"I'm not so sure about this. I mean, what if they don't want to see me? I did sort of abandon them after all." Ahsoka spoke with trepidation in her voice as she stood beside Anakin outside the brightly illuminated bar that was popular with the Clones. All around them stood groups of people, many with the same face, chatting and discussing amongst themselves, enjoying what free time they had.

In a way Ahsoka envied them. For their free time they had somewhere they could all go and interact and just generally have fun with friends. She had no real equivalent. Sure, it was nice to spend some time with Anakin or Padmé, but she wished that she had a place like this to go and relax with friends.

Hopefully the Clones still wanted to be her friends, despite her concerns. She hadn't exactly treated Rex with much compassion when they had briefly seen each other the previous day.

"Don't worry so much Ahsoka. The boys will be more than happy to see you. I had to talk Fives and Jesse out of decorating their armour with orange stripes after you left. They missed you that much." Anakin encouraged, nudging her arm with his elbow gently, a warm smile on his face. The thundering sound of music from inside the bar almost drowned his voice out, forcing him to shout slightly.

"Well… guess we'll see." Ahsoka shouted back, gesturing to Anakin to lead the way, who in turn did so.

Upon entry into the bar itself Ahsoka found that she should probably consider it more of a club that a bar. During her time as a Padawan she had been to some seedy cantinas and downright obscene clubs before, filled to the brim with alcohol and dancers.

This one however was different, in an oddly familiar way. Sure, there was loud music playing, with a wide variety of drinks being served all around them, as well as a stage where several performers of several different species and genders were currently performing, but it was different to the other places like this. 79's had a far more positive atmosphere. It felt welcoming, and it felt as though even the Force was encouraging her to enjoy herself.

And who was she to ignore what the Force was telling her to do?

Content to allow herself to enjoy her free time, Ahsoka followed Anakin through the crowds of people, many of which were Clones suffering from varying degrees of intoxication.

After a minute or so of weaving between the crowds, Ahsoka found herself coming across a table where a group of Clone troopers sat, each with a small glass in their hands. Upon glancing at their faces, names came rushing back to her, as well as a sense of nostalgia, if one could call it that. Had she really missed them that much?

"General! What took you so long?" Jesse spoke first, shifting across in the seat he was in to allow Anakin room to sit beside him.

"Sorry Jesse just had to convince someone else to come along first. Thought you boys would want to see her."

"See who sir?" Jesse replied, clearly having not caught sight of Ahsoka yet. In a way Ahsoka wished he had. Now she had to deal with the awkwardness of making herself known to them again.

That was until another voice spoke up, one that Ahsoka instantly recognized by the tone, despite the fact that he shared it with several million brothers.

"Commander Tano? Is that you?" Commander Wolffe spoke, his voice gruff yet full of hidden joy. His one good eye widened in surprise as he took in her form. No doubt she looked different from the last time he had seen her. Mind you, that last time she had been on the run and he had stunned her.

"Hey Wolffe, how's things? Not with Master Plo?" Ahsoka replied, hoping to stir up some friendly conversation with the Clone to show that she held no grudges against him for his actions.

"Ah, got wounded on a mission and the General told me to stay on Coruscant to recuperate. 'Mandatory leave' he said. 'Bored out of my mind' I say." The Clone Commander replied, flashing a smile at Ahsoka in response.

"Hang on a minute… did Wolffe just smile? Now I've seen everything." Jesse spoke up from beside Anakin, a smirk on his face, one that was replicated by the Clone next to, whom Ahsoka could identify as Kix.

"Guess the Commander has some sort of magical charm that works on wolves." Kix quipped, eyebrows raising in Wolffe's direction, who rolled both eyes in response, before moving to the side slightly to allow Ahsoka to sit down beside him.

"You're kriffing hilarious Kix. You're just jealous that your charm is about as appealing as a naked rodian." Wolffe snapped back, taking a gulp of his drink in the process, earning a chuckle from both Anakin and Jesse, as well as a shudder from Kix who was clearly dealing with the mental image Wolffe had just presented.

Despite only arriving at the table moments ago, Ahsoka already felt like she had been welcomed back with open arms. Her men had missed her, even Wolffe it seemed.

Ahsoka was about to make a comment in response to Wolffe however when her eyes were drawn to the face of the other Clone at the table. His expression was slightly solemn, as if he was in deep thought about something that weighed heavily on his mind.

Had it been any other Clone Ahsoka might have considered leaving them to their internal thoughts, but this Clone was different. This Clone she would always help, even if he hadn't helped her earlier.

"Rex? You ok over there?"

The Clone in question immediately raised his head, his eyes locking onto hers. His posture was tense, as if he had just received an order that he was going to go through with, despite the noise around him. Ahsoka realized just how stuck in his own thoughts he had been.

"Oh, sorry Commander. Just lost in my own thoughts. I'm good. Want a drink? Kix is buying." Rex replied, his posture relaxing as he recognized who was speaking to him, as well as the situation he was in. In a way Ahsoka was glad she had come. Would Rex have been stuck in his own thoughts like that if she hadn't asked.

"Sure, thanks Rex. You know what I like." Ahsoka replied, throwing a compassionate smile at Rex in response, who returned it before standing from his seat and beginning to move over to the bar, several empty glasses clasped in his hands, evidently intent on having them refilled.

"I'll come to. See if they have anything I would like." Anakin joined in, standing from his seat and following his Captain, leaving Ahsoka alone with Kix, Jesse and Wolffe.

Ahsoka watched as the duo disappeared amongst the crowd headed for the bar, intent clear. Hopefully whatever they brought her back was something nice, and preferably non-alcoholic.

"So where have you been Commander. You vanished after your trial. Fives and I tried to find you but there was no trail to even follow!" Jesse spoke first, directing his attention at Ahsoka, joy in his eyes at seeing her again. Ahsoka was privately glad that they had missed her as much as they had.

"Just been around Kix. Worked at Dex's for a while to pay rent on a place before the Chancellor came and spoke to me. I'm his personal agent now." Ahsoka replied, hands clasped together on the table before her as she briefly summarized her story. Ahsoka doubted they wanted the long version full of her internal conflict and woes. She certainly didn't want to revisit them.

"Personal agent? What, like a spy or something?" Wolffe's gruff voice carried a hint of confusion over the loud music around them, his expression much the same.

"In a way. I've been infiltrating secret Separatist facilities as of late. They've been building a bioweapon to use on the Jedi." Ahsoka answered, allowing the seriousness of the situation come through to the Clones. They would understand better than nearly anyone why it was so serious.

"A bioweapon? Kriffing hells!" Kix's voice was infuriated at Ahsoka's statement, not that Ahsoka blamed him. As the 501st's resident medical chief Kix often had a lot to deal with. Knowledge of this new weapon would no doubt only lead to further strain on him. Hell, he'd probably try and personally find a cure to the weapon himself, not that they ever would be one. How could you give someone the Force back if it has been stripped from you?

"Well, sounds like you've got your work cut out for you Commander. Glad I'm not in your position." Wolffe shouted over the volume around them, nudging Ahsoka in the process, who in turn nudged him back gently.

"Drinks are here!" Jesse called out suddenly as both Anakin and Rex reappeared from the crowd, glasses in hands. The two moved swiftly over to the table, retaking their previous seats whilst placing six glasses down on the table and distributing them to their owners. Whilst it was clear that the Clones and Anakin had some sort of alcoholic beverages, Ahsoka realized that her drink was different, thanks to Rex. Hers was an odd concoction of fruity smells blended together into a fine liquid, something that would suit her just fine.

"Wait a minute?" Wolffe however clearly had other ideas, his eyes locking onto Ahsoka's drink in the process. "Why has she got a fruity drink? She's old enough to join us now, right?"

Before Ahsoka even had a chance to explain, Anakin spoke, his tone bordering on seething.

"No, she isn't. Leave her alone."

Ahsoka had to refrain from sighing aloud at Anakin's obvious attempt to protect her. It was true that she was old enough now to legally drink alcohol if she so desired, but that didn't mean that she had to. Why were humans so obsessed with the idea of a 'coming of age drink'?

"It's fine Wolffe. I asked for this. Someone's gotta make sure you all get home in one piece after all."

Ahsoka's comment earned a few laughs around the table, as well as what looked like a proud smirk from both Anakin and Rex.

"Well, in that case I'm glad you're here Commander. Nothing like being carried home after a long night."

Wolffe's response was teasing, which Ahsoka appreciated, though she herself was not done just yet.

"Who said I was going to help you? You pass out from getting drunk and I leave your rear here."

Another round of laughs echoed across the table, setting the pace for the rest of the night.

Much of the night passed by as Ahsoka expected it to. Drinks after drinks were ordered, jokes and jibes passed around, and friends spent what little free time they had together reminiscing. The war had taken its toll on everyone, Ahsoka could see that. Underneath the expressions of joy and happiness on the Clone's faces was a sense of despair, of anguish. They wanted this war to be over just as much as she did. They wanted to be able to wake up everyday knowing that they were safe, that they were not going to go headlong into battle and either die, or watch those around them fall.

The Clones, despite the way they had been created and grown, were just as human as the rest of the species. They had emotions, they had hope, they had dreams.

If there was anyone in the galaxy who deserved to live in peace, it was the Clones, though how peace time would treat them all was a complete mystery to her, just as how it would treat her former Master. Anakin was not like other Jedi. He flourished in conflict, allowing it to mold him into a warrior of legend. How would he cope when there was no war to fight.

Hopefully Padmé would be able to talk some sense into him. Ahsoka wouldn't put it past Anakin to leave the Jedi Order for her once the war was through. In his position Ahsoka would probably do the same.

"Well guys and girls, I'm out of here. Got someone who needs my special attention." Jesse's voice was slightly slurred, a clear indication of the effect the alcohol he had consumed was having on him. Glancing up at where he now stood, Ahsoka spotted Jesse arm in arm with a female dancer, a Twi-lek to be precise. Ahsoka didn't need any time to figure out what Jesse had meant by the previous comment.

"Enjoy." Anakin's voice was laced with humour as he took another sip of his third drink. He wasn't showing any outward signs of intoxication yet, unlike Jesse and Kix, the latter of which was leant up against one of the many bars in the club, speaking with one of the waitresses. Clearly he too intended on having a night of 'fun'.

"Oh, I will General." Jesse spoke, eyebrows wiggling several times at Rex, who rolled his eyes in response. Before he left Jesse's eyes moved over to Ahsoka, addressing her. "Want me to find you someone as well Commander? A nice guy or girl to spend the night with?"

"Jesse. Leave. Now." Rex's stern voice was one that would incite fear even in the likes of General Grievous, and Anakin's expression wasn't much different.

Ahsoka however didn't mind. She knew that Jesse was under the heavy effects of alcohol, and was most likely not thinking about what he was really saying. No doubt he'd apologize for the remark in the future, embarrassed beyond belief.

"Ha, no thanks Jesse. I'm good living the life of the single loner." Ahsoka quipped, raising her glass to Jesse in the process, who bowed dramatically in response before being pulled away by the Twi-lek dancer into the crowds beyond.

"Remind me to put Jesse on latrine duty for a while." Rex's voice sounded across the table, earning an eye roll from Ahsoka in the process.

"Forget latrine duty. Just put him in the brig for a bit." Anakin spoke next, expression still stern, signature in the Force boiling slightly with anger.

'Talk about overprotective.' Ahsoka thought.

"Um, I don't know if you two noticed, but Commander Tano is a woman now. She can do whatever she wants… even whomever she wants." Wolffe's exclaimed from beside her suddenly, drawing twin looks of fury from Anakin and Rex, though Wolffe didn't seem at all fazed by them.

'Well… at least someone is on my side.' Ahsoka thought to herself, nodding slightly to Wolffe in appreciation for his support.

"Show respect Wolffe. She's still your superior." Rex's anger was palpable at best, something that was rare from the usually composed Clone Captain.

"Oh come off it Rex! She's not that little Padawan that you met years ago anymore. She's the personal agent to the Chancellor of the Republic! She outranks all of us here, even Skywalker! You two might not be able to appreciate her, but I damn well do, and I am showing respect to her by showing her that I think of her as a grown woman and not some child playing war!"

"I do treat her with respect Wolffe, far more than you currently are." Rex practically snarled back, his eyes boiling with barely contained rage. Beside him Anakin was looking much the same, his signature in the Force sporadic.

"That didn't stop you issuing an all bulletins capture order on her did it!" Wolffe spat, his head beginning to sway suddenly, causing Ahsoka's eyes to widen in surprise. The Clone Commander began to speak again, his words coming out slurred before the inevitable happened. Plo Koon's Commander slumped down onto the table face first with a resounding thud, clear evidence of just how intoxicated he was.

None of the three still situated at the table said anything, each choosing to take in Wolffe's now snoring form in a different manner. Ahsoka couldn't help but feel pity for the Clone. No doubt he'd live to regret his words in the morning, especially if Anakin had anything to say about it.

Rex's expression had softened instantly upon seeing Wolffe pass out, his own head shaking in despair as he gently reached across the table to move Wolffe's head into a more comfortable position, no doubt hoping to ensure Wolffe didn't suffer from any neck pains.

"Well… that was interesting to say the least." Ahsoka decided to quip, hoping to lighten the mood. Even with the constant drone of music and laughter around them the atmosphere at their table had taken an uncomfortable turn.

"Don't even joke about that Ahsoka. He had no right to say those sort of things about you." Anakin replied, head snapping to lock eyes with hers.

"Why not? He's not wrong. I'm not technically a minor anymore by either Coruscant or Shili's laws. I've been fighting a war since I was fourteen. I can look after myself, both in public and private."

"You're still too young to be thinking about... that!" Anakin interrupted, clearly uncomfortable about speaking about what Ahsoka could get up to in her private life.

"Technically not, but I'm not at all interested in that sort of stuff yet Anakin. Stop being such an overprotective dad. If I wanted that I'd go to Obi-Wan or Master Plo."

Ahsoka's didn't mean her words to sound so harsh, especially when Anakin had all but raised her the past few years when he didn't have to. She pretty much owed him everything.

Now though, as she watched how his face changed as he examined her words, she could see that it worked both ways. Through him she had had a father figure, or more like an annoying big brother figure. And through her he too had had a similar experience. She was a daughter or a sister to him in all but blood. Ahsoka hoped he knew how much that meant to her, how much she treasured that bond between them.

"I know Snips, I know. I forget that you've grown up so quickly. I just can't help but worry about you, you know?" Anakin replied, all the rage and hurt leaving his face instantly, his head lowering in shame.

"Yeah, I get it Anakin. Walking away from the Temple and your guidance was the hardest thing I have ever done. But here we are, still together, till the end of time." Ahsoka replied, throwing a warm smile in his direction, one he eventually returned.

"Yeah, I suppose we are."

Anakin had chosen to take his leave not long afterwards, pausing to help Wolffe up, who had recovered thanks to a brief nap. No bad blood seemed to exist between them, for which Ahsoka was grateful. The last thing she wanted was for either of them to get hurt over defending whatever honour she had left.

"So… personal agent to Chancellor Palpatine huh? How'd that all come about?" The voice of Rex, the only other person left at the bar with her questioned, hands gently grasping what was only his second drink of the night as he inquired.

"Thought I'd told this story already?" Ahsoka replied, taking a sip of her third fruity drink, one Rex had bought for her as an apology. As it turned out he had been beating himself up for not helping her with her trial for some time, especially in regards to placing the hunt order on her himself.

Ahsoka had forgiven him easily however. Rex never meant any harm to her, and he was only doing his job. Plus, unlike some others she knew he had actually apologized for his behaviour. That alone was enough to warrant her trusting him again.

"You did, but only the abridged version. I'd like to hear every last detail of your story." Rex continued, taking a small sip of his drink before returning his focus solely to her and her story.

Ahsoka knew that there was no refusing someone like Rex. He loved to hear stories of her time in the Temple, training to be a Jedi. It only made sense for him to want to know what else she had been up to since leaving that life behind.

"I swear Rex, one day you're gonna write a biography on me, aren't you?" Ahsoka commented, smiling at her former Clone Captain.

"Doubtful, I'm not the best writer. That sounds like something Echo would have done." Rex replied, chuckling lightly in response, his face also coming out in a smile, one that warmed Ahsoka in joy.

"Too true Captain. Too true," Ahsoka answered, taking another sip of her drink in the process before beginning to recite her story thus far. "Anyways, it all began when…

Author's thoughts

So I know it's been a while, but I've got a good reason. I was away from civilisation without a computer or interwebs, so I couldn't do anything or write any more. Sorry... but not sorry.

Anyways, hopefully this chapter sort of makes up for my absence. It was fun to write Ahsoka in a more relaxed and laid back atmosphere, both with Anakin and the Clones. The chapter itself went through a few revisions until I settled on a simple chat round the table with drinks. Of course that naturally led to certain characters getting a bit wasted.

In regards to how Jesse and Wolffe reacted when drunk, let me say there was no ill intent present in their words. Jesse is too wasted to know what he's really saying, and Wolffe is more of a sincere drunk, being able to identify what others cannot, even if he doesn't put it into the most eloquent of words. Put simply I wanted someone to recognise that Ahsoka had grown up, and Wolffe seemed like the perfect candidate. And to confirm again, no ill intent behind the words, nor any hidden meaning. None of the Clones are attracted to Ahsoka, so Anakin and Rex don't need to do any killing this time.

That said, there was a funny scene I had intended to include before I cut it for the Jesse one instead. Originally I was going to have some random individual in the bar come up to Ahsoka and starting making advances on her... which would have resulted in several pissed off Clones and one furious Jedi Knight. The idea only existed in concept. I wasn't even sure what species or gender the individual would have been, but I thought it better to cut it and have the drunk Clones instead. Still, I'm sure some of you would have preferred the deleted scene. but you can't win them all.

Anyways, this chapter marks the end of the 'shore leave' period. Next chapter begins the next big arc of this story. That said I am going to take a bit of a break from this story to help me plan and write the next arc out before uploading commences, simply to reduce stress. In the meantime I will be going back to my Rebels AU One Shot Saga to finish off a rather large crazy mini story I've been writing for that. Hopefully that will tie you over till this story returns. I'll do my best to hurry back, and wish there was a way to keep you all informed on how writing is going. Perhaps I should start a Tumblr page or something to keep you all updated...not that I know the first thing about Tumblr or how to set a page up. Still, it's an idea I suppose.

I will give you guys a small teaser on whats to come in the next arc of this story however. The arc will include a Senatorial Ball, A Prison Break, and a duel atop some ruins. Hopefully that wets your appetite a bit.

Once again thanks to my beta reader 'Arrin Snyders' for all his help. We had quite the discussion about the concept of a 'coming of age drink'. Always fun to have such discussions.

As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:

SWGoji2001: No worries about being late. I still need to read your new story. Time escapes me these days. Sorry. :(
Glad you enjoyed the craziness of the chapter, even if you want to betray and murder someone for making a rubbish movie. That said, I know the feeling.
Snips in charge of an empire is a bad thing it seems. Lets hope its not foreshadowing of any kind. XD
And yeah, Anakin better cool himself before he snaps and hurts a Clone. Good thing he has some positive influences in his life at this moment. Ahsoka, Padmé, Rex, Obi-Wan and Palpatine all keep him calm and collected.

MythicUtopia: Thanks for the high praise. I'm glad you have enjoyed what I have written so far. I only hope I can keep up the quality. Hope you liked this chapter. :)

A Lover of Nature: No this is a monolithic review... which is awesome to see, so thanks for that. Let's see what I can talk about in it.
I'm glad you approve of the concept of the story. There's very little interaction between Ahsoka and Palpatine in canon, which is weird considering how like Anakin she is at times. Palpy doesn't seem like the type to just ignore her for being a Jedi, and I refuse to believe he didn't at least consider her useful to some extent. Inquisitor status perhaps?
Palpatine's plan will be revealed in time that's all I'm saying. Don't wont to spoil anything really, but he has thought it all through. If there is one thing Palpy excels at is planning for virtually every scenario, even if he doesn't always win. He's playing a slow steady game of chess, whilst everyone else is playing it fast.
The plan to send Ahsoka after Fives was a test of how loyal she is to Palpy. Fives is a wanted criminal at that point, and he wanted to see if she would bring him in or let him go. Obviously the latter happened, and thus Palpy will have to alter his plans for that, though he is still looking for Fives. The next arc has Palpy challenging Ahsoka in a very similar way, though the result could be very different.
You are correct about a lack of motive for Ahsoka at present, but that can all change. That said, who says she will need a motive, or even turn to the darkside. Something else could very well occur.
Regardless, I hope you like where the story goes. We are still a while off of ROTS yet, so plenty of time for development. :)

Ghost14lebi: Glad you liked the laughs, as well as the bond between Ahsoka and Anakin. It was fun yet painful to write such a rubbish parody film.
Good guesses with what games influenced the one they were playing. Both Civilization and Empire at war were reference points for me. I can't even begin to count how many hours I've lost to Civ 5 and 6.

Shadow Walker of Fire: Ok... so I did what you said, and now my head hurts. Why would you tell me to do such a thing? You're worse than Pong Krell!
In all seriousness though, thanks. Glad you approved of the rubbish film they watched.

Juxshoa: Yeah, it was certainly something, and not to everyone's taste. Still, thought it'd be a fun side chapter. Serious plot stuff it coming soon though. :)

Dream Plane: Glad you enjoyed the super serious and no way in hell parody film they watched. It was great fu to write, especially when I butchered the characters names and appearances. Hope you liked this one as well.

TaitanoRules555: Thanks, glad you liked it. I'll do my best. :)

Erukat: Glad you liked the more relaxed chapter. I love writing characters like Skyguy and Snips in such an environment as it is a direct contrast to their personalities, yet fits them so well.
If Obi-Wan saw the parody he'd be fuming at it simply because of the failed attempt at 'Hello There'.

jojobinks01: You never know these days. Besides, that sort of something someone who wanted to stab me would say. :)

1saaa: Glad you enjoyed the calm before whatever the next storm is. It's a busy life being a Jedi General and Agent of the Chancellor. Gotta relax sometime.
In regards to your guesses on the game influence, you are right about Civilization, but the rest are wrong. Still, all good guesses for good games. :)

Jayfeathers Friend: Funnily enough I do know someone who didn't get the 'Yuwan' reference until I explained it to them. Guess humanity is doomed then huh? Oh well. XD
Glad you enjoyed the R'n'R. Hope this chapter was just as good for you.