Chapter 4, Part 4 – Ash, Ahsoka Tano's Shoto

I swung back and forth softly as Rex strode through the crowds. It was good to be back in familiar hands. I could tell Ernie was feeling the same way.

As Rex boarded a small craft to take us to the planets crust, and my Mistress, I wondered what Rex was thinking. Was he happy he had found us? Was he sad that his Commander was going to leave? Sometimes I wished I could mind read like my Mistress could.

Rex swung onto a speeder and made his way through the traffic. In a few minutes, he was jumping off and striding through the gates and into the barracks of the 501st. Nodding to some soldiers, he tuned into his room and shut the door.

Rex slipped Ernie and I off his belt and I had a quick glance at the room. Bed and chest of draws on one side and a table and chair on the other. Pretty basic. Rex placed Ernie and us in the top draw and pushed it closed.

Now will be the perfect time for Ernie to tell me what happened while I was away…

**1/2 hour later**

"And then she dropped me when she got thrown back." Ernie finished.

"Do you know what happened after that?" I asked him.

"No" came the sad reply.

"Well I do…"

**1/2 an hour later**

"So she is… gone?" asked Ernie, his voice full of emotion.

"Yeah… she left yesterday" I say softly.

We are silent for a while, each in our own thoughts. Ernie broke the silence.

"She was a good Mistress, huh?"

"Yeah… the best"

We lapse back into silence. The door opens and Rex's voice floats in.

"Will do Commander. Rex out"

Who is he calling Commander? Mistress left the Jedi and the Army.

The draw is flung open and Rex grabs us, quickly hooking us to his belt. Seriously, what is happening?

That's interesting… Rex doesn't even bother to close the draws. He must be in a hurry. He rushes out the door and hurries down the hall way. He is almost running!

I want to see where we are going, but I am hidden under Rex's kama.

"Kriff" I swear softly to myself. I could tell Ernie had a shocked look on his face. He was always the good one.

Rex slows. I gently swing out from behind the kama. Rex is standing on the out skirts of the Army Barracks. There is no one else here but…

"Commander" Calls Rex quietly, removing his helmet. My beloved Mistress spins around, a sad smile on her face.

"Hey Rex…" She takes a big breath. "Rex… I… I am no longer your Commander. I… left the Jedi Order"

I can hear the pain in her voice. Rex takes a sharp breath.

"What! Why? Did they throw you out?" Rex was getting agitated. Uh oh…

Mistress shakes her head. "Calm down, Rex. I left of my own accord. Yes, they did throw me out prior my trial before the Senate." She squeezes her eyes shut. "They were going to pass the sentence. But then Mast… Anakin rushed in with the real traditor. It was…"

The next word came out in a whisper.

"Barris."

I swore again. Barris had been her best friend… to find out that her best friend set her up must be… horrific.

"Are you OK?" Rex asked, concerned. Mistress nodded.

"Thanks Rex, I'll be fine."

Rex shifted, suddenly aware of the time.

"Ahsoka, I have to go. I told Fives that I would meet him in the mess hall to eat in 5 minutes. But first…" Rex reached and grabbed Ernie and us off his belt.

Mistress gasped.

"REX! Where did you find them!" she asked her face lightening. Not quite back to normal, but lighter than it had been.

Rex grinned. "Oh, I have my ways"

Mistress rolled her eyes "Show off…"

Rex stiffened. Slowly, he reached and pulled one on his dual pistols out.

"Your lightsabers may be a bit… conspicuous." He told her, passing over the pistol.

"No Rex! You have modified them so much! I don't need it!" she insisted. Rex was firm, pushing it into her hand.

"A parting gift, so you remember me" he told her, a smile tugging at his lips. Mistress sighed.

"Well, if I have one of yours…" she held me out. NO MISTRESS! I WANT TO STAY WITH YOUUUUU!

Rex raised an eyebrow.

"It would look strange for a clone to have a Jedi's lightsaber." He told Mistress, grabbing me as he spoke.

Mistress smiled that smile I had come to know and love.

"Thank you, Rex. You have been the best friend I could ever have. It is the least I can do for you"

Rex nodded "I could say the same."

Mistress smiled and gave him a quick hug. "See you, Rex. May the Force be with you"

Rex gave her a quick squeeze "And with you, Ahsoka"

Ahsoka broke away and started to walk away. Rex just stood, watching her. She never turned around. Good bye Mistress. I hope we meet again. May the Force be with you.

That's all for Ash. Next up, Frankie, Master Yoda's lightsaber.

See ya next time, MTFBWY.

AhsokaTano11