Onderon, Bonteri Mansion
The sun had just begun to show its light, and all that could be heard within the mansion of Lux Bonteri was the sipping of coffee. Lux was up before the sun was. Always has been. Ever since he was appointed as Senator of Onderon, life was much busier than it used to be. He glossed over the many papers that littered his table. "Taxes, regulations, security measures... when will it end ?" he sighed to himself.
He was about to start to review all the papers when a door opened near him. He looked on as he saw his new guest : Ahsoka Tano. Ever since she chose to leave the Jedi Order, he was surprised to find her at his doorstep days after she left Coruscant following her trial. He was still in disbelief that many believed the accusations placed upon her for murdering the bombing suspect Letta Turmond plus a squad of clones and being the mastermind of a terrorist attack on the Jedi Temple. He knew that she couldn't possibly bring herself to such a level. He couldn't ignore her plea for help when she was at her most vulnerable state, so he greeted her with open arms and allowed her to use the guest room as her personal quarters.
"Morning, 'Soka. I hope you've slept better than the past few nights..."
"Getting there, slowly and surely, Lux. The more time passes, forgetting about the betrayal and trial is becoming a little bit easier. I hope I'm not imposing any unneeded stress on you by staying here. After leaving the Order, I didn't know where to turn. You're the only one I still trust. Thanks for providing me a place to feel safe and accepted. If it weren't for you, Lux, I've likely ended up on the streets as a petty beggar. I don't know how I could make it up to you."
"You're my guest, 'Soka. You owe me nothing. Sides, my parents taught me never to abandon anyone in need. Stay as long as you like."
"You're too kind, you know that ? What's for breakfast ?"
"I've already had mine a while ago, but it's no trouble to get the droid cook to fix you up something in a jiffy. Eggs and bacon as usual ?"
"You're getting to know me quite well already, Lux. Am I really that predictable ?" She said with a wide smile on her face.
"Only to me." He couldn't help but showing the silliest grin on his face.
The droid cook appeared minutes later.
"Your breakfast, mistress."
"Thanks."
She came to sit beside him for eating, which made him slightly nervous.
"What's on your mind, Lux ?" She asked as she stared right in his eyes.
"Well... um... *clears throat* these documents here need to be reviewed..."
Ahsoka gave her trademark smirk.
"My, my, am I making you that uncomfortable when I'm so near ?"
Lux thought to himself. "Oh boy, here we go..."
"You've become quite fond of me... right ?"
"To be truthful, more than you could imagine."
Ahsoka raised an eyebrow at the comment.
"That much, huh ?"
"For one, your beauty... how shall I put this... I've seen my fair share of female Togrutas in Iziz. None can compare to you."
"Really, now ?"
"Second, your sense of determination and responsibility are impressive for one of your age."
"Well Lux, don't forget that I was raised at the Jedi Temple. It's what I've been taught all those years by the various Masters that trained me."
"You've got a point, there."
"Well Lux, now that I'm no longer obliged to follow that over-strict Jedi Code... guess what ?"
Lux was trying to figure out an answer to her question, but his mind was blank.
"You've stumped me. What ?"
"I can finally do whatever I please, silly !"
"So you'd..."
"We have to start somewhere... Got any plans for tonight ?"
Lux almost choked on his coffee and fell off his chair in surprise. He was finally getting somewhere with the girl he liked above all. He got back up and stared at Ahsoka dumbfounded. He had to think of something clever to say.
"Third, your rather "unique" sense of humor never gives us a dull moment together."
"Yeah, that's a given. So what could we do tonight ?"
"A date ?"
"Y... yeah... I guess we could try."
Ahsoka was done eating, got up and started to make her way to the gardens outside.
"Lux, after you're done with all your paperwork, try to think of a place to go for tonight. I'll be out in the gardens meditating, holler if you need me."
"Have fun." He waved and returned to his more serious senatorial duties.
Ahsoka had made her way to gardens and started to meditate. Soon her mind was at ease... until a Force vision appeared. She saw the city of Iziz in flames. She then heard a malicious voice... "Ah, is that your betrothed ? You cannot save him from the fire, he will burn !"
She gasped and ran back to the mansion.
"Lux ! Lux ! Our date will have to wait !"
He looked at her and could see she was quite worried.
"What happened ?"
"I had a vision. Iziz was burning. And something or someone threatened to kill you as well."
"Was it Death Watch ?" Lux was becoming more concerned with his safety now.
"I don't think so, Lux. The voice I heard was much more evil... like a Sith Lord."
Lux finally spat out his coffee, spilling it on several of his papers.
"Aw nuts ! Now I gotta go and retrieve more copies of these documents. But a Sith Lord placing a price on my head ? Excuse my brashness, but wouldn't it make more sense to have it on yours ? I mean, now that you've left the Order, no doubt you're an easier target than before."
"Regardless, we have to tell King Dendup about this."
"For that I agree Ahsoka, and while we're there, I can pick up the new documents."