A/N: Not completely necessary but I would recommend watching Clone Wars S3 E10 for a backstory to what's going on with Ahsoka. If you have more time then might I recommend the Onderon arc from season 5? FYI, I'm a huge clone wars fan so there's a lot of influences from there. I do pull from the movies and I'll be pulling more from legends material as we go on.

Chapter 5

Senate Hall on Coruscant

The Senate Hall wasn't the most structurally marvelous building or even the tallest on Coruscant. It's most noticeable feature being the distinguishing large dome ceiling that the citizens instantly recognized. Its impressiveness came more from the people inside. Having withstood for thousands of years, it has the difficult task of keeping the different planets from engaging in a war inside its walls. Everyone had their own agenda and everyone's agenda was the most important. That was part of the problem. As the Republic grew its ability to adequately address different planet's needs decreased. It was being crushed by its own expansive glory and that caused corruption to grow rampantly. Getting rid of one corrupt politician, even if it was the Supreme Chancellor, would not fix this problem overnight. The Senate has many hard years ahead of them to undo the damage done and pave a new, more noble path.

Obi-Wan never liked politicians and their silver tongues. He did everything he could to avoid getting involved in their petty power games. Ahsoka had a much more balanced view. She's met a few decent ones, including one of her best friends, Padmé Amidala. Padmé was honorable and brave as any solider or Jedi. She fought for the causes she believed in and rarely compromised her values. Ahsoka learned a lot through her friendship with Padmé. For the longest time, she had a more narrowed view of the Separatists before Padmé opened Ahsoka's mind. She showed her that heroes did exist on both sides of the war when they went to Raxus and met the Separatist Senator Mina Bonteri and her son Lux Bonteri. She was shocked to find out there were people on both sides of the conflict attempting to peacefully end the war. Padmé passion for diplomacy was infectious to Ahsoka. This was in stark contrast to her Master, Padmé's husband, who preferred to act first and think later. It was one way, Ahsoka noted, Padmé and Anakin were different.

Ahsoka let out a frustrated grunt placing her hands on her hips staring at the massive steps that led up to the Senate Hall. Security was always tight here, and with her previous connections to the Senate Hall gone, so was her access in. She bit her lip, thinking about how she was going to gain access. Should she sneak in or use a Jedi mind trick? No, that probably wouldn't look good for her in the long run. Her thoughts broke as she heard her name shouted.

"Ahsoka. Ahsoka!" A voice called from behind her.

She spun around. The voice was very familiar. She locked eyes with a dashing young man running towards her. His short, brown hair was sleeked to the side and his charming blue eyes glistened as he meets hers.

"Lux?! Lux Bonteri? Is that you?" She flashed a huge smile. "What are you doing here?"

Lux did a little jog to catch up to her and threw his arms out. "I could say the same about you!" He gave her a tight hug.

She laughed as she returned the hug. She couldn't remember how long it's been since they last saw each other. As they embraced, she noticed his natural musk as well as a new scent. He wore a strong cologne now but she didn't seem to mind.

Ahsoka was the first to pull away. "I don't understand. I thought you were a part of the Confederacy of Independent Systems Senate?"

Lux straightened his senatorial robes and brushed his hair back into place. "Well, after the Republic….reorganized. Onderon discussed possibly rejoining, especially, after the Jedi," he winked at her, "particularly you, had helped us regain our planet back from the Separatists. They were more open to the idea."

Lux was always a little flirty with her. She unconsciously responded to him as she batted her eyes, "Why do I get the sense that you played a large part in that persuasion?"

He did a spin for her and strike a pose in his senatorial robes, "That's why they elected me Senator! How do I look?"

Ahsoka's eyes lingered on him a little longer than necessary before settling on his handsome blue eyes.

She complimented him, "The senator role looks good on you." Her voice cracked a bit as a blush crept on her face.

Lux gave her a sly smirk and quickly added. "We normally don't see Jedi around the Senate Hall anymore."

"Oh…you might not have heard. I'm not a Jedi anymore." She looked away uncomfortably.

Lux didn't break his gaze on her, "I know."

She was startled and the blush across her cheeks deepen. "Um, I'm actually here looking for Chancellor Organa."

"Oh, yes! I believe he should be in his office. Come. I'll escort you there." He held a bent arm for her.

She smiled and put her arms behind her back declining politely. "Lead the way!"

Senator Bonteri didn't break a step as he walked Ahsoka into the Senate Hall and to the Chancellor's office. They took the time to catch up and chatted about what had happened in each of their lives and how crazy things are now. Ahsoka found it easy to talk to Lux as if nothing had happened since she last saw him on Onderon. It felt like old times.

Senator Bonteri gave her a respectable bow at the Chancellor's door and planted a kiss on her hand. "I will leave you two to talk in private. I do hope I see you again, Ahsoka." His voice was deep and husky.

Ahsoka swallowed hard, not sure why her knees felt so weak. "Hopefully, our paths will cross again as it has in the past." Her eyes followed Lux as he turned the corner and entertained a fleeting thought before shaking it off.

Ahsoka pressed the call button on the Chancellor's door. On the screen above it flashed an image of a lanky, very bored appearing male humanoid. The secretary to the Chancellor. In a disinterested voice, "can I help you?"

"Yes, My name is Ahsoka Tano and I would like to speak to Chancellor Organa?"

"Hrmmmmm," He said a little longer than necessary. "I don't see you on his schedule. Does he know you are coming?"

"No, but if you let him know I'm here I'm sure he will see me," Ahsoka quipped.

The secretary let out another exaggerated noise, "Hrrrrrrmmmmm". Ahsoka fought hard to suppress an eye roll. "Wait one moment, please." His image disappeared from the screen.

She stood there watching the people pass for what felt like the longest several minutes of her life. Right when she was about to press the button again, his image reappeared on the screen, "The Chancellor will see you in a couple minutes. Please wait."

She was thrilled! Hopefully, that meant that Chancellor Organa remembered her. She had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions when he was still a Senator. In the past, her interactions with him usually involved Padmé but she hoped she had made an impression with him. Enough for him to be willing to help her. Bail Organa was a known Jedi sympathizer and, thankfully, still believed in the Jedi even when the Republic didn't.

The doors slide open with a whoosh. Several senators walked out of his office talking amongst themselves. The humanoid secretary appeared to her in the flesh. For some reason, she was surprised he was a real person.

"The Chancellor will see you now," He ushered her in a still very unamused with the whole situation tone.

Chancellor Organa had significantly changed the decor of the office from his predecessor. It was filled with living plants and several flowers in bloom. There was a small water fountain trickling calmly near his desk. It reminded Ahsoka of Alderaan.

The Chancellor got up from his desk, greeted her, and motioned for her to take a seat.

"Ahsoka, welcome. So wonderful to see you. Come, sit down."

She smiled and lowered herself into the seat he offered her.

"You were Anakin's padawan, correct? I remember you've helped Padmé a number of times. She always spoke very highly of you." Chancellor Organa stated more to remind himself of who Ahsoka was.

Oh good. He does remember me! Ahsoka smiled, "Thank you, but I've come here with some urgent issues…" She had wasted too much time already and Maul had a significant lead by now.

Chancellor Organa retook his seat behind the desk understanding the need to cut to the chase. "I trust you are here because of the Republic Military Prison breakout?"

He caught her surprised look and leaned forward on his desk, "You were the one to apprehend him, weren't you?"

"Yes, with the help of the 501st," Ahsoka replied.

"Ah, yes. So I take it you have a personal interest in getting him back?" He stated.

"Chancellor Organa. He is an extremely dangerous man. The longer he's out there the more damage he'll do." The urgency coming through in her voice.

"My dear, I don't doubt you for a second." He put his hands together with his elbows on the desk.

"In the past, I would have reached out to the Jedi council for assistance but now….with the way things are with the Senate. It would be highly frowned upon if I was seen speaking to a Jedi about this matter." He replied, honestly.

"Lucky for you, I am no Jedi." Ahsoka retorted.

He eyed her for a moment. "No, I suppose you are not but not everyone will share your view. I don't mean to doubt you, my dear, but you will not have the clone army's aid this time. Do you think you can detain him on your own?"

Ahsoka frowned slightly hurt by his lack of trust in her. "Chancellor, I apprehended Maul on Mandalore. I assure you I can do that again and Obi Wan will be…."

"Obi Wan?" His eyes lit up and Ahsoka instantly regretted bringing up his name.

"Obi Wan is here on Coruscant?" Chancellor Organa grinned, looking out the window. He had consulted Obi Wan during the transition of power and through the Senatorial debates on what to do with the Jedi. He respected the man's views and was touched by how passionate Obi Wan was about the Jedi even though he left the Order.

"Well, if the two of you are pursuing him then you might have a chance." He stated with hope. His mood shifted, turning back around, he frowned. "I still can't offer you aid directly though."

Ahsoka was used to being underestimated. She was very good at surprising people with her capabilities. "I understand, Chancellor. Just point me in the right direction and I'll find my way around."

Chancellor Organa rose from his seat and Ahsoka with him. They walked to the door together as he whispered in her ear. "Go to the entertainment district of sector 4141 by the Blue Milk Cafe at 8pm tonight. Someone you know will meet you there."

As the doors opened, Chancellor Organa loudly proclaimed, "It was good to see you again, Ahsoka. Send Padmé and Anakin my well wishes!"

Ahsoka bowed, "I'll be sure to let them know." She mouthed a thank you and Chancellor Organa winked back.

Security Forces Training Facility on Theed, Naboo

On the outskirts of the city were several smaller, simple rectangular buildings with only a few windows, that sat high up on the building. A central courtyard stood within it designed for cadets to do their drills. It lacked the grandeur of the usual structures within Theed. It was more functional and meant to be discreet to steer away from any prying eyes.

Captain Panaka waited outside the gate and waved as Anakin approached, "Welcome! I trust your move to Theed went well?"

Anakin greeted Captain Panaka, "It went very smoothly, thank you. However, our accommodations are much too generous."

The Queen had set them up with a house in the political district where many other advisors and high ranking officials lived. With many essential officials residing in the area, it was vital to maintain security and holocams covered every corner. It seems Anakin was destined to always be surrounded by politicians. Their house was an expansive two story home with a large backyard for the children to play, a separate outdoor area for him to train, and a beautiful fountain in the front to welcome visitors. It wasn't the most substantial home in the area but it wasn't the smallest.

"Nonsense! You'll need the space as your children grow up. Trust me." Captain Panaka chuckled. "We like to take care of our own. It is the Naboo tradition. So stop being so humble! Now, come with me. We can't have you late on your first day." He put an arm around Anakin's shoulder as he leads him in.

Captain Panaka pointed to the various sections as they walked, "Our training facilities are small. We hold a minimal force here on Naboo."

"How many do you have?" Anakin followed next to him with his arms behind his back, keeping pace.

"1000…"

Anakin raised an eyebrow, "1000 cadets, right?"

Captain Panaka stopped and stated flatly. "No. 1000 total."

"That's it?! For all of Naboo your entire forces are only 1000 people?" Anakin replied, appalled.

"Yes, when I told you we had a small force, I wasn't kidding. In the past, we have relied heavily on the Republic to provide us with military assistance." Captain Panaka stated, amused.

Anakin grimaced at the thought. He was a self reliant person and the idea of running to the Republic for help didn't bode well with him.

Captain Panaka noted his displeasure, "I have asked previous Queens to extend and enhance our forces and been denied. Perhaps you can persuade the Queen." He paused and carefully added, "especially with Advisor Amidala's help?"

Anakin caught on to Captain Panaka implication, "For some reason, I'm getting the sense that's the reason you wanted me to take over your position versus a Nubian officer?"

Captain Panaka shrugged it off, "The Royal Naboo Security Force is under your jurisdiction now. It is for you to mold as you see fit. If you prefer to keep things the way they are, so be it. It's worked for us so far." He continued walking.

Anakin frowned. Coming out of the Clone Wars, he had worked with highly trained and very efficient forces. It would be a difficult transition to this but a part of him didn't want to change the status quo. Naboo isn't at war and he didn't want to shape the security force into a small scale version of the Grand Army of the Republic. Would he be ok with how inefficient things are done on Naboo? Would he be able to defend the planet with the forces as they are? There's a thin line he has to tread.

They continued touring the rest of the facility in quiet, stopping when they came across the shooting range. Several cadets were practicing their aim.

Cadet 1 nudged Cadet 2 in the shoulder, "Hey. Look over there. That's the new Captain!"

Cadet 2 stole a look and quietly replied, "Wait…isn't that Anakin Skywalker? The Hero of the Republic? Captain Skywalker is the Skywalker?!"

Cadet 1 beamed, "You forgot the Hero with no Fear! Check out his lightsaber. He really is a Jedi!"

Cadet 3 snorted as he butted into their conversation, "Former Jedi. Besides, he probably couldn't shoot with a blaster if his life depended on it."

Cadet 1 retorted, "Hey! Show some respect! Oh shoot, they're coming over."

Anakin didn't need to use the Force to overhear them talking. He rolled his eyes to himself. It reminded him of when he first leads his clone soldiers into battle. They were apprehensive about following a young looking, newly minted Jedi Knight. He soon gained their trust and loyalty by leading by example. Guess it's time to do that here on Naboo.

"Captain Panaka, excuse me for a moment." He walked over to the cadets who quickly saluted him, sweat running down their temples.

Anakin cleared his throat, "You there." He pointed to cadet 3. "Can I see your blaster for a moment?"

The other two cadets shot cadet 3 a knowing look. That's what you get for trashing the Captain! " Ummm. Of…of course sir."

Anakin took the blaster and examined it, nodding, "Not bad. You take good care of your blaster."

He pointed the blaster down the shooting range, aimed, and shot 3 times. The cadets whipped their heads around. Three shots fired and only 1 hole right in the middle of the target. Bullseye! The cadets' jaws all dropped in unison.

Anakin admired the blaster once more before handing it back to Cadet 3. "The trigger is a little loose. You might want to tighten it up. You wouldn't want it to go off on you accidentally."

Cadet 3, still stunned, took the gun back then smiled broadly, "Yes, sir! Will do!"

Anakin folded his hands behind his back, "Good job, cadets! Carry on."

All three of them said in unison, "Sir, yes sir!"

Anakin gave Captain Panaka a smirk and a shrug as he returned to his side, "Anakin, I think you're going to fit in here just fine." He put his hand on Anakin's shoulder, "Come, let me show you where the….."

The two turned around hearing Captain Panaka's name called. Running towards them was a tall, broad shoulder young man with deep black buzzcut hair and intense brown eyes.

"Captain Panaka, sir. I know you are retiring but have you had a chance to think about my proposal?"

Captain Panaka groaned. He was hoping he wouldn't have to deal with this today. "I told you before. Not everyone wants to train in aquatic combat. We have a team dedicated to that!"

"But sir, shouldn't everyone be trained at least in the basics? What if there isn't time for us to pull in the Aquatic special forces. It could save their lives!"

Anakin smirked, impressed with this guy's gusto and thoughtfulness. "Hey kid. What's your name?"

For the first time, he noticed who Captain Panaka was standing with. "Oh! I'm sorry, sir. Captain Skywalker! My name is Retep, a lieutenant commander. Sir!" He saluted him. "Forgive me for not noticing you there. I was just focused on…"

"Including aquatic training to the cadets. I think that's a good idea. What else were you thinking of?" Anakin inquired.

"Well.." He stole a quick glance at Captain Panaka. "We don't do drills very often. Hardly ever. Maybe a couple times a year. Even though we're a peaceful planet, I think as the main defense of Naboo we should be better prepared." He fidgeted with his fingers nervously.

"Well, Retep. I like the way you think. Do you think you can get these cadets into shape?"

"Sir?" He had a blanked look on his face.

"I'm going to need a right hand man if I'm going to get this Security Force up to shape. I can't do this on my own. What do you say? Would you be my commander?" Anakin crossed his arms and flashed his half smirk.

Retep nervously looked between Captain Panaka and Captain Skywalker.

Captain Panaka shrugged and grinned, "Captain Skywalker is in charge now. Whatever he says goes."

Anakin replied, "So kid, are you going to take your shot?"

Retep grinned ear to ear and saluted him, "Yes, sir! You won't regret this. I promise you!"

Anakin saluted him back, "How about we discuss your ideas at a later time?"

"Yes, sir! Captain Skywalker, sir!" Retep ran off to tell everyone the good news.

Captain Panaka chuckled, "He's got a lot of spunk. He's a good kid. Sharp and passionate. He'll need some work. He's a little rough around the edges."

Anakin laughed, "I think I can handle him."

A/N: To clarify Captain Panaka is talking about the planetary security forces and Queen's guards. Each city has their own local police and regulations that Anakin will not have a direct role in.

While you're watching the clone wars episodes, related to this chapter, on Disney+ maybe go watch Hamilton too? *wink* I don't work for Disney. They don't pay me anything. They just take my money.