The gurney slid off the ship with a loud thud, causing Ahsoka's lek to fall from her shoulder. Medics surrounded the stretcher, each having their hands busy either holding an IV or pushing injections into the girl's veins. They were exchanging hasty instructions but Fives couldn't comprehend their meaning. He couldn't comprehend anything that had happened in the last hour. His eyes were fixed on Ahsoka's motionless face, half obscured by the oxygen mask. He was simply looking for any sign that she hadn't given up yet, but then Skywalker grabbed one edge of the gurney, blocking Ahsoka from his view, and Fives couldn't even do that.
A clatter of the wheels echoed in the empty corridor as medics pushed the gurney to the medbay. Fives followed closely, bright lights flickering above his head as he ran through the halls. He was starting to get sick from the accumulated fright. Dizziness swayed his body, making it a wonder that he still held himself upright. Fives' lungs were failing on him, the air escaping his mouth in ragged gasps, heart hammering in his chest. Even though Fives had been only one step behind the stretcher all this time, he had a feeling that Ahsoka was drifting away. It was as if he was slowly losing her, and the only consolation was the word 'slowly'.
The medics burst into an operating theatre, Skywalker along with them. Fives was about to rush inside too but the doors slammed right in front of his face. He stared blankly at the white doors for a while, his chest heaving heavily. Right - he should know his place. And standing separated by just a wall seemed generous enough, considering what he had allowed to happen.
Fives angrily took off his helmet and fought the urge to throw it at the opposite wall. There was rage within him that burned to get out. He ran fingers through his hair while closing his eyes shut. He tried to focus on the pain evoked by his nails as he dug them at the back of his neck but no pain could compare to the one that tore at his heart. Fives started pacing back and forth to release some of his resentment, and yet the sound of his own footsteps infuriated him even more. Exasperated, he sank into a chair in front of the entrance. His back was hunched in a pitiful arch while his elbows rested on his knees. He was clenching fists on the edge of his helmet so tightly that he would've seen his knuckles turn white were they not covered in blood. Fives forced out a long shuddered breath - there was simply no remedy for remorse.
When raised voices sounded from the other side of the door, Fives lifted his head abruptly. Skywalker's furious growls reverberated in the hall seconds before he stepped outside - or was rather kicked out. Fives managed to catch a brief glimpse of Kix locking the doors behind the General. Anakin looked like he was ready to throw both curses and fists but once he'd noticed Fives' presence, he froze a little. Their eyes met for a short moment which Fives broke by quickly lowering his head back to the floor. He couldn't bring himself to look at anyone right now and Skywalker didn't try to make eye contact with him either.
The silence was heavy. Fives was waiting desperately in hope for any word but no one deigned to inform them what was going on. He was sitting in the same position for Maker knows how long, listening to the restless footsteps. Skywalker was walking along the corridor, occasionally stopping to lean against a cold wall, only to resume his nervous stroll a moment later. Seeing the General so anxious only fuelled Fives' fright. He felt the metallic taste in his mouth as his teeth clenched sharply on the inside of his cheek.
The door to the hall suddenly opened and both Fives and Anakin turned around. They were hoping for any piece of information but the medic just hurriedly walked by, not sparing them half a glance. When a minute later he came back and barged into the room carrying four sacks of blood, Fives felt nausea flooding his stomach again. His leg started shaking uncontrollably, tapping a hectic rhythm out on the durasteel flooring which also reverberated in his whole body.
Fives heard Skywalker's frustrated sigh and felt how the man dropped heavily on the seat beside him. Anakin's fingers sank into his long hair as he propped elbows on his knees, subconsciously mimicking Fives' posture. Usually, the difference between them was distinct - the Jedi General and a clone soldier. But now, as they sat in this cold hall, they were just two men with hunched back and shattered nerves.
"You should get checked by the medics, too, Fives." Anakin told him after a moment in a quiet but steady voice. Fives froze, his foot immediately stopped tapping a nervous rhythm on the floor.
"I'm alright, sir." He answered through a tight throat. Skywalker said nothing, not even a nod to acknowledge Fives' response.
Fives was surprised that the General would think about his well-being at such a moment. Even he who was feeling the sore effects of frostbite and exhaustion couldn't care less. Or maybe the advice had nothing to do with worry, maybe Skywalker was just giving him a subtle implication that he should leave; that his presence was unwelcome. His remorse meant nothing, Fives knew. He failed Ahsoka when she needed him most and now she was fighting for her life. But despite all that, Fives wasn't going to leave - he won't move an inch until he knows she's safe.
Fives was trying to catch any sound from the operating theatre but he didn't have Ahsoka's sensitive montrals thus he was left with the deafening silence of the hall. It was maddening to sit right outside the room but be completely oblivious to what was happening behind the locked doors. Not knowing whether his life has already lost its meaning; if there was still any reason for him to wake up in the morning. If he would ever be able to fall asleep at all.
He had been terrified by the possibility of losing her for hours now but only now that he started imagining what his life would look like without her did Fives start to suffocate. His lungs burned with each inhale. He fell into a never-ending spiral of despair and was one step from a panic attack. He felt more and more detached from reality when a long exhausted sigh sounded beside him. There was a rustle of clothing as Anakin crossed his arms over his chest and a small thud caused by his head hitting the wall behind him.
"I can practically hear your distress, Fives." He spoke up. At the sound of Skywalker's tired voice, Fives hunched down even more.
"Sorry, General." He replied solemnly without raising eyes from the blood on his hands.
"No - that's the problem. You shouldn't be sorry." Anakin said quietly but with a firmness that wasn't giving room for objections. "I know you did everything you could to take care of her." The sentence lacked the bitterness Fives anticipated to hear because the spite would be very much in place. Skywalker should be yelling at him, he had every right to do so. It was all Fives' fault that Ahsoka was one step away from the grave. He let her freeze to death. Fives clenched his hands even tighter on the edge of his helmet.
"With all due respect, sir - she's dying." Fives spat, letting the emotions get the better of him. "If there's one thing that I can do now, it is to feel sorry." His voice was permeated with sourness for both of them.
"Maybe you should think if that's what she would want you to do." Fives opened his mouth to say something but soon pressed them into a thin line. Anakin closed his eyes and sighed. "I'm aware how hypocritically it sounds from my mouth but there's no use in putting blame on yourself. It won't ease anyone's pain." The man let the echo of his words die down in the hall before speaking up again. "Ahsoka may be reckless and impulsive but she's not letting go easily." Skywalker frowned, his eyes focused on the distant stain on the floor as he whispered. "I'm counting on her not to give up this time, too."
Fives turned his face back to his fists. It was a relief that Skywalker didn't blame him - now it was Fives' turn. He didn't know if he wanted to do that, though, because once the unfounded guilt was stripped away, all that remained was immense fright, for which Fives had no prescription. Letting himself be swallowed by the dark hole of his guilt was easier than admitting the fear. And Fives was terrified. Images of her cold dead body were adding to the pressure on his chest which was already barely rising. His every breath was forced with sheer might and left his mouth in heavy gasps while the tremors seized him completely. Yet there was nothing he could do to make these go away.
The lock in the doors clanged and they both immediately got up to their feet. Fives forgot about the helmet in his hands which now rolled across the floor with a dull thud. His gaze shot to Kix who just walked out of the room; the medic's face betrayed nothing though the amount of blood covering his armour spoke volumes. Fives needed to finally hear something different from the horrific whispers plaguing his head; he needed something real.
"Commander's state is stable." Kix informed, keeping his composure. "It'll take some time for full recovery but it's nothing life-threatening anymore."
Fives exhaled a long-held breath as a tide of relief washed over him, almost sweeping him off his feet. His hands were shaking but this time it was due to the tension leaving his muscles in waves.
"Thank you, Kix." Skywalker said with calmness, not letting his posture fall even an inch. But Fives had known him for too long not to realise that it was just a front to keep composed in front of his soldiers. "And take care of this one for me too." Anakin added, mustering a light tone and gave Fives a heartfelt pat on his shoulder.
"Of course, General." Kix nodded, watching how Skywalker pushed the doors open to finally see his padawan.
The only thing Fives desperately wanted right now was to barge into the room to catch at least a glimpse of Ahsoka. Nonetheless, Fives followed Kix to his office as ordered. He bent to pick the helmet up from the ground and reluctantly left the operating room behind.
When they entered the office, Kix went straight to the cabinet to gather some medicines. Fives knew that the medic wouldn't let him go easily so he sat down on a cot and placed his helmet right beside him. Kix soon came up to him and silently took Fives' temperature, blood sample and other vital signs that Fives didn't think were that vital to his survival.
"Drink this." Kix handed him a cup of green fluid. The smell wasn't encouraging and after taking the first sip Fives grimaced at its bitterness. But as the warmth spread through his body with the liquid running down his throat, he got persuaded to finish the drink in one go. Kix took the cup from his hand to put it aside and used the opportunity to grab Fives' wrists and deal with his frostbitten palms. At this point, Fives didn't even try to oppose.
"Good job with Commander's dressing, by the way. Saved her leg for sure." Kix remarked calmly while putting ointment on Fives' chapped skin. Even though Kix's every step or move betrayed his exhaustion, he was putting on the lightest tone he could muster. "Next time try to tie the bandage higher, above the cut." Fives appreciated the advice but deeply hoped there won't be the next time.
"You have to show up here tomorrow for injections but now go get some rest." Kix spoke up after tying up the bandages on his hands. "You won't be going for any missions in the next couple of days, not in this state."
Fives just nodded because his thoughts went to particular someone who was in a much worse condition. He heard a tired sigh and felt a hand on his shoulder, prompting him to lift his gaze from the floor.
"Fives, she's gonna be alright."
"I know." Fives answered quickly so that the uncertainty in his voice could slip past Kix's attention. He forced a light-hearted tone. "Alright, I'll…get going." He stood on his feet, brushing off both the medic's hand and his penetrating gaze.
Fives swiftly grabbed his helmet and dismissed himself from the room, glad that the other man didn't try to stop him. Once the door closed behind Fives, a heavy exhale escaped his lips. He quickly moved away, trying to leave behind everything that was tearing his heart apart.
His pace was brisk, at least considering everything Fives has been through in the past few hours. He kept his head up high with a simple task in mind to just find his way back to the barracks. But once he passed one, all too familiar door, his resolve crumbled in a flash. He trusted Kix's assurance that Ahsoka was alright but hearing it wasn't the same as seeing it. Fives took only a split second to consider whether it was a good idea. He didn't look for counterarguments to all the reasons why it was better to keep going down the hall; Fives opened the door with a quiet swoosh. Only now did he begin to wonder if the General might still be inside, but fortunately the room was deserted. Apart from the unconscious woman in the centre, of course.
Lights in the room were low. Shadows crept behind his back since the only source of light was surrounding Ahsoka's bed, casting a soft white glow as if she was an angel. Fives slowly walked up to the bed and sat down on the chair beside it. His helmet clattered lightly against a small cabinet even though Fives put it down with the utmost caution. He was moving quietly, almost carefully, as if afraid of waking her up. On the other hand, Fives really wanted her to awaken just so he could be sure that it truly was nothing more than a deep slumber.
Fives cautiously laid his eyes on Ahsoka. She was looking peaceful, her slow and steady pulse was confirmed by the digital monitor beside her bed. An oxygen mask was still covering her face and a puff of mist appeared on its surface each time Ahsoka's chest fell.
He intertwined his hands and sank down, propping his elbows on his knees. Now that the adrenaline had evaporated from his system, he finally felt exhaustion flooding his body. But no matter how heavy his head felt or how much his muscles begged for rest, he wasn't going to leave. Because while sitting there watching over Ahsoka like a faithful massiff, at least his mind was at some kind of peace.
His thoughts swirled around, trying to fall into anything resembling order. Fives has been fighting this war for some time now. Death was an old friend of his, and in a way he had learned to live with its merciless sentences. So many brothers had died in front of his eyes, even though they made no mistake, their moves and shots were precise, and yet luck wasn't on their side. What happened to Ahsoka was just one of those unfortunate situations; just Mother Nature burying them under tons of snow. Fives knew that the only thing he could blame was his lack of almightiness. Still, it was a cruel fate, which was hard to accept.
"-ives?" His head shot up immediately at the faint voice.
"Soka." He breathed and watched in astonishment how blue irises peeked out from hooded eyelids. Fives noticed how her breaths became deeper and her gaze more focused each time she blinked. Ahsoka's hand clumsily got out from under the blanket and reached up to the oxygen mask on her face. "You shouldn't-"
"M'fine." She said dismissively, her voice more distinct once the mask rested on her chest. Ahsoka wearily rubbed her eye with one palm which then rested on her forehead as she looked around the room. But since there wasn't really much to look at, her gaze soon returned to Fives.
"How are you feeling?" He asked softly.
"Good, just drowsy." She admitted and her hand fell back onto the bed.
"Yeah, Kix was very generous with painkillers." Fives remarked gently.
"I hope there was some left for you."
"Don't need any." He denied it quickly. Ahsoka looked at him incredulously then indicated his palms with a tilt of her head. Even though she'd barely woken from a coma she was damn perceptive. "It's nothing." He folded his arms over his chest so the bandage around his knuckles wouldn't be so prominent.
Ahsoka rolled her eyes but Fives couldn't see the full turn as her eyelids fell down in the middle of her performance. She continued to stare at him, though with long pauses for slow blinking. Fives had no idea what she was thinking. Or if she even was deliberating at all or just hanging in this half-aware state between dream and reality. But the silence dragged on and he knew there would be no better time to say the words that had been weighing on his chest for hours now.
"Ahsoka, I-"
"Don't say it." Ahsoka stopped him calmly but with resolve which he hadn't expected from her at the moment. "I don't want to hear your apologies and you don't want my thanks. So let's just leave it at that." She finished with a deep exhale and turned slightly away from him as if she considered the subject ended.
Fives looked at her wide-eyed and taken aback. Her statement was spoken with such aplomb and finality that he genuinely considered whether to drop the topic and let her remain in this misconception. But Fives also was assertive and wouldn't let his words die silently at the back of his mind. So instead he spoke up gently:
"I do admire your resoluteness, but I wasn't going to apologise." Ahsoka turned her head towards him and even in this poor lighting Fives could see her surprise. "What I did want to say is…" Fives took a deep breath. "That I'm really happy you're okay." He met her eyes, trying to keep the shakiness from his voice. "Because there were moments when I feared you wouldn't."
It wasn't exactly what Fives wanted to tell her, it was merely a fraction of how he felt but simultaneously those were the only words that could express his feelings without crossing the line of propriety. And as he was looking into Ahsoka's wide eyes, he got the impression that she heard more than the words that had left his mouth. She was staring silently at him, her eye markings raised and drawn together before her expression melted into a soft and almost teary smile.
"I'm sorry for making you worry." Her whisper was followed by a quiet hiccup which she tried to cover by biting her lip.
"I'm thankful you hadn't given up." Fives replied softly with a gentle smile tugging at his lips. They were simply staring at each other for a long while until Ahsoka eventually broke their eye contact.
"You should've gone to the barracks." She said slowly, tracing with her gaze his still stained by blood armour. Then her eyes flicked back to his. "But I'm glad you stayed."
Fives felt his heartbeat fasten and the only thing rescuing him from his stammering state was Ahsoka's long yawn. He recognised that she had reached her limit of consciousness and soon her eyelids fluttered close for good. Fives waited for a moment to make sure she was asleep and he leaned back in his chair.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Fives' brow twitched in annoyance as a quiet rustle sounded nearby. His eyelids clenched tighter trying to block the disturbance away but the swish sounded again and Fives was no longer able to hold onto his sleep. His forehead was resting on his folded hands but as he rolled his head to the side and drowsily cracked his eyes open he saw another palm right beside his elbow. In a flash, his eyes widened and Fives sat up abruptly, almost falling off his chair. He needed a moment to recollect some evidently essential memories but falling asleep on the edge of Ahsoka's bed wasn't one he owned. With a fast-beating heart, Fives looked around and found the source of the disruptive rustle.
"That's not what I meant when I told you to get some rest." Kix remarked as he was replacing Ahsoka's drip; the girl didn't even budge. "Next time I'll try to be more specific." Medic sent a knowing look his way.
Fives leaned on the seatback and ran fingers through his ruffled hair while his heartbeat slowly settled down. His back was aching from hunching over for the past hours.
"On the flip side, I'm already here for my injection." He noted, still trying to fully return to reality after the slumber. "What time is it?"
"Eleven hundred. Rex was looking for you." Kix informed matter-of-factly.
Fives let out a sigh. Right, he probably should've reported everything that had happened yesterday in the outpost. Fives' neck creaked as he stretched his sore muscles. It was time to return to his responsibilities - the ones assigned to him as a soldier and not attributed by his love-sick heart. He glanced at sleeping Ahsoka. She would probably stay asleep for the next few hours. If he takes care of his duties quickly, he might be able to see her when she wakes up.
"Mind to visit barracks before making your way to the commanding centre." Kix shared advice as Fives approached the exit. The medic glanced over the red smears covering blue markings on the now barely white armour.
"Your point?" Fives raised one eyebrow before he smirked and left the room.
By the time Fives stepped through the doors of the commanding centre, it was almost noon. The room was bathed in twilight, allowing the blue holograms to stand out better. Skywalker and Rex were standing at a table displaying one of these glowing maps, discussing something he could only assume yet.
"General, Captain." Fives saluted as he approached his officers.
"At ease, Fives." Anakin replied calmly. "You're right on time, we've just received a response from recon." Skywalker crossed arms over his chest and introduced him briefly. "After you and Ahsoka reported about the attacked outpost, we ran through various possibilities of how such large forces could have gotten close unnoticed. Turns out we were wrong to look for Separatists outposts. They managed to settle a whole karking transmitting station inside that mountain." The holo map shifted to give them a more accurate view of the long range of hills.
"No wonder our scanners couldn't spot them." Rex shook his head. "But as long as this facility is standing, all Republic outposts are in danger."
"That's why we have to burn it to the ground. They don't know we've tracked their location yet, so let's use it to our advantage and surprise them."
"That's not exactly true, sir." Fives interjected slowly, not happy to deliver bad news. "Back at the outpost, Commander Tano and I were noticed by the probe. I'm sure Separatists are already preparing for our next move."
"Then the chances of us being able to get inside, plant the explosives and escape before they go off are slim to none." The Captain placed one hand on the table and leaned closer to the holo map so that the vibrant glow illuminated his sharp jawline. "There will be too many droids to make it out alive. We don't have enough forces to risk a full frontal attack."
"Yet that's exactly what we're going to do." Said Skywalker confidently, the smirk was audible in his voice even before it appeared on his face.
"Sir?" Rex asked with uncertainty, and both brothers directed their baffled gazes at the General.
"You're saying that it's impossible to move around the facility with the droids inside - then let's lure them out." Anakin answered resolutely. "How extensive is that lake you told me about, Rex?" He moved his hand making the map shift to the vast landscape.
"Thirty clicks, sir. Right between this mountain and that shore." Rex indicated two opposite brims. "The ice cap is real thick so if I follow your line of thinking, sir, then we're going to need a lot more explosives than we anticipated." Skywalker smirked boldly, visibly pleased that the Captain knew him so well. "I only hope Separatists will take the bait."
"Leave it to me, Rex. I can be quite convincing."
"I don't doubt that, sir." Captain replied, holding back a huff of laughter. "But it still leaves us with a facility to destroy. Even if a unit manages to get inside, they'll have trouble moving there. Without the layout of the base, it won't be easy to find weak points that would make the construction collapse."
"That won't be necessary." Fives said with his eyes still fixed on the station's projected holo. "There must be a central generator; if the team manages to overheat it then a few explosive charges will do enough damage. Once the shields drop, starfighters should be able to finish the job."
Skywalker's palm flew thoughtfully to his jaw, his eyes flicking between the displayed maps. Fives waited patiently with hands clasped behind his back while the General silently debated the plan.
"There are a few details to be taken care of, but I think this really might do the trick." Anakin said solemnly. His fingers flexed on the edge of the table as he leaned over the projections, his blue eyes now glowing. "Then let's get to work."
After a few hours spent in the dark commanding centre, Fives' eyes had to adapt to the brightness of the corridors. The meeting lasted for a while yet there was still so much to do before the battle. Now, however, Fives had a different assignment in mind and headed straight to the med bay.
Fives wondered whether Ahsoka was awake or if he'll find her still immersed in sleep. He was still a few steps away from the doors when his doubts were resolved as gales of laughter sounded from inside. He huffed a laugh and stepped into the room, giving up on knocking, knowing that it certainly wouldn't be heard over the noise anyway.
"Fives! Is it true that you once almost set barracks on fire because a spider fell on your face?" Ahsoka asked with amusement in her voice before the doors even managed to close behind him.
"It wasn't almost since two mattresses did burn to the ground." He replied without hesitation and the girl fell into another ripple of giggles which was joined by her other visitors. Tup, Jesse and Brody were laughing their asses off and almost falling off their seats. Fives knew how much his brothers loved this particular story of his but still rolled his eyes at their mockery. "Where did the question come from?" Fives asked while leaning against the wall since all the chairs in the room were already taken.
"Oh, I showed the boys our question game." Ahsoka answered while trying to calm down and catch her breath.
"That's lovely but why did it concern my person?" He pressed but Ahsoka only smiled innocently and shrugged her shoulders.
"Jesse, your turn." Brody said eagerly, not really bothered by Fives' complaints.
"Ok. Tup, what did you say to Captain Rex after your seventh shot last time we were in the 79's?" Jesse asked while penetrating Tup's soul with a piercing gaze.
"That I really admire his work ethic and the effort he puts in his job." Tup answered evenly though his ears were getting really red.
"And that's something you say with tears rolling down your cheeks?" Fives asked with a raised eyebrow because he very well remembered Tup's expression while he talked with the baffled captain.
"I wanted him to know that I really meant it." Tup defended himself but was avoiding crossing his gaze with anyone in particular.
"Liar." Brody slapped him on the shoulder with a grin. "You either tell it yourself now or I'm gonna get it from you next time you get drunk."
Tup was opening his mouth to say something but a high-pitched beeping noise sounded in the room.
"I guess it's time for us." Jesse said and turned off the comlink. There was a collective sigh from the soldiers although Tup's contained a surprising amount of relief.
"Thanks for coming." Ahsoka said with a smile.
"Sure thing, Commander." Brody replied and saluted her half-heartedly before leaving.
Ahsoka waved her hand as a goodbye and led her guests with her eyes to the exit. Fives calmly watched the girl and once the door closed behind her visitors, he pushed himself from the wall and asked.
"How was your day?"
"Short." She said lightly, shifting her attention to Fives. "I woke up about three hours ago and considering the amount of painkillers Kix gave me, I'll probably be out within the next two."
"Lucky me to find this narrow gap in your tight schedule then." Fives chuckled and crashed into the chair nearest to her bed. "So, since you're awake, you can help me with the report from our mission." He drew out his datapad while crossing his legs. "What word should I use when describing my lightsaber-wielding skills? Will 'magnificent' be too much?"
"Fives, you caused the snow to collapse even further with your stunt." She reminded him.
"Ok, I'll change it to 'amazing' then." He tapped a few buttons on the screen, relishing the sound of Ahsoka's chuckle. The girl bent her right knee and entwined her arms around the leg.
"Did you already credit my valuable contribution?"
"I wrote 'laying uselessly on the ground' but I believe that's a synonym."
"You do realise that reports are official documents and not your personal diaries?" Ahsoka mocked him with narrowed eyes.
"If you're so insistent on sticking to the facts then I should write about your agriculture adventure too." He sent her a pointing look.
"Sure, you could do that." Ahsoka rested her chin on her knee. "But then the next report Rex gets will be about your unfortunate death." She tilted her head slightly and fluttered her eyelashes.
"I'm glad that at least your audacity recovered quickly." Fives sent her a sweet smile which she teasingly returned. "Oh right, that reminds me of…" He dug his hand into the pouch by his belt and took out a single sticking plaster. "This is for you."
Fives held it out to Ahsoka but she needed a moment before taking the patch from his hand. Her eye markings remained raised as she silently looked at the white plaster with the words 'Great Patient' inscribed in Fives' simple handwriting.
"You made me a 'Great Patient' sticker?" She finally asked, turning her surprised gaze at him.
"As promised." Fives answered easily.
"But I don't have an exemplary medic sticker for you." Fives almost laughed because she said it with such concern as if it was really neglect from her side.
"That's fine." Fives assured her with a chuckle and propped his elbow on the chair's seat back. "I also wouldn't risk making Kix jealous. He's the one distributing the drugs, after all."
"If you say so." Ahsoka replied and soon shifted her gaze back to the gift. She was gingerly holding the patch in both palms and staring at it for so long as if a whole poem was written on it, not just two scribbled words. "I'm gonna wear it proudly." She promised and grinned widely at him, raising the patch to her chest in a place where orders were always hung.
"I sure hope so." Fives said with a big smile that he wouldn't have been able to stop even if he tried.
They continued filling out the report for the next hour, but nothing they wrote was fit to actually hand over. As time passed by Ahsoka began to blink gradually more and more wearily with the meds finally kicking in. At one point Fives even asked if he should leave but she vehemently denied it, albeit through a stifled yawn. So he stayed by her side until her eyelids drooped and her mind gave way to sleepiness.