Early the next day

Saw never felt more hurt. He didn't feel betrayed, because his sister is special to him.

Saw just liked being in charge, being strong, and being bold. He realized Steela has qualities he lacks, not that he cares too much about that. Lux is weak. He's some pampered rich kid whose never had it rough until his Confederate mummy died. Guerrera couldn't help but look down on Bonteri for being so pathetic. He'll crack under pressure and fold. Saw is sure of it.

Lux acts like a newbie during too many occasions. The Boy Senator is way more arrogant than he ever could be; wanting to go with him on a dangerous mission just to impress the togruta Jedi. Why that would be boggles Saw's mind, but no more. Saw just thinks Lux is an idiot. At least he is relieved that Lux doesn't like Steela. The male Guerrera does not have designs on the togruta, but he is intrigued by her confidence and spunky personality.

"Hello Saw".

"Lux".

"That's a good plan you had, actually. I changed my mind. You can go alone into the palace. The rest of us can't really stop you."

"Why, so you think I will get captured, and you and Ahsoka will heroically rescue me?

Not likely."

"I agree. I can't really help you. That's why you have to go alone. One of the Jedi will bail you out, if the worst comes to pass."

"Thanks for the advice, not. You are such a phony, Bonteri. Don't pretend you have it all together! Politics is for cheats and failures. The togruta doesn't have feelings for you, and she can't anyway! Her species is predatory, Lux. She sees both of us as pieces of meat. I don't know about you but I don't need that." Saw picks up a cloth to wipe down a rifle.

"So your head is full of angry sawdust I take it? Good luck, because you're going to need it! So what if you're not the leader anymore, get over it."

"Shh, here comes the Jedi!"

Anakin walks from where he was to their spot in the hall. "Gentlemen" he nodded.

"General Skywalker."

"Saw, you're strong and one of the best out of the whole group. I have taken much note of your impressive initiative. This leadership transition is for the best and affects little. You are in the upper echelon still. Steela's leadership means you are her definite second in command, and you'll always have her ear. I wish you well. Lux, I hope you can persuade General Tandin to have his men turn against the Separatists. That alone will tilt us towards full victory in a very short time. I'm taking Captain Rex to the snipers nest on top of the palace. I don't plan to stick around once the power is down. Ahsoka is staying until the mission is complete. Rex and I have to get back to fighting open battles with clones very soon, so the power has to go down asap. As you were."

Saw and Lux differed on who received the best praise. Anakin was now no longer concerned with anyone except his padawan. His padawan has clearly lost all focus, except on Lux. Anakin walks off.

"Saw, I dare you to cut off Sanjay's head, or better yet spit on him while he's still alive!"

"You're on Bonteri!"

"Are we betting?"

"No need. I'm going alone. I'll return, and when I do you'll know."

At The Palace

Rash bowed before the hologram.

"Rise. I offer my congratulations on defeating a terrorist group. It seems too easy, there may be more."

"Not likely, but if there are any, your reinforcements and Kalani will be more than enough to maintain control over the masses."

"I want Onderon's riches sent offworld immediately. The one thing that will prevent any rebellion from cropping up again are some new droid gunships. They are ray shielded and well armed; little if anything can knock them out. They are en route and will take several standard days to arrive."

"I'm eager to see them from my palace."

"You will also be graced by two Dark Acolytes. They are human males. They will make any assassination attempt impossible. They will keep an eye on the deal, so don't try anything stupid. The Acolytes are trained in the Jedi arts. They should arrive momentarily."

"Thank you my lord."

Walking outside to the Armory Safehouse

"Padawan, I have to know. Are you losing focus?"

"No, master".

"Good. I understand your concern for their success. I feel it too. But, are you focused on the senator?"

"Well, we have had run-ins during previous missions. His heart is in the right place, even if he was a separatist. He could return to the Republic."

Anakin laughs. "You think I don't know? I do remember one of those missions. Senator Amidala was foolish to flout the Republic by traveling to Raxus. I've seen how you two look at each other. Don't get entangled with him. Your commitment to the Jedi is at stake, and it isn't worth throwing away. You already keep secrets, especially from Obi-Wan. It's not good to make it harder on yourself."

Ahsoka has a big grin on her face, thinking about 'entanglement'. "Don't worry skyguy, I'm not going to get 'emotional' with anyone. Not even for a moment. Saw is a strong fighter, sort of like you master, but he's dumber than a bag of hammers." They laugh. "Lux is smart, articulate, and really sweet. I just want him to live through this conflict, that's all. Afterward, he's going to have to take care of himself."

" 'Atta girl, Snips. No emotional attachments. I have to let you in on something. I cannot completely condemn any feeling. Just don't let it get out of hand. Put the mission first always. The Jedi are a noble order, as you know, but we do not prohibit.. frivolity. It's not my role to inhibit you from acting on your instincts, young one. The big push to dump Sanjay Rash will begin as soon as the power is out. Go see if Lux is ready for the mission. He has to be fully prepped for whatever occurs. General Tandin has to be persuaded to defect, if not he must go."

"Understood, Master." Lux better get ready, for things are about to get heavy.

Later

"Why the hell am I in the sewer, Lux? Ugh, this is so gross! I swear, I know I'm a Jedi, but this just gives me a bad feeling every time."

"Listen, it's the only way in or out of the city that's still a secret. I found out about it from one of the merchants."

"I suppose you're right. I'm still tempted to introduce that merchant to my lightsaber when we get out of this mess!"

"In the jungle there is a fresh water lake about two clicks straight in front of us. The exit point to ground seems to be very close."

"I need to get out of these sewer rags and into that lake!"

"It might take time to get out of this armor, but it will come off."

"Much of that does look like Saw's armor."

"Ahsoka, please. Don't ruin this by talking about that moron."

Eventually they get to the lake as described by Lux Bonteri. Ahsoka takes off all her dirty clothes and jumps into the deep end. Lux swims over to Ahsoka, clearly in the buff as well.

They both swim and have fun teasing and splashing.

" 'Soka, I know that sewer is nasty and that's why we're skinny dipping. I just wanted to make out somewhere where the others wouldn't see."

"Lux, you are sweet, and I like you for it. You are sadly naive about all this, but that isn't such a bad thing. Prepare yourself, you're about to get Luxy!" Ahsoka looks beaming, almost glistening. The lake does wonders for appearances.

The two exit the lake. Padawan Tano could no longer hold back her force or her Togruta predatory instincts. Lucky for Lux Bonteri that Togrutas don't eat humans, but they do mate with them. Hunting and mating are often triggered by the same animal instincts. Lux and Ahsoka have so much fun, and easily lose track of time. Ahsoka finally comes to her senses, no guilt about getting physical, but the mission.

"I almost want to walk back to Iziz nude. Our clothes reek."

"Same here Ahsoka, but we can't."

"Any close safehouses so we can find new clothes, or in my case a new robe?"

"Yes, the west side safehouse is closest to the wall. We can grapple our way in or use your lightsabers."

"We both smell like we've mated. Come on, back into the lake!"