A/N: This is my first attempt at writing, so go easy on me xD! This idea came to me while rewatching Rebels and The Clone Wars season 7. Hope you guys enjoy this adventure and don't be afraid to comment with positive criticism, I'm always looking to improve!

Side Note: I will be using BBY (maybe ABY as well, who knows) for simplicity, even though the Battle of Yavin probably wouldn't happen in this AU.

This is Return to Sender. Enjoy

19 BBY

Watching Ahsoka stare out the bridge window into hyperspace, Rex couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen. They had captured Maul, freed Mandalore with the help of Death Watch, and even received news of Dooku's and Grevious's death. Best news of the damn war, he thought, taking off his helmet and putting it under one arm. And yet, through it all, there was what felt like a cloud hanging over everything. Like the calm before the storm. Some calm. He shook his head

After spending a moment contemplating, Rex approached Ahsoka, who was also deep in thought. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. This caused her to jump a bit before relaxing again, after noticing who it was. He looked at her, worried. An anxious Jedi was never a good sign. "Something bothering you?" he asked softly. Ahsoka sighed, still looking out into the swirling blue of hyperspace. "As a Jedi, we were trained to be keepers of the peace, but all I've been since I was a Padawan is a soldier."

Rex looked down. He had given this topic some thought before, but he always tried not to focus on it, instead, he placed his focus on the present, which usually involved fighting clankers. He looked up again before replying, "Well, I've known no other way. Gives us clones mixed feelings about the war. Many people wish it never happened, but without it, we clones wouldn't exist."

Ahsoka smiled and turned to face him, looking up at Rex. "Well, then perhaps some good came from all of it. The Republic couldn't have asked for better soldiers, nor I a better friend." She snapped a salute to him.

Rex grinned. This was one of the many reasons why he was willing to follow Ahsoka and Anakin into battle. Unlike most Jedi, Ahsoka and Anakin saw the clones as people, not just soldiers made for cannon fodder. And unlike some generals, they led in the front, willing to put themselves in the line of fire alongside their troopers.

He returned her salute and smile. But before he could reply, the sound of the bridge door opening caused them both to turn to the doorway. A clone officer marched in. "We just received some more information about the war, Commander! You are needed for debrief." the clone ordered. Rex turned to Ahsoka. "You want to come with? Could be some updates on Skywalker." Ahsoka smiled and turned around. "It's ok, you go on ahead," she said. "I'm sure it's just more good news." Rex nodded, before following the officer to the holo transmission room. Again he sensed it. That feeling. The doors slid shut behind him.

He and several other officers and captains gathered around the table, waiting for orders. Suddenly, the table glowed, and there standing in static blue, was Admiral Yularen. He stood at attention, but his barely-concealed smile suggested that his pose was just customary and not at all reflective of the situation.

"Attention! All officers, generals, and commanders of the Grand Army of the Republic are required to hear this" After a pause, Yularen continued his speech. "It has been discovered that Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, is in fact a Sith Lord, and a traitor to the Republic."

At this, many clones around the table gasped, including Rex. The Supreme Chancellor was apart of the Sith? While the concept of the Force was confusing to the clones, many had served under Jedi long enough to know that the dark side was evil. And those that fought against Count Dooku or his assassin knew all too well what dark-siders were capable of.

The group of clones broke out into whispering, almost forgetting that they were in the military, in the process of receiving orders. Rex shook his head. It was easy to forget that their biological age was only 15 until moments like these happened. He slammed his helmet onto the table in order to grab everyone's attention, before shouting "All right enough! Quiet down boys, let him finish!" A chorus of "yes sirs" and "fine's" greeted him, as all present turned their attention back to the hologram of Admiral Yularen, who was in the middle of talking.

"-was slain by the Jedi Knight Mace Windu after he attacked Master Windu and several other Jedi who went to arrest him."

Another gasp went around the table, including Ahsoka Tano. Rex didn't even notice that she had joined them, the news was so, jarring. So the Chancellor is dead. Rex thought, rubbing the back of his head. What will happen to the Republic now? Do we surrender to the Seppies? NO, never! So what do we do then? Elect a new chancellor? Do we continue fighting?

As if sensing the questions in his conflicted mind, Admiral Yularen smiled, before giving the best news that everyone had heard in the past 3 years.

"And before I sign off, I have just received reports of many Separatist worlds surrendering! Their droid army was just given a deactivation signal, causing ALL units to shut down! It looks like you glorious bastards in the GAR did it. We won! More updates will follow soon. Stay vigilant, we're not out of the clear yet!"

Admiral Yulren saluted, before signing off. "Long Live The Republic!"

It was a cheer that reverberated throughout the galaxy. Everywhere that is, except the Venator of the 332nd Company, who all stood in shocked silence.

A/N: Whelp that's a wrap for Chapter 1! It looks like Palpatine's plan failed, the Republic is secure! So what happens now?

Well that question, my anxious friend, will be answered in Chapter 2! Please leave a review if you like, and any suggestions if you have them! I'd love to see what you guys think!

Have a great day (or night!) and keep on vibing!