Hello, good people!

Still loving TBB Season 3! (CX-2 is 100 percent Tech and I'll be dying on this hill, thank you) also Crosshair and Omega are my everything. And they are now taking ideas FROM STUFF THAT I HAVEN'T WRITTEN YET! You'll figure out what I'm talking about in a few chapters.

They're releasing the two parter Identity Crisis and Point of No Return ON MY BIRTHDAY! If I'm right, and Tech is revealed during those episodes, ON MY BIRTHDAY, don't be surprised if the next chapter never comes because I will be dead.

Sorry the chapter is up a bit late. Most of the chapter was written physically down and I had to transcribe it.

Zabuzasgirl: Thank you!

OneLittleSpark: Your review had me smiling like an idiot! You have no idea how much it means to me. If I ever end up writing for canon Star Wars, I'm blaming you fully. (and my editors of course) And then all the Star Wars fans better buckle up for some clone angst.

I've got some angst for you guys this chapter, big surprise. We're in the thick of the falling action and I've got stuff to set up as well.

No Mando'a this chapter!

Absolved: Chapter 43

"I don't want to leave him." Omega said.

Tech pursed his lips as he saw a trace of her former stubbornness cross her face. He did not know whether to be exasperated or relieved.

The Batch were all gathered in the medbay, keeping close to the bacta tank that held Crosshair.

"Omega, you're exhausted." Hunter said. "And they'll be transferring him to the tanks on the base now anyway."

"But-" Omega started.

Wrecker knelt next to her.

"Hey." He said. "Lula's waitin' for ya. And have you said hi to Gonky yet?"

Omega wiped her eyes. Tech was grateful for Wrecker as his brother pulled Omega into a hug. Omega seemed to need more physical touch now, which was something Wrecker was able to provide. Tech was endeavoring to give her what she needed, but it would not be enough without his brother.

Omega glanced at Crosshair floating in the tank.

"How much longer?" She asked.

"They're estimating another day." Echo said. "But he'll need to rest. They need his tank for other injured."

"We will only be an inconvenience if we remain." Tech said. "Come, Omega."

Omega sighed, her eyes still on Crosshair. Tech frowned as Crosshair's still expression shifted. Then Omega reached up and took Tech's hand.

"We'll make sure that he makes it all right." Hunter assured her. "Try and get some rest."

Tech and Wrecker led Omega from the medbay. She squeezed her eyes shut as they walked through, as if it were too loud. As they left, she perked up.

"Fixer!" She said.

The three members of Delta Squad were walking down the ship's corridor.

"Just who I was looking for." Fixer said. "We're heading out and I thought you should know."

"To find your brother?" Omega asked.

Fixer nodded.

"He was never listed as KIA." He said. "He's probably off stuck with one of the clone legions still under the chip. We're going with the team that's recovering them."

Omega threw her arms around Fixer's middle. The commando blinked before placing a hesitant hand on her head. Tech was reminded of the first time Omega had hugged him.

"Thank you." Omega said. "Thank you for being there."

Fixer looked down and away from Omega.

"I didn't do much." He said. Tech thought he sounded angry. "Especially after they enhanced my chip."

"I couldn't have done it without you." Omega insisted.

Scorch laughed, and nudged Fixer.

"For once not taking credit!" He said. "Good luck, kiddo. We'll catch up when we get back."

Omega hugged him too and gave a nervous wave to Sev.

Tech felt like a fool as the two groups went their separate ways. Fixer had been there. He might have information that Omega did not. Tech gestured for Wrecker and Omega to wait and caught up to Fixer.

"I would like a- report on your experiences with Omega." He said. "It may be useful in helping her."

Fixer stared at Tech.

"I- yes. I can do that. Expect it tomorrow." He said. "But- you have to understand. I was under the control of the chip. I tried to-"

He cut himself off and shook his head.

"If I could have stopped it, I would have."

Tech furrowed his brow. He wondered at the strength of the chip that it would prevent anyone from helping Omega in such a situation.

He wanted to tell Fixer that he was not at fault. Logically, it was true. He found that he could not.

Their flight from the Venator to Yavin was a short one. Omega spent it in her room, curled with Lula. In fact, she was asleep by the time they touched down. Tech went to check on her. Wrecker was watching her too, resting his head and arms on the lip of her room.

"We're gonna be able to help her, right?" He whispered. "She's gonna be okay?"

Tech wanted to say yes.

"I do not know." He said.

A jolt of guilt stabbed him. If his hypothesis was correct, Omega was Force sensitive now. Then- the Jedi would be able to help. But then they would take Omega away.

Wouldn't they?

He knew that Omega was past the age that the Jedi took children and that they provided a choice for the family. But the Jedi numbers had been so badly reduced. They would likely take any prospective Jedi, possibly by force.

A part of his mind whispered that they should do anything to help their sister, even if it meant losing her.

No. Not if there was another way.

The proximity sensors pinged, jolting Tech from his thoughts. He went to check them and found that someone was standing outside the ship.

As the ramp lowered, Tech caught sight of red and gold. Taja.

He let his instincts move him. He was afraid of thinking too much. He descended the steps two at a time and took her into his arms. She held him back. Tech kissed her in between her montrals.

"I am relieved that you are safe." He said.

"The feeling's mutual." She replied. It felt right to have her in his arms again. "Did you find her?"

The feeling of contentment fled.

"Yes." He said.

Taja pushed him back to look at him. Tech could not meet her eyes.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"Omega- has been traumatized." Tech said. Words came tumbling from his lips. "They experimented on her, tortured her, hurt her, and-"

And it's your fault.

He nearly spoke the thought aloud. He choked it down and took a shuddering breath.

Taja put her hand on his face. He resisted the urge to flinch.

"Oh, Tech." She said. Tears trickled down her face. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry."

He knew she was both apologizing for her role in Omega's suffering and expressing her condolences.

"It was not your fault." He mumbled.

"Wasn't it?" Taja asked. "I was the one who took her, regardless of my intentions."

"I have forgiven you." Tech said. "It should not matter anymore."

"Tech?"

Tech froze at Omega's small voice. Taja had gone stiff as well, staring over Tech's shoulder. Wrecker spoke a second later.

"'Mega, I didn't see you wake-"

"What is she doing here?" Omega's words were a whisper.

Tech forced himself to turn around. Omega stood in the doorway. She had brought her hands to her chest, balled into fists. Her eyes were wide and she was shaking.

"Wrecker, take her-" Tech started

"No!" Omega sounded angry. "Why is she here? She took me!"

"Omega." Tech said. He hated the way Omega was looking at him. Like she was distrustful of him. "This- is Taja. Nala Se lied to her. She and her brother believed they were taking you home."

Omega's eyes flicked to Taja for just a second.

"Once we told them, they helped look for you." Tech went on.

"Omega." Taja said. "Your brother gives too many excuses. What I did was wrong and you were hurt because of my actions. I am sorry."

Omega swallowed, staring at her. Wrecker had his hand on her shoulder.

"You- really didn't know?" Omega asked.

Taja shook her head.

"Had I known how much your brothers love you, I would have never taken the job."

Omega nodded. Tech let go of Taja and stepped to Omega. He touched her other shoulder. She seemed to be trembling.

"I apologize for surprising you." Tech said. "We will discuss this later and find a solution. You are tired. Please, go rest."

Omega reached up and grabbed his wrist. Tech was sure that she was still afraid. She finally turned away and took Wrecker's hand.

Tech watched her go, his heart aching. He let out a long breath. Taja touched his arm and he looked back at her.

Her brow was furrowed and more tears were welling from her eyes.

"Tech, we can't do this anymore."

A pit opened in Tech's chest and his face went numb. He stared at the ground.

"No," He said "I cannot lose you."

"Look at me." Taja said dully.

Tech tried. But when he met her green eyes, he could only see Omega weeping.

"You didn't see your face. It hurts you to be with me." Taja said. "It clearly hurts Omega. And it would hurt me to be the cause of your pain. And- I want to be looked at with love, not regret."

Her logic was sound and though it was painful, he was nearly swayed. But he had one final argument.

"I love you." He said.

Taja choked out a teary laugh.

"You figured it out?" She asked.

Tech nodded.

"If what I feel for you is not love, then I do not love my siblings." He said. "The feelings are similar enough that they must be related."

He did not quite understand her smile as she took his hand and kissed his knuckles.

"I love you too." She said. "But I don't know if that's enough right now."

Tech closed his eyes. Did she have to be so logical? Did she have to understand so thoroughly how to convince him?

He supposed that was a part of why he loved her.

He nodded.

"May I kiss you once more?" He asked.

"Please." Taja replied.

Tech took her face in his hands and kissed her, stroking her cheek with his thumb. He tried to imbue as much pleasure as he could into the act. He attempted to lose himself in the pressure and movement of their lips. But he knew he had to let go eventually.

"You have gotten much better at that." Taja said once he let go.

"I have had an amiable practice partner." Tech replied. "What will you do now?"

"Stay with the Rebellion." Taja said. "It is a good cause and Admani and I can be of use."

She paused and brushed her hand against his.

"This doesn't have to be goodbye forever." She said. "Heal, Tech, and help Omega heal. Maybe when she has, we can see each other again."

"Do you believe she can?" Tech asked.

He could not look at her at all now. He just stared at a point to the side of her.

"I did." Taja said. "She can as well."

Hope sparked inside Tech. He took her hand and ran his thumb over her knuckles.

"Thank you." He said. "For everything."

"Be safe." She replied. "Goodbye, Tech."

Tech let go of her hand.

"Goodbye, Taja."

She turned and walked towards the main base. Tech watched her go. He slowly lowered himself on shaking legs onto the Marauder's ramp.

He sat there, watching the place she had disappeared until Wrecker came out. Wrecker didn't say anything, but sat next to Tech. He put his heavy arm around Tech's shoulders. The pressure was comforting.

Life was not fair, Tech knew. If it was, the clones would have been rescued from the Kaminoans. They would have not been sent to die for a Republic from which they were excluded. 99 would not have died. Omega would have never been taken.

That did not prevent the sentiment from crossing his mind.

It was not fair that Omega had been so badly hurt. It was not fair that he had fallen in love with her kidnapper. It was not fair that he could not have both Omega and Taja in his life.

He told Wrecker this. Wrecker sighed, long and deep.

"I think the best people have the worst things happen to 'em." He said. "You, Omega, Crosshair."

Wrecker squeezed Tech's shoulder.

"Things suck right now." He went on. "With Cross, and 'Mega. And you. But we're together again. That's something, right?"

Tech stared over the ancient base and the shuttles moving to and from the Venators above.

"Yes." He agreed.

This was nothing compared to the anxiety and uncertainty while Omega was gone. He would adapt and move on.

"I think Omega was afraid that you were gonna choose Taja over us." Wrecker said.

"I could not do that." Tech said and knew that it was true. "Taja- is dear to me. But Omega needs me now."

Wrecker patted Tech's back.

They went in a few minutes later. Wrecker laid down on a bunk and stared at the ceiling. Tech sat down and pulled out his data pad.

He had research to do.

"Tech?"

Tech looked up from his data pad at Omega's voice. It had been a few hours since Taja had left. Tech got up and went to her room.

"Yes?" He asked.

"It's okay that you're with- the bounty hunter." She said. She was wrapped in her blanket, biting her lip. "I can tell she didn't know. She feels really bad about it."

Tech looked at her, searching for words. Even he could tell that Omega was uncomfortable with Taja's presence. Yet she gave her blessing.

"Omega," Tech said. "Taja and I have decided to end our relationship."

Omega shrank back, but her shoulders relaxed slightly.

"You didn't have to." She mumbled.

Tech placed a hesitant hand on her cheek. He had learned to be physically affectionate with Taja. He could transfer some of that to Omega.

"It is for the best. For all of us." He said. "Taja and I both wish for you to recover and that is unlikely if I remain in the relationship."

Omega sniffed.

"Thank you, Tech." She said. "I'm sorry."

"You are not at fault." Tech told her.

She stared at him and Tech felt a distinct presence in his mind. It reminded him of Omega. It retreated and Omega relaxed fully.

Tech withdrew. His theory was practically confirmed. Now he had to discuss it with Hunter and the others.

"The Imperials have retreated further." Cody said. He gestured to a flashing line on the holo map. "But they're in a position to hold this border."

The briefing room on Yavin was more full than it had ever been. Anakin, Padme, Rex, and Ahsoka stood together. The rescued senators, Riyo, Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and the others were their own group. They were still nervous, even a week after their arrival. Master Fisto, Aayla, Bly, Gek, and Wolffe were the remnants of the old army. Cody led the meeting as if he had never been gone. They were only missing Obi Wan, who was still confined to the bacta tanks.

Even R2 was here, projecting the map. The droid had gone missing at the end of the siege, leading to Anakin nearly flying back to Coruscant to look for him. R2 had shown up a few hours after they had realized he was gone in the Y-wing he and Rex had taken. With him had been a frantic and confused C-3P0. R2 had gone back for his friend.

Ahsoka studied the map of the galaxy. The area Cody had indicated wasn't insignificant, but it was a hell of a lot better than how far the Empire had spread before.

"The Hutts and the other crime families have started to make their play." Cody went on. "The Empire's shattering has created a vacuum. If we want to set anything up, we need to stake a claim now."

"Stake our claim as what?" Riyo said. "I think we can agree that the Republic is not something to repeat, at least in its last days."

"No." Padme said. Even in just a week, she seemed stronger, less exhausted. "We must be something better. We need planets to band together, to become a part of something bigger, but still maintain a sense of individuality."

"An alliance." Bail Organa said. "A democratic alliance of planets."

The other senators nodded.

"Slow down." Gek growled. The senators looked at him. Ahsoka could tell they didn't quite know who he was. They were about to learn. "Democracy is lovely and all that, but it's what got us into this mess in the first place."

The senators immediately bristled.

"Do you wish to set up another Empire?" Mon Mothma asked coolly.

Gek rolled his eyes.

"Politicians." He muttered. "Listen, what happens when we start this thing and you all are immediately voted out of office?"

"We can't rule forever." Bail said. "Yes, we will ensure our positions during the genesis of our faction. The people will need stability. But if they eventually choose another leader, we will accept it."

"In any case." Rex interjected. "We need to move quickly. The planets the Empire has abandoned will be ripe for the taking by the crime lords. We need to act if we want to protect those people."

"Will they want us?" Wolffe asked. "They weren't pleased to see us on Coruscant."

"We're not going to conquer." Cody said. "We're going to keep them free."

"We will offer them our protection." Padme agreed. "Not force it on them."

She turned to Rex.

"I will also not force the clones to be our army." She said. "Rex, do you think your brothers will be willing?"

Rex folded his arms.

"Will we be granted citizenship in this new entity?" He asked.

Ahsoka thought the answer was obvious, but she understood Rex's need to have it said aloud.

Padme smiled.

"Of course."

"Then I think the men will be glad to have a chance to serve their home." Rex said.

It's their choice. Ahsoka had to remind herself. I have to trust them.

But she had wished, a foolish wish, that the clones could rest now.

The others were discussing a list of planets to begin with.

"Anakin." Ahsoka said. "I can lead the men out within one or two rotations."

She winced at the burst of shock from Rex, but she had a duty. She would be with her men-

"No." Anakin said.

He seemed even more stern than before with the new scars and furrows on half his face. Ahsoka froze and then felt foolish at her rashness.

Not in your condition, Snips. Anakin said through their bond.

Ahsoka tightened her lips, a part of her rebelling at his orders, but nodded. The others in the room looked confused, but Ahsoka was more concerned with the grateful look Rex shot Anakin.

"I want you protecting our non-combatants on Ossus." Anakin went on. "Yavin is our military base. I want all civilians off this planet."

A flash of annoyance burst inside Ahsoka.

"Anakin-" She started.

"I trust you to do this, Ahsoka." Anakin said.

He met her eyes.

I need you to protect my family. He sent. That includes you.

Please, 'Soka. Rex added.

Eavesdropping, Rex? Ahsoka asked him.

But they were both right. Her choices did not just affect her.

"I'll be leading the effort." Anakin said. Ahsoka thought she saw a spark of fear in Padme's eyes. "Rex, are you with me?"

Rex immediately looked to Ahsoka.

Do what you need to. She told him.

Rex would be merely establishing a presence on the abandoned planets. Far less dangerous than outright combat.

Besides, she trusted him.

"You can count on me, sir." Rex said aloud.

The meeting was adjourned after their first targets were decided upon.

"Ahsoka, Rex." Anakin said. "A word."

Padme joined them as the rest of the group filtered out. Once they were alone, Anakin grabbed Ahsoka into a hug.

"I should have told you earlier." He said. "Congratulations."

"More news?" Padme asked.

She had been shocked when Ahsoka had told her that she and Rex were married. She'd even seemed apprehensive. Ahsoka had understood. Padme hadn't seen what Ahsoka and Rex had gone through together like Anakin had.

Rex shared a glance with Ahsoka. She smiled slightly.

"Can't be helped." She said. "Anakin knows, and he's terrible with secrets."

"I am not!" Anakin said, offended.

"You want to ask the men who didn't know you had a secret marriage?" Ahsoka asked dryly. "But, Padme, I'm pregnant."

Padme's eyes went wide. Ahsoka could sense the bouquet of emotions her news had inspired. She wasn't surprised at the tears Padme wiped away.

"I'm sorry." Padme said. "It's just- you've suddenly grown up."

Ahsoka smiled sadly.

"The war had that effect on most of us, I think." She said.

Rex put his arm around her waist.

"I'm surprised you're letting Anakin bully you into going to Ossus." Padme said.

Ahsoka felt a slight squirm of discomfort.

"He's right." She said. "Ossus needs protecting, and it's probably not a good idea for me to be prancing around different planets while I'm pregnant. With Anakin with my men, there's really no need for me to be out there."

It was a lie. There was a need for her to be out there stabilizing the galaxy. A quiet, hidden voice whispered that she needed to atone for letting Palpatine live.

Forgive me if these ANs are a little short or nonsensical. I'm up too late.

I'm honestly trying to figure out what I want Boss to have been doing all this time. Even if he is still alive.

When I was editing Omega's scenes back when she was kept by Hemlock, my editors just went 'Tech won't be able to stay with Taja after this.' And they're right. Right now, it's too fresh, and Omega too wounded. But who's to say this is permanent?

I like Wrecker's little talk with Tech. I love Wrecker.

Better start talking, Tech, before Omega accidentally becomes a Sith.

So, I realized one day a while back that I COMPLETELY FORGOT THAT R2 WAS WITH REX DURING HIS MISSION. I mean, I always planned to have him go for 3P0!

I was adamant that they weren't going to set up a New Republic. Because honestly the Republic sucked. (and also the New Republic is kinda a dumb name)

So yeah, better start acting in the power vacuum. We've got more problems than just the Empire now.

Annnnd Ahsoka is still having guilt. That probably won't be a problem in the future. At least she's being smart and not leading her men on the frontline while pregnant *cough*Etain*cough*

That should be everything!

Stay safe, remember to review, and have a good two weeks!