*stares into distance* After last night's episode, how can I add to Star Wars? After the beauty that was aired? Should I even bother posting? Where do we go from here?

In all seriousness holy CRAP last night's Bad Batch was SO EFFING GOOD. I'm still feeling the effects almost 24 hours after viewing. Good gravy.

ALSO HAPPY CHAPTER 50! It's been so fun you guys, here's to 50 more! (I'm kidding, my editors would kill me)

Guest: Thank you! And actually, a lot of clones left their armor behind when they went to Kamino. So it's a mix of phase II and phase III. I wouldn't say it's like the TK armor, because I don't think that was designed by the Kaminoans. I need to sketch it out one day lol.

4thwallbreak: I would say specifically eff this particular iteration of Kryze. I have a feeling she's gonna get better in the Mandalorian. I actually feel kinda sad killing Dooku. Part of me wants him to have a redemption arc, especially after Tales of the Jedi.

Other Guest: Apologies, but I don't do requests. It's all I can do to keep up with my regular fics while working a full time job now.

CHRF: I wouldn't say that she's specifically power hungry. I can't really put it into words. It's more like she has a twisted and corrupted view of the position (thanks Pre Viszla) and she wants to make sure that that ideal is fulfilled.

Okay, let's go!

Mando'a translations at the end!

Ahsoka threw on the first tunic she could find in her dimly lit room, cursing in her head as to not wake Rex. Padme had just commed with the news. The Serennians were detaining Obi Wan, Cody, and Kor while they investigated Dooku's death. She could hear the others moving in the other rooms, getting ready.

"Ahsoka?"

Rex's voice jolted Ahsoka. She turned to see him propped up on one arm on his cot. He had requested that they still share a room. She knew he didn't trust himself to be without her.

"There's been a complication with Obi Wan's mission." She said.

Rex's eyes widened.

"Cody?" He whispered.

"He's- been arrested." Ahsoka said. "Along with Obi Wan and Kor."

She winced at the fear that she could feel shooting through Rex.

"What can we do?" He asked, moving to get up.

"We can't do much." Ahsoka said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Stay here with Fives and Hunter."

Rex's eyes were wide with concern and Ahsoka could feel how little the plan appealed to him.

"I want to come." He said.

"No." Ahsoka said. "Please, Rex. Padme will do everything she can to make sure Cody is safe."

Rex swallowed but nodded.

"I'll be back." Ahsoka said, kissing his head.

He took her wrist. Ahsoka paused, surprised. He rarely touched her in such a forward way.

"Please." He said. Ahsoka could feel his powerlessness. "I can't help him. Please, bring him home."

He had such faith in her. Ahsoka hated that she didn't have the power to do as he asked.

"I'll do my best." She said.

She felt his worried eyes on her back as she left.

The Senate building was strange at this time of night, empty and foreboding. There were still a few lights on in the windows, including where Padme's office would be.

Ahsoka and the Bad Batch quickly made their way to the Chancellor's office, meeting up with Riyo and Senator Organa along the way.

"Any more news?" Ahsoka asked Riyo as they entered a lift.

Riyo shook her head.

"According to the Serrenian government, they're still gathering evidence." She said. "But that's all I know."

"If they've laid a hand on Cody-" Crosshair muttered.

The entire Batch was tense with anger and worry.

Padme was already speaking quickly to someone on a holo as they entered.

"I understand, Count." She said. "But I assure you, Master Kenobi was sent on an investigation, not an assassination."

"You must see how it appears, Chancellor." The holo of the Count said. "His former enemies meet with him and within 25 hours he is dead. It is suspicious."

"Do you truly believe they were complicit in this murder?" Padme asked.

A moment passed.

"No." The Count said. "Dooku was cooperating with them. They had no reason. But I am not the only voice here, Chancellor. Many believe that the Republic is bitter that Dooku was not more severely punished."

"We were the ones that agreed-" Padme took a deep breath. "Regardless, I must request that they are turned over to our custody."

"I cannot do that quite yet, Chancellor." The Count said. "But rest assured, if we cannot find any evidence pointing to them within the next week, we will return them to you. Feel free to send your own investigation."

Padme let out a long sigh.

"I understand." She said. "I will send a team as soon as I can. Please keep me updated in the meantime."

"Wait!" Riyo called.

Everyone looked to her. There was concern in her golden eyes.

"Count, if I am correct, the bill recognizing the Tal'solus faction has not yet been voted on in the CIS senate." She said. "As of now, if the clone Cody is harmed while he is in custody, there is currently no way to prosecute those who harm him. You must ensure his safety!"

Ahsoka heard Echo curse under his breath. He must have forgotten, as had Ahsoka herself.

"You raise a valid point, Senator." The Count said. He sounded troubled. "I will see to it myself that he is not harmed in any way."

He bid his farewell and the holo shut off.

"Thank you." Echo said immediately to Riyo. "That could have turned out badly."

"I was thinking of it the entire way here." She said. "I can't imagine that they're too fond of clones."

"Have they let you talk to any of them?" Ahsoka asked Padme.

Padme nodded.

"They seem to be fine, at least from what I could tell." She said. "Obi Wan seemed- shaken."

Ahsoka could imagine. Dooku was an unsettling presence to begin with from what she had heard. Add on top of that the man's sudden death and even Obi Wan would be disturbed.

It was odd. If Dooku had died during the war, it could have meant the end of the fighting. Now his death caused far more problems than it solved.

"Ahsoka." Padme said. "I need you to go to Serenno."

Ahsoka furrowed her brow.

"I'm no negotiator." She said. "And if someone's framing Jedi-"

"I need you to investigate Dooku's death." Padme said. "I want you make your own conclusions and make sure that they're not framed for this."

"Okay." Ahsoka said. "But I'm not going alone."

"You won't be." Padme said. She looked over to the Bad Batch. "I was hoping Clone Force 99 could lend a member."

Tech frowned and pushed at his goggles.

"It is not feasible at the moment." He said. "With Hunter injured, we are already down a man."

"I'll go." Crosshair said.

Tech opened his mouth, likely to protest, but Crosshair cut him off.

"I'm not letting those scum blame Cody for someone else's dirty work." He said. "While I'm gone, Omega and Echo can attend the Senate in holo."

Tech nodded.

"That would mitigate the security losses created by your absence." He said. "Echo?"

"Go." Echo said. "If a member of the Tal'solus is condemned in a high profile murder, things could get worse."

Crosshair nodded and accepted a side hug from Omega.

"Be safe, all right?" She said. "Don't let it be like Kamino."

"It won't be." Crosshair said before turning to Ahsoka. He plucked a broken toothpick from his mouth, snapped by his gritted teeth. "Shall we?"

Obi Wan tried to meditate. It was difficult with Cody's pacing and Kor's anxious hovering. They had been in the cell for only a few hours and Obi Wan believed that Cody would go mad if he didn't get relief. Oddball had been deposited with them soon after, and his anxiety joined Cody's.

Obi Wan tried to soothe the Commander's agitation, as well as Oddball's, but he could only do so much without Cody realizing what he was doing. Obi Wan had mastered the art of helping Cody the exact amount he wouldn't notice. It often wasn't enough, but Cody was very stubborn about not needing help.

"We weren't made to be captured." Cody had told Obi Wan soon after they had been left there. "If I were under orders to stay here, I'd be fine. But it's the fact that I'm a prisoner that's driving me insane."

Cody spent most of the time pacing or forcing himself through exercise repetitions. Oddball joined him sometimes, but mostly sat on one of the benches with his arms wrapped around himself. Their agitation grated on Obi Wan as he himself stewed in his own disquiet.

Somehow, it was not the murder accusation that bothered Obi Wan the most. Dooku's words haunted him. Obi Wan wasn't familiar with Dark side legends. Very few Jedi were allowed to study them. He had never been curious before, but now- now he wondered if they hinted at the miracle Dooku suggested.

As much as he hated to admit it, Obi Wan was confident that Dooku was right. Not every death had to be the will of the Force, least of all Qui Gon's. His Master deserved to live. Obi Wan was sure of it.

Obi Wan found himself staring at his companions. Kor deserved a mother, didn't he? And Cody had lost so many of his brothers. So many deaths of innocents and noble people. How many Jedi had died during the war? Dozens, maybe even hundreds. Most of them were good people, barring a few radical exceptions.

Obi Wan then thought of Anakin. He knew how Shmi's death haunted his apprentice. What if-

No. Obi Wan told himself.

He could not let his mind travel these paths. If there was a true way to bring someone back from the dead, it would not be of the Dark side. It was easier and more seductive, but it was not more powerful.

But what if there was a way through the Light?

The sound of boots marching echoed down the hallway of the sterile jail they were being held at. Obi Wan looked up as the sound came closer. Cody paused his pacing.

Several brutish guards came to a stop in front of their cell. Their leader leered at them as the ray shield flickered off.

"We've got a few questions for you." He said. "The meatdroids first."

Obi Wan felt his stomach drop. He could sense cruelty from these men. They had no intention of getting information from Cody or Oddball. Obi Wan saw Cody's face go ashen as three of the guards stepped inside.

"Are you insane?" Kor asked as the first guard grabbed Cody by the arm. He had stood with clenched fists. "Do you truly believe that the clones would be the ones with information?"

"Oh, we're not too concerned whether we get information or not." The lead guard said with a horrific grin.

The second guard grabbed Oddball and forced his arms behind his back, despite his struggling. Kor stepped forward as the guards tried to pull Cody and Oddball away. The third shoved him back.

"You do not wish to question them." Obi Wan said, weaving the Force in with his words. Cody was scowling at the men, but Obi Wan could see the fear in his face. "You wish to leave us alone until the investigation is complete."

Several of the guards hesitated, including the ones holding Cody and Oddball. To Obi Wan's dismay, the head guard barked out a laugh.

"Nice try, Jedi!" He said. "But not all of us are complete fools."

Obi Wan stood as the other guards dragged the struggling clones from the cell.

"Please." He said. "They does not deserve your hatred."

The guards just laughed and hauled Cody and Oddball away. Obi Wan's stomach knotted painfully.

Kor looked at Obi Wan, distressed.

"Why didn't you stop them?" He asked.

"I tried, Kor." Obi Wan said. "But I am not all powerful."

"We should have fought them."

Obi Wan shook his head.

"If we fought, it would have made things worse for all of us."

"Tell me how it can get worse for Cody and Oddball!" Kor demanded. "They're going to torture them!"

"I know." Obi Wan whispered. "Force, I know."

He could already feel echoes of Cody's pain in the Force. He squeezed his eyes shut at the agony. Kor's labored breathing told Obi Wan that the boy felt it too. The suffering only grew as the minutes dragged on. Ten minutes. Fifteen. Thirty. An hour had passed before they began to hear Cody's cries of pain. The commander's stoicism must have finally broken.

Obi Wan tried to reach through the Force, to try and protect Cody from the pain. Cody's distress, and more importantly his own, made it difficult.

And then Cody's cries stopped. Obi Wan felt his heart pound wildly, hoping that the torture was over. Cody then began to shout, anger in his voice rather than pain. What he was saying should have not been discernable to Obi Wan, but it was if the Force carried the words to his ears.

"Don't you dare touch him, he doesn't know anything!" Cody yelled. "No! You Demagolk'se!"

The guards began to shout as well. Obi Wan could barely make it out.

"Dammit, someone stop him!"

"Kriffing meatdroid!"

"Stop where you are!"

More shouting. Obi Wan dug his nails into his arms as he listened.

A blaster shot rang out.

The shouting stopped, save one voice. A clone's. Not Cody, but Oddball.

"You bastards!"

Cody.

Obi Wan sucked in a sharp breath. He threw his mind to the Force, trying to feel for Cody, but panic was overwhelming him. Obi Wan clawed at the Force, but received no answers. He couldn't even feel Kor next to him.

Guards were rushing past their cell, cursing. Obi Wan barely heard their angry voices.

"You idiots, how are we supposed to explain this?"

"I knew we should have just listened to orders!"

"Kriff, we're doomed once the higher ups hear about this!"

"Obi Wan!" Kor was shouting. "Obi Wan! What happened? Can you sense him?"

Obi Wan numbly shook his head. All he could think of was how once again, he was powerless to protect the ones he loved.

Ahsoka and Crosshair were met with a solemn group when they arrived at Serenno in the Twilight.

"You must be the investigators Chancellor Amidala sent." Their leader said as soon as they left the ship. "I am Count-"

"Where is Cody?" Crosshair hissed.

Ahsoka winced. It probably wasn't wise to be rude to the man who held their loved ones' fate in their hands. The Count didn't seem offended, but he looked away from Crosshair.

"Per our laws, I cannot allow any information out about the suspects to beings outside the chain command until the investigation is complete." He said. "That includes allowing them any visitors."

"You let the Chancellor talk to them." Crosshair said. "I see no difference."

His voice was frigid in its anger, a direct contrast to the raging blaze of fury that Ahsoka was used to from Anakin.

"She is the leader of the Republic." Count Goraan said coolly. "Which makes her privy to privileges I would allow no one else. I would advise that you begin your assistance in the investigation. If they are innocent, clearing their names would be the fastest solution to this issue."

Ahsoka tensed, ready to stop Crosshair if he decided to attack the Count. She didn't know him as well as some of the other members of the Batch, but she did know that his ire was something to be feared. Crosshair's jaw was rigid and Ahsoka was worried that he would at least attempt to argue further.

She was angry herself. It seemed ridiculous that they couldn't see Obi Wan and the others. But they weren't in the Republic anymore, and they had to respect the laws here. Otherwise they could end up in the same position as Obi Wan.

"Fine." Crosshair spat. "Where do we start?"

Goraan seemed relieved as he beckoned two of his entourage forward.

"These are Earls Kiri and Geru." He said. "They are the nobles in charge of this investigation."

The two women nodded to Ahsoka and Crosshair. One was short and dainty, with golden blonde hair and large green eyes. The other towered over even Crosshair, her bright red hair a contrast to her tanned skin. She looked down at them with a hawkish expression, enhanced with her beak like nose and golden eyes.

"I leave you in their capable hands." Goraan said. "I must take my leave."

"Wait." Ahsoka said. "Are Obi Wan and the others all right? Surely you can tell us that."

Goraan glanced at her and Ahsoka felt a pit form in her stomach. This man was hiding something.

"The law states that no information about the suspects is to be released." He repeated.

He turned and left. Ahsoka felt Crosshair seething beside her. Her own worry was growing. They needed to get this investigation done as quickly as possible.

Ahsoka did not tell Crosshair about her suspicions about Goraan. She didn't want to enrage him further. She could tell he was on a hair trigger more sensitive than his sniper rifle's. The trip to Dooku's home was spent in awkward silence as Crosshair glared at the two investigators.

Ahsoka herself was trying to reach Obi Wan, but it seemed he was too far away to communicate with. She got echoes of distress, but that was it. Not to mention that Crosshair was radiating such anger and distrust that it was difficult to focus on anything other than him.

"Calm down." She muttered to him as they drew near to the cabin. "We need them to work with us. Otherwise it could put Obi Wan and Cody in more danger."

Crosshair shot her an annoyed look, but nodded shortly.

They exited the shuttle and Ahsoka was surprised to see that half of the building looked like it'd been hit by a thermal detonator. Ahsoka didn't know what she expected, but not for an explosion to have taken out Count Dooku.

"It's probably a good time to brief you." The taller woman, Geru, said. "Follow me."

They entered the building through the hole. Ahsoka looked around at the blackened structure. The explosion had been small, she decided. In fact, she would have wagered that whatever cause it wasn't a military grade weapon.

"Here's where we found the body." Kiri said, placing down a datapad. It activated, creating a holo of the crime scene as they must have found it. "Hope you don't have a weak stomach."

As Ahsoka looked down, she decided that the warning was unnecessary. People with the strongest stomach would have been disturbed. Dooku's charred head lay on a stain of burnt blood. His scorched body still lay in the remains of what would have been the bed.

"It doesn't look like a lightsaber did this." She said. "Too much blood."

"That's our thought as well." Geru said. "The actual decapitation was poorly done. Whoever did it didn't have enough strength to slice clean through."

"Why the explosion?" Crosshair asked. "From my experience, having your head cut off is usually a tell tale sign of being dead."

"It was the protocol droid." Kiri said. She seemed unbothered by the grisly sight. "They normally don't have self destruct functionality, but Count Goraan made sure that this one did. It was in case Dooku tried to escape."

Ahsoka began walking around the room, looking at the head and body from different angles. She had been right. Any protocol droid with the ability to self-destruct wasn't carrying much fire power.

"It wouldn't have been enough." She said. "Sith Lords can handle a lot."

"Goraan's hope was that it would at least injure him." Kiri said. "But that's not really important anymore."

"Why'd the droid self-destruct?" Ahsoka asked. "Unless-"

Protocol droids weren't known for their physical strength. It would be pretty difficult for one to decapitate someone, even with a sharp instrument. Ahsoka found the holo of the weapon in question: a long blade that looked ornamental even in its burnt state.

"It was the droid." She said. "Kriff, that's easy to see."

"We agree." Geru said, folding her arms. "We found traces of poison in Dooku's system and the same poison in a pot in the kitchen. The droid poisoned him and cut his head off to seal the deal."

Ahsoka looked sharply up at the two.

"Then why the hell do you still have Cody locked up?" Crosshair demanded. "It was the droid!"

The two investigators shared a look.

"Who ordered the droid to do it?" Geru asked. "Your friends were in the building long enough to tamper with it. That's why it self-destructed. It had the evidence to point back to whoever did this."

Ahsoka gritted her teeth. Of course it couldn't be that easy. Even worse, they had a very valid point. Protocol droids didn't often murder their masters.

"Go ahead and look around." Kiri said, seeming to ignore the vicious sneer Crosshair was sending her way. "We want a second look as well."

"If we could find any trace of the droid's memory, we could prove it wasn't Cody and Obi Wan." Ahsoka said as Kiri and Geru moved away.

"Not likely." Crosshair said. "There's a reason droids self-destruct. No manufacturer wants their secrets aired."

"But they'd likely like to know why the droid did it." Ahsoka said. "I think there's a chance."

Crosshair nodded slowly, considering.

"It's worth a shot." He said.

His eyes narrowed and he leaned in close.

"If this doesn't work, and they convict Cody," He said in a low voice. "We need to get them out."

Ahsoka froze. It would practically be a declaration of war if they freed Obi Wan and the others. Ahsoka struggled for a moment, thinking of her promise to Rex. Then she nodded.

"Good." Crosshair said, leaning back. "Let's get going."

It was Crosshair's sharp eyes that found the slight glint embedded in the blackened wood. He called Ahsoka over and gestured to it. Ahsoka looked closely.

"That's a memory chip all right." She said. "Or at least part of it."

"I thought you'd have more of a delicate touch getting it out." Crosshair said.

Ahsoka held out a hand and focused. The small shard of machinery twitched, and then eased itself out of the wood. She frowned as she held it up.

"I don't know if we can get much from this." She confessed to Crosshair.

"Send whatever's on it to Tech." Crosshair said. "If it's salvageable, he'll be able to do it."

"We should probably let them know." Ahsoka said, jerking her head towards the rooms where the Serennian investigators were working.

Crosshair immediately scowled, but didn't protest as he followed Ahsoka back into the still standing part of the house.

"We've found something." Ahsoka said, and showed them the memory chip.

Kiri looked up from a data pad and raised an eyebrow.

"That looks pretty damaged." She said. "Could anything still be readable on that?"

"I know someone." Crosshair drawled, a lilt of pride in his voice. "He can do it."

Kiri shook her head.

"It'll have to be looked over by our team." She said. "It could get tampered with if we send it anywhere."

Ahsoka shared a look with Crosshair. He was getting that expression on his face again, the one that blended annoyance, disdain, and anger perfectly.

"There's nothing stopping it from being tampered with here." He said coldly.

"Hand it over." Geru said, stepping forward. "Your man can look at it after we have."

Ahsoka hesitated, and then held out the shard of memory. Crosshair let out a hiss of annoyance as Geru took it.

"Thank you." Geru said. "Hopefully this will be able to tell us the truth."

Ahsoka prayed to the Force that she was right.

Mando'a:

Demagolk'se: plural of Demagolka, meaning a monster or war criminal. In reference to some A hole scientist named Demagol who experimented on kids I'm pretty sure.

From the top!

I like this little moment between Rex and Ahsoka. He believes in her so much.

(Quick reminder that Hunter is still injured from a few chapters back)

I had to rewrite and create new content for about two thirds of this chapter (all in the space of yesterday) Only the first page and a half are practically unchanged. I'm pretty proud of busting it out.

Riyo, caring about clones, as always. And Crosshair is ready to murder anyone who lays a hand on Cody. Initially, Crosshair wasn't going to Serenno (neither was Ahsoka). Funnily enough, I made the decision before I saw the episode. Happy coincidences.

Uh, Obi Wan, maybe that's not the best subject to be thinking about. Especially with all the CLONE RACISTS about. You can't convince me that the Separatists did not have vicious propagandaagainst the clones.

To be clear, these guards got Goraan's orders. They just didn't care enough.

And UH OH CODY. If he is dead, that would be person number three that Obi Wan would have to watch/listen die while being helpless just a few feet away. Crosshair is going on a rampage in either case once he finds out.

I had a hard time convincing myself that Crosshair would NOT just murder Goraan after he refuses to let them see Cody. But he doesn't, because I'm a coward.

My habit of naming Serennians after Zelda species and peoples continues. I will not stop.

I had fun writing the little investigation moment. I like writing out logical thought processes and conclusions.

Hopefully turning over that memory chip won't be a mistake...

Anyway, stay safe, remember to review, and have a great week!