Summary:

Ahsoka and Rex make Anakin feel like a third wheel.

Conference room meetings part two.

Jinn discovers he's still lost and meets a beautiful stranger and a helpful youngling.

4.

Ahsoka woke to the sound of someone knocking on her door. She groaned and snuggled deeper into her nice warm pillow and blanket. It was so comfy and smelled so good. She felt like she was wrapped up in comfort. However, the knocking got louder until at last it stopped, and a click sounded as the door unlocked and opened.

"Ahsoka! I've been trying to reach you for hours. Wh-"

Anakin couldn't believe what he saw. Ahsoka, his Padawan, was in bed with his Captain. His mind immediately jumped to the conclusion that she had been taken of advantage. She was too young. It wasn't right. It didn't matter that she was a time traveler. He thought he knew Rex, but he should have known better. That sly comment about what they did behind closed doors obvious meant he had less than pure intentions.

He shouted, "Ahsoka! Rex! Get up!"

Rex immediately stumbled out of bed at the General's voice. Unconsciously, he scrambled to stand at attention, but then paused when he realized where he was. His posture visually relaxed as he took in his surroundings. He tirelessly rubbed his face and sat back down on the edge of the bunk.

"Kriff! You nearly gave me a heart attack, General."

Anakin was shocked and shouted, "I gave you a heart attack! What about me?"

Rex ignored him and muttered, "I'm too damn old for this."

He instead turned to Ahsoka who had cocooned herself inside the blanket at this point and curled herself up in her bunk. There was nothing of her poking out except the tips of her montrals through the blanket. Rex couldn't help thinking she looked adorable.

Normally, Ahsoka was the pinnacle of maturity and decorum. Over the years, time had made her into a formidable leader and fighter. Back in their timeline, she rarely showed her vulnerable or her playful side. She only ever showed that side of herself to him and he liked it. That part of her didn't belong to the Ghost crew or the Rebellion, it belonged solely to him.

In a gently voice, he shook her shoulder and said, "Come on, sweetheart. Time to get up."

From under the blanket, she said, "Rex? I had the strangest dream."

"I don't think it was a dream, Ahsoka."

She turned to look up at him and said, "What?"

She saw his youthful handsome face smiling down at her and she suddenly remembered the events that happened yesterday. Rex was right. It wasn't a dream. They had time traveled. She had spoken to her dead friends again. She had spoken to Master Obi-Wan, Master Anakin, Barriss and the others. It was still so overwhelming. A silent tear fell down her cheek as she turned around to sit up on the bunk.

Rex took her hand. "Hey, no more tears, cyare."

Ahsoka laced her fingers with his and brushed the tear away and said, "I know, Rex. Thank you."

Anakin felt like a third wheel. The two were so close. He felt like an intruder. He sensed nothing, but love and trust between them. Though, he was glad they were only cuddling and not doing anything else. Anakin decided to get their attention and cleared his throat loud enough for the two to hear.

Ahsoka looked at him and said, "Oh, Master. Good morning. What do you need?"

Anakin straightened up and said, "Obi-Wan and I want to ask you and Rex some more questions. We'd like to have another meeting in the conference room."

"As you wish, Master. We will meet you there shortly."

Anakin frowned at her professional tone. She didn't sound much like the girl he met yesterday. Before, Ahsoka had been over eager and snippy. She was naive and innocent, but this Ahsoka was mature and confident. He wondered what made her cry. He wondered if it had anything to do with the future.

However, he couldn't let the attachment between them go on any farther with saying anything about it. He didn't care that he was being a hypocrite. Or that she was really from the future. It just wasn't in the Jedi Code to form attachments.

"Listen, Ahsoka. I know things were different back in your time, but that doesn't mean you have to follow the same path. I know this is hard to hear, but you should really consider ending your attachment."

Ahsoka took a deep breath and calmly said, "I know you only said that because you care about me, but I honestly don't care. I'm attached to Rex and that isn't going to change."

Stunned, he said, "Does your attachment to Rex really mean that much to you? You could be expelled."

She replied, "Yes, Rex does mean that much to me. If the High Council found out, I'm prepared to accept the consequences. Being a Jedi isn't as important to me as it used to be."

"Care to explain it to me then?"

"I will at the conference. I want Master Obi-Wan to hear my story as well. Now, if you'll excuse me, Master, I need to get ready."

Anakin left her quarters with a feeling of unease. The change between her future-self compared to her past-self was startling. He knew the implications of Chancellor Palpatine being a Sith Lord were great. He still had a hard time believing it. However, he sensed that Ahsoka was telling him the truth. They needed to figure out a way to fix things, but he wanted to talk it over with Obi-Wan first. The wait was making him anxious. He clenched his hand into a fist as he strode towards the conference room and sent a message to Obi-Wan on his comm.

Rex began collecting his armor and put it back on. Sad to say, he did not do it as fast as he would have liked. He couldn't remember the last time he fully re-kit. He made a mentally note not to let himself go again in the future and rubbed his stomach. He glanced at Ahsoka as she headed towards the refresher. He sat down on the bunk and silently waited for his turn. Though, he couldn't help speaking his mind.

"He's a damn hypocrite."

"Well, form his prospective we are breaking the rules."

Rex rubbed the back of his head and watched as she exited the refresher and moved to her desk. She began to put on her belt and clip on her lightsaber. She paused for a moment and stared at the single lightsaber in her hand.

"Hmm, I'll have to remember to build another one."

"Well, from my prospective, we are two consenting adults. My mind finally matches the age of my body. No, my mind is older than my physically body for once. Gods, this is so strange." He shook his head before sighing and then got up to go to the refresher and said, "I think we should keep things private between us to avoid these little 'misunderstandings' in the future, cyare."

Ahsoka smiled and said, "I'll do my best, Rexy."

He saw the mischief shining in her blue eyes and returned her smile and said, "Oh, I'm sure you will, Soka."

XXX

It didn't take long for Ahsoka and Rex to join Master Obi-Wan and Master Anakin in the conference room. Anakin was pacing, while Obi-Wan sat causally in a chair. Anakin unfolded his arms and gestured towards the empty chairs.

"Please, take a seat."

Obediently, the two took a seat at the table. Anakin sat next to Obi-Wan, opposite the couple. He leaned back and crossed his arms as Obi-Wan leaned forward and folded his hands in front of him. Anakin noticed that Rex seemed looser than normal. He wasn't sitting up right like he'd typically would. Instead, his posture was a bit more casual. In contrasts, Ahsoka was reserved and pensive. It was almost like they had traded personalities.

Anakin cleared his throat and said, "So, I cleared both your schedules for this meeting. Please, feel free to take all the time you need. Now, first I want you to tell Obi-Wan what you told me."

Rex and Ahsoka shared a look before the young Togruta spoke, "Alright, we know who the Sith Lord is behind the war."

That had Obi-Wan's attention. He placed his hand to his chin and narrowed his brow. He had time to contemplate the ramifications of gaining knowledge of the future. He figured if the Force brought the minds of both Captain Rex and Ahsoka Tano to their present than it was the Force's will that they be told what they knew. In the grand scheme of things, he wondered if future knowledge would even matter. After all, whatever they plan on doing would alter any future that came to pass for their time-travelers. Time was flood and not set in stone. Though, such crucial information never even crossed Obi-Wan's mind.

"Please, proceed."

Ahsoka raised her white marked brow and said, "I thought you didn't want future information?"

"I've changed my mind. It is obviously the will of Force that brought you here."

She smiled briefly and said, "I had a feeling you'd say that." She then turned serious and said, "As I explained to Anakin, the Sith Lord is Chancellor Palpatine. He is also leader of the Separatists. He goes by the name Darth Sidious. He planned the war from the beginning. He wanted to create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust so that the Senate will ultimately elect him to be Supreme Chancellor. He names himself Emperor and created the Empire."

Obi-Wan said, "If what you say is true, then why haven't we been able to sense him?"

Ahsoka lowered her gaze and said, "Fear and corruption have clouded our judgment. We've already accepted a great deal of Darkness already. We send children to war and create men to die. We've lost our way a long time ago."

Anakin said, "Then, what would you have us do, Ahsoka? We can't just stop fighting. People would die if we did."

She raised her head and met his gaze dead on and said, "I know that. Trust me. I do. However, you have to know the extent of Sidious' plan before we can talk about stopping him."

Obi-Wan leaned back and said, "It's true. Many in the Order feel that we have strayed from our path as guardians and protects of the galaxy by entering this war. Though, even if Darth Sidious does become Emperor, the Jedi would not stand for it."

Ahsoka closed her eyes briefly and said, "Sidious has already made plans to deal with the Jedi once he becomes Supreme Chancellor. He has engineered all the clones with biochips, so that they must obey him. He will name the Jedi as traitors to the Republic and have them all executed by the clones."

The two Jedi both stared at Ahsoka in disbelief. Anakin recovered first and gave Rex a suspicious glare. The Captain raised a hand in defense.

"No need to fear, sir. I've already taken measures to have the biochips removed from all the men."

Anakin relaxed and said, "Well, that's a relief. Please keep me posted."

"Yes, sir. I'd also like to report that I'm organizing the men to create an information network outside normal GAR channels in order to keep an eye on the Chancellor's movements."

Ahsoka said, "I'm also working on a peace-movement. I contacted Barriss to speak with her master about it. I also plan to speak with Master Plo. However, I need more allies. I'll need Senator Amidala's help."

Anakin frowned and said, "What do you want Padme to do?"

"I want her to run for Chancellor."

"Wait? What?"

Obi-Wan said, "That would put Senator Amidala in grave danger."

Anakin sternly said, "No! We can't put Padme in danger."

Ahsoka said, "We need to take on Darth Sidious on all fronts. Besides, she's already in danger. He won't hesitate to use her as leverage against you. We also need her contacts."

Anakin was enraged and stood up and said, "Then, I'll challenge Darth Sidious myself. If he's really the Sith Lord than I have to as the Chosen One."

Rex leaned on the table and said, "Alright, say you do. Say you fight, but what's your strategy? Are you just going to waltz in the Chancellor's office and run him through with your lightsaber? What if that plan fails?"

Anakin huffed and said, "I won't fail."

Rex raised his brow and said, "Then you'll end up in prison for murdering the Chancellor or you're on the run."

Obi-Wan said, "Last I heard, murder was not the Jedi way, Anakin. Though, what is to stop another Sith from taking Darth Sidious' place? What about Count Dooku and General Grievous? Ahsoka's plan may not be as swift as yours, but it will ensure that the Sith will be weaken."

Anakin quieted down and said, "Fine, but we'll have to fight him eventually."

Ahsoka said, "Yes, we will but you don't have to fight him alone. We can fight him together."

Anakin smiled at his Padawan. He couldn't even begin to imagine what the future was like for her. It seemed a lot grimmer than he thought. He wanted to ask her how she managed to survive the clone attack. He wanted to know where he and Obi-Wan where during her time. Did they survive? Did Padme? Regardless, it explained why she was so lax about the Jedi code of non-attachments. Being a Jedi was probably dangerous in her time. She probably had to live in hiding.

He remembered that Ahsoka owed him an explanation. He wanted to know why becoming a Jedi was no longer important to her. She said Rex was more important to her, but he had a feeling it was more than that.

"Ahsoka, you said you'd explain to me why becoming a Jedi is no longer something you want."

She bowed her head and said, "Yes, during my time, I was accused of bombing the Jedi Temple. The Order had expelled me so that I could be trailed by the Senate. I was on the run and labeled a traitor, but with my Master's help, we found the real culprit. The culprit turned out to be someone I considered a friend. She said the Jedi had been wrong to enter the war and that we had lost our way. She wasn't right in what she did, but she wasn't wrong in what she said. It was because of what happened that I decided to leave the Order."

Rex reached out under the table to take her hand. She met his gaze and gave him a reassuring smile and his hand a comforting squeeze.

Anakin said, "If you were cleared, didn't they want you back?"

"Yes, they offered to take me back, but it didn't feel right. They didn't believe me. They didn't try to understand why the bombing happened or what was happening. The Jedi were my family, but they turned their back on me. Being a part of a family, at least to me, means you always have each other's back."

His expression softened and he said, "Thank you, Ahsoka. You're right. Family does mean having each other's back. Obi-Wan and I have will take it from here. Why don't you and Rex work on that report about what you can recall? We can talk again later."

Ahsoka got up from her seat and politely bowed to her two masters before exiting the room. Rex was right behind her. When they were gone, Anakin sighed and sat back down. He leaned his elbows onto the table and lowered his head into his hands. It was a lot to process, but he was glad to hear it. It meant things could change for the better.

"Obi-Wan, we can't let what happened to Ahsoka, happen again."

"Agreed."

Anakin then looked worried and said, "There's something else. Ahsoka told me yesterday that Darth Sidious plans on making me his apprentice."

Obi-Wan sarcastically said, "Oh, I didn't know you planned on becoming a Sith."

He turned to face his former-mentor and said, "I'm serious, Obi-Wan. What if-what if something does happen?"

Obi-Wan reassuringly said, "Anakin, the future isn't preordained. I know that whatever does happen, you will make the right decision. If nothing else, this future knowledge will give you the foresight you need in order to do just that. Now, I need to contact Master Yoda and report this matter to him. If you need me, I'll be in my quarters."

"Yes, Master."

XXX

Jinn woke with a groan. He turned his head slightly to the side until the waking world rushing back to him. He startled and sat up and saw that he was on the street. The sudden movement made his head throb and he clutched his forehead. His vision was spinning. Slowly, he got up and leaned against a building. Strange alien people were mulling about and the sounds of the city filled the air. He looked up and saw impossibly tall buildings all around him and speeders zooming back in air-lanes.

He felt drained and staggered down the street. When he got around the corner, he nearly lost his breathe at what he saw. It the Jedi Temple. He was on Coruscant. Judging by the look of things, the Jedi were in order and doing quite well for themselves. He took a moment to admire the architecture and the grandeur and then when he had his fill, he promptly turned back around with a dismissive wave of his hand.

The Jedi Temple was no place for him. He was no Jedi. Though, honestly, he didn't want to bother with the explanations. They'd probably want to interrogate him. It was too much trouble to put up with for a simple meal and a mat. Instead, he fished around in his pockets for credits and unfortunately turned out empty.

He groaned and pressed his hand over a wall and rested his head against it in defeat.

"Suns and moons, I'm broke."

"Obi-Wan? Is that you?"

Jinn looked up and saw a rather fancy silver transport hovering in the street. The window was open, and a beautiful woman peered at him from inside the car. Jinn approached the transport and gave the woman inside a polite bow.

"Uh-yes?"

The woman smiled and said, "You don't sound too sure."

"Well, I had a rather eventual night, my dear. I'm also in a predicament."

"I'm not surprised. You always do seem to find trouble."

"On the contrary, trouble seems to always find me."

The woman smiled before turning serious and said, "Well, get in. The least I can do is drop you off at the Temple."

Jinn wasn't one to stare a gift horse in the mouth and quickly stepped inside the transport. It was very spacious and luxurious inside the car. The beautiful stranger sitting next to him was even more so close-up. She had light blonde hair and elegant features. She wore expensive clothes and an elaborate headdress. She was no doubt a politician of some kind.

"You're fortunate that I had a long meeting at the Senate. Though I don't know what's worse, those warmongers or the Separatists?"

Jinn was at a disadvantage and decided to wing it and said, "Definitely the warmongers. You have the unfortunately privilege of knowing them."

She laughed and pressed closer to his side. Jinn deliberately kept his gaze away from her. He had a feeling he had made a terrible mistake. He should have never gotten into a car with a stranger. Suddenly, being badgered by Jedi didn't seem so unbearable after all.

"I've missed you, Obi."

Jinn awkwardly patted her hand over his arm and said, "Yes, well I am hard to miss. Uh, driver, you can drop me off here."

"Wait. Obi, look at me, please."

Jinn paused and then turned around to look into her eyes. She then unexpectedly wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. At first, he froze. He was not expecting that. He then decided to hell with it and held her close. He gently hushed her and soothingly rubbed her back. He couldn't remember the last time he enjoyed a good hug. His vigil at the temple had turned him essentially into a hermit.

After a moment, she finally pulled away with embarrassment and said, "I'm sorry, Obi. I just sometimes wonder if things were different."

Jinn lightly held her arms and said, "Trust me, I know the feeling. Though, you don't owe me any apologies. Being held by a beautiful woman is no sacrifice."

"Oh…thank you."

Satine was startled by his compliment. She knew Obi-Wan could be quite charming when he wanted to be, but he rarely was. Usually, they exchanged banter, not endearments. Obi-Wan was ever the prefect Jedi. His sudden bout of kindness was bittersweet.

All too soon, the transport stopped at a platform in front of the Jedi Temple. It wasn't were Jinn wanted to be, but he obviously couldn't go back now. He released Satine and opened the car door and stepped out.

Satine's mood turned solemn. She didn't want Obi-Wan to go. She wanted to ask him over for a cup of tea but knew it wouldn't be wise. She had another early day tomorrow at the Senate and Obi-Wan no doubt had his own duties to attend to.

"Well, it was good seeing you again, Obi."

Jinn had already turned around to leave but glanced back when he heard the melancholy in her voice. It wouldn't be right to leave her feeling so dejected. Impulsively, he turned to leaned against the open door of the car and took her hand up to his lips and kissed it.

"Sweet dreams, my dear."

Speechless, she watched as he walked away from the platform as the car door finally closed. Satine blushed. She brushed her fingers over the spot on her hand where he had kissed her. It was terribly romantic and rather forward of him. Especially so since he did it right in front of the Jedi Temple. She had to admit, it made her heart race in a way it hadn't in a long time. Silently, she shook her head and ordered her driver to take her back to her apartment.

XXX

Jinn didn't know why, but he had a feeling his encounter with the beautiful woman in the car would come back to haunt him. He didn't even know her name. He hoped she didn't catch onto that little detail. He knew he had no business impersonating Obi-Wan Kenobi, especially while conversing with one of his old flames. He put his hood up and hoped that nobody else would make that mistake again.

It was clear to him that he was not home. Honestly, he was used to being mistaken for his father. However, he seriously doubted the beauty in the car was the sort of woman to pine after a married man. Thus, he surmised that this version of Obi-Wan wasn't attached. He also didn't recognize any of the Force signatures at the Temple. He was obviously in a different timeline. He was back to square one.

He turned his sights to the heavens and sighed, "Why does everything have to be so complicated?"

Jinn then decided he had no other alternative, but to go inside the Jedi Temple. With luck, he might be able to find an empty room to sleep in without anyone noticing him. Just in case, he pulled his hood lower over his face and made his way up the stairs and into the Temple. He thought it would be best to walk with a purpose and bluff his way in. People tended to leave you alone when you looked like you had somewhere important to be.

He was pleased to discover that his brisk stride had done the trick. No one spoke to him. No one made eye contact. He entered a near by lift and got off on one of the levels he hoped contained an empty guest room. He tried to sense if any of the rooms were vacant, but on his first try he had only found an empty medication room instead.

"Blasts," he muttered under his breath.

"Uh-can I help you, Master?"

Startled, Jinn turned around to see a Padawan staring up at him. It was a human male child wearing the typical Padawan-learner's robes and hair style. Jinn thanked the Force it wasn't a Jedi Master. Now, all he had to do was come up with a convincing lie.

"I recently had a friend stay at the Temple, but he forgot something while he was here. I'm trying to retrace his steps. Can you direct me to the vacant guest rooms? Perhaps, it might still be there."

"Oh, sure. It's this way."

Jinn inwardly sighed with relief as he followed the boy back towards the lifts. Meanwhile, the teen kept giving Jinn awkward glances. Jinn figured he should try and act like a normal Jedi Master and stop his scrutiny.

"Is something the matter, Padawan?"

The boy nervously looked away and said, "No, it's nothing."

Jinn smiled at the boy's flustered behavior. It was rather amusing. Though, he didn't see why. Jinn didn't think he was that suspicious.

"It's alright. Please, speak your mind, uh-sorry, what's your name?"

The boy turned to face him just as the lift finally appeared and said, "Forgive me for not introducing myself properly, Master. My name is Caleb Dume."

Jinn reached up to stroke his beard. Caleb. He knew that name before. It was Kanan's true name. Jinn had gleamed it from his mind when he healed him back in the other world. He was surprised to run into another younger version of the man.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Caleb Dume. I am Master Jinn. I have a feeling you will become a great Jedi someday."

"Oh, thank you for saying so, Master."

The lift doors opened, and Jinn followed Caleb down the hall towards the guest rooms. Jinn entered one of the guest rooms and made a show of looking for a non-existent lost item. The rooms were sparely furnished so it wasn't too much of an effort.

"Well, it doesn't appear to be here."

"Maybe, I can help? What did your friend loose?"

Jinn shook his head and said, "No, it's quite alright. You best be running along and return to your Master. I've taken up enough of your time. I can take it from here."

"Uh, if you say so. Good night."

"Good night, Caleb."

When Jinn was certain that the boy was gone, he immediately locked the door to the guest room. He laid down onto the bed. He threw his arm over his face and sighed.

"I'm getting too old for these shenanigans."

XXX

TBC