Hello, lovely people!

So, I was really disappointed that I wasn't going to be able to update until the afternoon tomorrow. So I'm just doing it now. I might continue this trend, unless the chapter is not ready until Thursday. I'll try to be consistent.

LOVED the newest Bad Batch episode! So many fun cameos! The way the Batch took care of Omega SENT ME. We watched Omega being scared about the crew being eaten and Tech SPIN SAVING her twice each. Mando was so good too! I am LIVING for his new dad/teaching based directions. Oh gosh, I just got overwhelmed with my love for the soldiers/mercenaries and their little ones.

CHRF: I am well aware of their ages lol. And if I feel Gregor has another place in the story, I will bring him back.

4thwallbreak: Yeah that's gonna be awkward. "hello, I am your baby's space father. I will be taking him now." And who says they need to die?

All right, let's get going. This chapter is plot, some romance and PURE UNADULTERATED ANGST.

Enjoy!

No Mando'a this chapter!

ABSOLVED: CHAPTER 23

The house Mira led them to was nice, but not extravagant. Mira ushered them in quickly, looking around nervously.

"Mira!" A voice called from another room as they closed the door. "That was quick. Did Tseebo have the-"

The dark haired man cut himself off as he came into the room. He was holding a little baby in his arms.

"Ephraim." Mira said. "These people are Jedi-"

"Hold on." Axel said. "Some of us are Jedi."

Ephraim stared at Axel before his eyes widened in recognition.

"Clones!" He hissed.

He reached out and tugged Mira away from them. Ahsoka remembered with a jolt that most of the galaxy had no idea about the chips. They saw the clones as traitors and murderers.

"It's not what you think." Ahsoka said quickly. "The clones that serve the Empire have no choice. You can trust these men."

Ephraim and Mira glanced at each other, uncertain.

"Look into their minds, Mira." Aayla said. "You will see what we say is true."

Ephraim looked sharply at Mira as she laughed nervously.

"I'm no Jedi." She said. "I've never been able to do anything besides get hunches and have intuition about things. I can't exactly use it on command."

"Did the Jedi come for you?" Aayla asked.

"Yes. The Jedi came, but my parents refused to let them take me." Mira said.

That explained a few things. The Force was like a door, and each individual had it open at different intervals. Ahsoka knew that when Jedi found younglings, they often helped that youngling open the door wider. If Mira had been born with a door that was open only a bit and had no one help her open it further, she would stay at the limited trickle Ahsoka could sense.

"I see." Aayla said. "Yours is a rare situation."

"Why are you here?" Ephraim asked. "If you're on the run, I don't know if we can help you. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry." Ahsoka said. "We're here on different business. We're looking for a Jedi Temple here on Lothal."

Ahsoka had hoped that Mira's face would light up and that she would declare that she knew exactly what they were talking about. Instead, Mira's brows furrowed in confusion.

"I thought the Jedi Temple was on Coruscant." Mira said.

"There are more scattered across the galaxy." Aayla said. "There is one here."

"What can we do to help?" Mira asked eagerly.

"For now, just a place to stay would be perfect." Ahsoka said.

They were on Scariff again, lying together on their honeymoon bed. They were on their sides facing each other.

"Here again?" Rex asked with a smile. "And why do I never get a shirt when we do this?"

"You know why." Ahsoka said.

A shared memory was useful in connecting through dreams. Though Ahsoka returned to this moment to relive those few days without the war.

She resisted the urge to reach out and caress his face. If she did, it'd only be the tantalizing ghost of a touch that would do neither of them any good.

"You're safe?" Rex asked. "Is everything going to plan?"

Ahsoka showed him their first day on the planet and the couple that had taken them in.

"Do you trust them?" Rex asked.

"Caleb was quick to." Ahsoka replied. "And I didn't see or sense anything that proves him wrong."

"I trust your judgment." Rex said. "But keep an eye out."

Ahsoka nodded.

"I don't like imposing on them like this." She said. "It's dangerous for them."

"There's no Imperial presence there." Rex said.

"That we know of." Ahsoka replied. "It's a mining planet. I would be surprised if they hadn't sent anyone to check it out."

"Speaking of which, how are its prospects?"

"I'm not sure it's the right place." Ahsoka admitted. "Though we don't know where the temple is yet. I don't know. Lothal isn't Coruscant, but it's got a fairly large capital and a thriving community. I don't know how I'd feel about the Jedi hiding so close. And we can't guarantee that the Empire won't stay away forever."

Rex nodded and Ahsoka found herself thinking of the plan to hide the non combatants.

"Rex," Ahsoka finally said. "When the time comes, anyone who wants to can leave the Rebellion. Clone and Jedi alike."

"Right." Rex said. "General Skywalker says we've fought our war. He won't make us stay to fight another."

Ahsoka nodded.

"We could leave, too."

Ahsoka hadn't meant to put it so plainly, but perhaps it was better this way. She studied Rex for his reaction.

"We can't." Rex said. "'Sok, we can't."

"Why not?" Ahsoka asked.

Why not? Ahsoka and Rex had given so much: both to the Rebellion and the Republic. A part of her longed to be free of the burdens of others' lives, of command, of fighting. She had known little else. Rex had known nothing else.

Rex looked at her with tired, resigned eyes.

"They need us." Rex said.

"You could say that of every Jedi and clone choosing to leave." Ahsoka argued back.

"Ahsoka." Rex's tone was firm. "I can't. If any of my brothers choose to fight again, I will fight alongside them."

Ahsoka could sense there was still uncertainty in his heart. She wouldn't press him. They had time to think about it. She needed to decide whether it was what she truly wanted.

They lay together for a long time before Ahsoka felt a tug from her physical form.

"I have to go." She said. "I love you."

"I love you."

Ahsoka woke to Kix shaking her shoulder.

"It's time to get going, sir." He said. "Ephraim made us breakfast too."

"That was nice of him." Ahsoka said as she sat up on her bed on the couch.

Mira and Ephraim only had one spare bed and one couch. Ahsoka and Aayla had been shouted down into staying on the more comfortable spots by the clones. They, including Caleb, had slept on the floor in a tangle of blankets. The clones were now all up and dressed.

Ahsoka frowned. She normally got up with the clones rather than after them. When Aayla appeared, she seemed groggy as well.

"Good morning." Ephraim said to Ahsoka and Kix as they came into the crowded kitchen.

The tall, dark haired man's smile didn't erase the reservations in his eyes. Ahsoka didn't blame him. He had a Force sensitive wife in an Empire where Force sensitivity could get you killed. Then his wife had brought home six outlaws like they were loth kittens.

"We'll pay you back for the supplies." Ahsoka said as she accepted a plate of nuna eggs from Ephraim.

He blinked.

"No need." He said. "It's nothing-"

Ahsoka shook her head.

"We will pay you back for the supplies." She said firmly. "Six people is a lot, especially when three of those six are clone troopers."

Ephraim looked over to Kix, Axel, and Grey, who had already inhaled their portions and were hungrily glancing at the remaining eggs in the pan.

"I'll take those credits." He said.

"What's the plan, Commander?" Kix asked after finishing off his third helping.

"General Secura, Commander Dume, and I are going to head out outside of town to try and see if we can't sense anything." Ahsoka said.

She turned to look to confirm with Aayla and Caleb and found that Caleb was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's-" Ahsoka started.

"I'm here!" Caleb had come into the cramped kitchen, followed by Mira and their baby, Ezra.

Ahsoka thought that Mira looked pale.

Caleb looked at Aayla and Ahsoka with serious eyes.

"We need to talk."

"Ezra is Force sensitive." Caleb said in a low voice.

Aayla and Ahsoka looked at each other.

"It is not surprising." Aayla said. "It can be genetic."

"Did Mira know?" Ahsoka asked.

Caleb nodded.

"Since before he was born."

They looked at each other, each thinking the same thing.

Less than a year ago, when the Jedi Order was still around, Ezra would have been recorded as a Force sensitive child. When he came of age the Jedi would have sent representatives to ask the Bridgers to give him up.

But now-

Did they take Ezra with them? Caleb had been able to recognize the infant's sensitivity even now, and that could increase as he grew. If he was found out-

But the Jedi themselves were no longer the safe haven they once were. They could not guarantee that Ezra would not be found by the Imperials.

"We should focus on finding the temple." Aayla said. "Perhaps the Force will present a solution."

Ahsoka and Caleb nodded, though Ahsoka noted that Caleb still looked unnerved.

They headed back into the kitchen, where the others waited with concern.

"It's nothing that will impact our mission." Ahsoka told the clones.

The clones relaxed, and so did Mira and Ephraim. They were clearly not comfortable with so many people knowing their son's secret.

Speaking of the baby, Ezra was alert in Mira's arms, staring directly at Caleb. As Caleb made to move past, Ezra stuck out his little hand to pat Caleb's face.

"Oh!" Mira said. "You should feel honored; he usually only does that to Ephraim and I."

Caleb looked at the baby and smiled at him. Ezra gave a happy laugh and Ahsoka wondered if the Force had brought them here for more than just finding the temple.

Tech stared at the information on his datapad. He did not understand it. He needed to understand it. He tightened his grip on the datapad and tried to focus on each character one at a time.

It did not help that he could hear the others talk quietly on the other end of the ship. He would not be here if Hunter had not forbidden him from finding somewhere he could do his work in peace.

It took far too long for him to realize that the pad was telling him his latest attempt at cracking the Imperial's secrets was unsuccessful.

Tech swore.

Frustration and anger like he had rarely felt before consumed his chest. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he do this simple kriffing thing?

"Tech."

The rage he felt at himself redirected at the interruption.

"What is it?" Tech snapped.

"You need to take a break." Hunter said.

He and Wrecker had approached Tech.

"No." Tech said. "What I need is to succeed. I need to find a way to bypass their security."

Burning tears sprang to his eyes. He furiously dug the heel of his palm under his goggles to press them away.

"It needs to work." He mumbled. "I need it to work."

"Give me your data pad." Hunter said.

Tech pulled away from him.

"No." He said. "I can continue. I am fine."

"You're not." Hunter said. "You haven't slept or eaten in a rotation and you've barely gone to the fresher. Give me the data pad. That's an order."

Tech pulled it away from him.

"Come on, Tech." Wrecker said, reaching for the pad. "Don't-"

"If you touch this, I will destroy Lula." Tech said. "If you cared for Omega a fraction of how you dote on that idiotic toy, we would not have lost her!"

Wrecker drew back as if punched. Shame mingled with Tech's anger and frustration as he saw the wounded look in Wrecker's eyes. Crosshair, Hunter, and Echo were staring at him. He could feel their disapproval. Crosshair opened his mouth and Tech knew he could not hear the words his brother would throw at him.

Tech tucked his datapad to his chest and fled.

The sunlight of Yavin IV blinded him momentarily. He hurried across the landing area and to the main temple. Surely there would be somewhere he could hide from his brothers' anger and censure.

He found himself in a cold, dark stone room. There was nothing in it save a few containers of spare equipment. Good. He could be alone here.

Tech held out his datapad with trembling hands. He still felt a pang when he saw the negative result there. He took a deep breath. He could do this. He had to.

The next six attempts were failures.

He was a failure.

Tech hurled the datapad at the wall. The crunch of the screen breaking made no dent in his miasma of emotions.

It wasn't working and he had hurt Wrecker and Omega was still out of reach-

The words ran over and over in his head, interrupted only by thoughts of worthless and failure.

Tech fell to his knees and curled in on himself. Shameful tears stung his eyes. For the first time since Omega was taken, for the first time since he was a child, Tech cried. He dug his fingernails into his arms as he sobbed. The pain was welcome.

The door opened and Tech cringed away from the light. There was no one that he wished to be the one to find him. The regs would be cruel and even worse, his brothers would attempt to help him.

He waited for the questions, the demands.

What are you doing?

Why are you in here?

Are you crying?

Come out of there.

None came. The door closed again, leaving Tech in the soothing darkness. There was no silhouette joining him in the room when he looked up.

Tech curled up again on the floor, trying to keep his mind away from what had pushed him to this state. He let it go blank, and the world seemed to disappear from around him.

Voices jolted Tech back to reality. He sat up, unsure of where he was. To his surprise, a blanket fell off of his shoulders. He looked around and slowly the memory of his breakdown came back to him.

But then- where did the blanket come from? If his brothers had found him, they would have taken him back to the Marauder. Tech became more confused as he picked up a ration bar and a canteen that had not been there before. He would have thought it was Omega if she were not gone. It was something she would do.

The voices outside sounded again and this time Tech could distinguish the words.

"Ma'am, I need you to stand aside now."

That was a trooper's voice.

"I'm under orders from Clone Force 99." A familiar, melodic voice said. "No one is to enter this room."

Taja?

Tech got to his feet. He hesitated, and then picked up his broken data pad from the floor.

"Uh huh." The trooper said. "Why don't I just comm Sergeant Hunter and see if that's true."

"That won't be necessary." Tech said, opening the door.

His ears had not deceived him. It was Taja standing as if on guard duty outside the closet door.

"She was doing me a favor. I needed some quiet for my research." Tech was surprised with how steady his voice was.

The clone trooper looked between the two of them before shrugging and moving on.

Tech wanted to speak the moment the guard was out of earshot, but found himself unable. The shame of the moment seemed to seep in. She had seen him at his lowest. Words seemed inconsequential in the wake of it.

The long moments dragged before he finally managed to speak.

"How did you know?" He asked.

He did not understand. She should have left him alone. Tech was sure that most of the individuals at the base would have done so, or, if they cared to, have gotten his brothers.

Taja's pale green eyes met his and he averted his gaze.

"My sister would have similar episodes." She said. "I assumed you did not need more stimulation.

Tech didn't know quite how to reply. He merely pressed his broken datapad to his chest.

"Thank you." He finally mumbled.

"I am glad to help." Taja replied.

Tech cleared his throat.

"I was unaware you and your brother had returned." He said.

Taja nodded.

"We have been in contact with some of the leaders of the Rebellion, concerning the increasing number of slavers in the galaxy." She said. "We have come to discuss the possibility of raiding a slave camp near here."

"And by some of the leaders, you mean General Skywalker." Tech said.

Taja smiled.

"Too clever by half." She said.

For the first time since Omega was taken, Tech felt a faint urge to smile.

That urge fled when a loud voice cracked through the air.

"Tech!"

Wrecker was barreling towards them. Taja took a step back as he drew near. He skidded to a stop in front of them, looking between them with his brow creased with worry. He lifted his hands, as if he wanted to grab Tech in a hug, which he probably did. Tech was glad that he abstained.

"You okay?" Wrecker asked. "It's been hours and we couldn't find you."

Tech felt some of his guilt return at Wrecker's concerned tone.

"I apologize." He muttered. "I did not intend-"

"It's okay!" Wrecker said quickly. "I'm not mad, you know. Just worried."

He paused.

"We're all worried, Tech."

Tech looked down at the ground. His wretchedness that he had forgotten for a moment returned in full force.

"I do not understand." He finally said. "Omega is gone. How can you stand not doing anything?"

Wrecker looked again as if Tech had hit him and more guilt piled onto Tech.

"Cause I can't do anything." Wrecker said. He sounded close to tears. "I'm not smart like you. If I could help Omega by blowin' things up, or taking apart a bomb, or punching something, I would. But I can't."

"Then you understand that my work is of the utmost importance." Tech said. "I am the only one who can find her."

"Maybe." Wrecker said. "The Rebellion still might find somethin' out. But Tech, what would Omega say if she saw you doing this yourself?"

Tech knew exactly how she would react. Her eyes would go wide. He could hear her voice.

"Tech!" She would say.

And it would be all she needed to say.

"I miss her." Tech said.

"Me too." Wrecker said.

Tech became aware of Taja looking between them.

"If I may," She said. "I understand what you are going through. You hurt, you are angry. You feel that the hole in your heart will never be filled."

Tech blinked at her astute description of how he was feeling. Taja looked at him.

"It will not be this painful forever." She said. "But regardless, your sister is alive. There is hope."

"Yeah!" Wrecker said. "We're gonna find her and we're gonna bring her home, okay?"

Tech looked between Taja and Wrecker. For once, he felt no urge to contradict Wrecker or point out the probability.

"Okay." He said.

"I must go." Taja said. "Admani and I have our meeting."

Tech nodded to her. She smiled back. He liked it when she smiled.

"So, is she your girlfriend?" Wrecker whispered as Taja disappeared around a corner.

Tech frowned.

"That is not the nature of our relationship." He said.

Wrecker grinned in a way that Tech was not fond of.

"Uh huh." Wrecker said.

Tech shook his head.

Romance and partners were never something that Tech had considered. They were clones bred to fight a war. The things that other beings considered natural were not options for them. Even now, Tech had far more pressing matters than whether or not he had a partner. It was even difficult for him to conceptualize.

Though, when it came to potential mates, he could do far worse. She was pleasing to the eye, even with her disfigurement. Perhaps more so because of it. She stood with pride, as if challenging others to mention it.

He found her coloring aesthetically pleasing and her eyes striking. She was intelligent, worked well with him, and also seemed to understand how Tech's mind worked. And she cared about him, for whatever reason.

No, he doubted he could do better when it came to a possible partner.

He doubted she felt the same way. It was one thing to help him with his troubles and to be a good mission partner. It was quite another to consider Tech in a romantic light. Tech had no data on how partners he found attractive reacted to him. But he had a feeling that any testing would not end with the results he wanted.

From the top!

Ephraim would really prefer if his fugitive wife did not bring home more fugitives. But he's a good guy, so he'll try to deal with it. I'm having fun playing with the idea of a very limited Force user whose parents did not accept the Jedi.

Ahsoka may or may not choose that memory to connect with Rex with because he is shirtless, along with the other reasons. Poor Rex and Ahsoka. The problem with being good people with powerful abilities and skills is that the galaxy always needs you. (on a related note WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BAD BATCH THAT MAKES REX GIVE UP ON HELPING PEOPLE WHO DIES I SWEAR FILONI)

Aayla is also tired because she too spent the night connecting with her clone husband. She didn't get as good of reception though. Ahsoka is a Force Hot Spot.

MORE CLONE PILES. I do not apologize.

Caleb is getting *vibes* from Ezra. Also, it's probably not a good idea to take a baby solely to basically make it a fugitive. Ezra has already accepted his third parent.

Oh, the scenes with Tech, These are really emotional for me because his reactions, burn out, and break down are directly based off of my own experiences. I'm really proud of these scenes and my editors really liked them. (though Tech originally punched Hunter in the face and broke his nose)

I love the concept that the Batch is terrified of Crosshair really letting loose on them. You KNOW he keeps the receipts. Though Tech can be pretty biting when he wants to be.

Taja, looking for a bathroom or something, instead comes across the guy she likes having an autistic meltdown. She recognizes that he needs a snack, a nap, and for everyone to shut up around him.

Can you imagine Wrecker barreling towards you? Geez that must be terrifying.

For some reason Tech admitting he misses Omega is so cathartic to me.

Tech, who has never been attracted to someone before, does not know what to do with that information. Romance was not a class on Kamino. Closest was sex ed, which was a post it note that just said "DON'T."

Well, hopefully I'll get used to my new job and be able to keep up on writing! (though I did write some during the boring bits of orientation)

Stay safe, remember to review, and have a good week!