Ahsoka knew she might be being very rash right now. But before she could think about it she asserted to Padme to contact Obi-Wan and maybe, other remaining Jedi. They will understand, Ahsoka told herself fervently.

However the transmission died out. A ship – two were hailing them. Republic? No, Empire?

She looked back and saw Anakin. Padme, too, turned back. He was standing there; his eyes not bright blue but not Sith yellow either. They were greyish-brown.

"That's Imperial." Said he.

"Yes."

"They are hailing us?"

"Yes. Let us wait." Then, Ahsoka said aloud, "Anakin! We must hide at the back. Only Padme can speak to them."

"I don't like hiding."

Ahsoka stared down at him aggressively. Please, Anakin, don't ruin things now. But he quietly complied.

"What ship is this?" said a voice. Ahsoka was used to this voice being so soothing, so friendly, so calming. How could the clones betray and fight them? Ahsoka remembered their final encounter... just a few hours ago; how Jesse and so many brothers turned on her and tried to killed her - even if it cost them their own lives. I would never be the one to kill them... How can we be on different sides now?

"I am Senator Amidala." Padme said aloud.

There was a short silence.

"We are looking for Jedi, Senator. We will have to board your ship."

"This is an invasion of my privacy, Captain! And Senatorial immunity. The Senate will not still for this."

"Things have changed, Senator. Prepare to be boarded."

"What are we going to do, Anakin?" Padme said, very alarmed.

"We will kill them."

"Anakin, we can't!" Ahsoka said. "They are just following orders. We can out manoeuvre them."

"Don't lecture me, Ahsoka!" Anakin said in a harsh and threatening tone she had never heard her Master speak to her before. He is so far gone. Anakin was always gentle and kind. He scolded her and yelled at her. But he never threatened.

"Please, Anakin!" Ahsoka implored. "We will only raise more trouble. Two Jedi escaping a clone patrol. It is simpler to just escape. That way, Padme could have run out the ships for any reason. Please Anakin, for mine and Padme's sake. You threaten her even if it is found that she is harbouring Jedi."

Anakin sighed, frustrated. "All right. I will pilot. You handle the canon, just in case it is necessary. You... remember how to use them correctly? Against vessels like these?"

Ahsoka almost said, "Yes, Master." But she caught herself. She merely nodded.