Hey again! Here is another chapter!

Last time: Obi-wan managed to get Aran Blyth surrender.

Now: Sasha and Cayden make an interesting discovery.

Chapter 26- The True Leader

And just like that, the last man was thrown into the prison cell. Cayden closed the door shut and locked it, making sure that Danison and his men could not escape. Once it was closed, Cayden turned to face the beautiful padawan woman he was in love with who was sitting and resting against the wall on the floor. She looked like she was uncomfortable. Understandable as she did have a few broken ribs and broken wrist that sat limply on her lap. Cayden approached her and knelt down beside her.

"All finished," Cayden said. "How are you doing?"

"Well a nice healing sleep would do the trick right now," Sasha said tired. "But I'll be okay."

Cayden nodded. "Let's get back to the others. Hopefully this whole ordeal is over."

Sasha returned the nod. Cayden carefully slipped an arm around her shoulders and helped her to her feet. She winced at the movement from her sitting position to standing. Once on her feet, Cayden moved his arm from her shoulders as it was obvious, she could stand on her own. When he looked down at her face, he noticed she wasn't looking at him. Sasha looked past him and stared at the cell behind him that he just threw Danison into.

"What's wrong?" Cayden asked concerned.

"Did you know what the red light means?" Sasha asked him curiously.

"Huh?" Cayden asked.

He turned to look at the cell. He saw what light she was talking about. On the control panel, there was little red light. Cayden then gazed at the cells that were on either side of it. Both of them had a little green light. Apparently, Sasha had noticed it too as they both gazed up and down the corridor to see that every cell had either a red or a green light. Cayden moved forward and opened the door to the left of Danison's. It was empty. He then moved over and did the same with the one of the other side. It was empty too.

"So the light means that the cell is occupied or not," Cayden started.

"And there are a lot of red lights," Sasha finished as she continued to stare down the hall.

"Weren't we told that Danison and his men had arrested numerous people?" Cayden asked.

"Yes, but I thought they would have been held in the security building, in their prison cells. Not this underground one," Sasha pointed out. "Even though it is connected to that facility."

"Should we check while we are here?' Cayden suggested.

"I don't see why not," Sasha said. "Where should we start?"

Cayden glanced up and down the corridor again. His gaze stopped at the first red light that was nearest to the lift.

"Why not that one?" Cayden suggested with a nod toward the cell.

"Sure," Sasha said.

They walked over to the cell. Cayden tapped the button to open the cell door. The door opened and peered into the dimly lit cell. There was a figure laying on the floor with their back to them. Was the figure asleep? Who could sleep through the fighting that just happened out in the hall?

"Here to annoy me more, Blyth," the figure said with a sigh.

"Sorry, he's a bit busy at the moment," Sasha responded.

The figure flinched. The figure sat up and turned to the open door where they stood. The figure then stood and hustled over to them. Once in the light, they both realized that this was beautiful, older woman with long curly black hair and darker skin. She had striking green eyes that looked tired. She was dressed in a crummy, tan prison jumpsuit with a pair of black boots. She was staring at them curiously.

"Who are you?" she asked.

Cayden and Sasha exchanged a glance. Were they to use their cover names or would it just be better to reveal their actual identities?

"Well before we say, may we ask who you are?' Cayden asked hesitantly.

"The name is Kira," she said. "Kira Win-Del."

"Wait? As in Governor Win-Del? Of Stew-Jon?" Sasha asked surprised.

"The very one," Kira Win-Del said. 'Now who are you?"

That decided it.

"I'm Jedi Padawan Sasha Monroe and this is Jedi Padawan Cayden Marshall," Sasha introduced.

"Jedi Padawans?" Kira asked with furrowed eyebrows. "What are Jedi doing here? We are a Neutral system."

"We know, Governor," Cayden said then went on to explain their mission and why they were here. He mentioned the letter, Ava, and how they ended up at city hall.

Kira laughed once he was finished. "Ava Ken? My, my. I was friends with her older siblings and her family for years. I'm not surprised she would be the one to have to the courage to reach out for help outside the planet. Let alone Jedi. Her family were big supporters of the Jedi."

"You're not mad then that we are here?" Cayden asked carefully.

"Of course not. Stew-Jon maybe neutral, but I have never had hate toward the Jedi. I just wanted to be sure what your reasons and intentions were," Kira said with a soft smile that then turned into a enraged glare. "What I am mad about is what Aran Blyth has done in my absence. Blyth has taken this all too far. He will pay now that I am free."

"Before we go face him, do you happen to know who are in the other cells down here?" Sasha asked as she gestured to the other cells as Kira exited hers and entered into the cell bay.

"Yes, my security force and loyal aids that were arrested along side myself," Kira said. "Of course not all of my security was arrested down here. There were those that stayed and supported Blyth."

"Like Danison Greyhelm?" Sasha mentioned.

Kira snorted. "Greyhelm was Aran's personal lap dog and security before all of this. I'm not surprised that punk continued to follow him."

"Well you'd be happy to know that he is now living in these cells down here curtesy of yours truly," Sasha said with a smile.

"Now let's get your people out of here and then go find the others," Cayden suggested. "I get the feeling the Masters as well as Blyth would be interested in seeing you."

Obi-wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka escorted Blyth into the lobby after successfully capturing him in his office. As they entered, they arrived to the sight of security guards in different uniforms escorting Danison's men away and toward the cells. Sasha, Satine, Cayden, Padme, and Taren were talking with a curly haired individual whose back was to them. Halla sat near enough by them on a bench to contribute to the conversation they were all having.

"Kriff," Blyth cursed under his breath.

Obi-wan glanced at the Governor and then glanced at the woman. As they got closer, Sasha gestured to the woman. She turned and faced them as they approached.

"Aran Blyth, long time no see," the woman said in dignified voice.

"It's good to see you to…." He hesitated. "Kira."

"Masters, Ahsoka, allow us to introduce you to Governor Kira Win-Del of Stew-Jon," Sasha introduced.

Anakin and Ahsoka's eyebrows shot up in surprise. This was the real Governor? Taren was right, this was something they were going to want to see. They then took notice that Sasha had used their real names and titles. That meant this woman knew who the rest of them actually were. Obi-wan took note of that then walked over and extended a hand to the woman. She took it.

"A pleasure to meet you, Governor. I am Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi. This is Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his apprentice Ahsoka Tano. We are glad to finally meet you, but pardon my saying so, we thought the worst had happened to you," Obi-wan said as he released her hand.

"So your Padawan tells me," Kira Win-Del said. "It appears that Blyth has been spreading rumors of my health for some time now. I am not ill or on death's bed. Blyth had taken an advantage of my position when I had fallen with the flu a while ago. Soon after I recovered, I was thrown in a prison cell and before I could protest what was happening, I had learned he had arrested my security chief and any of his men that were loyal to me. But thanks to Sasha and Cayden, my team and I are now free. However, Aran your reign comes to an end."

Blyth snarled. "You may be free, but it's too late for you to stop anything Kira. Dooku and the Separatists are going to be here at dawn and then Stew-Jon will be a part of the Separatists. And once they get here, then I will be a free and wealthy man."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Kira Win-Del said with her arms folded across her chest. "Now get him out of my sight. I'll deal with him later."

One of her security guards came over, grabbed him, and dragged Aran Blyth to the cells below. He shouted slurs and curses at her as he was being dragged away. Once he was gone, it was quiet in the lobby again. Kira sighed in relief.

"Governor you should know that the Republic is sending Cruisers to prevent the Separatists from entering the planet," Anakin spoke up. "We contacted just moments before all of this."

"Oh? Are you hoping that we will join you once this is all over?" Kira asked amused.

Obi-wan shook his head. "No. We were hoping to use Blyth to contact Dooku and try to convince him to retreat. However, we suspect that Dooku could still arrive anyway. He doesn't always take no for an answer. By having the Republic here as a blockade, even after the call, Dooku would have turn around as he would be heavily outnumbered. Plus it would only be a staring contest as either would wait for one to make the first move. It would be pointless for him to stay without getting the Republic involved at that point and breaking the neutral accords that still bind this planet. The last thing we want is for the war to arrive here."

"Why don't I give this Count Dooku a call? If I can get him to turn around and leave my people alone, will you promise that you too shall leave with your army?" Kira asked in a serious tone.

"Yes," Obi-wan said simply.

"Then patch me through to him," Kira said.

Anakin handed her Blyth's commlink where Dooku's signal was pre-programmed into it. Kira took the commlink and placed the call using that signal. After a few moments, a hologram of Dooku appeared.

"Blyth, is there a reason you are disturbing me?" Dooku asked in a cold tone with his eyes closed. He appeared to have been meditating when she called. "We will be arriving to Stew-Jon in a couple hours. Can't this wait?"

"No, this can't," Kira said with a slight bit of sass.

Dooku's eyes shot open. He smirked when he realized who he was talking to.

"Governor Win-Del, is it?" Dooku asked. "What do I owe the pleasure? Where is Blyth?'

"Arrested," Kira said. "We know what you and he were up to. I suggest you turn around and return to your home. Stew-Jon is a neutral system and a member of the Neutral Systems Council. Your arrival here would be in violation of NSC law."

"You are no longer a part of the council," Dooku stated. "You withdrew you position before the war. Actually, Blyth withdrew your position as I instructed him. It's too late for you now. You cannot stop us. You have no protection. I suggest you surrender and follow Blyth's lead by joining the Separatist Alliance."

Before Kira could answer, Satine stepped forward and entered into the frame.

"Count Dooku, I am Duchess Satine Kryze of Mandalore," She introduced. "I am also the leader of the Neutral Systems Council. Stew-Jon may have pulled out under false pretenses a couple years ago. However, their position on the council has just been reinstated with the recent return of their leader, Governor Win-Del. I was contacted the moment I heard that the Separatists were planning on imposing on this system. They are and always have been a Neutral planet. You have no power here. Now retreat before this matter gets out of hand and I have to invoke the law."

Satine's powerful tone rung through the room to all who listened. Dooku looked visibly pissed. It was obvious by the look on his face, he knew that if he arrived there, severe consequences would follow. However, he had in the past invaded neutral systems, but those systems were not under the NSC or their leaders were like Blyth, easy to manipulate. Dooku had come the realization that he lost this round.

"So be it," Dooku growled. "This will not be the last you have heard from me, Win-Del. I will get what I want. One way or another."

Dooku then hung up. Satine smiled up at Kira who stood a few inches taller than her.

"Thank you, Duchess," Kira said as she hugged her.

"Of course," Satine said as she pulled away from the hug after returning it. "I was so concerned when you disappeared from the council. I am thrilled to see you well and I do hope that you will actually return to the NSC."

"Blyth may have pulled us from the council, but that's not what I want," Kira stated. 'I would love for Stew-Jon to return to the council."

Satine returned the smile.

"We will deal with the paperwork later," Satine said. "For now, though, welcome back old friend."

Kira and Satine shook hands on the matter.

"With Dooku and the Separatists dealt with for now, I think it is best for us to return to Miss. Ava's for the night or what remains of it and get some rest. I'll contact the fleet too and tell them to return home as well now that we know the threat has been dealt with," Obi-wan spoke up for all to hear. "We are to leave for home tomorrow on our own ship."

"Before you go, please allow me to throw you a feast in gratitude. Even though this planet is neutral, you risked your lives and the law to come here to help my people. I can't thank you enough for that. Shall we meet back here tomorrow for lunch?" Kira suggested.

"We would be honored, Governor," Padme said with a bow.

"It's settled then," Kira said. "Now if you'll excuse me. I have to prepare a statement for my people. It's time they learn the truth."

Everyone splits off after that. Kira Win-Del started to make her way toward her office. Her remaining security and aids started to make their way to their chambers or the door to go home… finally. The Jedi, Satine, Halla, and Padme started to make their way toward the doors to leave too.

Halla trailed at the back of the group, just behind Padme and Anakin. However, she did not get very far. Suddenly, something wet came from between her legs. She gasped as placed her hands to her belly. Her water just broke.

"Taren," She called.

That caught everyone's attention, including the Governor's. Taren made his way over to her.

"What is it?" Taren asked as he grabbed her arm.

"It's coming," Halla said.

"What?" Taren asked dumbfounded.

"THE BABY IS COMING!" She screamed.

Suddenly, a panic of emotions filled the room as the pregnant woman was doubled over with contractions. Padme grabbed Halla's other arm to steady her. Kira rushed over as she pocketed her commlink.

"I've just called the hospital," Win-Del explained. "They have just been informed and will be waiting for you to arrive. I'll have my personal aid escort you there."

She gestured over to a young woman in an aids uniform. The young woman hustled over to the Governor and Kira explained to her the situation. The young woman nodded, agreeing to help drive them, then escorted them outside to the parking lot of speeders. She climbed into the driver's seat of one of them. Ahsoka opened the door for Halla and Taren to climb in.

"Taren," Obi-wan said as he grabbed his brother's shoulder. "You go with Halla. We will meet you there."

"Thanks," Taren said then broke into a wide grin. "I'm gonna be a Dad!"

"Taren," Halla groaned as she clutched her belly.

"Right! We will see you guys there," Taren said then aided his wife into the waiting speeder before climbing in after her.

The others stood there and watched as the speeder zipped off to the hospital. Now that the planet was safe and their true leader had returned, the sudden arrival of the baby almost felt right.

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