Despite Obi-Wan's death being false, the shock of the ordeal made Jupiter realise something extremely important. Her feelings went far beyond that of friendship and were most certainly nothing of the sibling sort. Of course, Jupiter had suspected that her love for Obi-Wan was more serious than she had first realised, but they had grown up so close in companionship that she had not realised exactly how deep those feeling ran until she had come close to losing him. It was something she did not intend to repeat.

Of course, there was no chance that Jupiter could tell Obi-Wan and expect that he reciprocate those emotions as they both had a duty to the Order, and attachments were strictly forbidden. Jupiter was confident that she could carry these feelings in peace, she was not some witless young girl, there was no need to be overcome with her emotions. She was quite happy to lock them away at the back of her heart where she could open them up again in private and keep them close to her.

"Sir?" Keyes spoke, waking Jupiter from her trance. "Is everything alright sir?"

"Yes, forgive me, I was miles away." She answered, touching her head as she recovered her thoughts. It was time to focus, Jupiter cannot allow herself to be led astray by her emotions. "What is our situation?" Keyes stood to attention to report, however the moment he did so Jupiter merely looked at him, pursing her lips with amusement so he cleared his throat and relaxed.

"Well general, the men have finished delivering the supplies to the refugees here and we are ready to move on, sir." Keyes reported and Jupiter smiled, turning her head to look over the excited smiles and rounds of laughter filling the city as her men helped carry supplies to the depraved citizens caught in conflict of the war.

"That is good news. Amidst all this war and bloodshed, it is a wonderful change to see such joy." Jupiter murmured before turning back around to continue working on the holocaster, completing her report. "Once the supplies have been transferred, have all men return to the transports so that we can move onto our next destination."

"Yes sir, of course." Keyes answered dutifully, however he paused for a moment, noticing that the general seemed a little more tense and distracted than usual. "Sir…is there something wrong?"

"Hm? No Keyes, I am alright." Chuckling softly to herself, Jupiter rubbed her forehead again. It had been aching for a while now and she could not shake this growing presence she seemed to sense, a dark presence, sinister and powerful. Perhaps it was also the reason why Jupiter found herself so distracted. "I only sense that there is something out there in the universe, growing in power. It is nothing good, rest assured of that."

"With respect, sir, but when has anything strange happening been a good thing? Usually it means someone is about to blast us to pieces or we end up running for our lives." Keyes answered bluntly, making Jupiter relaxed as she turned a grateful sigh to him. Her smile drew Keyes's attention to her lips and he noticed a slim scar on her lower fold where she had fought Grievous and he had split it open. Jupiter had not wanted treatment for such a minor wound, however it had left its mark. It did not detract from her handsomeness, however. In fact the flaw brought a weathered sense of experience to her features, a betrayal to the fact that Jupiter had been in many battles and survived.

"You are indeed correct, Keyes. Come, there are more who need our help." Saluting, Keyes turned and went to make the necessary preparations. Once everyone was back on board the transports and had returned to the ships, Jupiter ordered that they move to the next mark, a planet whom the Separatists had devastated with an invasion until Master Mundi had been able to repel them, however the consequences left the human settlement torn to pieces.

Although racked with war, the people welcomed and greeted Jupiter and her men openly when they landed, eagerly helping to unload the supplies. "We thank you, Master Jedi, our people will begin to heal from this conflict with the aid of the Republic." The city governor stated, bowing to Jupiter who returned the gesture.

"It is my privilege to bring relief to your people. We will do everything we can to help." Jupiter promised before looking towards Keyes. "Get those generators up and running, take Roo, Sparks, Crosswire and Luck to try and repair the communications and electric grid. The sooner we have this city back up and running the better it will be for these people." Jupiter began to direct, calm and focused, though she noticed several children peering around from a corner, staring at her whilst trying to conceal themselves. She smiled and winked at them, making them giggle. "Cooper and Jett, I want you to investigate the reservoir where the city gets it water. We need to bring the water back quickly or there will be more suffering."

"Sir yes sir!"

"And I am-! Oh never mind, just hurry back once you have something to report." Jupiter sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. The quiet pattering of feet made her stand up a little straighter, sensing younglings behind her and sure enough when Jupiter turned around, several pairs of curious eyes blinked up at her. "Why hello there." She greeted softly, the children all gasping.

"Are you really a Jedi? Do you have a laser sword and everything?" One of the boys asked so Jupiter chuckled, taking her lightsaber off her belt and showed it to them. Instantly they were entranced, whispering excitedly however when one of them reached out to take it, Jupiter pulled it back.

"Careful now, this is not a toy but a highly dangerous weapon." She warned them, kneeling down on the ground so that she was at eye level. "I'll let you hold it, but you must hold it with both hands with the pommel facing downwards. Like this." She demonstrated, so that if one of the children accidentally engaged the blade there would be no lost fingers or accidents. The children all nodded eagerly so she held out her hand, offering it to any of them. One of the boys instantly took it, allowing Jupiter to pull him close and she tucked her arms around him so that she could guide his fingers into place. "The lightsaber is a Jedi's truest and most important tool, it is our ally. You have to have a firm grip to hold it, but be flexible enough to react to any situation."

"This is so cool!" The boy breathed. "Where's the blade? Why won't it work?" Deciding to humour the child, Jupiter brushed her thumb against the igniter and the orange blade shot outward, humming softly and the boy yelped loudly, instinctively letting go however Jupiter maintained her grip, keeping it from falling. "Wow…that's the most amazing thing I ever saw in my life!" Instantly the children swarmed around Jupiter, asking her every question under the sun so she sheathed her blade and answered them all, not minding their enthusiasm.

"How strong are you? You look strong, can you carry us?" One of the girls asked and before Jupiter could respond, the children all jumped on her, laughing and shrieking, making Jupiter start in surprise before she also laughed, tensing the muscles in her arms to lift up the children, their feet dangling and swinging as they squealed. The people glanced over to the ruckuses but smiled when they saw the happy expressions the children wore, very different to the forlorn faces that had haunted them for many days.

"Sir?" Keyes cleared his throat, signalling that he needed to have a word so Jupiter stopped, glancing across before putting the children back down, however their attention now shifted onto the clone trooper, eyes shining brightly to see his commander uniform and the blasters at his belt.

"Wow! You're a real commander, aren't you? What's your number? Do you have a nickname? Can we shoot your weapon?" They bombarded him with interrogations, crowding around him and Jupiter chuckled to see Keyes very quickly become overwhelmed, staring at the small human beings at an utter loss.

"Uh…um…sir?"

"It appears they like you very much Keyes." Jupiter noted to him with amusement as she folded her arms, smirking as Keyes quickly became out of his depths. "Curious, an entire battalion of droids does not faze you at all, children on the other hand…now that is a different story entirely."

"Very funny sir. What do I do?" Inclining her head, Jupiter gave a sharp whistle to catch the children's attention before she pointed.

"Children, if you go over there to Captain Ray, I am certain he would be glad to tell you stories about all the battles that he has been in." She suggested and instantly they were off, laughing and jostling one another before they fell upon Captain Ray, tackling to the ground and demanding stories, making both Jupiter, Keyes and a lot of onlookers laugh quietly as poor Ray was left to deal with half a dozen overexcited children.

"Thank you sir." Keyes said and Jupiter nodded her head, signalling it was alright.

"Not a lover of children, I take it?" She questioned and Keyes shrugged slightly.

"I'm a soldier. Not got much experience with kids." He reasoned and Jupiter noted that this was acceptable. Not everyone had a natural affinity with children. "Though I wouldn't mind one of my own someday. Might be nice after the war."

"Just the one?" Jupiter questioned further, her eyes shining with mischief as she teased her commander who looked more than a little embarrassed, shifting uncomfortably under the general's gaze.

"Well, I think one is all I'll be able to handle." He admitted, earning an amused chuckle from Jupiter who tapped her chin with a finger, considering Keyes for a few moments before she reached out and placed a gentle hand against his shoulder, patting it reassuringly.

"I think you will make an excellent father, Keyes. You will make a woman very happy one day, once this war is over and we have peace in the galaxy again. When that time comes, I should very much like to see you happy." She revealed, Keyes becoming a little lost in Jupiter's words as she watched her mouth move, transfixed by its shape. "I hope we will remain good friends even after there is no longer a need for us to fight alongside one another."

"Of course general, I'll always be on your side." He promised her honestly, earning an affectionate smile from Jupiter. Noticing a smudge on her cheek, Keyes reached up before he could think and used his thumb to brush it aside, however Jupiter jumped initially at the rather intimate touch until she realised what Keyes was trying to do. Keyes cleaned off the smudge, however when he realised that the general was looking at him strangely, he realised that he had crossed a line. "Uh…sorry sir, you had a…" He gestured a little helplessly at his own cheek, avoiding eye contact until he saw the general relax.

"Thank you Keyes." She told him gently before looking up, seeing that another transport was arriving. "I do not believe that is one of ours." Frowning slightly, Keyes also narrowed his eyes, peering upwards.

"No, I believe it belongs to General Skywalker's fleet." Instantly Jupiter brightened, smiling as she went to meet the transport. Anakin was not there, however when the doors opened Ahsoka stepped off, glancing around before she smiled at Jupiter, walking to meet her.

"Ahsoka, still getting taller." Jupiter teased, placing her hand above Ahsoka's head to measure her. "At this rate, you will certainly become taller than me."

"That's the plan master." Ahsoka answered, grinning. "Anakin sent me with the extra medical supplies that you requested and asked that I escort them to you. They're all here." She gestured as the troopers began to unload everything. Jupiter had completely forgot she had requested more supplies. Touching he pounding head, she exhaled, trying to rub away the ache. "Master? Are you alright?"

"I have been a little out of sorts, Ahsoka. Quite honestly I had forgotten that I had asked for more medical supplies, but thank you for bringing them."

"It's no trouble at all master." Ahsoka promised and Jupiter relaxed, nodding her head to the young padawan. "Master Skywalker also said that if I could help you with anything then I was completely at your service. So, is there anything I can help you with?" She questioned and instantly Jupiter straightened.

"Actually there is. The people here were heavily affected by the Separatist invasion and although Master Mundi drove out the forces, there have been reports of droid movement to the west of here." Jupiter explained. "I was about to lead an investigation team. Would you like to come with me?"

"Absolutely!" Ahsoka nodded eagerly so Jupiter chuckled, pinching her cheek teasingly.

"Then come along young padawan. Keyes, you'll come too along with Eagle Eye, Scanner, Bee and Whack." Giving out her directions, Jupiter lead with a determined air, confident and effortlessly organising her men to continue their work helping setting the city to rights as she, Ahsoka and her troopers went out of the city and towards the canyons and caves. They went in formation, covering ground by foot as not to alert any enemy droids that they were approaching.

"So where exactly has there been droid activity?" Ahsoka questioned as she jumped from rock to rock, getting a high vantage point to look ahead. "I don't see anything."

"With only one glance, things are easy to conceal." Jupiter taught as Ahsoka dropped back down to the ground to walk beside her. "Which is why it is important to always look again." Using a finger to turn Ahsoka's head, Jupiter made her look towards a movement in the distance, something flashing brightly. "Scanner, what are you reading?"

"Nothing yet sir, but we're still quite a way off. We don't know what's out there." Nodding her head, Jupiter narrowed her eyes and looked behind her with a slight turn of her head, sensing that there was something, or someone, following them. Though it was suspicious, Jupiter could not sense any malicious intent so she continued to walk forwards. They reached a large cliff with a sloping path to take them upwards, however before they could move forwards, Ahsoka brushed against Jupiter to discreetly catch her attention.

"Master, I think we're being followed." Ahsoka informed her.

"Yes. You are quite right Ahsoka. They have been following us since we left the city." Jupiter said aloud and the troopers all started in surprise, looking behind them and their hands strayed towards their weapons but Jupiter waved her hand, telling them to stand down as she turned and took a few steps forwards. "Alright children, you may come out now. I think you have followed us long enough." Slowly the children from the village began to emerge, guiltily inching closer before they all stood in a line in front of Jupiter. "Now what do you younglings think you are doing? This is not a place for you to be."

"We just wanted to see a real Jedi in action!" The little ones protested, the tallest boy speaking for them all. "We thought if we followed, we'd be able to see you shoot and slice up some droids. They deserve it for what they did to our home!" Jupiter could sense the deep anger in their little hearts, making her sigh as she knelt down and placed her hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Revenge is an unhealthy burden to carry, little one. Learn to forgive and let go once things have passed, only that way can you start looking towards your future." Looking him directly in the eye, Jupiter brushed aside a long lock of his hair, smiling affectionately. "Help rebuild your homes and prepare for a future where you will be happy. That is how you should spend your time." They all glanced at one another, a little uncertain but finally, they nodded their heads.

Standing up slowly, Jupiter was about to ask one of the men to escort the children back when without warning, a trembling began to shake the ground. "What is this? What's happening?" The ground cracked and Ahsoka had to quickly jump backwards, regaining her balance as Jupiter instinctively Force pushed the children away from the danger.

"Move!" She quickly cried out, making to jump however the ground crumbled beneath them and Keyes dropped, making her instantly lunge to catch his hand however without a stable grounding, her feet slipped and she was pulled downwards as Ahsoka herded the children away, the earthquake continue to rumble as the troopers hurriedly got out of range but then rocks began to chip away from the cliff, collapsing down.

"Everybody get back! Run!" Ahsoka ordered and the children all screamed, racing for their lives as the boulders fell, crushing into the ground which had opened up underneath them and made the earth shatter even further, blocking up the holes and the colossal roar of sound did not silence until the last echo was spent. Ahsoka slowly lifted her head, arms drawing back from around the children to quickly whip around. "Master Jupiter! Jupiter!" Racing forwards she tried to approach the collapse site however the ground creaked underneath her, threatening to break further so she jumped back. "Scan the ground, tell me what's underneath here, that was nothing normal!" Ahsoka quickly ordered before tapping her comm. link to try and reach Jupiter. "Master, Master Jupiter are you alright?" Finally, she received a response.

"Yes Ahsoka, both Keyes and I are alright however the exit is blocked. There is a way forwards and it seems to lead us through a network of caverns underneath the ground. We will move forwards." Jupiter's voice was crackling from the weak signal however Ahsoka could just about make it out. "Have someone escort the children back to their homes whilst you and the other troopers take the high ground. See if there are cave entrances on the other side of the canyon. We will try to meet you there."

"Understood master, please be careful." Ahsoka responded just before another tremor shook the earth. "Let's get out of here. We need to find a safe way over that cliff." She instructed before turning to calm the children down. Deep underneath the surface, Jupiter was standing in complete darkness so she ignited her blade to shine some light around her, Keyes groaning softly as he rubbed his head.

"This has happened once too often for my liking." He muttered as Jupiter inspected their surroundings. "General, are you hurt?"

"No Keyes, however you had hit your head severely and broken your leg after landing, which also knocked you unconscious." She informed him, seeing that there were several routes that they could potentially take though none revealed anything as to where they lead. "I have healed you, however, so you should rest for a few moments."

"Thank you sir." He responded, shifting so that he was sitting more upright. "Are you sure you weren't injured? We fell a long way." Jupiter looked back, skin aglow from the light of her blade.

"No Keyes, you provided a rather soft landing." Jupiter revealed, making him blink before chuckling. After a few minutes Jupiter helped him to stand before pointing her lightsaber down each tunnel. "There is no breeze and each look as ominous as the other, so I think we should begin with simply going forwards."

"Agreed, that seems wisest." Keyes ensured that he had his weapons and everything important with him before he flipped down his camera for night vision, seeing into the darkness however there was nothing to see. As they walked, another trembling shook the caverns and Jupiter halted, holding her breath as dust fell around them and a few loose stones skipped away before once more everything settled. "This just keeps on getting better."

"I have arranged for Ahsoka and the others to meet us on the other side. Providing we can find the other side." With a soft sigh Jupiter continued to move forwards, carefully sense the right path so that they did not become trapped underground for the rest of their lives. Unable to see very much, Jupiter's foot caught on a large stone, causing her to stumble however Keyes very quickly caught her arm, holding her steady until she had recovered. "Thank you Keyes, where would I be without you?"

"Well, you wouldn't be down here. That's for sure." He noted but Jupiter only chuckled musically.

"You are worth the challenge, Keyes." Coming to a dead end, Jupiter sighed. "This is not going very well. Perhaps we should begin marking our path to help guide us. That way we will then at least know where we have been and which direction we went." Taking her lightsaber, Jupiter marked a large cross on the wall before they began to retrace their steps.

"Are you able to make any more contact with Commander Tano, sir?"

"Keyes, when it is just you and I in a sticky situation such as this, you are more than welcome to simply call me Jupiter." Giving him a sidelong look, Jupiter smiled. "We are good friends, are we not?"

"Yes of course sir, I mean, general sir…ahem." He cleared his throat, becoming a little flustered and Jupiter chuckled internally, finding his bashfulness rather endearing. "It's just, it feels almost too casual. You are my superior after all."

"Only when on duty." Jupiter noted as she continued to lead the way. "And as to your question, no. I am not receiving any signal, it was lost some time ago. We are on our own for the time being." Wandering aimlessly, Jupiter continued to score marks into the wall as intermittent tremors shook the walls, some less intense than others however one was so strong that part of the wall collapsed and Keyes instantly felt a flash of fear for the general.

"Jupiter!" Crying out her name he flung himself forwards, arms catching her middle as the wall collapsed next to them however they just about managed to clear it, landing on his side with his arms locked securely around the general, not letting go until the collapse was over and done with. "General? General were you injured?"

"You called my name." She answered, turning her head to look at him with warm orbs which he could feel even in the darkness, her lightsaber having been deactivated after being knocked out of Jupiter's hand. "I do believe that must be the very first time you've ever said it to me."

"Well, first time for everything." He answered, helping her to stand. Jupiter brushed herself off then located her weapon, summoning it to he before she frowned at the collapsed wall, a breeze gracing against her cheeks. "You feel that general?"

"Yes, a breeze." She affirmed, moving towards it and held out her hand, waving it in front of the collapsed wall where another tunnel had been revealed. "I sense the presence of other life forms and there are continuous vibrations running through the ground. These seismic disturbances are not of natural causes." Narrowing her eyes slightly, Jupiter reactivated her lightsaber to give them better light. "Be ready for anything."

"Always am, sir." Keyes responded, hands going for his two handheld blasters and held them up ready to fire as Jupiter stepped through the wall then followed the direction of the breeze, allowing it to chill her cheeks and face as the vibrations grew more noticeable underneath their feet. "What is that?"

"If my intuition is correct, then it is nothing good." Keeping her voice down, Jupiter made a gesture to lower their stances as they came to the end of a tunnel, light coming from the other side. Creeping forwards Jupiter deactivated her blade and tucked it away, looking down over the ledge as she and Keyes lay flat to observe. They could hear machinery working, clanking heavily and when they slowly looked over the edge, what they saw made Jupiter clench a fist in irritation. "Pirates."

They were using droid machinery to blast and drill their way into the cavern walls which was causing the tremors. No wonder the people had been fearing another droid invasion, the pirates were using their technology and even playing with the battle droids like puppets for entertainment. "What are those skrags doing here?"

"They are either searching for valuable items or intending to build something." Jupiter answered, recognising the pirates almost immediately and sure enough, when she found their captain, her brow furrowed. "Hondo." He was barking out orders, supplies being brought in as his voice rang out.

"Get that wall carved out before sunset! You there! Stop loafing around and get to work!"

"You know these pirates?" Keyes questioned and Jupiter had to stifle a dry laugh.

"We have crossed paths once or twice. The first time we met, that one there was after my kyber crystal." She murmured, pointing discreetly towards Hondo. Keyes nodded his head, taking particular note of the pirate captain. "Although sometimes we are on opposing sides, Hondo has been incredibly useful in the past. For the right price of course. There was an incident where Obi-Wan and Anakin were captured alongside Dooku by Hondo. The council were just about ready to send me to Florrum with the fleet to claim them back before things resolved themselves."

"So…what exactly are they doing?" Keyes questioned, frowning at the equipment. "It looks like their trying to build a base here, is that right?"

"Yes I believe so. Hondo is one whom always plans ahead, so it is not unlike him to build bases on various planets. However…I am concerned with this choice for a hideout. I am not certain that he realises how unstable this ground us. Look." Jupiter nodded towards the back wall which was severely cracked, however as the pirates continued to drill into the cave to make it larger, the cracks grew larger, rocks tumbling from the cavern roof.

"Hondo! We got some intruders snooping around outside!" Instantly Jupiter's attention was dragged back to the pirates as one of Hondo's underlings reported to him. "It's a Jedi and two clones with her. What should we do? Should we kill them?"

"Kill them?" Hondo repeated as if affronted by the very idea. "No of course not! Bring them inside, they will be our…honoured guests." A laugh rippled through the pirates and Jupiter immediately began to shuffle her weight backwards, keeping down low so that they would not be spotted as Keyes did the same.

"Ahsoka and the others, we cannot allow Hondo to take them. He will either sell them off to the Separatists or hold them for ransom. I have seen this happen time and time again."

"So what's the plan general?" Another quake shook the foundations of the cave, part of the wall collapsing in however Hondo merely shouted for more supports to be set up to keep the cave ceiling where it should be. Keyes had thrown his arm over Jupiter's head, protecting it from a scattering of rocks and he only pulled back when she looked up, shooting him a grateful look.

"I have signal here, I will contact the men back in the city and arrange a surprise for our dear friend." Jupiter murmured before entering the coordinates on her comm. link then sent a transmission to Captain Ray, ordering for a few fighters and a platoon of men to be brought around the cave exit and to stand ready for Jupiter to give the order.

"Will it scare the pirate enough for him to leave?"

"Possibly. Judging by the numbers here, he was not expecting a conflict. We will easily outnumber him and once we have him cornered, he will be willing to open negotiations." Jupiter explained as she saw Ahsoka, Scanner and Eagle Eye. Jupiter assumed, or rather hoped, that Whack and Bee had been sent back to the city with the children.

"Ah! Ahsoka, what a pleasant surprise! We really must stop meeting this way." Hondo teased her before beginning to narrate his usual speech of how he was going to make her into a large and bountiful profit. Giving Keyes a nod, Jupiter stood up then launched herself forwards, descending through the air as she carried Keyes with her by the Force, ensuring that he landed softly beside her. At their sudden appearance within their midst, the pirates all yelped and backtracked, drawing weapons and Keyes instantly went to protect the general's back, holding up his own blasters.

"Hondo Ohnaka, it has been a very long time since I last saw you." Jupiter announced smoothly, drawing his attention as he spun around, staring in astonishment however Ahsoka instantly brightened.

"Jupiter! Thank the universe you got out." Hondo blinked, squinting as he slowly approached Jupiter, pushing aside his men.

"No, it cannot be! Little Jupiter? Little itty bitty Jupiter? You were so much smaller when I last saw you! What, that must have been five, six years ago?" Jupiter gave a warm chuckle, not allowing herself to appear hostile as she bowed her head.

"Actually, it has been over ten years." Hondo slapped a hand to his face, dumbfounded before he suddenly burst into laughter, voice ricocheting off the walls and they trembled under the sound, earning a nervous glance from Jupiter.

"By the stars, it really is you! You have grown so big and strong, Hondo almost feels proud." He patted a hand over his heart, smiling with laughter in his eyes. "But what would a Jedi like you be doing all the way out here? The battle between you and the Separatists is already over, I heard."

"Yes but we were asked to bring relief to the people here. They suffered greatly at the hands of the Separatists when they invaded." She explained, glancing to Ahsoka behind Hondo who frowned at her, tilting her head to the side curiously. "We were asked by the citizens to investigate droid sightings, however I see that you are the troublemaker behind all this, Hondo."

"Trouble? Me? Whatever gave you such a thought?" He questioned humorously. "Well my pet, Hondo means no harm in this case, I am simply building a peaceful retreat for myself and my men in this very accommodating cave. Right boys?" There was a loud hoot, the men around them all cheering loudly and the sound disturbed the fragile balance within, making Jupiter exhale and shake her head. "What? What is it my pet?"

"This cave is about to collapse, Hondo. The network of tunnels weaken the foundation. The ground will eventually cave out underneath you and any slightest sound could…" A blaster went off and everyone ducked, the bolt flying wild before it struck the ceiling above, echoing loudly as everyone held their breath. Suddenly, the entire room started to rumble. "…tip the balance." Quickly jumping back to her feet, Jupiter pushed Hondo towards the cave mouth. "Run. Everyone run!"

"What are you waiting for you idiots? Get out of here!" Hondo yelled loudly as rocks began to smash into the ground, falling straight through the floor and it began to collapse also. "Run for your lives!"

"Ahsoka, Eagle, Scanner, hurry!" Jupiter ordered as she reached them, their arms locked behind their backs however Jupiter did not pause to free them. Instead she swung Ahsoka up into her arms, carrying her from the cave as Keyes gripped onto the other two, helping them keep their balance as everyone ran from the cave, however Hondo paused to try and grab some of his valuables, drawing Jupiter's eyes as the ceiling began to crumble around them, sending vibrations shooting up her spine as she held Ahsoka securely in her arms. "Hondo! Is it worth your life?!"

"Uh…maybe you're right." He decided, abandoning what he could not carry and ran from the cave, however he got caught among the falling debris, crying out in alarm as he dodged around the rocks, his men already out ahead of him meaning that he was the last one to try and escape. The moment Jupiter was free she tipped Ahsoka from her arms, allowing her to land on her feet as she then spun around and held out her hands, exhaling softly as Hondo crouched down low, hands thrown up over his head to futilely try to protect himself, however when the giant boulder did not land, he blinked and looked up. "Oh…" The rock levitated bare inches from the top of his head, allowing him to crawl free from the now blocked up cave. "Well, that did not go to plan. Whose stupid idea was it to build a hideout here anyway?"

"Um, yours Hondo." The underling answered but Hondo merely kicked him aside. That was when he noticed the army of troops facing him, all standing in their square battalions with two transports and four starfighters faced towards him, all weapons aimed and ready to fire upon his small band of pirates. "Treachery! Deceit!" He accused Jupiter before suddenly grinning. "You would make a fine pirate my pet. So, what is your price?" Jupiter smiled, freeing Ahsoka from her bonds as Keyes took care of the others.

"Stand down." She ordered, lifting her hand and immediately her troops withdrew their weapons, standing to attention instead. "I have only a few conditions, Hondo, but do not worry, it will be completely fair." Reassuring him as she approached, Jupiter stopped a few feet away and folded her arms. "First, in exchange for warning you about the cave collapse, I will accept my friends release back into my custody as payment, so you will not try to take them back." Counting them off her fingers, Jupiter lifted a second. "Also, in exchange for letting you go free, you will cease all pirating activities in this sector and stay away from all planets that have been affected by the Separatists recent streak of invasions. The people have suffered enough, do not terrorise them more."

"Hmm, interesting, interesting. Your third bargain?" Hondo questioned, stroking his chin with intrigue as Jupiter inclined her head.

"Third, for saving your life, you will owe me another favour on top of the one you already owe. Failure to agree to my terms will result in either your forceful arrest or your regrettable demise. What say you, Hondo my friend?" Jupiter questioned, reaching out her hand to offer it to him to shake. Hondo frowned, thinking it over before finally, he once more burst into a loud and uncontrollable laugh. His men shot him confused looks, however Hondo continued until finally he reached out and grasped Jupiter's hand.

"We have a deal my pet, you strive a hard bargain but, like I said. You would make for an excellent pirate! If the Jedi life does not work out for you, you know where to find me." He offered, grinning broadly however when he noticed the scarring up Jupiter's arm, he reached out and lifted it towards him, inspecting it closely. "Hmm…such a pity. Of course, if you get tired of the war, then my offer opens then also. Take care my pet, I have no doubt our paths will cross again." Signalling his men, they all hurried towards their speeders and transports, giving one last hoot before they all sped away.

"Shall we go after them, sir?" Keyes offered but Jupiter shook her head.

"No, I will keep good on my word. I promised that I would let him go free and that is what I will do." She replied, turning around and began to fuss over Ahsoka, tilting her head from side to side to ensure she had not been hurt.

"Master, do you really expect Hondo to keep his side of the bargain? I mean, he is a pirate." She reasoned, however Jupiter merely chuckled, rubbing Ahsoka's head and briefly touching her forehead against hers as a sign of reassurance and maternal-like affection.

"Hondo is one of a kind, Ahsoka. He serves himself and is heartless, but he is not without honour." Brushing against Ahsoka's cheek to clean away some dust Jupiter pulled out her mother's handkerchief to help dust her off and clean her up. "Now, we had better return to the city, Anakin will no doubt be beside himself with worry." Ahsoka smiled in agreement, secretly enjoying being fussed over. Being near Jupiter was different to when Ahsoka was with Anakin or Obi-Wan. It was more like she had a sister figure to look up to, or even a mother. In Ahsoka's mind, all three of them were her parents and Jupiter cared for her deeply, which meant more to Ahsoka than Jupiter could ever know.