Summary:

Anakin talks to Obi-Wan about Ahsoka and Rex's assassination attempt.

Anakin seeks Dooku.

Barriss goes to Obi-Wan and reveals Ahsoka's plan for a New Order.

Jinn and Ventress exchange their vows.

Ahsoka and Rex return to Endor.

.

36.

"What do you mean Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex are traitors to the Republic?"

Anakin head was lowered as he stood in front of his former mentor. They were in a private sitting room at the Jedi Temple. The storm was still raging outside. The sky was black. The rain was beating against the windows. The lights in the city were all that could be seen. Anakin was wet from head to toe, but he didn't care. The storm raging inside him was much worse.

"They tried to kill Chancellor Palpatine."

Obi-Wan said, "What possessed them to do that?"

Anakin steeled himself and met his former master's eyes and said, "It's because of me. I went to confront the Chancellor, but Ahsoka and Rex tried to stop me. I was so close. I had him. My lightsaber was at his throat. He didn't resist. He said that I had him at my mercy, but I couldn't do it. That's when Ahsoka arrived. She attacked him, both she and Rex."

Obi-Wan raised and brow and said, "I don't understand. Why didn't you help them? I'm sure the three of you could have taken him down together."

Anakin diverted his gaze and said, "I don't know. At first, I didn't want Ahsoka or Rex to get involved. I didn't want them to get hurt, but in that moment it didn't feel right. What if Ahsoka's timeline is different from ours. What if things aren't going to unfold like it did in hers?"

Obi-Wan narrowed his brow and said, "What exactly did Chancellor Palpatine say to you, Anakin?"

The Jedi Knight stared at the rain outside the window. His reflection as in the glass. "Tell me, Obi-Wan. Is it a crime to be a Sith?"

The elder Jedi stood beside Anakin by the window and said, "Sith follow the Dark side of the Force, Anakin. You know this."

Anakin kept his gaze at his mirror image in the window and said, "Yes, they're aggressive. They're conquers, but maybe that's what the Senate needs. Maybe they need someone to conquer over corruption and greed. After all, the people chose him."

"Anakin, he deceived them. The Sith doesn't care about others. They only care about themselves."

The Jedi Knight turned to face Obi-Wan and said, "What if he's different? What if he does care about the people?"

Obi-Wan was stunned by what Anakin said. "I see. He has deceived you as well."

His insight turned inward as he reached up to stroke his beard. He didn't think Anakin would fall for Palpatine's lies, but apparently, he was wrong. He should never have allowed Anakin to be friends with Palpatine when he was a boy. His influence over him was too great. He was too close to the problem. He couldn't see what was right in front of him. He didn't want to believe that he had been fooled.

Anakin said, "No, wait Obi-Wan. Listen to me."

The elder man had heard enough and snapped, "No, Anakin. You must listen. What Ahsoka told us, it's all true. Her report about the attacks, the battles, the locations, the weapons, the persons involved. It all happened so far just as she said. You'd know this if you bothered comparing the reports to the information, she gave us. I'm sure her information has saved countless lives."

Anakin said, "That still doesn't mean Palpatine behind it. It doesn't mean he's evil."

Obi-Wan said, "Perhaps not, but what about the bio-chips? Ahsoka explained their true purpose. Surely, you don't believe that the mastermind behind such a plan isn't evil?"

He lowered his gaze and said, "Well, no."

Anakin knew that Obi-Wan had a point. Ahsoka told them that Dooku commissioned the Clone army because he was ordered to by the Sith Lord. The bio-chips were supposed to compel all the clones to kill their Jedi leaders. It was clear after Palpatine's fight with Ahsoka and Rex that he was a Sith. Only a Sith could use Force-lightning. However, after meeting Jinn, Anakin knew that not all Sith were completely evil. Jinn was a good ally before he lost his mind. Anakin wondered if Dooku was behind the bio-chips instead of Palpatine.

He then looked up and said, "Palpatine told me that Dooku was the one leading the Separatists. I'm going to find Dooku and make him tell me the truth."

Obi-Wan watched as Anakin headed towards the door. He ran after him before he could leave. He grabbed his arm and said, "Wait. I know you don't want to believe that Palpatine is evil, but this is foolish. Regardless if he is the one behind the Separatists or not, he is a Sith and his goal isn't peace, it's power."

"Well, maybe seizing power isn't such a bad thing after all. It isn't like the Senate or the High Council are trying to end the war. Do me a favor, look after Ashoka and Rex till, I get back."

"Anakin, wait!"

However, the Jedi Knight didn't stop, and he left the room.

XXX

Later that night, Obi-Wan was awoken to an unexpected visit to his door at the Jedi Temple. He was only wearing his brown under robe and pants when he answered the door chime. He was surprised to see Padawan Barriss Offee. She looked a little taken back by Obi-Wan state of undress. Consciously, Obi-Wan pulled his brown under robe tighter around his body and crossed his arms over his chest as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He squinted against the light in the hall.

"Padawan Offee, what's wrong?"

She bashfully folded her hands in front of her and said, "Oh, nothing is wrong."

Obi-Wan raised his brow and said, "At this hour, I don't believe you. Please, come in."

Barriss cautiously stepped inside the room. She watched as Obi-Wan walked over to his kitchen and started to boil a kettle of tea. She had never seen Master Obi-Wan so casual before. His hair was a mess and he was barefoot. It was unnerving.

He abruptly turned to her and said, "I'm making tea. Would you like some?"

Barriss tentatively stepped closer towards him and said, "No, thank you."

"Suit yourself, Padawan. Now, please have a seat."

The green beauty did as Obi-Wan instructed and took a sit at the kitchen counter. She watched as Obi-Wan pulled out a tea infuser and started filling it with tea leaves from a tin. He then placed the tea infuser into a plain white tea pot. He then turned to join her and waited for his kettle to boil.

For a moment, Barriss was flustered being in Obi-Wan's presence. She hadn't visited him before, and they weren't close friends like she and Ahsoka were. However, Obi-Wan was a Jedi Master of influence. He was also Ahsoka's grand master and she seemed to have a good relationship with him.

"Master Kenobi, forgive me for intruding your rest."

Obi-Wan waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's quite alright, Barriss. You're not the only one who sometimes suffers from sleepless nights. However, I am curious as to why you came to me and not Master Luminara."

"I wanted to ask you something. Something I'm sure you know more about than Master Luminara."

Absently, Obi-Wan said, "Oh?"

Barriss nervously said, "Do you know someone named Master Jinn?"

That got Obi-Wan's attention. He straightened up in his chair and said, "I take it you're not referring to my former-master, Master Qui-Gon Jinn?"

She shook her head and said, "No, it's someone else. Ahsoka mentioned him. I didn't give it much thought at the time, until I overheard Master Windu say that Master Jinn's clones are missing."

Obi-Wan rubbed his beard. He knew that Jinn had disappeared because of his personal problems involving his relationship with Ventress, but he didn't know that the medic team was missing. Obi-Wan didn't mention Jinn's disappearance during his High Council meeting so not to alarm the others of his darker nature. Since Jinn wasn't a Jedi. Obi-Wan felt that it didn't concern the High Council what Jinn did privately.

In truth, Obi-Wan was hoping he could find Jinn and talk him about joining them. He learned from Satine that Jinn had reconciled his differences with Ventress. However, he hadn't heard from him in a while and was beginning to worry. Obi-Wan felt a strange sense of obligation towards his alternate son.

"Yes, I know Master Jinn. He's a Jedi advisor."

Barriss frowned and said, "That's strange. I thought all Jedi Masters were granted the rank of general."

Obi-Wan said, "That's because Master Jinn is not a member of the Order."

Barriss said, "I-I don't understand."

The kettle began to whistle. It started Barriss. Obi-Wan got up and shut off the heat. He began to pour the hot water into the teapot over the infuser. Meanwhile, Barriss was alone with her thoughts. She had tried to contact Ahsoka earlier in the day to inform her of the Jedi members who were willing to join her New Order, but she was unable to reach her. Barriss then learned that Ahsoka was on the run and labeled a traitor to the Republic for attempting to assassinate the Chancellor. Barriss had a hard time believing that her friend was capable of such a thing. Especially, when she just spoke to her hours before.

Though, Barriss couldn't tell anyone that she spoke to Ahsoka. She would be labeled a co-conspirator and be interrogated. Instead, she tried to find out who this Master Jinn was. She tried looking through the Archives but couldn't find anything. It was only by chance that she overheard Master Windu's conversation with Master Yoda in the hall that lead her to believe that he had any involvement with the Temple. She came to Master Obi-Wan because she believed he had only Ahsoka's well-being at heart and Master Anakin was nowhere to be found.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Obi-Wan returned to the table and placed two hot cups of tea down. He placed one of the cups in front of her. The scent was flowery and pleasant. Wisps of steam rose from the rim.

"I have a feeling you could use a cup."

"Yes, thank you."

Barriss leaned forward and placed her hands around the cup and let the heat warm her hands. She stared at the surface of the tea to collect her thoughts.

"Master Kenobi, can you please explain how Master Jinn came to be at the Temple but not a member of the Order?"

Obi-Wan replied, "I'm afraid that's rather complicated, Barriss. Though, the short answer is the fact that he was never a member of the Order to begin with. That's why he signed on officially as a Jedi advisor. Now, if you don't mind me asking, what is your interest in inquiring about Master Jinn?"

"I don't know for sure, but I believe Ahsoka's assassination attempt on the Chancellor and Master Jinn are connected."

Obi-Wan carefully sipped his tea and said, "Can you tell me why you think the incident with the Chancellor and Master Jinn are connected?"

Barriss decided to come clean. She took a deep breath and met his gaze and said, "I spoke to Ahsoka earlier today. She mentioned her friend, Master Jinn. It was before the incident with the Chancellor."

"What did the two of you talk about?"

Barriss squared her shoulders and pressed her hands together in her lap. Obi-Wan read her body language and knew she was nervous. He could understand given the circumstances. Though, her coming to see him because of Ahsoka had assured him that she was a good friend. He decided to encourage her.

"It's alright, Barriss. I know you are Ahsoka's friend. She's my friend too. I know you want to help her, and I want to help her too."

The green beauty eased some of the tension on her shoulders. She met his gaze and said, "Ahsoka and I have been exchanging messages about the peace movement. She asked me to meet her. I told her about the peace movement's concerns that the High Council is unwilling to listen to our desire for peace. Ahsoka said she has a plan. She said we could start a New Order, one that doesn't answer to the High Council or the Senate. One where Jedi can truly be guardians of the galaxy. She said her friend, Master Jinn gave her the idea for her plan. I was supposed to contact her earlier this evening about how many Jedi members were willing to join her. She said she would transport them tonight."

Obi-Wan was flabbergasted. He knew that Ahsoka was behind the peace movement and was organizing it with Padme, but he had no idea that she recruited Jedi supporters as well. However, Obi-Wan wasn't too surprised that Jinn was behind the idea of creating a New Order. It had the unconventional Jedi's fingerprints all over it. He reached up and rubbed his face in exasperation. He didn't know who would kill him first, Anakin or Jinn.

He could only imagine the looks on the other High Council members' faces if they learned of Ahsoka's plan to start a New Order. However, it would undermine the Senate's control of the Jedi. Yet, the Jedi were already spread too thin across the galaxy in the GAR ranks. It was why they allowed Padawns out into the field to begin with. However, cutting off the Jedi leaders wouldn't necessarily stop the war. If anything, it would weaken the Republic.

Obi-Wan turned to Barriss and said, "Did Ahsoka say where she was planning to transport the New Order supporters?"

Barriss replied, "No, I was hoping you would know."

Obi-Wan said, "I'm afraid I don't. However, I think I know someone who might."

He then got up and went to his room and picked up his wrist comm. He entered his code and dialed a familiar number. Barriss was curious and got up to see who it was Obi-Wan was calling. To her surprise, she saw a holo-image of a clone. It was just of his face, but he looked tired.

"Commander Cody, here."

"Cody, I'm sorry if I woke you."

"No need to apologize, General. I was working on some last-minute reports."

"I see you're burning the midnight oil."

"Yes, General. Is there something I can do for you?"

"Yes, have you been in contact with Captain Rex? Do you know where he is?"

"Rex hasn't reported in for some time now, General. Maybe General Skywalker can help you reach him."

Obi-Wan narrowed his brow and said, "Normally, I would ask Anakin, but he recently went on another assignment. I was hoping Rex might have contacted you unofficially."

Cody sighed and shook his head and said, "Sorry, General. I haven't heard from Rex in some time. However, unofficially I've been in contact with Fives."

"Fives? Where is he?"

Cody said, "Here, I'll give you the coordinates."

"Thank you, Cody."

"You're welcome, General."

Obi-Wan turned to Barriss and said, "It appears we have a lead to Master Jinn's whereabouts."

The Jedi Master then started putting on the rest of his outer robes. He wrapped the layers around his body and startled putting them on. He quickly put on his boots and belt around his waist. Meanwhile, Barriss diverted her gaze. He wasn't indecent, but it was still awkward. Her master was a woman and she wasn't used to being in the company of men.

With her back turned towards him, she said, "Master Kenobi, who is Fives? How does knowing where Fives is going to help us find Master Jinn?"

"Fives is Master Jinn's clone assistant. If we can find Fives, then we can find Jinn."

XXX

When Obi-Wan exited his apartment, he was greeted with the sight of several Jedi waiting in the hall. There was at least a dozen of them, and most were younglings. He was surprised to see that Jedi Master Quinlan Vos was among them. He smiled when he saw Obi-Wan's stunned expression.

"Hey, Kenobi. I didn't take you for the sort to go against the Order."

"I beg your pardon. I have no idea what you're talking about. Why are you here? And more importantly, why are all these younglings here?"

Barriss stepped out of the apartment after him and said, "I can explain that Master Kenobi. These are the Jedi supporters of the peace movement who are willing to join the New Order that Ahsoka spoke of. I sent them a message to meet us here. If you are going to find this Master Jinn, then we'd like to join you."

Obi-Wan pinched the bridge of his nose. He couldn't believe it. He had just learned of the depths of Ahsoka's involvement with the peace movement. He had no idea her plans involved the Temple as well. He didn't know there were this many Jedi against the judgement of the High Council that they would be willing to branch off and start a New Order. It was unsettling.

"I don't know if taking this many people with us is such a good, Barriss. Many of your members are younglings with Masters of their own. I'm sure they will be worried to find their Padawans missing."

Barriss straightened up and said, "I've spoken to the members here already and we agree that we can no longer obey an Order that ignores the suffering the people. The High Council may not see it, but Darkness has taken control of the Order."

Obi-Wan said, "I can understand your feelings, Barriss. Being young and idealistic is normal for a Padawan, but what's your opinion Vos?"

He replied, "You know me, Kenobi. I've never been one to follow the rules. I want to see for myself just what this New Order is all about."

Obi-Wan sighed and said, "Fine. If you're all in agreement, I suppose we'd better be on our way."

XXX

"So, how long does he need to stay in there?" asked Fives.

The ARC trooper stared at the medical vat. It was filled with a weird green liquid. Inside, Darth Maul floated. He was naked and hooked up to a breathing tube that masked his face. He had medical sensors connected to his head and chest. His lower mechanical half had been removed and below his stump grew long red tendrils around his exposed guts. It was a horrific sight.

Jinn replied, "Oh, about week should do it. The equipment is rather slow."

Fives was stunned and said, "Slow? What you're doing is a freking miracle. I never heard of anyone growing their missing parts back. Say, think you can do that for clones?"

Jinn said, "Perhaps, but the more pressing issue is the cure. How is Slick and his men settling in?"

Fives sighed and said, "Fine, I guess. Slick has trust issues, but he's all on board with helping to distribute the cure. With his holo-vid connections, we can spread the word about safe zones to administer the cure. It's mostly shore leave areas for clones like 79's. The clones who take the cure can excuse their symptoms as a bad hangover to their superiors."

"Excellent work, Fives. After Maul is done regenerating and back on his feet, we will begin our attack on the Sith. In the meantime, I will continue to train Bridger."

Fives smiled at the compliment and said, "Sure, how's the kid doing?"

Jinn said, "He's doing well. He's learning fast. Though, I was wonder if you knew where I can get my hands on a piece of beskar."

Fives raised his brow and said, "Beskar is expensive. You could probably get it on Mandalore. I got my Mandalorian armor from one of the bounty hunting jobs I took on with Ventress. Why do you want it? Are you looking into getting a suit of armor for yourself?"

The amber Jedi said, "No, I'm afraid armor isn't really my style. The beskar is for Bridger. I want to teach him to forge a sword made from beskar. It's the closest material to what my sword is made of."

Fives was impressed. He knew Jinn's sword was special, but he didn't know it was equal to beskar. It was no wonder it could go up against a lightsaber and blaster fire. It was one of the strongest metals in the galaxy. He frowned and said, "Don't you need special tools to forge beskar?"

Jinn smiled mischievously and said, "Don't worry. I've got that covered. I'll probably need to pay Death Watch a visit for the beskar. Now, if you'll excuse me, Fives I have plans this evening."

The ARC trooper smiled and said, "Sure, tell her I said hello."

XXX

The suns were slowing beginning to set when Jinn arrived in the forest. However, the trees were already growing dark. His eyes shone in the half light and reflected the flames from the bonfire Ventress had made in a small clearing.

"Hello, darling. Sorry to keep you waiting."

Ventress turned around to face him and said, "You had me worried there. I was starting to think you'd gotten cold feet."

Jinn approached her and said, "Never, darling. I was just catching up with Fives after I put Maul in the tank. Now, are you sure you want to do this? It's alright if you change your mind. Whatever decision you make, I'll accept it."

She said, "Yes, I'm sure. Now, let's get it over with."

Jinn gentle took a step back and held both of their hands between them. He gazed into her icy blue eyes and studied her beautiful fair features and short snowy white hair. As the suns were setting, the world was suddenly bathed in soft oranges and pinks.

He glanced down at their joined hands for a moment. His heart was hammering inside his chest, but out of fear, but excitement for what was about to happen. He lifted his head to meet her gaze and with a deep breath said, "I, Jinn Kenobi pledge my heart, my life and my sword to you, Asajj Ventress. I promise to be your husband and to honor and cherish you for as long as I have breath in my body and fire in my soul from this day to my last."

Ventress began to shake with emotion and squeezed Jinn's hands. Nobody wanted her like he did. For as long as she could remember, she had no one, but herself. Her mother had given her up. Her former master had died. Even the Nightsisters care about her as deeply as he did. Jinn was kinder to her then any man she had ever met. He shared his knowledge and his feelings with her freely. Yet, most of all, Jinn was willing to put her first in his heart. She knew he meant every word in his vows.

"I, Asajj Ventress pledge my heart, my life and my lightsaber to you, Jinn Kenobi. I promise to be your wife and to honor and cherish you for as long as I live."

"My Asajj."

Jinn closed the distance between them gave her a kiss. She eagerly returned it and wrapped her arms around his neck. It wasn't long before the suns had finished setting. The sky was dark, but it was lit with countless twinkling stars. Jinn held Asajj close before pulling away to lay a blanket down on the ground. He sat down and offered her his hand. Asajj took it and sat beside him. However, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her along with him to lay down.

"Jinn!"

He laughed and said, "So, how does it feel to be the new Mrs. Kenobi?"

She turned her head to face him and caught his amber eyes staring into hers. She reached up to brush his hair away from his face and said, "Good. I didn't think I was the type of woman to get married."

"Well, I'm a lucky man to have you, darling."

"I thought Jedi don't believe in luck."

"You're right. Jedi don't believe in luck. They believe in the will of the Force, but I've got something better. I have you."

She smiled and said, "That's awfully possessive of you, darling."

He smiled back at her and flirtatiously said, "Didn't you know? I am possessive. Though, I've been thinking."

"Don't strain yourself."

He gave her an irritated look and carried on. "As I was saying, I've been thinking of a name for our little one. I was thinking of naming her Freya Kenobi. I'd like her to one day grow up and become a great warrior. I want her to be strong and beautiful like her mother."

Asajj suddenly got up and turned away from him. She had no idea Jinn would say something like that. She felt overwhelmed. She had no idea he was thinking so far ahead that he had already chosen a name for their child.

Jinn got up and approached her and said, "Asajj, what's wrong?"

She turned to face him with tears in her eyes. He pulled her into his arms. He gently rubbed her back as she buried her face into his robes. Jinn sent her soothing waves through the Force that helped her calm down. Her emotions were everywhere lately.

She then pulled away and said, "I'm fine. I just didn't think you'd want a daughter. I figured you'd want a son. You know, for male chauvinism."

Jinn said, "I only chose the name Freya because I have a feeling that we will have a daughter. If we have a son then you can name him."

Asajj lowered her gaze in thought and said, "Hm, how did you get your name anyway?"

Jinn replied, "I was named after my father's former master, Master Qui-Gon Jinn. However, my mother didn't like the name Qui-Gon. They compromised and named me Jinn."

She said, "My former master's name was Ky Narec. I think if we have a son then I'd like to name him after my master."

"If that's what you want, darling then we'll do as you wish. Now, let's head on back. I have a special night planned for us this evening."

XXX

When Ahsoka and Rex finally arrived on Endor, she was relieved they made it back in one piece. Trace's ship was barely operational. The parts she used to put it together weren't the greatest. She and Rex had to put their heads together just to get back into hyper-drive.

They had a rough landing and had to walk a few kilometers back to the base. Ahsoka figured they could still salvage the ship with the help of the troops. Though, the men were happy to see that she and Rex had returned. They gathered around to greet them.

Fives greeted them with a nod out of respect and said, "Welcome back, Captain, Commander. Looks like you managed to pick up two new strays."

Rafa stepped forward with a hand on her hip and said, "Hey, who are you calling a stray?"

Fives smiled and said, "Oh, looks like this one's a spitfire."

She pointed to her chest with her thumb and said, "Listen, buddy the name is Rafa and this here is my sister Trace."

Trace looked around and noticed that the base Ashla and Jaig brought them to only had men. They were all clones. They all had white armor except for the one Rafa was talking to. And they all looked like Jaig. That meant Jaig was a clone. Trace had never seen a clone out of their white armor before. Trace immediately grabbed onto Rafa's arm and started to pull her away.

"Rafa, he's a clone. They're all clones."

Rafa looked around and noticed Trace was right. That meant Ashla and Jaig weren't who they were pretending to be. She knew that the GAR didn't need a ship like Trace's. They had tons of ships which meant that this whole job wasn't legal. Rafa had no problem doing work that wasn't legal. All she cared about was Trace and getting paid.

She turned back to face Fives and said, "I want to speak to whoever is in charge of this place. I still need to get paid."

"Ahsoka! Rex! Welcome back," said Jinn.

The amber Jedi approached his friends and greeted them warmly with a hug for Ahsoka and a handshake for Rex.

Fives grinned and turned to Rafa and said, "If you want the person in charge then that would be him."

Rafa raised her brow. She didn't expect a Jedi to be in charge of a shady operation. Though, it did make sense that he had so many clones around. She marched up to him and said, "Hey, are you the one in charge here?"

Jinn turned to her and to her surprise, he took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Oh, I wasn't aware we had unexpected guests. Please, let me introduce myself. My name is Master Jinn Kenobi, and this is my lovely wife, Asajj Ventress. Who might you be, my dear?"

Rafa wasn't sure how to respond to the flirty and formal Jedi. She was used to dealing with Coruscant criminals. She was expecting threats, not pleasantries. The only thing she knew about the Jedi was that they didn't care about normal people like her and Trace.

Rafa pulled back her hand and said, "I'm Rafa Martez and this is my sister, Trace. Ashla and Jaig hired us to transport them and to do a supply transport job. Our ship got wrecked getting here. It was a rush job and I think it's only fair that we get compensated."

Trace nervously leaned against her sister and said, "Rafa, don't."

Rafa brushed her off and said, "I got this, Trace."

Jinn stroked his beard and turned to Ahsoka and said, "Miss Tano, what do you think?"

Ahsoka crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Oh, I think we can work something out."

"Alright then, I'll leave them in your capable hands, Miss Tano."

She smiled and said, "Great, then I've got a new assignment for you, Fives."

The ARC trooper groaned and said, "I've got a bad feeling I'm not going to like this new assignment."

She patted his shoulder and said, "Take the Martez sisters under your wing. I want them to be a part of the transport operation. Get some of the men and have them repair the Martez sisters' ship."

Fives sighed and said, "Yes, Commander."

"In the meantime, I need you and the others for a debriefing. I need to tell you about how our mission on Coruscant went."

XXX

TBC

XXX

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