"She sure does like her clothes" Ahsoka mutters by his side.

And Obi-Wan can't help but agree. It is beyond him why one woman would need to own an entire stores supply of dresses, along with enough accessories to adorn a queen. Although, now that he thinks about it, the owner actually had been a queen once.

Servants rush between them, carrying everything from the most lavish of dresses too simple gowns and night ware. As far as he can make out, the seemingly rushed and disorganized movement of the servants is actually very calculated. Each and every thing has its own assigned place in its own specific suitcase, and each and every servant has their own specific job to carry out.

He had decided long ago that he will never understand women. Or at least those outside the Jedi order, and therefore concludes that this whole packing business is simply something that your average, non-force-sensitive female does on a regular basis. Not that the thought makes the chaos in front of him any less intimidating.

"At this rate, we'll be lucky to reach Raxus next year" Ahsoka moans, her voice gaining a somewhat sarcastic edge.

"Patience Ahsoka" He replies evenly. But despite his best efforts, a smile still forms on his face as he remembers the times he too felt the grip of impatience when waiting for hours on end in conference rooms as his master solved complicated political cases off world.

Just then a petite young brunette rounds the corner of the lavish apartment carrying you guessed it, more clothes. He watches as pair of servants intervene and relieve her of her silks, she offers them a few words of thanks, then turns to overlook the hectic packing-party taking place in her dining room.

Its then that Obi-Wan's eyes meet hers, and for a moment she looks surprised, but that quickly dissolves away into a warm smile. She walks over to them with the same royal grace he remembers her carrying years ago as Queen, her calm and practiced approach plays as a stark contrast to the chaos around them. As she gets closer he notices her plush cheeks are tinted with the soft red hue of a blush.

"Master Kenobi, I'm so sorry, I hadn't expected you for another hour. I hope you weren't kept waiting, I'm afraid my handmaidens are very busy and-"

"No, no, it's quite alright senator, we actually just arrived. The council is very eager to keep you safe. " he tempers softly, hoping to alleviate some if the senator's stress. It's quite obvious from her heavy eyes and pale complexion that she hasn't been getting much sleep.

Padme nods, still smiling at him apologetically. She looks distant. Contemplative even in the middle of their conversation. But Obi-Wan doesn't mind the gap between them, and in fact sees fit to allow the senator more time to think through whatever she is pondering.

"Actually" he starts after a brief, slightly uncomfortable silence "I think Ahsoka here could learn a lot about packing from your servants here" He says, offering his new apprentice a sly smile. Her packing abilities are far from competent, judging the way all of her clothes have been scrunched into the bottom of her duffel bag.

Ahsoka pales considerably at the prospect, and pierces him with a look that could easily kill someone less prepared. But alas, if he is going to be a teacher, then he is going to be a damn competent one. And insuring that his new Padawan elicits the same level of consideration for her belongings as he does is lesson number one. Not to mention that Ahsoka has been far too comfortable with this whole 'apprenticeship' ordeal; its time she felt some of what he has been going through.

"These ladies seem to know what they're doing, and I'm sure we can find one who will be more than happy to help" he states smugly, ignoring the pleading force signature Ahsoka emits.

Padme smiles at him thankfully before they part. She heads back towards the bedroom, and he all but drags his Padawan towards the least busy of the servants. But in spite of his best efforts, seeing Padme again after such a long time sends his mind backtracking towards memories created years ago; to his time on Naboo.

The Jedi were all but helpless to prevent the overly long blockade and inevitable occupation of Naboo as they couldn't officially intervene without the 'all clear' from the Republic senate. At the time, the trade federation was acting outside of the Republics official laws, so it was declared that neither they, nor the Naboo would receive the aid of the Jedi. While it had been argued that the Jedi technically operated as a separate entity of the government, the senate had insisted that since the trade federation would not be receiving aid from the Jedi, then neither would the Naboo despite the fact that they had been perfectly accommodating to the republics constitution.

Looking back on it now, it is clear to Obi-Wan that the trade federation, backed by corrupt officials and separatist sympathizers, had forced the vote in their favor; while they would not be getting any support from Jedi, (who would likely choose to defend Naboo's rights to freedom and thus become their enemy if they ever entered the conflict) neither would Naboo.

The senate had also refused to intervene, stating that it would not be 'economically viable' to enter into such a conflict, especially with the lofty standing army tax in place that made the construction of any sort of sizeable force almost impossible.

And so, everyone in the galaxy watched as Naboo burned. Well everyone except a Jedi named Qui-Jon Jinn and his apprentice, who decided to sneak past the droid command ships and help the people of Naboo earn their freedom. It hadn't been easy, and a lot of people had died in the process, but Obi-wan and his master eventually succeeded. They managed to scrape out a long fought victory against the army of battle droids occupying the planet and force the separatists into retreat.

He would be lying if he said that he came out of the conflict without any scars. The final battle had been devastating for both sides; a bloodbath. The only difference between the two had been that one side lost men and women with lives and families and hopes and dreams. People who could feel pain, people who had never even picked up a blaster before. While the other had lost cold, dead machines.

Despite the horrors of the war on Naboo, Obi-wan and Padme had become quite close during its course, and ever since Qui-Jon and he helped liberate the planet, they have been long-distance, but almost inseparable friends. Each knows that they can always turn to the other for help, because each have seen horrors that many would never dream of together. They understand each other on a deeper level because of it.

"It's just a little crinkled, nothing wrong with that!" Ahsoka protests loudly, suddenly snapping Obi-wan back into the real world.

He looks to see his new apprentice grimace unhappily as Padme's servant empties the contents of her bag unto a table and starts to carefully fold and repack everything.

"If you don't mind me saying miss, packing your belongings with care will not only keep them clean and undamaged, but allow you to pack more than if you were to throw them in any way" the servant chides as she works.

Ahsoka mutters something incomprehensible under her breath, and Obi-Wan allows himself to smirk. This 'apprenticeship' business isn't turning out as bad as he predicted. If all he has to do is make sure a grumbling teen cleans her belongings and keeps up with her studies, then all should run smoothly. Although, Jedi teens are also expected to go on potentially life-threatening missions and fly star fighters, and even Obi-Wan is still getting the hang of that.

"You should certainty listen to her my young apprentice, the lady knows what she's talking about" he says confidently, causing his apprentices head to snap unto him like a turret.

Oh, if glares could kill, Ahsoka Tano would be the most competent assassin in the order. He points at her bag as if to say 'pay attention'. Ahsoka frowns and gives him a look that says 'You will pay for this', then returns her focus to the servant.

Obi-Wan feels an all too rare feeling of warmth fill him; sometimes it's good to lose yourself in the little things when the entire galaxy outside is threatening to fall into chaos over a potential war with the ever expanding separatist movement.

Especially so when he will be escorting one of his best friends into the proverbial Rancors den of the confederacy; Raxus Secondus. They are to engage in negotiations which he sure are going to fail no matter what either side proposes. Meaning his new apprentice and himself will be the only things standing between the small group of senators going on the mission and the entirety of the confederacy fleet.

He strokes his bread contemplatively at the thought, and a small frown finds its way onto his face, he can only hope that Ahsoka is ready for this. The council sent them on their mission minutes after they had met for the first time, so Obi-Wan has no idea what her skill level is. All he can do is hope the council knows what they are doing. That's all he can ever do.


"Error! No results found on subject: Evil Red and black Zabrak" B2 drones from the corner of the room.

Vader curses under his breath, and quickens his pacing. His hands are clasped firmly behind his back, an ungodly frown etched across his face. Who does this guy think he is? He was looking at him like he's some sort of baby for force sake! Darth Vader, dark apprentice to the Sith, is NOT a baby! And that sleezeball doesn't even think he is worthy to learn his name.

"Cataloging species: Evil Red and Black Zabrak"

Ignoring his droids rambling, Vader flops unto the floor as his frustration threatens to crush him. Whoever his new partner is, he isn't just any operative, that's for certain. Vader would probably be able sense the dark siders force signature from the other side of the planet if he weren't shielding his presence.

"This is unacceptable, B2. I thought it was only Sidious, Dooku and me. Now there is this sleemo here too"

B2 clanks over, and stands to attention in front of him.

"Dissatisfaction detected, moving to eliminate contenders"

Vaders eyes shoot up to B2's as the droid arms its writs blaster and starts to march towards the cockpit. Alarm bells immediately start blaring inside Vader head.

"Wait! Don't do that he'll cut you in half!" He exclaims loudly as he jumps to his feet.

He runs to the door and slides in front of B2 before the droid can leave. B2 awkwardly grinds to a halt in front of Vader, but still seems insistent on continuing once he is out of its way.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" He all but screams at his droid, who can only stare blankly back.

"Error! Deactivation inhibits effectiveness"

"Exactly, so stay here" Vader chides.

B2 remains motionless for a few moments, but as he continues to glare at it, it finally deactivates its wrist blaster and clanks away from the door. Vader can only heave a sigh of relief. Sometimes he thinks that that droid has absolutely no awareness of self-preservation.

He gives his droid a last threatening glare before turning to face the door himself. He has been pacing in this room for hours now; they must be near their destination. He should go out and check. The Zabrak might think he is hiding, which is certainly not what he is doing. Just the thought of that stuck up bantha –brain thinking he's afraid of him is enough to call forth as much dark power as Darth Bane held himself into this very compartment.

"I'm leaving. Stay here" He reiterates sternly to B2, who's only reply is a silent stare before opening the door and striding towards the cockpit.

He enters to find that are no lights on inside, but the molting embrace of an unknown star provides all the light needed to see. His mystery partner guides the ship's movements with ease. His face blank, his shoulders slaked. He doesn't tense when Vader enters. What, is he not scary enough for the mighty Zabrak? Nerf-herding sleemo.

"Where are we?" Vader demands, keeping his tone deep and unrelenting like he has seen Dooku do around his subordinates.

"Raxxus" The Zabrak replies callously, steering the ship in a wide arc. Within seconds a large planet of blue and green starts to gobble up the viewport. A shiver of surprise runs down his spine at the name.

Raxxus is the planet Dooku is using as a converging point for potential separatist allies in the coming war. It's like the Coruscant of the Confederacy, except the majority of the planet's surface consists of rolling plains and forests, not skyscrapers. It doesn't make any sense to him as to why they would be going here. According to what he can gather from Dooku, everything is running smoothly from the separatist end.

"What are we doing here?" He asks with a little less aggression as he slides into the co-pilots seat, gazing thoughtfully upon the large planet in front of them as he ponders his own question.

And it seems as though that's all he will be able to do as the Zabrak fails to give any sort of response. He hasn't even glanced Vader's way yet. Feeling a growing sensation of frustration mar his thoughts, he turns to face the Zabrak with pointed exasperation. That evil slime-bag will tell him.

"Answer me" he barks, the sharp tone drawing his partner's attention. Soon enough an angry pair of bright yellow eyes find his.

"Don't think you have any say in what happens here, youngling" the Zabrak growls, baring his slightly pointed teeth like a feral beast.

"How am I to complete my mission if I don't even know what I'm doing?" he says as he clenches his fists in frustration. Force this is so unfair!

The Zabrak eases the ship into the atmosphere, the engines start to growl under the pressure. "It's my mission" he bites, keeping his eyes on the viewport.

His anger snaps like a dry twig, and suddenly any sense of composure is lost. His pitch rises to a roar as his face turns a murderous red. The engines scream, the ship jolts and rattles angrily. The viewport shows nothing but fire.

"No its not! Dooku sent me to-"

"- assist me, in my mission" the Zabrak replies evenly, exerting an odd detachment that almost separates him from the boiling rage filling the cockpit.

He feels a Tsunami of rage and frustration so large hit him that his previous feelings are nothing but a trickle in comparison. 'This fool thinks he can hijack my mission?!' He is so angry he can't even speak. This is his chance to prove himself, and how can he do that when this guy is trying to take ownership of the entire operation?

The fire from the entry dies away to a deep navy sky dotted with hundreds of tiny stars. Maul continues to angle the ship downwards towards a city sparkling in yellow and red, ignoring Vader very obviously seething beside him. He seriously considers cutting down the wretch where he sits. But if he did, would Sidious dislike him as much as Dooku?

The ship begins to lower unto a landing pad devoid of any light in the outskirts of the city. Maul switches everything off just as they land with a soft 'thump'.

"This isn't over" Vader growls, pointing a menacing finger at his cohort. Who silently stands up and brushes past him without so much as acknowledging his threat.

The door to the cockpit opens and soon Vader is alone, watching the door close with a frustrated huff. It seems as though this will be a mission of wills more than anything else. And if that's how the Zabrak wants to play then Vader will happily oblige. He takes one last deep breath, in an attempt to calm himself, then stands up.

He follows his 'friends' force signature to the ramp just in time to see him pull a hood over his horned head and leave the ship. It is almost as if the Zabrak is trying to ditch him and do the mission on his own. That's not going to happen. With an annoyed frown, Vader half trots, half runs to his cohort and matches his pace towards a rather plain looking building adjacent to the landing pad.

It's quiet here, away from the center of the city. It's obvious from the sparse surroundings that few if any speeders come this way even during the day.

"Are you going to tell me your name yet?" he asks again, but unsurprisingly, gets no reply.

They reach a simple door, the Zabrak punches in a long code into a small wall-mounted control panel. This planets nights are cold, his frost-breath puffs into the air beneath his nose before eventually fading into the still night surrounding them.

"If I tell you my name will you tell me yours?" he asks as his arms cross in front of his chest.

The door opens, and the Zabrak silently strides inside. Guess that a 'no'. Vader sighs and rolls his eyes, before lazily swinging through the door and into the dark room beyond. The lights blink on, revealing a large, pristine armory full of various weapons, gadgets and implements one could use to seriously threaten another beings existence in the galaxy.

But the Zabrak ignores it all, and instead picks up a small black bag in the back of the room. Pulling it over his shoulder and heading back towards Vader and the exit.

"The Republic has opened negotiations with the separatist movement. They wish to prevent a war" he growls with obvious distain as he heads back out into the landing pad. Vader quickly follows, matching the Zabraks quick pace once more.

"Darth Sidious gave them an express command to avoid any talks with the Republic, yet here we are"

The Zabrak turns to face Vader with a violent flurry of his cape, piercing him with molten yellow eyes that suddenly leave him feeling somewhat uneasy. For the first time he becomes acutely aware of the pure, unbridled rage coursing through the Zabraks body. It reminds him of a rabid beast, hunting to kill and for no other reason.

For a moment, that rage pierces Vader with such strength it threatens to crush him.

"We will eliminate traitorous separatists first, then deal with the overly-idealistic Republicans before they can disrupt the Sith's rise to power any further" he spits, his fanged teeth giving his words a cruel, sharp edge.

The dark side is everywhere, cascading around the two apprentices like a hurricane. Vader embraces it; the black hole inside of him could swallow up any power he may encounter. Because the nothingness is his ally, and even the most devestating of devices can't destroy something that doesn't exist.

A detonator is shoved into his right hand, his fingers curl around the hilt automatically. Vader looks down at the detonator for a moment, before looking questioningly into the Zabraks amber eyes.

"Don't fail me" the he hisses, and suddenly all the power of the dark side stops as though it had never existed, and he walks away.