Summary:

Ashoka and Rex talk to Fives.

Obi-Wan learns that Jinn and Ventress are on Mandalore.

Jinn and Ventress take over Death Watch.

The Duchess isn't happy.

Warning: Jinn and Ventress spend some intimate time together, rated T.

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18.

"It's all my fault," said Padme.

She sat in the ship with her head bowed in her hands. Guilt ate her. She knew it was her carelessness that caused her former-mentor Mina Bonteri to be hurt by the Chancellor's plot. It was no longer a matter of the Republic and the Separatists. The Chancellor was actively trying to undermine any effort for peace.

Ahsoka rubbed her back and said, "What do you mean?"

Padme lifted her head and turned to Ahsoka and Rex and said, "It was me. I was the leak. I told Representative Jar Jar Binks that I was going to Lothal in case he needed to get in contact with me, but I didn't tell him about the Chancellor. I'm sure the Chancellor asked him where I went, and he didn't know the danger he was putting me in."

Rex shook his head and said, "I don't even know why you put up with Representative Binks. That person is a buffoon. He's a poor example of the Gungan people."

Ahsoka narrowed her brow and scolded, "Rex."

Rex said, "How did he even get to a Representative in the first place?"

Padme said, "He was appointed by the Gungan King."

Rex huffed and said, "Figures."

Padme said, "It doesn't matter. It was my actions that caused Mina to get hurt. I'm responsible."

Ahsoka said, "Don't blame yourself for the harm other people have caused. There is no one to blame but the Chancellor. For now, on you can't tell Representative Binks anything." She then rubbed her chin and said, "It might be safer for Senator Bonteri to pretend to be dead for the time being."

Rex said, "Maybe till her injuries are healed. The Chancellor might succeed in killing her if he tries again so soon. She'll need a place to hide."

Ahsoka said, "I think it would best if Mina recover quickly. We should pay Master Jinn a visit."

Rex nodded his head and replied, "Alright, I'll call his comm."

The Clone Captain didn't waste time. He used his wrist comm to contact the healing station at the Jedi Temple. However, Jinn didn't pick up. Instead, Fives answered, and his ghostly holo-image appeared over the screen.

"Hello, Cap. Enjoying your vacation?"

Rex shook his head and said, "Fives, where's Master Jinn?"

Fives rubbed the back of his head and looked away from him. Rex knew that his body language could only mean one thing. He sighed and said, "What happened, Fives?"

"H-He uh, he's not here."

"Where?"

"He said he got a new assignment from the Commander. He went to Mandalore to go protect the Duchess and negotiate with Death Watch. He said it sounded like fun, sir. He took Ventress with him."

Rex narrowed his brow and asked, "So, who's in charge there?"

"I am, sir."

Rex rubbed his face with his hand and said, "Alright, if there's any change please report to me. Dismissed."

"You got it, Captain."

Rex shut his holo-comm and turned to Ahsoka. He gave her a pointed look. He knew with her montrals that she overheard their entire conversation.

"A word, Commander."

"Sure."

Ahsoka gave Padme one last pat on the shoulder before approaching Rex. The Captain gestured for her to follow him and led her to a private cabin. Once they were inside, he locked the door and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Ashoka, why didn't you tell me you sent Jinn to Mandalore?"

She said, "It wasn't a secret. I was going to tell you this morning before the bombing happened."

"I understand, but you didn't even discuss it with me. I thought we were in this together."

She lowered her gaze and said, "We are. I'm sorry." She sat down on the bunk and said, "I was thinking about what you said to Padme yesterday about the Clones being property and how unfair it is that countless Padawans are fighting. I couldn't sleep. I called Jinn to get a progress report on the cure. I thought it would help put my mind at ease, but I started telling him about what happened in our time. How Senator Bonteri died and how Lux sought revenge against Dooku with the Death Watch. It reminded me of the terrible things Death Watch did. I thought since Jinn is familiar with warrior culture, that he could help. I asked him to protect Duchess Satine after he finished working on the cure. I didn't think he'd leave so soon."

Rex sat down beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I get it, Soka but you need to tell me what you're doing. Though, I guess none of us could predict what Jinn would do."

Ahsoka said, "To be fair, I wasn't going to tell him about what happened in the past. He even asked me why I wasn't talking to you. Jinn just knew I had a lot on my mind. He told me he knew because he has a little sister. He said she's like Anakin."

Rex asked, "Really? How is Jinn's sister like Skywalker?"

She smiled and said, "Apparently, they both like to get into fights. Though, Jinn's upbringing sounded intense. He said during his warrior-training he had to fight someone to the death, build a sword in a volcano and take a drug that briefly killed him."

Rex raised his brow and said, "That's more then what a trooper has to go through. That's for sure. Do you still want to go to Mandalore?"

Ahsoka said, "Yes, Jinn's a talented healer. If anyone can help Senator Bonteri, it's him. I also feel responsible for sending Jinn on such a dangerous mission. I want to make sure he doesn't get in over his head."

XXX

One of the Death Watch membered turned to Bo-Katan and said, "Did he just say he was going to take down the Duchess Satine?"

Bo-Katan said, "Yes and I'm going to find out what he means."

They followed Jinn and Ventress back to the capital. Once they were at the door to the main building, Jinn used the Force to open the large doors. The sound of the doors breaking altered the guards. They sounded the alarm and the Duchess was summoned to the main chamber.

Satine was shocked to see Jinn approached with a body over his shoulders and the members of Death Watch trailing behind him. Jinn unceremoniously dropped the body of Pre Vizsla at her feet. Satine gasped at the sight of the dead man and turned to Jinn. She saw that he was tired and injured. He wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of his hand as he looked at her with his fiery amber gaze.

The Duchess asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

Jinn said, "Here is the body of Pre Vizsla. Your enemy."

She said, "I never asked you do this."

Jinn grabbed the hilt of his black sword in frustration and said, "Yes, I know you didn't want this, but a leader protects her people. She protects the weak, but in return you must be strong in their place. Sometimes you must be a warrior. Your pacifism is neglect."

He then turned to Bo-Katan and said, "You act like beasts when you prey upon your own people. The duty of a warrior is to defend the helpless and train your people to be stronger. Your terrorism is an act of blasphemy against your warrior heritage."

Satine glared and said, "I am not neglecting my people. War nearly tore Mandalore apart. What we need is peace."

Jinn said, "And what would your extreme pacifism have them do? Die with dignity?"

Bo-Kantan said, "Save your breath. She doesn't understand. The people want strong leadership. They're warriors. They want to fight against their enemies."

Jinn snapped at Bo-Katan and said, "I read reports about the Death Watch. You have no problem killing women and children for your own gains. You don't speak for anyone but yourselves. Now, take your sister and go."

Satine was shocked and exclaimed, "You can't be serious."

Jinn said, "I am very serious."

To Bo-Katan's surprise a member of Death Watch grabbed Satine by the arm and pulled her away. She glared at him and said, "You're listening to him?"

The Death Watch member said, "He killed Pre Vizsla in single combat. He has the Darksaber. I recognize his strength."

A second member of Death Watch said, "He's also getting rid of the Duchess. What I want to know is if he's going to kill her too."

Satine turned to Jinn with a gasp. She wasn't afraid of him, but until this moment, she didn't think he'd really kill anyone till he presented her with Pre Vizsla's body. She realized she had made a mistake thinking he was like Obi-Wan. He had showed her his true colors when he offered her his sword. Yet, she couldn't forget the vulnerable look in his eyes that night on Coruscant. The pain he felt when he apologized to her for being the wrong man was real. Satine didn't want to admit it but she wished it was Obi-Wan standing in front of her instead of Jinn.

Jinn held her gaze and said, "There's no need for that. A pacifist no threat to anyone."

He then turned to the members of Death Watch and said, "Now, for those willing to join me, my name is Jinn. I am not a Jedi and I am not a Sith. I am a warrior. I draw my sword for two reasons, to defend the weak and to fight worthy opponents. Now, a worthy opponent is someone whose strength I recognize. Opponents who are weak can be ignored. Those that are weak are under my protection to defend and guide. Strength comes with numbers. Help me be strong. Be my brothers and my sisters. I ask for your word as warriors to uphold these ideals upon the Darksaber."

Jinn then ignited the Darksaber and held it over his head. Bo-Katan grabbed her blaster. She hesitated for a moment before she too raised it over her head.

"You have my word. Darksaber!"

Then, one by one the members of Death Watch raised their blasters and blades into the air and chanted "Darksaber."

Ventress whispered into Jinn's ear, "I hope you know what you're doing."

Jinn nervously replied, "I hope so too, nightingale."

XXX

"What do you mean he's not here?" asked Obi-Wan.

Fives nervously rubbed his head and lowered his gaze. He had his hands full running the healing machine and producing the cure. He didn't know nearly enough about medicine like the clone medic team that worked for him. There were plenty of times he wished Kix or Coric were in charge instead of him. He was just glad that the medic team understood Jinn's notes better than he did.

Fives said, "He said he got a new assignment. I thought he told you."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest and said, "No, this is the first time I've heard of it. So, where did Jinn go?"

Fives replied, "He said he got a new assignment from the Commander. He and Ventress went to Mandalore a few days ago. Something about protecting the Duchess from Death Watch. He said it sounded like fun."

Obi-Wan buried his face in his hand. This was the last thing he needed. It was bad enough that Anakin was a loose cannon, but Jinn being a maverick was not helping. He was also troubled because he remembered a detail in Ahsoka and Rex's report. They said that Darth Maul had killed Satine in their timeline. He thought their efforts to change things would alter her fate.

"Who's in charge of the cure?"

Fives sheepishly replied, "Well, I am, sir. Jinn said he completed the cure and just needed us to run test trails. So far, we've given the first doses out to a group of clone volunteers. The side effects aren't so bad. Just reports of tiredness and muscle weakness. The medic team said we ought to space out the doses over two weeks. If everything looks good at the end of the month, we plan to start mass production."

Obi-Wan raised his brow and said, "I'm impressed, Fives. You've made good progress."

Fives smiled and said, "It wasn't just me, General. Master Jinn did all the hard work."

Obi-Wan said, "Maybe so, but you've done well in his absence. Though, I am concerned about his new assignment. Perhaps, I should go make sure he doesn't do anything reckless."

XXX

Jinn groaned when he finally removed his arm from his sleeve and opened a med kit to treat the blaster burn on his arm. He supposed he could use Force-healing to treat it, but healing naturally was best. He was already tired and using his abilities would only force him to sleep for an entire day. He couldn't afford to relax. He had to make sure Death Watch would behave.

Suddenly, the door chimed. He went to answer it. He didn't bother securing his robes. His left arm was bare and only his right side was covered.

"Yes, what is it? Oh, Duchess."

Satine walked into the room and closed the door behind her in a fury. "I don't know what game your planning, but I won't-oh! Oh my!"

Satine blushed and averted her eyes. She couldn't help admiring his body and compare him to Obi-Wan. He had a fine physique. He had defined muscles from years of sword training and his eyes glowed gold in the dimly lit room.

He smiled at her reaction and said, "No need to fret, Duchess. You caught me in the middle of treating my injuries. If you have something to say, please do."

Satine raised her gaze and saw that saw that Jinn had turned around. He had a med kit on a table. He pulled out a bottle of disinfectant and gauze. He was examining a blaster burn on his left arm. He reached for the bottle to open it, but Satine scuffed and snatched it from his hand.

"Here, let me help."

Jinn stared at her and said, "I appreciate your kindness, Duchess but that would be inappropriate."

"Why would it be inappropriate?"

"You're a duchess. You shouldn't have to do such things."

"That's hardly a reason and you know it."

Jinn took the bottle back from her and said, "We don't have that sort of relationship."

Satine fumed and said, "I thought we were friends."

Jinn sighed and started treating his wound. He dabbed disinfectant onto a gauze and cleaned his blaster burn. He hissed in pain as the disinfectant stung. He then picked up a bacta-patch and peeled off the wrapper and placed it over the burn. The cool gel soothed the pain, but he noticed that the burn had blistered and bleed down his arm. He wished he had a clean set of clothes to change into, but all he had were the clothes on his back.

He muttered under his breath, "Suns and moons, if I have to wear another white Jedi robe again, I might turn Sith."

"Jinn, are you listening?"

Jinn pulled his arm back into his sleeve and said, "I know you're angry with me and you have every right to be. It wasn't my intention to depose you, but I'm doing this for your protection. I want your enemies to focus on me."

Satine was stunned. "Are you saying you're doing all this for my protection? Against who?"

"Darth Maul."

She shook her head and said, "No, Maul's dead. Besides, why would he be after me?"

Jinn bowed his head and softly replied, "Revenge against our mutual friend."

The Duchess shivered as the meaning behind Jinn's words sank in. She didn't think she was that important to Obi-Wan or that Jinn cared. Jinn was reckless and flirty. His protectiveness was surprising.

"Please. Leave him to me."

"Jinn, you can't do this alone."

"I'm not alone. I have a partner."

Satine frowned and said, "You mean that freelancer?"

Jinn smirked and said, "Actually, Miss Ventress is an ex-assassin."

Satine gave him an incredulous look and said, "And you trust this ex-assassin? I thought Obi-Wan was your partner."

"I trust her with my life, I don't appreciate you insulting her capabilities."

She crossed her arms over her chest and said, "I'm sure it's her capabilities that landed her the position in the first place."

Jinn glared at her and marched over to the door and opened it. "I'm afraid you'll have to leave, Duchess. It's been a long evening."

Satine realized her mistake. She went to Jinn and placed her hand on his arm. "Jinn, I'm sorry. I know you're not that kind of man."

Jinn removed her hand off his arm and said, "You don't know what kind of man I am, Duchess. However, I won't stand by and let you insult my partner."

Satine wished she hadn't said anything about Jinn's partner. She wanted to reason with him and get him to disband Death Watch. However, his speech in the chamber had hit a cord with Death Watch and he was slowly gaining more support. Satine knew that his warrior ideals would be popular with traditional Mandalorians. She knew that most of her opposition would support him. He also had the Darksaber. It was a powerful symbol in Mandalore culture. Many would follow him simply for possessing it.

"Hello there, Duchess."

Satine gasped when she saw Ventress standing by the door. "How long have you been standing there? Have you been eavesdropping?"

Ventress stepped forward and said, "Long enough. Though, let me be clear. I don't need Jinn to fight my battles for me. I can do that all by myself."

XXX

The ex-assassin smiled at the Duchess' unease and opened the door to Jinn's room and stepped in. Once the door was closed behind her, she saw that the amber Jedi wasn't in the room. She looked around and found him in the bedroom. He was laying down with his arm thrown over his face. She sensed that he was still awoke and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"You knew I was there."

Jinn moved his arm away from his face and said, "Yes."

"Did you mean what you said?"

"Yes, but you know where I am and what I'm feeling as well."

"Gods, how can you stand it?"

"I thought you liked it."

"I'm not your Padawan. I don't need a training bond."

"I never said you were."

Ventress turned around to face him. She leaned over him and said, "Then why did you bond with me?"

Jinn gazed up into her beautiful ice blue eyes. He reached up to caress her cheek, but she snatched his wrist and pinned it over his head. Jinn tried pulling her hand away from his wrist with his other hand, but she grabbed it and pinned it above him as well. She moved to straddle him to keep him still.

"There are other bonds besides those between a Master and an apprentice."

She leaned in closer and said, "Like what?"

"Like a parent and child, a brother and a sister, comrades and lovers."

Ventress rubbed against him and felt him stir. He tried to break free, but she tightened her hold. Her fingers dug into his leather wrist guards. She leaned in close and whispered into his ear.

"Lovers? Is that what you want us to be?"

Jinn tried to wriggle free again and said, "Nightingale, please-"

"Answer the question."

"Yes."

She nuzzled his ear and said, "Good."

He turned his head to face her and captured her lips in a kiss. The kiss grew smoldering and passionate. Ventress released his wrists and trailed her hands down his arms and chest. She reached for his collar and started pulling at his robes. They broke the kiss as their breath and hearts began to race. Ventress then sat back and started rubbing against Jinn's arousal. He threw his head back with a groan and held her hips as she started to undress him.

Jinn then sat up and started to undress Ventress in return. He gave her open mouth kisses on her lips and down her throat as he opened her belt and pulled off her robes. He kissed her more and more as her skin was gradually exposed.

With their robes gone, Ventress shoved Jinn back down onto the bed and started to unfasten his pants. Jinn toed off his boots and grabbed Ventress by the arms and flipped her onto the bed beneath him. He met her gaze with his amber eyes and slowly began to pull off her leggings.

He kept his gaze locked with hers as he moved down to the end of the bed and started to take off her boots. One by one, he kissed her knees and then up her thigh. He paused when he reached the apex of her legs and caressed her stomach with his rough hand.

"Are you sure, Asajj?"

"Yes."

XXX

TBC

XXX

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Note: Thank you for reading and reviewing.

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