Summary:

The team attends a ball.

Jinn dances with Ventress.

Jinn and Ventress switch partners with Rex and Ahsoka.

Padme talks to Anakin about clone rights.

Obi-Wan and Anakin in the "bushes of love."

Jinn runs into trouble and Ventress investigates.

Ashoka talks to Fives.

.

22.

The ball was a big event. It was held on Naboo in a large stately building at night. Delegates and dignitaries from all over the galaxy came to the charity fund raiser event. Of course, that also meant Chancellor Palpatine would be present as well. Ahsoka was not looking forward to seeing him and pretending like she didn't know who he really was. It took all herself control not to march up to him and run him through with her lightsabers.

Rex sensed her tension. He was dressed in his dress uniform and was accompanying Ahsoka as her guest. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and tried to ease her tension by rubbing her back. He would have rubbed her lekku to distract her, but he was afraid such an intimate touch would draw too much attention.

"Soka, please. Try and relax."

"How can I when I know he's here?"

"If you go after him now, you'll be the one in trouble, not him. I don't know if everyone will believe our story."

She lowered her gaze and tried to release her feelings into the Force and said, "I know. You're right. We were just so close last time."

"Hey, we're not giving up. You won't be able to catch him if you're tense."

Ahsoka felt a little better and said, "It's hard to relax, but I'm glad you're here with me, Rex."

Rex smiled and said, "It's always going to be you and me, Soka. Now, have I told you how beautiful you look in that dress?"

Ahsoka's stripes on her lekku darkened with embarrassment. She smiled and spun to give Rex a full view of her dress. It was light blue and flowy and showed off her shoulders. It was on loan from Padme. Though, Ahsoka couldn't bear to borrow any jewelry from Padme and instead she wore her ususal headdress.

"Thank you, Rexy. You look pretty good yourself."

Anakin and Obi-Wan approached the pair. They were dressed in their usual Jedi robes. Ahsoka wasn't surprised. Jedi didn't to formal attire unless they were undercover. Anakin smiled when he approached her.

"Wow, Snips. You really cleaned up good."

She smiled and said, "Thank you, Anakin."

Rex asked Obi-Wan, "Where's Master Jinn? I thought he would arrive at the ball with you?"

Obi-Wan said, "No, he didn't. He arrived with Ventress. They're on the dance floor."

The group turned towards the center of the room where dancers were swaying. In the middle, Jinn and Ventress danced beautifully. They were locked in a sultry gaze and shamelessly displayed their skill and athletic abilities. Ventress wore a long black dress with a plunging neckline. She wore a blood red scarf around her head that made her look feminine and mysterious. While, Jinn wore dark grey robes and a matching blood red sash around his waist. It wasn't Jedi attire.

Jinn held Ventress close before he spun her around and dramatically dipped her in his arms. Ventress raised her knee high against his hip as he hooked his hand underneath it to dip her farther. He then lifted her back up to her feet as she pushed against his chest and stepped away from him till only their two hands met.

Rex turned to Ahsoka and said, "I can see now what he meant by dancing being like foreplay. It's nearly indecent what they're doing."

Ahsoka smiled and said, "Do you want to dance?"

Rex said, "I can't do any of those things, Soka."

She offered him her hand and said, "It's alright. I can't do those things either."

The music suddenly changed to something slower. Rex was relieved. He let Ahsoka place his hands on her waist before she took his hand. Gradually, the two started to sway and follow the dancers around them. Even Jinn and Ventress slowed down to the rhythm of the music. It was a good song and it was wonderful to hold Ahsoka in his arms in public. He wished he could hold her in his arms forever.

"I'm impressed, Rex. I didn't know you had the moves."

He smiled and said, "Oh, I've got moves, cyare. Maybe later we can do some private dancing."

She smiled back at him and said, "I look forward to it, Rex."

Rex blushed as he held her a little closer and stared into her beautiful blue eyes. She was still so young, but her smile was so sultry. Rex wished he could take Ahsoka away that minute. He knew they couldn't go all the way, but they could do a lot of other things. Rex wanted to brush Ahsoka's lekku aside and touch the bite mark he left on her neck, but he knew he couldn't. Not with so many eyes in the room. He had to be content with the knowledge that it was there. Just like how underneath his uniform he had Ahsoka's mark on him.

Padme walked over to Anakin and said, "They make such a cute pair."

Anakin turned to Padme and smiled. His Angel looked beautiful. Her hair was done up with gold leaves weaved into it. She wore a long white flowing gown that exposed her slender arms. He wanted to touch her but knew he couldn't in public. He would just have to keep his hands to himself until after the party.

"Yeah, they sort of remind me of this other pair I know."

Padme smiled back at him before she turned serious and said, "Did you know that if a trooper develops feelings for someone that they shouldn't that they could be sent back to Kamino to be killed?"

Anakin was stunned and said, "No, that can't be right."

She said, "They're property of the Republic. They don't have any rights, Ani."

He said, "I would never let that happen."

Padme said, "I know you would, but what about the others like him that don't have you to protect them? Something needs to be done. I talked to a few people willing to help, but I wanted your help getting into contact with an important figure on the inside."

Anakin raised his brow and asked, "What important figure?"

Padme said, "There's someone that's been sending out holo-reports about the reality of the front lines of the war. They're very eye opening and really show the humanity of the clones. The holo-reports are very popular. We've gained a lot of support for the peace movement because of those holo-reports."

"Really? And you think I know this person?"

She said, "Yes, I heard he's a clone under your command. When you get a chance, I'll like to speak with him."

Anakin had no idea who Padme was talking about. He wasn't aware that any of the men were secret holo-reporters. Though, if it helped the peace movement and gave the clones their rights then he was all for it. He needed to talk to Rex about it.

"Of course, Padme. I'll look into it."

Padme smiled and said, "Great, I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon, Ani. Now, I've got to go. I need to talk to a few more people tonight."

He smirked with a bow and said, "Keep up the good work, Senator."

XXX

After the song ended, Rex felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned and saw Master Jinn.

"May I cut in?"

"Oh, sure, sir."

Bewildered, Rex let Ahsoka go as Jinn stepped in. He was disappointed the song ended, but he was startled when he heard a voice behind him saw. "Well, are you just going to stand there or are you going to take my hand?"

Rex turned and saw that it was Ventress. "Oh! Ah-"

The ex-assassin shook her head and took his hand and started to dance. Rex had no choice but to join in. He wasn't afraid to admit that he was intimated by the witch. Though, he couldn't deny that she did look alluring.

"Loosen up. You're too stiff."

"I can't help it. You make me nervous."

Ventress smiled and said, "Jinn was right. This is fun."

Rex did not like how things were going. He didn't want to be toyed with by Ventress in any timeline. He decided to turn the tables against her. He kept his gaze away from her as he danced with her across the room.

"So, are you in love with him?"

Ventress frowned and said, "He's an interesting man. Most men are boring."

Rex held her close and said, "That's not how he feelings about you."

She laughed and said, "How can someone like you know what anybody feelings? Besides, love is a weakness."

Rex snorted and said, "Yeah, keep telling yourself that. You might actually believe it."

Ventress pulled away from Rex with a glare. She was done talking to the clone. She left the dance floor and headed over to the tables in order to get a drink. A servant handed her a flute of champagne. She took a long sip and watched as Jinn spun around the dance floor with Skywalker's little Padawan.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka noticed that Rex and Ventress had left the dance floor. She was surprised that Ventress would even consider dancing with her Captain. Though, she had to admit, Ventress was graceful. She met Jinn's amber gaze and realized he was graceful too.

"Tell me, did your mother teach you how to dance as well?"

"Yes, she enjoyed the finer things in life. She liked her silks and swords."

Ahsoka raised her brow and asked, "Silks and swords?"

Jinn smiled and said, "Of course, only the best ladies can pull off both, Miss Tano."

Ahsoka smiled at the compliment, but suddenly she stopped dancing. She spotted Chancellor Palpatine across the room. He was surrounded by several delegates. He was smiling and laughing. Ahsoka began digging her fingers into Jinn's arm.

Jinn noticed and followed her gaze and said, "If you want, I can hold him down and you can run him through."

Ahsoka said, "Don't tempt me."

He guided Ahsoka off the dance floor and whispered into her lekku, "Then, you need to mind your feelings, or they will betray you. Remember, you're an innocent youngling who doesn't harbor murderous thoughts."

"Easy for you to say. My Force-shields aren't as impressive as yours."

Jinn tucked Ahsoka's hand under his arm and started strolling towards the garden. "Then, you need to walk it off. You don't want him to sense your intentions."

XXX

The garden was cool and beautiful. There were flowering bushes everywhere and lights lining the paths. Jinn guided Ahsoka down one of the paths. There were several people strolling in pairs. It was clearly a popular spot for couples. Jinn felt awkward and wished he had Asajj on his arm. Ahsoka was a good friend and he thought of her as his younger sister.

Suddenly, a strange creature dashed across the path. It was small and fast and running in and out of the bushes. Anakin ran out and tried to grab it. He tripped and landed on his knees. He caught the leg of the creature and it let out a horrible sound.

"Gotcha!"

Ahsoka said, "Anakin! What is that thing?"

Anakin grunted as he tried to get a better hold of the animal. It was some sort of bird with dark brown feathers. It had strange webbed feet and a monstrous female humanoid face in the middle of its body. It let out a terrible shriek from its female face.

"Hold still!" shouted Anakin.

Then, Obi-Wan appeared from around the corner of the path and said, "Anakin, did you get it?"

"Almost."

The creature turned and scratched Anakin across his cheek with its clawed limbs. Anakin cried out and released the creature. It cawed at the Jedi Knight and ran back into the bushes.

"Damn it. I almost had it."

Jinn helped Anakin up and said, "Seven rings of hell, what was that thing?"

Anakin said, "It's a pet that belongs to one of the representatives. The Chancellor asked Obi-Wan and I to help find it and bring it back to the owner, but that weird bird thing keeps hiding in the bushes. I don't even know how many times Obi-Wan and I have tried to catch it."

Ahsoka reached up to touch Anakin's face and said, "You're bleeding."

"It's nothing."

Jinn reached into his robes and pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to Anakin. The Jedi Knight nodded his head in thanks and took it. He pressed it against the scratch on his face.

Jinn said, "I'm surprised you didn't try to make friends with it. Animals aren't hard to influence."

Anakin growled and said, "I did try to make friends, but then it attacked me."

The amber Jedi smiled and said, "Well, I will leave you to the hunt. I need to get back to Miss Ventress. I wouldn't be a very good date if I neglected her."

XXX

Jinn left his friends on the path and walked towards the main building. However, at the halfway down the path was a figure standing in the shadows. Jinn's eyes were better than human. He sensed who was in front of him and quickly raised his Force-shields.

The figure said, "Master Jinn, I've heard so much about you."

Jinn reached for his sword but remembered that he left it in his quarters. Weapons weren't permitted at a ball. He could have brought one if he came to the party as a Jedi, but he wanted to attend as a civilian. Though, that didn't mean he wasn't armed. He had hidden his lightsaber inside his boot.

"I hope you only heard good things about me, Chancellor."

The Chancellor stepped out from the shadows with a smile and said, "Oh, yes. In fact, I've been looking forward to meeting you. It's remarkable. You look so much like Master Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Yes, we're cousins."

"Of course, I should have guessed you had a blood relation. Tell me, who was that interesting creature you were dancing with?"

"My date."

"Your date? I thought Jedi don't form attachments."

"Well, as you can clearly see, I am not a Jedi. Now, if you'll excuse me, Chancellor. It would be rude of me to keep my date waiting."

"Yes, of course. You mustn't keep her waiting."

Jinn bowed his head and continued down the path. He tried to remain composed, but insides his heart was racing. He didn't know what the Sith Lord wanted, but a nice little chat could not be it. The situation was dangerous, and he didn't like it.

"So, we meet again, Master Jinn."

Puzzled, Jinn turned around and saw Count Dooku. Jinn raised his hand to defend himself, but out of nowhere someone stunned him with a blast in the back. He dropped like a dead weight onto the ground. Dooku stood over his body and kicked his arm away from his chest. He then signaled for the commando droid to step forward.

"Pick him up. It's time we learn who Master Jinn really is."

XXX

Somewhere in space, Jinn woke up and found himself in a prison cell. His arms and legs were trapped in shackles on a cold metal table. He was propped at an angle. He tried pulled on his arms and legs, but the restraints wouldn't budge. He shook his head. He felt groggy. He realized that he had been stunned. He groaned with embarrassment. He shouldn't have underestimated the Sith. He closed his eyes and tried to reach for the Force, but it was elusive and distant. He realized that he was drugged.

He hung his head in exasperation and said, "Damn."

"I see you're finally awake, Master Jinn."

The amber Jedi looked up and saw Count Dooku staring at him. The Count then signaled to a menacing looking medical droid that pulled down Jinn's collar down with its cold metallic hand. It injected his neck with a needle.

Jinn didn't like where this was going. He didn't know what the droid injected him with. Without his Force-powers he wouldn't be able to resist the effects of the drugs. Instead, Jinn closed his eyes and tried to focus on his breathing. It was hard. The drugs in his system were making his heart race and his mind hazy.

Dooku stood over Jinn's body and said, "I commend you on your efforts, but you won't be able to resist for much longer. Soon, I shall have your secrets."

Jinn opened his eyes and the room started to spin. He gazed at Dooku curiously before he tilted his head back with a smile and said, "Did you know you're the closest person I have to a great grandfather?"

Dooku narrowed his brow and said, "Is that so? Tell me, who was your master?"

"I have no master."

Impatient, Dooku asked, "Then, who trained you?"

"My father and my mother."

Dooku stroked his beard. He had never heard of a Force-user being trained by their parents. He wondered if Jinn was the product of a forbidden union. Though, it remained a mystery how he had gone on without being detected.

"I am curious, who taught you the ways of the Sith?"

"My mother."

Dooku was intrigued and asked, "Your mother was a Sith?"

Jinn didn't even try to resist. The drugs had dulled his defenses. "My mother is no Sith. She's a warrior, like my Asajj. Darkness always did look better on a woman than a man. If I die, then I want to be slain by a beautiful war-maiden."

The Count raised his brow at Jinn's last comment. It was a strange desire, but then Jinn was a strange man. He sensed that he meant it. Though, he wasn't convinced that Jinn's mother wasn't a Sith. His parentage explained why Jinn did not consider himself a Jedi. It was clear that Jinn was attached and had a fondness for Ventress. However, the drug was beginning to make him rave. Soon, he would stop making any sense.

"Tell me, why haven't you made yourself known before? What are you hiding?"

"Hiding. I used to play hide-and-seek with my brother and mother in the forest. I didn't know how important it was to hide till I was hunted by the Sith. She was training me, but at the time, it was only a game. I often wondered how father did it? Being exiled alone for 20 years. No, not my father. Another man. Mother wasn't there. When she was, she took us by the hand and led us out into the desert. Her red eyes shone like stars. We thought it was another game, but she was training us to use the sword. I miss her and my brother. There were so many games I wanted to teach her. I can still remember her arms around my neck. She made me promise to take her on my next adventure. She's probably a grown woman now. Do you think she'll ever forgive me?"

Dooku was confused. He didn't understand Jinn's ramblings. He obviously lost all his ability to focus. He was no good to him delirious. He would have to come back later after the drug had faded.

He turned to the medical droid and said, "Keep him on Force-suppressors. Inform me when he wakes again."

XXX

"Ah! I finally caught you," cheered Anakin.

The Jedi Knight had grabbed the strange pet by the legs and held it upside down. The beast tried to claw and peck at Anakin while it screeched. He held the beast at arm's length as he walked back to the main building. Obi-Wan and Ashoka were following behind him.

Anakin saw at the top of the stairs that Ventress and Rex were waiting for them. Rex eyed the strange beast in Anakin's hand.

"What in the world is that, General?"

"Oh, just a stray pet that belongs to one of the representatives at the party. The Chancellor asked me to retrieve it."

Ventress approached Anakin and said, "I don't care about your pet. Where's Jinn?"

The Jedi Knight raised his brow and said, "I thought he was with you."

Ventress narrowed her brow and said, "Something's wrong."

Anakin said, "Come on, he's probably off dancing with someone else."

The ex-assassin glared and said, "Jinn wouldn't do that without asking me first."

"Whoa, don't you think you've got him on a short leash?"

"You don't know what you're talking about."

Anakin smiled and said, "Well, it's no secret that Jinn's been after you. Though, honestly, I don't see why. He could do a lot better for himself."

Obi-Wan warned, "Anakin. Don't."

"Come on, Obi-Wan. I know you think they're a little mismatched. I mean, he is you in another life. Ventress isn't exactly his type. He'd probably go for someone more cultured."

Irritated, Obi-Wan said, "I don't know what kind of man you think he is, but he is not me and he would never treat Ventress like what you're suggesting."

Anakin was startled by his former-master's anger. He raised his hand in defense and said, "Alright, he isn't you, but don't you think you're overreacting?"

"No, Jinn is my family."

Anakin looked hurt and said, "I always considered you my family, Obi-Wan. You're like my older brother. You're the closest person I have to a father."

Obi-Wan whispered, "It wasn't a metaphor, Anakin. Jinn is literally my family in the other timeline."

Ventress sighed and placed her hand on her hip and said, "I thought you idiots already knew Jinn's past."

Obi-Wan was flabbergasted. He thought Jinn and Ventress shared only a physical relationship. He didn't think Jinn would share his thoughts with the ex-assassin.

"He told you?"

She smiled at Obi-Wan and leaned in close to speak softly into his ear and said, "Anyone with eyes can see the two of you are related. It's the timeline thing that's news to me."

Ahsoka asked, "And that doesn't bother you?"

"Why should it? He doesn't ask me about my past, so I don't ask him about his. If you want to keep talking then go ahead. In the meantime, I'm going to go look for him."

Ahsoka grabbed her arm and said, "Wait, what's wrong?"

Ventress lowered her gaze and said, "His Force-shields were up full blast before. Now, I can't sense him anywhere."

The Togruta teen narrowed her brow and asked, "Do you mean you can sense Jinn's presence all the time?"

Ventress didn't answer. Instead, she frowned and yanked her arm free from Ahsoka's hold. It was all the confirmation she needed. Jinn wasn't just Ventress' partner. He didn't just flirt with her. They shared a bond. Ahsoka often wondered what it would be like to share a bond with Rex. She wondered what it would feel like to experience another person's love. The thought alone made her lekku blush. It had to be different then sharing a bond with a mentor.

"Ventress, wait. I'm coming too."

Rex said, "Count me in. Where Ahsoka goes, I follow."

Anakin said, "Wait, my Padawan and my Captain can't just decide to go look for Jinn by themselves. We're supposed to be heading back to the front after the ball."

Ahsoka said, "Ventress can't go alone, Anakin."

The ex-assassin turned around to face her and said, "I appreciate your concern, little one, but I can take care of myself."

XXX

"Fives! I need you," shouted Ahsoka into her holo-com.

The ARC trooper nearly fell out of his bunk at the sound of his Commander's voice. Bleary eyed, he picked up his holo-com and saw the blue ghostly imagine of the Togruta teen. He was surprised by her party attire and sat up in his blacks.

"What is it, Commander? Aren't you and Rex at a party?"

"We are, but something happened to Master Jinn. He's missing. Ventress is going after him. I need you to contact her and watch her back."

"She's not exactly a team player, Ahsoka. What if she doesn't want my help?"

Ahsoka smiled cunningly and said, "Then, you have my permission to take matters into your own hands, trooper. Remember, your Master Jinn's assistant."

"Understood, Commander."

XXX

TBC

XXX

Notes:

• The beast in the garden is from the lyrics in "Bushes of Love" from Bad Lip Reading on YouTube.

• Thank you for reviewing and reviewing.

.