A/N: Enter: Chess master.

An Odd Visit from a None Family Friend

Rex had always been someone of rationale. There was always a reason for things… so why the heck was Governor Palpatine visiting prisoner num- er um, patient Anikan.

Rex had allowed him through, since he had clearance… but him being here just didn't make sense. He wasn't listed under "Patient Family", "Patient Friends", or "Various

Acquaintances". He knew. He'd made each folder and checked it twice. Kind of like Santa. He wasn't under "Possible Threats" either. The politician came out with an ever

gentle smile, with dead shark eyes.

"Thank you for allowing me in." You won't tell be anyone, or else. Rex returned the smile, with narrowed eyes. What the heck? Palpatine placed some money on his desk.

"Here's something for the trouble you took." Rex's mouth dropped open. It was well over five hundred in cash. Well over what he got paid in a week. Heck more than he'd

get this month, or the following three months combined. He looked up and got a very earnest smile. One that frightened him, badly.

"Well… good night... Rex, is it?" Rexs' mouth clamped shut and he stared at the money in his hand. This was bad, very bad.

"He did what?" After Rex had been reliev- er, his shift ended, he'd gone straight home and told Cody. Now, Rex has thirteen brothers and one little cousin, all of which

lived in a small two story complex, the down stairs had two rooms, a Kitchen/Dining-room and a Living-room/Laundry. The upstairs had three rooms, two bedrooms (three

bunkbeds each), and a bathroom. Cody, being the oldest, often took care of all school/work complaints… but this had topped everything.

"Exactly what I told you."

"Why?!"

"I dunno, he just did and he'd paid me not to tell." Rex produced the money which was then promptly snatched from his hand. It took Cody several minutes of processing

before continuing. Cody chewed on his lip, money was very tight, and this was the type of pay they needed. He shook his head.

"We need to tell someone." He then looked at his blond haired brother. "Rex it's already midnight go and get some rest before I carry you up there." Rex snorted, but still hesitated.

"I'll take care of this in the morning, all right." Cody gave Rex a pat and his younger brother nodded, now feeling reassured, and headed toward the upstairs, where the

lower bunk of one of the six double decked beds awaited him. Cody had always had a knack for things like this, especially after Jango's death. Always the oldest growing

up, he was trusted to always know exactly what to do. Except this time, he really didn't.