The ride to Sriluur was tense, boring, and terrifying all at the same time. Ahsoka's whole body ached and Rex was over the top concerned for her. While the pair fought to stay alive, the pirates were having the time of their lives. They were drinking, making jokes, and telling stories, while laughing so hard they fell over. Rex couldn't stand to watch as they had fun, whereas Ahsoka and himself were their prisoners. Ahsoka tried her hardest to stand completely still in her cell, even though it was almost impossible while flying in hyperspace. When she failed to stay in one place, she fell right into a terribly painful electric shock wall that burned her frail body. Rex hated seeing her like this, but he knew that if he tried to help her now they would both end up dead.

"And then I tossed that son of a bantha off my ship!" Hondo roared, followed by an eruption of laughter from him and his crew.

"Aye look!" one of the crew members shouted, "We're home!"

They came out of hyperspace and the crew let out a number of hoots and cheers as their home planet came into view. The pale, yellow, desert like, planet was all but welcoming. Rex swallowed hard, Sriluur looming over the ship and casting a deadly shadow. Hondo jumped back into the driver's seat and flew the ship closer to their destination.

Ahsoka shivered in her cell, rubbing her arms in an attempt to comfort herself only slightly. When would all this end? It seemed like the entire galaxy was after them. When would they get a break? She didn't want to show it, but she was terrified. Terrified of what they would do to her. Ahsoka had dealt with pirates before, and they were nothing but filthy, dangerous, slime balls. She had witnessed what they did to prisoners before. This made her anxious and scared to death of what would happen next to Rex and her.

The ship entered the atmosphere of Sriluur and Ahsoka's usually cheerful face went grim. Rex noticed this and tried to get her attention. He stomped his foot as quietly as he could. Ahsoka whirled around, a petrified look on her face. As soon as she realized Rex was okay, she calmed down a little bit.

"It's gonna be okay" Rex mouthed to her, sending her a sincere look.

Ahsoka smiled but it didn't reach her eyes, "I'm scared"

"I know" Rex mouthed back, "We're getting out of this, I promise"

"I love you" Ahsoka mouthed, her eyes softening.

"I love you too"

When the ship finally landed, it shook violently. Ahsoka just happened to catch herself before she fell right back into the electric walls of her cell. She breathed a small sigh of relief before steadying herself. When the pirates finally stopped their antics, they strolled right up to Ahsoka's cell, sly grins plastered on their faces.

"Now what?" Ahsoka growled, glaring at the crew.

Hondo laughed, "You'll just have to wait and see"

He pressed a button, turning off the electric walls. Then let his crew drag Ahsoka's burnt body out of the cell. She didn't resist, as she was far too weak to even try to struggle against their grip. Two of the pirates had a hold on either one of her forearms, making sure she couldn't go anywhere. As soon as they could, they secured binders on her wrists.

Meanwhile Rex wasn't giving up without a fight. Sorgon was making a desperate attempt to get him up, while Rex was flailing and struggling like his life depended on it. Even though his ankles and wrists were in binders, he could still pack a punch. It finally took Sorgon and two other pirates to force Rex to stay still.

"You need to start playing nice" Hondo cooed, "Or she will pay for your foolish actions"

Hondo clicked his tongue and a pirate to his side punched Ahsoka in the stomach. She groaned in immense pain, going limp in the arms of the pirates holding her.

"Ahsoka" Rex breathed, his eyes widening.

He gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut before calming down. Hondo flashed a sickening toothy smile, before walking out of the cockpit. A pirate released the shackles on Rex's ankles so he could walk. Then the crew fell into line behind their leader, dragging Ahsoka and Rex with them. Only when they got outside could Ahsoka feel the intense heat of the planet. The sun beat down on her montrals, making them sting even more. She started to sweat immediately, the beads forming on her forehead.

It was even hotter for Rex, since he only had his armor on from the waist down. Leaving his sweat soaked blacks to cling to his toned chest and the rest of his upper body. He made an attempt to glance over at Ahsoka, making his heart hurt even more for the togruta. Her lekku were singed and there were splotches of black on her bare skin. Her tank top and leggings were ripped, showing multiple scratches and gashes covering her body. Rex fought the urge to run over and give her a hug, telling her that he was here and that everything would be okay.

They walked for a while, passing nothing but sand and an occasional speeder. Rex felt lightheaded, he was dehydrated. He hadn't had water since they were at the refuge back on Onderon. When he thought about it, it seemed like that was forever ago. When in reality that was only yesterday. They finally arrived at the many tents and bars where the Hondo and his crew lived.

As Rex started to look around more, he began to realize that they were surrounded by pirates. With every corner they turned, another Weequay face they ran into. He swallowed hard, hoping they would make this one out alive.

Hondo led them to an area surrounded by tents, a large circle of sand in the middle. He sat on a chair in the shade and the pirates pushed Ahsoka and Rex to their knees.

"What do you want with us?" Rex snarled.

"Here's what's going to happen" Hondo started, "So you know I love opportunities to earn a little extra credits mhmm?"

Rex snorted.

"So I have a challenge for you!" Hondo declared, with an excited wave of his hands. "I can tell you have a liking for this togruta. I know you may even love her"

"Get to the point" Rex growled, muttering insults under his breath.

"There is going to be three tasks you have to complete" Hondo explained, "You'll have to retrieve an object, maybe slay a ranchor, all while saving your friend here!"

Rex's heart dropped.

"People will come to watch and I will have my money while you will have your friend!" Hondo pointed out. "The last task is especially hard though. And here's the catch. If you can't complete these tasks for me, I might just ship your girlfriend off to the empire"

Rex struggled against his binders, lunging at the pirate leader.

"I hear they are offering a lot of money for you two" Hondo laughed, "The price of her alone could supply me for an entire rotation!"

"Do I get anything out of this?" Rex asked, his voice dangerously quiet.

"You get to stay alive and you get the girl" Hondo purred.

Ahsoka jerked to attention, suddenly realizing the situation. Rex sent her a reassuring look before turning back to the pirate.

"Do I even have a say in this matter?" Rex asked, thought he already knew the answer.

Hondo pretended to look deep in thought, "Hmmm let me see... Nope!"

He laughed at this, making his crew howl with laughter as well.

"I didn't think so" Rex muttered under his breath

"Sorgon take them away!" Hondo ordered, sitting back in his chair.

Sorgon nodded, firmly grasping both Rex and Ahsoka's arms. He pulled them into the maze of tents, deep back where the most sketchy customers were. Ahsoka quivered at the sight of the pirates.

They arrived at a corridor of cells and Sorgon opened the door to one, just to push the two to the ground. Ahsoka fell hard on her side, groaning as she struggled to sit up. Sorgon pressed a button on his wrist and Rex's and Ahsoka's binders clattered to the ground. Rex rushed to Ahsoka's side.

"Ahsoka" he muttered, scooting closer to her.

"Rex, you're here" she rasped, forcing a small smile.

Sorgon smirked, "Get some rest. Cause you'll need all the energy you can get for tomorrow"