Rise of the Phoenix Chapter 37: 36: A Friend in Need & Deception, a star wars: the clone wars fanfic

A/N: Hi everyone! Here's a rather short filler chapter, and I'm sorry to say we aren't getting a lot of action out of this one. But the next one will have some action in it and a few familiar faces and be a lot longer, but unfortunately this one is important for moving the plot along and getting us there. I still hope you like it and will bear with me to the next chapter.

Until next time, please read, review, and enjoy!

Divided by war! In an effort to end the galactic conflict, the first ever sanctioned meeting between the Republic and the Separatists will be held and the homeworld of Senator Dantum Roohd is chosen as neutral ground for these precarious meetings. Tensions run high as many hold hope for these important negotiations….

Having found Ahsoka and Lux on Carlac after the latter accused Dooku publicly of executing his mother, Seeker wasn't impressed by either of them as she piloted the ship away from the Death Watch camp. Death Watch hadn't been able to fully gain control of Mandalore but had set up small camps on planets like Carlac so they would have safe fall-back locations if they were ever successfully forced off Mandalore.

Which was becoming more and more like a guarantee as Bo-Katan and her Nite Owls started winning major fights against Death Watch and Satine kept her people's spirits high. But there was no time to think about that now as Seeker set a course for Coruscant and sent the ship into hyperspace before turning to the two troublemakers. Artoo was turned off in the back and wouldn't have anything to do with this conversation, and Kit's lightsaber was back at Home Base so that the Jedi wouldn't be able to see this conversation. It had been a little over two weeks since the Jedi had learned about Lorelei and the fact Kit was her father, and now Seeker was working twice as hard to make sure the Monarchy didn't find Home Base.

If her spies were to be believed, the king and queen had reached out to Dooku and were in the middle of negotiations. If those negotiations were successful, Home Base could be in grave danger.

Ahsoka and Lux exchanged a glance when they saw they were still getting the silent treatment from Seeker, but after a few minutes she swiveled her chair around to stare at them for several long minutes. Both shifted uncomfortably before she said slowly, "I expect this kind of idiot behavior from Kit's brothers; it's practically a guarantee they will do something like this. But you," as she glared at Lux in particular, "should know better. Your mother is alive and safe; why did you get involved with Death Watch? And why did you drag Ahsoka into it?"

"I thought it would look more convincing if I accused Dooku of killing her," Lux said quietly, "If it looks like I believe Dooku killed her, then he wouldn't be able to come after her and put her in danger."

"Did you consider the fact that she is at Home Base, and that your accusations could send Dooku and his thugs right there if they ever find the base?" Seeker asked quietly, her anger more than clear, "Did you think for a second that you were putting her at risk? Not to mention Lorelei and all the children that live there? Or the fact that Kit is there and unable to fight back and defend himself if Home Base is attacked when his family isn't there, and that capturing him would be just what Dooku needs to draw me out of hiding to do something reckless that may get me killed? Which is what he and his master want?"

Lux ducked his head when he heard that and didn't answer, and Seeker turned to Ahsoka and said, "You did good, Ahsoka, and I'm proud of you. I know it wasn't easy, but thank you for saving Lux's skin. And for showing him just how dangerous of a play he made," Ahsoka nodded, and she turned back to Lux, "Remember this, Lux: if a group has no problem enslaving others, then they have no mercy and no compassion. Death Watch wants to enslave the people of Mandalore to the warrior path once more; this is just one way they plan to do so. If they were willing to slaughter a village of innocent civilians, what would they have done to you if you refused to give them the information? Especially information that you had a price for that they had no intention to pay?"

Lux didn't answer, and Seeker stared at him a few moments before saying, "We're going to Coruscant. I need your help with something, Lux, and you need to meet up with Senator Amidala, Ahsoka. The negotiations soured after you left, and the two sides are agreeing to disagree for the moment. If you return to her before anyone notices, then it's possible no one will find out about this little detour."

Ahsoka nodded, while Lux still didn't say anything and only left the bridge. Ahsoka looked at Seeker, who nodded, and the Togruta followed Lux to the hallway outside the bridge. Once the door closed, it was silent for a few moments before Lux said, "She's right. I was a fool to think I could trust Death Watch."

"No, Lux, you aren't," Ahsoka said, "You miss your mother and want to be with her again. Even though she's safe, you don't know where she is and you need someone to take that frustration out on. It was Dooku this time, but maybe next time, you should focus that frustration and drive into something good. Seeker is relying on us, and everyone in the Conspiracy, including your mother. Focus on helping her and your mother; the war will be done much faster, and you can be back with her."

Lux smiled a bit before saying quietly, "I've been alone without her for a long time already. I kind of enjoy it. But I do miss having reliable friends," he looked over and said, "Friends that tell me I'm wrong when I'm wrong, but don't beat me down for my mistakes," he reached over and gently took her hand, "You know what I mean?"

Ahsoka smiled gently, "I think I do."

Lux stared at her a moment before suddenly leaning in and kissing her, which she returned after a few seconds. After a few moments, they broke apart, breathing a bit heavily, and Ahsoka said quietly, "Master Fisto wasn't kidding. Seeker really is a matchmaker, even when she doesn't mean to be."

Lux only smiled and kissed her again, wondering how long this would last and what came next. As long as they were together in this fight, he would be glad to fight alongside Ahsoka through thick and thin.

Behind them and piloting the ship, Seeker looked over her shoulder before smiling to herself and shaking her head, knowing that some things were just a guarantee.

The blossoming relationship between Lux and Ahsoka was one such thing.

Finally reaching Coruscant, Seeker had Ahsoka take over flying the ship so no one would notice her. Once they had landed in the underworld, they followed her through the darkened streets and shadowy corners before reappearing near the Senate. They immediately went to a diner, heading around the back and entering the residence above the diner, with Seeker saying quietly, "Time to meet a couple Conspiracy members you haven't met yet."

The two young people only exchanged a glance before following her up the stairs, and a few minutes later a young woman with long, curly black hair entered the office accompanied by an older man. The man was small and a bit round, with a rather melancholy face, but it brightened when he saw them.

"Seeker!" he said excitedly, "It's good to see you again. And you brought friends," nodding at Ahsoka and Lux.

"It's good to see you too, Didi," Seeker said as she motioned at Ahsoka and Lux, "This is Ahsoka Tano and Lux Bonteri. They're here on Conspiracy business. Guys, this is Didi Oddo and his daughter Astri. I'm sure you've heard of them around the Temple, Ahsoka."

Ahsoka nodded, "Master Kenobi told me about them a few years ago. Something about getting on the wrong side of a crazy scientist?"

Didi nodded, "I'm afraid so, my dear. Thankfully Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were able to get me out of that mess, and I've made an effort to clean up my act since then. The diner is one such way."

"And I make sure he stays away from trouble," Astri added, "But it hasn't been easy. Trouble always seems to find him," she paused a moment before asking hesitantly, "How's Kit, Seeker? We haven't heard much from Senator Amidala."

"Mostly because there hasn't been much news to share," Seeker said sympathetically, "He's unchanged, and it looks like he's going to stay that way for a while. Those involved in the Conspiracy on Coruscant haven't heard that much because there hasn't been anything they can do except wait and hope."

Astri nodded while Didi said, "If anyone can come through this and be okay, it's Kit. He's a Fisto, and everyone in the underworld knows that family doesn't give up without a fight!"

"I hope so," Seeker said quietly, "Because the only way he's surviving is by fighting with everything he has," it was silent for a few moments before she continued, "As much as I would like to say that he'll be fine and we don't have anything to worry about, I can't. I'm afraid we have to keep going with the Conspiracy and continue his work. To that end," turning to Astri and Didi, "I need you to instruct Lux in what you are doing for the Conspiracy and get him on his way, and Ahsoka needs to get to Senator Amidala. You two lovebirds can figure out your relationship on your own time after everything's settled," seeing their downcast faces, she said, "If it's meant to be, the Force will bring you back together again. For now, I have things I need you to do, and a meeting of my own to get to. I can't wait for you to figure out your feelings. You need to get moving, now. Especially you, Ahsoka. We can't have the Council asking questions you can't answer."

Ahsoka nodded and started to walk away, but seconds later she was running back and giving Lux a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, Lux returning the hug as soon as he got over the surprise of Ahsoka doing so, and they stayed that way for a few moments before Ahsoka finally left. She looked over her shoulder one more time before leaving as well, and Seeker went with her to help her navigate her way to Padmé's apartments.

After they had left, Didi and Astri turned to Lux, and Astri said, "She's usually right about a lot of things, Lux. If it's meant to be, you'll see each other again. It just might take a while. For now, want to know what we're doing?"

Lux sighed and nodded, deciding this little break from Ahsoka may help him figure out his feelings for her, and listened closely as the two of them started telling him all they were doing and what his role in this would be. His eyes widened considerably by the end, realizing that this would likely be the hardest thing he had ever done as he went with Astri to her ship and took off in it, heading for the Unknown Regions with a few extra passengers on board.

This would be a lot more dangerous than he had first thought.

Especially if he got caught.

With Lux on his way to Quinlan Vos' cruiser with his passengers, but not knowing that was where he was going, Ahsoka and Seeker were able to get to Padmé's apartments without anyone noticing. From there, Seeker left Ahsoka to formulate a story with the senator of all that had happened with Lux and Death Watch. Hopefully, the Council wouldn't ask too many questions and Ahsoka would be able to ask Padmé for advice about her feelings regarding Lux.

Padmé was probably the foremost expert when it came to forbidden relationships, especially since Ahsoka couldn't ask her master about this. Not without alerting him that something was going on.

Once done at Padmé's apartments, Seeker headed into the underworld, making her way towards her ship. She had borrowed the ship from a friend of hers because the Ghost had become too recognizable, and she needed something fast and nondescript to get her places. Keeping her cloak up and hiding in the underworld's back alleys, she could get to where her ship was waiting. Paying the attendant that had made sure it was fueled up and ready, she entered and ran a quick check over everything to make sure it was functioning properly and make sure there were no tracking devices or homing beacons hidden anywhere.

Finding none she started to get her pre-flight checks started, but before she had done much, a voice said, "Do as I say and you won't get hurt," as a blaster was poked into the back of her head. She froze before slowly turning her head slightly to look at the one threatening her. It was a Phindian with a face tattoo over one eye and half his face, and was shorter than she was expecting.

The Phindian couldn't see her face or eyes entirely and said, "Moralo Eval requires transport off this planet, and you are it. Play your cards right and you will be rewarded for doing so."

Seeker raised an eyebrow when she heard that, recognizing the name and knowing her reward would be nothing good. Instead of putting her hands on the controls, she said quietly, "Your reputation precedes you, Moralo Eval. I know you are nothing more than a murderer and a sociopath. As soon as I outlive my usefulness, I am dead, and we both know it," she turned her head to look him in the eye, seeing that he was now scared when he saw her human features but Nautolan eyes. His fear had started to climb the second he heard her voice and thick accent, and now that he realized who he had just threatened he was looking for a way out.

But there was no way out as Seeker slowly stood up before exploding into a flurry of speed and movement. Within moments Moralo Eval was unconscious and being dragged out of her ship, where he was unceremoniously dumped on the ground as the authorities rushed to the ship. As they took Eval into custody, she took off and headed out of the underworld, knowing this delay would make her late for her meeting and she would have to rush to get there in time.

Thankfully it wasn't that far.

Elsewhere on Coruscant, Darth Sidious received a transmission from a servant of his dressed in black. His servant only said, "We have tracked them down to Pasher in the Inner Rim. We don't know if the girl is with them."

"Find them. Force them to reveal the girl if she isn't with them. We must find her," Sidious said, and his servant nodded before saying, "If the hunter appears –"

"Kill her," Sidious said, "She can't get in the way of our plans. Not this plan. We have been careful and she doesn't know it exists. We will win this time."

His servant bowed and the transmission ended, leaving Sidious to smile as he turned to look out into the starry skies of Coruscant. Soon it would all be his, and he would have a new apprentice alongside him to make sure no one would ever defy him again.

Ahsoka had finally returned to the Temple after speaking with Padmé and coming up with a believable story about where she had been. The Council had believed it, and she had returned to her quarters, thinking over everything Padmé had said about her relationship with Lux and what she should do. Padmé had told her about the relationship between Kit and Master Secura, giving her even more to think about regarding Jedi and their relationships. The senator's advice had been welcome, but Ahsoka knew that a lot of consideration would have to go into her decision.

But now she just wanted to relax and have some time to herself. It had been a long few days, and now that she was back in her quarters and had a chance, she might as well check on Master Fisto. His condition had stayed unchanged for so long that she had started checking every other day or after missions and battles, knowing it would always be the same: he would still be in a coma, one of his brothers or parents would be sitting by his side, and there was nothing she could do to help him no matter how much she wanted to help him.

She didn't even know where he was.

Shaking her head, she activated the bug in R6, reviewing the last few days. As usual, there was no change in Kit's condition, with various family members coming and going and the feed going dark whenever his mate was there. Finally catching up to the live feed Ahsoka was upset that there was still no change, but Lorelei was there. She was sitting alone with her father, and no one was with her. Whoever her mother was wasn't there, and apparently the adults in her life had decided to let her have time with her father alone since they knew she wasn't going to accidentally hurt him.

But she wasn't doing anything more than sitting in the chair and holding his limp hand, and Ahsoka couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Whether Lorelei fully understood what was happening with her father didn't matter; what mattered was that she loved her father and didn't know what to do to wake him up.

Ahsoka shook her head and almost turned the feed off to give Lorelei some privacy, but then Lorelei started to sing, and Ahsoka paused in surprise. Lorelei's voice was young, but she was a beautiful singer. Her voice was a high but warm soprano, and the notes flowed from one to the next with little effort. Ahsoka didn't understand the words, but the song was beautiful:

"A' dannsadh spèur tha sinn a' seinn gun fhios
Air sgiathan oidhche nan sìthichean bidh ar n-òrain a' lìonadh an èadhair
Dèan cearcall de dhraoidheachd is solas
Air faire gu sàmhach le Feidh na h-oidhche."

"Ar cridheachan làn de ghràdh agus ar gàirdeanan fosgailte gu farsaing
Tha sinn a' cumail an iuchair airson toileachas nan sìthichean
A òran nar cridheachan buinidh anns an adhar
Briathran ar gliocais bheir sinn a mach r'a roinn."

"A na h-òrain air an oidhche
Mar a bhios sinn a 'dannsa timcheall an lasair
Chan eil na Òrain nan Sìthiche a-riamh mar an ceudna
Na briathran bho ar bilean mar a bhios sinn a 'seinn airson na h-oidhche
Thugaibh do'n Fhèidh an sealladh as fìor."

Hearing those words being sung was something new for Ahsoka. She didn't understand the language, no one did, but she could hear the beauty of those words and knew they were sacred to Lorelei and her people. They were an ancient people and culture, and Lyzann's words about their history and culture built around music were never more true. Hearing the next few verses, Ahsoka couldn't help but think the song was almost magical as Lorelei's beautiful voice almost sent her into a trance:

"Fuaimean na coille ann an co-sheirm milis
Bheir sinn tiodhlac ar n-òran don t-sìthiche
A' dannsadh spèur tha sinn a' seinn gun fhios
Sgiathan na h-oidhche sìthe tha ar n-òran a lìonadh an adhair"

Lorelei paused then, listening to the music in her head until it was time to start singing again. She paid no attention to a strange female Nautolan standing at the door. This female wasn't one of the Geàrd from what Ahsoka could see, and after a few moments, Ahsoka realized it was the female Taylora had told them about: the one that wanted Master Fisto for a mate even though he already had one. She was staring at Lorelei with quite a bit of jealousy but did nothing more since Tzakara and Kailan suddenly appeared, and she was quick to get away. The two males only exchanged a glance but said nothing as they watched their granddaughter and niece continue to sing to her father, neither interrupting as she kept singing:

Ahsoka suddenly became aware of another presence in her quarters, and looking over her shoulder, she saw it was Master Yoda. She almost stood up but he shook his head, quietly telling her to be silent and still. She settled and went back to watching the feed as Lorelei finished singing the last chorus, Yoda walking over as he listened as well, and even he was almost mesmerized by Lorelei's almost magical voice:

The song finished after that, and Lorelei reached up to wipe her tears away as her father still didn't wake, her grandfather walking into the room and touching her gently on the shoulder. Lorelei looked up at him then and reached for him, and he picked her up. She buried her head into his neck, and it was clear she was crying as she shuddered. Tzakara only held her close and carried her out of the room, murmuring to her quietly in their language while Kailan went into the room and sat in Lorelei's vacated chair. He didn't say anything for several minutes before finally looking up at his brother and rasping quietly, "You're making your daughter sad, Kit. Sad and scared," he paused a moment before saying even more quietly, "You need to come back if only to make her happy again."

He said nothing more, and after a few moments Ahsoka looked at Yoda, who nodded. Ahsoka cut the feed then, the hologram faded away, and the young Togruta turned to the Jedi Master. Yoda was silent for a few moments before saying, "Hope for a change every day, I do. But beginning to despair, I am. Running out of time, Master Fisto is. Find his strength; he must. Unable to help him, we are. Accept that difficult it is."

Ahsoka nodded before saying, "I hope he wakes up every day, Master. He's strong; I know he is. He will wake up."

Yoda nodded and smiled at her determination before leaving her quarters, and Ahsoka turned back to where the hologram was, hoping she was right. Master Fisto was strong; there was no denying it. But would he have the strength to wake up?

He will wake up, Ahsoka thought determinedly, He has to.

For everyone.

A terrorist threat! Moralo Eval, mastermind of a Separatist plot to kidnap Chancellor Palpatine, has been captured by Republic forces. But even with the criminal behind bars, rumors swirl in the underworld of Coruscant that Moralo's plot has already been set in motion. With precious time running out, the Jedi Council hatches their own plot to keep the Chancellor safe….

As Obi-Wan went undercover to figure out Moralo Eval's plots and put a stop to them, Seeker headed for the desert planet of Pasher in the Inner Rim. She was heading for a Dark underworld tavern, where someone was waiting to speak to her. Arriving there and landing her starfighter she quickly headed into the small town where they had agreed to meet. Fifteen minutes later she was sitting in a booth in the tavern, waiting. It wasn't long before two more people entered the tavern, clearly looking like they didn't belong.

The guard stopped them at the door, but the second he saw where they were looking, he let them in. Seeker was recognizable anywhere she went, and the fact she was an acquaintance of the Fisto brothers guaranteed any friends of hers were allowed in these taverns and that they were left alone while they conducted business. While the underworld consisting of Jabba and the Five Hutt families were interested in adding her to their collection, those in the Dark faced dealing with the Fisto brothers if they so much as breathed at her in the wrong way, guaranteeing her safety in places like this. She watched as the woman headed for the bar, looking around warily and keeping an eye out, while the man headed for her. The woman had light brown hair, brown eyes, and light skin, while the man had dark hair and blue eyes. Both wore tunics and trousers with tough boots, and the man had a small blaster on his hip. Even though most weapons were forbidden in Dark taverns, smaller arms that didn't have a chance of doing much damage were allowed.

Seeker's lightsaber was allowed because she was allowed, and no one would dare question or stop her since they liked their heads where they belonged.

Unknown to them, a ship had just landed outside of town and four people dressed in black with black cloaks and cowls disembarked and headed into town.

Seeker was silent as the man sat across from her, watching him look around warily before saying, "Thanks for agreeing to meet us."

"Your message said it was urgent," Seeker said, and the man nodded, "It is," he paused a moment before saying, "My father has tracked us down. He's found us."

Seeker's guard immediately went up when she heard that, and her focus sharpened as the man continued, "He isn't after us; he's after our daughter," nodding at the woman at the bar, "We've decided to make it harder for him to find her. You know what she is; you know he'll use her to take over everything."

Seeker nodded, and the man hesitated before saying, "We have no right to ask you this, but can you please find her and protect her? Get her away from here and hide her somewhere no one can find her. Especially my father. My wife says you are friends with her kinswoman; can you bring our daughter to her, please?"

"You don't have to ask," Seeker said, "I'll do it, and make sure your daughter is safe. Sidious won't get his hands on her if I have anything to say about it. And your wife is right; I know her kinswoman. I will get your daughter to her and make sure she is safe. Many people in this galaxy will stand in his way of your daughter; they will ensure she is protected so long as they have breath in their bodies. Don't worry."

The man nodded before saying quietly, "Thank you, it means everything to us," seconds later he looked behind him as Seeker looked up, feeling the Dark Side moving closer to them, and the man said, "They found us," turning to Seeker and saying, "They followed us all the way here. We've hidden our daughter somewhere else, and I think you can find her without me telling you where," Seeker nodded. He continued, "We'll distract them and give you a chance to get a head start on them. They can't have our daughter."

"You know what you're asking me to do, right?" Seeker asked intently as she leaned forward, "You know what this means?"

"Yes," the man said, glancing at his wife, "And it is a price we are prepared to pay if it means our daughter grows up safe and without my father destroying her. Please don't stop what comes next and get to our daughter. We will make sure his servants are distracted long enough."

Hearing this, Seeker stared at him before nodding, but there was no hiding the pain in her eyes or on her face as she accepted his decision. Just then, the tavern door opened and the guard immediately let them in, knowing these people were a kind of dangerous he wanted nothing to do with. Seeing them, Seeker immediately stood up and asked, "Do you have any credits?"

The man nodded, confused, and handed them over as Seeker said, "Good, get ready to run," before suddenly swinging and punching another patron in the face. That patron, a rather large Rodian, spun around before attempting a swing at her. Seeker only ducked, and the Rodian hit a Weequay in the stomach. Seconds later the place had dissolved into chaos and a fight. The chaos only got more intense when Seeker threw the credits into the mix, and moments later the three of them were able to leave the tavern as the four Dark Side servants had to fend off blows coming at them.

They couldn't stop Seeker and the man and woman from leaving the tavern, and once they were out on the street, the woman turned to Seeker and said, "Go, protect our daughter. Her surviving this and being free is all we ask."

Seeker stared at her and nodded before racing for her starfighter. Seconds after she reached it and climbed in, a surge in the Force had her looking back as two lives were suddenly cut short. She bowed her head briefly, tears sliding down her cheeks, before powering up her ship and leaving the planet.

It was time to fulfill a long-ago promise she had made to herself and get to Jakku, unaware she was being tracked as well.

As Obi-Wan, disguised as Rako Hardeen, Cad Bane, and Moralo Eval escaped from prison, they had no idea they were being watched or that the one watching them had bigger plans. Or that their follower knew where they were going as he also set coordinates for Nal Hutta, curious to see what their next move would be and what would happen next with them.

A/N 2: The song in this chapter is Fairy Nightsongs by Gary Stadler, featuring Stephannie. It is a beautiful song that I felt fit with Lorelei and her personality. That being said, it is a song performed and recorded in English. The translation into Gaelic is courtesy of Google Translate, and I yield to any Gaelic speakers reading this for proper grammar. If any corrections need to be made, please let me know and I will fix them. See you next time!