Previously...

Reetha Khan, padawan to Anakin Skywalker, and an adored co-commander and sister to the 501st troopers gets poisoned by the dark side of the force, after a Ventress, Count Dooku's sith apprentice, an assassin, reveals the nature of Reetha's true power. 

Unable to come to terms with the heavy news, Reetha unwillingly submits to the dark side, nearly killing Ventress and harming two Jedi masters in her rage. 

Jedi Master Mace Windu manages to calm Reetha, Ventress and the rest of the droids accompanying her manage to flee Coruscant. However, Reetha falls into unconsciousness as the dark side has taken a heavy toll on her. 

After proper medical care, and care from her master and closest friends. Unfortunately, Reetha does not recall anything after her talk with Ventress. Upon her recovery, she is called to face the Jedi Council, where they masters revealed what had happened to her after the talk. Reetha is shattered at the news. 

The council decide to tell Reetha the truth, and it is received bitterly. The almost immediate decision for the council to remove her from the order, puts Reetha in a questioning state, as she questions the rash decision of the council for revealing her truths at such a last minute. 

The council is both ashamed and speechless of their actions, never the less, with the help of a few Jedi masters like Plo Koon, the council came to an agreement to allow Reetha to stay within the Jedi order, with conditions only if she receives mentorship from Masters Plo Koon and Obi-Wan.

---

So, there she was. Standing in the midst of her master, Anakin Skywalker, and her friend, Ahsoka Tano. After telling Anakin about the whole council talk, he was more than furious that their initial decision was to kick her out of the order. 

Reetha managed to calm him after a while, but Anakin was not a fan of the current plan. 

"I know Obi-wan and Master Plo Koon are going to help you, and I am more than greatful for that, but you are my padawan. They just can't-can't take you away like that." 

Ahsoka understood her masters pain. Within the first few weeks of getting to know Reetha, she began to cherish the friendship between herself and the girl. She also noticed how fond Anakin felt towards Reetha. Maybe it was because the similarity both master and apprentice shared. Both lost someone important in their lives. 

Both a parent. Ahsoka knew that her master could understand Reetha's pain and struggles and would do almost anything to help her out of it, after all, Anakin went all out when Ahsoka went through a similar situation once before.

"Master" Ahsoka called out gently, placing a firm but comforting hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Right now, it's the only choice we have. The only reason Reetha is in the order is because the council agrees for her to be trained by Master Obi-Wan and Master Plo."

"She is right, master. This is the only way I'll be able to remain in the order." Reetha joined in after Anakin chose not to reply. 

The young knight only sighed in defeat, knowing that both his padawans were right. At this point, it was nearly impossible to change the councils minds. "I, know. I-I know, your both right. Still, I wish the council had let me speak on your behalf. I do not like it when they make rash decisions. Especially about my padawan." For a second, Anakin's eyes seemed to darken to which Reetha took notice.

She spoke calmly "Anakin, I know you would have defended me even if the council made their previous choice. But like Ahsoka said, I have to receive mentorship from Obi-Wan and Master Plo." Ahsoka looked at her master, eyes begging for him to calm down and understand that there was no other way. 

Looking at his two padawans, Anakin had never been so proud of them. He not only managed to train great warriors but created a close knitted bond between himself and the two girls. They had become an awkward, but loving family. They helped fill the void in his heart that was left by his mother. They have become his sisters, his emotional rock.

A chuckle left Anakin's lips as he finally submitted to Ahsoka's blue eyes. "I understand. Reetha.." He called to her ever so gently. "I'm just glad that you're still in the order." He smiled to her then continued. 

"Just, when your gone, don't forget to call. Rex will be worried sick if you don't send him transmissions while your away." He jokingly said the last part, pinching his forehead in fake pain. 

 Both the padawans giggles turned into laughs as Anakin attacked them in a bone crushing hug, before releasing them. Now that the conversation between the three were over, Reetha had to ready herself for another emotional roller coaster. 

---

Word reached the 501st about Reetha's temporary transfer. Needless to say, the shock they had was out of the galaxy. Apart from being relieved that Reetha would still stay a commander and in the Jedi Order, they were devastated that Reetha would not be with them for quite some time. 

Earlier, Anakin had called Rex, Jesse, Hardcase, Kix, arc troopers Fives and Echo, and they new shinies that had been introduced to Reetha during her recovery, Vaughn, Sterling, Dogma and Tup, to the mess. It was a private talk only between this specific group of men. 

"So, Reetha would be gone for a while. Though, I'm not sure how long." Anakin folded his hands in deeps thought, before Rex's strong voice sounded from the side. 

"I can understand the councils decisions to give Reetha mentorship, but with all due respect, General Skywalker, I cannot fathom that they would have had her kicked out of the academy. What happened to her was not her fault." 

Anakin could feel the frustration flowing out of Rex. "Guys, loose the formalities please. And, yes, I do to disagree with the councils actions, but it was either get a temporary transfer, or get kicked out of the order." Rex tightened his jaw as he knew there was no other choice. 

"Reetha would be fine though, right?" Tup asked. Reetha and Tup got along very well from the beginning. When Reetha was still recovering, himself and Dogma would spoil her with attention. Tup would braid and comb Reetha's hair, while Dogma would tell embarrassing stories of Tup's cadet life. "Tup, she's a shy girl. Even from the beginning, she had problems getting to know us. She was reluctant and kept her distance." Jesse announced, and Kix hummed, agreeing to the clone beside him.

The room fell into silence as none of the men wanted to speak of the depressing topic. Each had their own worry about how Reetha was going to cope, until Dogma spoke up from his seat by Tup. "If you ask me, I'd say you are all over reacting." 

"What do you mean, over reacting?" Rex asked menacingly. "Don't you care for what she would go through?" 

"I'm not saying I'm not worried. I am, but I'm trying to be optimistic of this situation. I know I just meet the kid, but if she managed to bring down her walls this far, she wouldn't have much of a problem opening up to a new battalion." 

The troopers and Jedi knight took a moment to digest what Dogma had said. 

"Dogma makes a valid point." Echo nodded to Dogma. "Rex, if Jesse, Kix Hardcase, Anakin and yourself managed to help Reetha through a troubles, I'd say we don't need to worry as much for her." Fives then perked up "Echo's right. Reetha is a strong girl. She agreed to this plan, so she knows what she is in for. If she can be confident to make that decision, we need to back her up." 

Anakin nudged Rex's shoulder, a understanding passed between the two leaders. They knew that Reetha was capable of what the arc troopers and Dogma said. "I think we give Reetha this chance to grow. She can only learn so much from us. I bet the other battalions have a lot to offer as well." Hardcase encouraged the group. "Yeah, we need to do this for Reetha."  Sterling spoke confidently. A string of hums floated around the room, each individual coming to an agreement. 

"Well, it's nice to see how much you guys care about her. She couldn't have asked for a better family." Anakin patted Rex on the back, knowing that there was still some worry in him. A few seconds later, Anakin's com beeped. "Master, Master Plo is here to pick Reetha up. We're at the barracks hangar." Anakin told Ahsoka that he'd be there in a while. Then, he turned to the rest of his friends. "Well," he said sadly. "I just it's time."

---

I saw a transport about to land on the hanger, not to far away from where I sat with Ahsoka. We were having a last minute girl time before I went off while Anakin had gone to collect Rex and the others. 

"Looks like Master Plo's finally arrived." I said in a heavy breath. I was trying to hide my breaking voice. Ahsoka commed Anakin, then she turned to me. "Reetha, I know this is a big change, but I also know that you will be fine." I chuckled at Ahsoka's attempt to calm me. 

It was actually working. Although I've only known her for a while, I couldn't help but to think of her as my sister. I never had a proper family, and I always wanted to know what it would be like to have siblings. I guess the 501st delivered. 

I heaved a heavy breath as I called her name, trying not to get emotional. "I, really thank you for being here for me. Sorry if I'm so bold, but you are like a sister to me, and I really thank you for helping me fit in." When Ahsoka didn't reply, I thought I had created an awkward situation, but then she hugged me and rendered me shocked. "Reetha, I see you as my sister too. I would never change that for a second." She pulled away but remained her grip on my shoulder and smiled my way. 

"I think I arrived here just in time. That was really touching between the both of you." I huffed a laugh at my master's remark. "Well, I won't deny that Reetha has had a big impact on us all. Not that I regret it." He said, walking up to me and giving me a light bow. "I do my best." I shrugged shyly. 

"Good afternoon Skywalker." A deep and commanding voice called for our attention. "Master Plo, it is good to see you." Anakin offered a light bow and Ahsoka followed. The Kel Dor hummed then turned his attention to me.

 "You have a wonderful family here, young Reetha. I can see why they are so fond of you." I smiled softly, choosing not to reply for if I did, I would have cried. Master Plo looked slightly behind me.

 "I will wait for you on the transport. It appears you have some goodbyes to attend to." I turned to look back and saw a group of clone waiting patiently behind my master. I smiled to myself before walking a ways behind to greet them. Ahsoka, Anakin and Master Plo gave a moment of privacy.

"Hey." I greeted them. 

The guys replied me in small shy waves that made me giggle. "Soo... It's quite a day today. Isn't it." I tried not to laugh at the clones serious faces. 

"It certainly is, commander." Kix stood in attention, making me roll my eyes. "At ease, sassy medic." I chuckled. Thankfully, I managed to make the men laugh lightly at my lame joke. 

"But seriously, this is quite a day." I tucked my hands into my pockets and leaned on my feet. I can't believe how awkward I was. I sort of last day here and I can't even come up with a proper goodbye. I looked at the troopers and they looked back at me. 

As I scanned each of them, I realized something within them, though I could not place a finger on it. Time was running out and i knew I had to say something, so as awkward as it was, I said everything that came into my mind. 

"Before I go, I- There's something I want you guys to know." I choked up on my words, trying to calm myself from all this emotion. "Ya know, when I first came here, I didn't-I, I was trying to avoid, well not avoid but-" I stuttered to a halt and looked at them. 

The guys were giving me their undivided attention. All standing at attention. The smile on their faces spoke a billion words. I could feel their joy and pride for me. It made tears to well into my eyes. I finally had it. I needed to get these words out of my core. 

"What I want to say is, that I truly thank you, for bringing me into this family." My first tear dropped to the ground, I refused to look into their eyes. "I was awkward and shy and cold, a-and, I still am-" I chuckled. 

"I would have never made it out this far, without your help. I always thought I was alone, and that I'd be alone. I didn't have anyone after my former master and I-I just can't thank you enough." I finally raised my head to look at the men I grew so fond of. My tears now evident for all to see. I was drawing in ragged breaths, trying to calm myself but to no avail. 

I was looking straight to the hangar behind them before I chuckled to myself. "Wow, kay, so this is really too much drama." I sniffled. "I am ridiculously bad at goodbyes." It was silent for a moment. 

I didn't know what expression they wore because they had their silly buckets on. In the quiet, I hear a sniffle coming from the troopers. Footsteps halted before me. "You, are the most dramatic commander I have ever met. And that coming from a captain who supposedly has the most reckless general to keep up with." The trooper sassed.

I looked up almost immediately and jumped into the person in front me, hugging him. Rex staggered backwards at the impact of the tiny girl jumping onto him. Rex laughed and hugged her back, holding her close in a comforting way. "Reetha, your awkward but it's a good awkward." Cheers erupted from the guys behind as they finally broke position and ran towards the two. 

---

Rex released Reetha to remove his helmet. A tear stain evident on his cheeks. Reetha laughed tearfully. "I can't believed you cried." Rex only laughed along. Jesse came to his side and pulled Reetha into a hug. "Yeah, you made softies of all of us. Forgive me for being a weeping mess." The small girl pulled away from the hug. "Still sassy, huh, Chillbean." Jesse only laughed even more when she mentioned the nickname she bestowed upon him. 

"Casey, you crying?" She asked the particular trooper who's sniffling had not seemed to end. Hardcase pulled his helmet off with a strained smile on his face. "Nah, my eyes are sweaty. It's hot in this helmet, okay ReeRee." Hardcase placed his helmet on Reetha playfully to 'prove' his point, wanting to make her laugh, to which he was successful. Reetha removed the helmet before hugging Hardcase again and returning his helmet.

Reetha then went on to the medic. "Soo, Kixalator, I think I should tell you know." Kix gave a questioning look. "Tell me what? Are you okay? Not feeling well?" Reetha smiled at his concern. "I fine Kix. But I just need to tell you-" Reetha placed a hand on Rex's left shoulder. "-about Rex, here." A moment passed until Rex began to beg her to keep the story to herself. "Tell me what about Rex?" 

"Kix, brace yourself. When I was injured and you nearly banned Rex from visiting me..." Kix's hand was now behind Rex's neck, making the captain to sink into his armor. "He came back the following nights sneaking more candy in. And also we snuck out to my favorite juice bar." The silence that passed Kix was definitely scary. 

"Huh..." was all he managed before giving Rex a mean and scary glare. "Reetha, I appreciate your honesty." He smiled sweetly and patted Reetha's head. 

Finally she turned to the new troopers she met. The boys had already removed their helmets. "Fives, Echo, Tup, Dogma, Vaughn, Sterling... Thank you for also accepting me into this family." Fives, who turned out to be a huge softie immediately ran in to scoop Reetha into a hug and spin her, making the two laugh giddily. 

"I swear, you two are children." Dogma huffed from the side. Fives huffed childishly. "Now, now. Don't pick a fight with Fives. I wouldn't be here to watch him throw a tantrum." Reetha replied laughing along the way.

 "No worries kid. I'll keep you updated." Echo pulled Reetha close to him and left his com number with her. "I'll sneak all of Five's embarrassing moments to you." Reetha and Echo released a fit of giggles, getting concerned looks from the rest of the guys. 

"Tup, thanks for all the hair styles you thought me. I'm going to wow the 104th looking badass all the time on the battle field." Tup winked at her. "And I have plenty more when you get back. I can't wait for that time, kiddo." Vaughn and Sterling were next.

 "Guys" Reetha saluted. "Commander." they replied cheekily. "We definitely need to have sleep overs more often. You guys are the best." Reetha commented. "We will definitely be on to that." Vaughn replied. "Oh, an permission to decorate your quarters. No, is not an answer." Sterling gave Reetha a thumbs up. "You go for it." Reetha gave him a double thumbs up. 

---

After the goodbyes, the boys and the two Jedi led Reetha to the transport. "I'm prepared, Master Plo." Reetha looked to the Kel Dor with a new passion. "I'm glad you are, little Reetha." 

Before Reetha fully boarded the transport, she walked back to Anakin and Ahsoka and engulfed them in a hug. "I will miss you guys so dearly." Anakin and Ahsoka only pulled her in more closer and hugged her, before releasing her. 

As Reetha walked back to the transport, she paused once more. A calling in her heart made her turn to face one clone in particular. Rex looked at her with soft eyes. Reetha smiled, a longing in her eyes. 

When she had enough of starring, she ran and jumped into Rex once again. Her hand clinging to Rex as she wrapped her hands around his torso. She was quite a short Jedi for her age. Rex only hugged her back more before whispering. "Stay safe, Reetha. I will miss you dearly." 

"I will to. And I promise, so be as creative as my master and Ahsoka. As willy and nitty as the guys, and most importantly, as loyal as my captain." Then Reetha pulled away. Her eyes shone with a new purpose. "I know you'll make us proud." Rex proudly stated. "Till we meet again. This is only a short goodbye, ayiya." She let go of Rex.

"Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, ner Vods." She shouted only loud enough for the group to hear, before running up to the transport. 

Rex looked on as the shuttle left the hangar with a proud sensation in his heart, knowing that Reetha had managed to find the courage in herself to take on her challenges. 'Ayiya' he thought. 'Older brother in her language'. 

'Till we meet again. This is only a short goodbye.' He repeated in himself. 'I love you to, ner vod'ika.'