even though the examination was quick it still felt long. After he was done he finished with a sigh and I didn't know if that was a good or bad sign.
"What is it, Kix? Is she okay?"
"Don't worry captain it's nothing life threatening," he sat back continuing as he packed away his stuff. "It seems that she was injured more than I realized during the crash, but the adrenaline from it hid most of her pain and must have been the only thing keeping her going because her body is exhausted." Kix stood up "She should be fine by the morning but we will need to wake her every hour, just enough that she wakes up, try not to keep her awake for too long her body still needs her to rest." We both looked down at the sleeping togruta girl.
~No one~
Kix decided he would take Dogma's place of shift, saying it was just in case, he wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything else he missed. When it was time for the next shift, Kix told Five and Echo that the condition of Hawk or Ahsoka changed to wake him. Rex agreed and told them that if anything changes with Ahsoka's Condition to wake him up and be sure to let Dogma know, they nodded in agreement.
Rex went to lay down as he watched Kix check on Ahsoka before going to bed, glad to see she was asleep and nothing seemed to be wrong. Rex on the other hand didn't know how she was doing and wanted to make sure she was alright before heading to bed himself. Looking towards Kix he waited until he was finished to ask how Ahsoka was, but just as he finished Kix turned towards his captain as if he could read his mind and answered his question.
"She is alright sir," He smiled to himself.
"Alright Kix thank you."
~Rex POV~
As he laid there hoping everyone was able to continue with their mission tomorrow, but he was mostly thinking about Ahsoka. He thought about the day, had he really said if Ahsoka's condition changes but not Hawk's his brother? That doesn't make any sense, yes she is a jedi, and we were born to protect her but Hawk he's my brother. Why am I more concerned for her? He fought his thoughts as he fell asleep.
~Next Morning~
When Rex woke the next morning he awoke in a cold sweat, looking to where Ahsoka had been sleeping the night before to find that she wasn't there. He shot up, where is she. He looked around frantically, finally finding her silhouette at the entrance of the cave. [Sigh] With that he looked around the cave again to find all his brothers were asleep. She must have stayed awake the last time someone woke her, and she let them sleep a little before the mission.
"Commander, how are you feeling?"
"Morning Rex, just a little sore I will be fine, but how are you?"
"Me? I'm afraid I don't understand, you were the one who was injured not me"
~Ahsoka~
Rex you're sweating and I could feel your fear, She said nothing for a moment and without turning around she spoke. "Your shoulder?"
"Oh ya, I'm fine, nothing a good night rest did heal."
Sure Rex whatever you say I know there's something wrong "Can you get the men ready? We need to move as soon as possible, we still have a long way to go before we reach the base."
~Rex~
"Yes Commander," I turned around, when suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder, turning around I saw she was now facing me. "I want you to let me know if anyone is unable to continue, that includes you captain," She looked up at me very seriously and maybe even a little worried. "Something doesn't feel right about this place or this mission, and I don't want anyone risking their lives for it."
"Commander they know the risk and are wil-"
"Rex please."
Please? Not an order but a plea? Ahsoka's voice pulled him out of his thoughts, well she lowered her hand from his good shoulder.
"Please I don't want to hear how it's your job, or it's what you were made for, or even that they are willing to die for this mission." She paused and took a deep breath in.
"Because like I told you yesterday none of you are expendable and I will not let any of you die for this mission. If needed I will continue alone, if that's what it takes to save you and your brothers."
Looking at her I could tell she was serious, "You know the men would never allow you to go alone, nor would I." plus I would never forgive myself if you got hurt and I wasn't there.
She smiled "I know, now go wake up men and make sure they can physically continue, not just not wanting to be left out of the fun."
"Yes Commander," she didn't look convinced. "I will make sure that everyone is able before letting them continue on this mission."
"Thank you, Rex."