Stars Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is owned by LucasArts and Disney. All characters under their jurisdiction is owned by them and no one else. Please support and review the story as you seem fit. Also, there will be scenes from the movie on here to give an idea of the timeline that is taking place. Excerpts include ideas from the novel and Battlefront II. Viewer discretion is advised.

"Not a bad day," said Anakin as they stood over the fragments and pieces of a Separatist army on an unknown planet in the Outer Rim. They had been pinned down before calling an airstrike on the last of the Separatist forces on the planet.

"It could have been worse," said Obi-Wan. "Especially when their was an entire armored brigade."

"You worry too much Obi-Wan," said Anakin, sitting down on the hulk of an AAT.

"I don't think it was so bad," said Rex, plopping down next to them on the sand. He removed his helmet and took a deep breath. "Aw, the smell of victory."

"Victory smells like smoke and oil," said Ahsoka, sitting near a downed STAP.

"It's an acquired smell," said Taran, laying down on the ground beside them all and looking up at the sky.

"This may seem random, but what's something you've always desired more than anything?" said Taran.

"Hmm, good question kid. I always wanted...lead all the Republic forces," said Rex.

"Really Rex?" said Ahsoka, laughing a little as did everyone else.

"What, you all don't think it's a nice image? Commander-in-chief Rex! I can see it now," said Rex, musing to himself.

"Ok then Chancellor Rex," said Obi-Wan. "I always wanted to sing at a cantina." Everyone looked at him like the Jedi Master was insane.

"I'm just joking. I don't have a greatest desire," said Obi-Wan.

"As usual," said Anakin. "Mine is that I want to be the greatest pilot in the galaxy."

"You kind of already have that title sir," said Rex.

"Riiight," Ahsoka said sarcastically.

"Don't believe me Snips?" said Anakin.

"You could use some work," said Ahsoka. "I still remember that little maneuver you did on Nar Shadaa."

"That was experimenting," said Anakin trying to explain himself as everyone else laughed. "Oh knock it off all of you."

"We're just teasing you Master," said Ahsoka.

"So what's your greatest desire Ahsoka," said Anakin.

"I've...always wanted to fly," said Ahsoka.

"You do that enough already," said Anakin.

"Not just fly with a ship. I mean to truly fly as if I had wings on my own. Not relying on anything to get me anywhere, to just soar through the sky on my own whim," said Ahsoka.

"Sounds like a wonderful thought right there," said Obi-Wan.

"It's beautiful," said Taran as he gazed at her, which she returned.

"What about you kid? What have you always wanted?" said Rex. Taran's gaze turned to the sky as the sun began to set in the distance.

"I've always wanted..."

Ahsoka opened her eyes when she awoke. The room around them was dark still, but she knew it was morning already. She slowly got off of Taran so as not to wake him as she yawned and stretched. When she was done she looked down at Taran's sleeping form. He looked so peaceful and calm as he slept. His lips were slightly parted and his head rolled to the side as he breathed slowly yet quietly. She smiled at his sleeping form, brushing a dread from his face. She got off of the bed and went into the bathroom to clean her teeth. It took her less than two minutes to scrub them thoroughly and clean the rest of her mouth. When she came back in, Taran was still sleeping. He had also rolled over on his side, moving a little in his sleep from time to time.

"I wonder what he's dreaming of?" she thought. She decided to let him sleep, knowing full well the state he was in from the day before. All the while as he slept, his hands would move or his eyelids would pinch shut tightly.

The Jedi Temple from his aerial view of the entire complex seemed even larger than it already was. It seemed like he was flying around it. He willed himself to look out and about the building, the symbol of the Jedi Order. Day turned to night, and back to day before it ended at the night. As he gazed out, he saw what looked like a sea of white moving towards the Temple. He flew in closer to get a better look. He was shocked to see they were all clone troopers.

The dream ended abruptly.

"Oh come on," he thought as his eyes slowly opened. He scanned around his room to see Ahsoka sitting on the edge of the bed levitating a training remote in her hands. He yawned, signalling her that he was finally awake.

"Glad to see you're up," she said. "What were you dreaming about?"

"It was weird. I dreamed I was looking at the Temple, than what looked like a large force of clones marching towards it," said Taran. "It's probably nothing, just me thinking of yesterday."

"It does seem like an interesting thing though," said Ahsoka. Taran moved to kiss her, but she stopped.

"Uh-uh. Morning breath Cyneran," Ahsoka said pointedly.

"So true," said Taran, smiling to himself and getting up to go to the bathroom to hastily clean his teeth. Ahsoka laughed as she heard how rapidly he was brushing in their.

"Slow down, I'm not going anywhere," said Ahsoka. She heard him finish as he came in. He leaned down and kissed her, having her sigh into it.

"Better?" Taran said.

"Better, and minty too," said Ahsoka. They two shared a small laugh together, enjoying their company.

"Are you scared?" said Ahsoka.

"Not really," said Taran, though he knew it was a lie.

"Taran, be honest," said Ahsoka, pulling him down to sit on the edge of the bed with her.

"Okay, yes I'm absolutely terrified," said Taran. "I thought 'I knew what to do, but now all the what-ifs keep coming back." He sighed as he rubbed his temples. Ahsoka hugged him to her.

"I know it's hard. Whatever decision you make, I'll support it," she said. She pulled back enough to look into his eyes. She gave him a smile, which reaffirmed him. He returned it as well.

Taran was currently wearing his Jedi robes including the cloak while Ahsoka wore her regular outfit. The two were heading towards the Council chambers as they were currently convening to discuss matters dealing with the Order.

"Just be calm," said Ahsoka. Taran nodded, taking a deep breath before exhaling slowly.

"Ahsoka!" yelled someone from behind them. They stopped and turned to be welcomed by a sight for sore eyes. Anakin Skywalker was walking towards them, the biggest smile on his face as he gazed at his former Padawan.

"Anakin!" said Ahsoka. She ran towards him as he hurriedly walked over to her. The two met and hugged each other fiercely. Ahsoka buried herself into his outfit as Anakin hung on to her like his life depended on it.

"I missed you Master," said Ahsoka, her eyes on the verge of tears of happiness after not having seen him for a long time.

"I missed you too Snips. I missed you too," said Anakin. The former apprentice embracing the former master was a sight to behold.

"You know, I don't mind the nickname anymore," said Ahsoka, pulling back some as she wiped her eyes.

"It took nearly three years for you to finally say that," said Anakin, chuckling a little.

"Any room here for one more?" said Taran, coming up behind them.

"Always," said Anakin as the two embraced the other. Anakin thought of Taran as his little brother, Taran affectionately seeing him as his older brother. The bonds that brought all four of them together was nigh unbreakable. They completely trusted the other and wouldn't hesitate to defend each other.

"I heard about everything you two did yesterday. Not bad," said Anakin. Ahsoka and Taran rolled their eyes, but still managed to smile. It was good to have all of them back together.

"Where did you go to?" asked Taran.

"I just got back from the Chancellor's office. Before that I was at Padme's apartment. She told me some news," said Anakin.

"She's pregnant," said Ahsoka and Taran.

"How do you know that?" said Anakin, astonished being just one word to how he felt about the two of them knowing.

"I found out the night before the invasion, and then I told Taran a few moments before it happened," said Ahsoka. "Are you taking it well?" For once, Anakin was at a loss for words about it.

"Uh um yes. Excited really," said Anakin, struggling to find words.

"Now there's something. I wasn't expecting to see Anakin Skywalker tongue-tied," said Ahsoka, smiling to herself.

"Just surprised. You still have a way of doing that to me," said Anakin. "Are you on your way to the Council?"

"Yes. They're going to decide whether I'm allowed to stay in the Order or not," said Taran as the three of them walked together to the Council chambers.

"I'm on my way to report to the Council about what happened on the Invisible Hand," said Anakin. "I don't like what they're doing about you. From what I've heard you did everything to get Ahsoka out of Aargonar as well as other prisoners and this is how they repay you?"

"The code has its faults, but I'm sure they were made for a reason," said Taran.

"A bad reason," said Anakin as they all got on the elevator as two Jedi Knights stepped off.

"I understand how you feel about it Anakin," said Taran. The thought had always been on both their minds. What if the Council found out about Anakin and Padme's relationship? Especially with a child on the way? Would he be kicked out as well, or punished more severely for it? Did the Order even punish people for the offense anymore? He remembered the story of Ranik Solusar who fathered a child and was disciplined by the Order but allowed to stay. Perhaps...

"Taran?" said Anakin.

"What? Sorry, blanked out for a second," said Taran.

"Still the same," said Anakin, chuckling. The elevator stopped at the top floor and three of them got off and headed to the Council room. They stopped outside the door.

"I guess you two will wait here. Just know that I'm on your side," said Anakin.

"Thanks," said Taran and Ahsoka. He smiled at the two of them before he walked through the sliding door. Once he was out of sight Taran and Ahsoka sat down on the ground near the door.

"Feeling better?" Ahsoka asked.

"Not really," said Taran, still managing a smile at the least. Ahsoka took his hand in hers.

"You remember when we first met?" she said. "I remembered a 6 year old Elementian boy who was too afraid to go to the bathroom by himself because he thought that there was a monster in there."

"I was 6 and I had a bad dream that night!" said Taran, embarrassed. Ahsoka lightly laughed as she saw his cheeks flush.

"But what you said next, I'll never forget."

6 year old Ahsoka was patiently waiting for the boy she had just met to finish. It had seemed strange for him to ask her if the bathroom was free of anything or anyone in there. She nearly laughed, but the look on his face made her realize he was truly sincere about it.

He came out after washing his hands, standing somewhat shorter than she was.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "What's your name?"

"I'm Ahsoka," said Ahsoka. "And you?"

"Taran. May I be your friend?" he asked meekly. Ahsoka didn't know what to say. She had just met him today, yet here he was wanting to be her friend. She also noticed he said 'her' friend and not 'his'.

"I'd like that," said Ahsoka. "I'd like to be yours as well." Taran smiled shyly at her.

"Ten years ago," Taran mused.

"And since then we've been through so much together," said Ahsoka. "It's sometimes a little hard to imagine."

"Allow this appointment lightly, the Council does not. Disturbing is this move by Chancellor Palpatine," said Yoda.

"I understand," said Anakin. He personally knew that becoming a Master was entirely up to the Council, not by any elected officials of the Republic. Still, achieving the rank of Master after all his efforts would be a nice reward.

"You are on this Council," said Windu. "But we do not grant you the rank of Master."

"What?" said Anakin. Hadn't he done enough? His power with the Force was unquestionable, his lightsaber skills were prominent, his piloting skills were at a level no other member could reach. He had single-handedly killed Dooku and rescued the Chancellor. What more did they need?

"How can you do this?" said Anakin. "This is outrageous. It's unfair. How can you be on the Council, and not be a master?"

"Take a seat," Windu said pointedly. The tone in his voice sounded as if it was on the edge of a sword. Anakin knew any further argument was pointless. Reluctantly Anakin turned to the empty seat and sat down in it, clearly unhappy with their decision.

"More matters to discuss?" said Ki-Adi-Mundi.

"Cyneran," said Windu. "Is he outside?"

"Yes. I can feel his presence and Ahsoka's," said Obi-Wan.

"Allow him in," said Yoda. The door opened and Taran walked in. He moved to stand in front of the Council at the epicenter of the room as the door closed behind him. He saw Anakin out of the corner of his eye sitting in a Council seat.

"Wait, is he on the Council?" he thought. It warmed him up to see that Anakin was promoted to the rank of Jedi Master at his age and on the Council to boot, but he also noticed that he looked sullen. "What happened?"

"How fare you young one?" said Yoda.

"I'm alright Master," said Taran.

"We heard of what you and the others did to protect the Temple from Master Sinube," said Master Tiin.

"It was a group effort," said Taran. "We did what we had to do, just like anyone else."

"Truly, such a move saved lives in the long-run," said Master Fisto.

"And for that, we thank you and Ahsoka, Tia and Bruck as well as Master Sinube, and the younglings," said Windu.

"They're not in trouble are they?" said Taran.

"Some discipline will be taken, but nothing to be frightened for their sake," said the hologram of Plo Koon, who was in Cato Nemoidia presently.

"We've deliberated long on the matter of you and Tano's relationship. These types of relationships are not permitted in the Order as you are aware," said Master Windu.

"I understand Masters. I'll accept whatever decision the Council's decided for me," said Taran. All eyes went to Mace.

"We've decided to allow you to stay in the Order," said Windu. At that Taran and Anakin's eyes widened.

"What?" said Taran astounded. "But I thought...why though?"

"We received information on the state of affairs on Elementia. We all are aware that on your planet's family-centric policies similar to Corellia, and also how you are the last living descendant of your family aside from your uncle. Therefore we've allowed you the privilege, albeit to assure the Elementian representatives, to marry should you wish it," said Windu.

Taran was beyond shocked. He was expecting to have to leave the Order, but now they were saying he was allowed to stay and keep his relationship with Ahsoka going. It almost made him want to smile, but at the same time he didn't want to.

"Anakin," he thought. He could only imagine what his 'older brother' was thinking now. No doubt he found this arrangement unfair at best and Taran didn't blame him. If their roles were switched he would have the same thoughts.

"More to say do you?" said Yoda.

"Uh," said Taran, looking at Anakin. Anakin met his gaze. He saw the harshness in his eyes. "I was wondering if...there was a way for Ahsoka to return if she wished to."

"Like that we would, but once left the Order, come back one cannot," said Yoda.

"I understand Master. That is all," said Taran.

"You may go Padawan," said Windu. Taran bowed respectfully and turned to leave. His eyes flicked over to Anakin, whose eyes were downcast at the ground.

"I'm sorry Anakin," he thought.

Ahsoka waited outside the door for Taran to get back, wondering what they were deliberating on in their. The door slid open and Taran walked into the hallway, the door sliding closed behind him.

"How did it go?" she asked.

"Walk with me," said Taran. They walked to the elevator together, Taran having the most uncertain look on his face. He didn't speak until they got to it, pressing the button to summon it up the spire.

"They're going to let me stay in the Order," said Taran.

"That's great news," said Ahsoka, hugging him. Taran returned it halfheartedly.

"What's wrong?" she asked, sensing by how he returned it.

"Well I did ask them if it were possible to join again, and they said when you left it was permanent," said Taran.

"Oh," said Ahsoka. She thought about it for a few moments as the elevator door opened and they entered. "I'll be okay Taran."

"The second thing is what is bugging me the most. They said that because I'm the last member of my family left that we'd be allowed to keep our relationship within the Order. It's like I have the benefit of having you because my family's dead and it's my planet's family-centric policy. Then I thought if that was the case what about Anakin? Hasn't he done enough?" said Taran.

"I understand. What was Anakin doing in there?" said Ahsoka.

"I think he's on the Council," said Taran.

"He is? That's great news!" said Ahsoka as the elevator came to a stop, the two walking out.

"But he looked a little angry about something," said Taran.

"You don't suppose he told them about him and Padme do you?" Ahsoka asked.

"I don't think so. It has to have been something else," said Taran.

"So what do we do now?" said Ahsoka.

"I don't know. Maybe you want to see someone else tonight?" said Taran.

"I guess we could go and see Padme, but before that stopping by Dexter's would be nice," said Ahsoka.

"You read my mind," said Taran, smiling a little. "Wait...did you?"

"Nope, I just know you too well," said Ahsoka, giggling to herself.

"What kind of nonsense is this?" said Anakin as he and Obi-Wan were walking down a flight of stairs in the Temple after the meeting.

"Put me on the Council and not make me a Master. It's never been done in the history of the Jedi; it's insulting," Anakin continued.

"Calm down Anakin. You've been giving a great honor. To be on the Council at your age, it's never happened before," said Obi-Wan, taking a stop to continue their consideration between them so that no one else could hear.

"The fact of the matter is that you're too close to the Chancellor," said Obi-Wan. "The Council doesn't like it when he interferes in Jedi affairs."

"I swear to you I didn't ask to be put on the Council," said Anakin.

"But it's what you wanted. Your friendship with Chancellor Palpatine seems to have paid off," said Obi-Wan. The two men started to walk again.

"He has nothing to do with this," said Anakin.

"The only reason the Council has approved your appointment is because the Chancellor trusts you," said Obi-Wan.

"And?" said Anakin, his heart sinking as he thought of what Obi-Wan was going to say next.

"Anakin, I'm on your side. I didn't want to put you in this situation," said Obi-Wan.

"What situation?" said Anakin, stopping where he stood. Obi-Wan stopped as well, bowing his head down slightly as he struggled to tell his friend the truth.

"The Council wants you to report on all the Chancellor's dealings," said Obi-Wan, not bringing himself to look Anakin in the face as he could sense the hurt and frustration increase in him. "They want to know what he's up to." He and Anakin walked over to a open window to gaze out into the city as the traffic sped by.

"They want me to spy on the Chancellor?" said Anakin, not believing what he was hearing. "That's treason."

"We're at war Anakin," said Obi-Wan.

"Why didn't the Council give me this assignment while we were in session?" said Anakin.

"This assignment is not to be on record," said Obi-Wan.

"The Chancellor is not a bad man Obi-Wan. He befriended me. He's watched over me ever since I arrived here," said Anakin, trying to defend Palpatine.

"That is why you must help us," said Obi-Wan. "Anakin, our allegiance is to the Senate, not to it's leader who has managed to stay in power long after his term has expired."

"The Senate demanded that he stay longer," said Anakin.

"Yes but search your feelings Anakin. Something is out of place," said Obi-Wan. Anakin stopped to take in all the words that had been spoken and looked away from Obi-Wan.

"You're asking me to do something against the Jedi Code, against the Republic, against a mentor and a friends. That's what's out of place here," said Anakin. "Why are you asking this of me?"

Obi-Wan answered simply.

"The Council is asking you."

"Ahsoka!" said Dexter Jettster when he caught sight of Ahsoka as she and Taran entered. The four-armed Besalisk hurried over to her, wrapping her in all his arms as he hugged her tightly.

"Dex! Can't breathe," said Ahsoka. Dexter let her down to let her catch her breath.

"It's so good to see ya back. I take it it wasn't too much trouble finding her?" said Dexter.

"Not too much," said Taran. "Just the usual."

"How've you been Dex?" said Ahsoka. "I'm surprised that the diner is still functioning after everything that happened yesterday."

"They missed us so no damage done," said Dexter. "Come on, have a seat. I'll make your favorite. It's good to see you back."

"Glad to be back Dex," said Ahsoka as she and Taran took a seat on the counter. The night saw only a few patrons in the diner so it was relatively easygoing rather than the high pace they were use to. Ahsoka's eyes scanned over the diner looking over all the features again. She looked over at Taran to see him deep in thought. She could tell he was whenever he was laying his head on his fist and stared off into one spot.

"Taran?" she said.

"Hmm?" said Taran.

"What are you thinking of?" said Ahsoka.

"Just...thinking," said Taran.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"I'm just thinking...what if I don't want this," said Taran.

"Want what?" said Ahsoka.

"Being a Jedi, but also trying to have a life outside the Order. I don't like the idea of juggling both of them," said Taran. "I'm going to have to decide whether I'll stay or not."

"Are you sure?" said Ahsoka. Taran was silent for a little as he thought about it before he buried his head in arms on the counter.

"I don't know what I want," said Taran he said.

"Taran-"

"Here you go. Your two favorites," said Dexter, coming in with four platters of food and placing them down on the counter. "Something wrong?"

"It's okay Dex, just...thinking," said Taran. He managed a smile when he saw the food. "Everything looks good. Wait, is that?" He pointed to the roasted food item in the middle of a dish.

"Fire flakes. Had a friend from Elementia give me his family recipe. I should let you get a cut of the profit from the suggestion you gave me. These have been selling like crazy when I first introduced them," said Dexter. "Anyway hope you enjoy. We'll talk later when you're done." Taran and Ahsoka thanked him and began to chow down. As they ate, Taran couldn't help but to keep thinking.

"What am I going to do?"