Heya! Sorry this took so long. School has been keeping me busy. Also, please note don't be surprised or angry in the next chapters also take a while. It's because today a girl in my class had to go to the hospital and we don't know why. So, I'm just bugging out right now thinking if she's ok or not. So, please don't be mad if the next chaps take a little while long. Love ya! -RK

XXX Iko's POV XXX

"You know your orders. The safety of The Duchess Satine is of the utmost importance. The Death Watch will stop at nothing to assassinate her before she pleads her case to the Senate." Obi said to the assembled clone troopers.

"The Death Watch may be backed by the Separatists, so stay sharp. R2, use your scanners to probe for any suspicious droid activity." Anakin said and R2 beeped. The troopers looked at each other.

"Anything else, Sir?" Rex said.

"No, that will be all." Obi replied. Obi looked down at his comm as it beeps. "Yes?"

"The duchess and her retinue requests your presence." (I presume someone knows who said this. If you do please tell me, cause I have no idea who did)

"Very well." With that we walk onto the lift.

"I sense some anxiety you about the duchess." Anakin said.

"Yes, Master. I agree with Anakin. What is bothering you?" I asked.

"She couldn't be in safer hands." Anakin continued.

"Yes, I know."

"Then why…" Anakin trailed off.

"Never mind. It's all in the past."

"Oh, so you're close to her?" Anakin asked looking at Obi.

"I knew her." Obi replied angrily looking at us. "A long time ago." He said and we continued up in silence. Once at the top we made our way down the corridor to Satine's room. The door opened and we heard Satine's last statement. "And yet some might argue that the strongest defense is a swift and decisive offense."

We walk up to Satine and once we're standing in front of her Obi bows slightly. I look around and some people are looking between the two. "You are quite the general now, aren't you, Master Kenobi?" Satine asked. "Iko." She added once she saw me.

"Hey Aunt Satine." I replied happily despite the tension. She bowed her head slightly toward me and a smile played at the corner of her lips.

"Forgive me for interrupting, Your Highness. I meant no disrespect." Obi said.

"Really? Senators, I presume you are acquainted with the collection of half-truths and hyperbole known as Obi-Wan Kenobi?" Satine asked the room.

"Your highness is too kind."

"You're right. I am." I look around awkwardly and see Anakin also looking.

"Allow me to introduce my fellow Jedi, Anakin Skywalker. And my Padawan Iko Kryze." I waved as Anakin walked up.

"Your servant, My Lady." Anakin said.

"I remember a time when Jedi were not generals but peacekeepers." Satine said looking elsewhere.

"We are protectors, Highness. Yours, at the moment. We fight for peace." Anakin replied, hands behind his back.

"What an amusing contradiction." Satine said grabbing a drink.

"What Master Skywalker means is that we are acting at the behest of Your Highness to protect you from the Death Watch and the Separatists who don't share your neutral point of view." Obi replied.

"I asked for no such thing."

"That may be so, but a majority of your court did." The Senators in the room looked around uneasily.

"I do not remember you as one to hide behind excuses."

"I do not remember you as one to shrink from responsibilities." Obi countered. The Twi'lek Senator walked in between Satine and Obi.

"I am certain we all agree. Duchess Satine and General Kenobi have proven there are two sides to every dilemma."

"Indeed." replied Satine's Senator Merrick Minister.

"Now, in regard to Senate vote, we think-" The Twi'lek continued.

"I think a multitude makes discord, not good counsel." Satine interrupted.

"Right again, My Lady."

"There may be two sides to every dilemma, but the duchess only favors hers." Obi replied to us quietly. I glance around, tense at what happened. Obi started forward, talking. "A Republic military presence is the only sure defense against the Separatists."

"Even extremists can be reasoned with." Satine said standing up from her sitting position.

"PErhaps, if one can be heard over the clanking of their battle droids." Obi said walking up toward Satine as she came down from her spot.

"The sarcasm of a soldier."

"The delusion of a dreamer."

"Duchess, Master Jedi, it's been a long trip. I think we could all use a little rest and refreshment." The minister said. I silently thanked him for stopping what was happening. I looked over at Anakin and he had a drink himself and was smirking.

"Hear, hear." The Twi'lek said. "Now let us put politics aside until after dinner." He suggested.

Obi and Satine who were basically nose to nose spoke in unison. "Fine!" With that Satine pushed past Obi and walked out. I look at Obi and shrug before heading after her.

"Satine! Wait!" I called out after her retreating form. She stops and turned around to face me. "What was that all about?" I asked her. She sighs and looks at me warily.

"Just silly politics. Nothing to worry yourself about." She replied and we walk toward the dining hall.

"You sure?" I tilt my head to the side as I look at her.

"You sure do ask a lot of questions." I merely nod at her. "Yes, I'm sure." By then we made it to the hall and enter. She walks over to the head of the table opposite the door and sits down. I stand beside her for the time being until the Senators arrive.

"Well, I'm curious as to why you started raising your voice at Obi." I shrug while explaining.

"We just had different opinions. That's all." With that said we stayed quiet. Soon enough the other Senators arrive and the food is served. A while later Obi walks in and stands beside the door.

"Obi-Wan, there's assassin probes down here. One made it up the lift. I'll try to hold the others here." Anakin's voice said through Obi's comm a bit later.

"Quickly, secure the lifts!" Obi ordered. I walk over to Satine and my hand falls to the lightsaber at my hip. Everyone stands up and I pull my lightsaber out and ignite it. The doors get pried open and all we see is a silhouette.

XXX

Thank you Autobot Guardian for telling me who that was. it was driving me crazy.