Though it was often tedious, years of practice concealing her emotions at political events meant that Padme Amidala was easily able to dampen her awe at how beautiful the Grand Jedi Council chambers were in the light of the afternoon sun. However, as she stepped farther into the room, none of her training could do anything to hide the way her presence in the Force lit up when she spotted her husband across the room. He looked good, better rested than the last time she'd seen him nearly three weeks earlier and he was smiling, as he spoke to Obi-Wan and a Kel-Dor Master with animated gestures. She hated having to act with cool courtesy when she wanted nothing more than to hold him in her arms. But this meeting was the only thing standing between them and a night alone, without any titles or formality to keep them apart. So she continued at her measured pace, appearing totally absorbed in the beauty of the space.

"I don't see why we had to come all the way down here for a simple report." Senator Samm grumbled just behind her. "It seems incredibly unnecessary."

"Our humble apologies for the inconvenience, Senator." A Zabrack, Master Koth, (if she remembered Anakin's stories correctly) seemingly appeared out of nowhere at her colleague's complaints.

"We felt it more efficient for Padawan Tano to present the mission report to the Council and committee simultaneously. Her time in-Temple is limited and we don't want to interrupt her education more than necessary. You understand, of course, education has always been a significant issue in the Senate."

Padme swallowed a giggle as Samm made a semi-agreeable noise before hurrying to his seat. His was one of twelve, arranged in a tight semi circle. All six of the committee members were present, joining five members of the Jedi Council. Anakin was neither a Councillor or a Senator, but she doubted even a herd of bantha could have kept him out of the room, not with Ahsoka in the spotlight.

Come to think of it, where was she? Normally the teenage togruta could be found glued to her Master's side, always listening, always waiting for the next bit of excitement. But the familiar blue and white peaks were nowhere to be seen.

Padme made her way across the room with a casual air, drifting to greet each of the Masters with a charming smile until she finally stepped up to the three Jedi.

"Master Kenobi, Master Skywalker, always good to see you." She looked to the towering Kel-Dor. "And I'm sorry, I'm afraid we haven't been introduced."

"This is Jedi Master Plo-Koon, my lady." Obi-Wan offered, ever the gentleman. "Master Plo, Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo."

Master Plo folded his clawed hands over his chest and bowed slightly which she returned. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Jedi."

Looking back to the others, she met Anakin's eyes and couldn't help the way her heart jumped. She would never get tired of seeing those eyes, full of warmth behind all that bravado.

"Where's your shadow?" She asked with a grin.

"Waiting outside. She wanted time and quiet to focus." He said and it didn't take a Jedi to note his unease. This was nothing new; Anakin felt the most secure when everyone he cared for was within arm's reach.

"Well, please let her know how grateful we are. I know it couldn't have been an easy assignment."

"It was, but Ahsoka has never been one to shy away from a challenge. And she always manages to come up with the most… creative solutions." Obi-Wan replied.

"I wonder where she gets that from." Master Plo added as they both turned to look at Anakin, prodding him with a bit of teasing energy.

"Hey, now wait a minute-"

"Skywalker. If you could bring your padawan in, please, and we'll get started."

Mace Windu's natural air of command easily rose above the scattered conversation.

Anakin nodded, chanced a wink at Padme, and headed for the atrium as the others began to find their seats.

When he'd left her, Ahsoka had been meditating in one of the padded alcoves. Her signature was serene and undisturbed as she gathered herself for the task ahead. He found her pacing back and forth, muttering to herself and chewing on her thumbnail. All nervous habits, all unbecoming for a Jedi, but nothing that couldn't wait until tomorrow. She stopped as she sensed him enter, wrapping her arms around her middle.

"You ready, Snips?" He kept his tone light, lowering his shields and putting gentle pressure on the bond.

She nodded, though they could both sense her anxiety pulsing in the Force like a drumbeat. He closed the distance between them in a few short strides and took both her shoulders in a firm grip.

"You can do this."

"I know, I know. I just… I don't want to let any of them down. Especially not Liliree."

He squeezed her shoulders tightly, sending wave after wave of support through their link. He'd seen Ahsoka sprint across battlefields, dodge the blaster bolts raining all around her, pick up fellow soldiers with others lying dead around them and simply brush it off like it was just another day of training.

But this mission had shaken her. It clung to her, carved darkened hollows under her eyes. At the same time, it was the spark igniting a new fire within her. This report was more important than the mission itself; hundreds, possibly thousands of futures were depending on her. No pressure or anything.

"You won't. Remember what we talked about?"

She exhaled heavily and nodded. "Chin up, speak up, take my time, keep the focus on what's important."

"And if you get nervous?"

"Look at Master Obi-Wan or Senator Amidala."

"That's right. Just pretend you're telling them a story. Nothing to it."

Ahsoka rolled her eyes but he could sense her calm and determination beginning to edge out her insecurities.

"Can we get ice cream later?"

Anakin would never say it out loud, but it unnerved him when she did that. That, meaning simply acting like a normal fifteen year old, rather than someone who'd seen more awful things in the last eighteen months that most do in a lifetime. It stoked the smoldering feeling of injustice that he kept buried deep within. But there was no use wishing that she didn't have to grow up like this. Since she did, he was glad that he could be there to guide her through it.

"Sure thing, Snips."


The chamber was nearly silent as they entered, save for the echo of Ahsoka and Anakin's boots on the tile floor. He filled the final empty seat, leaving her to stand in the middle of the room. She felt so small beneath the high ceilings, twelve pairs of eyes staring at her expectantly. For a moment, she thought she might be sick, wishing the ground would open up and swallow her whole.

Ahsoka closed her eyes and inhaled, extending her senses outwards. In an instant, she was flooded by /SUPPORT-CONCERN-CARE/ emanating from the other Jedi. She wrapped their faith around her like a protective cloak, using its strength to bolster her own. She exhaled, opened her eyes, and smiled.

"My Masters." She bowed gracefully, before directing her attention to the politicians and repeating the action.

"Senators of the Galactic Republic. Thank you for coming here today. The six of you serve on a committee formed to determine whether or not the new Judicial regulations should include banning the use of capital punishment for crimes committed by minors. My name is Ahsoka Tano. I'm a Jedi Padawan and per your committee's request, the Council sent me to Liinade III. I went undercover to investigate conditions at a juvenile facility that carries out such sentences."

She paused, taking a breath, taking her time to let each word settle into the space, just like Anakin had told her.

"I spent a little over five days as a prisoner in this facility. In that short time, I witnessed blatant acts of cruelty that should never be allowed within our Republic. The children in these facilities suffer from treatment I can only describe as psychological torture. We have a responsibility to-"

"Those are strong statements, youngling." A humanoid Senator with vibrant orange hair called out. Ahsoka didn't recognize him, even as his dark eyes flashed with irritation and derision. "We requested assistance from the Jedi in an advisory capacity, not-"

"Senator." Obi-Wan injected, pinning the other man with a gaze so icy it could have frozen the Dune Sea. "Padawan Tano is both a Jedi and a Commander in the Republic's military. If you will not address her as either, you will at least address her respectfully."

Anakin didn't bother to hide his smile at how the Senator flinched, clearly unused to being spoken to in such a manner. If anything, that was the true reason for the Council's insistence on meeting here instead of the Senate building. Home field advantage.

It wasn't that Ahsoka was incapable of standing up for herself, rather the Jedi Order's legendary protectiveness for their children, especially when said children had been through hell in service of single-minded politicians.

"Yes, well… I meant no offense, Padawan Tano." He managed, though his voice held none of his earlier edge.

Ahsoka accepted his apology with a smile and curt nod, though there was barely concealed disdain in her eyes. Still, she was the grand-padawan of "The Negotiator '' and continued as smoothly as if nothing had occurred.

"Your concern is understandable, Senator. Strong words, perhaps, but very well deserved. I say this not only as a Jedi and Commander, but as a citizen of our Republic. This is an issue worthy of immediate attention. We must fulfill our duty by addressing these injustices and protect these children from further harm."

"Explain the mission, you will, Padawan." Master Yoda said. "From the beginning, hmm?"

"Of course, Master Yoda." Ahsoka relaxed, the tension easing from her frame. This was familiar, even with a new audience present. "Master Skywalker will fill in certain details as needed. I received very little information prior to entering the facility in order to avoid any preconceived ideas. I wanted to observe with fresh eyes. Captain Rex-"

She paused, grimaced, folded her hands behind her back.

"I was escorted into the facility by CT-7567. Master Skywalker was stationed in a command post he'd established in a shuttle located just off the grounds. The warden, who was the only staff member aware of the operation, had brought one of our artoo units inside. We'd disguised him as a custodial droid for recording additional evidence. Once inside, I was surrendered to the custody of two of the facility's guards. From there… I was on my own."


Hi friends! As you can see, this fic will be tackling tough subjects like prison conditions and capital punishment- real world issues that cause significant harm. Take a few minutes and check out The Innocence Project- an organization committed to the pursuit of real justice by exonerating & freeing people wrongly convicted of crimes. They campaign for equity in public policy, support family members and people recently released from prison, and work to ensure that fewer people are wrongly convicted in the first place. Please consider looking at their website and share it so more people can become aware of their work.