Hey everyone! I hope you have all sufficiently recovered from that last episode of the Bad Batch. I haven't.
RyanSquad: That's what Palps' mom said when he was born. Because even she could see he was an absolute piece of crap.
BellatrixTheStar: You have no idea how happy that makes me to hear! I worked really hard and tried my best to balance the chapter and to hear from someone with some knowledge in the area that I succeeded sends me over the moon. I can see your point about the courts taking forever, but I like to think that this was a hot issue pushed forward by the Banking Clan. At least that's my excuse.
Omahawar1940: I mean, I would tell you, but that would be spoilers.
osterreicher97: Thank you!
LizzyLuna75: Ahahaha good. I accept this.
SpaceJesus17: Thank you! It kinda hurt to write though.
jainasoloFel600: They would just ignore it and continue to shout about how there's no proof or something.
TW: Blood and violence.
Just be forewarned, it gets a little dark this chapter. Good luck.
Mando'a translations at the end
Rex stared blankly across his holding cell. He clutched at the piece of crumpled flimsi in his hand. Thorn had shoved it into his hands as they took him to the trial.
"From all of us." He'd said.
It bore jaig eyes, his eyes. Rex knew they had meant it kindly, as a comfort. For him it was a shameful reminder. How proud he had been when his Mandalorian trainer had painted those marks on his helmet. And now, being held in disgrace.
How the mighty have fallen. Rex thought bitterly.
It had been- difficult to be paraded in front of a court as mere evidence. And it only cemented the fact that his general and Senator Amidala were in the minority.
The way Chancellor Palpatine had looked at him, like he was less than dust, made Rex feel the way the Kaminoans wanted him to feel. And that man was one who held the fates of many of Rex's brothers in his hands.
Still, he kept the flimsi in his hand. He'd keep it as long as he could.
"Come on, trooper."
Rex looked up at the sound of a brother's voice. Three Coruscant Guards stood in front of his holding cell. He stood.
"Where are we going?" He asked.
His heart thudded as he waited for the reply. To Kamino, back to the GAR headquarters, to the next room over to be shot. All were possibilities.
"Back to headquarters." There was a smile in the trooper's voice. "You've been cleared. Just got to take you back and wait for your General to pick you up."
Rex stared at the trooper before his brother's words sunk in. His legs shook and he placed a hand against the wall.
"Congratulations, Captain." The trooper said. "Now, let's get you out of here."
They had to put binders on him; he wasn't officially released yet. Rex was willing to endure it for a while longer. He focused on his bond with Ahsoka. The distance made it impossible for words, but he could send feelings. Unfortunately, she was sleeping at the moment and he didn't have the heart to wake her. She would find out soon enough.
"That's odd." One of the troopers said. "Shiv, you sure these are the right orders?"
"I dunno, '96 got them."
"I got them straight from the Admiral, Lieutenant Deck, sir." '96 said. "Though I did think they were odd too."
Deck looked over to Rex.
"You've been assigned to the same transport as some other chakaar'e." He said. "Their court dates are today, but even still, I'd expect them to send you in different transports."
Rex felt his stomach twist at the news. Deck looked down at his data pad and then patted Rex on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, vod. You can ride up front with me."
"Sir, the orders say all prisoners are to stay in the holding area during transport." '96 said.
"Well, twisting a few rules won't hurt anybody." Deck said
Rex smirked. General Skywalker would like this one.
"Sir." '96 said hesitantly. "We've been in enough trouble lately as is. Are you sure it's a good idea?"
Deck sighed and rubbed at his helmet. He glanced at the orders again and just shrugged.
"Sorry, vod." Deck said.
Rex's stomach dropped even lower. He couldn't shake the feeling he was being targeted. He wished whoever it was would just get someone to shoot him instead of all this cloak and vibrodagger nonsense.
"We'll be careful." Deck said cheerfully. "We won't let you out of our sight. They'll be in binders. It'll be fine."
It sounded like he was trying to convince himself.
Rex stared into the beady eyes of a large Karkarodan man. The predator had been staring at Rex hungrily for the entirety of the transport ride and ignoring every single one of the dozen other prisoners. Rex had been shoved, pushed against a bulkhead, cursed at, and nearly elbowed in the face before he managed to find a seat. Then he'd noticed the Karkarodan. Rex stared back, as if eye contact with the creature would keep it from lunging at him.
It seemed to work. The Karkarodan man hadn't moved a muscle even as '96 announced they were prepping to land.
Rex thought maybe through sheer luck, he'd made it out.
The Trandoshan, who Rex had ignored in favor of his larger companion, moved, drawing Rex's eyes. The lizard was holding something.
Rex narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth to alert 96' and Shiv. Something slammed into Rex. The Karkarodan smashed Rex into the wall and Rex felt his ribs crack. He could hear Shiv and '96 shouting, but the door wasn't opening. The other prisoners scrambled back.
The Karkarodan clamped down on Rex's shoulder. The initial pain was overwhelmed by more potent agony when the Karkarodan began shaking its head, tearing teeth through flesh. Rex yelled, forced down by his attacker's weight. Gasping, Rex jerked his hands up to claw at the Karkaradon's jaws. The Karkarodan loosened its grip, then lunged forward and bore down again. This time, Rex's fingers were caught.
Rex's pained roar mingled with the yells of the guards trying to get in and the jeers of the prisoners.
Rex rammed his head against the Karkarodan's. Its grip weakened slightly, so Rex threw his head back to do it again. Claws raked across Rex's face, carving lines deep into the flesh. Rex gasped.
"None of that, meatdroid." The Trandoshan hissed. "Torq, I'll keep it pinned. Do some real damage."
Rex's hands were free but immediately the Trandoshan forced Rex to the ground, claws tearing his blacks away and digging into his chest to hold him down. Rex struggled, but with each jerk he was getting weaker. On instinct he yanked on his bond with Ahsoka. Almost immediately she was focused and questioning.
The Karkarodan ripped into his thigh and the only response Rex could give was a scream.
"General!"
Anakin blinked as Fives and Tup hurried up to him. The ARC trooper had an excited gleam in his eye.
"We've gotten the information you requested." Fives went on. "The Captain's shuttle lands in fifteen minutes, platform 17."
"Thanks, Fives, Tup." Anakin said.
He wanted to meet Rex exactly when he landed. His Captain wouldn't spend a moment longer in captivity than necessary.
Fives shifted in front of him.
"What's up, Fives?"
"Permission to meet him with you, sir?" Fives said.
Anakin grinned. The men hadn't seen their Captain in a few weeks. He could at least give two of them a glimpse.
"Come on, you two. Let's go get him."
Fives snapped a grinning salute and Tup followed suit.
Nearly fifteen minutes later Anakin waited with his troopers on the windy landing platform. Fives was practically bouncing as they saw a prison transport heading towards them. Anakin couldn't help but grin. Finally.
Master! Ahsoka's voice echoed in Anakin's mind. Where's Rex?
Anakin frowned. She must be concentrating hard to get words across this distance. What bothered him more was the fear lacing her words.
He's on his prison transport. I can see it right now. What's wrong?
Master, he's in pain! He's suffering-
Snips, how in the galaxy do you know?
We-we bonded-"
Anakin looked past her hesitant confession to the feelings raging in her mind. Among Ahsoka's fear and Rex's pain was a deeper feeling than either. One Anakin knew all too well. Kriff, how long had Ahsoka been in love with Rex?
No, he could think about that later. For now he had to worry about the absolute agony Rex was in. Anakin concentrated on the ever nearing transport. The thing was absolutely drenched in pain, fear, and a twisted, horrifying pleasure. He could almost hear Rex's screams.
"Oh, hell." Anakin muttered. "Tup, go to the headquarters, contact Kix and get him here. Bring back whatever medical supplies you can. Run." Anakin ordered.
Tup took off sprinting down the platform.
"Fives. Be prepared for hostiles. I can sense at least fifteen people on board. One's Rex, we'll have to assume the rest are the enemy."
Fives didn't question anything. He simply nodded and pulled out his blaster.
Anakin stood tense as the transport landed and opened its doors. A single trooper in red armor came bolting down the ramp. He skidded to halt at the sight of them.
"Sir?" He asked, staring at Anakin. "How did you- nevermind. We need medical assistance, now."
The trooper whirled around and Anakin and Fives followed him at a run.
Rex's strangled cries were the first thing Anakin was aware of. They echoed down the hallway. Suddenly Rex screamed what sounded like a name, and then fell silent. Anakin forced himself to go faster.
They reached the cell and Anakin wasn't prepared for the sight that awaited him.
Blood was everywhere, spattered on the walls and pooling on the floor. In the middle of the mess was Rex, blood soaked and flat on his back. A Karkarodan's jaws were clamped around Rex's thigh. The large predator's eyes were glassy and its back was riddled with blaster holes. One trooper faced a group of stunned prisoners, keeping watch. Another was struggling, trying to pry the teeth free from Rex's leg. Rex's chest heaved rapidly, though thankfully he seemed unconscious.
"Don't!" Fives ordered the trooper, kneeling down. "If you get that thing off him, he'll bleed out in seconds."
The trooper looked up, obviously bewildered despite the helmet.
"Help your brother." Fives said. "We'll take care of this."
The trooper scrambled away and pulled out his blaster.
Despite Fives' calm words, Anakin could see the panic in his eyes. The ARC was right. The Karkarodan's death grip was the only thing keeping Rex's leg together. It seemed to have ruptured his artery.
Rex might bleed out anyway. Blood still flowed from his shoulder and oozed out his chest. His face was ashen.
First things first. They couldn't move Rex with a 300 pound weight hanging off his leg. Anakin drew his lightsaber and quickly decapitated the corpse. Fives barely blinked before pushing the headless body away from Rex.
Rex began to convulse. Fives looked up, helpless. Rex was losing too much blood, even with the teeth still in place.
Anakin made a decision.
"I'm sorry, Rex." He muttered.
Anakin ignited his lightsaber again and swung. The blade sheared through flesh and bone. The scent of burned skin choked the air. Rex's leg was severed just above the Karkarodan's head. Most importantly, the bleeding had stopped.
Anakin looked to Fives, who stared back in horror. Then the ARC turned back to Rex and began to attempt to treat the remaining wounds. He tore Rex's blacks and began wrapping Rex's hands in strips of the cloth. Anakin's stomach lurched as he realized Rex was missing fingers.
Anakin, stood helpless as Fives kept working. After he was done with Rex's hands, the ARC moved to the Captain's shredded shoulder, using Rex's tattered blacks to stem the bleeding.
Voices caught Anakin's attention. He realized the two Coruscant Guard troopers were no longer in the cell.
Gesturing for Fives to continue, Anakin followed the voices to the cockpit.
"You were not authorized to use lethal force with the prisoners." That was Tarkin's voice.
"Sir, I believe that we always have authorization to use lethal force if we deem necessary." The trooper's voice was fearful.
"The prisoner Torq Shupul had vital information concerning the Pyke movements on Coruscant." Tarkin said.
"We understand, sir, but Shupul was attacking another prisoner, Cap- CT-7567."
"And you deemed the life of a clone to be more important than vital information to the Republic."
"Sir, he's our brother. We couldn't stand by and let him die." A new trooper spoke with a trembling voice.
"Silence." Tarkin's voice was harsh. "You have blundered your orders for the last time. You shall be-"
"Transferred to the 501st!" Anakin said, stepping into the cockpit.
A holo of Tarkin stood like a judge in front of the three Coruscant Guard troopers. They jumped when Anakin came in. Tarkin merely met Anakin's stare.
"Effective immediately." Anakin said.
"Skywalker." Tarkin said in a dull tone.
"What are your names, troopers?" Anakin asked. "Names, not numbers."
"Lieutenant Deck, sir." One said after a moment.
"Shiv, sir." Another piped up.
"I don't have a name, sir. I'm CT-8896."
"Deck, Shiv, '96, tell me what happened here." Anakin said.
Obi Wan would've been proud of his even tone.
"Do not answer him." Tarkin said.
"As your new General, I order you to tell me!" Anakin let some of the fire he'd been holding back slip through.
The three troopers looked from Anakin, to Tarkin, and then each other.
"We received orders from Admiral Tarkin about the transportation of CT-7567." Deck said carefully.
"His name is Captain Rex." Anakin interjected.
"Er, yes. We were to move Captain Rex with a group of criminals, including Torq Shupul and Zid Mander. They were arrested for violence against clones. We found out later they had Pyke connections."
Anakin furrowed his brow as Deck continued.
"Their court date was today, so I suppose it made sense. But we were also ordered to keep all prisoners in the cell and like the Admiral said, we were on our last chance."
"Nothing happened until just before we landed." Shiv interjected. "Suddenly Shupul, the Karkarodan, just attacked Captain Rex."
The trooper's voice was low.
"We tried to get in, but Mander had some sort of device, we have no idea how he got it, but it locked the cell door. We had to blast it open. We stunned all the prisoners. We tried to stun Shupul, but it didn't work. We had to switch to kill, but even then we couldn't get him off of the Captain. That's about when you got here."
"We're sorry, sir." '96 said quietly. "We should have-"
"It doesn't matter now." Anakin said. "You did well in saving him. Go to the cell, and watch those prisoners."
The three saluted and hurried from the room.
"Bastard." Anakin snarled.
Tarkin just appraised him.
"The only order I gave was to have the clone transported at the same time as the other prisoners." He said.
"You knew they'd attack Rex!" Anakin accused. "And how did they manage to lock the door?"
"I have no idea." Tarkin said blandly. "Though it would have been best if that clone had died. It is dangerous. Its erratic behavior could influence others and we could lose control of the entire army." Tarkin said.
Anakin's hands were shaking. How dare he?
"Who put you up to this?" Anakin asked.
Tarkin remained silent.
"I said who?" Anakin bellowed.
He stretched out a clawed hand. Tarkin reached a hand to his throat. Fear shone in his bulging eyes; the first emotion besides contempt he had shown. Anakin tightened the invisible fingers.
Tarkin's mouth moved and Anakin relaxed the grip enough for the man to speak.
"Palpatine."
What?
"Liar!" Anakin said, though he had already released Tarkin. The admiral fell to his knees, coughing.
"Believe me or not, the Chancellor agreed with me." Tarkin said between gasps. "Your little Captain is a danger. I would keep a closer eye on your troops in the future, Skywalker."
The holo fizzed off.
Anakin swore and stood there for a moment. Tarkin had to be lying. Even if he wasn't, it was just an order about what prisoners were to be transferred. The Chancellor had supported them in proving Rex's innocence. He had let Rex go. He knew what Rex meant to Anakin. No. Anakin would find the truth later. Right now Rex needed him.
Tup had returned when Anakin reentered the cell. A troupe of new troopers were moving the prisoners out. Anakin's three new troopers stood to the side, silent. Fives still was working on Rex with the new supplies. He glanced up at Anakin. "Sir, I'm no medic. We should contact a GAR-"
"We're taking him to the Jedi Temple. Kix is on his way." Anakin said. "Tarkin wants Rex dead. It's the only place he'll be safe."
Anakin stood over Rex for what seemed like an eternity before Kix finally arrived with a hover stretcher. The medic took one look at Rex and pushed Fives to the side.
"How much longer until we can move him?" Anakin asked.
"Soon." Kix said shortly. "Fives did well. He's lost a lot of blood, though. I don't know how much of a chance he has."
Anakin swallowed at the pronouncement. Kix continued working, until finally he gestured to Fives. The two carefully moved the unconscious Rex onto the hover stretcher.
"That's as good as I can get him for now." Kix said. "Fives said we're taking him to the Jedi Temple?"
"Yes." Anakin said. "Fives, take those three back to the barracks. Kix, I'm with you."
They made their way off the shuttle. Anakin looked behind them to see bloody footprints trailing behind. He was suddenly aware of his boots, soaked in blood. Rex's blood.
Whoever had decided that Rex needed to die would pay.
Ahsoka lay curled on her side, though it hurt her ribs. She was trying desperately to keep her mind on herself, rather than two of her bonds. Master Plo had his hand on her shoulder. Obi Wan paced beyond.
Ahsoka nearly shot up in her bed, but Plo gently held her down. Anakin and Rex had come close enough that Ahsoka could send words through their bonds.
Master! She sent.
Rex's mind was too pain filled for her to be able to send anything.
He's alive. Came Anakin's tense reply.
Master-
Not now, Ahsoka. I'll come to you soon.
Ahsoka clenched her jaw as Anakin closed his end of the bond.
"He's alive." She said aloud.
Plo squeezed her shoulder and Obi Wan sighed.
"Anything else?" Obi Wan asked.
Ahsoka shook her head.
"I can feel he's still in a lot of pain." She supplied.
Neither Plo or Obi Wan had said anything about her new bond with Rex.
Now that Rex was closer, Ahsoka had a hard time distinguishing her own pain from his. Her aches flared into sharp jabs of agony and she huddled down. She was so tired of hurting.
Plo stood and sat on her bed. He carefully lifted her hand between his talons. Ahsoka closed her eyes and clung to the soothing sensation. She struggled upright and leaned into his shoulder.
"Do not despair, 'Soka." He rumbled. "He is being treated by our best."
Ahsoka nodded into his shoulder. His presence was reassuring. She once again wondered if this was what having a father was like.
It was another ten minutes before Anakin came in, rubbing at his face.
"They stabilized him at the prison." He told them before Ahsoka could say anything. "They're working on him now."
"How is he, Master?" Ahsoka asked.
Anakin had reached the bedside. He met her gaze carefully.
"It doesn't look good." He said quietly. "Ahsoka, it's a miracle we got him here alive. Even if he makes it-"
Anakin looked down and Ahsoka felt sick.
"He'll have to spend a long time in recovery." Anakin finished. "We're talking weeks in bacta, and bedrest beyond that. It could be months before he can return to duty. If it all."
Ahsoka was so tired of being strong. She wanted to just bury her head into Plo's shoulder and hide from the painful news. Instead she straightened a little.
"Do you know what happened?" She asked.
"We're not talking about that now." Anakin said. "You're going to rest."
"I believe we all would like to know." Obi Wan finally spoke up. "And I also believe we are all very weary of waiting."
Anakin rubbed his face again.
"Tarkin." He said. "Ordered Rex to be transported on a ship with clone haters."
Ahsoka nodded. Yes, that made sense. Anakin paused, obviously hesitant to continue.
"Master?" Ahsoka prompted.
"He said the Chancellor was involved."
Plo let out a long breath and Obi Wan resumed pacing. Ahsoka herself felt numb. First the experiment. Now this. What was Palpatine doing?
"Of course he was lying." Anakin spat.
"Anakin-" Obi Wan started.
"It's a lie!" Anakin shouted.
Once Ahsoka would have flinched at his outburst, but being Anakin's apprentice made one used to such yelling. She simply tugged softly on their bond. He turned to her.
"Master, I need to show you something." Ahsoka said. "I need to show all of you."
She sent the memory of a dark room, masked figures, and Palpatine leering over it all. Anakin paled. Obi Wan stopped in his tracks. Plo tightened his grip on Ahsoka.
"It can't be." Anakin said. "That can't be true."
"Are you saying you don't believe me?" Ahsoka couldn't keep the anger from her voice.
"Of course not!" Anakin said hurriedly. "But- Ahsoka you know the Chancellor would never- you must have been mistaken."
"I have never been more sure in my life." Ahsoka said quietly. "He poisoned me and nearly killed me. If he was willing to do something like that to a Jedi, what would he be willing to do to a clone?
Anakin just stared at her.
"No-" He said.
"Anakin." Obi Wan said gently. "The Chancellor is a clever man. I have long suspected he has been- purposefully influencing you in his favor."
Anakin sank down on the edge of a bed.
"Why?" He asked. "Why would he hurt you? Why would he hurt Rex?"
"I don't know." Ahsoka admitted. "But Anakin-"
"I need- I need to think about this." Anakin said.
Ahsoka could feel anger mix with Anakin's shock and horror.
"Anakin, you cannot act against the Chancellor." Obi Wan said. "Whatever he has done, we must plan carefully how to act."
Anakin was sitting stiff. His clenched fists trembled at his side. Ahsoka was suddenly frightened that Anakin would ignore Obi Wan and do something rash.
"I know." Anakin finally said.
His fists still shook.
Mando'a:
vod: brother
chakaar'e: corpse robber, thief, petty criminal - general term of abuse; plural
jaig eyes: a distinction of great honor bestowed to Mandalorians. Canonically what is on Rex's helmet
As many of you requested, Ahsoka said something! Of course, they can'tdo anything about it yet, but Anakin is no longer following Palps blindly. And as dark as you might have found this, the original version was way, way worse. Luckily I have editors to curb my inner angst machine. I'm sorry Rex, but when it comes to fanfiction and characters I love, I am evil. As the readers of my first fanfiction can attest, I am so, so evil. There's a reason though, I swear.
Well, wear your masks if not vaccinated, remember to review, and have a great few weeks!