A/N: We're still in a side-plot that is mostly an original story with original characters, but I may be possibly be entertaining if I am being successful in expressing a story. We will soon move to more high stakes, galactic events that feature the main characters and be a determining point for the future of the galaxy.
Anakin and Ahsoka soundlessly entered the hall. Jedi were indeed trained in this skill; so they were not seen. Their dark attire that they had recently bought blended with the colour of the walls and furniture of the room, so they truly were camouflaged. At least for some time.
The duo were crouched behind the very long and high rectangular table at the edge of the room. And at the other end sat a girl, of about the age of nine. It was difficult to tell though; she could have been as young as six.
"When is Voax arriving? If that man is coming. This should have worked by now." Said a stern, impatient voice of a man whom they could see covered in full black.
"Maybe he is suspicious," said another man who wore fine red and blue robes: akin to what the senators and on Coruscant would display their ostentatious wealth and power.
A second later, the latter main said, sounding frightened: "Maybe he's coming with people; he may raid this fortress!"
"Oh, no," said the former man dismissively. "He will not jeopardise his little girl, whom he thinks the world of. You yourself said you've hear him call her, the 'my heart in the universe', when you encouraged our plan."
"I didn't encourage it! I… reluctantly… agreed to it because I had no choice!"
"And…" He continued, "You did give me your word no harm would come to her, or Voax."
"Yes. Do not fear, Maxer If anything goes wrong, it will not be our doing. If Voax handles this badly; foolishly, clumsily, it will be on him."
Well, you're the one holding his daughter hostage, thought the Maxer, the politician.
Anakin gave Ahsoka a warning and heads-up with a movement with his head. Oh, not now, Anakin! She thought. But she would have to improvise with the plan and jump in with whatever Anakin would execute now.
He leaped in front of Tas Alav. And thrust his lightsaber just in front of him.
It all happened very fast. Alav, who had military experience fighting in numerous wars, as an officer of the old monarchy, capered away towards the table, whipped out a knife and held it to the girls neck. The knife looked sharp.
The girl was stunned by this; but thought it might a game. At least, she wanted to think that. She did not know Alav; only Councilor Maxer.
"Alav! You won't harm the girl. You said." Maxer exclaimed.
"And I meant it," said Alav. "It's on him," he pointed at Anakin, "If I am compelled to."
Ahsoka also exposed herself; though carefully as she did not want to provoke him harming his hostage. "It's not on him, or us. You've chosen to kidnap this girl. You're responsible." She had said a similar thing, she remembered, when she had been kidnapped by Trandoshans for a hunting arena, and she had defeated one of them to his death. His father had blamed her for murdering his son. When; it was his son's own choice; own moral decision that put them all in the situation.
"Ah. Lightsabers." Alav's eyes found Ahsoka as well. "I know you two are Jedi." He smiled, contended with his deduction. "Our emperor will be pleased if we return you to him."
"You seem confident you will win this." Anakin said. As a swashbuckling warrior, Anakin often made statements like this; and most often lived up to what he boastingly threatened. However, he was cheerful and had mischievous smirk when he would speak this way in the war. What effect, his difference would impact the situation now, Ahsoka did not know.
"Oh, I am." The militant leader replied. "The Jedi once were involved in diplomatic negotiations between a war between the Eriadu state and a regiment of the old monarchist remnants: They send two emissaries. Let's just say I, er, suspended the negotiation. It was pointless and dragging too long."
Anakin did not care for this story.