Captain Rex: Never a Time

Chapter 1: An Introduction

               I was against the production of Clones since the beginning. Creating lives in order to destroy them seemed insane. But so many people were for it. Now, as a young Jedi Knight, I was expected to command them.

My start as a Jedi Knight began after the Battle of Geonosis. Most Jedi had battalions already at their command; however, I did not want a fleet to be "produced" for me to lead into battle. Instead, once the Jedi Council determined I was ready to join the fight, I pushed to instead be a co-commander of a fleet already in use. After much thought and debate, the Council decided to appoint me to Anakin Skywalker's side saying he needed someone to "keep him in line". Of course, even outside of the Temple you were expected to keep an eye on your friend. He was a little older, but I was more mature. I followed the lessons of our teachers, while Anakin was always running head-first into something. I have no idea how he convinced the Council to let him command a fleet. I guess our past together is what made them decide it was time to put me back by his side and keep him in line.

While awaiting to land on Anakin's cruiser (so odd to think he has a cruiser), I sat with a tablet in my hand reading about his young Padawan, Ahsoka Tano. She had an impressive record in the Temple. She reminded me of myself when I was still young and in training. Striving to be the best and practicing non-stop. I shook my head with a grin, this sure would be an interesting time.

"We're approaching the cruiser now sir, dropping out of hyperspace", the Clone Trooper flying the ship reported. This made you snap back to reality. These men's lives were in my hands. These men who were created just to fight. I felt a pit grow in my stomach. Nervousness? Anxiety?

The ship slowed out of hyperspace and the cruiser was laid out before you. It was an impressive ship. The ship you were in docked. I gathered all my things in my bag I brought. As a Jedi, one never had many belongings. Just a kit to clean your lightsaber, a few trinkets from other Jedi at the temple, the tablet, and a change of clothes. The door to the ship opened spilling in the white light of the cruiser bay. As I was walking out, it took time for my eyes to adjust, I nearly missed Anakin grinning up at me. By his side was his young Padawan, who's grin stretched from ear to ear. On his other side, a Clone stood with his helmet under his arm.

"Well, looks like the Council sent my watchdog to keep an eye on me", Anakin joked.

"Just like old times", I added with a smirk.

"This is my Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, and this is Captain Rex of the 501st", with his name said, the Clone straightened up. "Ahsoka, Rex, this is [Y/N]."

"Please to meet you sir", the Clone said. I mumbled a return and realized just how awkward it was to be around the Clones. Was it because of the guilt I felt about their production? Was it pity? I would have to think on that later. I was pulled out of thinking by a very excited Padawan that wanted to hear all about how Anakin and I met.

"Why don't you and Ahsoka go for a tour around the ship while Rex and I work on our plans? We'll catch up later". Anakin and Rex turned and went off discussing what were most likely battle plans. I watched the Clone, uh Captain Rex, walk away. He was a few inches shorter than Anakin, with close cut blonde hair. His blue markings on his armor made him stand apart from the others, and were those tally marks?

"So, how did you two meet?" Ahsoka inquired. I chuckled at her insistence to learn of her master's past.

"Well, Anakin was ahead of me in our teachings at the Temple. He had a history of getting into trouble and they would try to place he and I as partners so I would rub off on him. Plus, I was the only one who could stand him." This resulted in Ahsoka giggling.