It's here! Another chapter for you all! I'm pleased that you all are enjoying this and I can assure you that I am enjoying writing it just as much, if not more than you guys!

With the Coronavirus outbreak and pandemic I suddenly have a LOT of time on my hands and who wants to spend it all on school? Not me! I hope to update frequently for the next couple weeks and take advantage of it, even if it's because of a flu virus on steroids. (I mean seriously!)

Stay safe everyone! Remember to wash your hands frequently, don't touch your face, and keep good social distances. Enough with me, here's the chapter!

Chapter 4: It Begins

*beep*

I continued filing through the datapads, pushing ones to the side and trying to seem at least a little organized.

*beep*

I was looking for flimsi, mine had gotten filled, and I'd gone for flimsi as concrete evidence that I wasn't crazy and it couldn't be hacked. I'd become paranoid in the last days of the Clone Wars, and this was my insurance. The only problem was I didn't stock copious amounts of flimsi yet. Curse my past self.

*beep*

"Oh quit it, I'm answering."

I reached out and accepted the comm call. It was Coric.

"Sir, the General and Commander are back. They brought General Plo back with them. They aren't in the best state, better get down here."

"Good call, Coric. I'll be down in five."

"Yes, sir."

Coric disconnected the call. I gathered up my flimsi and went to slide them into my utility belt. Oh...no utility belt yet. Sithspit. I instead slid the flimsi into my footlocker and left it there. It'd have to do. I picked up my bucket, idly tracing each familiar line before sliding it on and keying the door open. I had to hear the General's crazy plan for taking out the Malevolence. A rather short turbolift ride later, and I found General Skywalker and Commander Tano in the tactical center on the command bridge. They had been joined by General Plo. The Jedi were gathered around the round holo display. General Skywalker nodded at me and I took my place at the table. Skywalker was going to propose one of his usual crazy plans. This particular one involved flying through a nebula. I knew because not only was it in the mission reports, Ahsoka had told me, and all of the rest of the 501st about it. Skywalker pulled up a diagram of the separatist warship. I zoned out as things went, I wasn't needed on this one. What seemed like an eternity later they began preparations and I snapped out of it, motioning to the General as he was about to leave.

"What is it, Rex?"

I shifted awkwardly. What do I say? General Skywalker didn't seem to sense or notice my internal conflict and motioned for me to walk with him.

"I, um...just wanted to say I'm one hundered percent now. Is there any way I can help?"

I did my best not to mumble as I addressed the man. Skywalker chuckled callously,

"Well, unless you suddenly know how to fly a Y-Wing, I don't really know Rex. Just keep the ground troops on their toes? We will probably bring The Resolute in for cleanup…"

He didn't seem completely sure of his plan still.

"Just be careful, sir. The Balmorra Run is treacherous as a nebula. Who knows what else is in there…"

I readjusted my kama slightly and almost walked right past General Skywalker. He'd stopped walking.

"What did you say?"

"Uh, sir? I thought you were planning to go through the Kaliida Nebula?"

Skywalker just stared.

"I haven't told anyone that yet. How did you...?"

He trailed off. I almost slapped myself. Well...now he thinks I'm either psychic or crazy...great.

"I don't know, General. Sounds like a plan you'd do. Besides, it's the fastest route to the Medical Station from here. Faster than taking a full on cruiser I'd bet."

General Skywalker started walking again and I fell into step beside him.

"Okay fine, you caught me. Are you going to tell me that it won't work?"

I just shook my head. It was sad enough to see that Skywalker was already expecting to be shot down, even with the plan being crazy dangerous, it was also brilliant.

"Nah, General. You'd do it anyways. I'm just working on learning to trust you'll come back in one piece when you don't have me to back you up. Besides, Commander Tano will be with you on this one, right?"

Skywalker nodded absentmindedly.

"True, I'll have Ahsoka. And Master Plo too probably. Thanks, Rex."

He paused and reached out to grasp my shoulder, something of a gesture of camaraderie. He slipped his hand off my shoulder before continuing.

"I've got to go brief Shadow Squadron. Can't risk taking too many fighters through that nebula. I'll have Admiral Yularen bring the fleet in as soon as possible. My way will be quicker, but we will need support. Make sure the boys are ready?"

"You've got it, General. May the force be with you."

I used the Jedi saying without another thought and received another odd look from the General.

It goes without saying but General Skywalker's plan, although risky, was a huge success. The pilots knocked out by the ion cannon were quickly rescued and sent to the station for evaluation and the fleet continued pushing The Malevolence into a retreat. And just as previously, Senator Padme Amidala was pulled right into a trap. A last ditch attempt by the enemy to dissuade the attack and save the war machine.

I found myself pacing the halls, there wasn't anything I could do. I wasn't a fighter pilot and definitely not a jedi. So here I was, stuck onboard with too much to think about. The words kept ringing in my ears. "The galaxy's hopes rest in you now."

"Kriff. What even does that mean?!"

I said it out loud without thinking and was startled back into the present by a hand on my shoulder.

"Sir, we've just received word that General's Skywalker and Kenobi made it off the Malevolence."

The trooper who'd interrupted my brooding time didn't seem phased by my outburst.

"Thank you. Are they on the bridge?"

The trooper snapped a little bit more to attention and belted out his answer.

"No, sir. But Commander Tano was looking for you."

Good man.

"Alright trooper, you're dismissed."

The trooper saluted and went off at a trot. My only concern was as to why Commander Tano hadn't commed me. I set off for the bridge.

Every time I post these they feel short, but as inspiration comes, right?

Just so there isn't any confusion, here is a bit of clarification. This is an Alternate Universe fic where I explore what would happen if Captain Rex is sent back in time by the force to fix what goes wrong. It'll be as clean as I can make it (no swear words from our world, no suggestive content, just plain clean Star Wars) so that everyone can enjoy (or not) this fic. You don't like that kind of writing, don't read. Any-who, many thanks to the reviewers! I love hearing what you have to say. Things only get more exciting from here! Look forward to another chapter coming soon!