Hello everyone!
I'm actually on time tonight. I'm a little nervous, as this is basically my first completely unbetaed chapter due to circumstances.
OneLittleSpark18: Thank you as always! And oooh it's always so much fun watching a show you love with someone who's less familiar! And be honest, how many times have you reread this fic and it's STILL not done?
SWNerd4Life: Ah yes, Palpatine and his little 'projects.' Funny how often those projects end up with experimented on kids, in this and in Canon.
So that's at least three prisoners, and I could also say that Reaper and his brothers were kind of prisoners of the chipped cadets….so four?
I thought I had Rex mention that. Yeah, Tech hasn't figured out how to make it have little to no deaths yet. But he's on his way!
Oh, don't I know it. I'm really close with my niblings (all under the age of 9) and they are angels for me. But the second mom is in charge, they like to push boundaries.
And guess what? More fluff this chapter!
I actually have pretty disconnected myself from most Star Wars content creators that aren't fanfic writers. There's just an air of negativity that kinda stresses me out lol. Especially about recently released stuff. And I tend not to agree with Star Wars Theory in particular. I've still not finished the Acolyte, just cause I've been busy as heck the last couple of weeks. I'll get to it eventually lol.
Okay guys, we gotta talk about something. And normally I don't feel the need to discuss upcoming plot points with you guys because spoilers. But I happened to make a promise regarding the stuff I'm planning on writing. I've struggled a lot regarding this decision because I really value my relationship with you guys.
Tech and Taja will not be getting back together. And I will be introducing Phee with the intent of her and Tech eventually getting involved.
I know that some of you are going to be really upset. Some will just be disappointed, and some will not really care. And I might lose readers over this. The thing is, I have no inspiration for Taja. Like none. Her and Tech's story just feels resolved to me. And I'm coming to like the idea of having a character that experiences the right person but the wrong time regarding their partner (totally not because it happened to me).
And then Phee just is so much fun to write, and I've had a million and one ideas of how to introduce her in this fic and story ideas with her.
I've just felt so bad because I promised and so many of you loved it. But as much as I write this fic for you guys, I also write it for me.
No, there will not be a love triangle. I'm not about that life. And no, a switch isn't just going to flip in Tech's brain and he forgets about Taja and is suddenly in love with Phee. I want to explore moving on and growth through that.
I totally understand if some of you are upset. But, please, I do not want any Phee slander in the comments. I prefer to have my comment section to be a place of positivity or story discussion.
Okay, back to the actual fic! Prepare for 50 percent fluff and 50 percent actual plot.
On a related note, I really need AO3 to let me have more than 75 or whatever tags. I have many, many characters to list.
Mando'a translations at the end!
RESTITUTION: Chapter 7
Obi Wan leaned back in his seat, his residual limbs aching. He had truly been worried he'd drop Ahsoka's baby if given the chance. His prosthetic felt so unsteady.
Master Plo sat next to Obi Wan in the med center waiting room. The Kel Dor master was seeping tender joy. Obi Wan suspected that if Ahsoka hadn't needed to sleep, Plo would still be in there, watching the baby. He was happier than Obi Wan had seen in months, more alive.
Tup had taken Padme home and was likely spreading the news. He'd offered to help Obi Wan home, but Obi Wan needed rest after his intensive physical therapy. Plo would likely be able to be convinced to assist him.
"I must send word to Wolffe." Plo said. "And as many of the Wolf Pack as I can reach. They see 'Soka very much as a sister."
"You'll be hard pressed to find a clone that knows Ahsoka that doesn't." Obi Wan replied. "Besides the obvious."
"I'm looking for Ahsoka Tano."
Obi Wan looked up to see a bearded man and a Theelin teenager speaking with a medic at the front of the waiting room.
"I'm sorry, sir, but she's just given birth." The clone said. Obi Wan recognized the tone- outwardly respectful, but practiced ears could hear the exasperation and contempt the clone had for the stupidity of nat borns. "She's not accepting visitors at this time."
"Master, we can wait." The padawan said. "I don't think bothering her right now is a good idea."
"Master Plo." Obi Wan said, nodding at the pair.
Plo helped Obi Wan up and they made their way to the front.
"Master Skoll." Obi Wan said. "Perhaps Master Plo and I could assist you?"
Baylan Skoll looked to them.
"Master Kenobi." His voice only betrayed a hint of surprise. "It is good to see you and Master Plo alive and- well."
His eyes lingered on Obi Wan's gait and his limp arm. Obi Wan forced a chuckle.
"Alive, yes." He said. "Well- that could be debated."
The apprentice, Callum, was staring at them with more surprise than his master.
"Master Kenobi!" He said. "Master Plo! You're alive! Who else survived?"
"Masters Fisto and Gek along with Knights Secura and Skywalker are all out leading troops." Obi Wan said. "Master Ti is here with the younglings, as well as Master Ha and Padwans Caleb and Tallisibeth."
"Any news on Master Yoda?" Master Skoll asked.
"Master Yoda is on Dagobah." Plo said. "He no longer feels that he can lead the Jedi. Master Windu lives as well, but he has chosen a different path."
"No one else?" Callum asked.
His eyes were wide with anxiety.
"I'm afraid not." Obi Wan said gently. What friends had the young man lost?" "At least that we know of."
Callum bowed his head, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Then who heads the Order?" Master Skoll asked with a furrowed brow.
"We have not selected a Grandmaster, if that is what you are asking." Obi Wan said. "All masters and knights act as the council. To be perfectly frank, Master Skoll, we are still recovering and adjusting to the new status quo."
Master Skoll lifted a hand in a placating gesture.
"I apologize. I did not mean to judge or censure, Master Kenobi." He said. "I just wish to understand how things are. How does Padawan Tano fit into all of this?"
"Poorly." Obi Wan said. "She did not return to the Order after her trial, but she acts as a Jedi in all but name. Save for her marriage."
Plo chuckled.
"Is that so different from the Jedi nowadays?" He asked. "Young Skywalker and Aayla have not given up the title."
Master Skoll cocked an eyebrow.
"There have been- changes, I see." He said.
"An understatement." Obi Wan said. "Speaking of Ahsoka, what did you need from her? As you can likely guess, it would be best if she was not disturbed at the moment."
"Of course." Master Skoll said. "I merely did not know of any other Force users on the planet. And I cannot deny that her- unique wielding of the Force when we connected interests me."
"I am sure she will be willing to discuss the experiments Palpatine performed on her once she has recovered somewhat." Obi Wan said.
It was perhaps less than polite, but he was strangely protective of Ahsoka at the moment. No, not 'strangely.' It was perfectly natural that he wished to preserve Ahsoka's peace.
"Of- course." Master Skoll said, looking confused.
"Now, would you be so kind as to point us towards anyone who could get us some quarters?" Callum said. "I know you've found another thing to investigate, Master, but I think it's past time for a good rest."
The boy had put on a nonchalant facade, but Obi Wan could see the exhaustion and sorrow he was hiding. Master Skoll glanced at Callum, and his stony expression softened somewhat. He placed his hand on his apprentice's shoulder.
"You are right." He said. "Master Kenobi?"
Obi Wan heaved an internal sigh and mentally braced himself to take a step. Callum quickly and gently took Obi Wan's arm, lending his support.
"Ah, thank you Callum." Obi Wan said.
A good young man, it seemed. But Obi Wan couldn't shake a strange feeling as he led the two from the med center.
Tech rushed around the Marauder, preparing for departure as quietly as he could. Omega was curled in her room, fast asleep, and he did not wish to wake her.
"Are you sure about this?" Hunter asked as he watched.
"We refused the last mission because it was not particular to our squad's skills." Tech said. "I am the only one who can carry this one out."
"That Jedi scientist-"
"Is a Jedi." Tech interrupted as he sifted through his parts box. "Whoever is developing the new process will be required to work closely with the chipped cadets."
Hunter sighed.
"I just wish it didn't have to be you."
"That is the issue with being exceptional." Tech conceded. "But these cadets are innocent and deserve my aid."
Hunter nodded, solemn. Tech wondered if he, like Tech himself, had imagined Omega as a slave under the chip.
"I do not expect any of you to accompany me." Tech went on.
"I don't like it." Wrecker said. "We never do stuff on our own. Besides, where are we supposed to stay if you're taking the Marauder?"
Tech paused. He could be gone for multiple days. He could not leave his siblings homeless for that time.
"Kriff." Hunter muttered. "I'd hoped this wouldn't be a problem, that we would stay grounded."
"It was an unfortunate oversight for us to not procure alternative housing." Tech admitted.
They stared at one another. They would likely be able to find somewhere, but their main connection to the community, Commander Tano, was indisposed. Even the regs they worked with in the construction of the settlement were near strangers, not someone to approach for aid. In many ways, it was as if they were still on Kamino.
Crosshair, who had been silently listening from his bunk, gave a sudden groan and covered his face with a hand.
"I- know someone." He said. Tech, Hunter, and Wrecker stared at him. "Who can help."
Tech blinked, but then remembered.
"That bearded clone." He said. "The reg that was waiting with you and left when we arrived."
"He- has a beard?" Crosshair asked hesitantly. "No- that doesn't matter. His name is Mayday. He- keeps an eye on Omega and I on the way to our- lessons."
Tech frowned.
"Why would you need-"
"Not now." Crosshair interjected. "But- you saw. He stayed with me while you were gone. He'll help."
Tech tried not to stare. It was expected for Omega to make friendly connections. To have Crosshair volunteer one such contact was nothing short of astonishing.
They had to wait for Omega to wake before Mayday could be contacted. Hunter refused to disturb her, especially since Tech did not technically have to leave immediately. Eventually Omega shifted and blinked her eyes at them.
"Omega." Tech said. His sister focused on him, bleary eyed. "We need you to contact Mayday."
He explained the situation. Omega listened quietly.
"By yourself?" She asked once Tech was done. "After you all got so mad at me?"
"I will be joining the 501st upon arrival." Tech said. "The operation will not be immediately dangerous."
He expected Omega to argue or protest. Instead, she reached out to put her arms around his neck and nestled her head on his shoulder. He let her, even lifting his hand to her back.
"I'm glad you're going." She mumbled. "And I wish I could go too. You're doing a good thing, Tech."
"I am aware." Tech said, though he was pleased.
"I'm glad you realize you never had any chance of going." Crosshair said.
Omega let go of Tech.
"I'm not dumb, Crosshair." She said.
"No." Crosshair agreed. "Unfortunately for us."
"Let's go talk to this Mayday." Hunter interrupted. "Grab your things."
His siblings only spent a few minutes collecting the necessities.
"Bye, Tech." Omega said as their brothers disembarked. She gave him another hug, only with one arm this time, the other full with Lula, her blanket, and her datapad. "Be safe."
"I will attempt to do so." Tech said. Omega did not let go. "Omega?"
"Love you." She finally mumbled.
Tech felt a strange mix of warmth and cold at her words. Direct verbal displays of affection were rare in their family. It was unexpectedly pleasant to hear.
But he also remembered the only time those words, or the equivalent, had been spoken to him. And the only time he had said them as well.
Taja.
He did not think of her much, by conscious choice at first. That had led into a habit. He saw her more rarely than she crossed his mind; she was a key member of the anti-slavery task force and that kept her off planet. The pain was less than it had been. Still, the thought of her caused a cold ache in his chest.
Omega looked down and let go. Tech cursed himself for his lack of reaction.
"Sorry." Omega mumbled. "I just- sometimes I see people leave their homes and they say that to their families. I thought-"
Tech put his hand on Omega's shoulder and looked at her.
"Thank you." He said. "I- the feeling is mutual."
The exact words had been an absolute necessity when he had told Taja. Now, however, it felt alien to say to Omega. It frustrated him.
Still, Omega smiled at him.
"Do not tell the others that yet." Tech told her.
She immediately looked worried. Tech hurried to reassure her.
"I merely wish to record the experience."
"Oh!" She said. Her smile was back. "Gotcha!"
Tech cocked his head.
"Your mental state is improving." He said. "At least from my observations."
Omega blinked.
"Yeah." She said slowly. "I think so. A little bit."
Tech gave her a smile.
"That is good."
He meant it. Omega smiled back. Hunter called from outside the ship.
Omega slipped from the ship to join their brothers. Tech turned back to his preparations.
"Kix!" Rex roared.
He tugged the injured trooper along, gripping him under the arms. Blaster bolts screamed over his head even as Fives and Echo lay down coverfire.
Kix came bolting from the smoke, followed by another medic. They took the trooper from Rex.
"Hang in there, Jep." Kix said. "Bones, we're going to need more bacta."
Rex turned back towards the fight. The battlefield was spattered with white forms, clone and stormtrooper alike. Rex hated that he couldn't tell his brothers' bodies from the Imperial scum's. They would have to leave them behind.
"Reaper!" He barked into his comm. "Sitrep!"
They had been fighting for hours, long enough for Rex to have fought, rested, and come back fresh to the battlefield. They had to be almost done.
"We're beginning to load the final transports!" Reaper said. "We're nearly there!"
Rex let out a long, relieved breath. The end was in sight. This had been nothing to some of the longer battles of the Clone Wars, but perhaps he had lost some of his endurance. It had still been a hard fight with no support from a Jedi. Not to mention that the Imperials had far more resources than they had anticipated.
Rex rejoined Fives and Echo as they waited for him.
"The last transports are being loaded." He told them.
"Kriffing finally." Fives said.
"Get the word out." Rex said. "We'll be retreating soon."
Hang on, brothers. He thought. Just a few minutes more.
He made his way back to the front of the battle, Fives and Echo with him.
"Rex!" Fives said, grabbing Rex's shoulder. "You hang back, we're almost done here. I want to send you home in one piece."
Rex stared at him, incredulous.
"My place is here." He growled.
"Your place is with your kid!" Echo said. "It's been bad enough you've been risking yourself this whole time, Rex. The Imperials are calling in their tanks. It's only going to get worse."
"I'm the Captain." Rex said. "I've been at the front of every battle before now. If I can save a brother's life by being up there, I will be up there!"
Echo and Fives didn't immediately protest so Rex took it as a sign to keep going. He marched forward on the buff colored rock.
The mass of stormtroopers attacked from the mouth of one of the many canyons of dusty, tawny stone. The bottleneck ensured that Rex's men couldn't simply surround and decimate them. It was also a good thing, because they weren't tempted to try.
He hated this enemy, in a way he had never hated the Separatists. These troopers had chosen the Empire, even when it had shattered. They threatened and killed his brothers, for no other reason than that they were not part of the Empire. And if they got their hands on the chipped cadets, they would use them as nothing more than tools.
And he hated them for keeping him from his wife and child. So when he began firing again, he relished each bolt that hit, every enemy trooper that fell.
The bottleneck soon became a liability for the stormtroopers. They couldn't retreat fast enough and the injured and cowardly clogged the canyon entrance so that fresh troops couldn't replace them.
Except- fresh troops weren't replacing the retreating enemy.
A retreat? Or merely a regrouping?
Either way, it was an advantage. Rex nearly gave the order to press the attack, but no. This was the perfect opportunity.
"Fall back!" Rex ordered through his comm.
His men immediately followed the orders, laying down cover fire as they backed away. Rex followed them. Halfway back to the extraction point, he got the comm he'd been waiting for.
"Rex, the final transports have reached your Venator!" Reaper reported. "We're clear to get out!"
A wave of relief hit Rex. The first step to saving their little brothers was complete.
"That's the last of them!" Appo yelled as Rex disembarked from the transport to the Venator hangar bay. "Make the jump!"
Rex let out a long held breath as he felt the ship shift.
"Do we have a casualty report?" He asked the sergeant.
"One hundred and three dead." Appo rattled off. Rex closed his eyes. So many more than he had imagined, more than he had planned for. "Twice that many injured. The cadets made it out with no casualties."
"And General Skywalker?"
"In the brig." Appo said. "Still our 'prisoner.' Had to make a show of it for the cadets."
Rex smiled wanly.
"I'd better get to the bridge then-"
"Nope!" Fives said. "Go to your quarters. I'm sure Ahsoka and Commander Jr would like to hear from you."
Rex knew he should protest and go take charge again from Jesse. He nearly did, but-
"Did Commander Tano have the baby?" Appo asked eagerly.
The surrounding troopers turned to Rex. Rex nodded.
"Oh, kriff!" Appo said. He removed his helmet, revealing a wide grin. "Congratulations!"
The other clones burst out with their excitement. Rex was reminded of when he'd returned to the 501st after losing his leg. This- felt better.
"Go on." Echo said amidst the noise. "We should have a few hours."
Rex let himself nod and the excitement he'd been repressing peeked through.
"Keep me updated." He said and tried to keep his step even as he left them.
He was practically shaking with excitement and anxiety when he finally reached his quarters. He turned the lights down with a fumbling hand and collapsed to sit on the side of his cot.
'Soka? He called through their bond.
He couldn't reach her like she could reach him, but he could let her know he was ready. He waited for a few minutes. Nothing.
Ahsoka? He asked, feeling nervous.
And then- he sighed a breath of relief. Her wonderful presence enveloped him. With that- a tiny light, separate but just as sweet to his mind.
Rex. Ahsoka said. Are you all right? How is the mission?
Rex had to concentrate to send coherent words instead of the blubbering flood of emotions he had been holding back.
I'm fine. He said. There's er- some complications. The cadets' chips still work, but we got them off planet. Tech is coming to help figure it out.
What? Ahsoka demanded. No one told me- Kriff, just because I've had a baby-
'Soka. Rex interrupted, amused. Knowing Tech, he barely told his squad and he's the only one who'd know. The hard part is over. It's all right.
He got the sense of her taking a few calming breaths.
Sorry. She said. Besides, you called for me for another reason. Ad'ika, here's your buir.
The tiny light seemed to flare and Rex reached for it. He cradled the presence in his own mental touch.
Hello, Ad'ika. He managed.
He felt the hint of a brush of delicate skin against his own, smelled the barest whiff of a warm scent, and saw the briefest flash of a tiny face.
Rex couldn't stop the tears from welling up.
You haven't picked a name yet? He asked his baby.
He got a vague sense of confusion back.
He hasn't liked any of my suggestions. Ahsoka said. I'm almost afraid he's going to get attached to being called Ad'ika.
We'll try later, when I'm home and he's more than a day old. Rex said. Let's just get acquainted with him for now.
He felt Ahsoka press her own mind closer to his and the baby's and they relaxed together. Rex felt so full, so complete. He had wanted this for so long. He couldn't imagine how it would feel when he was able to hold his baby in his arms.
Rex.
Rex blinked. How long had he been sitting here, bathing in the love of his family?
I can't keep this up much longer. Ahsoka told him.
Kriff. Rex felt a jolt of guilt. Of course Ahsoka would be straining herself to give Rex this moment.
It's all right. He told her. Go. I'll be home soon. I love you.
Be safe. I love you. Ahsoka replied.
And then came a tiny pulse filled with love, instinctual and pure, from their baby.
Then they parted.
Rex opened his eyes. He had a headache, likely from the unconscious tears that still wetted his cheeks. He took a shaky breath.
Not for the first time, Rex didn't want to be a soldier again. He wanted to stay in that moment and invite his brothers too.
He wondered if, after meeting his child in person, he could even return to the battlefield.
After half a canteen of water, a few painkillers, and a rinsing of his face, Rex was ready to lead again. He returned to the bridge, though it took much longer than usual, with brothers stopping him to congratulate him.
"Jesse." Rex greeted his brother once he finally arrived. "Have we settled on a planet?"
"Tech got in contact." Jesse replied. "He says Crait will work well. It's in our space, barely, and close to our location. He's almost there now."
"Excellent." Rex said. "Fives, go let the General know."
Fives, who had been talking with Echo nearby, nodded and trotted off. Rex noticed Jesse's grin.
"Yes, the baby's here." Rex told him.
Jesse laughed.
"Permission to hug, sir?" He asked.
Rex smiled a little.
"Granted."
And then Rex was caught up in a bone crushing hug. He expected that he'd have to endure a fair few more in the future.
He didn't mind. He was glad his brothers took as much joy in his baby as they did.
CC-8702 sat on his cot. He was surrounded by the other cadets, all sitting on cots. Full grown troopers watched them in the bunkroom. The cadets were quiet. They had been ordered to sit.
Good soldiers followed orders.
As always, the thought came with a throb of pain in his head. He wanted to hold it in his hands. He wanted to cry. It hurt so bad.
He didn't. He sat still. He was a good soldier.
Eventually, he had to rise. Another cadet, an older CC, looked at him.
"CC-8702." He said. "What are you doing?"
"I must use the refresher." 8702 said.
The older cadet frowned.
"We have been ordered to sit." He said.
"He can go to the refresher!" One of the watching troopers said. "For kriff's sake, they can't get those things out soon enough."
The older cadet nodded and 8702 left the bunkroom. He walked through the Venator's halls. It had the same layout as their old one. He paused at an intersection. An ARC trooper was coming his way. It was the ARC trooper that had been with the Jedi.
8702 narrowed his eyes. Something was wrong with the ARCs that had been with the Jedi. He did not know if they were loyal to the Empire, or the traitor.
8702 backed up before the ARC could see him. He waited and watched the ARC pass. Then, calling on all of his training, he followed him.
Sneaking after the ARC was difficult. There were many other troopers here. Were they potential traitors too? The thought made him avoid them as well.
He did manage to reach the lifts without any trooper stopping him. The ARC had already taken one but 8702 could guess where he was going. He slipped into the next empty lift and hit the button for the detention level.
The lift doors opened and he froze. Three troopers were seated at the detention level control stations. All of them looked over at the sound of the doors.
"Oop, looks like we've got a stray." One said, standing up. "What are you doing down here, vod'ika?"
8702's head throbbed again as he tried to think how to respond. This clone could be a traitor, but he had no proof. Could he trust him? 8702 perked up as he heard another clone's voice from beyond these three.
"-casualties were more than we expected, General, but less than in similar battles."
General. All Jedi were Generals or Commanders, but would have been stripped of their rank upon the issuing of Order 66. That ARC was speaking to the Jedi, who 8702 knew was being kept here, as if they were still in charge.
Traitors.
8702 barely stifled a wince at the thought.
"Vod'ika? You okay?" The clone in front asked.
"Anyway, Tech contacted us. We're heading for Crait. Shouldn't be more than an hour now." 8703 heard the ARC say.
"Come on, you're not supposed to be here. Let's go."
8702 let the clone usher him back into the lift. His mind raced. They were compromised, corrupted by Jedi scum.
Kill the Jedi.
8702 squeezed his eyes shut at the pain. But how could he carry out this order?
"Edge, while you're taking him back, can you grab some more ration bars?" One of the other clones asked. "We didn't plan for any prisoners and they need feeding."
Prisoners. Perhaps from the Empire, if these clones were the traitors 8702 believed them to be.
The clone with him on the lift tried to touch his shoulder. 8702 stepped away.
"Don't worry, vod'ika." The clone said in a low voice. "You'll be back to normal in no time."
8702 ignored him. He couldn't do anything by himself. But he had their destination.
All he had to do was contact the Empire.
Mando'a:
Ad'ika: baby, little one, currently Rex and Ahsoka's nickname for their child
Buir: parent
Vod'ika: little brother
Oh good, Baylan's already being suspicious. And sorry Callum, your friends are probably dead. Which kind of reminds me, that I have done NOTHING with Cal Kestis. I know he's beloved and all that but my dumb laptop can't run Fallen Order and I do actually want to play that one day. I think I originally had a plot line where he became an Inquisitor, but there just wasn't room and I wanted to do him justice if I had him. So I decided to NOT have him. Oops.
I'm sorry, but having Crosshair not knowing that Mayday has a beard is so funny to me. Also I love the idea of the Batch just going YOU HAVE A FRIEND?
SLEEPOVER AT MAYDAY'S!
Oops my hand slipped and now I have Omega saying I love you to Tech for the first time. Might do a oneshot for the rest if I get inspired.
REX MEETS HIS BABY. MORE SELF INDULGENT FLUFF.
Oh look an extremely rare Sequel reference which was born from me finding out Crait was close to Xagobah and it works for my needs. Crait is cool though.
From self indulgent fluff to inside the brain of a mind controlled child! Yaaaaaaay!
Oh gosh I'm so exhausted, so that's gonna wrap up my ANs.
Stay safe, remember to review, and I'll see you in two weeks!