A/N: Authors notes are at the end this time.


"So this is where you're keeping the Chancellor?" Reed asked, looking around the abandoned warehouse, frowning. "Aren't you afraid someone will find him if he's still on Coruscant?"

Jarvinious was a bit overly inquisitive for the Sith Lord's tastes, but Sidious believed this trait would also make him an ideal candidate for the task ahead. For now, he would humor the impersonator.

"Not particularly," Sidious said, leading the impersonator to a large room in the back of the building. "I've kept my base of operations here for a long time now, and no one has foundme."

"And does anyonewant to find you?" Reed asked from behind him.

Sidious grinned at the rusted door in front of him. "Yes. A few people." The Jedi Council had certainly been searching for him ever since their encounter with Maul. But as Chancellor, Sidious had subtly blocked all efforts to use Republic resources to search for him. It had been simple. Many of the Senators were already dubious about any claims of the reappearance of his Order-the Sith had become the subject of myth and legend, and in doing so, had ceased to be viewed as entirely real. Even some of the Jedi had expressed the view that neither Maul nor Dooku were Sith, but rather Dark Jedi or some other sort of Force user entirely.

The mechanism to open the entrance before him had long since ceased to work, so instead he waved the door open with the Force. The rusted and tarnished metal screeched as it moved aside to grant entry.

"Hey, that's a neat trick," Reed said.

"It's not a trick," Sidious replied casually. He walked through the entrance to the room, aware of the impersonator trailing behind him. He could sense the other human's life force behind him, could snuff out that same life force in an instant, but that was not what he had come here for. Instead he gestured to a containment field behind of which appeared to stand a familiar individual. "Here is the proof that I have fulfilled my end of our bargain."

The room behind the containment field was in actuality completely empty, but Sidious could see the illusion he had crafted behind it.

"You again! I insist you release me at once," the illusory Palpatine said, his eyes narrowed angrily. He rapped futilely at the containment field, causing it to appear to ripple. Sidious had briefly considered using a hologram for the false Chancellor, but had decided that a Force illusion would be much more convincing.

"He's awfully demanding, wouldn't you say," Sidious asked.

Reed laughed and walked up to the containment field, clearly impressed. "Certainly. You look a bit haggard, Chancellor. Perhaps you should try to get more sleep."

The illusory Palpatine crossed his arms. "Is this your attempt at witty repartee? Please spare me."

Reed smiled delightedly. "Such fearlessness in the face of danger! So good to see we were correct in judging your lack of self-preservation. I shall enjoy the challenge of this assignment." He turned to Sidious. "What are you going to do with him?"

"I haven't decided. That will depend on the quality of your-performance."

"People are looking for me as you speak," the illusion of Palpatine said. He looked between Sidious and Reed. "After I get out of this, both of you will be tried for treason."

"Is there any risk of that?" Reed asked, giving Sidious a concerned frown.

"No," Sidious said. "That much is certain."

"Well, if you could pull this off, I can believe a selective mind wipe is well within your capabilities," Reed said.

Palpatine shot Sidious a glare. "Whatever you're planning, Anakin will stop you."

"Anakin?" Reed said, his brow furrowing. "Who's that?"

"A Jedi," Sidious said, handing Reed a datapad. "You're going to need to read up on him, if you're to do a convincing impersonation of the Chancellor. They are close friends."

Reed laughed, looking down at the datapad. "Excellent. We've never been friends with a Jedi before."

Sidious fetched another item from his cloak and handed it to Reed. "You'll need this, too."

"An ear communicator?" Reed said, turning it over in his hands.

"Yes, for when you inevitably require more background on the subjects in question than you can reasonably be expected to memorize within the short time period available to you. I have been, ah, researching the Chancellor for a long time now, and so I do believe I can help you answer any difficult questions."

"Oh, of course," Reed said. "That's a good idea. I guess you've got this all planned out, then?"

"Indeed I do."


Ahsoka had been apprehensive about meeting the Separatist Senator, but her warm demeanor was at odds with what the Padawan had been expecting.

"It's been a long time," Senator Bonteri said to Amidala, smiling.

Padme returned the smile. "It seems like a lifetime."

"It does, doesn't it?" They talked more as they walked toward the large manor ahead. Ahsoka turned her attention to the other beings milling around the landing pad. Padme had taken her on this mission to teach her about diplomacy, which Ahsoka appreciated, but she felt her most important task was to ensure Amidala's safety. Even if the Senator might disagree with that assessment.

She didn't see or otherwise sense anyone on the platform behaving suspiciously, however, and after a while she admitted to herself that her visual sweeps of the surroundings were mostly to admire the scenery. Raxus was considerably more pastoral than Coruscant, and the well-dressed people filing down the various walkways paid little attention to either Ahsoka or Amidala, who were both dressed in cloaks to help conceal their appearance.

Though in Ahsoka's case, that had only been so the battle droids monitoring the incoming ships wouldn't recognize her. Most civilians, regardless of their alignment, would never recognize a Jedi, even a Master on the Council, much less a lowly Padawan like herself. Jedi did not seek fame or personal renown, and as a result were largely anonymous.

Amidala, on the other hand, was one of the most famous politicians in the galaxy. Ahsoka suspected that more people would recognize her face than even the Chancellor's. The Senator had never seemed to let the unrelenting attention go to her head, though. Her sole motivator seemed to Ahsoka to help people in whatever way she could. She reminds me a lot of Anakin in that respect.

Eventually they turned onto the private walkway leading to the mansion, leaving behind the last of the crowd filing down the main walkway. Ahsoka took in the surroundings, noting a human standing in front of the main entrance to Bonteri's home.

"Who's that?" Ahsoka asked warily.

"My son, Lux," Bonteri said. She gave the Padawan a serious look. "I assure you, he is not a threat."

Ahsoka squinted and realized that the human looked to be about her age and was not carrying any weapons. She relaxed slightly. and moved her hand away from the hidden lightsaber it had been unconsciously edging towards. She gave Bonteri a contrite look. "Oh. Sorry."

"Apology accepted," Bonteri said graciously.

As they reached the entrance to the manor, Lux offered to take their luggage. Amidala thanked him and handed him her bag with a smile. When he moved to take Ahsoka's bag, however, she only frowned. "I'm good, thanks." He might not be a threat, but Ahsoka didn't trust what was in her bag to anyone who might accidentally activate it. Weapons were not toys-she wasn't about to hand a bagful of them to some random teenage boy.

Bonteri entered a code on the control panel, and the entryway opened. The four of them entered the spacious room ahead of them, and Senator Bonteri closed the door behind them.

They walked to a room that appeared to Ahsoka to be a dining room. A silver droid walked up to them and began setting platters from a tray in front of them.

"Thank you, Danae," Bonteri said to the droid. When everyone had eaten few bites, she turned to Amidala. "Now, let's discuss this treaty."

"Yes," Amidala said, her eyes lighting up. " I've long been hoping that the we could end this destructive war. And I know that there are good people like you in the Separatist Parliament, who will do everything to make sure this treaty is signed. I did not want to leave the fate of such an important document on General Grievous alone."

Bonteri smiled. "I will be glad to do anything I can to help. Though I am sure Grievous is taking this very seriously. His home planet is very important to him, after all."

"Kalee is the General's home planet?" Amidala asked. Ahsoka guessed the Senator assumed Bonteri was referring to that planet, as that was where they had heard the treaty was going to be signed.

"Yes, he told me so himself," Bonteri said.

Amidala's eyes widened. "You've-met him?"

"Yes, and he's not nearly as diabolical as everyone's made him out to be," Bonteri said.

"You must be kidding me," Ahsoka said. "I've seen the kind of damage that clanker is capable of firsthand. I don't think he even has a conscience."

"How dare you talk about General Grievous like that!" Lux said, standing abruptly. "He saved our lives!"

Bonteri gave her son a sharp look. "That will be enough, Lux. This war has been difficult on all of us, and I'm sure that Amidala's aide here has seen-"

"I'm not an aide," Ahsoka said.

Bonteri looked over at her, a single eyebrow rising. "Oh? My apology. How should I address you?"

"I am Ahsoka Tano, Jedi Padawan."

Lux paled, though his mother only gave Ahsoka a contemplative look.

"In that case, I more than understand your feelings, Jedi Ahsoka. But Lux and I have had a very different experience with Grievous than the Jedi have. And the Jedi have been responsible for many Separatist deaths, including our unfortunate Chancellor Dooku." her expression was solemn.

Amidala frowned. "I have little doubt that Obi-Wan was simply defending himself."

Bonteri sighed. "We will never agree on Dooku, Padme. But he's not the only one this war has killed. Haven't you wondered what happened to Revlar?"

"Your husband? Where is he?" Padme asked.

"A year ago, he was ambushed by clone troopers. He fought bravely in self defense, but they overwhelmed him."

"Oh," Amidala said.

Ahsoka frowned. "I'm sorry."

"Thank you," Bonteri said. "I certainly hope we can end this bloodshed, once and for all."

Everyone at the table looked solemn. "As do I," Amidala said.

"I'll do whatever I can to help," Ahsoka said. Anakin had been skeptical of this mission when Amidala had told him of it, but he had agreed to let Ahsoka go with her. Though he had pulled his Padawan aside before the mission and asked Ahsoka to 'keep the Senator out of trouble', whatever that was supposed to mean. But maybe Amidala was right. Maybe they should do whatever they had to to make sure this treaty was signed, if it could bring an end to the war. She knew Anakin wanted that, too, even if he had very different ideas about how the war would need to be ended.

Bonteri smiled. "I'm glad to hear it. And I trust you, young Jedi."

Lux smiled as well. "Good to know we're not going to fight."

Ahsoka crossed her arms, her expression wry. "That would hardly be a fair fight." the Jedi Padawan looked over at Senator Bonteri, frowning. "It's very important that no one besides you know that we're here, to ensure Senator Amidala's safety. Still, I've been wondering-how can we help negotiate a peace treaty with your Parliament if we can't talk with anyone?"

Bonteri gave her a warm look. "I will make the proposals to Parliament, of course. Padme's input will be vital for-"

A loud explosion punctuated the sentence and Amidala, Bonteri, and her son dove instinctively to the ground. Ahsoka rose from the table instead and turned to face the destruction, activating her twin green sabers.

A horde of Super Battle droids and droidekas were framed by the smoking metal of the doorway.

Ahsoka leapt at them.

Laser fire crisscrossed the room from both directions, and Ahsoka briefly glimpsed Amidala using her blaster to fire at the incoming droids as the togruta decapitated several of the them with her saber and then sliced through their metallic bodies for good measure. Unfortunately, an entire crowd of fresh droids stood behind the few she had destroyed. She deactivated one of her lightsabers and began to force slam some of the droids into each other as she continued to divert their blaster fire with her lightsaber.

"What's going on?!" Amidala asked over the din.

"I don't know," Bonteri yelled back. "but I'm going to put a stop to it, whatever it is!"

"Mina, don't-!" Amidala began, but the Senator paid no heed to her counterpart's warning and leapt up from under the table, running in front of the droids.

"Stop this immediately!" Bonteri ordered, her hands out as if to ward off the laser fire. To Ahsoka's surprise, this strategy actually worked. The droids stopped their attacks immediately.

"I demand to speak to your superior!" Bonteri said.

Two of the Super Battle Droids looked between each other, and then one of them projected a hologram in front of them.

"Admiral Tonith," Ahsoka growled.

The hologram of the muun Admiral looked between Bonteri and Ahsoka, and gave the Jedi a smile, baring small white teeth. "Ah, it seems my suspicions were not unfounded, although I was expecting our Jedi invader to be-slightly taller." He turned to Bonteri. "Not to worry, Senator. I have this well in hand. Apologies for the property damage, but I assure you, you will be reimbursed."

Bonteri scowled. "The property damage is the least of my worries, Admiral. You are disturbing a peace conference."

Tonith frowned. "Come now, Senator, I know you are not that gullible. Grievous is the one who will be negotiating the peace treaty. Or would be, at any rate. I suspect he will think twice once I inform him what the Republic has been up to."

"There is nothing nefarious going on here, Tonith. I asked them to come."

"You are not under any duress?" Tonith asked. "You asked a Jedi here of your own free will?"

"No, I am not under duress, and the Jedi was not who I asked to come, but I do not disapprove of her presence."

His frown deepened. "I'm going to report this to General Grievous." His hologram flickered out. For several minutes, they all stood there silently, and then two droids stuck their arms out. Ahsoka readied her lightsaber, but they only projected two holograms, one of Tonith, and the other of Grievous.

"Senator Bonteri," Grievous' low voice called out. "Admiral Tonith tells me you are having quite the interesting-" he paused as he noticed Ahsoka. "-house party," he finished. He tilted his head, his eyes intent.

"Jedi Ahsoka."

"General Grievous," she said, her eyes narrowing.

Grievous was silent for a long moment. "I believe that I owe you an apology, young Jedi."

Tonith's hologram looked between Ahsoka and the hologram of Grievous, his expression startled. For her part, Ahsoka was just as surprised.

Grievous continued on, his hands clasped behind his back. "I do not agree with your Order's decisions, but I should not have placed any blame for their choices on you. I allowed my bitterness to rule my actions. The last time we met, I attacked you with unwarranted viciousness. For this, I apologize."

"Er, thanks," Ahsoka said. She appreciated the sentiment behind it. It was also the last thing she'd ever expected Grievous to say. She wasn't sure if she accepted the apology, though. Jedi younglings were taught the importance of forgiveness, but Anakin had always told her that forgiveness had to be earned. A thought occurred to her. "Are your prisoners well? The clones and General Kenobi, I mean. Can I-see them?"

Grievous looked thoughtful. "I will show you Kenobi." He disappeared for a time and then the Jedi Master appeared in front of him. To Ahsoka's relief, Kenobi looked well and gave her a quick smile.

"Good day, Ahsoka. I assure you, the General has been treating me with the utmost courtesy. Five star meals, excellent lodgings, and truly fascinating conversation. I have had the opportunity to talk with the clone troopers here as well. Oh, and Waxer says hello. He tells me his accommodations could use an upgrade, but he's going to miss the meal options."

"Glad to hear it, Master Obi-Wan," Ahsoka said. After that Kenobi was whisked away, and Grievous returned alone.

The cyborg General looked over to Bonteri. "I must also apologize to you, Senator, for the behavior of my...subordinate." he glanced over at Tonith's hologram, who looked significantly more uncertain now.

"General?" Tonith said, sounding apprehensive.

"While I understand your suspicion, Admiral, I must disagree that Senator Bonteri is engaging in any sort of-treason, as you earlier suggested to me."

Tonith inclined his head. "In that case, I accept full responsibility for my actions."

Grievous nodded. "That you will," he said. He looked back to Bonteri. "Who is the representative you will be negotiating with, Senator?"

Amidala came out from under the table. "I am."

Grievous turned his gaze over to her, and laughed.

Bonteri gave him a puzzled look. "What's so funny?"

"I remember this one," Grievous said, pointing a clawed finger at Amidala. "She blew me up once." He chuckled again. "No hard feelings, of course."

"Padme," Bonteri said disapprovingly.

"He deserved it," Amidala said, crossing her arms.

Grievous bowed. "Guilty, as charged." He looked between Bonteri, Amidala, and Ahsoka. "I will leave the three of you to your work. These peace negotiations are absolutely essential, and as such I welcome any assistance that Senator Bonteri and Senator Amidala can provide at this important juncture." He paused, tilting his head. "I am-hardly an expert in these matters."

Ahsoka could barely believe what she was hearing. She could think of no reason for the Separatists to concoct a deception this bizarre, and so she could only conclude that somehow the cyborg General had had a complete personality overhaul since the last time she'd encountered him. She could only wonder what had brought about this completely unexpected change.

"Thank you, General," Bonteri said warmly. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding this secrecy has caused, but Senator Amidala has many enemies. I only wished for her to avoid their attention."

"Understood," Grievous said. "In fact," he began, his gaze shifting back to Tonith, "I think I can help you with that, by placing the responsibility for the safety of your negotiations in the hands of Admiral Tonith here."

Tonith's eyes widened. "General? I thought my duty was to guard this world."

"Which you failed to do. You allowed a ship of suspected Republic infiltrators to land." The general's reptilian eyes narrowed.

"I knew I had more chance of capturing them if-"

Grievous held up a metallic hand. "Whatever your reasoning, Admiral Tonith, your actions were reckless and needlessly endangered lives. I will summon one of the other officers on Raxus to assume your previous duties."

"I didn't-"

"-still, I can't help but notice your attention to detail in detecting the unusual quality of Senator Bonteri's guests. Which is why I am giving you this final chance to prove your value. Do not fail me again, Admiral. Is that clear?"

Tonith inclined his head in resignation. "Yes, General."

"Good," Grievous said. He turned back to Bonteri. "I place Admiral Tonith at your disposal, Senator. If you require any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me."

"Thank you," Bonteri said.

"You are welcome, Senator." Grievous' hologram flickered out.

The hologram of Tonith grimaced and then looked over at Bonteri, his expression becoming neutral. "Senator? Shall I leave these droids for you to-?"

"Yes," Bonteri said.

"As you wish. In that case I will take my leave until you require additional-"

"-actually, Admiral, I was thinking you should come along too and help clean up this mess."

Tonith sighed. "Of course. I will arrive within the hour." Then his hologram flickered out.

Ahsoka deactivated her remaining lightsaber and put it away. She saw Lux crawl out from under the table.

"That was amazing! I didn't know lightsabers could do that! And how you just leapt twenty times your own body length like it was nothing and then you moved those droids around with your Force powers-!"

Ahsoka laughed. "I take it you've never met a Jedi before."

"No. I'm sure glad you're on our side!"

Ahsoka shrugged. "And I'm glad your mother is on our side. Her way of stopping your droid friends was certainly alot faster than mine."


A/N: So I had a lot of fun with this chapter! I do love chapters with lots of character interactions.

Also, I read Jedi Trial by David Sherman and Dan Cragg since it's the only Star Wars story I know of that features Admiral Tonith. And I-decided not to use most of that, haha. Yeah, I might reference a few things from there, but mostly not. The narrative direction doesn't really work with what I'm planning. It also contradicts a lot of the other prequels canon (starting with both Clone Wars cartoons) anyway. Admiral Tonith is going to be a somewhat important secondary character in my story, though, so I wanted to get whatever reusable tidbits I could from the story.

Anyway, the authors of Jedi Trial do get the dubious distinction of coming up with the one of the grossest fictional teas I've ever heard of. It's called dianoga tea and apparently it's a mild narcotic brewed from the spleen of a dianoga (remember the trash compactor monster in A New Hope?). Also it causes the drinker's teeth to be stained purple. Apparently drinking this questionable beverage and abusing his underlings are Tonith's only hobbies in this novel. So there are going to be some-changes.

I had a great time writing from Ahsoka's POV in this chapter. I do love her character, and her capacity to create widespread destruction during battle. She is indeed a fun one. The fight between her and Grievous that I referenced in this chapter was from the S1: Ep7 Duel of the Droids from The Clone Wars. I know some people feel this scene makes Ahsoka seem overpowered since she doesn't instantly die from Grievous. My reasoning for why that didn't happen in my AU universe was because the control chips were steadily degrading Grievous' planning ability, especially when applied to one-on-one battles with his opponents. Also Ahsoka is probably one of the more powerful Jedi, even if she isn't the most experienced. Additionally Padme blowing Grievous up was from S1:Ep4 Destroy Malevolence from The Clone Wars. Just to be clear, there is not going to be any romance between Lux and Ahsoka. Lux is probably going to be disappointed that he can't tell all his friends that he saw a Real Jedi, though.

Anyway, if you have any thoughts on the chapter or any of the media referenced, I'd be interested to hear them!