The Truth

Okay, moving on.

In order to see the truth, you most remove the lies.

Satine paced nervously from one end of her council chambers to the other, her teeth gnawing on her thumb and nail. Pre Viszla and Almec watched her fretfully. For the last hour she's done nothing but pace, chew her thumb, and mumble incoherently under her breath. Why was she so rankled? An excellent question, given Satine isn't easily disturbed.

"My Lady," Pre Viszla approached her warily. Satine simply marched past him constantly, seeming to take no interest in him, "If you keep this up, you'll wear a hole into the floor and your head."

"It doesn't make sense! Its impossible! Yet I can't deny it!" Satine just kept contradicting herself, denying truths while forcing herself to make them lies. "There's no way it could be the same person."

Almec and Pre Viszla stiffened. They understood her trouble. "Are you speaking of the young Jedi?" Satine finally came to a halt. Her arms fell resignedly by here side. What was the point in denying what she knew to be true? "She plagues my mind as well. He name aside, a lot about this girl resembles Jango Fett's daughter. Her speech, her eyes, her overbearing and encouraging defiant behavior."

Pre Viszla shrugged and shook his head, "The girl is a mirror image of little Tanya. I wouldn't be surprised if it was her."

"But why now?" Satine's voice shook. "Why choose now to return? Present situation aside." Satine didn't want to admit it was Tanya. She couldn't. It...it hurt her too much.

"I don't think that's the question we should be asking ourselves." Almec declined. "What we should be asking is, why is she bidding her identity from us?"

Before Satine could answer, a guard burst into the chambers in a panic. "Pardon the intrusion!" He saluted. "The Count and Two Senators of the Confederacy have arrived."

Pre Viszla glowered heatedly, "So you burst in like a child needing the restroom?!"

"N-no! It-it-"

"SPIT IT OUT, MAN!"

"SENATOR ARIIM OF THE REPUBLIC AND SENATOR DALE OF THE CONFEDERACY HAVE BEEN ATTACKED WHILE EN ROUTE TO INTERROGATION!" The soldier spat out so quick he an out of breath.

Cracks shown in Satine's stoic expression. Almec and Pre Viszla froze.

Rusty, metal shackles ground to the ankles of their captive, chaffing the golden brown skin. A searing red rash throbbed. A flimsy chair was shoved to the back of the knees of a worn down prisoner. Dusty flakes broke off from the tattered, stained white prison uniform. Guards slammed a door shut, locking the bruised prisoner in a tiny box. A metal screen door rose. Light peered past the rising door. A cat girl and young boy gasped in horror of the prisoner. A deep graze set in his cheek, and an eye swollen shut.

"Boba?...Tanya?..." He slurred through missing teeth and a swollen lip.

"Dad!" Boba shrieked, throwing himself to the glass window.

"Daddy!" Tears gathered in thee corners of Tanya's eyes.

Jango looked horrible. Bruises scaling the neck down. Open wounds barely clotting. His face...someone turned him into their own personal punching bag. On Mandalore Jango was revered as a hero, despite being a bounty hunter. No. Regardless. Many inmates hate law enforcement. However a criminal loved by government strikes a nerve like salt on a wound

"It was foolish of you both to come here."

"We wanted to make sure you were alright." Tanya wheezed.

Jango smiled and touched both hands to the glass. Boba and Tanya matched their little hands to his. The cold glass heated by their love. "I've never been better." Clearly he was lying. Hard to tell with the uniform on. Who knows what other injuries he sustained. "The officers took an ounce of my blood." Boba and Tanya lit up like Christmas lights. Jango's smile widened with pride. "So you two WERE behind that. You told them of my allergy."

"It was the only way we could get them to even think of reconsidering the allegations." Boba explained apologetically. "Your allergies are the key to saving you, dad!"

"But if I can't explain by the coming dawn about the bottle-"

"We can." Boba jumped. Jango raised a brow. "Bartleman Hygns." Jango's eyes widened. Tanya tilted her head at his reaction. "It's the name on the bottle with your prints on it."

Jango shook his head, "Authorities most likely questioned him. Since I'm still in here, it must mean he's been cleared."

"Not by us." Boba pressed. "We could-"

"Boba, I do not want you both investigating this!" Boba jerked into Tanya. She clamped her hands o his shoulders. Jango was furious. Her was fuming, burying his glare so his children would heed his warning.

"Dad..." Tanya's voice cracked, "Why are you so scared?" Boba ogled her confusedly. Jango swallowed nervously. He forgot about Tanya's little trick. "And why do you feel...guilty?"

"Tanya...please." Jango wept. "Leave it alone. My word is absolute." Boba and Tanya deadpanned. 'My word is absolute.' Jango is a man of his word.

A hand gently perched to the head of a marble white headstone, caressing the smooth, manmade grave complementation. The drifted over the face, the fingers absorbing the artistry of the engraving decorated to honor the late soul beneath it. A eulogy of sorts was etched beautifully into the stone. The care the artist put toward it beamed. Leaflets on a vine waved beneath each verse of the commemoration. The stone read,

Jango Augustus Fett

Dedicated soldier,

Beloved father,

Mandalore's finest

Beside Jango's stone was another decorated in the same manner, engraved with the same heart wrenching eulogy invoking a series of woeful memories.

Arvhan Leroy Kryze

Duke of Mandalore,

Beloved father,

A dearest friend

Breathing resignedly, Tanya rested against a slab of rock precariously protruding from the paved, white stone ground of the memorial site. The two headstones fit in her line of sight perfectly. Her focus lied solely upon those two stones. The spirits of the late souls they contained standing proudly, side by side, smiling peacefully. Brothers in arms, best friends, forever together in both life and the realm after.

A soothing breeze gradually picked up. The cooling wind gathered to Tanya's hair, whistling in her ears. Leaves of nearby trees rustled in the current. The lush green grass glistened beneath the same light of the midday sun, bobbing casually as the breeze washed over it. A pleasant, fresh aroma regressed Tanya to a simpler, happier time. The childhood stained with blood, but well coated by the love Jango gave her.

"Once again a misunderstanding has dragged me to Mandalore." Tanya uttered somberly. "The only difference is Boba isn't here to back me up." The pristine slabs didn't respond. An expected scenario. Regardless. Knowing the spirits of the two men were listening was enough closure to pacify her. Although...Tanya would be lying if she said she didn't wish one of them would reply. Just once. Just to hear their voices one more time. "Satine and her court are as closed minded as they were six years ago." She snickered to Arvhan's grave. "They take face value and keep the box closed. And, like you, dad," There was a sternness in her voice, as if she were disciplining her deceased father, "Ariim is concealing a secret. Riddled by guilt and fear. Of what?" She shook her head somberly, "I haven't the slightest idea."

Light footsteps came up behind her. A masculine shadow crept at an angle. Tanya was so engrossed in. Her thoughts she never noticed the figure behind her. A hand descended a cup of tea beside her head, tapping the cup to her cheek.

"Ugh!" Tanya flinched. The heat stunned her. A pale, wrinkled hand jiggled the cup. The tea lapped. Steam emanated past the rim. Tanya raised a brow and looked up. Her heart nearly burst from her chest. She pushed on the rock, involuntarily shuffling away from the visitor.

"There's no call for fear." A gravelly voice chortled. The cup of tea was brought to chest level with another cup of tea. The menacing smirk of Count Dooku stared right back at her. "I come in peace."

Tanya bared her teeth and jumped to her feet. Raw rage narrowed her amethyst pupils to knife sharp slits. Untamed lightning slithered her fingers. The Count noticed but did not remark. Her reaction was far more delicious. Fear evolving to rage was like nectar to him. Tanya's was by far the most tantalizing.

"You'll be leaving in pieces if you don't turn around walk the other way!" She placed a hand to her saber.

The Count set the cups down, folded his hands behind his back, and approached her casually. Tanya tensed, curling her fingers to the saber. "I sense your hatred. But not even you would dare battle in a sacred place." Dooku brazenly stopped a foot away. "Nor an unarmed man." Tanya instinctively glanced at his hip. His saber was missing.

Tanya swallowed nervously. The dead do not deserve more trauma. Not here. Not in front of Arvhan and Jango. "Grr..." She ripped the saber from her hip and tucked it beneath the back of the tunic. Dooku left his saber somewhere, but Tanya wasn't risking Dooku taking hers.

"Splendid."

"What the Hell are you doing here?" Tanya continued to howl rabidly. "You didn't trust anyone else to retrieve Senator Dale?"

"On the contrary. This particular venture required a certain...finesse I am well adept to." Tanya's tail swung listlessly. Finesse? What's hoping to accomplish coming here himself. "Now then," Dooku motioned a hand. The cups of tea floated to his hands and he handed one to Tanya, "Let us speak like civilized adults."

"We don't have anything to talk about, Count!"

"I respectfully disagree." He sipped the pleasant beverage, sighing exaggeratingly to tempt Tanya. "Jasmine with a dash of mint. Perfect for calming temperaments."

"I don't need temper calming tea!" Tanya took a quick whiff of the tea. The mint was strong. As was a second aroma. "That aside," She poured the contents on the grass, "I don't drink tea laced with a sedative." Dooku flashed a half grin. "Did you really think I wouldn't notice?"

"Actually I anticipated it." Dooku set his cup down. "I'd be rather disappointed if you didn't notice."

Tanya rolled her eyes, "Yes. Because my main concern is impressing you."

"Your cynicism is understandable but not necessary." Dooku walked before Duke Arvhan's headstone and knelt to one knee, bowing his head. Tanya was taken aback by the action. "I am only here to pay my respects."

"You know-knew Duke Arvhan?"

"Of course. He and I were partners on a nasty smuggling matter some years ago." Dooku rose to his feet. "You and I have much in common, Tanya."

Tanya choked. "I am nothing-"

Dooku erected a finger in her face, silencing her. "We are born nobles. Our titles suppressed by our longing for a greater calling." Tanya wouldn't call bounty hunting or being a Jedi a greater calling. More like...obligations fate forced upon her. Wait! How does he know I'm a noble? "And let us not forget," He curled his fingers like a bowl. Lightning crackled in his palm, mesmerizing Tanya, "We wield a power Jedi and Sith fear." Tanya curled her hand. That same power snaked between her fingers. "But the most common denominator is our acquaintances. Dr. Argias Carver, Jango Fett, and now Duke Arvhan."

"Jango and Carver are occupational acquaintances to you!" Her relationship with them is more than Dooku could ever wish for. "And Arvhan wasn't an acquaintance. I barely knew him."

"Clearly you now him well enough that you refer to him in the familiar?"

"He insisted on it! He considered us close so demanded we called him Arvhan."

"Yes." Dooku let a chortle slip. "I can imagine it was awkward for you and Boba." The Dooku said his name slyly. Tanya didn't react in the slightest. Dooku bobbed his head approvingly. "Impressive..." He purred. "You truley are Mace's Padawan."

"I'd be rather disappointed if you didn't know of Boba." She mimicked him. "Now if you'll excuse me," Tanya turned on her heels, "I have better things to do with my time."

"Oh, Tanya."

Tanya groaned irritably. "What-" Dooku's fingers curled, conducting flaring lightning. Tanya's eyes widened.

Flashback

Tanya rolling dazedly through the mud. The mud caking to her back. Dooku stood over her. A daunting hand hovered over her. Unrelenting lightning blinded her.

Flashback end

Lightning streams hurled right at her. Tanya jumped to a hill of grass. The lightning dissolved on a headstone. She scrambled to her feet. Her mind screamed to run. Her heart would never give the Count the satisfaction. Tanya moved for her saber. Dooku hurled more lightning. Tanya back flipped, the grass was charred black. Too close!

"Running away, Tanya?" Dooku moseyed nonchalantly after her. He raised a hand, taunting her with the lightning. Tanya squared her stance defiantly. "I warned you to be prepared." He drew his hand back, "Fate tied us together!" He cast the hand out. Tanya threw her hands up. The lightning barreled into her palms. The gloves absorbed a great of damage briefly before wearing down. With a single hand extended Dooku walked towards her, the pressure of the lightning increasing. Tanya bit her lip. Searing pain burned her palms as she fought to repel the power. A numbness traveled her forearms, rising to the elbows, and going for the shoulders. Tanya dug her boots in. The grass flattened as the lightning forced her back. The heel of her boot touched a large rock.

No...She remembered Luminara...Aetha...Dooku tried to kill her...Tanya fought back. Again...she was going to lose. The purple orbs narrowed to grey slits. A smirk tugged half of Dooku's cheek. NO! The eyes regressed to normal size purple. NOT HERE! NOT IN FRONT OF JANGO! Tanya struggled and forced a step forward.

Dooku's smirk faded, replaced by a furrowed brow. He lowered the hand. The lightning reduced to little trickles and faded. The lightning died in Tanya's palms. Shaky breaths, panicked by the numbing vibrations throughout her torso, dulled the unbearable burning sensation in her shoulders. Smoke emanated off her stiffened arms like cooked meat. Tanya's knees caved right under her. The grass never felt so soft. Her arms dropped like bricks, but weighed like lead. She swallowed irregularly. Terror frozen to her cheeks and eyes. Mustering the courage she faced her palms up. Her fingers twitched, curling and uncurling as the residual lightning snaked up and down her arms. The gloves were unmarred. Her hands...they were their same blue...yet felt battered like meat. Tanya is exhausted after one shot. Dooku launched three. Each one more powerful than the last.

This power...Her thoughts quaked like her body, HIS power. It's... unreal. Where does it come from? Dooku's fingers pinching her chin broke her from her trance. Tilting her head up their gazes met. Tanya's breathing quickened. She tired her hardest not to be, but Dooku scared Tanya stiff.

"There were once two monsters. Now there is one." He recited ominously. "You subdued your monster this time. But on Aetha she slithered out." Tanya gasped. No...he doesn't know about it...he couldn't...could he? Dooku glided a hand to her cheek. His thumb caressed just under her eye, as if stroking the monster behind the purple. "What do I have to destroy in order to lure out the assassin?"

Tanya's hand latched viciously to Dooku's jugular, crushing his Adams Apple. The Count choked on his own saliva. He grabbed her wrist, prying at it. Tanya grabbed his other hand, keeping him from pulling her off. Her mouth was curled shut. Eyes wide and narrowed to slits. "Who told you?! TELL ME!" Her voice growled demonically. Dooku gasped for air. Tanya's grip tightened. The force started to pour into Dooku's throat, crushing the muscles and windpipe. "TALK OR YOU DIE WHERE YOU STAND!"

A hand grabbed Tanya's and shoved Dooku out of her grasp. He rolled to the foot of the hill, coughing as air returned to his lungs Tanya tried to lunge after him. Arms trapped wrapped under Tanya's arms and behind her neck, yanking her back.

"TANYA! TANYA, STOP IT!" A small frame wrestled to keep Tanya away from the Count. Dooku, wobbling, got to his feet, fixing his uniform and dusting off the grass. Tanya struggled to break free of her captor. They wouldn't let go. "TANYA! PLEASE! IT'S BARRISS! STOP!"

Tanya froze at the name. "Barriss?" Her body relaxed. She turned. A flustered Barriss glared her down. "What...when..." She panted.

"Master Windu sent me to come get you! Senator Ariim and Senator Dale were attacked in their cells!"

"WHAT?" She glanced at Dooku. The Count stood with his hands behind his back. A small grin he tired to hide flashed. He's not here to rescue Dale. Tanya relaxed out of her hold, grabbed Barriss, and ran for the prison.

Dooku struggled up the hill, watching in outrage as Tanya and Barriss boarded a transport for the prison. "Most unwise...on my part." He stroked his neck. Red nail grooves throbbed at his touch. When he swallowed there was a sharp pain. He smiled hungrily. "Master, your Intel was flawless." He snickered.

The bell over a shop door jingled. Tanya and Boba cautiously entered the small establishment. Five rows of prescribed medicines along with walls of over the counter medicines greeted the nervous pair. 'Crunch!' Peanut shells broke under Boba's feet. Scanning ahead - papers, peanut shells, spilled pills, suspicious liquids. And whatever that black substance was on the ceiling...it was moving. Tanya and Boba shuddered and ran further inside, only to be enveloped by a rancid stench.

"You mean to tell me people come to this guy to get better?" Boba choked back the lunch threatening to explode.

"EEK!" Tanya practically rocketed to the ceiling. The was a dead cat by her foot. Her face turned a light shade of grey. She masked her mouth and nose, hoping to elude the nausea. "You sure this is the right address?" She slurred sickly.

Boba checked his direction on his projector, "Bartleman Hygns. 440 West Sundari off Costa. This is it."

"You better believe it is!" Boba jumped into Tanya's arms. An emaciated man, bags on top of bags sagging beneath his eyes, popped out of a hatch. Fleas and moths fled from his shaggy brown hair. The last time he shaved was anyone's guess. Five o'clock shadow peaked under the full, unkempt beard. He tucked half his stained shirt into his soaked pants. It wasn't water on his pants. "So what do you brats want?"

"A-are you Bartleman Hygns?" Boba shook.

"Who wants to know?"

Tanya furrowed his brow and walked right onto the man's toes, getting as close to his face as her height would allow. "Our dad was just accused for a crime you committed!" Hygns raised one brow. He ignored the balls of Tanya's feet crushing his toes. "You killed Duke Arvhan with a bottle of Belladonna laced with nightshade!"

"What?!" Hygns' voice broke. Boba whipped a hand forward. His thumb pulled the hammer of a pistol back. A high whir made the man panic. "WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! THE GUARDS CLEARED ME!"

"But we didn't!" Tanya curled her hand. Hygns choked on the air. A pressure built in his neck. Breathing was a chore but at least some air made it to his lungs. Tanya stepped off his toes. Hygns dropped to his knees, holding his neck.

Boba pushed past her. The barrel of the gun touched Hygns' forehead. All emotion vacated his face. "Be warned! There are two ways to die, one way to live. Tanya can break your neck, or I can shoot you. You live by telling the truth!"

"O..Kay! OKAY!" He wheezed. The pressure in his head blurred his vision some. Tanya relaxed her hand. The pressure released Hygns' neck. He panted heavily with relief. Boba kept the gun trained. "Ugh...your dad...uh...you're Jango Fett's kids, right?" He massaged hid neck.

"How do you know him?" Tanya demanded.

"My uncle, Argias Carver, introduced us. Been best friends ever since. Jango told me what he needed and I gave it to him."

"Which was?" Boba stressed.

"Now..." Hygns elevated his hands, climbing slowly to his feet so not to arouse a laser bolt to the head, "Jango never said who or what it was for - I put in a request to my uncle and received a shipment of Aliicsoprene."

Boba's faced spanned horrifically. Tanya noticed his reaction, glanced between him and Hygns, and asked, "What's...whatever he just said?"

"Mr. Carver said it's meant for treating failing hearts."

"But... Dad didn't have-" Tanya froze. The vial. "Arvhan's heart was failing?"

"Dad ran errands to get him this medicine." Boba concluded. "Are you sure Dad picked up the Aliicsoprene?"

Hygns dipped a hand toward the door, "Picked it up and bolted out the door before the clock struck 11."

"Then why were his prints on a bottle of Belladonna?" Tanya growled. If Hygns admitted he lied in order to save his own skin, the Mandalorian guard will have two murders to investigate.

"Hell if I know! However I did tell the guard someone broke in a couple nights ago."

"What did he look like?!" Tanya asked excitedly.

"He dressed in black. I never saw his face." He said regrettably. Boba and Tanya should have figured. Oh well. With the blood test and lack of a rash, there will be reasonable doubt and lack of sufficient evidence to hold him. "I didn't realize the Belladonna had gone missing until this morning."

Tanya raised a brow. "This morning?"

"Duke Arvhan was killed last night!" Boba shoved the gun into Hygns' knee. Secretly because it was all he could reach. But shooting someone in the kneecap can have dire consequences. "You mean to tell me you didn't notice it was gone - for two nights - until this morning!"

"I don't know if you've noticed, KID, but I don't have the best inventory records!"

"Or the best housekeeping!" Tanya spat. "Did you notice anything else? Birthmark? Odor? Twitches?"

"The limp..." Hygns' bobbed a finger, "The same person returned ealier this morning. Same getup, same thief. He-he had a-a limp. Right ankle. Tightly wrapped. Uh...um..." He snapped his finger. There was more. What was it? "BLOOD! He was bleeding! And..." He ran a hand along the shelf, recalling a specific vial, "He took a bottle of Ecklar. It's an ointment for animal bites. With the way he was bleeding...the infection must have been a Hellraiser."

A heart monitor beeped regularly. Ariim grimaced at the searing pain in his stitched up side. A fresh graze running from the ribs to the waste. On top of that his nose was broken. The medical droids constantly removed his hands from the wound. If the stitches broke the repercussions could be hazardous. Infection or something else more severe. Senator Dale lied unconscious beside him. Not a single abrasion tarnished her beautiful skin. Although, despite her peaceful slumber, the Senator was anxious. Her hands were stuck in fists. What happened to her?

Senators Mina Bonteri and Voe Atell (wookiepedia) of the Confederacy watched fretfully through a crystal clear window as medical droids tended to the unconscious Senator Dale. Patches attached to her temples registered steady - slightly agitated - brain activity. Whatever did this to Senator Dale, it was clear it bothered her in her sleep.

Satine, Lieutenant Arnold, and Pre Viszla were present as well. Such lack. Of security and disarray will not be tolerated. Once the prisoners awaken, they I'll have questions to answer.

Windu safeguarded Mon Mothma and Organa as they mourned for Senator Ariim. The anesthetic pumping through his veins barely managed to nullify the pain he was feeling. Why was Ariim harmed but Dale was spared? Could the assailant have been interupted?

Barriss and Tanya came charging down the hallway. The two noticed the Separatist senators but paid them no mind. For now.

"Where were you?" Windu questioned Tanya sternly.

"Saying hi." Was all she needed to say. The injured senators captured her attention. "Huh?" Another bed over, bandages to his head, Captain Roland, too, lied unconscious.

"What happened?" Barriss panicked.

"An intruder broke into the prison as Ariim and Dale were being transferred for questioning." Arnold answered as if giving a field report. "I gave chase but the intruder got away." He dropped to a knee before Satine, "Duchess. Please forgive my incompetence." Tanya ogled the man curiously. Normally one kneels on the left with the right at the angle. Arnold kneels opposite. Hmm...

"Think nothing of it." Satine truly wasn't interested. All she cared about were answers. The number of questions escalated while answers became nonexistent. "Can you describe the assailant?"

"Nimble...young in stature...the face was obscured..."

Pre Viszla glared at Tanya and Barriss, "You both were the last to see the Senators! And Arnold and Roland were left alone with you!"

"PFFT!" Tanya tucked her hair back haughtily, "Don't flatter your guards or those two! They aren't worth the effort!"

Arnold gasped in audible offense. "Pardon me! Such insolence will not be tolerated!"

Tanya pointed to his ankle, "With that limp, I'm surprised The Duchess hasn't forced you into retirement!"

"No matter the injury, I shall always stand by the duchess!" He tapped his foot, scoffing with a brazen smirk, "A simple animal bite will not deter me!" Animal bite?

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" Satine roared. All frightened gazes fell onto her. None dared speak after her roar. "This is a place of healing! Arguments will not be tolerated!" Tanya and Arnold sank shamefully into themselves. "Now, Captain Roland, Senator Ariim, and Senator Dale must rest. Any further discussions can take place in the briefing room in one hour!" Satine and Pre Viszla turned on their heels and marched down the hallway.

Organa and Mon Mothma shared nods with Bonteri and Atell, and the four casually walked off. Arnold sneered at Tanya. Barris pushed him along. Windu pat Tanya on the shoulder, edging her along. "Hmm..." Tanya hummed. "Ugh!"

"What is it?"

"He's not limping."

Windu instinctively glanced at Arnold perplexedly. "What does that mean to you?"

"He was limping earlier." Tanya glanced toward the injured Senators and Roland. A limp. A limp. A man with a limp killed Arvhan. But so many people have limps. Half due to animal bites. 'It has to be a coincidence. There's no way...' Her thoughts trailed off as she meandered for the door.

"Tanya?" Windu followed her.

Tanya entered the infirmary and immediately walked over to Ariim. His wincing eyes opened. A pleased, weak smile graced his cheeks. "Forgive me, Senator. I know you're tired. But I need to ask," She licked her lips. Hope built overwhelmingly, "Do you recall anything special about Gor attacker? Anything at all? Odor? Birthmark? ...A limp?" Windu furrowed his brow. 'A limp?' Ariim grunted dryly, to weak to speak. The assailant did more damage than what could be seen. Speaking must be difficult. Ariim twitched a skinny, long finger. He wriggled his right ankle. Tanya swallowed nervously. Ariim captured her attention. Silently he mouthed a word. Two...Three words. Tanya narrowed her eyes, trying to interpret. "Moon...scar...bites..." Tanya felt an explosion of horror sunder her heart. "Bites shaped like moons!" She knew that scar! BUT FROM WHERE?

"Tanya?" Windu reached for her shoulder.

"Excuse me!" Tanya darted out and down the hallway.

Windu jekred between Tanya and The Senator. He bowed and ran after her. "TANYA! WAIT!"

Not bothering with an elevator, Tanya dashed up ten flights of stairs, forcing jumping four more, all at a speed Windu found difficult to match. Tanya kicked a door open. A sudden burst of cold, fresh air blew her hair back. She ran out onto the hospital roof, gazing out to the bird's-eye view of the beautiful metropolis. She panted heavily. Her mind whirled erratically. "That limp! That stupid limp!" She clawed her head. "I know that limp! I know that scar! But where? WHERE?"

...

Tanya wandered the hospital, skulking the premises for the blood lab. Jango's blood test had a rush put on it for the sake of his execution the next morning. The clock struck three in the afternoon. 15 hours remained before his sentence is put into action. Boba remained home in case word of Jango's release or execution was received.

As Tanya sauntered cautiously through the hospital, she came across a room where a familiar face was having his foot tended to. "Hey!" Tanya stormed his room. "You're he moron who hurt my dad!"

"And you're the brat who bit me!" The black haired man grolwed at the brazen girl. Tanya noticed his ankle, the unique shaped scar her bite left on either side of the ankle. It made her smile. "I should arrest you for assaulting an officer of the guard."

"Pfft! Hell and its minions couldn't capture me!" Tanya boasted. A bold smirk infuriated the man, "Besides I doubt you'd arrest me and allow others to know a ten year old girl crippled you!"

"Ha! A 'girl' you call yourself! You are no girl!" The man rubbed some ointment on his ankle, the proceeded to bandage it up, "You are an infantile animal that should be put down." Tanya watched as the cream was placed on the table. The label was blurred by excess cream. E...lar... "Soon your father will be pit down like the dog that he is. And I will be Duchess Satine's true right hand."

"Who are you?" Tanya demanded.

The man was caught off guard by the question. "Why does that matter?"

"So I know who to kill the next time I story by." Tanya bared her fangs.

"And why would you do that?"

"Because you're the one killed Arvhan." The man bit his lip. "I may not be able to prove it, but I know for a fact you did this."

"You have no proof but your own notions."

"Maybe not." She touched a hand to her heart. "But so long as a sliver of truth remains, the lie quakes." She narrowed her amythest orbs, "The one who killed my parents is wetting himself at my survival." She pointed a finger at the man, "And so long as I know the truth, you will forever worry it will be proven."

The man swallowed nervously, then maaskked his apprehension with a smile. "My name is Armond. Armond Illahnt." Armond rose and sauntered out of the wing. He limped on is wounded ankle. Stepping to the ball and twisting it.

"Armond Illahnt. I WILL kill you."

...

Tanya's eyes flared open. "Armond Illahnt." The name rollers off her tongue like a disgusing taste.

"Who?" Tanya turned around. Windu was standing idly behind her. Remnants of sweat were cooled by the heavy wind.

"Six years ago I bit a main in the ankle named Armond Illahnt." She touched a hand over half her face, "And his face...it looked exactly like Arnold's."

"You mentioned a limp earlier. Is that due to your bite?"

"Most likely." She bared her fangs in a grin, "Don't sell my bite short. I could rip a wrist off if I wanted to."

Windu chuckled, "I don't. You seem to have a history of biting."

Tanya giggled. "I guess so." Her smile faded to melancholy. Windu found himself growing worried. Tanya's never been so laid back, so...defeated. This planet holds dreadful memories. "That bite was the only closure I had. I knew Armond killed the Duke. The timing of his bite, the missing belladonna, and Arvhan's death were all too uniform in timing. But we were never able to prove it."

"And you think this Armond is responsible for what is happening now?" Tanya lowered her head. The odds were astronomical at best. But what other explanation was there? "Tanya..." Windu held her by the shoulders, "Logically I would require proof of these allegations. But I know better than to doubt you when you're listening to your heart." Tanya marveled at her master. Was he allowing her to take the lead? "Shall we inform, Satine?"

" N-no. If Satine learns anything then those around her, including Armond, will know." Tanya can't even be sure it is Armond. "Captain Roland. He must know something."

"Then shall we ask him?"

"Yeah. At the very least I can sooth this pounding headache." Windu guided her back inside, heading for Captain Roland's room. Hopefully he and the senators were awake.

...

Night fell upon Sundari. Street lights basked the empty streets in a warm glow. The glowing moon cast its splendor down upon the slumbering planet. The life, white glow shone down through tiny window, casting its light unto a dank, dismal room.

Jango lied on the uncomfortable bed with his hands folded behind his head. The ceiling of his prison cell was remarkably fascinating.

"Huuuh..." Jango sighed hopelessly. Prison was much more bleak than he remembered. The rooms are smaller too. At least it smelt of roses. And the toilets were in immaculate condition. Maybe if he focused hard enough he could delude himself into believing he was in a hotel. Ugly room service, crass maids, and...his kids...who had until the next morning to visit. "I wonder how the kids are doing."

The blood test cleared him. It was determined his allergy was a severe case. The slightest contact - breath, topically, or taste - Jango could go into shock and die. Unfortunately the fingerprints was damning evidence. Jango was to be executed the coming morning. To see his children one last time...no. It would only weaken his resolve toward his fate.

"We're doing fine." Jango flew forward. He twisted around frantically. 'Where?' Was he losing his mind? He didn't hear Boba just now. Did he? "Up here, dad." Jango turned to the window. Boba and Tana waved happily to him. "Hey dad! Miss us!"

Jango gasped in absolute awe. He prayed that he was dreaming, while at the same time he was releiived."When did you two-" He must have been on the fifth story of the prison. The whirring of an engine vibrated the walls. 'They must be crazy!' The guards would see them! Hear them, even! Jango knit his brow. The outrage and joy tempted tears to fall. "I don't believe you both suffer from hearing afflictions! Why are you here?"

"Because an execution can't take place if the doomed is gone." Tanya hinted. Jango was going to ask what she meant by that. Before he could ask, a red beam of focused heat and light pierced the wall, startling Jango back. The beam rocked up and down, sawing the wall clumsily. Boba and Tanya were heard grunting and groaning, forcing the beam adjacent to the previous sloppy line.

"Where did these two get a light saber?" Jango whispered in awe.

Finally, after five minutes of hacking and sawing, a huge slab of rock jiggled out of place. Jango stood off to the side, watching amazement as the rock floated from place. Tanya, hands outstretched, groaned and whimpered, struggling to not let the rock slam. No such luck.

Tanya couldn't hold the rock anymore. Her force hold broke. The rock dropped and slammed full force into the ground. The reverberating boom must have shaken the whole prison. Tanya, Boba, and Jango froze, their spines coating in ice.

"Did you hear that?!"

"It's came from this way!" Hurried footsteps rushed for his cell.

"DAD! PLEASE! HURRY!" Boba begged. Jango wished there was another way, but dying for a crime he did not commit - on top of abandoning his children to a harsh world - would torment him in the afterlife for eternity. Gathering his courage he leapt into the hover car, buckled himself in the back seat, and say back as Tanya drove them into the city.

Alarms started to blare and howls of orders roared. But it was too late. Jango, Boba, and Tanya vanished into the night. Where they ended up...was anyone's guess for six years.

Mandalore...Satine...everyone...the whole world was behind them.

"I avoided this planet like the plague." Tanya admitted solemnly. "For four years we avoided this planet. Jango's heart shattered whenever this world came into view." She clenched her chest, gripping her pain filled heart. "Mine broke in turn. Which only fueled my desire for vengeance."

"Don't you mean revenge?" Windu corrected, walking alongside her in the hospital's hall.

"Revenge is for yourself! Vengeance is for another!" She shaped, offended by the mixup. Tears welled in her eyes. "I had never seen Jango so heartbroken. Even in death, he regretted not fixing things. Even while I was in prison, I wondered of the truth was ever discovered."

"So you've despaired over this for six years." Windu felt the weight of the burden she carried. Much has happened to his Padawan before they crossed paths. No wonder her mind is split into numerous personalities. "When you discover the real murderer, will you take your vengeance?"

"Depends. Will you stop me?" Thus far, Windu has denied Tanya three chances at revenge. Kashjeen on two occasions, and of course Windu.

"I will not intervene." Windu swore. "I trust you to do what your hearts tells you." Tanya stared gratefully into her master's eyes. If the assailant turns out to be Armond, Tanya wishes to see this out. She must make amends where Satine and Jango broke them.

As Tanya rounded a corner, Tanya's boot hooked something. Her feet left beneath her and her face connected hard with the metal floor.

"OW! THE HELL!" She wailed.

Windu sighed disappointed, "The Great Number VIII felled by a flat surface."

Tanya glared past her throbbing face, "Flat surface my ass! I tripped on...something..." Windu peered round the corner. He sank in fright. Tanya scrambled to stand. A dead nurse was under her foot. Following the hallway, numerous staff and medical droids littered the corridor. Bloodied, flesh rugs painting the floor. "Master..." Tanya trembled, "Ahead!"

The bodies trailed to the D-Wing direction. "ROLAND AND THE SENATORS!" Windu rocketed on ahead.

Tanya ran after him while getting on her comlink. "BARRISS! THE ATTACKER IS BACK! HAVE SATINE SEND BACK UP! NOW!"

Barriss awaited at the transport platform impatiently with the other Senators, Arnold, Satine, and Pre Viszla. The transport was due to arrive any second and there was no sign of Windu or Tanya.

Out of the blue, Count Dooku wandered on scene, startling Mon Mothma and Organa.

"Pardon my tardiness, Duchess." Dooku said with a bow. "I was paying my respects to your late father."

"No need to apologize. My father was lucky to have friends like you...and another." She added softly.

Barriss knit her brow resentfully. "That man attacked Tanya while she was visiting a cemetery!" She whispered venomously, praying Dooku wouldn't overhear.

"That man is Count Dooku!" Mon Mothma hissed.

Barriss's jaw fell open. That man was Master Yoda's Padawan...and the master to Qui-Gon Gin? She head of Dooku only in tale. Never has she seen him in portraits or person. She was disappointed, while at thee same time entranced. A Sith Lord and Confederate Leader. What is his relationship with Tanya?

"What are those two doing?" Atell snapped. Her foot stamped angrily. "Are all Jedi this slow or are they a special case?"

"The transport has yet to arrive," Organa retorted calmly but with a notable hint of sarcasm, "We can wait for them just as we wait for it."

"They could stand to hurry up!" Bonteri put a hand to Atell's shoulder, urging her colleague to calm down.

"Now, Senator Atell," Dooku politely scolded, "We are in no rush." He guided her attention to the beautiful city before them. "Let us enjoy the pleasures of Mandalore. Our current predicament does not allow many leisures to visit." Barriss was taken aback. The man certainly was charismatic.

Satine ignored the prattlings of the senators. He mind was constantly drifting off in all directions, inevitably falling onto the girl named Tanya. Satine's attention fell on Barriss, Organa, and Mon Mothma, curious as to the information they might hold.

"Excuse me." The trio of Republicans turned to her. "May I ask you all something?"

"Of course, Duchess." Mon Mothma answered happily.

"That Tanya Fett girl. What was her father's name?"

Organa halted Mon Mothma's answer with a hand to her shoulder. "May I inquire as to your interest?" Dooku stretched an ear. Pre Viszla turned his back, but...

Satine clenched her jaw, wanting to protest, but sensed it would be for naught. "She reminds me of young girl whose father was wronged many years ago. I wish to know if she is the same girl...or if I am thinking wishfully."

Organa shared dubious glances with Mon Mothma and Barriss. The moment they were introduced, Barriss and the senators thought the atmosphere was a little tense.

"Her birth parents are...a mystery to us..." Organa trailed off. Tanya's birth parents were not their business nor their place to speak of. "But the man who took her in, raised her as her daughter, was Jango Fett."

Pre Viszla choked on the air, inadvertently eavesdropping. Satine's face petrified to stone shock. Her eyes glossed with sorrow. Her whole body began to shake. Organa, Mon Mothma, and Barriss worried something ill had been said. "It really is her..." Here voice trembled on the verge of sobbing. "It can't be. But it is..." She held her heart.

"Duchess..." Barriss treaded carefully, "Do you know-" Barriss comlink began beeping hysterically. She quickly answered it, startled by Tanya's voice.

"BARRISS! THE ATTACKER IS BACK! HAVE SATINE SEND BACK UP! NOW!"

"IMPOSSIBLE!" Arnold snarled. "The attacker fled! I saw-" His protest was dulled by the blaring hospital alarm.

"It would appear he returned!" Satine turned to Pre Visla. "Rally the guard and intercept at all exits! He assailant will not elude us twice!"

"Yes, Duchess!"

"Lieutenant, remain here. Padawan Offee, Count, may I rely upon you to safe guard us?"

"Of course!" Dooku bowed.

"Without fail!" Barriss swore. She looked to the hospital. "Please hurry."

Windu and Tanya jumped and dodged all the bodies scattered about the wing. A few were conscious others bordered on death. Hey were only on the sixth floor. Waiting for the guards could take too long. Tanya broke away from her master's trail and wrenched an alarm down. It blared so loud Tanya thought she'd go deaf.

"HA!" Tanya heard what sounded like sharp metal grind.

"RAH!" That was Windu. What-

"AAAUUGGH!"

"MACE!" Tanya pushed off, sprinting at break neck speeds to her master. Tanya rounded a corner. She ripped her saber out and slashed. A flying knife was scorched in half. One half flew over Tanya, the other half spiked between her feet. CAPTAIN ROLAND!" She shrieked, running to him. Roland was staked to the wall by a very blunt but very sharp sword. Blood leaked slowly from his stomach, pooling at his feet. The liquid traveled the length of the sword. The color paled in Roland's cheeks. Exhausted runs shaded under his eyes. "Captain Roland! Please! Hold on!" Immediately she peered into the room. Senator Dale and Ariim were unconscious, but not hurt. Tanya sighed with relief. Just in front of her and Roland, Windu's saber was deadlocked with a staff wielded dressed in all black. Tanya noted the right ankle as the man kept it flat an at an angle. An uncomfortable and unwise stance. Regardless it seemed to work for him. "Huh! That scar!" The man's ankle was exposed. The scar traveled both ankles. Shaped like...MOONS! "ARMOND!" Tanya roared. The attacker shifted attention to her. Windu took advantage and shoved him into the wall. The man cried out, sliding to the ground.

"Tanya! How is the captain?"

"He'll die if he doesn't get help soon!" She can't remove the sword either. It was literally serving as a cork for the blood. "Bad time for Barriss to be outside!"

The intruder reached behind his back, grabbed a pellet, "WAIT!" Windu shouted to late. The pellet exploded into smoke striking the ground. Windu and Tanya easily guided the suffocating cloud the opposite way. The attacker bolted do own the hallway, heading for what should be a dead end.

"ARMOND!" Tanya darted after him.

"Tanya! Wait!" Windu was stopped by Roland grabbing his hand. "Captain?"

"Please...wait..." Blood spilled down his jaw.

"Don't speak!"

"Not speaking...is what...robbed Jango...of justice." Windu gasped. He really shouldn't have been surprised Roland knew of Jango. "Take...this..." Roland dug a little bag from his pocket. Tiny patches of latex were sealed inside.

"What are these?" Windu asked.

"Proof...Jango needed...six years ago." Roland choked on saliva and blood, his wound in hiss stomach widened. "Armond...Arnold...Satine. Forgive...me. Please...give him...jus...tice..." Roland's body went limp. His last breath exhaled. Captain Roland was no longer part of the material world.

Windu lowered his head. He moved a hand down Roland's face, closing his eyes. "Rest in peace." Windu composed himself and took off after Tanya. "I have to hurry!"

"Reinforcements are en route!" Pre Viszla reported. "They are five minutes out!"

"Five minutes is too long!" Satine roared. "The intruder could be escaping as we speak!"

A crash of glass frightened the small crowd. Huge shards sprinkled to the ground. An all in black figure dove from the sixth story window. He wrenched himself around, back mere feet from connecting to the ground. A button on his vest was pressed. Two grapple lines fired from his utility belt, hooking to spires on a balcony above. He flipped his body, landing neatly - if not, a little rough - to the ground. The lines retreated to their cartridge to be used another time.

"HALT!" The figure whirled to the voice. Barriss, Dooku, Arnold, and Pre Viszla surrounded the, obviously, shady character. "On the ground! Hands behind your head!" The figure spread his feet, prepared to attack. Pre Viszla and Arnold aimed their blasters. Dooku and Barriss prepared o give chase. As the figure ground his boots to move, a shadow loomed overhead. Glass shards pelted his head. Razor purple eyes dove for him.

"ARRRMOND!" Tanya swatted her saber. The assailant whirled his staff over his head, catching the saber. Tanya touched the staff with one foot, hooked the other beneath it, flipped back, and kicked the staff into a nearby bush."RRAAH!" Tanya swiped the saber clean upward. The torso of the suit and the mask burned open right in the middle. The figure howled in pain. A searing saber burn blistered the pale skin beneath. Dooku, Barriss, Pre Viszla, and Arnold parted, allowing the man to stagger. Rabid hisses of pain were muffled by the mask. The man glared back at Tanya. The enraged Jedi marched toward him. Her light saber hungered to burn his flesh from his body. Then she dropped it.

"Huh?" The man moaned. Tanya curled her fingers and twisted her hand to the side. "UGH!" The man rasped, clenching his heart. A sharp pain gripped his chest. The bone and muscle surrounding his heart slowly caved in, crushing the heart. Splinters of pain fractured the sturdy bone. "G-AAAAHHHH!" He howled in agony, dropping to his knees. Spikes pierced his heart. Blood coughed from his throat.

Pre Viszla and Arnold winced, holding their chests. Barriss and Mon Mothma took involuntary steps back. Organa, Bonteri, and Atell gazed, mouths gaped, jaws trembling. Dooku focused intensely. His throat tensed as more blood spilled from the man's mouth.

"In prison 11 months ago," Tanya began, droning with the same nonexistent emotion that was in her narrowed eyes, "There was this guard who took pleasure in abusing inmates. He made the mistake of trying to subdue me. Mocked me by saying 'its breaks my heart, little girl.'" Tanya smiled, licking her lips, "I made that figurative phrase very literal." She tightened her grip.

"GYYYAAAHHHH!" Armond threw his head back, collapsing and writhing on the ground. Tears rolled down his eyes. "PLEASE! PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!"

"Funny. That's what I said." Tanya spread her fingers wide, then curled them one at a time. "Every," Pinkie, "Single," Ring, "Day!" Middle.

"AAAAAGGGGHHHHH!" Veins in the small portion of exposed skin shown through the pale flesh, turning purple. The pain was unbearable. His chest felt ready to give.

Tanya widened her eyes. The purple finally shaded to grey, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT A BROKEN HEART FEELS LIKE? WHAT ITS LIKE TO SENSE IT NON STOP FOR MONTHS? DOO YOU?" Her fangs bared. Dooku smirked. There it is.

Arms constrcited Tanya's, driving her back. Her grip slipped from the attackers heart. He turned over to his stomach, wheezing globs of blood onto the concrete. Bonteri and Mon Mothma wrestled Tanya back. She stamped her feet, nearly wriggling free. Barriss jumped in, pushing Tanya back by the shoulders.

"TANYA! PLEASE STOP!" Barriss begged.

"IT'S OVER, YOUNG ONE!" Bonteri shouted in a soothing, firm, tone. "Please! Compose yourself!"

Tanya sharply took in a breath. Her eyes returned to normal. Her muscles relaxed in her retainer's grips. Her entire body went limp. She slowed her breathing. Her mind regressed to a steady pace. "I'm okay. I'm okay." Barriss, Bonteri, and Mon Mothma slowly let go. Tanya lowered to a meditative position, planting her hands to her knees. She shivered from the shoulders down. "Ugh...I hate today."

"And today hates you." Barriss joked. Tanya sniggered. Barriss never was one for consoling.

"Grr..." The groaning attacker pushed up on an elbow. Flakes of his singed mask stand his eyes. Unable to stand the burning cloth he ripped it off. Long black hair fell askew. Audible shocked gasped erupted.

Satine and Pre Viszla thought they were hallucinating. The senators, Barriss, and Dooku were equally surprised. Arnold, however, appeared ready to puke. Tanya wanted him to turn around. She wanted him to look her in the eye. Her wish was granted. The main slowly turned, glaring violet daggers past the burning wound, and growled at Tanya with Arnold's face.

"Armond Illahnt!" Tanya hissed.

"Tanya Fett!"

"Twins?" Bonteri touched her chin pensively. "One a criminal and the other a soldier."

"Or could it be the other way around?" Mon Mothma added grimly.

"I'm impressed you can still fight." Tanya bared her teeth in a menacing grin, "That bite I left you must sting once in a while."

"Bite?" Barriss raised a brow. Does Tanya know...She ailed oof on her question.

"More than you know, you pathetic wretch!" Armond firmed his stance, ignoring the pain poking his ankle. "I hope you enjoyed these last six years," Armond drew pistols from his holster, aiming them for Tanya, "Because you'll soon be joining that pathetic father of yours right beside the former Duke

"What trickery is this?" Satine stepped forward. "Armond!"Armond fell into dismay at the hurt in her voice. "Why are you dressed liked that? Please! Explain!"

"Yeah, Arnold!" Tanya stomped for the guard. "Why don't you explain? You and Armond have only been swapping places all day!" Arnold growled. His finger wrapped to the trigger.

"What does she mean?" Pre Viszla demanded. "Switching places?"

"They probably made up some lame ass excuse to explain the limp," Tanya started, not in the mood to wait for Arnold or Armond to exalin, "But these two have been switching places."

"Seems to be a plausible conclusion." Dooku agreed. "One attacks while the other remains by the Duchess. The perfect alibi. The perfect crime."

"You can't prove that!" Arnold snarled.

"Maybe not! But I can prove this," Tanya glared at Armond, "YOU MURDERED ARVHAN KRYZE!" Satine felt her heart break. Armond squared himself to Tanya. "And just now, you tried to kill Senator Ariim and Senator Dale!"

"Attempted murder is the least of his worries." Windu jumped down from the sixth floor. He and Dooku exchanged quick glances, acknowledging the other was present, then Windu returned his attention to the matter at hand. "Captain Roland perished moments ago."

"Roland?" Arnold's voice shook. "Roland is dead." He glanced to his twin, begging for answers. Armond would not look at him. He would not allow him to see the shame. "Why? Why Roland?" Arnold grabbed Armond's shoulders, forcing him to face him, "You said you just wanted to be close to Satine! That's. The whole reason I allowed-"

"SHUT UP YOU WEAK FOOL!" Armond knocked the back of his fist into Arnold's jaw, throwing him to the ground. "You think I care in the least what became of that fat fool? I've waited years to silence him!"

"But why?" Pre Viszla demanded to know. "Why would Roland's death benefit you?"

"Because he knew the truth." Windu presented the baggy of latex slips. Armond's stomach sank. "These are latex fingerprints shaped to match Jango's. I am willing to wager, on the other side, they match to you." Armond scoffed. A bold smirk crept to his cheeks.

"No..." Armond Arnold cleaned himself up, climbing to his feet. "They don't belong to Armond." Everyone held their breath. Armond bit his lip, shaking his head, warning his brother not to speak a word. "They're mine." Tanya's own heart suddenly tore. Satine and Pre Viszla didn't dared breath or speak. Dooku, Windu, Barriss, and the other Senators continued to watch idly, knowing this predicament did not include them. "Am I correct in assuming...you are the little girl from six years ago?" Satine held her hands to her heart.

"You're damn right I am!" Satine silenced a gasp with a hand. "I vowed I wouldn't rest until my father's name was cleared! And now, after six years, one of you has picked up the trade and tried killing off Senators!" Barriss tapped her chin, then tapped her comlink.

"Well you may rest now child."

"Shut up, Arnold!" Armond roared.

"No, brother! I will not lie to the Duchess any longer!" Armond bit his lip. "This must be rectified! What other choice is there, now?"

"You pathetic-" Armond aimed his pistol. "AGH!" Lightning tethered to him like a rod. His body spasmed uncontrollably.

Tanya stared emotionlessly as lightning roared from here fingertips. Her eyes never changed. "The man is speaking." Tanya lowered her hand. Armond collapsed to the ground. "Keep quiet."

Dooku folded his hands behind his back. "Most impressive. I approve."

"Fess up, Illahnt!" Tanys barked at Arnold, ignoring Dooku's goading compliment. "Why did you kill Arvhan?"

"I didn't! Armond did! I just..." He glanced shamefully to Satine, "Planted the fingerprints."

"But why?" Satine begged for a clear, straight answer. Meanwhile, Pre Visla strapped Arnold's hands behind his back. "Why did you kill him?"

"It was a request." Armond answered. Arnold froze. Pre Viszla knit his brow crossly. Arnold felt his heart beat at 20 miles per hour. "From Arvhan."

"What?!" Satine gasped. Tanya blinked, utterly confused. But when she though about it...it wasn't so outlandish. Pre Viszla picked him up and cuffed him as well. "Why...Why would he ask you to do such a thing?"

"Because..." Arnold nibbled on his tongue, "The Duke's heart was failing." Tanya guessed correctly. Judging by Dooku's expression, he knew of Arvhan's condition as well.

"YOURE LYING!" Satine gabbed Armond by the collar, shaking him violently. "My father was as healthy as a horse! He wasn't-"

"He was." Dooku corrected sternly. Attention fell to him. "Your father was terminally ill. An incurable condition. Medical droids estimated, even with treatment, his life would cease in nine months. The maximum."

"But I...he...no one ever-"

"He kept it quiet." Tanya jumped in. She scratched behind her ear, groaning under her breath. The truth of her relaxation to Mandalore would have risen eventually. "Arvhan was a personal man, as well as a proud one. He'd never tell anyone about his illness. Then he forced Jango to secrecy. From you and everyone else." Tanya hugged her elbows, sinking into herself. "The errand he ran that night was for the medicine that treats a failing heart. If it meant keeping his word, Jango would have died in prison."

Barriss and the Senators gradually put two and two together. Tanya, Dooku, Satine - All have a history linked by both Jango and the late Duke. Arvhan's death was news cast across 20 planets. Information was vague. Just from the last five minutes, it's as if they were part of the event.

"How does that crime connect to this one?" Atell asked out of the blue, growing impatient with the his story lesson. "Why did these two plot to kill our senators?"

"I am curious about that, myself." Organa stroked his beard. "What did either Ariim or Dale do to deserve your wrath?"

"Every time your Republicans or Confederates come to our planet, in one way or the other we suffer!" Arnold spat. "If they die, you all go home sooner!"

"Now I see why you hate these missions." Barriss whispered to Tanya. "They are ridiculous!"

"Please don't maintain that attitude. Master Unduli will kill me." Barriss laughed at her dismay. Big bad bounty hunter scared of a Jedi. "And I promise to give you a history lesson later."

"I look forward to it."

"Pre Viszla!" Satine barked. She swept a hand, "Get these monsters out of my sight! They will be sentenced and tired immediately!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Pre Viszla dragged both men by the arm, dragging them off to a transport which just arrived.

Satine gnawed on the inside of her cheek so hard she broke the skin. Six years, full of lies, finally brought to the light. But at what price? Two men she relied upon betrayed her, the third one is dead...and Jango. Jango died...bearing a broken heart. All because of a secret and a vow.

"You shouldn't dwell too much on the past." Satine flinched. Tanya appeared behind her, smiling with her hands folded behind her back. "What I said was half true. Jango's heart broke because he knew he couldn't see you." Satine blushed, understanding what she meant. "But it made hiding Arvhan's secret that much easier. What with you being groomed to reign supreme, he didn't want to add worry on top of stress." She winked, "Boba and I knew you two loved each other."

Satine studied the girl thoroughly. It was still hard to process. Her build was significantly different. Hair longer. Demeanor entirely something new. "You really are that little girl, aren't you?" She needed to hear it directly from Tanya. Only then will she believe it.

Tanya tilted her head, smiling, "It's been quite a while, Satine." How sweetly she said it, Satine choked up. Held back tears flowed down her cheek. "I've missed you."

Satine cupped a hand to her cheek, caressing the smooth blue with her thumb. It's her. It really was her. "Tanya...I'm so sorry." Tanya moved in and hugged her tight. Satine constricted the girl, never letting go. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" She sobbed over and over again.

"Don't worry." Tanya massaged her back. "It's over. It's all over."

...

As the drama quieted down, Satine summoned the Confederate and Republic Senators to the briefing room, hoping they could continue on discussing what to do with Ariim and Dale. The nature of their visit was still shrouded in mystery. Until Barriss came back with intriguing news.

"SIBLINGS?!" Organa and Bonteri howled.

"Yes." Barriss handed them a small projector. An image of Dale and Ariim appeared. Between them was an elder man the same species as Ariim. "Senator Dale and Senator Ariim both have the same father, but their mothers are different. Like their mothers, Ariim was Republic, Dale was a Confederate."

Tanya drummed her forehead. "That has to be the only thing that makes perfect sense." She groaned. "Sepies and Republicans used to be one big happy family. A lot of the delegates remained in contact DESPITE the law."

"Dale and Ariim included." Atell shook her head regretfully. "This war strained and strains many a relationship. Friends, family, and lovers. Meeting on neutral planets..."

"Allows for rekindling old bonds." Organa bobbed his head. He glanced toward Count Dooku, "Are we really going to punish a brother and sister for wanting to see one another?" He growled. Tanya glared heatedly at Dooku. Palatine didn't attend due to a rising work load. Dooku is of equal standing, has equal work, yet found time to visit Mandalore. If there were a red flag, this one would be beaming.

"No." Tanya and Windu were astounded beyond words. Mon Mothma and Organa gaped at one another. "Senator Dale has done what any sentimental family member would have done. She will not be punished." He snuck a grin at Tanya, "There are some who have done far worse who were rewarded with second chances." Tanya grunted. "Senator Dale shall receive the same courtesy." Barriss, Tanya, and Windu exchanged concerned stares. It was by doubt in others Barriss refused to believe him. Tanya and Windu went of previous experiences. Senator Dale wasn't getting off scott free. Unfortunately, politics prevented them from intervening.

"Ugh!" Tanya folded her hands behind her head, leaning against the wall. "I was woken up at three in the morning for a brother and sister? Man, I better be getting paid overtime."

"No such luck." Windu chuckled. "You can sleep on the way home."

"She slept on the way here." Barriss recollected.

"I'm a cat. I could sleep through Armageddon."

"Nothing really does change." Satine laughed. She flashed a grin. Tanya blushed and shied away. Windu was certainly thrown for a loop.

...

Later, Ariim and Dale were released with the Mandalorian governments apologies. The amount of explaining these two were in for...good thing both were only in their 30's. Mon Mothma and Organa exchanged pleasantries with Bonteri and Atell, wishing them both well in the future. Barriss and Windu oversaw the senators boarding the ship back to Coruscant. Tanya was off to the side with Dooku. The pair clearly engrossed in an important conversation.

"Aside for nostalgia, this was an uneventful trip." She sneered at the Count, pressing her lower back to a railing. "With an unexpected and unwanted twist." She folded her arms defensively.

"Must you be so cynical?" Dooku feigned hurt.

"Give me a reason not to be, or simply go away, and I won't!" There was a strong hint.

Dooku, purely to accentuate the advantage he held, stepped closer. Tanya didn't flinch. She wasn't in to giving the enemy satisfaction. "I saw her. Briefly." Tanya clawed her bicep. "Twice I have witnessed those lovely orbs shift. But I am willing to wager they have changed more times than that."

"I'm warning you, Count. Leave it alone."

"Why?"

"Because should you be in range, and the assassin takes hold," She approached him defiantly, a dark hue lighting the hatred in her glare, "You won't be as lucky as Mace to escape with your head." Dooku cleared his throat shuffling his shoulders. "I keep my word. Plus death holds no terror for me." Tanya marched past him, "Don't be ashamed of your unease."

Dooku listened as Tanya walked away. Her brazen statement rang in his mind. When he glanced back, it was like watching a new person enter the ship. Good? Bad? Fate will decide. For now, Dooku was more interested in Tanya than before.

"Master. You failed to mention how scary this girl can be."

AAAAGHHHHHH! I HATE HATE HATED THESE LAST TWO CHAPTERS! But I'm too lazy to fix them! SO DEAL!

Later folks! We're going to Grievous' hideout next!