GUESS WHO'S DOING THIS INSTEAD OF HOMEWORK! IT'S MEEEEEE! It's not like anything's due SUPER soon. It's fine. I'm responding to the comments from the last two chapters, because I didn't do it last time.

LittleSoka7567: My writing process is extremely complicated. I write the first draft, often months before it's published. Both my editors and I have busy lives, so we can only meet once a week to edit, if that. We edit by reading each other's works out loud, which takes time, but is our preferred method. We can only get through a certain amount at a time, often not enough for a full chapter, especially if we all have something to contribute. This takes longer since I have two active fics. We can only meet after a certain time because both my editors have young children. Then I need to rewrite anything that needs to be changed, which can include entire scenes or concepts. I do everything in my power for you guys to have a chapter every two weeks, but anything faster than that is unfeasible. I want my fic to be the best it can be and that takes time.

As for your other complaint, after such a large, emotional, world changing event as Order 66, the story needs time to reestablish the world after. Characters need to find their place in the world again. The aftermath needs to explored. Tension can come from other sources rather than action.

I hope you can appreciate my reasonings.

OneLittleSpark18: LOVE! And oh boy did I appreciate that baby. So many cuddles. And I appreciate your support so much!

TigerNinja16: I'm so sorry I didn't say it last chapter but HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you enjoyed your birthday chapter!

6to17: OOPS I DID NOT. She's Chancellor Amidala in my other fic, so sometimes I make a mistake. I'll have to get that fixed.

So if this chapter feels off, it's because I've had to adjust the timeline. This originally took place AFTER Rex and Ahsoka were in a relationship. But I changed the timeline, so here we are. Some long awaited stuff, some pining, and some jokes that my editors demand I put in instead of just saying while we were editing.

Mando'a translation at the end!

The med bay was quiet and Echo and Fives were finally alone. Rex had been shooed off into his own bed where Commander Tano still sat with him. Kix still checked on Fives often, but he had other duties, as did Tup and Jesse. Fives himself was snoring softly. Kix said that while Fives would recover, it would take some time. Echo didn't want to leave Fives' side. Fives had hurt him, yes, but Echo loved his brother too much to stay away. But it still stung that those words were still between them.

I told you to go. I've gone this long without you, I can handle it.

The bitter way Fives had spat the words at him had pierced Echo's heart. Brothers argued, yes, but it had never felt like that.

Fives stirred. Echo gave his brother a grin as Fives' eyes blinked open. He felt that smile falter at the look of relief in Fives' face.

"Yeah, I'm still here." Echo said. "Don't look so surprised."

Fives frowned at that and Echo immediately regretted it. There were probably a lot of times where Fives had woken up, expecting Echo, and Echo hadn't been there.

"Well, I didn't know what the Bad Batch's plan was." Fives said lightly. "I'd thought maybe you'd be gone already."

Echo winced.

"The Batch doesn't have a plan as of yet." He said. "I don't know if they even want to leave."

"I got the sense they don't like it around here." Fives said. He looked at Echo. "That they don't like the company."

Echo met Fives' gaze.

"It's more that they feel they don't fit in." He said.

"Ah, we're all clones, aren't we?" Fives said.

Echo closed his eyes, remembering the flesh torn from his body. He remembered Tech's diagnosis- more machine than man, percentage-wise.

"Not completely."

When he opened his eyes again, he was met with Fives' guilty face.

"I mean, we're all pretty weird." Echo said hastily. "Wrecker's twice my size, Tech's nearly blind- we all understand what it's like to not be like the others."

Fives was staring down at his lap. Di'kut! Echo scolded himself. He's still healing! The last thing he needs is you trying to convince him that you belong with the Bad Batch!

"Do y'think this makes me defective enough for the Bad Batch?" Fives asked, gesturing to his chest.

Echo blinked and then snorted.

"I'm serious!" Fives said. "It'd solve the problem, wouldn't it? You'd feel more at home and the Dominos would stay together. It's not like I'm stationed anywhere anymore."

Echo could feel the remainder of the fear and pain at the thought that Fives would die. He could see it mirrored in Fives' face at the prospect of Echo leaving again.

But there was still the matter of Fives looking for a brother that wasn't there anymore.

"I don't know if we'd work together like we used to." Echo said slowly.

"I'm willing to learn again." Fives said. "You think I couldn't handle that?"

Echo looked at Fives and saw determination in his eyes. Echo found himself smiling, a weight crumbling from his heart.

"Learning to work with me? Probably." He said. "Dealing with the smell? I'm not so sure."

Fives laughed.

"I lived with Hevy and Cutup, remember?" He said. "Once we got to Rishi, they forgot what a 'fresher was!"

"I'll take your application to Hunter, then." Echo said with a grin. "He should be able to see reason. Cross'll throw a fit though."

"He'll have a hell of a time stopping me from tagging along." Fives said.

"He'll try though." Echo said. "You should probably get back to sleep. You can't beat Crosshair into submission with a hole in your chest."

Fives rolled his eyes, but lay back. Echo settled onto his chair, but kept his good hand on Fives' shoulder. Fives closed his eyes, but then cracked one open.

"Love you, di'kut."

Echo chuckled.

"Love you too, utreekov."

Ahsoka strode through the Defiant, heading for the bridge. Rex followed her dutifully. He matched her step in the way he always did. It was comforting to her. They were silent as they made their way through the ship.

It had been two weeks since they had retrieved the bacta. Rex was still experiencing some negative effects from the null gas. Fives was recovering well, as were the other injured troopers.

Rex had taken back his role as Captain. He commanded as well as ever.

With Ahsoka, he had fallen back into the role of a friend. He was willing to talk and spend time with her. There was some distance, but things were- less awkward. Ahsoka didn't know if things could ever stop being awkward with how they felt.

In any case, Ahsoka wished it was so much more. It was driving her mad.

Anakin was pacing when they got to the bridge. Obi Wan was standing, hand in its spot on his chin, while Windu watched with arms folded. Plo was there, as was Wolffe, but Aayla was still in the med bay with Bly.

"Ahsoka." Anakin said as she and Rex entered. "You're here. Good."

"What's this about, Skywalker?" Windu asked.

His tone let Ahsoka know that he was still not pleased about the uncertainty of the Order's fate, despite doing nothing about it.

"I doubt Master Aayla is coming." Ahsoka told Anakin.

"I didn't bother asking." Anakin said. "We can fill her in later. But we've received a distress signal."

"From who?" Ahsoka asked, eager.

"Master Ti." Obi Wan said. "They were warned of the attack on the Temple and they were able to get the younglings off world."

Even Windu's expression loosened at the news.

"The younglings were spared." Plo muttered. "Thank the Force."

"This is excellent news." Windu put in. "We will be able to lay the groundwork for rebuilding the Order."

Ahsoka noticed both Anakin's and Obi Wan's uncomfortable expressions at that.

"Where are they?" She asked.

"Kaladin IV." Anakin said. "With your friend, Master Gek. They've run low on fuel and supplies. We need to get to them, in case the Empire picks up the signal."

"Speaking of fuel and supplies, Anakin." Obi Wan said. "We cannot just stay on our ship. We need somewhere to hide."

Anakin nodded.

"We'll figure out a place, so when we retrieve Master Ti and the younglings, we can go straight there."

"I can go, Anakin." Ahsoka said. "I've worked with Master Gek before, and I know a lot of the younglings."

She surprised herself with the quickness with which she volunteered. She felt Rex's own surprise echo through the bond. Rex was currently not cleared for duty. She'd have to go without him. Considering she'd spent the past few weeks doing all she could to spend as much time with him as possible, this seemed- odd.

Seeing how much it pained her to be around him lately, perhaps a break would be a good idea.

"I'm the best one for the job." She added to convince herself.

Anakin's mouth twisted.

"I was hoping that you could stay behind and help with the planet search, Snips." He said lightly.

Ahsoka raised an eyebrow at him and he shrugged his shoulders.

"Let her go, young Skywalker." Plo said. "She is determined."

Anakin sighed and nodded.

"Take a squad, three of the Nu shuttles, R2, and some spare fuel." He said. "Keep in contact."

"Right." Ahsoka said.

"I'll see if Kix will give me the all clear to come along." Rex said.

Ahsoka glanced at him in surprise. He looked all the world as if he was just volunteering for an average mission. He glanced at her back for a moment. Was this just so he could come with her?

"Rex, Kix says you'll still have issues for another week or so." Ahsoka found herself saying.

What are you doing? Ahsoka berated herself. He wants to come with you!

Rex seemed to deflate at that.

"Don't worry, Captain." Obi Wan said. "We will keep you busy."

Ahsoka and Rex nodded.

"When should I leave?" Ahsoka said.

"As soon as possible." Windu said.

Ahsoka kept her eyes on Obi Wan, letting Windu know that he was not in charge at the moment.

"Master Windu is correct." Obi Wan said. "Leave as soon as you can, Ahsoka. May the Force be with you."

Ahsoka collected Kix, Tup, Jesse, and Echo, as well as several pilots and medics,for the mission. Fives had volunteered, but Kix had laughed at the idea. Ahsoka hadn't thought that Echo would be willing to go, but apparently the Batch were still content with hanging around.

"Thanks." She told Echo after he'd grabbed his gear from the Havoc Marauder. "You'll be a real help."

"As will I." Tech said.

Ahsoka looked over to see Tech, fully kitted up, exiting the Marauder.

"You want to come?" She asked.

Tech nodded absent-mindedly.

"I have been in communication with General Bas Gek since the discovery of the chips." He said. "It is in my best interest to ensure his safe arrival."

Ahsoka exchanged looks with Echo. Hunter heaved a sigh.

"Wrecker, go with them." He said.

Wrecker grinned at them and jogged onto the Marauder to get geared up..

"Bring them back in one piece." Hunter told Ahsoka as Omega gave her brothers, including Echo, goodbye hugs. "I normally wouldn't split up, but this seems fairly routine."

"Don't worry." Ahsoka said. "It should be."

She watched Omega wrap her arms around Tech, who placed his hand on her head in response.

"More kids! This'll be great!" Omega said. "Make sure they get here safe, Tech!"

Wrecker scooped Omega up, eliciting a shriek of delight from the girl.

"Don't worry, 'Mega!" Wrecker said. "We'll bring you back a friend!"

"Should." Hunter said. "Should being the key word."

He ran his hand through his hair.

"They respect you, so they'll listen to you." He went on. "Probably."

Ahsoka raised an eyebrow.

"Probably." She repeated. "That's comforting."

"If it's life or death, which hopefully it won't be, they'll follow your orders." Hunter said.
Ahsoka could see the worry in Hunter's eyes. She patted him on the shoulder.

"They'll be okay." She said.

She beckoned to Echo, Tech, and Wrecker. Wrecker put Omega down and the three followed Ahsoka to the hangar that held the Nu class shuttles. She was surprised to see Rex there, watching the clones load up the ships. She'd thought he'd get straight to planet searching.

"Time to move out." She called as they finished up.

Rex clasped hands with his brothers, clapped Echo on the shoulder, and nodded to Tech and Wrecker. He turned to Ahsoka.

"Good luck." He said. "Be careful."

"I will." Ahsoka said.

After only a moment's hesitation he clasped hands with her. She smiled at him and his lips quirked up in response.

He didn't let go. His amber eyes pierced hers.

"I won't be there to watch your back." He said.

It sounded like a lament rather than the warning she expected. In his unhappy eyes Ahsoka could see his concern and worry. For a brief moment, she considered tossing the mission to the side, just so she could ease his anxiety. She could see in him the rash desire to join them despite his condition. If he asked, she would let him.

No! Ahsoka scolded herself. It would put him in danger and she needed to be able to function without him. So she shrugged a little before he could speak.

"Get better, then." She told him. "I can't be expected to deal with this rabble alone for more than one mission."

That got a real smile out of him. He squeezed her arm.

"Urcye mhi." He said.

"Urcye mhi." She replied.

Rex frowned at the screen before him. Most clones were adept with navigating databases and absorbing information. Hell, they did flash training. But that in no way meant they enjoyed it. Rex found it difficult enough and he had wondered how clones like Hardcase or Wrecker ever made it through training.

He brought up the next file for a moon around Endor, though he already knew it wasn't viable. They didn't have the resources to build something from the ground up and the Endor moon was void of anything they could use. Plus, there were rumors of feral locals that Rex wasn't keen on testing.

He and Wolffe were sitting by Bly's bed in the medbay, scouring their datapads. The Marshal Commander himself had his own and was searching fervently with them. General Secura sat with them also. She was perched on the side of Bly's bed, arm around his shoulder. Bly was still recovering, but once he had heard what Wolffe and Rex were doing, he insisted on being a part of it. No clone liked having nothing to do.

Rex tried very hard to not notice the way General Secura kept touching Bly. His face, his hands, his chest. She seemed unable to keep her hands off of him. Rex also tried not to be uncomfortable with it. From what he could tell, the Jedi Order had disbanded and Bly was definitely no longer part of the GAR. There were no rules against it.

"I've got one." Wolffe said.

Rex didn't look up. He could guess what it was, as Wolffe had suggested nothing else for the past two hours.

"What is it?" Bly said politely.

"Mustafar."

"For the Prime's sake, Wolffe, not Mustafar!" Rex said testily. "We've been over this!"

"No one would expect us to make a base on a lava planet." Wolffe said stubbornly.

"Do you want to live on a lava planet?" Rex asked.

Wolffe shrugged.

"I'd be alive."

"Let's keep looking." General Secura suggested.

She had curled both arms around Bly, practically sitting in his lap.

"Cyar'ika, I'm trying to work." Bly said.

"That's nice." General Secura replied.

Wolffe grunted and lifted his datapad again. Rex looked back to his own.

He tapped away from Endor and added it to the 'unviable' folder. The size of the folder dwarfed their 'viable' collection. They had found less than half a dozen possibilities so far, risky possibilities at that. Meanwhile, there were hundreds that they couldn't use.

He missed Ahsoka. Having a bond with her made it worse. He could feel her distance and the small part in his mind that was her reminded him what he was missing. He had wanted so badly to go with her. It was his job to watch her back. He tried to convince himself that it wasn't because of the way he felt about her. It was good that she decided to go without him.

He was glad that they were able to have a functional relationship again. Deeper in his core, there was a raging battle. One side was his love for her. Seeing Bly and General Secura together made that side stronger. He imagined Ahsoka's face if he called her cyar'ika. The mental image made him feel weak. Why not? His heart asked. She loves you. It would make her happy. Why not?

The opposing side, his mind, was ready with its answer. What being in the galaxy could deserve Ahsoka Tano? Certainly not a lowly clone. What could he possibly offer? Surely not a long life together.

Rex shook himself and focused on the task at hand. It was hard, as it was so dull. The most entertaining thing was Wolffe's occasional suggestion of Mustafar. Rex vetoed several more planets and moons before-

He looked closer at the moon he had pulled up, Yavin IV. There hadn't been a Republic base on it, but it was covered in abandoned temples. Temples that could provide shelter and be easily outfitted with technology as they gathered supplies.

He stood, glancing at Bly and General Secura. Bly had stopped all work and was drowsing in General Secura's arms. Rex snapped his head forward, pointedly ignoring them. He supposed Bly needed his rest, but Rex himself was not ready to see a brother in an out in the open relationship.

Wolffe looked up at Rex and raised an eyebrow.

"I think I've got something." Rex told him. "I'm going to go tell the Generals."

He showed Wolffe the planet description.

"It's no Mustafar-" Rex rolled his eyes at that. "But it has potential. Maybe then we can actually do something.".

Rex nodded. Wolffe was reflecting the feelings of many troopers. They felt trapped here on the Defiant with little to do and nowhere to go. Worst of all, the Republic, their purpose, was gone.

Rex quickly made his way to the bridge. He expected to find multiple Jedi there, but it was only General Skywalker. He was near the viewport, staring into empty space. The General was clutching his elbows and his stance was tense.

Rex had gotten very good at reading General Skywalker's moods. Right now he was upset, but Rex wouldn't get thrown across the room for disturbing him.

"General?" Rex asked.

General Skywalker turned his head to Rex.

"Rex." He said.

The General's eyes were red. Had he been crying?

"Has there been any news of Senator Amidala, sir?" Rex asked.

General Skywalker closed his eyes.

"Somewhat." He said in a shaky voice. "She keeps appearing on broadcasts of the Senate, but- she doesn't look well, Rex. I'm sure Palpatine is watching her, if not worse."

Rex couldn't help but wonder at the fact that General Skywalker hadn't already taken the Twilight to Coruscant, either to murder Palpatine or find his wife.

"I'm sorry, sir." Rex said.

"It's hard." General Skywalker said. "It's been very hard."

Then he turned fully to look at Rex. He stayed solemn.

"Rex, appreciate the time you have with the one you love." He said.

Rex sucked in a sharp breath. He didn't know what to say. What was General Skywalker trying to imply?

"We're not blind, Rex." The General continued. "Not to mention we both have a Force bond with Ahsoka. Things sometimes filter through. Your feelings are clear."

"Sir-" Rex stammered. "I have no intention on acting on those feelings."

"Why not?" General Skywalker asked. "What's stopping you?"

"Sir, I am a clone." He said. "Commander Tano deserves-"
"Rex, I used to be a slave." General Skywalker said. "My wife was a queen and is a Senator. She still loves me."

He paused, looking away.

"You deserve Ahsoka far more than I deserve Padme."

Rex nearly laughed at that. General Skywalker was a Jedi, a master tactician and brilliant pilot. Rex was a clone. It wasn't his duty. He was made for war and death, not love.

It was ridiculous.

Rex didn't challenge the General, however. General Skywalker was moody and grieving his separation from his wife. Best to not contradict him.

"In- any case sir." Rex said after a moment. "I think I've found a decent spot for a base of operations."

General Skywalker pulled a thin veil of professionalism over himself.

"Let's take a look."

He wasn't doing a good job of hiding his melancholy and distress. He kept sighing and glancing out the window. But still- it was remarkable how well the General was handling things. He would have expected General Skywalker to have done something very foolish at this point.

As Rex showed General Skywalker the file, a creeping doubt wormed its way into his mind.

What if the General is right?

Ahsoka could tell that Tech did not like having someone else fly the ship. He kept glancing at R2 with a disapproving air and kept making disparaging remarks about the ability of droids.

Ahsoka kept her tongue about his own flying abilities.

The rest of her team was used to it, having flown with R2 at least one.

"Quit your bellyaching." Jesse told Tech after a few hours. "'Least General Skywalker isn't flying."

"General Skywalker flies like a dream compared to Tech." Echo said.

R2 beeped his agreement. Wrecker glanced at the droid for the hundredth time.

"Hey, Commander." Wrecker asked. "Can I do some workouts with the droid?"

"Sure." Ahsoka said.

R2 gave a betrayed whistle as Wrecker grinned and stepped towards him.

"If you're okay with be shocked with every rep." Ahsoka added.

Wrecker's face fell and R2 laughed in binary. Ahsoka smiled to herself. Luckily Kaladin IV wasn't far from where they had been, so it'd only be around half a standard rotation before they got there.

Eventually even Tech settled down, working on Echo's cybernetics as Echo lay on the floor. He claimed to be able to eliminate the pain Echo felt whenever he scomped into something. Ahsoka was glad that they had Tech to help upgrade Echo's parts. She doubted the Kaminoans would have been willing and now they wouldn't even have the chance to ask.

That thought gave her pause. What of Kamino? What was the Empire's plan for the cloners and their operation? She didn't care what happened to the actual species, but the fate of the clones scared her. She had a bad feeling about it.

She considered reaching out to talk with Rex, but scolded herself for the idea. She could handle being without him for a few rotations. That was the point of this. She loved him, yes, but she didn't need to be at his side every moment like a mother nuna hen and her chick. Besides, he was probably busy trying to find them a base of operations.

Jesse came up and sat next to her. It had been surprisingly quiet for the last few hours. Tup dozed, Kix went through his medical supplies, and Wrecker was watching Tech's work on Echo.

"So." Jesse said after a few minutes. "How's Rex?"

Ahsoka glanced at him.

"You've been around him." She said. "You should know."

"Not as well as you." Jesse said. "You think we haven't noticed the way you have conversations without talking now?"

Ahsoka shrugged, though she felt her cheeks warm. Of course they would notice.

"He and I are connected in the Force." She admitted. "We can share thoughts and feelings."

"Then I'll ask again. How's Rex?"

"He's better than he was." Ahsoka said. "He's been dealing with a lot of guilt over what happened during- what happened. The bacta mission helped with that."

"He was allowed to make his own choices." Echo piped up, still flat on his back.

Ahsoka nodded.

"He doesn't trust himself all the way right now." She said. "But give him some time. Acting as Captain again should help."

"I've been meaning to ask about that." Jesse said. "What exactly are we?"

"Clones." Tech said flatly.

"That's not what I meant." Jesse said. "I mean as an organization. We're not the GAR anymore, since there's no Republic. But we still act like we are."

Ahsoka knew what Anakin wanted them to be: a rebellion. She didn't know how she felt about that.

"We're just people." She told Jesse. "Trying to survive."

"Huh." Jesse said. "I've never been just people before. What's it like?"

"How are any of us supposed to know that?" Kix asked. "We're clones and the Commander's been a Jedi for most of her life. Even after that, she was still our Commander."

"Sorry, Jesse." Ahsoka said. "I'm as lost as you."

"Kriff." Jesse said. "Well, there's not been much of a difference this far."

"I believe you will start noticing the effects when we are no longer regularly supplied with food, fuel, and other necessities." Tech said. "As well as the fact that we are all fugitives."

"I wonder what that's like." Ahsoka said dryly.

Jesse snorted in an embarrassed way.

R2 gave a beep. Ahsoka turned her attention back to the controls.

"Ah. We're approaching Kaladin IV." She said.

Then she fell silent, horrified by what she saw.

"What's wrong?" Jesse asked immediately.

"There's a Venator in orbit." She said. "The Empire must have picked up their signal."

Mando'a:

Di'kut - idiot, useless individual, waste of space. lit. someone who forgot to put their pants on

Utreekov - fool, idiot. lit. emptyhead

Urcye Mhi - variation on traditional Mando'a farewell, Ret'urcye Mhi. lit. We WILL meet again instead of maybe we'll meet again

Cyar'ika: sweetheart

Okay, starting from the top! The scene with Echo and Fives did not exist until some lovely commenters said how much they needed to have a talk. And I was like 'oh shoot you right.' So I whipped up a version, had it torn apart by my editors, and picked up the pieces into the version we have now. It was originally more emotional and straightforward talking about their emotions. But then my editors were like 'most men don't actually talk about their feelings like that and also you used up your one super emotional moment with Fives when they found Echo. Plus you're kind of ignoring Fives' needs' Which makes sense, the clones are very stoic, BUT HOW THE HECK ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO HAVE CHARACTERS TALK THROUGH A PROBLEM WHEN THEY AREN'T STRAIGHTFORWARD WITH THEIR FEELINGS. That being said, I'm very please with how it turned out. It feels a lot more natural now and it feels way more in character. And Fives needs are being met too which is good.

THE YOUNGLINGS ARE COMING BACK, BABY. And Fox, and Barriss, and Shaak Ti! I'll get into how they got off Coruscant later. I'm excited to bring Gek back, I just adore him. (though I realized, though I wrote him BEFORE the Bad Batch, that he's rather similar to Cid, another grumpy Trandoshan) Also, we can't stay on the Venator forever. World wise and story telling wise. I like the idea of the Batch splitting up more. Gives us some more dynamics.

I had to adjust Rex and Ahsoka's goodbye to be SUPER PINING AND, in my sister's words, 'ten times more sexy.' I kid you not. While we were editing the scene with Rex, Wolffe, and Bly, I kept making jokes that my editors were just like EXCUSE YOU STOP MAKING FUNNY JOKES OUTSIDE THE STORY AND PUT THEM IN. That's how we got Wolffe's obsession with Mustafar and "Cyar'ika I'm trying to work." "That's nice"

Anakin is doing well, though he's understandably hurting. His reliance on Padme and Obi Wan after he stopped trusting Palps made him more prepared for this. So he's surprisingly stable, except the fact that he's giving out unsolicited romantic advice. I made this joke which didn't fit in the chapter but I'll give it to you here

Anakin: OBI WAN GO AFTER SATINE AND TELL HER YOU LOVE HER DON'T WASTE TIME

Obi Wan: Anakin...Satine is dead.

Anakin: Oooooooooooooh

And just some fun banter with the clones and Ahsoka, plus a little bit of pining. If only Rex could stop being so amazing, Ahsoka could focus on her job. (also laughs in binary and betrayed whistle are some of my favorite lines)

And dun dun duuuuuun CLIFFHANGER

Sorry if I rambled a bit, but what can you do.

Stay safe, remember to review, and have a great week!