A/N: I'm so sorry for anyone desperately confused due to the repeat of ch. 4. Here's #5!
Disclaimer: I realize I haven't been keeping up with these, but I promise I do not own any Star Wars characters and/or plot lines that are incorporated into this story. I'm just a fan having fun.
Rex and Coric approached the Jedi Temple's main hanger loading dock to see Ahsoka and Anakin working on a new cargo ship. They appeared to be arguing about a mechanical part, and shortly after Anakin walked across the hanger to a bin of other ship parts to examine. The two clones saw this as the perfect opportunity to speak to their commander privately.
"Commander Tano!" Coric called out as they approached her.
"Hey, Kid," Rex greeted.
"Hey boys," Ahsoka responded smiling. "What are you doing here?"
"We need to talk to you," Rex said in a low voice.
"Oh, OK," Ahsoka said, not catching on. "General Skywalker should be back over in a minute but if it's urgent I can go…"
"NO!" both Rex and Coric quickly interrupted.
"We need to talk to you," Rex explained, "alone."
"Okaayy…" Ahsoka said confused. "Here," she said opening up the door to the new vessel. "We can talk in here."
Rex and Coric were quite surprised with the beauty of the ship's interior.
"Well, this is nice," Rex commented.
"Yeah, we've really been working hard on it. After the incident on Mandalore, Obi-Wan agreed to help pay for Anakin's next "toy," and he is taking full advantage of it."
"Anyway," Coric began. "We were wondering if you could help us secure a transport."
"Transport? Where exactly are you guys planning to go?"
"Kamino."
"Considering we are talking in an unfinished ship, I'm assuming this isn't for any kind of authorized mission," Ahsoka commented.
"We're investigating the clone inhibitor chips," Rex said.
"The Jedi Council and Senate both agreed to close that investigation. They didn't find anything major. According to Master Ti, they were just anti-aggression chips. A virus led to the malfunction in Tup's chip, and Fives' hallucinated because he had his removed."
"We want to quietly reopen the investigation, just the two of us," Coric said.
"We just want to be sure everything was taken care of. It will put the rest of the men at ease to know that some of their own checked it out," Rex explained.
"To be honest, I've been suspicious about the chips too, but it would be considered treason if the Republic found out you were investigating this when we were all given orders to not."
"We need to do this, Ahsoka." Rex pleaded. "All we need is a transport. You can say we lied about it if they find out you helped us."
"No," Ahsoka responded. "No, I am going with you. If the Jedi think this was my idea, you guys will be practically off the hook. What they'd do to me doesn't compare to what they'd do to you if you go it alone."
"I appreciate that, commander, but the farther from this you are, the better," Coric replied.
"But…"
"No buts, kid. I don't want you near this," Rex cut in. "Besides, I think it would be more suspicious if you disappeared with us. Especially, after your previous disappearances with various senators."
"That's true. I just don't like you guys risking this…"
"We'll be fine," Rex assured her. "You'll get us that transport?"
"Sure," Ahsoka reluctantly replied. "Meet me in here later tonight. I'll com you when everything's set."
"Thank you," both clones replied. They exited the ship.
"What are you guys doing here?" Anakin questioned as he came over with an armful of parts.
"Oh, we were just…" Rex faded off as he wondered what to say. Thankfully, Ahsoka cut in.
"They were stopping through to ask a question about the latest shipping regulations and they saw your new baby."
"She's beautiful isn't she," Anakin smiled looking up at the ship.
"Wonderful, General," Coric complemented.
"You should be very proud," Rex added.
"Glad you like it, but you guys should get back to the others. The Torrent Company shouldn't be left unsupervised," Anakin joked.
"You're right. I will see you later, General," Rex said.
"See you, General. Congratulations on your new position. Thanks again for the tour Commander," Coric said.
"You're welcome," Ahsoka replied.
Anakin nodded to them as they departed. He then turned to his padawan and gestured to the ship parts.
" Now, one of these has to work."
Ahsoka was shaking uncontrollably. She had never felt so horrible in her life. Obi-Wan had just made it to the part of the story where Padme died on the operating table. Ahsoka had fallen onto his chest when Anakin was burning on the hillside. Her eyes were squeezed shut and she felt like she was going to be sick. Obi-Wan took a deep breath and just held the girl close for a moment. He knew he had just shattered what was left of her world, but he knew lying to her would only make things worse.
"How long?" Ahsoka spoke up suddenly, slightly shifting out of Obi-Wan's embrace.
"How long what?" he pondered.
"How long has he been on this path? How long as Anakin been on the other side?" She angrily asked.
Obi-Wan quickly shifted to grip her shoulders and look her in the eye.
"Anakin has never been on the other side, Ahsoka. You have to realize that," He said firmly, yet gently. "When I told you Anakin was dead, I was not lying. The Dark Side consumed every part of Anakin Skywalker and turned him into a puppet and a monster. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master." Ahsoka whispered.
"Good. You must not lose faith in the Force, young one. As difficult as things have become, we must not let it consume us. We have to prevail."
"What about the babies? Where are they?" Ahsoka asked.
"They are safe. The girl, Leia, is being adopted by Senator Organa and his wife and the boy, Luke, has been taken in by Anakin's step-brother and his wife on Tatooine."
"So…they've been separated? They're all each other had."
"It's for their safety, and they are not alone. They are with good people who love them, and they have us."
"Where are we going, Master?" Ahsoka asked.
"We are almost to Tatooine. That's where we will stay for a while. We must be careful, my dear. The Temple has been destroyed, and the Order disbanded. The Empire will have bounties on us."
"Luke." Ahsoka said, leaning back on Obi-Wan.
"Yes, what about him?" Obi-Wan pondered.
"Can I see him?" Ahsoka asked looking up at him with tear-filled eyes.
"I think that can be arranged", Obi-Wan said as he cradled her in his arms.
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So, how's it coming along? Things are really going to start moving soon, but I felt it was necessary to explore what these characters are going through. Until next time!