Three Days Later

The cruiser came out of hyperspace on schedule at the last stop over point needed to make the course correction that would take it back to Coruscant. It was the last necessary delay and Anakin arrived on the bridge to join Obi-Wan, Ahsoka dogging his heels imploringly.

"But Master-"

"No, Snips," he told her, exasperated. "Just because you stood up to Dooku beside us in battle, doesn't mean you can question him."

"Are you still after him about that, young one?" Obi-Wan's tolerant smile was accompanied by a shake of his head. Ahsoka had been pestering Anakin for permission to interrogate Dooku for days. "She truly does take after you, Anakin."

"Nice." Anakin narrowed his eyes at his old mentor before turning back to his Padawan. "Dooku's in isolation for a reason, not for our amusement."

"But if we question him we might be able to find Grievous' location." Her own exasperation was palpable. "Just five minutes; I promise I won't break him!"

"The council has instructed that he's to be left alone, Ahsoka," Anakin informed her sternly, using her name to drive home the point. "And I, for once, agree with them. We did our job; we caught him and we're bringing him back to Coruscant. That should be enough for you."

"You weren't even going to bring me along," she retorted. "Again."

"I know you well enough to know you would follow me; again."

"If you weren't so overprotective-" she snapped her lips shut when Anakin shot her a look.

"Sir?"

"What is it, Rex?"

"A report of a vessel, sir-"

"Captain! There's a contingent of Separatist ships that just dropped out a hyperspace and are headed this way!"

"Ambush! Battle stations!" The claxons began to sound and Anakin turned, running from the bridge. "Scramble the fighters; Ahsoka, get to your squadron."

"I'm on it!"

Obi-Wan was near Anakin, almost pacing him as they raced for the fighter bay. "This is likely a plot to free Dooku, Anakin. You could be flying into a trap."

"If that's a jab about how my own capture cost us Grievous on Naboo last year, trust me when I say that's not going to happen this time."

"Oh, undoubtedly." Obi-Wan followed all the way to the edge of Anakin's starfighter, skidding to a stop as Artoo beeped a greeting, already having put the fighter through its pre-flight check. "I'm not your wife with an ulterior motive for wishing your return."

"Is this really the time, Obi-Wan?" Anakin snapped as he checked the ship's systems.

"I'll stay here and guard Dooku," the older Jedi dropped the subject and looked towards where Ahsoka was climbing into her own fighter, clones doing the same across the hangar bay in a manner of barely organized chaos. "Watch his back out there, young one."

"Don't I always, Master Kenobi?"

"Keep those ships as far away as possible, Anakin; they likely already know Dooku is aboard and won't risk killing him. They'll probably try to board us and we can't let that happen."

"Unless they've decided he's too big a risk to be left alive," Anakin informed him grimly. "Don't worry; we'll keep them off your back."

"Happy hunting." Obi-Wan stepped back.

Turning, Obi-Wan went to leave the deck and keyed his comlink. "Commander Cody."

"Sir?"

"Collect the guard and set operation Hydra on standby; the Separatists have come for Dooku."

Anakin smiled grimly as he noted Obi-Wan's preparations. The cockpit on his fighter slid closed and he lifted from the deck. Flipping around, he arrowed out of the hanger and catapulted into space with a fancy maneuver that was as economical as it was trademark. Ahsoka was barely a ship length behind him, their squadrons behind that.

"All squadrons, form up on me. Sketch, what's the word?"

"Very little chatter from the fleet, sir." came the immediate reply. "They're in a standard attack formation and have launched fighters."

"Good. Ahsoka, take two and three flight and bomber wings one through four. Get behind the fifth moon and wait for my signal."

"Got it. You heard em, boys; two and three flight form up on me. Bomber wings one, two, three and four; you're with us."

Anakin waited until the fighters and bombers peeled away. "Flights one and four, form up; bomber squadron five, you're with me."

"Glad to be here, General."

"Fall in, Oddball; we're going straight down the middle for the heavy cruiser but will take out anything along the way that looks promising. Set your primary target as the bridge, secondary as the flight decks, weapons, power couplings to the gravity generators and the engines. One and two flight, we've got escort duty; keep the bombers clear of chaff until they've made their attack run. Any questions?"

There was nothing but acknowledgements.

"Good; let's do this."

All around him, fighters formed up for escort duty with Anakin's Jedi starfighter at the front, spearheading the run on the enemy ships. One ship, out ahead of the others, appeared to be a small transport of some kind. Vulture droids, hyena bombers and boarding craft followed; not firing range, but just barely outside it. To protect the shuttle from a stray hit?

It was, Anakin noted idly as he strapped himself more tightly into the cockpit and checked his systems, cycling the energy from his weapons to engines and shields and then back, one of the strangest protective formations he'd ever seen - if that's what it was.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Anakin," Obi-Wan's image appeared several minutes later as it became apparent to those back on the cruiser just what Anakin was doing. "A full on attack when you're outnumbers two to one doesn't seem like the wisest of options."

"Don't you trust me, Master?" he returned with a grin. "Focus on the destroyers on the outer edge away from that moon if you care to join in; with a little luck we'll route these tin cans in no time."

Obi-Wan shook his head, looking to the side and accepted a datapad from one of the officers who was out of Anakin's view. "There are several smaller craft making for the asteroid belt in the system. If they reach it, we'll never find them and they'll be able to strike at will."

Anakin frowned at the display; something seemed off to him about the whole situation, but he didn't know what. Aside from the fact the shuttle was streaking towards them, trailing intercept craft that seemed intent on catching it - or perhaps overtaking it? He took a closer look and realized the shuttle wasn't part of the escort, but on a collision course with the Jedi Cruiser. An escapee? A suicide run?

Following his gut he keyed his comlink again. "All squadrons let the shuttle pass; head's up, Obi-Wan, you're about to have company. Something about this doesn't feel right; that shuttle isn't broadcasting anything yet but it appears to be running from the armada behind it, not part of it."

"We'll handle it, Anakin," Obi-Wan assured him, making a motion to the men. Behind the fighters, the cruiser angled itself as if to catch the shuttle. "But if this is a trap, I expect your help in subduing the occupants should they prove to be ungrateful guests."

"Count on it. Calculate the next hyperspace jump," Anakin advised as the fighter ducked and weaved, skating around blaster bolts with ease, "and keep it at the ready. We'll see if we can't convince them to run."

"Be careful, Anakin," Obi-Wan admonished. "I don't want to duty of reporting to your wife that you were killed just days before returning to her."

"Don't worry, Master," Anakin shot back dryly. "I made it Ahsoka's job in my will."

"I mean it, Anakin; no crazy heroics today, if you please."

Anakin rolled his eyes. "I knew if you knew this would happen. Skywalker out."

"Ana-"

Anakin jabbed the transmission off; he had enough to worry about without Obi-Wan adding to it and flipped back to the squadron frequency. "One flight hang back and cover us; this is where the fun begins!"

Someone let out a shout that made him grin as Anakin slammed his fighter into a tight S turn, inverted and rolled, dodging the blaster fire that was suddenly coming their way. Vulture droids shot past them, none of the opposing fighters looking to be manned, and Anakin ignored them as one flight took them out with precision and little delay.

Diving into the next group, Anakin eliminated two before snapping his ship back upright and around, coming out of the sharp turn right on the tale of one of the fighters before blowing it to dust as well. All the while, he kept an eye on the enemy fleet, the tactical read out giving him information on the battle.

Artoo beeped a query as Anakin dodged aside, letting the Force guide his movements, zipping left and right before snapping into another roll and coming out down and below his charges. "No, Artoo; just keep the stabilizers on the back in one piece. I'll need them if we're going to pull this off."

Another query.

"I'm not going for a kill, but a disable. If Grievous is here and we can keep him in system-"

An explosive chittering scold from the droid was anything but complimentary as Anakin snapped himself back along his previous flight path to clear the tail of two of his pilots before slipping back into formation. He was frowning by the time he was done, Artoo's admonishment heavy on his mind.

"With everything we've been through, now you're going to take me to task?"

Artoo made a rude noise and then explained and Anakin felt as if he'd been sucker punched. "Okay, okay, I get it; for the record, I am thinking about Luke and Leia. If I can stop Grievous here, I might not have to take Padmé into hiding."

"General, a critical call from the cruiser - they're being boarded!"

"What?" Anakin snapped his gaze to his tactical read out, having been distracted by Artoo - dangerous in any war zone but potentially deadly in space. A small part of the contingent that had been headed for the asteroid belt had used the confusion of combat to loop around and get close. The shuttle he'd let pass had been chased by several close in drop ships the fighters hadn't been able to destroy without risking the shuttle. Drop ships that had landed and were currently punching through the hull of his cruiser.

"Cut the chatter, Artoo," he flipped the channel. "Ahsoka, get back to the cruiser and destroy those drop ships!"

"What about the control ship?"

"Forget it," he snapped, hauling his controls to bring his ship around for a firing solution on another hyena bomber and snapping off a couple of shots as he rolled out of the debris path. "New plan!"

"We copy."

The bombers and fighters appeared from behind the moon several long seconds later, Anakin turning his squadron around and from the side, catching the boarding craft that were trying to sneak through in a pincer move. Beyond the skirmish, the heavy cruiser began to withdraw as the rest of the ships that had been heading for the asteroid belt returned to it and Anakin cursed.

They hadn't even gotten close!

Flipping his comlink again, he called for his old mentor as what was nagging him about the battle suddenly solidified; these were not Grievous' tactics. "Obi-Wan!"

"I'm here, Anakin," assured the other Jedi, his ghostly image parrying a blaster bolt as he answered. "Grievous didn't come aboard, only foot soldiers and droids."

"I don't think Grievous is here; this whole battle isn't his style."

"For once I agree with you."

Anakin blinked as the sound of a stun bolt being fired hit his ears. "Who has their weapons on stun?"

"Rex and Cody; we're trying to take the commanders hostage and junk the droids. What do you need?"

"The heavy cruiser's withdrawing."

"Do not pursue," Obi-Wan ordered immediately, jumping into an attack and demolishing several droids in a series of lightning fast moves before continuing. "Once your fighters are on board we can jump to lightspeed and they will be trapped. We can then deal with them at our leisure."

"I copy. Ahsoka, finish the clean up and get your squadrons aboard."

"You got it, Master. We're on our way."

Explosions from Ahsoka's last attack run rippled through the ships looking to board, the enemy withdrawing towards the heavy cruiser as Anakin ordered his bombers back to the hangar deck. The fighters remained in the skies, eliminating the vulture droids and hyena bomber that streaked in, heading for the command deck. It was an attack wave that had Anakin spinning and darting between combatants like a top, coming close enough to one that Artoo screamed as the paint on the underside of his fighter left a yellow streak, the enemy bomber disintegrating behind them.

"Sorry, buddy."

There was no apology in Anakin's tone. His focus was complete, the Force guiding his moves, as he eliminated droid after droid. It wasn't until he stopped to look around for more target that his gaze dropped to the tactical display. Only the fighters were left and the enemy was in retreat. Not Grievous then; not even the ambush they'd expected to rescue the Count? He didn't know.

"Oddball?"

"Here, sir."

"Get your men on board; you too Ahsoka."

"What about you, Master?"

He grinned even though she couldn't see him. "As always, I'm running late; I'll touch down last."

"Yes, Master."

She didn't sound happy about it as she turned her fighter towards the hangar deck. The fighters before her touched down, the clones popping out of the ships to hit the deck and join the rest of the crew in repelling borders. Ahsoka had barely touched down before Anakin was landing beside her, eager to get back underway. He keyed his comlink. "Everyone's aboard who's coming aboard."

"Understood, sir."

Anakin pushed free of his cockpit, Artoo jettisoning himself with a scold that made Anakin grin. "Later Artoo." he keyed his comlink again. "Obi-Wan?"

"I could use your help down here, Anakin."

"We're on our way. Snips!"

"I know, I know," she dropped to his side and they took off at a run. "We're going to rescue Master Kenobi again, right?"

Anakin shot her a look even as he laughed. "We're going to give him a hand; rescues are for somewhere other than home base."

She looked around pointedly even as they turned a corner. "Last time I checked, Gramps, this wasn't exactly our home - base or otherwise."

"Semantics, Snips," he returned with a grin, pulling his lightsaber from his belt as he turned another corner. Ahsoka went up on the wall, curling into a flip as she used her momentum to dart out in front of him. Coming around the next corner, her dual blades came off her belt in anticipation as blaster bolts streaked by -

- and stopped before igniting them. Her hands came up to protect herself as a figure about her size came barreling around the corner, bodily slamming into her and sending them sprawling down the opposite corridor as blaster fire ricocheted through the hallway. Her lightsabers went flying, clattering against the deck plating as she took the full force of the impact.

"Ahsoka!" Anakin stepped in, igniting his blade and deflected a series of bolts that followed, reaching for the Force and grabbing the figure who'd struck her, lifting it away. The individual was dropped to the side and groaned as it hit the floor. "Ahsoka; you okay?"

"I'm fine, Master," she wheezed, coughing as she struggled to get her breath back and regain her feet. She glanced at the figure who'd struck her and groaned, much like he had, as she caught sight of his face. "You've gotto be kidding me."

"Snips?"

"It's Lux Bonteri, Master." She inhaled, catching her breath, her voice coming out stronger than before as she regained her ability to breathe. Her voice sounded funny as she voiced the impossible question. "What's he doing here?"

Anakin deflected a series of bolts coming his way, sending several back towards their point of origin and destroying the droids. More moved in to take their place, aiming not at Anakin, but beyond him as he deflected the bolts. "You can question him later," he told his Padawan. "Obi-Wan needs our help."

"Lux? Lux, can you hear me?" Ahsoka knelt beside him. He didn't answer and a quick check of his face found him not quite conscious. "He's hurt, Master; I can't just leave him here."

That same something in her voice drew Anakin's gaze as he spun, deflecting a trio of blaster bolts back down the corridor with a flourish. He caught sight of Ahsoka's determined and worried expression, and relented. He could handle these droids on his own. "I'm going for Obi-Wan; can you keep an eye on him?"

"Does a Bantha have horns?"

He shot her a look as she grabbed both of Lux's hands in her own and dragged him into a nearby corridor, settling him against the wall. Anakin waited only until she'd retrieved her lightsabers, noting she didn't do so until afterthe Bonteri boy was safe, and then sprinted at the blaster wielding droids that were advancing towards them in ranks.

His lightsaber slid through weapons and bodies alike. Chopping them down with efficient and deadly strokes, his lightsaber was a single streak of continuous light as he blasted through to the back of their rank and file. Behind him, droid parts littered the floor as he used the Force to become a blur of movement, taking corners and corridors at speed. His lightsaber worked with deadly precision as he encountered another and then another patrol of droids, the end result the same.

He continued onwards and the droids were left in pieces.

Rounding a final corner, he could hear the distinct sound of droidekas and put his speed to good use. Coming at them from behind, he caught Obi-Wan's eye, nodded, grinned and, without slowing, called on the Force, the wave of Force energy picking up the shielded droids and sending them spinning. Reactionary by nature, they immediately curled into their normal closed position, their shields shutting down. A hail of blaster fire and two lightsabers, one from each side, made short work of the compact destroyers as Anakin slid to a halt.

Anakin deactivated his lightsaber and clipped it back to his belt. "You just can't keep out of trouble, can you Obi-Wan?"

"I don't think trouble was looking for us, Anakin," Obi-Wan told him as he took a knee near a nearby downed trooper to check for vitals and then waved behind him to indicate the man was still alive. "They never pressed the attack towards where Dooku was being held. Where's Ahsoka?"

"Lux Bonteri's on board," Anakin informed his old mentor as a medic came forward to assist Obi-Wan with the injured man. Just seconds behind, the efficient crew was prepped and moving in to help the wounded and clean up the carnage. "He ran into us a few corridors back; she's looking after him."

"Lux Bonteri?"

"Long story," Anakin offered, realizing Obi-Wan hadn't heard that particular adventure of Ahsoka's; he'd done his best to ensure few people had, including the Council. "To make it short, he's the son of one of Padmé's old mentors. He became a Separatist defector after Dooku murdered his mother."

"A story worth hearing another time perhaps?" Obi-Wan stood, clipping his saber back to his belt and stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Then this was, perhaps exactly what we thought it to be; an attempt to get to Dooku – just not by the Separatists."

"Then why the fleet?"

"Chasing Mister Bonteri, perhaps? We should question him; his presence here is a little too coincidental for my liking."

Anakin flipped on his comlink. "Ahsoka."

"Here, Master. I'm taking Lux to medical; he's in rough shape."

"We'll meet you there," he informed her as he and Obi-Wan headed in that direction. "Don't let him out of your sight, Snips. He's got information we're gonna need."

"I think you hit your head too hard," Ahsoka was saying tightly as Anakin and Obi-Wan stepped through the door into the medical bay. Her whole posture screamed confrontation from the way she was holding herself to the arms crossed over her chest. "Are you sure the droid said you don't have a concussion?"

"Just a scratch or two, thanks to you."

"And a dozen blaster burns," Anakin added, drawing the teenagers attention as he noted the bacta bandages on Lux's now exposed legs and arms. "You're lucky you didn't take a hit further in or you wouldn't be here now."

Lux's gaze turned guarded as he looked over the new Jedi.

"Anakin Skywalker," offered the Jedi, crossing his arms over his chest. "We spoke briefly when Ahsoka rescued you from Mandalore. And this," he nodded to the older Knight, "is Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Junior Senator Lux Bonteri, Master Jedi," the young man offered, his good manners and breeding not allowing him to remain silent. "Thank you for your timely intervention."

"Sure, no problem," Anakin glanced down at his Padawan. "It's a good to finally meet you in person; Ahsoka tells me you're a good friend of hers."

Obi-Wan lifted one hand to cover his mouth, barely suppressing a grin; Anakin, if he knew it or not, sounded like a protective parent.

"And I'm honored by her friendship," agreed Lux, not offering anything further, but the look he shot Ahsoka was far from merely friendly.

"Somehow I doubt this is a social call," Anakin continued, studying the boy shrewdly.

Ahsoka dropped her arms and stepped back to stand with Anakin and Obi-Wan when Lux didn't answer but kept her gaze on Lux. "He was after Dooku, Master," she informed Anakin, her gaze never leaving the boy's. "Among other things."

"What other things?"

"I've come for my intended," Lux declared. "As promised."

"Intended?"

"Padawan Tano," Lux clarified. "She proposed the match and I accepted."

"It was a ruse; I only said that so Deathwatch wouldn't kill me when you took us to Carlac!"

Anakin blinked. "Ah... Snips?"

"Why do I feel like I'm missing something important here?"

"You and me both, Master," Anakin agreed. "Care to fill us in Ahsoka? There was nothing about a 'match' in your report."

"Because it wasn't important," she retorted. "Lux took us to Carlac to get in touch with Death Watch so they could track Dooku's location and kill him. To avoid being killed on the spot when they showed up and asked who I was, I lied."

"And said what exactly."

"Something about being his betrothed," she finally looked away from Lux to meet Anakin's gaze. "He went along with it, but I swear it wasn't anything serious."

"Except it was a sealed bargain, Ahsoka," Lux told her firmly, shifting in his chair and leaning forward to look at her intently as if the Jedi Masters weren't there. "You kissed me back."

"Woah, woah, kissed? There's nothing about a kiss in your report."

"Of course there isn't," Ahsoka snapped. "He did it to shut me up so I wouldn't be caught speaking out against Death Watch. I'm a Jedi; you knewI didn't mean anything by it, Lux."

"Death Watch isn't easily fooled, Ahsoka," Obi-Wan admonished. "They could have easily killed you."

"It was the best cover I could think of so that they wouldn't separate me from Lux or kill me on the spot. I remembered your report on meeting their leader, Master Kenobi; I had to improvise."

Anakin glanced from one to the other and back before glancing at Obi-Wan. "Keep an eye on him would you."

"Oh, indeed."

"Ahsoka; the hallway – now."

She went with a glare at Lux, starting to pace as Anakin joined her. "I know what you're going to say, Master, but believe me when I say this is just a huge misunderstanding."

"It's a little more complicated than that, Snips."

"We were just pretending; I thought he knew that. He seemed to know that!"

"Before he joined the Separatists, do you know where Lux was from?"

"I think he said Onderon; why?"

"Onderon," Anakin turned to a nearby wall terminal and pulled up the archived information on the planets. It wouldn't be much, but it would be something. "If I'm right that's what this boils down to. What were you thinking kissing him anyway?"

"He kissed me."

"Doesn't matter who started it if you kissed him back," Anakin's tone was as stern as the glance he shot her before looking back to the console. Ahsoka ducked her head, staring at the deck plate but Anakin caught the way she rolled her eyes before they dropped. He frowned. "Guess I was right to be worried about you and him, after all, huh?"

"Ugh, just let it go, Skyguy," she all but begged. "It's not real anyway."

Anakin's gaze fell on the part of the entry for Onderon he was looking for, scanned it briefly and groaned. "Actually, Snips, it's quite real; take a read."

She pushed him aside and took his place at the console. Reading the section he'd been perusing aloud, her voice rang with disbelief. "A verbal contract, initiated by the female of the couple is binding once the male shows his acceptance of it through a show of affection? That's nonsense! Is this some kind of joke?"

"Actually it part of some old courtship standard," Anakin pointed to a section where he was reading below where she'd been looking over her shoulder. "Lux Bonteri has a long upper class history; this would be something he's probably familiar and raised with. I hate to say it, but your innocent comment started something."

"But it was a lie so I wouldn't be killed! Surely there's a clause in here about mitigating circumstances or something?" She scanned the entry, looking for something about the old ritual that would render it null. She was focused enough that Anakin's next question caught her off guard and she reacted without control.

"Did you kiss him back, Ahsoka?" She flinched and Anakin had his answer. He ran one hand through his hair; as if he didn't need enough to deal with. "You've really stepped in it now, Snips."

"He caught me by surprise how was I supposed to know I shouldn't?" She shot him a dirty look. "Kissing isn't exactly covered in the Jedi hand book."

Despite his concern, Anakin chuckled.

"Ugh, he could have said something sooner. You know, like before he jumped ship in an escape pod and disappeared for months?"

"It might not have occurred to him that you weren't aware of it."

"Then I hope Master Kenobi can set him straight because I'm not giving up my life as a Jedi for him!"Saying nothing, Anakin arched his eyebrows at her vehemence and Ahsoka threw up her hands. "Oh for Force sakes, just say it; I know you want to."

"Say what, Snips?"

"I told you so, maybe?"

"Actually, I was thinking I'm the last person who can offer judgment. Though, I think you're protesting this just a touch too much to not be interested - or at the very least flattered."

She crossed her arms over her chest defensively and wouldn't meet his gaze. "I'm training to be a Jedi. I can't be interested," her words were colored with confusion and misery. "I… it's not allowed…I-"

"Sometimes what you're allowed to do and what happens don't always coincide, Ahsoka." Anakin took pity on her; he could sense her frustration and turmoil and she didn't need him adding to it. Especially not in the form of wringing an admission from her about her jumbled feelings for the boy in medical. Having been in her position, albeit on Lux's side of things pursuing the girl, but in her position none the less, he empathized. "On the bright side, you didn't know and it was an honest mistake, right?"

"Right."

"Yet you kissed him."

"He... ugh, yes..." she groaned. "Why are you so hung up on that anyway? It's not like you've never kissed anyone before - and a whole lot more!"

"No offense, but aren't you a little young for that kind of thing? I mean you're what... fifteen? Or is it sixteen?"

"Seventeen," she supplied with a dirty look. "My lifeday was last week."

"Last... and you didn't think I'd want to know?"

"You've been a little preoccupied, Skyguy, what with the whole learning you were a father and nearly getting expelled and all; Rex, Cody and Master Kenobi made sure I was well taken care of."

"Well, belated lifeday wishes, Snips," he offered before returning to the matter at hand. "Still... kissing?"

"It wasn't planned," rolling her eyes she glanced back at the door to the med bay. "And I told you he only did it to shut me up."

Anakin's eyebrows hit his hair line. "And it worked?"

"It kept me from being executed then and there."

"Hmm... maybe I should keep this Bonteri character around. Force knows I can never manage that feat - the silence, not the kiss."

"Fantastic." Ahsoka's response to his needling was dry. "Don't you have a comm. call to make to your wife or something?"

"If you two are just about finished bickering out here," Obi-Wan stuck his head out to regard them shrewdly, "Mister Bonteri would like to speak with Ahsoka for a moment. Providing you're in any shape to speak with him that is."

Ahsoka looked from one Master to the other. "Can I have words with him in private?"

"So long as they're not 'I will'," Anakin teased, waving her in. The dark look she shot him was worth it as Obi-Wan joined him in the corridor.

"Well, it sounds as if Ahsoka's taking after you in more ways than one," Obi-Wan commented dryly.

"Hey, I didn't encourage this!"

"And yet, somehow, she's following in your footsteps anyway. Jedi Padawan and Young Senator - sound familiar?"

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Lux is a Junior Senator and not set on his path yet."

"Not the point, Anakin." Obi-Wan started walking, Anakin joining him without thinking about it only to pause and glance back towards the med bay. "Ahsoka has already made her commitment to the Jedi order; she was raised in the temple and has always known what her path would be."

"That doesn't mean she doesn't have a choice."

"Yes, but this is her choice. Whatever Lux Bonteri might think otherwise, there can be nothing between them but friendship."

"Like you and Satine?"

Obi-Wan flinched; Anakin's comment hit below the belt – but was honest. "We all have our Satine's," he returned evenly, ever the negotiator even in this. "Padmé was yours and Lux appears to be Ahsoka's. It will be up to her to decide what path she wishes to choose."

"She's too young for anything except friendship with him anyway," Anakin dismissed the notion out of hand.

His statement made Obi-Wan chuckle. "How young is too young, Anakin? You met Padmé when you were nine and knew, or so you've said. Ahsoka is considerably older than nine; almost twice that. No." He shook his head firmly. "This is her decision to make and we can't influence her one way or the other."

"Says the man who kept reminding me that I'd made a commitment to the Jedi order and couldn't break it easily."

"Reminding you of your obligations is not influencing."

"From a certain point of view?" Anakin's tone was teasing and then he exhaled, dismissing the subject and bringing it back to the reason they were in hyperspace again. "Any word from the bridge on just how long until we hit Coruscant?"

"They borrowed Artoo to finish the calculations for lightspeed while we were dealing with Mister Bonteri," Obi-Wan told him with a smile. "Cody just reported we're thirty hours out; that's almost half the time it normally takes thanks to Artoo's calculations."

"He knows just how badly I want to get home," Anakin commented, glancing back towards the medical ward as they rounded a corner and headed back for the bridge. Ahsoka could fill him in later as to what occurred with Lux Bonteri but Anakin wasn't thrilled with the idea of leaving the two of them alone. For all Ahsoka had a good head on her shoulders, she was still a teenager and, if Anakin didn't miss his rather educated guess, more than a little infatuated with the Junior Senator.

"She'll be fine, Anakin."

He made a face. "I just don't want her getting hurt." Obi-Wan's chuckle made him frown. "What's so funny about that?"

"You are; you've sounded like a parent since meeting him in the med bay. If it helps, you could think of this as a practice run."

"For what?"

"For when your own daughter is Ahsoka's age and discovering boys." Anakin groaned and Obi-Wan slapped his shoulder. "Don't worry my friend; if she turns out half as well as Ahsoka, you've nothing to worry about."

"I am... not thinking about this yet," Anakin told his friend firmly. "We need to discuss what's going to happen when we hit Coruscant, Obi-Wan."

"Which part?"

"For starters, where we're taking Padmé."

"I assumed you'd be taking her back to Naboo and Varykino."

"And you're not wrong, but we need to alert the Nabooian officials and her parents."

"Her parents?"

Anakin made a face. "Jobal will probably have my head, but yes. They'll want to see her - and Varikyno is a... family retreat."

"Ah. Still, is that wise when we're taking her into hiding?"

"Since Padmé's personal effects on planet are still at their home, it's unavoidable." Anakin shrugged as if it wasn't anything unusual for his wife to technically still 'live with' her parents. "Besides, we make a point of stopping in whenever we're on planet. It reminds them she's safe with me."

"You go often, do you?"

"Padmé usually goes without me," Anakin admitted. "Bringing me home as her bodyguard one time too many caused a lot of concern and some raised eyebrows."

"Suspicious were they?"

Anakin grinned. "Something about the way we look at each other or so her sister says."

"Ah." They entered the lift that would take them to the bridge. "Do you have any ideas who else will be coming on this misadventure to Naboo?"

"The Chancellor, after trying to talk me out of going myself, suggested adding a few of the clones; I was thinking of asking Rex, Fives and Cody."

"A Captain, an Arc Trooper and a Commander? Overkill, don't you think?"

"It keeps us as a small but effective group. On more than one occasion any pair in the combination of us has been proven to work well together. Ahsoka particularly works well with Rex."

"Ignore for a moment that you're talking about removing our most experienced commanders from the field to play bodyguard to your family, Anakin. Who will handle the men if you take them with us and, the only reason I ask, is if it's really necessary. Surely you, Ahsoka and I can protect Padmé and the twins."

"Someone would be assigned to take over the 501st, Obi-Wan; there are other Commanders and Captains available to step in, just like Masters Ti and Windu will take over the fight for Grievous. It's refreshing to know we're not irreplaceable, isn't it?"

"Funny. That still doesn't answer my question. Three Jedi is overkill for this assignment."

"One Jedi for each individual?" He shrugged. "I don't know what the Council is thinking, but I can't say I'm not relieved to have you with us. Perhaps it's a way to ensure you and Ahsoka can return to the fight effectively with me out of it."

"They might recall you after all, Anakin; assignments and missions can change on a heartbeat." Obi-Wan pointed out. "Based on your reaction, I doubt that will be the case, but it is still possible."

"All the more reason to bring Rex, Code and Fives along; there are no other troopers in the fleet I'd trust more with my family's safety. Not to mention we'll probably have to bring Lux with us."

Obi-Wan arched his eyebrows at Anakin's reluctant and grudging suggestion. "That seems rather ill advised considering the circumstances."

"I'm anticipating that being Padmé's suggestion once she hears about all this," Anakin admitted. "Bonteri's presence can't be advertized and he'll need to go into hiding. Who better to hide him than the woman who was his mother's student? He knows her and she'd be familiar."

"And he'd be with Ahsoka."

Anakin fell silent for a moment and then shook his head. "It can't be helped if that's what comes out of this. I might not like it, but, as you said, I should trust her."

"There is a very big difference between actively avoiding temptation and being forced to deny it on a daily basis Anakin; though why I should need to tell you that is beyond me."

"You don't," Anakin acknowledged with a faint smile. "Of course I was actively trying to drown in temptation and she's fighting it."

"Strong as Ahsoka is, it wouldn't be fair to subject her to that kind of temptation. She's still a teenager for all her wisdom."

"You think I don't know that? My point is, as much as I don't like it, the other option is to send Bonteri away and even knowing my - our- objections, they'd likely assign Ahsoka to him anyway. Together they'd blend far better than any other Jedi with him; they're natural together, not forced."

"Or they could assign another Padawan or Master."

"You know as well as I do they'd assign someone he already trusts - and the only Jedi he's known until now is Ahsoka. Better that she stays with us and we include Lux on our little outing where I - where we can keep an eye on them, than have the council separate us and them getting into who knows what kind of trouble."

"Speaking from experience, are we, my friend?" Obi-Wan's tone was teasing, but respectful as the lift doors opened and they stepped into the corridor that led to the bridge. "For all we've only just been presented with the issue, you've given it some real thought."

"Actually, I'm thinking on my feet."

"Then it's as effective now as ever," they entered the bridge and Obi-Wan drew up short as Rex caught sight of them and headed their way. "Do you intent to tell the Council?"

"With every other surprise I've dropped lately? What do you think?" Anakin turned his attention to the Captain as Rex pulled up short with a crisp salute.

"Generals."

"What's the word, Rex?"

"We've managed to subdue and eliminate the last of the boarding parties, sir. We've five hostages in the brig, all currently unconscious and are ready to jettison the garbage once we come out of hyperspace. Attacking the cruiser holding the bulk of 501st wasn't their smartest move, sir," Rex stated with pride.

"Total losses?"

"Five killed, ten wounded - including the Bonteri boy."

"Five?" Anakin raised an eyebrow. "That's a new low."

"One pilot and four Troopers during the boarding action, sir. Thanks to operation hydra's stipulations, we were well prepared. They died as they ought; as soldiers."

The men shared a moment of silence for the fallen before continuing their discussion.

"The attack wasn't unexpected, just unexpectedly short," Obi-Wan commented wryly. "The ship took a lot of the damage in the sectors where there was the heaviest fighting. How are the repairs coming?"

"They're just getting started now, General," Rex assured him. "Commander Cody is down with the men searching for other strategic positions where operations hydra's parameters can be met and expanded and, if needed, finishing a mop up. We're pretty sure we got them all, but one can never be too careful."

"Ah. Then if you don't mind I'll go join them. Anakin; Captain."

Anakin shook his head and turned back to his Captain. "Anything else to report?"

"Nothing, sir. The on board ship action has since ceased and, as you're aware, we've entered hyperspace headed for Coruscant. Preliminary hull and interior repairs should be finished well before we arrive."

"Thirty hours isn't much time, you sure about that?"

"Yes, sir."

With a look around the bridge, Anakin turned back for the door. "Walk with me, Rex."

The Captain fell in line with him, his helmet under one arm. "Sir?"

They exited the bridge and Anakin headed for the observation deck nearby; it would be practically empty with the after battle clean up. He was silent for a long minute before putting his thoughts into words as they entered into the empty room. "I have something I want to run by you and get your opinion on."

"Of course, sir. I'll help if I can."

"Your honest, opinion, Rex."

"Always, sir; even if you don't agree with it."

"Good." Anakin paused by the viewport and stared out before turning to face his most trusted Captain and friend. "You've been briefed on my new situation, on what's coming when we hit the core. Lux Bonteri is about to be added to that mix."

"The Separatist defector, sir?"

"One and the same."

"If my memory serves, this would be the same Bonteri who took Commander Tano to a meeting with Death Watch and nearly got her killed?"

"Yes."

Rex paused for a moment as if considering what to say.

"Speak freely, Rex; what're you thinking?"

"I don't think it's wise to put the two of them together, sir," he admitted frankly. "The report suggests they make a good team, but Commander Tano has already expressed some reservations about the attachment directive of the Jedi."

"She's been doing that for a while; that's not exactly news."

"Yes, sir, but most notably when she returned from Raxus."

"Raxus."

"Yes, sir."

Regarding his Captain thoughtfully, Anakin phrased his next question carefully. "How is it that you've heard of this, but I haven't?"

"Commander Tano and I have discussed the matter at length, sir. I may not be a Jedi, but she appears to value my opinion."

"We all do." Anakin assured him. "Raxus was where she met Lux Bonteri originally; did she speak of it again when she'd returned from her adventure on Carlac?"

"Yes, but she was quieter after that mission, sir. For a few days at least."

"I wish I'd been around," Anakin rubbed the back of his neck as a thought occurred to him. "Actually..."

"Let me guess," Rex grinned at Anakin's discomfort. "You'd been on one of your clandestine outings with your wife and wish to retract that statement?"

"Exactly." There was no apology in Anakin's tone. "But, with regard to Lux, I don't think I have a choice but to bring him if I want to keep an eye on them both."

"You could look at this another way, sir."

"And what way is that, Rex?"

"Built in babysitters." Rex's grin was almost devilish. "It would give them something to do and keep them out of trouble. There's nothing like a screaming baby for a chaperone."

Anakin arched his eyebrows in surprise at the suggestion. "You know this do you?"

"We've seen it a time or two on worlds where we've been stationed, sir; parents use their older children to watch the younger. With the twins being Force sensitive, who better to watch them than someone of the same?" A sparkle entered Rex's eyes. "Not to mention, sir, it would give you some time alone with your wife."

Slapping the Captain on the shoulder with a laugh, Anakin grinned. "I like the way you think, Captain. Devious; very devious! Why aren't you married?"

"Professional soldier, sir. It's not exactly the place to meet the right woman."

"I beg to differ."

"Present company being the exception of course."

"Of course." They shared a companionable grin. "What do you think about joining us as extra security, Rex?"

"Sir?"

"It's been suggested that we bring more than just Jedi. Padmé's official guards will have an interim Senator to protect, aside from a loyal handmaiden or two. Since this is technically a Senate sanctioned mission, I can pull from the ranks. I can't exactly have the entire company with us, but a few select men wouldn't be amiss."

"I'm honored to be asked General, but I'm more of a front line fighter."

"So am I."

"Respectfully, sir, you've a personal stake in this. Knowing Grievous is out there it would just feel wrong being idle while my brothers were fighting and dying to protect the Republic."

"Chances are Grievous is going to come after us, Rex; that's why I'm asking. Three Jedi on a mission of this magnitude is overkill. Ideally I'd like you, Cody and Fives to join us; there are no soldiers I'd rather have protecting my family than you three."

"High praise, General."

"Well deserved and nothing but the truth." Anakin corrected and held up his hand when Rex made to answer, shaking his head. "Don't give me answer now, Rex. Give it some thought; I'll ask Fives and Cody to do the same, but I suspect they'll react the same way as you. I won't hold it against any of you if you say no."

"Thank you, sir."

"We land in," he checked his chrono, "less than twenty eight hours. You've got until we make planet fall to decide, Captain."

"Yes, sir. I'll try not to disappoint you."

TBC

Oh - and the stuff about Onderon is improvised to make it fit in the story... just in case anyone's curious.