Summary:

Anakin talks to Rex about Slick.

Rex and Cody talk to Slick.

Ventress continues her search for Jinn and teams up with Fives.

Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ahsoka journey to Mortis.

Obi-Wan and Ahsoka travel between worlds and meet a traveler.

The traveler helps Obi-Wan and Ahsoka find Jinn's location.

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23.

Anakin walked into Rex's office and saw that he was working on reports. He knew he had a lot of work to do since they were heading back to the front. Rex got up from his desk when Anakin walked in and stood at attention.

"General, what brings you here?"

Anakin raised his hand and gestured for Rex to sit back down. When the Captain sat down again, he said, "Take it easy, Rex. I just have a question for you. I heard from Padme that you have someone working on holo-reports on the war. Do you know who it is?"

Rex said, "Yes, sir. It's Slick. I wanted him to work on putting a face to us clones. Most people have no idea that clones are individuals. He's been frustrated with our situation. I wanted to give him a good outlet."

Anakin crossed his arms over his chest and said, "Well, Padme wants to speak with him. She said Slick's holo-reports have been very helpful in gaining supporters for the peace movement."

Rex was surprised and narrowed his brow in thought. He had no idea that giving Slick the PR assignment would lead to the Senator's involvement. However, he was concerned about Slick's safety. Cody had informed him that Slick keep his identity hidden to protect himself from the GAR. Slick also got other legions to help him make personal reports to send out as well. The anonymity kept the GAR guessing which clones were involved in the holo-reports.

"I'll speak to him about it, sir."

Anakin smiled and said, "Great. I'll go tell, Padme. I'll let you know when she's available."

The Jedi Knight headed towards the door, but Rex got and said, "Wait, General. I thought you should know what Ahsoka asked Fives to help Ventress to go help look for Master Jinn."

"I know, she told me. However, I can't ignore orders and go look for him."

Rex said, "You know the one giving the orders is probably the same person who has him."

Anakin turned around and said, "You think I don't know that? What am I supposed to do? I can't let the Sith know that we're on it him. We have no proof, Rex. It's just his word against ours. No one will believe us. If we go after him, we'll be considered traitors to the Republic."

Rex said, "Last I checked, the Republic wasn't one man."

XXX

"No! I'm not talking to her," shouted Slick.

Cody and Rex shared a look. They had just finished explaining to him how his holo-reports had reached the Senator. Cody figured that Slick would be for it. If he was trying to get clones good PR, then who better than the Senator and her peace movement.

Cody said, "I don't understand. I thought this is what you wanted."

Slick replied, "No, she only wants to use me to make herself look good. Do you really think she cares about clones?"

Rex said, "Well, I believe her. I already explained to the Senator about how clones don't have any rights. I told her that if we ever cross the line that we could be decommissioned."

Cody was shocked and said, "Rex, why would you do that?"

Slick narrowed his brow and said, "Huh, not all of us are liked by our superiors as you, Captain."

Rex frowned and said, "And what is that supposed to mean?"

Slicked leaned forward with a smile and said, "Brothers talk. Don't think no one has noticed how close you are to the Commander. I heard you two spend a lot of time together."

Rex shrugged and said, "So? Working with the Commander is part of the job."

Slick glared and said, "Just don't get it into your head that just because you work with them that they see you as any different. You're nothing but a clone to the Jedi. They're never going to see you as a man. You're nothing but a meat droid to them."

Rex was getting tired of Slick's paranoia. He understood why he didn't trust the Jedi, but he was closing himself off. He was letting his hate blind him from trusting anyone. He rubbed his face in irritation.

"Then, you can go tell her yourself. I already told Skywalker that you're responsible for the holo-reports."

"What! Why would you do that for?"

Rex sighed and said, "Skywalker is my general. He asked me a direct question and most of all, I trust him. Besides, you're not in trouble. Just give her your answer and be respectful about it. Here, take this comm. She'll call when she's available. Your dismissed."

Slick reluctantly took the comm and left the office.

Cody turned to Rex and said, "I have a bad feeling about this."

XXX

Ventress found security holos that Jinn had disappeared after he made his way back to the party. She couldn't find any evidence of where he had gone. It was like he just disappeared. However, she knew he wouldn't just leave without leaving a word. He also left behind his sword. Ventress knew Jinn would never leave something so important behind.

She sat in her ship and thought about her next move. She picked up the sword and unsheathed the blade. The polished black surface mirrored her reflection. Her ice blue eye stared back at her. She closed her eyes and tried to reach for Jinn through the Force again.

Suddenly, her comm beeped and broke her concentration. She sheathed the sword in frustration and put it back down on the seat beside her. Annoyed, she pressed a button on the controls to answer it.

"What?"

"Uh, it's Fives. Permission to come abord?"

Ventress sighed and opened the hatch on her ship. Fives smaller ship docked within her larger vessel. Once his ship was secure, the hatch closed, and Fives exited his ship. Ventress left the cockpit to meet him.

"What are doing here?"

"I told you. I want to help you find Master Jinn."

"And I told you that I don't need your help."

"Well, I'm here now so there's no use in arguing. So, have you got any leads?"

"I have a feeling Dooku is behind this, but I haven't been able to find his location."

"Then maybe we should find someone who does. Does Dooku work with anyone?"

"He doesn't have colleagues, if that's what you mean. How do you feel about doing some bounty hunting?"

Fives frowned and said, "What do you mean?"

Ventress started walking back to the cockpit. Fives followed behind her. She said, "Well, if I can't find anyone who'll talk then I have to get the information myself. In the meantime, a girl needs to earn a living. Dooku will get wind of it. I'm sure he'll come looking for me."

Fives saw Jinn's sword in the co-pilot chair. He picked it up and pulled out the blade halfway and examined it. His saw his reflect frowning back at him and put it back. He remembered that Master Jinn had gone missing during the ball. He probably left the sword behind while he attended. It wasn't like him to leave behind his sword. It would be a like a trooper leaving his armor behind.

"What makes you think Dooku will come looking for you?"

"Give me that."

Ventress reached for the sword and took it from him. She fastened the belt around her waist and wore the sword herself. She sat down in the pilot's seat and crossed her legs.

"I'm sure Dooku is still holding a grudge against me for betraying him. It wouldn't be hard to convince him that I've fallen out of favor with the Jedi. Though, if you're going to pretend to be my partner then you'll need a change of clothes. How do you feel about Mandalorian armor?"

Fives smiled and sat down in the co-pilot seat and said, "Sounds good to me, partner."

XXX

It had been a month since the ball. Ahsoka and Rex continued to fight in the front lines of the war. Ahsoka was worried about Jinn. However, Anakin was right. She couldn't ignore orders and go on her own mission. Instead, she had to trusted Ventress to find him. However, Ventress hadn't kept in contact. Instead, Ahsoka only heard about her whereabouts from Fives. The ARC trooper gave her status reports when he could, but after a while they started to sound all the same. Ahsoka was starting to worry if the worst had happened to Jinn.

Ahsoka was feeling uneasy. On their latest mission, they picked up an old distress signal and were on their way to investigate. The situation felt familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Though, she hoped it was nothing. She was with Obi-Wan and Anakin in a small ship. She was eager to get back to the main ship and see Rex again. She missed him. She missed hearing his voice.

Suddenly a bright blinding light swallowed up the ship, they were in. Ahsoka covered her eyes to shield them. Then, the next thing she knew, she was awaking up. The ship had landed, and they were on a planet.

"Oh, no!" shouted Ahsoka.

She released her seatbelt and went to shake both Anakin and Obi-Wan awake. The two men groaned. They soon opened their eyes and looked around in confusion.

Anakin rubbed his head and said, "What happened? Where are we?"

Obi-Wan said, "I can't remember what happened."

Anakin turned to Ahsoka and said, "Did you land the ship, Snips?"

"No, you two need to listen. This happened to me before. We are in great danger. We're on Mortis. It's a nexus inside the Force. This place is inhabited by the three avatars of the Force, the Father, the Son and the Daughter."

Anakin got up and placed his hands on her shoulders and said, "Take it easy, Snips. Whatever happens we'll get through it."

She shook her head and said, "No! You don't understand. I died here, Anakin. The Son is the Darkness. He killed me. The Daughter is the Light. She sacrificed herself to save me. Whatever you do, do not bring the Son the dagger. That goes for the both of you."

Obi-Wan and Anakin were both alarmed by what Ahsoka told them. They shared a look before Obi-Wan tried to reassure her. He said, "Ahsoka, we will do all we can to make sure that doesn't happen. Anakin and I will follow your lead."

The Togruta teen took a deep breath. She realized that she was shaking. She turned to Anakin and grabbed his arms. Her grip was tight, and her eyes were wild with fear.

"Anakin, Father represents balance. He's going to ask you to watch over his children and become the balance in his place. He's going to ask you to stay."

Anakin took Ahsoka's hands and held them and said, "Snips, it's going to be alright. I'll tell this Father that I can't stay. Then we can go home."

Ashoka said, "But he won't listen."

Obi-Wan said, "Then we will have to be persuasive."

The three of them left the ship and saw the strange vegetation outside. Obi-Wan and Anakin were awed by the unfamiliar environment. Obi-Wan pulled out a pair of binoculars and look over the terrain. Yet, Ahsoka couldn't shake her unease.

"Are you the One?"

"What? Did you hear that?" asked Anakin.

Obi-Wan replied, "I didn't hear anything."

"Are you the One?"

The three turned around and saw the Daughter. She seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. She was a tall beautiful woman with long green hair that seemed to glow from within. She also had a strange echoed voice.

Obi-Wan regarded her curiously and said, "Hello."

"Who are you?

"I am Daughter. Are you the One?"

"The One what?" asked Anakin.

"I will take you to him."

Obi-Wan asked, "Did you bring us here?"

"There is little time. Follow me. We must have shelter by nightfall."

The Daughter then turned around and began to lead the way. Anakin turned to his friends and said, "Do you think we can trust this Daughter?"

Obi-Wan raised his hands assuredly and said, "We'll be fine as long as we stick together."

XXX

It wasn't long before they found themselves following the Daughter through a densely overgrown paradise. They followed her up a narrow path that hugged the side of several steep cliffs. However, Obi-Wan noticed the strange floating rocks and withering vegetation.

"Have you noticed that the season change with the time of day?"

"Yeah."

Ahsoka narrowed her brow. Her thoughts had turned inward. Her memories of Mortis were intense, but parts of it were hazy. She didn't want events to unfold as they did in her past. She knew from experience that small changes could make all the difference.

Obi-Wan said to Anakin, "Can you sense it?"

Anakin replied, "Yes, since we arrived. The Force is very strong."

Obi-Wan brushed some leaves away as he strode and said, "It's an intersection unlike anything I have felt before. Be wary."

However, that wasn't the case for Ahsoka. She had felt a similar strangeness when she traveled back in time. Jinn's powers were unlike a normal Jedi. She wondered if there was any connection to the Ones. She wished she had asked Jinn before his disappearance if he had ever encountered the Force-beings. She never got a chance to question him about how he knew where to build his temple.

Anakin approached the Daughter and said, "Excuse me, who are you taking us to?"

"The Father, of course."

Obi-Wan asked, "And what exactly are you?"

The Daughter said, "We are the Ones that guard the Power. We are the middle, the beginning and the end."

Anakin smirked and said, "Glad she cleared that up for us."

Suddenly, like a wave, the plants began to brown under the fading light. It was weird and eerie. A memory began to flood Ahsoka's mind. The danger of the rocks and their separation was just moments away.

"Anakin, stop."

The Jedi Knight frowned and turned to face her. "What is it, Snips?"

However, it was too late. The rocks above began to crumble and fall. Anakin wasted no time. He rushed to push the Daughter out of the way. Obi-Wan tripped and nearly fell into the valley below. Ahsoka ran to save him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him up.

Obi-Wan said, "Thank you."

Ahsoka replied, "You're welcome."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the path, Anakin tried to help the Daughter up, but she turned to glare at him and said, "It is forbidden for you to touch me."

"Sorry, I was just saving your life."

"That was my brother's work. You are in great danger. Wait for me. Do not leave this place."

"Hey, wait!"

Anakin's comm sounded. The Jedi Knight answered it and hear Obi-Wan's voice. "Anakin, are you there? Are you alright?"

"Yeah, but our friend here has run off. Go back to the ship and try sending out another distress call. I'll follow her and find a way to get off this rock."

"And if this is a trap?"

"Then, I'm not going to wait around to find out."

"Anakin, stop-"

Ahsoka grabbed Obi-Wan's arm to get a hold of his wrist comm and said, "The Father is going to test you. He wants to know if you're the Chosen One. Do not play his games. He wants you to stay."

"I got it, Ahsoka. Don't worry."

Anakin then ended the call. Obi-Wan wasn't pleased. He crossed his arms over his chest and said, "He's so reckless and impatient."

Ahsoka said, "Don't worry. The Father doesn't want to hurt Anakin. However, we've got to go back. The planet is dangerous at night. We need shelter. There's a cave nearby where we left the ship."

XXX

When Obi-Wan and Ahsoka returned to the spot where they left the ship, they saw that the ship was gone. Ahsoka wasn't surprised. It happened the same way in her timeline. Though, Obi-Wan had no preview of the events and was displeased to find it missing.

"Where do you suppose the ship went?"

However, before she could answer, the Son appeared and said, "Did you lose something? You didn't do as you were asked."

The two Jedi turned around and saw his glowing red eyes staring at them. Yet, this time, Ahsoka didn't draw her lightsabers. She wasn't afraid. She might look like a youngling, but she had the mind of an adult. She knew better than to give into fear.

Obi-Wan replied, "Did she now? Well, we were unfortunately separated. We'd like our ship back if you don't mind."

Annoyed, the Son raised his hand and said, "Not, yet. Is it true that he is the Chosen One?"

Rattled, Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber and said, "What do you know of such things?"

The Son said, "What is about to happen shall occur whether you like it or not."

The dark being then swiped his hand and dissipated the blue laser in Obi-Wan's lightsaber. It stunned the Jedi Master, but he soon narrowed his brow and pointed at the Son accusingly.

"You are Sith."

In response, the Son crossed his arms over his chest and laughed. "Sith. Yes, and no. The storms here are quite lethal. If you want to live, I suggest you find shelter."

The two Jedi then watched as the Son transformed into a giant bat and took to the air. The rain started to pour, and lightning stuck the ground near their feet. The few remaining trees absorbed the energy from the strikes and began to glow.

"Come on," said Ahsoka. "The cave is this way."

XXX

Once they were out of the rain, they saw that the interior of the cave was aglow with crystals. Ahsoka started to build a fire to help keep them warm. She sat down and raised her hands towards the flames to warm them up. Obi-Wan did feel better with the extra light.

"You should get some rest, Ahsoka."

"Mortis is strong with the Force. I'm going to try and see if I can find Jinn like I did on Dathomir. It might give me the boost I need to find him."

Obi-Wan was intrigued. He hadn't considered that. Though, he was disturbed by the Son's interests in Anakin. He didn't trust the Force-beings and Ahsoka's insight wasn't helping. Yet, he decided to sit beside her next to the fire.

"Alright, I'll help you. It's better than waiting around and doing nothing."

Ahsoka smiled and offered Obi-Wan her hand. He returned her smile and took her hand in his. Together they closed their eyes and concentrated on finding their lost friend. Ahsoka tried to remember the last time she connected with Jinn. It was in her vision on Dathomir. Deep in the swamps, Jinn had stood among the twisted trees and fog and offered Ventress his hand. She took it, but this time Jinn's fire was gone.

Instead, Ahsoka found herself standing in total darkness. She looked around and saw Obi-Wan standing beside her. He was staring at something in the distance. Ahsoka went to stand beside him.

"What is it?"

"There's someone there."

Ahsoka narrowed her brow and saw a woman was standing with her back turned towards them. Her hair was dark and pinned up in braids. She was wearing a long-embroidered robe in a pattern of flames.

"Uh, hello."

The woman turned around and the two friends were shocked by her bright red eyes. She looked shocked at Obi-Wan and closed the distance between them. She reached up and gently placed her hand against his face.

"You shouldn't be here. You must go back."

Obi-Wan took her hand and removed it from his cheek. He was a little embarrassed by her familiarity. Though, he felt reassured that she wasn't a ghost. Her hand was rough and warm. She was very much alive. He noticed she was young, probably around Padme's age and very pretty.

"I think you have me mistaken for someone else. My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is my friend Ahsoka Tano. Can you help us? We're looking for our friend. His name is Jinn."

The woman frowned and said, "You're looking for Jinn?"

Ahsoka said, "Yes, do you know him?"

The woman said, "I do. I am looking for him as well."

Ahsoka said, "Can you tell us what this place is?"

The woman said, "This place is between worlds. It can be very dangerous here. Come, I will guide you."

She then turned away from them and drew her sword. It was black and nearly indistinguishable in the darkness. Ahsoka gasped when she saw the sword. It was exactly like Jinn's sword. She remembered what Jinn told her that night at the ball.

She muttered under her breathe, "Silks and swords."

Ahsoka realized that the woman was Jinn's mother. She was the woman who taught him about the Dark side of the Force. She was the woman who taught Jinn how to dance. She was the woman who fell in love with Master Obi-Wan.

The woman raised the sword high above her head with the blade pointed down. She then thrusted it into the darkness. The sword started to glow with bright white light that swallowed up the darkness in a brilliant flash. They were transported to a strange world full of pathways and portals made of darkness and light. There were no walls and no ground. Everything was made of space with stars shining in the distance. They heard strange voices echoing like whispers all around them. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka looked around in wonder.

Obi-Wan asked the woman, "What is this place?"

"A crossroads between time and space. Be careful, Sir Knight."

"You do realize that I'm a Jedi Master. I'm not a Jedi Knight."

She smirked and said, "Of course, you are, Sir Knight."

Ahsoka looked around. The portals and pathways looked endless. She didn't even know where to begin to look for their friend. Meanwhile, the woman closed her ruby eyes and let the Force guide her senses.

She pointed to a portal in the distance and said, "There. That one."

Obi-Wan said, "What makes you so sure it's that one?"

"I can sense him."

She then walked towards the portal. The portal swirled and revealed Jinn in a prison cell. He was laying on a bare shelf with his back turned towards a red an energy field. He looked thin and his robes worn. He had his arm tucked under his head as a pillow while his legs were bent.

The woman called out to him through the portal, "Jinn."

However, the amber Jedi couldn't neither see nor hear her. She tried reaching for him, but the portal flashed with energy and pushed her back with such force that she hit the ground. Obi-Wan rushed to help her, while Ahsoka watched as a droid came and collected her friend. He tried resisting, but he was injected with something that made him grow still.

She saw that Dooku was there. He had a sinister grin on his face as he followed the droid who carted Jinn away on a hover-table. She wished she could save him, but she was powerless to stop him. Instead, Ahsoka closed her eyes and tried using the Force. It worked last time. She figured it couldn't hurt to try again. She closed her eyes and raised her hand. She tried to see where Jinn was. Suddenly, the image of a distant world appeared in the portal before it vanished.

Obi-Wan said, "I know that planet. That's Serenno. It's Dooku's home planet."

The woman said, "Then you must go and save him."

"Meow."

The three turned around to see a loth-cat.

XXX

TBC

XXX

Note:

1. If I had to pick an actress to play Jinn's mother. It would be Lara Pulver from Sherlock (2010). I think she has the sass to pull it off.

2. Thank you for reading and reviewing.

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