Chapter 27.

POV: Anakin Skywalker

Padme… my heart clutched inwardly in my chest as I saw her approach me, waddling her way towards with her hands protectively over her stomach. C3PO, cluttered cautiously next to her awkwardly waiting for her to stumble or fall unexpectedly as Artoo trailed behind them. I could sense the baby growing inside her, demanding to come out as I couldn't help but smile, but instantly regretted it as my heart tugged for Ahsoka's warmth to be beside me. With a solemn look of loving compassion for Padme, she outstretched her hand in greeting. I watched her facial expression as I took her hand in my own, tears of joy rolling down her face.

I couldn't take my eyes off of her as I pulled her into my arms. The familiarity of her body against mine, the way her ear always found its way to my heart, gently comforted by the warmth of my chest. The feel of her hair beneath my chin as I pulled her in closer, all of my morals disappearing being replaced of all the fond memories we have had together. Naboo… her home planet and my favourite planet.

Her name tingled my lips like a scandalous potion. The thought of her corrupted my book, a million lasers channelling their way into the cavernous stretches of my metaphors for secrecy. All the way, descending into the tentacles of my soul; pulsating, parched, voracious.

Artoo ran into my leg, the roar of metal and explosive mediums colliding, a presence echoing, leeching out into the blood red luminous sundance.

Ahsoka…

POV: Lux Bonteri

It had been just a little over a day since Ahsoka had landed by the cover of night at my private hangar. With her she presented a youngling whose name was Katooni, a bright and intelligent individual that had insisted that she stay with Ahsoka, refusing to take her own room despite the numerous empty guest bedrooms in my senatorial residence.

During her journey to Onderon, Ahsoka had explained everything that had happened on Coruscant. That the grey Jedi had caused it. I had so many questions to ask. Her name had been on the holonet for so many rotations with unknown whereabouts and she went 'missing in action'. Then, the conspiracy of herself and her former master, breaking and entering the Jedi Temple that was previously their home, it was so hard to accept.

I had heard bits and pieces after her trial from Senator Amidala however, after a while she accused Ahsoka of 'stealing' Anakin away from her and I refused to continue talking to her. The galaxy is entering strange times indeed, and her arrival last night confirms it.

I owe her my life; housing her here on Onderon, after all, she and the Jedi had done for the planet, was the very least I could do. Yes, the tabloids now speak ill of anything to do with the Jedi as of recently but that isn't what moves the people here on Onderon. The people of Onderon are loyal and judge people but their true, proven character; which she has shown. I had sent Pierre to send news about her arrival to King Dendup and much to my joy he had asked to meet with her right away with hastened excitement. Onderon has come so far within the last year. From being a front for the Separatist Alliance and then allying with the Republic. The people have been so resilient. We are stronger now than we have ever been. The army is at full capacity and its warriors are stronger now than ever thanks to the work of Ahsoka and the others. They left a significant impact; a lasting legacy that Steela had made possible… I think of her fondly in my memories but her eyes had always been set upon protecting me. I wonder what it would've been like without the Separatist ever setting foot here. Would she have ever given me a second glance?

"Mister Bonteri," Pierre called as I came out of my daze, offering him a seat and a cup.

I was sat at the shared table, drinking a cup of coffee whilst I allowed Ahsoka and Katooni to spend the morning to themselves for a little while longer. Pierre joined me and explained the days schedule: a morning meeting with the King and his advisors before my holiday leave would begin, and then by noon King Dendup would be coming over for lunch at my abode on the outskirts of Iziz. Pierre assured me that the chef, house-droids and gardener had prepared everything just as I had asked. By afternoon Pierre would be leaving my side to work on his side project for the King and would be staying at my senatorial residence. He would ensure security of the hangar and any nosy reporters that decided to stick their nose further into my private life.

The one thing that Ahsoka had left out of her re-telling of the events on Coruscant was, who exactly are the grey Jedi?

"Good morning!" a cheerful voice came that could only belong to Ahsoka.

She sat with a huff of air leaving her mouth, plinking herself in the chair next to me on my right with Pierre directly across from me. Katooni gracefully followed and sat next to Pierre on his left.

"Morning," Katooni said as she let out a yawn, excusing herself in the process.

I chuckled at their formality, "I hope you two aren't like this when the King greets us, later".

Katooni's jaw silently dropped before she quickly hinged it back into place as Ahsoka smiled, "let me down a cup of caff or two first and then we shall see".

Pierre got up from his seat, excusing himself and waiting at the doorway.

"Apologies for the abrupt exit, I have a meeting this morning that I must get to. I'll have the chef prepare you something," I smiled at the two who were more than grateful for having refuge and happily hurried me out the door.

As anticipated, the meeting was going for longer than expected as news about the events on Coruscant had reached Onderon. The Jedi Temple on Coruscant had been attacked and was littered with bodies, not only that but the Chancellor had died and was revealed as the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious. This was not news to me but it was news to everyone else that was within the small meeting between the king and his advisors.

Whispers and hushed concerns scattered between lips as the total of twelve advisors, including myself, swallowed the new information.

"There is a call of the Senate in three days' time," King Dendup began, "it will be decided then what is to happen to the Republic, and this information will be released publicly for the whole galaxy".

"For now, everything will be conducted here on Onderon as it always has been. This information must not leave this room as a matter of security and to prevent despair among the people," General Tandin added.

"What about the Separatists?" Another added, closer towards the end of the long table as Dendup rose to pace around the room, reassuring his fellow advisors as he went.

"I believe that they will remain silent with the death of their leader, but we must remain vigilant," my own voice surprised me as those words left my mouth.

"I'm glad that at least you feel confident with this turn of events, Senator Bonteri," the same sweet voice replied.

Searching in the direction of the voice my eyes gaze across a young woman with hair neatly pinned back and brown eyes. She looked at me and smiled briefly before looking away. Was she blushing?

I leant back in my chair and brought my hand to my face, thinking about her words. Did I show that I knew more about this situation than anyone else did? It took me a while to realise that everyone had begun to leave the room until it was just myself, general Tandin and the King.

"I have a feeling that you know more about this than you're telling, young Lux," his frail voice came as the door to the chambers finally closed.

"That is why I've asked you to lunch, King Dendup," I replied, "General, I would gladly welcome your company if you're not busy".

I took a quick flick to my watch; it was half past midday. I messaged Pierre to get the girls from my residence and advise the chef that another guest would be attending. I sighed shaking my head, I am more than late to my own luncheon, at my own house.

"How many times have I told you, call me Ramsis!" he laughed as I stood rolling my eyes.

The general smiled as we made our way to the hangar, clapping me on the back.

I informed the two esteemed gentlemen of the guests I was hosting that one of hem was well aware of and of which the general had strongly advised against and offered his guard for extra security to which I denied. They were Jedi, they didn't need protecting. After the civil war he didn't seemed disheartened at my turning down of his offer; he seemed more amused, elbowing Ramsis in the ribs and laughing together.

I rolled my eyes once again, glad to have two trusted allies to share volatile information with.