Hey guys!

I'm really sorry for sticking to the schedule with this chapter. I'm running low on edited content and I need time to build it up again.

Guest: We'll have to see with that one, but seeing as I am a fan of clone/Jedi relationships...

Little'Soka7567: I think that question will be answered in part in this chapter...And sorry about the wait...

Warriors 4 Ever 2: Thank you! I hope this chapter is a good follow up.

Fishgirl16: Sorry! I really needed the time to make sure the chapter was fine. And I believe you're referring to Ahsoka using electric judgement when they're escaping with Echo? It's a Force power in Legends at least, and Plo's used it. And of course it overwhelmed her like most Force powers do at this point.

OneLittleSpark18: I can imagine them, lol. I'm glad you enjoyed and I hope this is a satisfying follow up!

I know you guys have been waiting for this and I hope it delivers.

Actually no Mando'a in this chapter. Huh.

GUILTY PART 2: ABSOLVED

"Defiant, respond!" Echo pleaded with the unyielding comm of the Havoc Marauder.

It had been ten minutes since they had received Order 66. Tech had said that the order had been relayed over all channels in the GAR. Since they had no idea what it meant and it had no effect on them, Tech had determined that it was supposed to be the chips' trigger word. Echo had been desperately trying ever since to reach the 501st, to reach Fives. It didn't matter the harsh words they had exchanged. Echo needed to know that his brother was okay.

"Echo." Hunter had come up behind him. "You might have to assume the worst."

"Even if the chipped clones are in charge, they'd respond." Echo said. "I have to know."

"We don't know that." Hunter said quietly.

"Which is why we should be on our way to Kamino!" Crosshair said sharply. "We can't do anything here."

"Just a few more minutes!" Echo begged.

"Omega could be in danger from the chipped regs!" Crosshair shot back.

Echo ignored him, though he knew they were merely both worried for their siblings. He pressed the transmit button again.

"Defiant, this is Havoc Marauder, please respond!" He said.

A voice crackled through and Echo's heart leapt.

"This is Defiant." The voice, a clone's, sounded cautious. "What is the state of your inhibitor chips?"

"Removed!" Echo said fervently.

It was partly true. While Echo's was still in his head, Tech thought that it was nearly impossible for the chip to be functioning after all of Echo's modifications.

The clone on the other end heaved a sigh.

"Thank the Prime." He said.

"What's going on over there?" Echo demanded.

"The chips went off." The clone said. "Right now we're trying to contain the ones who still have theirs in. It's chaos over here."

"Do you require assistance?" Tech had come up behind Echo.

"The chipped clones have locked down the ship." The other clone said. "No one can dock."

"Do you know ARC Trooper Fives' status?" Echo said.

There was a pause on the other end.

"Critical." The other clone said. "He and Commander Tano were badly injured by Captain Rex."

The news was like the explosion that had nearly killed Echo. Rex? How could Rex- Rex would never-

"Why?" Echo choked out. "Why would he-"

"Captain Rex was under the influence of the inhibitor chip." The clone on the other end said.

The shock drained away somewhat, though Echo still had to grip the side of the console for support. He was able to focus on what else the clone had reported. Critical condition. Fives could be dying over there and there was nothing he could do about it. The last time they would have spoken would be an argument. And Commander Tano- was she all right? How could it be that Rex hadn't had his chip removed? Echo's stomach was tied up in knots and he felt weak. He leaned harder into the console.

"Who is currently the acting commanding officer?" Tech asked.

"General Skywalker is still in charge." The other clone said. "He's directing the mission to neutralize the chipped clones."

"Ah. Use this frequency to keep us updated." Tech said.

"Acknowledged." The other clone said.

The comm clicked off and Echo put his head in his hand. Hunter was back again.

"We know now." He said. "There's nothing we can do."

Echo grit his teeth. It was one thing to sit here and wait, but to leave entirely?

"I can't abandon them." He said.

"And we can't abandon Omega." Crosshair hissed. "There is nothing you can do!"

Crosshair's words cut deep. Echo closed his eyes and clenched his jaw.

"Okay." He said. "But put a tracker on the Defiant- so we can find them again."

"Sounds like a plan." Hunter said. "Come on. We don't leave our own behind."

Ahsoka was rather surprised to find that she was alive. What didn't surprise her was that she was in pain. By the sound of murmured orders and softly beeping machines, she was in the medbay. She cracked her eyes open and forced herself to sit up, though it ached badly.

"Ahsoka." That was Obi Wan. "Lie still."

Ahsoka eased herself back down. She looked over and saw him sitting next to her. He looked ragged and worse for wear, but alive.

"Obi Wan-" She said. "The 212th-"

"Their chips activated, yes." Obi Wan said. "Even Cody-"

He paused, as if to compose himself.

"But there were many who had them removed. I estimate around twenty percent of the legion were unaffected. We were able to escape here." He went on.

"Then we left Anaxes?"

"We're somewhere in the Outer Rim. I'm not sure where." Obi Wan said.

"What about Windu and his men?" Ahsoka asked.

Obi Wan looked down.

"Only Master Windu escaped." He said.

"What?" Ahsoka tried to sit up again. "There weren't any clones in his legion that had their chips removed?"

"We- don't know." Obi Wan said. A hint of bitterness and anger had slipped into his voice. "He didn't bother to check. He barely made it out alive."

Nausea added to Ahsoka's discomfort. That made it sound like Windu had just cut through his clones to escape. She turned her head and saw, in one of the further beds, Windu. He seemed unconscious.

"And what about the 501st?" Ahsoka asked.

Her heart pounded painfully in her chest. Had they had to kill the chipped clones?

"There were very few casualties." Obi Wan said with a small smile. "The chipped clones fought back of course, but they've been captured. The medics are going through the process of removing their chips now."

Few casualties. Not none.

"Fives?" Ahsoka asked.

"Alive." Obi Wan said. "

Ahsoka felt some of the tension shed from her shoulders.

"Thank the Force." She mumbled.

Then came the question she had feared to ask since she realized that Rex was not also at her bedside. She had been even afraid to test their bond.

"Rex?" She asked.

"Rex's chip has been removed." Obi Wan said. "I believe he is overseeing the others' procedures."

Ahsoka immediately examined their bond. She frowned. It seemed blocked. Not as bad as when he had been under the control of the chip, but it was as if he were shutting her out. She tugged on it. She thought she got a faint pulse of- fear, but that was it. She took a deep breath. She would find him later.

"Where's Anakin?" She asked.

"He is trying to contact the other Jedi." Obi Wan said. "We have had no word from the Temple or any other Jedi."

Master Plo. Ahsoka frantically examined her bond with him. She focused hard, not knowing how far away he was.

He was alive.

Without hesitating, Ahsoka amplified the bond, reaching into Master Plo's mind.

Master!

Little 'Soka?

He sounded dazed and confused.

Master Plo, are you all right?

Y-yes.

Master, are you able to travel? We can give you our coordinates.

Yes.

Ahsoka asked Obi Wan for their coordinates, and sent them to Plo.

Very good. I will give them to Wolffe.

Wolffe was with Plo? That was good news. But still, something must have happened. Plo seemed so lost.

We'll be waiting for you. Ahsoka sent with a feeling of reassurance.

She waited for a response, but only got a vague acknowledgement. She closed the bond, feeling unsettled.

"Master Plo is on his way." She told Obi Wan.

Relief flashed over Obi Wan's face.

"Thank the Force." He said.

They sat quietly then, Ahsoka already feeling tired. She probed into the Force. She nearly gasped. It was so empty. Not every light had gone out. In fact there were many that still shone brightly. But the thousands of minds had been so badly reduced. For a moment she was overwhelmed by the screams of the dying and the curses of the betrayed. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. So many dead. Her breathing hitched and she found it hard to draw in more air. Panic encased her mind. So many dead. So many dead. So many dead.

The Force pierced her panicked litany. It whispered to her. There would not be half as many still alive if not for her. It gave her a measure of peace. That peace calmed her breathing, soothing the holes she could feel in the Force. Still, she turned her thoughts away from the tragedy. It would not do to dwell on it now.

Her mind began to fade back to the memories of when the order had been given. Rex's eyes. She had never seen a clone's eyes look like that. Even Tup's eyes had been crazed and wild. Rex looked as if he had never felt an emotion in his life.

And he had been going to kill her.

Feelings of nausea and distress threatened to overwhelm her. She tugged desperately at their bond. She needed to talk to him, to know for herself that he was okay.

The only response was a faint apology

Please. She begged.

I can't.

He closed the bond up even more tightly than before. Ahsoka clutched at her stomach, though it hurt. She didn't understand what he was doing. Surely he wanted to make sure she was all right?

"Ahsoka?" Obi Wan asked gently.

Ahsoka looked at him. His forehead was creased with concern.

"I want to see Fives." She said.

Obi Wan's eyebrows raised.

"I don't think moving would be a very good idea in your state." He said.

"Please."

Obi Wan sighed and stood. He carefully helped her from the cot and eased her to a bed across the bay.

Fives lay there, pale as a Nightsister. His brows were furrowed, as if even in sleep he was aware of the pain. His chest was wrapped in bacta, and he had a breathing apparatus on his face. Tup sat in a chair next to him, asleep.

Ahsoka gently touched Fives' face. He was clammy under her fingers.

"What does Kix say?" Ahsoka whispered.

Her quiet voice still woke Tup, who looked around sharply before seeing Ahsoka.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Like I was shot in the gut." Ahsoka replied.

"Kix says he has around a fifty percent chance of survival." Obi Wan said. "It would be greater if we could get somewhere with a bacta tank."

"Or just better bacta." Tup said. "Kix had to dilute most of what was left to treat everyone."

Ahsoka knew with a jolt that the strongest bacta was used on her. A shock of anger ran through her. First it was directed at Kix. He shouldn't have prioritized her wounds when Fives was more badly injured. Then it focused on Fives himself. Once again, the clones were too determined to protect her. And it might prove to be Fives' death. He could have stunned Rex if he was that concerned.

"If you die, Fives," Ahsoka said. "I will never forgive you."

Tup gave a wan smile, thinking it was a joke. But Ahsoka was serious. If Fives died in his reckless attempt to help her, she would never truly forgive his memory.

Obi Wan convinced Ahsoka to go back to her bed and rest. Tup left for a few minutes and soon a steady stream of clones came to visit. Obi Wan looked on with some disapproval, but did not protest. They were solemn and did not say much, but most of Torrent company came. Jesse in particular chose to sit next to her for a time. Ahsoka didn't know how to feel about it. It had been weeks since he'd betrayed her, but things had not returned to the way they were. Ahsoka also noticed that Kix sent every other medic to treat her and never himself. She wondered at that, especially when in the moment of distress, she had called him to her. Though she was sure she could not handle him with any hypos near her. Hypos were hard enough for her and after Kix had forcefully drugged her- well, it was difficult.

Finally Anakin came. He looked exhausted.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"I'm okay." Ahsoka said, though her stomach still sparked with pain. "Any news?"

"I've managed to get a hold of Master Secura." Anakin said, drawing his hand down his face. "But no one- no one else."

"Do you know if any of her clones are with her?" Ahsoka asked.

Anakin shrugged.

"No clue." He said. "It was a spotty connection. Obi Wan said you got in contact with Master Plo?"

"Yes. He's coming." Ahsoka said.

There was a moment of silence.

"Have you gotten in contact with Padme?" Ahsoka asked.

Obi Wan and Anakin both stiffened.

Ahsoka made a sound of annoyance.

"Masters, can't you feel it? We're almost all gone. I don't think it matters what Anakin's relationship with Padme is anymore."

They both stared at her.

"I haven't." Anakin finally said. "She might be being watched."

Ahsoka was impressed with how put together Anakin was. He seemed tired and agitated, but his emotions were not the chaos she would have expected.

Anakin's fists clenched.

"I have news." He finally said. "We've been watching the comm chatter- Master Yoda attempted to kill Palpatine and the Jedi Temple's been attacked."

Obi Wan sat up straighter and Ahsoka's mouth fell open.

"They're calling it an attempted coup." Anakin went on. "Palpatine's declared all Jedi enemies to the state. The Temple's empty."

Anakin paused, looking to the floor.

"Anakin, what else happened?" Obi Wan prompted.

"He said he's made peace with Dooku." Anakin said. "And they've combined the CIS and the Republic into an Empire."

"What?" Jesse spoke up, his eyes wide. "He can't do that!"

"I'm afraid he can, Jesse." Obi Wan said. "Palpatine seems to have been pulling the strings for a long time. He has unprecedented power in the Senate, and if he's made it seem that he's ended the war, I'm sure the Senate will agree with anything he says."

"But-" Jesse's brow scrunched together and he seemed so young to Ahsoka. "The Republic-"

"It's gone, Jesse." Anakin said.

Jesse looked down. Ahsoka could feel his confusion, how lost he felt.

"What do we do now?" He asked.

"We need to find the surviving Jedi and the other clones that don't have the chips." Anakin said.

Something twinged in the Force. Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi Wan looked over to where Windu was stirring. One of the medics, Checkup, approached the Master Jedi. Obi Wan stood and made his way closer to Windu. Ahsoka narrowed her eyes as she saw Windu's lightsaber twitch on his bedside table.

Ahsoka tried to leap from her bed as Windu's lightsaber ignited and flew to his outstretched hand. She crashed to the floor, pain flooding her body. She braced herself for the sound of a saber slicing through flesh. Instead she heard another lightsaber ignite and the sound of two blades clashing sounded over Anakin's shout.

Jesse helped Ahsoka up. Obi Wan had leapt over several beds to block Windu's strike at Checkup.

"Be calm, Master Windu." Obi Wan said in a level voice.

"They are traitors!" Windu snarled. "Mine tried to kill me!"

"It's far more complicated than that." Obi Wan said. "If you will sheathe your lightsaber, I will explain."

Windu stared at Obi Wan. Anakin had his own lightsaber out.

"If you touch one of my men," He said. "I will not hesitate to cut you down."

Windu glared at Anakin.

"Anakin." Obi Wan said in a long suffering voice. "That is not helpful. Please, Master Windu. These clones are no threat to you."

Another beat passed. Then Windu's lightsaber shrank back into its hilt. Obi Wan pulled his away and sheathed it as well.

"Thank you." Obi Wan said.

"So tell me, Kenobi," Windu said. "Why shouldn't I destroy every clone on this ship, along with those who side with them?"

He glanced at Ahsoka and Anakin, who had not put his saber away.

"The clones who attacked you were not under their own control." Obi Wan said.

Ahsoka let Jesse help her back into her bed as Obi Wan explained the chips and Palpatine's role in the affair.

"You knew of this, Tano?" Windu asked as Obi Wan finished. "And you didn't tell any of us?"

"I told Anakin and Obi Wan." Ahsoka said as calmly as she could. "Master Gek knows as well. We didn't want it too widespread. Otherwise Palpatine might have found out that we knew."

Windu narrowed his eyes. Ahsoka got a feeling of distrust from him, something she was sure he wanted her to feel.

"I'm the reason you could retreat here." Ahsoka said. "Much of the 501st were dechipped by the time the Order came and we were able to help the rest."

She pushed back the memory of Rex and his empty, empty eyes and focused on the moment.

"Countless Jedi are dead." Windu snapped. "If this was known-"

"Don't you dare blame Ahsoka!" Anakin snarled. "If she thought you'd do anything about it, maybe she would have told the Council!"

Windu's nostrils flared. He tried to stand, but faltered, a look of pain flashing across his face.

"Master Windu, you are still injured." Obi Wan said. "This has been a great tragedy, all orchestrated by Palpatine. We should not turn on the allies we have left."

Windu kept his unyielding gaze on Ahsoka, but eased himself back onto his cot. Ahsoka shot Obi Wan a grateful look. Anakin finally sheathed his lightsaber and turned his back on Windu.

"Anakin," Ahsoka said. "Have you spoken with Rex?"

Anakin took a moment to focus on Ahsoka. His brow was still furrowed.

"What?" He asked. "Er- no, Ahsoka. But I know his chip came out all right."

He looked around, as if expecting to see Rex there.

"He hasn't come to visit?" He asked.

"No." Ahsoka said.

Anakin put a hand on her shoulder.

"He's okay, Snips." He said.

Ahsoka's blocked bond and Jesse's lowered eyes told her otherwise.

Ahsoka tried not to wince as she walked through the halls of the Defiant. She felt bad about lying to Kix about how she felt, but waiting a rotation to find Rex was her limit. She passed clones in the halls. They saluted her or gave her tired smiles. Some avoided her gaze and kept their heads lowered. Ahsoka knew those clones had not had their chips removed until the order had been given. Shame weighed down the air around them.

She tried to give each a reassuring smile as she passed, but it barely made a dent in the overwhelming feelings they suffered.

Ahsoka at last reached the door to Rex's quarters. Jesse had suggested she look there first. Even though he had closed their bond, Ahsoka could sense Rex in there.

She hit the door chime and waited. There was no response. She tried again with the same result.

I'm not leaving. She sent him, though she wasn't quite sure he could hear.

She waited for a long time in front of the unyielding door. She knew he knew she was there. She blinked as there was a loud metallic clatter from within. Then there was a rush of words, pushed through a tiny gap in his mental blockade.

The door is unlocked. Do not come near me.

Ahsoka immediately opened the door and stepped inside. Rex was sitting on his bunk with his eyes trained on the floor. He was only wearing his blacks and gauntlets. His armor was scattered across the floor. For some reason, his cybernetic leg was thrown across the room. Ahsoka took a step towards it.

"Leave it." Rex croaked.

Ahsoka looked up at him. She could feel the blockage in their bond strain with the emotions he was holding from her.

"Rex-"

"Don't." He said. "Don't say it wasn't my fault."

"It wasn't." She said.

"I shot you." He hissed. "I shot Fives."

He still wouldn't look at her. She couldn't help but take a step towards him.

"Don't!" The fear in his voice was nearing panic. "Don't come near me!"

Ahsoka stopped where she was. Was he afraid of her? Of retribution?

"I'm not going to hurt you, Rex." She said.

He shook his head. Ahsoka realized his blasters were tossed far from where he could get them. It clicked.

"And you're not going to hurt me."

"You don't know that!" Rex said. "You don't know what else is hiding in my kriffing head! What else did the Kaminoans program me to do?"

"There's nothing of them left in your head." Ahsoka said. She took another step forward.

Rex clutched at his head.

"You didn't know the chips were there!" He said. "There could be more!"

"There isn't." Ahsoka said, taking another step. "I can only feel you."

He seemed to realize what she was doing.

"Ahsoka, please." He begged. "I don't want to hurt you again."

She was within arm's length now. He shrank from her.

"You're not going to." Ahsoka said.

She reached out and took his wrists. He finally looked at her and her heart broke for the fear and confusion in his eyes.

She lifted his arms and guided them forward. His face became horrified as she settled his hands on her shoulders, right next to her neck. All he had to do was shift his grip to have her in a choke hold. By his expression, he had realized this.

"Ahsoka-" He choked out.

Ahsoka released his wrists and left his hands in the precarious position.

"I trust you." She said.

The dam burst. Ahsoka merely closed her eyes and weathered the surge of agonizing guilt, shame, and fear Rex had been holding back. The pressure of his hands on her shoulders lifted. When Ahsoka opened her eyes again, he had covered his face.

Ahsoka examined the flood of emotions now laid bare before her. She was glad to feel that some of the fear had subsided. He knew that he wasn't going to hurt her. But everything else- Rex hated himself for what happened. He felt he had failed her and everyone else in the 501st by not managing to get his chip out. And- his hands hurt.

Ahsoka didn't know why she latched onto that single pain. It was so small and insignificant compared to the emotional torture he was putting himself through. But Ahsoka found herself reaching for his hands again. She had to start somewhere.

Rex looked at her as she gently pulled his hands away from his face. He didn't move as she eased his gauntlets off. She placed them to the side and took his right hand.

He didn't resist, but it was because his harrowing guilt seemed to have paralyzed him.

For a moment she took the time to run her fingers over the callouses and scars that made landmarks on his skin. The skin on his palms and pads of his fingers was especially rough and hardened.

"Ahsoka." Rex's voice was a mere whisper. "You shouldn't have to do this."

"You shouldn't have to suffer." She replied.

She tried to meet his gaze again, but he looked away in shame. He believed he deserved the aching in his hands. Such a small thing, but it made Ahsoka want to cry that he felt he deserved pain.

Ahsoka began to knead the taut muscles. She pointedly ignored the few tears slipping down his cheeks. He let out a soft gasp as she dug into a hard knot in the meat of his palm. But she could feel that her administrations were working.

As she worked, she slipped into his mind and began to smooth the jagged emotions and litany of hateful thoughts.

I betrayed everyone.

It wasn't your fault.

I hurt my brother.

It wasn't your fault.

I hurt you.

It wasn't your fault.

The thoughts began to quiet and Ahsoka became aware of the exhaustion he had been pushing back.

"When was the last time you slept?" Ahsoka asked.

She laid his right hand down on his knee and took up his left.

"Not since the chip was removed." Rex mumbled. "I couldn't sleep until all of the clones had them out. Ahsoka, please, you don't have to-"

"And after?" Ahsoka interrupted him.

His hand twitched in her grip.

"If I sleep, I'll see it all again." He said.

Ahsoka didn't speak for a moment. Rex didn't need another subject for nightmares.

"When I'm done here, you're going to go to sleep." She said. "I'll stay with you and you won't dream of it."

He looked away.

"You shouldn't have to." He said.

"I want to." Ahsoka assured him. "Please."

His shoulders sagged and he nodded.

She wished that she could massage the hatred he felt for himself away as easily as she could the tension in his hands and fingers. She had managed to ease, for now, much of the guilt and shame. But it wouldn't be permanent. He would have to overcome that himself.

It wasn't long before Ahsoka was satisfied that his hands were in much better condition than they were before.

"You should have this done regularly, you know." Ahsoka said.

He didn't reply. Ahsoka didn't let go of his hand, opting to run her thumb along its back. They had suffered, both of them, so much. And it wasn't over.

Ahsoka turned his hand over and looked at his scars. She traced them with her other hand. If anyone did not deserve more pain, it was Rex.

She lifted his hand and pressed her lips to his palm. A bolt of emotion tore through the Force. Rex's breathing became ragged.

I tried to kill you.

His mental voice was pleading, begging her to not show the love he felt he did not deserve.

I forgive you.

It was nearly too much for him. She set his hand down, giving it a final squeeze before she let go.

"Go to sleep, Rex." She said.

He obediently lowered himself down onto his side. His mind still sparked. It seemed that sleep was lightyears away from him.

"Can I help you?" She asked.

He nodded.

"Sleep." She said, wrapping the suggestion around him like a cocoon.

Relief wavered from him as his eyelids drooped. In his eyes, as they closed, Ahsoka saw a spark of the same love she had seen before.

His heavy emotions slowly eased from the Force as his breathing evened out. Ahsoka let out a long sigh, settled herself next to his bed, and prepared for her vigil. She would make sure he was at peace, if only for a little while.

To make it clear the list of Jedi we KNOW have survived:

Anakin

Obi Wan

Shaak Ti

Plo

Windu

Aayla

Ahsoka

Barriss

My concept here is that the 501st had a majority of their men remove their chips and by being careful, they were able to stun the chipped clones and get their chips out. Rex is not debilitated (physically) by his chip being snapped by Ahsoka because they got it out.

Fives lives! For now!

Cody unfortunately is under the chip, but I have plans for him.

So part 2 starts here! The original story of Guilty, leading up to Order 66, is over, and we are moving on to the next part with its own arc.

Anakin is stable here because he was relying on Obi Wan and Padme instead of Palpatine for the last few months.

Poor, poor Rex. He was just coming to accept that he loved Ahsoka and then Order 66 happens. And you know, more trauma in that he shot Fives as well.

So with Windu, he didn't go ham, he just did what he felt he had to do. He had no idea what was going on, and his survival instincts kicked in. So not great, but not the worst either.

Forgive my sluggish brain and if I missed anything.

Wear your masks, remember to review, and see you next week for Fives Effect!