"I'm all clear, Skyguy."

  "Good. The Council is expecting us in five minutes. So hurry."

  "Yes, Master."

With a grateful smile and nod to Master Luminara Unduli, Ahsoka left the Halls of Healing with a noticeable spring in her step. Force healing had done marvels. Any scar or affliction of any sort from her former abusive mentor was gone without a trace. 

She walked quickly through the Temple. Memories from when she was a Youngling, an Initate, living in the Temple before becoming a Padawan resurfaced as she subconsciously headed towards the Council chamber. It felt odd walking at such a quick pace without her Padawan beads slapping her shoulder. However, she knew they were safe with Anakin and would be returned to her soon.

Anakin was waiting for her in the center of the room. Ahsoka took her place beside him and bowed before their Jedi Masters. Master Kenobi was there along with Master Yoda, Mace Windu, Shaak Ti, and others she recognized. Her close friend Master Plo Koon was present via hologram. 

  "Padawan Tano," Master Windu began, "we are pleased to report that former Jedi Pong Krell has been expelled from the Order and awaits execution for his war crimes decided by the Senate." 

Ahsoka was admittedly startled. She hadn't expected execution. Perhaps it was just as well. Not only did he abuse her, but also murdered his men, costing the Republic hundreds of good soldiers and, now that she thought about it, some vital battles. 

  "Krell's battalion will be joining General Skywalker's remaining 501st," Mace Windu continued. "He also made a request for an apprentice. You specifically."

Ahsoka glanced up to find Anakin smiling down at her and she returned it. 

  "Accept, will you?"

  She responded without hesitation, "Yes, Masters. I accept Master Skywalker as my mentor."

Without a word, her new Master proudly clipped her silka beads to her Togruta headdress. It dangled with new purpose. 

  "As Master and apprentice, go on your next mission you will."

  "Master Plo Koon is searching for the Separatist's new super weapon. You will be providing a fleet for backup when he finds it," Master Kenobi instructed. 

  "As you say, Masters," said Anakin respectfully. To Master Plo, he continued, "We will contact you shortly."

Then the two of them bowed and exited. 

 * * * 

  "Commander! Sir!" 

The Padawan turned to find a young Clone hurrying over to her with his helmet under his arm. She knew he was young because his armor was white with only a few battle abrasions and he still had the original haircut. 

  "What can I do for you, trooper?" The authority in her voice was new, but it carried weight. 

The young soldier awkwardly saluted her. Anxiety radiated off of him in waves in the Force. He wouldn't meet her eyes and there was a thin sheet of sweat on his tanned forehead. 

  "Commander, I... I was once assigned under Pong Krell, and–"

  Oh. "I'm sorry."

  This caught him off guard. "W-what?"

  "I'm sorry I let him slaughter  your brothers. He may have been the general, but I was your commander. I fought alongside you, and I didn't even know your names."

  "Sir, with all due respect, that wasn't your fault. None of the men blame you for that. In fact, some of them claim you saved their lives on the battlefield. Actually, I'm speaking for all of them when I say we're sorry. We didn't know what he was doing to you, but we should have guessed."

  "It's not your or their fault. No one knew. Everything is better now. I trust General Skywalker and Captain Rex are taking care of you?"

  "I already trust them with my life. And I'm ready to follow you anywhere, Commander."

  "Call me Ahsoka when formalities aren't necessary. What's your name?"

  "CT-16–"

  She smiled. "Your name, trooper."

  "Trip, sir."

  "Trip. You can count on me to remember it, and watch your back."

  Trip smiled. "You can count on me to watch yours, too." Then he saluted and left.

  "Good job, littl'un." 

Ahsoka turned to find Captain Rex approaching. She wasn't surprised, having sensed him walking up quietly behind her. 

  "I hope you don't mind, General Skywalker told me everything. I'm glad he's getting everything he deserves and more."

  Ahsoka nodded thoughtfully. "I'm not sure abuse is a crime worth execution, but betraying the Republic is."

  "It should be." His tone was as cold and sharp as steel. Then it softened as he asked, "Are you okay, littl'un?"

  "Never better. You don't see me... differently because of it, right?"

  "Not a chance, Commander. You're as strong as these men. We've seen bad, you've seen bad, but we're not broken." 

She believed him. It didn't take the Force with the way he straightened, clutched his helmet a bit more tightly, eyes never leaving hers, and how confident and clear his answer was.

  "No," Ahsoka agreed. "Not broken."

  "C'mon, littl'un. We need to join the General on the bridge." 

Side-by-side, Padawan and Captain walked toward the command center. They knew they would be doing this many times. The war had no end in sight and they would all see much more of the bad. Through the whole thing, they would all watch each others back and survive together.

The End.