Hello, lovely people!

ONE WEEK UNTIL AHSOKA!

Venomizer: The author is also wondering whether she's going to actually bring people back… or least I was. I think I've decided but I didn't know what I was going to do for a while.

Imaginationflies: Oh geez, now I'm wondering how I'd get the job writing bounty hunter books- except I think I'd focus a bit too much on emotions and angst for a lot of Star Wars fans. And thank you for all your kind words! I honestly couldn't stop smiling when I read your comment!

Let's get going!

TW: Brief mention of suicide

Mando'a translations at the end!

Rex glanced up from his book and out the window. The sun was setting, though saying that it was getting darker outside was a bit of a stretch with the lights of the city. Still, it was finally a reasonable time to turn in, which Rex was all too happy to do. He was eager to replicate the experiment of the last few nights.

He stood up and Fives caught his eye. He'd returned an hour ago and told them how their brother, Leaf, had attempted suicide. All was well as it could be now, with Leaf's vod'ika Bits at the medcenter and Echo off helping prepare a room for him in the barracks. Fives was understandably shaken.

"Hey." Rex said. Fives jolted, apparently lost in thought. "I'm heading in. You gonna be okay?"

Fives gave a grin that Rex could tell was entirely fake.

"I'll be good." He said. "I'll probably go to bed soon myself."

Rex doubted it. Fives had a habit of night wandering.

Rex took a few strides to where Fives sat. He put his hand on Fives' shoulder. Fives looked away.

"I'm sorry that this happened." Rex said. "But you helped tonight. You did well."

"It was Wrecker." Fives said. "He did all the heavy lifting."

"You were still there when a brother needed you." Rex said firmly. "We can't ask more than that."

He didn't like the look on Fives' face, but he'd learned a long time ago that he should leave the deep prodding to Echo.

"Good night." Rex said, patted Fives on the shoulder again, and left him to his thoughts.

Excitement crept over Rex again as he prepared for bed. He tried to calm himself. Being too excited would mean it'd be harder to sleep. And sleep was key here, for whatever reason.

He spent a good hour tossing and turning. He'd slept on the hard ground, on rocks, on tree roots, and yet his comfortable bed seemed the most difficult thing to sleep in.

But finally- it seemed one moment he was staring at his dark ceiling and the next he was sitting next to Ahsoka in a starry place.

Hello. She said.

Rex suddenly felt quite shy. This connection left everything about him bare, making it worse than if he was naked. He didn't know why he cared so much. She had seen him naked and she knew his mind better than anyone in the galaxy.

You know, if it were any other Jedi connected to you, I think you'd have some more defenses.

Rex raised an eyebrow, or at least sent the impression of the action.

It's because of all the help I gave you. Ahsoka explained. I'm constantly in your head, love.

Rex smiled at that. It was odd that she didn't feel the same to him. There were parts of her he couldn't see.

I could show you. She said. Let you see all of me.

Rex hesitated to respond. A part of him was eager. He wanted to be as close to her as possible, know her as well as he could.

But it seemed such an intimate, private thing. There had to be a reason she did not come to him with her walls down.

I have been trained to have defenses at all times, Rex. She said. They're second nature to me. I want you to see.

Rex wanted it too.

At first nothing seemed to change. But when he focused on her, it was if disturbed water had been calmed and he could see into the depths.

And what he saw, even though he had expected it, took his breath away.

Her determination, her fierce kindness, her grace. Her rashness, her anger, her stubbornness. And her love. Her love burned so bright, for her men, for Generals Plo, Skywalker, and Kenobi, for Chancellor Amidala, for the twins. And for him. So much for him.

Beautiful. He struggled to tell her. Forming direct words was more difficult for him than for her. Beautiful.

So are you. She said.

Then he could see himself through her eyes.

His skill and obedience, the only things that the Kaminoans had cared about, barely seemed to register to her. She only saw his bravery, his loyalty, his protectiveness, his kindness.

Kindness?

He had never thought of himself as kind.

You are one of the most loving people I have ever known, Rex.

Curious now, he looked deeper. He was generous? Selfless? Intelligent? Gorgeous?

Some of the things she thought about him and thought about doing with him would have made him blush if he were able.

If this was how she saw him, then it made sense that she loved him. He had caused her so much pain, but that seemed so small compared to the joy she felt because of him. He didn't think he'd ever doubt his worthiness again.

Good. Ahsoka sounded amused.

He would have been happy to just bathe in her presence for the rest of the night, but he could feel that she wanted to talk to him.

I'm sorry you weren't accepted. She said.

Rex had expected it. Life at home and work were manageable and he was even starting to excel at parts. But combat- he had no idea if he could handle it and being in a situation where his brothers relied on him was no place to test that.

I'm glad you see sense. Ahsoka said.

Rex could have laughed at that. Despite all the logic, he wished so badly that he could at least be a help. Part of it was a desire to protect his brothers. The other part was a longing to be whole again.

You're almost there. Ahsoka said. And I hope you never have to be in combat again.

A lovely wish, but if it came to it, Rex wanted to be able to act.

It's time to wake up. Ahsoka said. Keep an eye on Fives, won't you?

Yes.

The night had gone so quickly and Rex knew he'd wake feeling empty. But he'd soldier on, as he always did, and pray that she'd be back with him soon.

I love you. He managed.

I love you. She replied.

And oh, how he knew it.

"There is one entrance to the repair facility's supply room." Tech said, pointing out the area on the base schematic. "There are two guards outside the actual facility and four cameras watching in and out."

"Any way to disable those cameras?" Hunter asked.

"Easily." Tech said. "A simple feedback loop should suffice. The difficult part shall be accessing the control station."

Tech switched the holo to show a different schematic.

"There are four camera control stations on the space platform." He said. "Each surveying a different sector of the platform. Each station watches the next station's entrance and each control room has a droid whose sole purpose is to ensure no unauthorized personnel enters the control rooms."

Hunter's brow furrowed and Tech did not miss the glance he made towards Omega and Phee. Tech knew what he was thinking and agreed. As much as he liked Phee and adored Omega, this would be far easier if they had the rest of the Batch instead. Echo alone would have been able to handle the security with a well timed scomp into their systems.

"A distraction won't work." Hunter muttered, a hand to his chin. "And I'm guessing you won't be able to mess with the droids from a distance?"

"Negative." Tech said. "Without the Marauder, there is little I can do remotely."

"What about the other guard in there that's watching the rest of the cameras?" Phee asked. "Are they a droid?"

"No." Tech said. "Droids that can identify suspicious behavior as well as a sentient are expensive and it is far cheaper to have a sentient keep watch. The droids that watch the entrances of the other station need only identify movement at unscheduled times."

"Sentients need shift changes." Phee said. "So if we're there at the right time, we might be able to slip in."

"I believe the droids also have the capability of identifying the uniform needed." Tech said.

"Well, that's an easy fix." Phee said, folding her arms.

"Hardly." Tech said. "The depository for the guards is as heavily guarded as the repair facility."

Phee gave him a strange look.

"You're telling me you've never knocked someone out and stolen their clothes?" She asked.

Tech stared at her, as did Hunter. Omega giggled.

"That seems extremely inefficient." Tech finally said. "The chances of the clothes fitting is low and the time needed to dress is impractical for a time sensitive mission."

"I've done it a dozen times." Phee said with a wave of her hand.

"A dozen." Hunter said in a flat tone.

Phee gave a sheepish grin.

"All right, maybe three or four times." She said. "But I've done it and it's worked. You just need to find somewhere out of the way to keep the person."

Tech frowned, but switched to the schematics that showed the camera coverage. There were several blind spots, just not where they needed them.

"There!" Omega said, pointing. "There's a pretty big gap next to the 'freshers!"

"Oh now, that's handy." Phee said. "'Freshers never have cameras."

"There were cameras in the refreshers on Kamino." Tech said with a frown. "But you are correct. This facility does not have surveillance there."

It was Phee's turn to stare at them.

"Moving past how upsetting that is," She finally said. "All we have to do is catch a guard on their way to the 'fresher, stun them, dump them in a stall, and go on our merry way."

Tech was beginning to see how this plan could work.

"There are no vac tubes in the stations." He mused aloud. "The guards are likely to use the refresher immediately after their shift ends."

"Perfect." Phee said. "It'll take longer for them to be missed if they've just finished. Throw some binders on them, stuff something in their mouth, and it'll be hours before they're found."

"We must ensure that they are human." Tech said. "And that I will be able to pass as them, at least from a distance. If all goes well, I will be able to enter the correct station and pass as the guard's replacement."

"What about the actual replacement?" Hunter asked.

"I have already thought of that." Tech said. "The window of time for the replacement to arrive is relatively large: thirty minutes. This is in order to allow for them to be early or late. However-"

"They're never early." Hunter finished for him. "I heard it while listening to their comms. They're constantly complaining that their replacement waits until the last minute."

"Exactly." Tech said. "By the time the actual guard arrives, I will have been able to hack into the droids so that they will not notice when a second replacement arrives. I will merely have to stun them when they enter."

Tech returned the schematics to the original floor plan.

"Once I am in, I will be able to create a feedback loop for the cameras around the repair facility, as well as unlock the doors. Hunter will create a diversion, while Phee retrieves the items we need."

"Hang on." Phee said. "Hunter and I have been seen together on the station. If anything goes wrong, they're going to know that we're in cahoots."

"I can do it!" Omega said immediately.

"People tend to trust kids more when they say they're in trouble." Phee added. "Plus, who could say no to that face?"

"I can." Hunter said.

"That is untrue." Tech said. "Eighty percent of the time it is Echo who denies Omega's requests."

"Regardless." Hunter said with a glare at Tech. "Omega's a senator. They're going to know who she is."

Omega adopted a very familiar, stubborn expression. Tech looked between the two.

"I could wear a disguise, like Tech will!" Omega said.

"One of my shirts should fit her like a dress." Phee said. "And I have a scarf or two that can cover her face."

Hunter looked at Tech for help. Tech did not speak at first. On one hand, Phee was correct. Omega had no affiliation with her and would cause more concern due to her young age. Tech also knew what Omega was capable of, and this was not beyond her. On the other, Tech did not like risking the CIS discovering her. However, their chances of being discovered increased every day and a disguise would mitigate that to a degree.

"I believe it to be the best course of action, Hunter." Tech said. "And with you acting as backup, there is little chance of our discovery."

Hunter let out a long, familiar sigh and made Tech's insides twinge with the slightest bit of guilt. But right now was not the time for Hunter's overprotectiveness. Tech believed what he had said. There was little chance of the plan going wrong.

Tech looked down at the stunned guard just outside the refresher. He grimaced. The man had a similar build and skin tone to him, which was ideal. He had thick blonde hair, as opposed to Tech's own darker shade, but the uniform came with a hat. Their heights were also within an acceptable range.

But this man wore no corrective lens. If Tech was to pass as him, he would have to forgo his own.

Lovely.

He pulled the man into the refresher. It was empty. Tech tried very hard not to imagine the fluids the uniform he was to wear was now being dragged through.

Once in the tiny stall, he began his work.

Phee had made it sound extremely easy. It wasn't. Tech found himself getting rather warm and agitated as he struggled to remove the man's clothes. He had to stun the man again halfway through the process. The man's own sweat made the clothes stick to his skin and Tech had to peel them away from his body. The smell was rather unpleasant.

Finally, once he had stripped the man down to his under things, Tech stuffed one of the man's socks into his mouth and bound his hands to the refresher with two pairs of binders Phee had given him. Then he locked the door, and climbed over the stall wall into the next.

Getting dressed was less of a trial, but still irritating in the confined space. The clothes smelled of the man's sweat and Tech wrinkled his nose as he pulled the uniform over his blacks. The man was slightly heavier than Tech and the way the loose fabric moved against itself irritated him.

He placed the hat on and stepped from the stall. He looked into the mirror. He looked like a CIS security guard. Except-

Tech sighed and removed his goggles. He stuffed them in his pocket and opened his eyes. All fine details were gone. The world was fuzzy and indistinct. Tech was reminded of the terrifying months when his vision first began to fail, before they had discovered that Nala Se was willing to give him corrective lenses.

He checked the time on his data pad. He had about ten minutes before the window for the shift change. It had taken him nearly an hour to complete the change.

Tech tugged the brim of the hat low and left the refresher.

He couldn't help but tense as he exited the blind spot of the cameras. But no alarms sounded and no guards came rushing at him even as he approached his destination.

Hiding in plain sight seemed to work. Fascinating. It had never been much of an option for the Batch. Their armor and gear made it practically impossible. Not to mention the places they infiltrated were populated only by droids.

Phee was correct, however. This method had its merit.

Tech approached the out of the way door that led to the security station. He tapped his stolen identification against the panel. The door opened.

Tech stepped into the darkened room. The only light came from the many monitors on one wall.

The current guard, a short blue blur the Tech assumed was a Gossam, jumped a little.

"You're early!" He said in a reedy voice.

Tech nodded, hoping that it did not seem strange that he did not speak.

Unfortunately, the Gossam didn't move.

"You all right, pal?" He asked.

Tech's stomach swooped for a moment, but, as usual, his brilliant mind provided a solution. He gestured to his throat and cleared it.

"Ah." The Gossam said. "Uh, can it spread to other species?"

Tech shrugged.

"I'll probably get going in anycase." The Gossam croaked and hurried from the room. "It's been quiet. Enjoy the shift."

Tech gave another nod as the man scurried from the room. He turned to the blurry screens and quickly replaced his goggles. Then, without hesitation, he began his work.

First he adjusted the droid in the other station to not alert when the actual replacement arrived. Then he erased his card from the door's security log, so it would not protest a new attempt to enter. He also streamed that feed to one of his monitors, just so he would be prepared.

As he expected, five minutes before the window closed, the real replacement came meandering over.

Tech frowned. Punctuality and preciseness was beaten into them on Kamino. It was often life or death to be so. Allowing himself to be so sloppy with his time was foreign to him.

He was grateful for this man's particular tardiness.

The new guard had only time to call a 'Yeah, I'm here-' before Tech stunned him. After Tech stowed his unconscious form under the desk, he returned to his work. He had the feedback loop up and working, he just had to wait for the others to do their part.

It was only a few minutes before he saw Omega come scurrying up the hall to the repair facility. The two guards there eyed her suspiciously. She looked ridiculous in the long scarf wrapped several times around her neck. It made her look smaller than she really was.

He couldn't hear what she was telling the guards, but they tilted their heads towards her. Tech tensed, ready to start the feedback loop as soon as the guards left. Omega beckoned to the guards. They had decided Omega would tell them that she was lost and couldn't find her family. Phee had told them it was believable.

Tech waited for the guards to move, to follow Omega.

They didn't. One reached out and patted Omega's shoulder, but they stayed put.

Omega seemed to say something more. The guards shook their heads.

Tech felt the urge to reach for a comm, to tell Omega to get out, but he knew the comms would not work. They would have to regroup now.

He trusted Omega to know it was time to retreat.

He could see her thinking. That was not a good sign.

Then she darted forward, snatched the blaster from one of the guard's sides, and dashed away.

Tech sucked in a sharp breath as the guards bolted after her. He was impressed by her bravery and ingenuity, but if she was caught-

It was too late to stop her. They needed to act while they could. Hopefully Phee would agree.

And indeed, Tech caught a glimpse of Phee in one of the adjacent screens. He set up the feedback loop, but streamed the actual footage to his datapad. He glanced between Phee's work in the repair facility and the guards chasing Omega. They hadn't caught her yet, but Omega was a young girl. It was unlikely she would be able to evade them for long.

Drop the blaster, Omega. Tech thought, his worry growing. They will likely stop pursuing you.

But she did not. And the guards grew closer. Until-

One guard caught the end of Omega's scarf.

Tech shoved himself away from the console. The feedback loop would last another fifteen minutes. It would have to be enough.

Luckily, they didn't care how many people left the station. Tech accidentally kicked the unconscious guard in the shoulder as he ran from the room.

He sprinted down a hallway and the next. They could not recognize Omega.

"Tech!"

Tech slowed enough to glance behind him. Phee was running towards him, arms full of the parts they needed.

"Where's Omega?" She panted. "I saw her little stunt- have they caught her?"

"They are catching her as we speak." Tech said. "We must-"

"Tech!" Hunter's voice shouted.

Tech's brother was bolting towards him as well.

Tech merely signed for Hunter to follow and beckoned to Phee. Together they shot down the corridors until they could hear Omega'a voice.

"Let me go!"

"Where are your parents, you little troublemaker?" Tech heard a guard growl.

"I told you, I don't know!" Omega said. "That's why I asked you for help!"

Hunter was already in motion, his frantic running replaced by a more controlled stride.

"There you are!" Hunter said as he rounded a corner. "What the kriff is going on?"

"Sir, is this your daughter?" A guard said.

"Yes," Hunter said. "And I've been looking everywhere for her. What are you doing to her?"

"This girl just attempted to steal from CIS personnel." The guard said. "We'll have to bring her in for questioning."

"Questioning?" Hunter demanded. "She's a child-"

"We can't be too careful with the current situation." The other guard said.

This was not ideal. If Omega was taken into custody, there was no chance of her escaping recognition. Tech's mind raced, desperately trying to find a solution.

Phee moved next to him as Hunter argued with the guards. Tech watched as she opened a nearby maintenance closet and stuffed the stolen parts in. She turned to Tech.

"Say my name." She whispered. "Loud enough for the guards to hear."

Tech blinked but found that he trusted her.

"Is that not the wanted galactic pirate Phee Genoa?" He said, not quite yelling.

Phee gave him a strange look.

"Shut up!" She said in a voice that could be called a whisper if it wasn't as loud as Tech's. "Do you want the entire CIS to know I'm here?"

The guards had stopped arguing with Hunter and were moving their way. The full implication of Phee's plan hit Tech.

"Phee-" He said.

Phee winked at him before putting on a mask of shock and fear as the guards came around the corner.

"Dammit!" She hissed.

"Stay where you are!" The first guard barked. "Hands in the air!"

Tech and Phee complied.

"What's going on here?" The other guard said.

"Nothing, officer." Phee said as if trying to keep her voice even.

"Right." The guard said. "I'm gonna need-"

In that moment, Phee gave Tech a look and he knew what he needed to do.

"This is Phee Genoa!" Tech blurted. "She is wanted by the CIS!"

"You bastard!" Phee said with such venom that Tech wondered if he had misread her.

"She is, huh?" The first guard said. "We'll have to bring her in to be sure."

Tech watched with an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach as he watched them put Phee in binders. As they led her away, she looked over her shoulder.

"Wait til I get out, you smear of bantha dung!" She shouted, but winked.

She put up somewhat of a struggle as they took her away. She was quite the actress.

Once they were gone, Hunter and Omega joined Tech.

"Is Phee going to be all right?" Omega asked. "We have to help her!"

Tech looked to Hunter. There was an odd expression on his face as he looked to where they had taken Phee.

"Of course we are." Hunter said.

Tech felt a load lift from him. It would not have surprised him if Hunter had insisted on escaping without Phee.

"Tech, get those repairs done." Hunter said. "Once we're ready to go, we'll break her out."

Tech nodded.

"Do you trust her now?" He said flatly.

Hunter sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Yeah." He said. "I do."

Mando'a:

vod'ika: little sibling, used in this instance to indicate a close relationship between two clones

From the top!

I wrote the Rex and Ahsoka scene to avoid writing the rest of the chapter because I don't like planning heists and the like. I'm pleased with the way their conversation played out. Also, Rex, maybe keep a closer eye on Fives…

There's so much of one partner feeling unworthy *cough I'm part of the problem cough* and I thought it'd be nice for Rex to see how Ahsoka sees him.

I struggled a lot with the plan here, mostly because I hate planning things like this. Can't we just have angst and fluff all the time?

Please do not take the lines describing Tech switching clothes out of context.

I WANT to write Tech as super protective, but unfortunately and canonically, he's often like 'Omega can do it, why not let her?' Of course when she needs his help he does not hesitate. He will jump down a hole and spin grab for his sister.

I'm more pleased with how this turned out than I thought I would.

Please imagine Tech saying Phee's name in the most wooden board acting way possible. It's the way it was meant to be read.

Check out the discord! (I'm under misc and then superheroes for some reason)discord . gg . / elibrary(without the spaces because fanfiction . net is dumb)

That should be everything!