HELLO EVERYONE I AM BACK AND ALIVE.

A lot has happened since I last posted. We finished Ahsoka (which I loved), the Bad Batch comic came out (which I haven't read yet no spoilers), I moved(which was all right), and I got a cat! (Her name is Phee and I love her very much) And we still haven't gotten the gosh dang season 3 trailer.

I've got a bit of housekeeping before we get to the fic.

1. I'm changing the rating from T to M. This has nothing to do with anything I'll be writing in the future, but I realized that there's some heavy stuff in this especially the mental struggles. So it's not that I'm going to start writing it as M, just that it probably should have always been M. *cough Rex losing his leg cough* I'm going to be updating the Fives Effect's rating next week as well.

2. WE HAVE A COVER! Last year for Christmas, my sisters commissioned the ONE AND ONLY LORNAKA to create a cover for Guilty and it's FINALLY DONE! I think you'll all agree that the results are AMAZING. It took a long time, but she was nothing but kind and professional, even when we had some email issues. Ahsoka ESPECIALLY matches my mental image for the fic. Ugh. It's so good. I'll be adding the image as the cover here, as well as posting it as a chapter in the fic itself. I'm also going to be posting it on Tumblr (with credit of course) so more people can see her gorgeous work.

3. Somewhat related to the last one, I'm going to make an adjustment to the fic's title. When we got Lornaka's work, my sister looked me in the eyes and told me that Guilty wasn't really a representational title of the series and would look kind of weird on our cover art. I...kinda agree. Guilty and Absolved are still the titles, just the sub titles.

This fic will be known from this moment on as Across the Stars. Cliche? Yes. Common? Probably. But it has a connection to Star Wars and it honestly describes Rex and Ahsoka's relationship and ability to communicate across the galaxy. So we've got Across the Stars: Guilty and Across the Stars: Absolved.

4. I don't plan on going on hiatus until at least Absolved is finished, but if I do, I'm not going to do an update post. I've learned that it's kind of annoying to readers and I'm really sorry for subjecting you guys to that. So if I need to go on hiatus in the future, I'll just be updating the summary portion of the fic. So if I don't update on time, just check the summary.

Back to the fic!

Imaginationflies: Man now I feel really bad for going on hiatus right as you got back...Right? It was so weird when I realized that Cody and Padme never interacted. Probably because together they could have fixed everything. Gek has no time for the emotional problems of Jedi these days. Omega's experiences are kind of part of why I'm changing the rating to M. Poor thing. Why do I do this? Crosshair is a joy to write and I'm glad you're enjoying my version! Those are some interesting theories! We'll have to wait (hopefully not for many chapters) to see! I one hundred percent believe that Crosshair's chip was working at like half efficacy ever since Bracca in Canon and didn't fully stop until around the Outpost. I really don't think the chips were designed for such long time use.

Mboeltje41: Those are some really interesting theories! Unfortunately that's not what I was thinking when I wrote it, but I will say it's a pretty cool headcanon! I actually answer one of your questions in this chapter lol. As for Barriss, I might have misspoke when I say anti-science. She's just against the idea of artificially increasing the Force in someone. Which she could totally be right about. Plus, from her point of view, the Force could seem like it's punishing Ahsoka for using the super Force powers. Interesting idea about the spar, but unfortunately it doesn't fit very cleanly into the scenes and plotlines I've planned. Windu is searching for other Jedi survivors at the moment. And naw, Mundi dead. He very dead. Palpatine has Dooku and he's got some plans for the twins right now anyway.

Aquarica: Well, can't say anything about Fixer's fate, as that would be spoilers. Dynamics and banter are some of my favorite things to write, so I'm glad you enjoy! And yeah, it's about time I stop torturing literally everyone in the Bad Batch.

Here's a quick recap because it has been a while and you might not want to reread the past 250,000 words. The Empire has risen, but the surviving Jedi and unchipped clones are building a Rebellion, recruiting people from around the galaxy with Maul's help. Omega is kidnapped and being medically experimented on. The Batch plus some other clones went to go rescue Gregor and other commandos who want out. Echo gets zapped, but they run into Scorch who is able to tell them about Mt. Tantiss, as he encountered Omega there. Also, Padme has been arrested for inciting rebellion, and our main Rebellion plan on making their grand reveal the day of her trial, rescuing her and the kids. Also the Rebellion has a secondary base on Ossus where all the younglings and non-combatants hang out.

Okay, let's go! Mando'a translations at the end!

ABSOLVED: Chapter 35

Tech hunched over his datapad, trying to concentrate on his research. It was difficult; even with the stolen second ship holding some of their rescued clones, the Marauder was crowded. Fives, of course, had invited himself onboard when he had heard that Echo was injured. Hunter had insisted that the commando, Scorch, fly with them in order to question him about Omega.

That was also an issue. Tech was usually able to ignore the chatter as he simply was not interested. This time, however, because Tech wished to hear as much as he could about his sister, he found himself asking his own questions.

"Were you able to determine if she was eating sufficiently?" He asked.

"How was I supposed to know that?" Scorch replied.

Tech frowned and pushed at his goggles.

"She was a young child, the only child in the entire facility." He said. "Given most clones' instincts, I would expect you to pay special attention to her well-being."

"I was laid up with a busted leg." Scorch said. "Plus I was dealing with my half-brainwashed brother. I was a little distracted, all right?"

Tech pursed his lips but he supposed if he were dealing with a brother who was under the influence of a chip, he'd be somewhat distracted as well.

"Listen," Scorch said. "I've told you all I can. But I have a few questions for you. You haven't picked up a clone called Boss, have you? Or-"

He paused, swallowing before continuing.

"Or Sev?"

"We picked up a Commando named Sev a while back." Echo said from where he rested on his bunk.

Scorch's eyes went wide. He made a choked sound before managing to speak.

"Sev's- Sev's a common clone name." He rasped, as if not daring to hope. "It wasn't- It couldn't be RC-1207? Delta Squad?"

Echo nodded. Scorch let out a shaky laugh.

"He's alive." He said. "Oh kriff, he's alive after all this time."

Then the tables were turned. Scorch locked his gaze onto Echo.

"Is he okay?" He demanded. "Where did you find him?"

"He was frozen in some old Seppie base." Echo said. "He's fine, but he's still recovering from his chip surgery. Had a few complications, but he's okay now."

Tech was not surprised to see tears in Scorch's eyes.

"We thought he was dead." He mumbled, as if to himself. "After Kashyyk, after we left him."

It was Hunter and Echo's turn to be interrogated now and Tech was grateful. He had so much work to do: finding this Mt. Tantiss, determining its security, and how best to infiltrate the facility.

Before he had been attempting to access all top secret Imperial information. Now he only needed to get permissions for this small segment of data. It would take a few hours, but it was highly doable.

A few hours later, both Scorch and Hunter's well of questions dried up, leaving the Marauder silent. Tech could feel his brothers' eyes on him. He alone carried their hope. He was able to bear the burden now.

When they arrived on Yavin, Hunter forced himself and the rest of the Batch off of the Marauder, leaving Tech to work in peace. He knew from experience that staring at their brother wouldn't make him work faster or the time drag any less.

In any case, they had to get Echo to the med bay. He was still shaken from the Empire's defense mechanisms. Hunter had a thought to warn General Skywalker, in case that droid of his was ever in a similar situation.

"You two, get to the mess hall." Hunter ordered Wrecker and Crosshair. "They might have something other than rations by now. And then get some rest."

Wrecker perked up, but only slightly. Crosshair scowled and flicked a toothpick.

"Tell us when Tech's figured it out!" Wrecker said. "Even if you have to grab us out of the 'fresher!"

"Right." Hunter said. Crosshair's scowl deepened and Hunter sighed. "I promise."

Finally the two wandered off, glancing behind them all the way.

"Come on, Echo." Hunter said. "Let's get you to the med bay."

It was a testament to how badly Echo had been shaken by the literal shock to his systems that he did not complain as Hunter and Fives guided him from the Marauder. He nodded to Scorch, who hurried after them.

"How long has he been in the med bay?" Scorch asked, though Hunter was pretty sure he'd asked the same thing a few hours ago.

"Not long." Echo said patiently. "Apparently it took the medics a while to convince him to get the chip out. Then of course there were complications."

Scorch chuckled, but it sounded nervous to Hunter.

"We didn't have any choice, you know?" He suddenly blurted. "We got orders straight from General Yoda. I wanted to go back. I was going to go back. But-"

He trailed off.

"I was left for dead too." Echo said quietly.

Hunter noticed that Fives flinched. Scorch looked at Echo.

"You were?" He asked. "Were you- mad?"

Echo shook his head.

"I was just happy to see my brothers again." He said. "Your brother will want to see you. I guarantee it."

Scorch was still nervous as they entered the med bay. Hunter called Kix over as Scorch scanned the room.

"Why does this keep happening, vod?" Kix said with a sigh.

Echo only grinned sheepishly as Kix led him to a cot. Hunter and Fives followed, though Hunter kept an eye and ear on Scorch. The commando had given Hunter and the Batch such a precious gift. Hunter wanted the reunion to go well.

"Sev!" Scorch cried as he finally caught sight of his brother.

Hunter glanced back and was surprised to see a sullen look on Sev's face.

"So." The commando said. "Finally found me, huh?"

Scorch paused at the end of Sev's cot.

"I wanted to go back, Sev." He said, his voice pleading. "I did. But the orders were from General Yoda-"

"I know." Sev said. There was a barb in his voice that made Hunter bristle. "That was the last thing I heard before they ripped my helmet off."

There was an awkward silence.

"I'm sorry, Sev." Scorch said quietly. "We should have gone back."

Sev didn't say anything.

"Vau did." Scorch said. "He looked for you for months. Still was, last I heard."

Sev's head snapped up, his eyes wide and staring.

"He- looked for me?" He asked.

Scorch nodded.

"Guess we weren't the pieces of osik he made us out to be." He said. He paused, before going on. "Sev, Fix is stuck with the Empire. We gotta get him out."

Sev gave him a glance.

"If we knew where you were, we would have gone after you in a heartbeat." Scorch said. "Kriff the orders."

Sev shrugged.

"Do we know where Fixer is?" He finally asked.

Scorch straightened and his voice had lightened as he spoke.

"Kinda!" He said. "Someone's working on it!"

Sev allowed Scorch to move closer as the other commando began chattering about Tech and Omega. Satisfied, Hunter turned his attention back to Echo, Kix, and Fives. The elderly Ithorian Haali had come to assist Kix, adding to the fussing Echo was enduring. Echo was annoyed as they looked him over.

"Yeah, a lot of this is Tech's area of expertise." Kix said. "I can bacta up the burns, but it looks like your systems have been thrown out of sync."

"This is why it is nonsense to stick metal into people." Haali said.

"I like to be able to walk, Haali." Echo said with a slight smile.

Haali waved his words away.

"You have many, many brothers." She said. "They would carry you. Now where is Tech?"

"It can wait." Echo said. "Tech's busy."

Kix got the look that Hunter associated with medics: not so subtly repressed disapproval and annoyance at their patients' stubbornness.

"Does it hurt, Echo?" Fives asked.

Echo shook his head.

"Just can't move too well." He said. "And I feel a bit sleepy, but it's nothing I can't deal with for a few hours."

Fives adopted a similar expression to Kix.

"I'll be fine." Echo said. "Besides, isn't Senna waiting for you?"

Fives' expression grew pained.

"She is, but-" He said.

"I'm okay." Echo promised. "Go on."

"You go to her." Haali added. "Now."

She gave Fives an intimidating glare.

Hunter watched Fives put his hand on Echo's shoulder before slipping out.

"You!" Haali snapped, making Hunter jump. "Do not remove that bacta patch!"

One of the nat born recruits in another bunk whipped his hand from the bacta patch on his face. He'd likely earned it in a training accident.

"Brisket said that if I took it off early, it would leave a scar." The kid muttered.

"A scar? A scar? Why do you need a scar?" Haali scolded as she hurried towards her patient. "Brisket is a clone! They have turned scars to honor because they had no choice! Be grateful you have a chance to escape them!"

Hunter, Fives, and Kix watched, amused, as Haali threatened the kid to use sealant to attach the bacta to his face.

"I'd better intervene." Kix said, getting up.

"Fives didn't send that girl with the others to Ossus?" Hunter asked once they were alone.

Echo shook his head.

"She refused to leave without him." He said. "Poor thing's been through hell and Fives didn't have the heart to say no."

He gave Hunter a look.

"Are you going to send Omega there?"

Hunter hadn't thought about it. He supposed he'd figure it out once they got her back.

Once they got her back.

They were getting her back. Tech had the information they needed. Omega was going to come home.

A lump formed in Hunter's throat as he thought of how badly they'd failed her. They'd make it up to her.

Hunter was torn from his thoughts as Taja Desai burst into the med bay. She looked around until she saw Hunter and Echo.

"Where is he?" She demanded as she hurried to them. "Is he hurt?"

"Tech's fine." Hunter said. "He's just working."

Relief fell over Desai's face.

"He normally contacts me immediately after missions." She said. "I had thought that he must have been badly injured."

Hunter shook his head.

"We got information about Omega." He said.

Desai's eyes widened.

"Oh!" She said. Hunter was surprised to see the shine of tears in her eyes. "Oh, that is wonderful news!"

She seemed truly relieved and happy. It made sense, Hunter thought, if she truly loved Tech. For the first time he considered the guilt she must have been feeling over Omega's kidnapping.

"I'll leave him be then." Desai went on. "I'm sure he'll find me when he's done."

With that, she left them alone.

It was another three hours before Hunter's comm finally went off. He snatched it up and clicked it on, feeling Echo's eyes on him.

"Come to Marauder." Tech said. "We have much to discuss."

Then the comm clicked off.

"What the kark does that mean?" Echo asked.

Hunter shook his head, a squeeze of anxiety clutching his heart.

"Would it kill him to explain the one time we want him to?" He muttered.

Echo shrugged.

"Just get me up." He said.

It took an excruciatingly long time to get back to the Marauder with Echo being slowed down. Wrecker and Crosshair were already there by the time they arrived.

"Where is she?" Wrecker demanded as they entered.

"I do not know." Tech said. Hunter's chest immediately felt hollow. "But I know where she will be."

The four of them stared at Tech as he tapped on his datapad.

"I have discovered that the lead scientist, Dr. Hemlock, has been summoned by the Emperor to give a report on a project." Tech said. "He is bringing Nala Se and several unidentified test subjects."

"You think Omega will be with them?" Hunter asked.

"Yes." Tech said. "And even if she is not, we will simply track Hemlock's ship."

"When is this happening?" Hunter demanded.

Tech adjusted his goggles.

"The very day that Senator Amidala's trial is to begin."

"So you're saying," Crosshair said slowly. "That the day the Rebellion plans to very conveniently distract the Empire, is the day that Omega arrives on Coruscant?"

"Precisely." Tech said.

Hope so strong that he felt weak flooded Hunter's insides. He had to put a hand on one of the seats to steady himself.

"I'll talk to Commander Tano." He said. "We'll help with the assault in the beginning, but after that we'll find her."

They all nodded. Hunter looked at them all, all drooping with relief and hope. He grinned.

"Omega's coming home." He said.

Ahsoka stared at the field filled with shuttles and ships.

"There's so many." She said.

"Why are you surprised?" Anakin asked. "You knew what I was doing."

"I didn't realize how many you'd managed to get." Ahsoka said.

The motley stolen squadron looked like an actual fleet. They hadn't managed to get another Venator, but there were enough larger ships to carry most, if not all, of their troops. There were also plenty of fighters and shuttles for dog fights.

Still-

"Do you think it will be enough?" Ahsoka asked.

"It will be." Anakin said.

Ahsoka couldn't tell if the statement was confidence or stubbornness.

"What about your end of things?" Anakin asked.

"They're-" Ahsoka hesitated. "They're not clones. But they're better than when they started. Regardless, I think it would be best to send in Tech first and have him disable the chips. Then we can rely on those clones rather than our half trained nat borns."

"You've read the reports." Anakin said. "Less than a third of the Empire's soldiers are clones. Not to mention that Tech only has a week to finish that device."

"He says he's almost finished." Ahsoka insisted as they walked among the ships. "And having those clones will make the difference. Trust me."

She watched for a moment as a clone mechanic showed a nat born with experience one of their few ARC-170s.

Ahsoka felt an old, familiar feeling from the early days of the war creep over her: dread.

"How many of these people are going to die following us?" She asked.

Anakin sighed, much to Ahsoka's surprise. He had often deflected questions like that during the war.

"At least they had a choice this time." He said.

The mechanic noticed them and grinned. Ahsoka gave him a wave. He was Loop from the 104th.

"You weren't made for war, Ahsoka." Anakin said. "You care too much."

"And you don't?" Ahsoka asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Not as much as I should have. As I could have." Anakin said.

Ahsoka put a hand on his arm. He gave her a sad smile.

The sound of an incoming ship made Ahsoka snap her head up. She frowned and tensed as a familiar ship became visible in the atmosphere.

"Is that-" She started, but Anakin cut her off.

"He's here at my request." He said. "Knowing pirates is actually quite helpful when running a Rebellion."

Ahsoka raised a doubtful eyebrow as the ship landed among their fleet.

Hondo Ohnaka came sauntering down the ramp. Despite the fact that the last time she had seen him they had parted on good terms, Ahsoka put her hand on her lightsaber. One never knew with Hondo.

"Skywalker!" Hondo said. "How lovely to see you alive and well and with credits in hand!"

"You're on time for once, Hondo." Anakin said, stepping forward.

Hondo waved his hand.

"Time is a construct." He said. "Only fools are slaves to such an uncaring master."

"Uh huh." Anakin said. "Do you have my order?"

Hondo sighed.

"Where is Kenobi?" He asked. "He is far more fun to muse with. And yes, I would not be here if I had not!"

At that moment he noticed Ahsoka.

"Tano!" He said. "You survived too! How wonderful!"

He paused as he stroked his horned chin.

"You wouldn't happen to know what happened to that spunky band of younglings, do you?" He asked.

Ahsoka raised an eyebrow again, this time with surprise. Hondo seemed actually concerned for Katooni and the others.

"They're safe." She said. "And no, I'm not telling you where. I want to keep them that way."

Hondo put a hand to his chest.

"You wound me, Tano!" He said. "I would do nothing to harm such precocious children!"

"You were fine with selling them." Ahsoka said.

"My dear, you misremember! I had only intentions of selling you! I merely wanted to take their kyber crystals!" Hondo stopped at Anakin's expression before hurrying on. "We ended up as the fastest of friends, did we not?"

"That's a matter of opinion." Ahsoka said.

"Ah, ah, do not be so contrary, Tano!" Hondo said. "See, I have even brought you a gift!"

"Fulfilling a contract isn't a gift, Hondo." Anakin said. "Speaking of which-"

"Very well, very well." Hondo said. "But I have brought more than goods! Skywalker here told me that you are collecting clones!"

Ahsoka tensed as Hondo beckoned to someone inside his ship. She heard grunts and muffled curses as three of Hondo's Weequay goons hauled three bound and gagged clones out of the ship. The three struggled against their captors before their gaze fell on Ahsoka and Anakin.

Their eyes went wide and Ahsoka got a burst of confusion from them. Two of them relaxed after a brief mental struggle, but the third-

He began to thrash harder and a muffled noise that sounded too much like 'good soldiers follow orders' came from his gagged mouth.

Ahsoka reached out a hand, pulling one of the pirates' blasters to her. She flicked it to stun before firing a stun bolt at the affected trooper. He slumped in the pirate's grasp.

"Release them." Ahsoka said. "Now."

Hondo, who had been watching the struggling trooper with bemusement, shrugged and gestured to his lackeys. They immediately let the clones go and Ahsoka winced as the stunned trooper crashed into the ground. The pirates retreated into the ship and Ahsoka could hear them begin to move crates.

"Are you sure you want that one?" Hondo asked, nodding at the clone whose chip still worked. "He seems- a little off."

"Shut it, Hondo." Ahsoka said as she and Anakin both hurried to the troopers. "Where did you find them?"

She quickly undid the first trooper's binders and pulled his gag away. He gave a soft sigh.

"Thank you, sir." He muttered. "Kriffing pirates."

"Am I shutting it or am I telling you where I found your clones?" Hondo asked. "Ah, irrelevant. I choose not to shut it. These three were the only guard of the cargo Skywalker requested on Barton IV."

The clone who Ahsoka had helped shot Hondo a venomous look.

"I would think they would be more grateful." Hondo went on. "Barton IV is very unpleasant and we did not even kill them!"

"They don't look exactly unharmed, either." Ahsoka said, noting a few bruises on the clones' faces.

Hondo shrugged.

"The risks of the trade." He said. "Speaking of which, Skywalker, I would like to be paid for that contraband."

"Right, right." Anakin said with an annoyed sigh. "Ahsoka, get these men to the med bay."

"We're not that beat up, sir." The clone who spoke had long swept back hair and a full beard. Ahsoka noted that he, along with his companions, were underweight. "I'd rather get some rest."

"What's your name, trooper?" Ahsoka asked as she helped him up.

"Commander Mayday." He said. "That's Hexx, and you stunned Veetch."

"Well, Commander Mayday, do you have the urge to attack me or General Skywalker over there?" Ahsoka asked, reaching for Hexx.

Mayday paused.

"Funnily enough, yeah." He said.

"We need to take care of that before anything else." Ahsoka said. "Our medics will explain further."

She called over Loop and a couple other mechanics to give her a hand.

Mayday was telling her about the horrific conditions on Barton IV when Ahsoka's comm beeped.

"Tano, you there?" Gek's voice growled. "Maul's got back to us. He wants to talk to you."

Ahsoka grimaced. Maul had taken a liking to her it seemed, and she had to be the one to interact with him a majority of the time. It wasn't pleasant, but they needed his ability to wreak chaos for their assault.

She had a feeling that she knew what he'd ask for in exchange.

Ahsoka approached Barriss' cell. Cuss was close behind her, posture stiff. He liked this as much as the rest of the Jedi did: that is, not at all. But it was a small price to pay for Maul's help.

"I told you." Barriss said once she had noticed Ahsoka. "I will not train you."

"I'm not here for that." Ahsoka said.

She resisted the petty urge to tell Barriss that she had been practicing on her own and had healed a few bruises of Rex's. It wasn't enough, but it was progress.

Barriss looked at Ahsoka with a question in her eyes, but did not speak.

"In a week, we're going to launch an assault on Coruscant." Ahsoka began.

"I want no part of it." Barriss said quickly.

"Let me finish." Ahsoka said with a touch of annoyance. "Maul has agreed to help us- in return, he gets you."

Barriss' eyes went wide.

"Me?" She asked. "He has bargained for me?"

It hurt Ahsoka seeing Barriss so disbelieving that anyone would come for her. But more disturbing was the look on her face. Ahsoka knew that look. She had felt that look, lived that look.

"He won't give you what you want." She said quietly. "He sees you as a tool and nothing more. I doubt he's capable of love."

Barriss' mouth tightened to a line.

"You are wrong." She said. "Both about my feelings and what Maul is capable of."

She was lying. Ahsoka could see it.

"You claim that love without attachment is possible." Barriss spoke suddenly. "Would you deny me the chance to discover that for myself?"
"Not with Maul." Ahsoka said. "He's insane, Barriss."

"He is not mad." An enraptured look came over Barriss' face. "His mind is free."

"He'll use and hurt you." Ahsoka said.

"You lie!" Barriss' eyes flashed with anger. "You wish me nothing but misery. You cannot abide that I would be free and happy!"

Ahsoka stared at her. They had failed her. Ahsoka and the other Jedi had left Barriss locked up and gave no attempt to help her. Now Barriss believed that her only chance of help came from a madman.

"I wish I could convince you otherwise." Ahsoka finally said. "I'm sorry."

She turned and left her former friend to revel in her own impending pain.

Rex stared into the near darkness of his quarters. Ahsoka slept next to him, her breathing even. A few strips of moonlight filtered in. Rex followed illuminated flecks of dust with his eyes.

Dread dripped down him like sweat. In a mere six hours, they would leave for Coruscant. For good or for catastrophic, everything would change.

Ahsoka shifted in her sleep, drawing Rex's attention. Her dreams were troubled, as they had every right to be. They shuffled in the back of his mind, sending occasional flashes of emotion.

Her brow was slightly furrowed and her mouth drawn to a line. Rex caressed her lips lightly with his fingers. It seemed to make her relax, so he brushed his own lips against hers. A sleeping thought fluttered through their bond, one of love. He returned the unconscious affection and her lips twitched.

She was one of the reasons he dreaded the morning.

Rex had often wondered why the Kaminoans had left Jango's fierce love intact within the clones. He had even wished that they had stripped it from him in times past. For creatures born to kill, the clones were able to care as deeply as nat borns. More, Rex was sure.

Maybe the long necks knew it would push us to greater heights. Rex thought as he stroked Ahsoka's face. He had done the impossible for his vod'e, his wife, his generals.

But love couldn't protect all those people when they went to Coruscant.

He pulled away from Ahsoka with a sigh. He knew that they needed to do this. Senator Amidala, besides being a person that Rex liked very much, was a powerful political figure. They could possibly rally more of the galaxy using her influence. And if Tech's device worked as he said it did, they could free the other clones. Free Cody.

But Rex had grown too used to this time of few casualties. He was going to lose hundreds of brothers in the next few days, perhaps thousands.

He would stay firm and steady. That's who he was.

One day he'd like to try to be something else, but for now, his family needed him.

Ahsoka gave a sudden cry in her sleep. Rex immediately closed the sparse distance between them, hands on hers.

"'Soka, wake up." He said. "It's all right. You're safe."

Her dreams had gone from troubled to distressing. Flashes of brutal scenes he refused to focus on snapped through his mind. Even with the added help of a direct connection to her, it took a few moments for her to respond.

"Rex?" Ahsoka mumbled as she opened her eyes.

"It's me." Rex said, putting a hand on her face. "I'm here."

She stared at him for a long moment. Then she pulled him down to her, pressing her lips to his with a passion he had not expected.

He returned it. They had been so busy the last few weeks; there had been little time to spend together like this.

There was a desperation with which she kissed him, a strange feeling that made a shiver run down his spine. He leaned back and took her hands as she pulled at his shirt.

"'Soka," he said quietly. "Is this the last time?"

If this was the final time he would know his wife, he wanted to be aware.

Ahsoka shook her head.

"I don't know." She said. "The Force is weeping, Rex. I don't know what tomorrow will bring."

Rex went cold. What could that mean? How many would die for their crusade? Would she?

She had been willing to let him go for the greater good. He would have to do the same.

He could feel her acceptance mingle with fear and grief for the possibilities of the days to come.

"Ahsoka-" Rex started, and then swallowed. "I was raised to die. I wasn't supposed to love, especially not fall in love. But I did. And I thank the Force that I did. If I die on Coruscant, it'll be okay. Because I will die knowing that I was loved."

Ahsoka reached up to touch his face.

"You will always be loved." She said. "Whether you're here or in the Force, my love will find you."

Rex smiled and turned his head to kiss her palm. She moved to clasp her hands around his neck and pulled him to her.

He made love to her as if it were the last time.

For all he knew, it was.

Mando'a:

vod/vod'e: brother/brothers

osik: crap

FROM. THE. TOP.

Scorch unfortunately has been rescued by the biggest group of Dads/Older brothers imaginable. He gets to bother the others right back though.

Echo, you may have completely forgiven your brothers, but Sev is a known Pissant, so it might be a little different. Walon Vau, their trainer, is abusive but also messed up in his own way. He loves Delta Squad in his own, weird way. He did spend time on Kashyyk in Legends, searching for Sev for months. Sev actually has a weird thing about Vau approving of him especially. He deserves to know that Vau looked for him.

Haali is back and is a delight to write. She is now everyone's Grandma. The clones deserve a grandma.

Does it drive anyone else CRAZY when people preamble big news with something like 'we need to talk' or something like that? It makes the anxiety worse! JUST TELL ME.

Oh look plot convenience. How nice.

Oh look Anakin has been doing something off screen. How nice. Legit though I realized that they needed more ships and Anakin really wasn't doing anything, so he's been spending a lot of time building up their fleet. And modding the heck out of them.

HOW HAVE I NOT WRITTEN HONDO BEFORE? HE'S SO MUCH FUN OH MY GOSH.

Oops my hand slipped I accidentally saved Mayday and his brothers. Now to somehow make him and Crosshair best friends.

Uh. Barriss? Mayyyyybe don't fall in love with the crazy guy. But Ahsoka was right. Maybe don't let the crazy guy talk constantly to the emotionally stunted Jedi.

It's a longer chapter, but I had to give you guys that final scene with Rex and Ahsoka after such a long hiatus. This IS a Rexsoka fic after all. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to write a scene based off of Josh Groban's Now or Never (yes I listened to Josh Groban as an 8 year old blame my mom and our long car trips). I finally managed one! It's also somewhat inspired by Amber Run's I Found(disclaimer, the song itself is great, but the official music video is...uncomfortable and weird). Honestly this is one of the first times, if not the first time I've written a scene based off of specific songs.

Confession: I one hundred percent stole the line 'I (will) die knowing that I was loved' from Brandon Sanderson. Totally different context and situation, but I need to make that disclaimer. Plus, it just seems like something Rex would say, okay? (also I highly recommend Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, it contains my third favorite ship of all time after Rexsoka and Tech/Phee)

Me, blushing furiously as I write the line 'he made love to her.'

And here we go into the finale of Absolved!

Man it's good to be back.

Okay, stay safe, remember to review, and have a great few weeks!