Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 5: Show Me Your Dark Side

12 Days of Rexsoka Day 3: Force Bond/AU

I'm determined to get these out, even if they're late.

Okay, so since my other fics are basically Force Bond central, we're going with an AU. I'm usually not a fan of crossovers, especially when it's the characters meeting each other. For some reason it just doesn't click for me. However, I do enjoy imagining what kind of roles the characters would play if they were in another fictional world. You know, like when people assign Hogwarts Houses to characters. I decided to try that with the Mistborn Universe, by Brandon Sanderson.

Here's what you need to know if you aren't familiar.

There are two classes, the noble class and the skaa. The skaa are slaves, owned by their god-emperor, the Lord Ruler, and basically leased out to the nobles. The nobles, for the most part, see the skaa as subhuman, killing them without remorse. Nobles also fight amongst each other quite often.

The world is dying, in a way. The sun is red, ash volcanoes spout ash into the sky which falls to the earth, and plants are mostly brown and sickly. At night, mysterious mists come out that react to the world's magic.

If you have noble blood, there's a possibility that you are an Allomancer, which are the magic users of the world. The powers are used by ingesting specific metals and 'burning' them to get specific powers. Most Allomancers only have one power, called Mistings. Mistborn have all of them. The following are the known Allomancer powers at this point of the world's history.

Atium: rare God metal that allows the Allomancer to see into the future a few seconds. Makes on practically invincible.

Brass: Allows Allomancer to soothe emotions, called Soothers

Bronze: Allows Allomancer to find anyone burning any metal, called Seekers.

Copper: Allows Allomancer to hide themselves from Allomancers burning bronze, called Smokers.

Iron: Allows Allomancer to pull on any source of metal, seen by blue lines connecting the metal to the Allomancer's chest. If the metal is lighter than the Allomancer, it will fly to them. If the metal is heavier or stuck into something, the Allomancer will move, called Lurchers.

Pewter: Enhances Allomancer's physical abilities, like their strength, reflexes, and speed. Can also help overcome wounds and heal somewhat quicker, called Thugs.

Steel: Allows Allomancer to push on any source of metal, seen by blue lines connecting the metal to the Allomancer's chest.. If the metal is lighter than the Allomancer, it will fly away from them. If the metal is heavier or stuck into something, the Allomancer will move, called Coinshots

Tin: Enhances all five senses. Allows Allomancer to 'pierce' or see through the mists, called Tineyes.

Zinc: Allows Allomancer to riot or rage emotions, called Rioters

You have to have noble blood in order to have Allomancy. Skaa Mistings are not supposed to exist, and are hunted by the Lord Ruler's priests, the Steel Inquisitors.

That should be everything you need to know!

Day 3: AU

Ash fell from the sky.

Rex looked up, squinting against the dark flakes. It began to dust the stone walkways of the keep wall. It wasn't a good evening for the ash. A ball was being held at Keep Kenobi, whose main attraction was a mostly outdoors ballroom. They had a canopy they could draw over it, but Rex could think of at least one nobleman who would throw a fit over it. Lord Skywalker, one of Lord Kenobi's adopted scions, would be one of them. Skywalker was kind, as far as noblemen went, but Rex was part of his personal guard and would have to listen to the man complain well into the night. Lord Skywalker seemed so much less composed than the rest of the noblemen. It made Rex wonder if the rumors about him were true: that Lord Skywalker had skaa blood in him.

Rex shook himself. He was skaa. It wasn't his place to wonder about his betters. That lesson had been literally beaten into him during his training under House Kamino. Most skaa soldiers were from the noble house. They dealt not in goods, but in flesh, training the Final Empire's soldiers.

"No! Not tonight!" Lord Skywalker's voice rang out from somewhere inside.

Rex shared a covert look with his brother, Cody, who guarded the same door as Rex. In a moment the young Lord burst from the door, staring into the sky in disbelief.

"By the Lord Ruler!" Lord Skywalker swore. "Damn ashmounts! Not tonight!"

It was only a moment before a slender young woman with dark skin and sparkling blue eyes followed him out. Rex straightened at the sight of her. She deigned a smile to both Cody and Rex. Rex still hadn't gotten used to her friendliness after the few weeks she had been there. Lady Tano looked up at the sky and shrugged.

"It happens almost everyday, Anakin." She said. "You're just upset because Lady Amidala is going to be here and you wanted everything to be perfect."

"No." Lord Skywalker grumbled.

Lady Tano gave an exasperated sigh.

"Whatever you say, Anakin. I'd better go get ready for the ball. I suggest you get over yourself and do the same."

She turned with a grace that Rex swore wasn't natural. The rumors were that Lady Tano had been sent here by her previous patron, Lord Koon, because she was a Mistborn, to be trained under Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker. They were apparently Mistborns too, but watching Lord Skywalker storm back into the keep like a petulant child made Rex wonder about those rumors.

To Rex's surprise, Lady Tano stopped before entering the keep again.

"Anything out of the ordinary?" She asked Rex and Cody.

Rex blinked and glanced at Cody. Lady Tano had a teasing lilt to her voice. Rex knew better than to respond in kind.

"No, my Lady." Rex finally said.

"Keep up the good work then." Lady Tano said.

She left, Lord Skywalker complaining after her.

Rex waited until they were out of earshot before turning his head slightly to Cody.

"What was that about?" He muttered.

Cody shrugged.

"I guess not all nobles are like House Kamino."

It was dark soon and the mists came. Rex shivered in them. Even House Kamino's harsh training had not completely removed the fear of the mists from its skaa soldiers. It didn't make sense, seeing as Rex, along with almost every other soldier under their 'care', had been taken at a very young age. Rex barely remembered his mother. He wasn't even sure that Cody was his full blood brother. Not that that mattered. Rex considered many of the soldiers he had trained with his brothers.

The limelights soon were lit and Rex could see the carriages begin to roll in. He recognized most of them; most bore their house's colors and crest. He spotted Lord Koon's, Lady Amidala's, and Lord Organa's. Good people, at least by noblemen standards.

Music began drifting up from the open pavilion that Lord Kenobi used as a ballroom. The ash fall had stopped, so no canopy was needed. From up on the wall, all Rex could see was vague colored shapes that represented the couples.

Rex's stomach growled. He wouldn't have a chance to eat until the night's festivities were over. He was used to it. House Kenobi was in fact far more generous in feeding their skaa than House Kamino had been.

He watched the swirling bright colors below him. Ball nights usually meant the guards could be a bit lax. Any Mistborn that would want his lords dead was probably at that ball.

The hours passed slowly. Rex vaguely wondered how they could keep dancing for so long. He didn't see the appeal.

A noise behind him made him jump. Both he and Cody stepped back, readying their spears at whoever was coming through the door.

It was Lady Tano, dressed in a sparkling maroon ball gown. Rex relaxed as she slipped out of the door. She was bearing a large tray, filled with pieces of bread stuffed with meats and cheeses.

"Lady Tano?" Cody asked. "Is there something you need?"

"I'm more concerned about what you need." She said. "Obi Wan told me that ball nights are long for the guards. I'd figured you hadn't had anything to eat."

She proffered the tray. Rex and Cody stared at it. Questions lay on Rex's tongue, but even with Lady Tano's friendly demeanor, he didn't dare ask them.

Lady Tano rolled her eyes.

"Obi Wan said it was okay." She said. "All the other guards took one. Go ahead."

Rex finally lifted one off the tray and bowed his thanks. Cody followed suit. Lady Tano's smile widened.

"You're Cody and Rex, right?" She asked.

Rex blinked in surprise. Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker knew their names, but it had taken far longer than a few weeks to get them right consistently. Rex nodded again.

"Have a good night then, Cody and Rex. Hopefully the ball won't last much longer." She said.

She turned, most likely to find the next set of guards.

"Why aren't you still at the ball?" Rex burst out, then winced.

Lady Tano turned with a dark expression. Rex swallowed, but ready to be punished for speaking out of turn.

"I don't care for much of the company down there." She said. "And I don't care to pretend to."

It took a moment for Rex to realize her anger wasn't directed at him. She was glaring down at the bright lights and swirling colors.

"I understand that we have to keep the Houses from war, but-" She shook her head. "Tolerating scum like Dooku and Krell is too much."

Rex watched her expression. Even with her brow furrowed in frustration, she was beautiful. Rex found himself wanting to stare for a long time.

Then he remembered what she was, and more importantly, what he was. He looked down.

She sighed and turned around again. Once again boldness hit Rex.

"Have a good night, my Lady." He blurted.

She looked at him and broke into a genuine smile. Rex's heart fluttered oddly.

"Thank you!" She said, as if he had given her a lovely compliment. "Good night!"

Rex watched her go. Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker were good masters, but there was something different about Lady Tano. It was almost as if she cared.

Rex found himself thinking of Lady Tano often, especially on quiet nights like tonight, as he led the midnight patrol. In the weeks following the ball, Rex tried not to let himself get too attached to her. Lady Tano made it very difficult. She was constantly around, talking to the guards and servants. She seemed genuinely interested in their lives. Rex had tried very hard at first to be terse with her and give little information, but she was beginning to crack him. He was still waiting for the day that she proved her noble status.

Lady Tano never visited too late at night. Rex guessed it was because she was out training as a Mistborn. Rex had never seen one before, but he had heard plenty of rumors. They were supposed to be gods among men, able to kill with a look, and virtually invincible.

A crash sounded above. Rex and his men looked up. As if called by his thoughts, two dark figures had burst from a window and were flying towards Rex's patrol.

Rex gave a shout, readying his men. They moved into position. The first dark figure landed in front of them on the wall, tassels floating around them. Rex's suspicions had been right: a Mistborn. The figure wore no hood, and Rex recognized the man as Lord Maul Talzin. The man turned a crazed eye towards the group of soldiers. Rex was thrown backwards by his breastplate, skidding across the ground. Most of his men followed him. Out of the corner of his eye, Rex saw one of the guards go over the side.

"Jesse!" Rex roared, trying to get to his feet.

"No!" A new voice shouted. It sounded like Lady Tano.

The second figure had landed. The mists swirled around her and from over the side, Jesse rocketed back up. Rex scrambled to catch him as his fellow guard crashed back onto the wall. Rex glanced back at the two Mistborn. The second was definitely Lady Tano. Had she Iron-pulled Jesse back up?

Lady Tano rushed at Maul, two daggers gleaming in her hands. Maul laughed openly and dodged gracefully out of the way. Rex watched them duel, uncertainty freezing his limbs. Should he help? Did she even need help? Where the hell were Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker?

As the battle progressed, it became clear that Maul was the stronger Mistborn. Rex realized that Lady Tano was struggling against her foe as well as keeping his attention away from his patrol. She was backing up farther and farther away down the wall. Rex looked down, one of their spears at his feet.

She had been kind to him, kind to his men. But could he risk-

Lady Tano cried out as Maul scored a hit. Rex didn't think as he grabbed the spear, hefted it, and hurled it at the dueling pair. Then, burning the steel he shouldn't have been able to use, he pushed. The spear flew down the length of the wall, like an oversized arrow. It hit its mark. Maul froze as the spear pierced his back. Lady Tano took the opportunity to slash Maul's throat.

Maul fell.

Lady Tano paused only for a second before hurrying back towards the patrol. Rex felt cold. He'd revealed his secret, the power he wasn't supposed to have. There was a difference between being kind to skaa and accepting a skaa Misting. If he was lucky, Lady Tano would just kill him right then and there. If he wasn't, she would call the Steel Inquisitors to take him away.

Rex bowed his head as Lady Tano grew closer. He waited for her angry words or even her blade. She rushed past him to his groaning squad.

"Is everyone okay?" She asked. "Jesse? Are you hurt?"

Relief washed over Rex as he heard his men assure her they were all right. They had been disorientated by Maul's Steel-push far longer than Rex had. Had they realized what he'd done?

"Go inform Lord Skywalker and Lord Kenobi what's happened." Lady Tano said. "I must speak to Rex."

Rex listened to his men's armor clank as they ran off. He could feel Lady Tano's eyes on him.

"You're lucky he wasn't burning atium." Lady Tano said. "Otherwise that would never have worked."

Rex stayed silent. Lady Tano came closer.

"It was you who helped, wasn't it?" She asked. "You were the only one up. Only an Allomancer could have made that shot. Are you a Thug or a Coinshot?"

Her voice- it wasn't angry or aggressive. Just curious and thankful.

"Coinshot." Rex found himself muttering.

He chanced a glance upward and found Lady Tano studying him. She didn't seem offended by his existence.

"Do you know who in your family is noble?" She asked.

Rex hesitated. She was probably trying to out whatever noble was failing in his duty of killing his half-blood bastards. No matter. Rex's father was dead.

"Lord Jango Fett." He said.

Lady Tano cocked her head.

"Huh." She said. "He always seemed more efficient than that."

Rex snorted. If only she knew the amount of half breed bastards Jango had left behind. Rex knew of at least four other Mistings from Jango's line. Cody was a Smoker, Wrecker was a Thug, Crosshair was a Tineye, and Hunter was a Seeker. Rex knew better than to let Lady Tano know that.

It was silent for a long moment after that. Rex clenched his fists. Was she or was she not going to turn him in?

"Lady Tano-"

"Do you want me to teach you?" Lady Tano interrupted.

Rex stared at her.

"What?" He asked. "You're- you're not going to have me killed?"

Lady Tano's expression darkened.

"No." She said. "No, Rex, I'm not."

"Will you tell Lord Kenobi or Lord Skywalker?" He asked.

"Not if you don't want me to." She said.

She held out her hand.

"Let me teach you." She said. "You have a wonderful gift."

Rex hesitated. If any other nobleman found out-

He looked into her earnest, beautiful eyes.

He took her hand.

The mists were Rex's home. He wondered how he could have ever feared them as he fell through the air. Of course six months being forced to fly about in them desensitized one to the swirling white mass. Rex pushed against a blue line, forcing himself higher into Luthadel's night. The cool air rushed past his face. Ahsoka flew parallel to him, mistcloak tassels streaming behind her. She flashed a grin at him.

No, the mists alone were not his home. Being in the mists with her was home. They arced over buildings together, pushing in sync. Suddenly she veered off to the side, disappearing into the mists. It was an invitation. Catch me if you can.

Rex immediately changed course, pushing on an iron gate below to follow her trajectory. Part of him wished for the abilities of a Tineye, to pierce the mists, but that would take away some of the challenge of the game. He didn't know if he wanted that.

She was better than him, of course, but he was improving quickly. He didn't know if he'd ever be able to match her. She had an unfair disadvantage of being able to Steelpush and Ironpull. The mists streamed by him. They hid the ugly, dirty shame that was Luthadel. At night, Rex could almost ignore the suffering of the city. Ahsoka and Rex's lords did everything they could to alleviate the misery of the skaa here. Rex loved her for that.

"Rex!"

Ahsoka's voice bounced around the mists, seeming to come from everywhere. He managed to see her silhouette far above. He pushed on a few more lines to reach her, and pushed on something below to join her.

He burst from the mist into a field of white. He looked around, disorientated, until he saw Ahsoka. She was hovering in the air, pushing just enough so that she neither fell or went up. Rex quickly balanced himself as well. He followed her gaze, which was trained upward.

"Stars." She whispered.

Rex could barely see the pinpricks through the hazy sky. Ahsoka had told him about them, but most nights it was too clouded by the ash to see them. Rex stared at them. What exactly were they? What made them burn? Why-

He noticed with a jolt that Ahsoka had drifted closer to him. Her relaxed posture as she looked up belied the intense effort and concentration it would take to float over to him.

Rex took in her face, captivated by the enraptured look there. She always made the hardest things look easy.

"I wish we could see them every night. I wish the world wasn't this way." Ahsoka said. "The ash, the noble squabbles, the way the skaa are treated."

She closed her eyes for a long moment. Rex realized that tears were streaming down her face.

"Ahsoka." Rex said.

She turned to look at him. Her eyes were so blue. There was no color that was that vibrant in nature.

Rex fought against years of training and being told he was less than those he served as he lifted his hands to her face. Those beautiful blue eyes widened as he touched her. He prayed he wasn't making a mistake as he used his thumb to wipe away some of her tears.

"Things have changed. You changed them. Things are better for the skaa in the lands you and the lords control. You made them better."

She continued to stare into his face. He had nothing more to say, but he kept his hands on her cheeks.

"Thank you." She whispered.

Lord Ruler, he loved her.

He lifted her face slightly. He heard her breath catch as he lowered his head. He pressed his lips to hers.

She wrapped her arms around him and together they lowered slowly back into the mists, where they belonged.

I hope you enjoyed, even if you're not familiar with Mistborn. (I highly recommend Brandon Sanderson, start with Mistborn: The Final Empire)

The next one should be out in a couple of days. I'm so close to being done with the semester.

Executive Cucumber's Thoughts on the Bad Batch 03x09!

Spoilers under the cut

Apologies for this being late, I worked overtime and then immediately went to rescue my sister and her kids from a car breakdown. I got overwhelmed pretty quick.

I really liked this episode, but as I was in a not great mood when I watched it, I didn't absorb as much as I normally do. (My mood really affects how much I enjoy something, regardless of quality. I was in a foul mood when I first watched Faster and was fairly critical of it. I was wrong.)

This is really the first time we've seen not beautiful weather on Pabu and that's terrifying.

CROSSHAIR IS PART OF A COMMUNITY!!! Have yall considered that he's never been a part of a community before? Like yes, he's has his family, but a community?

'Does it matter? We're not giving her up.' This man. I love this man. If Tech did not already reign Supreme in my heart, I think Crosshair would be my favorite character in Star Wars.

ASAJJ VENTRESS MY QUEEEEEEEEEN

Oh Omega, that story fell apart faster than Hunter's resistance to adopting you.

They leave a space for Tech 💔

Apparently those blood tester things that Qui Gon had were Jedi issue only.

YOU CAN DO IT OMEGA!!! Wrecker, honey, if Omega CAN do it, that means her life gets WAY harder.

They one hundred percent sent Crosshair to look at Tech's data because Hunter and Wrecker can barely do it.

'Go get a flower kid, I gotta beat up your dads'

Okay, I honestly think Hunter doesn't have the time for romance and could honestly see him as asexual, but-

HIS WAIST IS SO SLUTTY. HOW IS IT SO SLUTTY.

I don't think we've seen such well choreographed hand to hand fighting in animated Star Wars. Except maybe that time that Rex absolutely destroyed those Zygerrians. But I might be biased about that.

'SHE'S A WAR CRIMINAL OMEGA' Okay now I need to know what defines war crimes in this universe. Did they have space Geneva?

You know, good thing Echo's not here. He'd probably be WAY more pissed than these three.

'You're naive' says the man who was changed by the child saying people can change.

I love Crosshair's 'oh shoot she's right' face.

Wrecker's little gasp when Ventress looks at them is AMAZING.

I love it when Star Wars is using the Force to connect with animals.

I'm sorry, Hunter girlies, I guess we getting wet hair everyone except Hunter. (Though Ventress looks SO GOOD)

VENTRESS YOU QUEEN I LOVE YOU YOU'VE COME SO FAR (I haven't read dark disciple but my sister has, and she informed me that Vos' Dark Side training by Ventress culminated in him summoning a water monster and killing it. This is such a beautiful parallel that she calms it.)

Crosshair helping Omega on is my everything.

I really love that Crosshair has decided to give Ventress a chance, because he was given a chance. (And also I lowkey ship them in a one night stand kinda way. Crossajj is such a good ship name too)

DAD DUO.

I don't think Ventress is lying when she says Omega isn't Force sensitive. Omega doesn't show ANYTHING in this episode that implies that she's sensitive. Yes, she uses Batcher, but she'd trained Batcher with normal friend methods. I think that Ventress stops the testing prematurely before she can be more sure, because she sees the possibly unhealthy attachment the Batch have. It might also be to protect Omega to not know for sure. My personal theory is that Omega is slightly more sensitive than the average clone, but not to any natural talent degree.

Oh gosh, I'm so scared for the next few episodes. Ventress gives them such a clear warning. This episode did such a good job of getting the tension tight again.

I know some people call this episode redundant, but the characters NEED this in order to catch up. We as an audience knew that M Counts meant midichlorians. But the Batch had no idea. Sometimes, we need to let the main characters catch up with us.

(This is also why Tech as CX-2 works on a reveal level because the mystery isn't for us, it's for the characters)

But yeah, a great episode! I'm terrified for everything and everyone!

A quick note- I've seen people say that it's too late in the season for Tech to return. I'd like to remind you that it took exactly two episodes in season 2 to get us behind Crosshair's redemption. They can do a lot in a few episodes.

OH MY GOSH. OH MY GOSH!!!! THIS IS AMAZING!!! Thank you @apparentlyautistick for sharing your awesome art!!! (You've done Commander Jr's ears so perfectly!!!)

fanart of ExecutaveCucumber’s Across the Stars fic on Ao3 (absolutely you need to read it!!)

Not me clutching this screenshot to my chest, grinning like an idiot, because YES. YES HE'S BACK. I AM SEEING IT WITH MY EYEBALLS. IT'S REAL NOW

THAT’S CROSSHAIR AND HUNTER.

I REPEAT.

THAT’S CROSSHAIR AND HUNTER.

WHY ARE THEY SHOWING US THIS????

THEY HAVE TO GET TOGETHER BEFORE EPISODE 7.

SO I’M 95% SURE THAT THE SECOND PART OF THE SEASON IS ABOUT GETTING TECH BACK.

LOOK AT THEM.

CROSS IS WITH HUNTER. WITHOUT HIS HELMET. THEY CANNOT DENY IT ANYMORE!

GOT THAT PREORDER IN.

If they have Tech deliver a baby, I can die happy. And if they have clone confusion about the Birds and the Bees??? PLEASE.

And just...just give me Tech and Phee. Please. I just miss them so so much. And Tech and Omega. And Tech and Wrecker. And Tech and Hunter. And Tech in general.

WAKE UP TECHPHEE NATION!!!!!!!

I've finally decided to get some of my thoughts out there about the newest episode! (Even though every one does it lol)

BAD BATCH 03-04 SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT

Okay at this point, putting Crosshair in cold places has got to be thematic, right? They have to animate their visible breath and they could have had any climate. I bet Tantiss was uncomfortably cold too. LET MY MAN BE WARM.

Omega and Crosshair's sass is killing me and it's everything I could have ever wanted.

CROSSHAIR HAS A BASEBALL CAP

What really struck me about this episode is how much Omega is using her skills learned from Cid. Cid haunts this episode like Tech haunts the last three. It's really sad, actually.

CROSSHAIR BEING CALLED HER DAD

Omega: which one I have 5

Great parallels to their first mission with Cid.

Gall, I love how Crosshair trusts Omega.

I know that Crosshair is scared to meet up with the Batch, but my first reaction is that he's genuinely trying to prepare Omega for the possibility that they won't come.

WRECKER'S REUNION IS EVERYTHING I COULD HAVE ASKED FOR!!!!

Hunter's could have gone on a bit more, but that IS his first hug with her.

I totally understand that they couldn't wait for Echo but the poor man probably just got a text saying 'BRB getting Omega' and that's it. I really hope we see their reunion. And him. I miss him.

When Hemlock said that they could track the ship they took and then we saw the Marauder, I realized that Tech is still protecting them. The Marauder is a safe place and can't be tracked because of him. (And it will be great when he gets back BECAUSE HE IS ALIVE)

Hunter and Wrecker's reactions are so understandable, but it doesn't mean it can't hurt to see. We want them to see what we've seen, but they only know chip is removed, 'I'm staying with the Empire', and that he sent a message that led to Tech's fall. They don't even know that the chip was enhanced.

Not to say that they're blameless. They dropped the ball when he started manifesting symptoms. I think apologies on both sides could go a long way.

But in the end, aren't they all just victims of the Empire?

ALSO CROSSHAIR'S MUSICAL THEME. IT'S MY FAVORITE.

I DON'T WANNA WAIT A WEEK

12 Days of Rexsoka Day 2: Just Like old times/Memories

Hey guys! I'm sorry for not posting this on actual day two. Finals are happening here at school and I've been really busy. I'm going to continue posting these as I have time to finish them, but don't expect them to be on the actual day.

Day 2: Just Like Old Times

"Rex!"

Rex jerked up, banging his head against the bottom of the speeder he was attempting to fix. He cursed as he pushed himself out from under the thing. He looked up at who had interrupted him.

"Sorry." Hera said with an apologetic smile.

"It'll be fine. What can I do for you?" Rex asked, rubbing his head.

If it had been Ezra or Sabine, he would have assumed foul play, but he knew that Hera hadn't meant it.

"Are you up for another supply run? We're running low on medical supplies, but a contact has agreed to drop some off for us." Hera said.

"Sure." Rex said.

It'd be good to get out and get something done besides the busywork of building up the base.

"Thanks!" Hera said. "I think that Ahsoka'll be up for it as well."

"Commander Tano?" Rex asked with a snort. As if the Commander had time.

"I thought you'd be pleased." Hera said with a raised eyebrow. "I can ask her."

"What?" Rex asked. "No, don't bother her-"

Ahsoka didn't go on simple supply runs. She had far more important missions and half the time she was away on her own Jedi business.

"I don't think she's got another mission." Hera said. "And since it's you- well, I don't think she'll say no."

Hera winked and Rex flushed. He didn't know why he got embarrassed whenever people alluded to his closeness with Ahsoka.

Well, maybe he did. Maybe it had something to do with those emotions born during the Siege of Mandalore, emotions he had smothered during his years on Seelos, emotions that had burst into bloom again when he'd seen her again.

Rex shrugged at Hera.

"Well, if she says yes, I won't complain." He said. "Though Zeb's a good enough replacement."

Hera nodded and left, presumably to find Ahsoka. Rex looked back at the speeder and contemplated going back to work on it. He probably wouldn't be able to concentrate. Thoughts of Ahsoka tended to be distracting.

Rex shook his head hard. What was he doing, thinking of his Commander like that? Not only was he too far beneath her, he was an old man now. She deserved someone who could last her more than a few years.

It would be good to go on a mission with her. They hadn't had too much time to catch up since he'd returned to the Rebellion. It'd be just like old times.

He continued to tell himself that as he sat in the shuttle, waiting for Ahsoka to board. She came into the cockpit and smiled at him, blue eyes twinkling as she met his gaze.

"We ready to go?" She asked as she took the co-pilot's seat.

Rex nodded. He turned the engines on, feeling them rumble beneath him.

"Didn't think you'd be able to make it." He said. "Commander Sato's usually got you doing more important things than supply runs."

Ahsoka shrugged as Rex guided the shuttle out of the hangar and into the sky.

"I needed a break." She said. "And we haven't had a chance to sit down and talk since you've gotten back."

Rex glanced at her. It was true. They'd had a short time alone after their reunion, but it had been mostly questions to make sure the other was okay and Rex getting answers about the Rebellion. He knew at the time that the moments they had were precious and going to be rare from that point onward. He'd been too afraid to let them proceed naturally.

"You're telling me that there's nothing else you could be doing besides humoring an old man?" He asked.

The ship jumped into hyperspace. Ahsoka turned to him with a frown.

"Don't call yourself that." She said. "You're four years younger than me."

"Tell that to my knees." Rex replied.

He felt his body's age every time he stood, moved, or even woke up in the morning. His mind, though, felt far younger than his fifty-five year old body.

Ahsoka continued to give him a disapproving glare and Rex sighed.

"All right. I won't." He said. "This still isn't a great use of your time."

"I think I can decide that." Ahsoka said, a smile twitching at her lips.

Rex met her gaze for a moment and her blue eyes seemed to stun him. He swallowed hard and turned back to the controls.

Just like old times. He told himself. That's all it's going to be.

He could feel Ahsoka's curious gaze on him.

"Rex?" She asked. "Are you all right?" "I'm just fine." He said. "This'll be just like old times, huh? The two of us on a mission."

Ahsoka cocked her head.

"But it's not like old times." She said softly.

Don't say that. Rex thought. It needed to be like old times. Times where all he felt for Ahsoka was fondness and his love for her was that of a friend.

"Oh?" Rex asked, trying to keep his voice even.

"We didn't go on missions too often by ourselves." Ahsoka said. A nostalgic smile graced her lips. "I think Anakin avoided it, to be honest."

Rex blinked at her.

"Why?" He asked. "We make a good team."

"I know." Ahsoka said. Her lekku and cheeks were darkening into a blush. "Maybe too good of a team."

So the General had seen what Rex had tried to ignore for those years before the Siege: Ahsoka's massive crush on Rex.

"Ah." Rex managed.

Ahsoka's eyes were distant.

"I wish it were just like old times." She said. "With the 501st, and Anakin, and Obi Wan."

Rex nodded his head. The loss of his brothers and Generals spiked his heart, as fresh as the day the Tribunal had crashed.

"I did have other duties I could have been doing." Ahsoka went on. Rex jolted as she put her hand on his. "But, Rex, you're the only person I have left."

Rex didn't quite trust himself as he lifted his gaze to meet her eyes again. She was staring at him with an intensity that made him shiver.

"Anakin was probably right in not letting us go on missions together." She said. "At least for my sake."

She leaned forward, their faces closer than they ever had been. Rex's heart began to pound against his chest as if he were facing his first ordinance drill.

"I think he'd be right to do the same now." She said.

Rex found himself nodding, breathless. Ahsoka smiled.

She kissed him.

Not like old times. Rex thought vaguely as he pressed back. It wasn't a bad thing.

Rexsoka Week 2021 Day 4: It Happened Once in a Dream

Back aboard the depression train!

Day 4: It Happened Once in a Dream:

The small home Ahsoka and Rex kept was quiet. It always was, but now the silence was oppressive. Ahsoka had to say something as Hera walked with her to Rex's room.

"Thank you for staying with him." She said. 

"It was my pleasure." Hera said. "He's like family."

Ahsoka smiled a little. Rex had been practically adopted by the Ghost family for which Ahsoka was grateful. They had supported him while she was gone.

"How was Corvus?" Hera asked.

Ahsoka knew the true question. 'Is there news of Ezra?' Ahsoka hesitated. She didn't want to give Hera false hope. 

"It might be something." Ahsoka admitted. "I'll ask Sabine to check it out with me."

Hera's eyes widened.

"Thank you, Ahsoka." She said. 

"It's my pleasure." Ahsoka said. "I want to bring him home."

Then she was in front of Rex's door. The plain wood was daunting to her. Rex had deteriorated quickly after she had left for Corvus. She wasn't sure she wanted to see him in such a state.

"Go on." Hera said. "He's been waiting for you."

Ahsoka opened the door.

She had imagined Rex transformed into a skeletal, decrepit wretch. What she saw was just Rex, but a little thinner and paler than usual. A little more tired. He was sleeping peacefully in the neat bed.

"I hope he wakes up soon." Hera said. "He sleeps a lot these days."

"He'll wake for me." Ahsoka said. 

"I'll- give you some privacy." Hera said, and left Ahsoka alone with Rex.

Ahsoka slowly approached his bedside. His face was placid. She hoped his nightmares had finally left him. 

Ahsoka leaned down and pressed her lips to his head. His eyes flickered open as she pulled back. He smiled at her, eyes shining like they had twenty-eight years ago. 

"'Soka." He said warmly.

He took her hand in both of his. His grip was weaker than it had ever been.

"Rex." Ahsoka said. "How are you?"

Rex chuckled.

"I'm hanging on." He said. His voice was soft. "I don't do much anymore. Hera and Jacen have been taking good care of me."

"What's the doctor saying?" Ahsoka asked.

Rex let out a long sigh.

"I'm just running out of steam, Ahsoka." He said. "Haven't been the same since the battle of Endor. And we weren't built to last long."

Fear bubbled in Ahsoka's chest. He spoke so casually of his death. Fitting for a soldier born to die.

"Isn't there anything they can do?" Ahsoka burst out. "Rex, you're only forty-one!"

"I don't feel it." Rex said with a smile. Then, seeing her face, squeezed her hand. "It's all right. I saw the end of the Empire. There's not much more I could wish for. And- I'll be with my brothers."

There was so much more Ahsoka could wish for, like a Rex who could stay by her side for years to come. A Rex who could give her what she had wanted since the Siege of Mandalore. Suddenly the words she'd kept in her heart for all the years couldn't stay silent any longer.

"I love you." She whispered.

Rex's eyes shimmered at her profession.

"I love you too, 'Soka." He said.

Ahsoka shook her head, unsure if he understood what she meant.

"No, Rex." She said. "I love you."

She leaned forward and kissed his lips for just a moment. He took a sharp breath.

"Like that." She said softly.

"Oh." Rex said. More tears threatened to overflow in his eyes. "Oh, Ahsoka." 

He looked down at their entwined hands.

"I- I wanted that." He murmured. "For a long time, ever since the Siege of Mandalore."

Ahsoka felt a burning in her throat. She knew he had felt that way about her. The way he had acted during the siege and right after told all. 

"If things were different-" Ahsoka said.

"If things were different." Rex agreed.

If things were different they could have had a life together. They could have stopped fighting. Rex could have lived a full life with her. 

But because of the Empire, because of Palpatine, that life was forced to live only in their dreams.

Check it out and my ongoing Rexsoka fics on A03!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34125910/chapters/85045030

https://archiveofourown.org/users/ExecutiveCucumber/works

This is me. All the time now. So many emotions AND THE BLOODY SEASON HASN'T EVEN STARTED YET.

i am having an overwhelming amount of anxiety over bad batch season 3 coming out. but i’m also having a lot of excitement too.

bc i’m very much “FUCK YEA WERE SO FUCKING BACK” but at the same time it’s “do i really wanna be back after that?” idk im very scared and excited at the same time. im very much “we all live or we all die” rn bc i i can’t stand the idea of them not being all together :(( it breaks my heart i just love them too much

i’m also very sad abt leaving clone wars era bc i love the clones sm.

idk just feeling a lot of emotions rn and it’s very overwhelming and it’s very scary but bad batch season 3 so i’m chilling

Executive Cucumber's thoughts on the Bad Batch: Season 3x06 and 3x07 (I'm pretty sure I'm formatting this differently every time. Oh well)

Okay, there's a subject I'm going to have to postpone until the end of the post because I want all my thoughts on that to be together: the main operative clone. And the rest might be slightly out of order. I'm also doing this before I see anyone else's thoughts, just so we get the pure version.

Let's go!

I honestly thought that Senator Singh and Riyo were dead meat. But no, they're fine because REX IS COOLER THAN ANYONE. Ugh that man. Freaking throwing the grenade back at him.

Clones are beautiful. That is all.

THAT'S THAT ONE PLACE FROM THE OG CLONE WARS MOVIE!!! TETH!!!

Howzer I love you but if you touch Crosshair we will be having words.

I am actually really proud of Crosshair and his restraint this episode. He could have been really cutting to Howzer.

OMEGA WITH THE TOOTHPIIIIICKS and Hunter is jealouuuus

EDIT: ECHO AND THE CROSSBOW HE'S SO SWEET

WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU CROSSHAIR

It's really nice to see normal clones being normal again. (Too bad it doesn't last)

There's something up with Omega. I'm not going to lie, I think that she and Rex are going to plan to get her captured in order to track her back to Tantiss.

HOWZER STOP DISTRUSTING CROSSHAIR THIS MOMENT

I appreciate that Hunter doesn't seem to distrust Crosshair during this point.

...they really shouldn't have brought that operative back.

Rex is considering stealing Omega, I swear. I love that he gets down to her level.

WOOOOOOOOOOOLFFE (Plo would be so disappointed in you)

It's...odd to see these normal troopers with him.

It's also strange that he cannot comprehend that the clones could be traitors at first.

STOP DYING YOU BEAUTIFUL REGS

'She only bites half the time' I'm pretty sure Omega is lying here but I don't care.

CROSSHAIR IS SUCH A WORRIED DAD HOLY CRAP. 'Oh, I'm much worse' I LOVE YOU

And this just gives such a little insight into how the Batch was when they were together. I have a feeling that Crosshair was a fusser and a nagger.

And I love how Howzer's natural and correct conclusion is: 'no one evil could love that child.' (Unless you're Nala Se)

Hey, actual candor from Crosshair. I keep saying this is who he always was under it all, but I do think he's healed somewhat, at least towards regs. The healing power of Omega.

'Too bad' I LOVE THIS MAN

STOP DYING REGS

Rex talking down Wolffe reminded me so much of him trying to talk Jesse down. So ow.

Okay, what ROCK have they shoved Wolffe under for the last YEAR??? YES THE EMPIRE WOULD GET RID OF THE CLONES YOU DOG BRAINED IDIOT

(Plo would be proud that you let them go)

...they just killed all of Rex's clones, except Howzer and Gregor. And I have a bad feeling about Howzer. STOP TAKING THINGS FROM REX HASN'T HE LOST ENOUGH???

Okay here we are, at the big topic. Hold onto your pants.

That operative clone. Is. Tech. Because if he is not, they are purposefully using the narrative to deceive us.

I might miss a few things, but that's because I'm up past my bedtime and I've been up too late the last few days.

1. The falling and water parallels. This clone falls a LOT during this episode and dives into a lot of water. He even falls into mist. This time it's to kill and capture his siblings instead of save them.

2. The injury. This clone is hobbling around a lot after his injury, which was immediately reminiscent of Tech's broken leg at the beginning of season 2. Both of them are forcing themselves past their limit to achieve a mission. Specifically with injured legs.

3. General attitude and demeanor. In combination with the stealth and injury, this clone has a more hunched posture. His speech patterns are more formal, though we haven't really heard a lot of other clone operatives talk with their helmets on. But he's also apparently allergic to orders. I first thought that he'd be out of the chain of command, but they would have told Wolffe that he wasn't in charge of the operative if that were the case. Or the operative would have straight up told him 'I don't take orders from you' instead of staring awkwardly at him. Instead he runs off and does his own thing. While injured. Not to mention the buttons on his gauntlet. The other clone operatives don't have those.

4. The cybernetic legs. Now we don't know for sure if Tech would have cybernetic legs, but it seems likely for a severely injured trooper. And when Crosshair is looking at the heat signature, you can see that his legs are blue instead of yellow or red. No heat. Not organic.

5. What he says to Crosshair. 'You could have been one of us.' 'You chose the wrong side.' Yes, he's talking about Crosshair resisting the re-education. But flip it on its head real quick. 'You could have been one of us. One of the Bad Batch.' 'You chose the wrong side. The Empire.' Those lines very easily have double meanings.

6. An interesting one is when he starts moving rocks after the explosion. Why would he do that? Why not immediately go find another way in? He's moving only the smaller rocks. There's a large one in the way that he couldn't move himself. And he doesn't get the rest of the troopers to come move it when they arrive. He almost seems confused.

Like he's somewhere else after an explosion, having to move rocks. Like in the Crossing.

I know that this hardly seem like iron clad evidence. But in the language of story telling, it's practically screaming in our faces.

And I'm so glad he's back. I missed him. He won't be himself for a while, but I legitimately believe we'll get one last fight with the Batch all together. Because brain washing is a heck of a lot easier to fix than being dead.

My sister is doing the good work and creating a tik token about it, and I'll probably share it here when she's finished.

(We're getting the episode 'Identity Crisis ON MY BIRTHDAY and so help me if that's about Tech)

Honestly I thought I'd be more excited, but I spent the entire two episodes forcing myself into not having expectations and also I might be in shock.