Shadows of the Force (Captain Rex x Jedi OC)

Into the Fray

Holding my newly crafted lightsaber, feeling the crystal's warmth and weight, I realized this wasn't just a weapon—it was part of me now. Anakin's words echoed in my mind: strength, choices, purpose. For the first time, everything felt deeply real.

Anakin caught me studying the lightsaber, a hint of pride lighting his expression. "You're ready" he said with a satisfied smile. "And I think it's time the team knows" His eyes gleamed with anticipation. "You ready to join Rex and the boys?"

I nodded, heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement.

Together, Anakin and I made our way to the ship that would carry us to the fleet, where Rex and his squad were stationed. As the stars blurred outside the viewport, my anticipation grew. I was about to step into their world.

When we arrived at the fleet, Rex, Fives, Echo and Jesse were already gathered in the briefing room, deep in mission planning around the holomap. Anakin clapped his hands to get their attention. "Alright, everyone, listen up! I've got an announcement" The clones turned, a few surprised glances flicking my way. Anakin placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "From here on out, Stella's my Padawan, and she'll be joining us on our missions"

A moment of silence fell over the room until Fives stepped forward with a smirk, his helmet tucked under his arm. "So, this is our new Padawan, huh?" He gave me an exaggerated once-over, crossing his arms. "What do you think, boys?"

Echo chuckled, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "She's already got the look of a trooper. I'd say she's ready for her first mission"

Jesse leaned back, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Let's hope she's got the guts to keep up with us. We're not exactly... Temple material"

I smiled, fighting back nerves and feeling a swell of gratitude for Anakin's presence behind me

Soon after, we settled into the gunship, and Fives leaned over, nudging me with his elbow. "Nervous, Earthling?" he asked, his smirk evident even through his helmet.

"Only a little..." I admitted with a shrug. "It's not every day I get dragged into a galactic war"

Echo shot Fives a mock glare. "Watch it, Fives. She might just show us all up out there"

Jesse chimed in, teasing. "She's already braver than half the rookies we trained back on Kamino"

Their lighthearted banter eased my nerves, and I smiled. Somehow, even in the midst of war, these clones had kept their spirits high. Their camaraderie felt strangely like family—like the one I hadn't realized I missed until now.

Rex's gaze settled on each of us, his voice steady and focused, commanding the squad's full attention as the laughter faded.

"Remember, this is no drill" he said. "Out there, things will move fast. Stay sharp, stick to your assignments and watch each other's backs"

His steady gaze settled on me, both firm and encouraging. "Padawan Cardone, this will be different from your training. Stick close, stay in sync with the team"

Fives, seated beside me, shot me a quick, reassuring grin. "Don't worry, Earthling" he joked, giving me a light nudge. "It's just a stroll in the park"

I smirked back, feigning confidence, though my heart beat faster with each passing second. Across the hold, Anakin caught my eye, nodding with quiet reassurance as the gunship's engines rumbled louder.

The landing was rough, shaking us on impact—a sharp reminder that this was a real mission, not a Temple simulation. The gunship doors slid open, and the harsh sunlight temporarily blinded me as I took in the barren, rocky landscape. Around me, the clones sprang into action, moving with practiced ease and seamless coordination that was mesmerizing. Anakin turned to me, his expression serious, yet his eyes gleaming with that familiar spark of excitement.

"Alright, Stella" he said, voice calm but firm. "Watch and learn—follow my lead. But remember, on the battlefield, you'll have to make split-second calls. Stay sharp, trust your instincts. Got it?"

I nodded, gripping my lightsaber hilt tightly, the solid weight of it grounding me. "Got it"

Anakin grinned, clapping my shoulder. "And don't be afraid to get a little creative" With a wink, he led the charge forward.

Rex was close by, issuing short, efficient commands to his men. As he glanced my way, he gave a slight nod. "Stay alert, Padawan" he said, his tone carrying a hint of warning.

Jesse fell in step beside me as we moved through the rocky terrain, his grin mischievous. "Don't worry, Earthling, we've got your back. Just keep that robe of yours hole-free"

I smirked. "I'll do my best"

As if on cue, the first sounds of enemy blaster fire erupted nearby, snapping everyone into action. Anakin's lightsaber ignited with a familiar hum, casting a blue glow across the rocky terrain, and he signaled for us to advance. The clones moved with sharp precision, blasters at the ready, fanning out to take defensive positions as they engaged the incoming droids.

"Stay close!" Anakin shouted over the noise, his eyes locked on the advancing line of droids. I tightened my grip on my lightsaber, its steady warmth grounding me as adrenaline surged through my veins.

In an instant, I was deflecting blaster bolts, each movement guided by instinct and training. Rex blasted a droid flanking our left, giving me an approving nod as I moved forward, keeping pace with the squad.

"I see you can handle yourself!" he called out, taking down two more droids with quick shots. "But stay sharp, we're just getting started!"

In the heat of battle, I found myself sticking close to Rex. He moved through the chaos with a calm, collected precision, knowing exactly when to pull me aside with a quick tip or a reminder to keep focused. No matter how fierce the fighting grew around us, his guidance never wavered.

"Don't let them flank you" he'd tell me, his voice cutting clearly over the clamor of blaster fire.

Finally, the last wave of droids crumpled to the ground, their parts sparking as the battlefield stilled. I could barely catch my breath as I took it all in, but the clones were already regrouping with practiced efficiency. Anakin and Rex exchanged a brief nod, their silent communication in perfect sync as they surveyed the clearing. Just as we began our final sweep, Rex looked my way, grounding me with his steady gaze amid the fading chaos.

"Nice work, Padawan. You've got good instincts" he said, a rare nod of approval slipping through his typically stoic expression. "Keep working on that form, though"

I grinned, catching his drift. "Thanks, Captain. I'll make sure I pass inspection next time"

For the first time, I caught a hint of humor in his eyes. "I'll hold you to that" he replied, his tone lighter, almost warm.

With a last look at the battlefield littered with droid remains, I followed the squad to the extraction point, my mind racing over everything I'd just experienced. The adrenaline still pulsed through me, but a feeling of quiet pride took hold, too. I'd made it through my first mission with them.