Galactic Senate
The Galactic Senate was in session with the occupants of the proceedings on opposite sides of the issue. Whether to restart the construction of the Clone Army to help fight the new threat of the Sith Empire, put together a new army or leave it for the Jedi Order to handle on their own. Chancellor Bail Organa was overseeing the proceedings and was trying to keep everything smooth and sane, but it was becoming quite a challenge.
"We don't have time to train the men to build an army, we must restart Clone production," Senator Koth pointed out.
"The Republic cannot afford such an investment," Senator Bonteri argued back.
Senator Amidala agreed with the young man, "The only option is to start an army and train soldiers from scratch."
A few members of the Jedi Order watched on from the sidelines, waiting for the decision to be made with heavy hearts.
"This is a Jedi matter, the Senate should have no say in how we deal with it," Anakin growled in annoyance.
"It has gone beyond us Anakin, Republic systems and planets have been attacked and taken over by this Empire," Obi-wan said solemnly, "We cannot do this alone anymore."
"Obi-wan is right Skyguy it's gone too far, we can't fight these guys without help from some sort of army," Ahsoka said as she watched Lux argue his point with the Senators.
"Order!" the speaker called out to calm all the Senators down to allow the Chancellor to speak.
"We will put it to a vote tomorrow afternoon, until then this session is ended," Chancellor Organa announced and then the pods returned to their stations and the Senators began walking out into the hallways.
Ahsoka approached Lux and disappeared from sight, Obi-wan joined Duchess Satine as she walked past him in the hallway and Anakin left to go straight to Padme's office.
"Duchess, how are you?" Obi-wan inquired.
"It is good to see you Master Kenobi but I am afraid I will be leaving for Mandalore soon. I need to get back to my people," Satine informed him and stopped when she saw the slight look of disappointment on her friend's face.
"Oh-of course, duty first," Obi-wan said shyly and was about to turn around to walk away when the Duchess touched his arm.
"Obi, I won't be leaving until early morning tomorrow, come and join me for dinner," Satine said offering him to take her arm, "Master Jedi."
"My lady," Obi-wan smiled as her arm linked with his and they walked together to the waiting convoy. When they sat down in the speeder Satine asked curiously, "What do you think should happen?"
"I will admit that I'm not entirely sure. Anakin believes that since this is a Jedi matter the Senate should stay out of it but I also think that we need some sort of army or way to defend ourselves from this Empire," Obi-wan said.
"I understand the predicament and I cannot believe a storage shed on Mandalore was being used to store supplies for this Empire. It feels like the corruption has overwhelmed my docks once again," Satine said in disgust, "It happened a few years ago but I still feel responsible in a way."
"It is not your fault Satine," Obi-wan stated firmly, "How have things been going on Mandalore by the way?"
"Besides that, fairly well. I'm just sad to find out that the Death Watch has started up again, I have put up more security around the planet to make sure they don't return," Satine said.
"How are your nephew and sister?" Obi-wan asked curiously.
"Korkie just completed his training and joined law enforcement while Bo-Katarn joined the academy as an instructor," Satine answered, "Apparently she couldn't stand the new Death Watch leader and that's why she left."
"Has she been able to give you a name?" Obi-wan enquired.
"Yes, he was an orphan and Pre Vizsla took him under his wing," Satine explained, "According to the information Bo-Katarn told me he worships Pre Vizsla and has made him out to be some sort of God."
Obi-wan frowned and stroked his beard, "That is quite interesting," he said thoughtfully.
The speeder landed on the platform outside Satine's apartment and the two friends got out and walked inside. Dinner was already waiting for them when they entered the small dining hall, the Duchess rarely had many guests visit the apartment, so it was not very big. They sat at opposite ends of the table and continued a deep conversation about everything that had been happening in the Galaxy. Then halfway through dinner, Obi-wan's comlink started to beep causing him to groan inwardly.
"Excuse me, Duchess," Obi-wan excused himself from the table as he got to his feet and answered the call.
"Master Kenobi, the Council is holding an urgent meeting," the voice on the other end informed which belonged to Master Windu.
"Thank you, Master Windu. I will be there shortly," Obi-wan responded and then he slipped back into the dining hall to tell Satine.
"I'm sorry Satine but the Council has called an urgent meeting," Obi-wan informed her.
"Very well my driver will take you back to the Temple," Satine said as she rose to her feet and hugged Obi-wan softly. The Jedi Master bowed his head slightly in farewell and then left the apartment and the driver dropped him off at the Temple.
A/N: A little romance between Obi-wan and Satine, really wanted to focus on these two for a little bit. Also if you are wondering where Ahsoka disappeared off to, she is with Lux.
Ashlyn Dubreas.