Ahsoka had been planning Captain Rex’s birthday celebration for weeks, though keeping it a secret among the Clone Troopers proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Troopers weren't exactly trained for parties, especially surprise ones. Still, the idea of honoring Rex's courage and leadership spurred them all to pull off something unforgettable.

In the early hours of the day, Ahsoka gathered a handful of 501st—Fives, Jesse, Kix, Hardcase, Echo, Tup, and others. They met in one of the quieter hangars, where they could prep without being overheard.

“We’ve got everything, right?” Ahsoka asked, looking over the troopers as they laid out the decorations. Jesse held up a banner hastily crafted from spare cloth that said “Happy Birthday, Captain!” in big, bold letters. Fives had somehow found a cake (a rare sight in the military) through some negotiations with the mess hall staff, and Kix managed to whip up a couple of makeshift decorations.

“Rex is gonna be speechless,” Fives grinned, adjusting his helmet. “When’s the last time anyone celebrated a Clone’s birthday?”

“Probably the first time,” Kix replied, laughing as he fixed a streamer on the wall.

Throughout the day, Ahsoka and the troopers kept things under wraps, dodging Rex whenever he came close and working quickly to hide the preparations. Rex, being Rex, sensed something was off. He had noticed Ahsoka’s slightly mischievous grin as she quickly shuffled troopers out of sight whenever he walked into a room. But, as always, he trusted her judgment and let it go.

Finally, the moment came. Just after the evening patrol, Ahsoka asked Rex to come to the hangar under the pretense of an “emergency report.” Rex, as always, followed dutifully, though the faintest hint of suspicion glinted in his eyes.

"...One, two...” Ahsoka counted Rex's arrival, hearing the sound of his footsteps, the rest of the 501st were hiding for the surprise.