"I am sorry, but you can't be serious?"

Obi-wan stood in the center of the jedi counsel room. It was early morning on this part of Coruscant. The sun was just rising over the skyline, shining angrily through the large windows. Obi-wan had to squint as he stared aghast at Yoda.

The master made a noise of distaste, and Obi-wan focused on raining in his emotions.

"Pardon my outburst, masters. I just feel that we owe her at least this after what we put her through."

His eyes drifted over to the hologram of Master Plo Koon, asking silently for support.

"She left the jedi order of her own free will," said Mace Windu, "to divert resources from the war effort to chase some dream of Anakin's is irresponsible."

"Now," Plo Koon interjected, "to dismiss visions as dreams is something I would not have expected from his council."

"Hmm," Yoda scratched his chin, "clouded by emotion, Skywalker's visions are."

"But Master," Obi-wan protested, "I felt it too. I was awake before Anakin came to find me."

Murmurs spread around the room. Obi-wan knew that waking in the early hours of morning with a bad feeling in his gut was not conclusive proof, but when Anakin had told him what he'd seen Obi-wan had known it to be true.

"Highly train, and intelligent, Ahsoka is," said Yoda. "Take care of herself, she can."

"I'm sorry Master Kenobi," Mace said, "be we just can't spare you, or Anakin for that matter. Trouble is brewing on Ringo Vinda and many of our main supply routes have fallen to the separatists."

Obi-wan knew an impasse when he saw it. After all, this was the same council which had pushed Ahsoka away in the first place. This time, however, he swore he would not be complacent.

"Understood masters," he bowed. "If there is no more business to attend to today…" He looked towards the door.

"Go, you may," Yoda released him.

Much to his surprise, he stepped from the council chamber to see the familiar, blue-painted helmet of Rex.

"Captain," Obi-wan greeted him. "What brings you to the temple?"

"Actually," the clone trooper shifted uncomfortably, "I was looking for you, or General Skywalker." He removed his helmet, and Obi-wan instantly saw the worry in his eyes. "Word travels fast on Coruscant. If there is any sort of mission to rescue Commander Tano, I would like to formally volunteer my services. As, I'm sure, would any member of the 501st."

Obi-wan looked away. He started walking, making sure they were a good distance away from the door before he answered, as he knew he would be unable to conceal the bitterness in his voice.

"I just spoke with the council, there is to be no rescue mission. Commander Tano left the order by her own choice."

Obi-wan could tell the only thing keeping Rex from voicing his anger was the chain of command and a life of stringent brainwashing. Maybe he'd been spending too much time with Anakin, but Obi-wan couldn't help but confide in Rex.

"Though… I am not saying I agree with that decision. My loyalty has always been to the council, first and foremost. To be candid with you, Rex, I'm not sure what to do."

The two men walked in silence, and Obi-wan felt bad for putting the weight of his problems on the clone's shoulders.

Rex finally broke the silence, as they wound their way through the lower levels of the temple. "I can't imagine the burdens of a Jedi. Your responsibilities far exceed mine. I'm just a clone, there are millions like me. I'll go after her, though I won't ask any of my men to follow me. Many soldiers have defected… disappeared. To the republic my loss will be meaningless, but after how much time I've spent with General Skywalker I believe even on my own I may have a chance of helping her."

Obi-wan stopped dead in his tracks, still processing what Rex was saying. Even after all the time he'd spent commanding them he was still sometimes surprised by the level of free-thinking the clones were capable of. His shock must have been evident on his face, because he sensed that Rex was afraid, afraid that confiding in Obi-wan had ruined his chance of actually carrying out his ridiculous plan.

"Ahsoka Tano is not your responsibility," he said, not like a command but as a statement of fact, voice numb from shock.

Rex stood at attention before him, helmet held tight at his hip. Rex was always respectful, a good soldier, but there was a determination in his eyes as he stared the general down. "Sir, I have known that girl from the very first day she joined you and General Skywalker on the battlefield. I remember thinking how young she was, worrying that following General Skywalker would lead her into an early grave. Since then I have watched her grow up into one of the best warriors I have had the honour of fighting beside. The 501st is a family, and if she is truly in trouble I do not believe it is within my capability to stand idle."

"It is clear how much you care for her …"

"You'll allow me to go then? You can of course claim deniability."

A sort of clarity had settled over Obi-wan, clearing away the guilt he felt for allowing himself to form such strong attachments. "Yes Rex, but don't think for a second I'm not coming with you. Seeing you use your free will has reminded me of mine. I can't leave her any more than you can."

"Sir?" Rex exclaimed. "I would have expected a response like this from General Skywalker but you've surprised me."

It was then that Obi-wan realized that in all the excitement he'd forgotten an important and highly volatile piece of the puzzle. Anakin would not react well to news of the council's decision, and it was Obi-wan's gut response to keep him as far away from this mission as possible. He'd have to call him straight away.

Turning to Rex, he outlined the plan, "we're leaving today. Pack a bag and get some civilian clothes. Meet me at Tajura Space Port, we'll be leaving under the radar." He tapped the communicator on his wrist. "I'll be in contact."

Anakin was not answering on his communicator. Through some investigation, Obi-wan discovered that he and Rex had just missed him outside the council chambers. Sadly, news of the council's decision had already reached him. He knew his former Padawan well, and he was certain he planned to go after Ahsoka himself. He trick would be finding him before he left.

Padme Amidala's apartment was the third place he looked, knowing how much time Anakin spent there while he was on Coruscant. Much to his surprise, the senator was gone, leaving only C-3PO to answer the door. It was the clueless droid who gave him the clue he needed. Padme and Master Ani were on a 'secret senate sanctioned mission.' They'd left for the senate building. He'd just missed them.

Obi-wan cursed Anakin for dragging the senator into this, but he knew he shouldn't have been surprised. This wasn't the first ill-fated rescue mission the pair had attempted. Anakin's current actions did not surprise him, but he had though Padme had grown wiser since that time. Memories of Geonosis rushed back to him as he called Rex.

"Change of plans. Meet me in the senate hanger bay. Quickly, if we are to catch General Skywalker before he leaves. He hasn't been answering my communications."

There was a stifled laugh on the other end. "Pardon me, General. I'll give it a try. He might answer my communication."

It irked Obi-wan a little to realize the truth in this. "Try if you will, just get there."

He'd left his light travel pack in his speeder, and got lucky with the fickle Coruscant traffic, making it to the senate building in record time. As he entered the nearly deserted landing bay however, it became clear that Rex had beaten him there. Padme's ship stood ready to depart, three figures standing near the ramp.

"I was surprised to hear you'd be joining us, Master," Anakin said, from under the hood of his robe. "I thought the council had made its decision."

In truth he was happy to have Obi-wan by his side, but his master's presence meant he had to concentrate on his emotions. He knew Obi-wan could feel them swirling around him, and right now that was just one more thing he had to worry about.

"I said we should have told him, Anakin," Padme hissed. "He cares about her too."

"Despite what you might believe," Obi-wan began, unbeknownst to Anakin facing a problem which was quite similar, "the Jedi council is not a hive mind. I will do everything within my power to find Ahsoka, I assure you of that, however I'm not sure if it's wise for you to accompany us. You are much too close to this. Your emptions cloud your judgment. The council has assigned you a new mission, am I correct?"

"It doesn't matter," Anakin said. "And you must know already that nothing you say will do anything to deter me."

"So it's settled then," said Padme, the role of diplomat coming naturally to her. "It appears we are all here because we care about Ahsoka. We have a common goal, I say we stop wasting time and get out there."

"And you are sure you wish to accompany us, Senator Amidala?" Obi-wan asked. "We cannot guarantee your safety, and I know it must be difficult to tear yourself away from her duties here. Not to mention, disobeying the Jedi order is bound to have consequences."

She stared him down with a ferocity he'd almost forgotten she possessed, and he was transported back to the confused Padawan he'd been when he'd first met her on Naboo, before he'd even known who she was.

"She saved my life. I can say with certainty that I would not be here with you today if it had not been for Ahsoka. She would have made a spectacular Jedi." For a moment Padme's voice had been venomous. "Not to mention, it's my ship, my credits, and my connections we're using so I don't think leaving me behind would be the best tactical move."

Anakin met his eyes and raised both brows. He must have already tried. Padme stared him down as well, wishing Obi-wan could read her thoughts in her eyes. Look at him, they said, I couldn't have let him go alone.

"I never said I planned to, my lady," Obi-wan gave a little bow. "Now from the sounds of it it would appear you two already have a plan. Care to catch Rex and I up on the ship?"

On a certain level, Obi-wan was grateful that things had turned out this way. He hadn't had much of a plan. He and Rex would have headed to Zygerria; the race of the abductors the only thing of relevance Anakin had shared about his vision.

Rex, who had stayed silent through the entire confrontation, was the first up the ramp. He was almost unrecognizable in his civilian garb. Clones on leave on Coruscant did venture out into the city. Some, like Rex, did not always enjoy the recognition that came with their shared face. He wore a long brown coat, the shirt underneath plated with a discrete kind of light armour. On his head he wore a brimmed hat which cast a shadow over his eyes. The only thing familiar about his outfit were the two blasters he wore on his waist: republic issue beauties he couldn't have brought himself to leave behind. In truth, he looked much more like a bounty hunter than a clone trooper.

"Looking good, Captain," Anakin said. "You'll blend right in out in the outer rim."

Rex tipped his hat. "Much appreciated, General."

Padme went to set an autopilot course for Lyran. She wasn't much of a pilot, and Anakin's skills would be needed for the landing, but it was her ship damn it, and she knew how to work an autonav, which was what she would have said had anyone protested.

Obi-wan watched out the window as the lights of Coruscant receded below them, a heavy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He was unsure if it came from worry for Ahsoka, or guilt about disobeying a direct order, or both. He could not unwind the twisted knot of his emotions, a problem which was uncommon for the Jedi master. He had not felt lost like this in a long time, not since a master had been ripped away and an apprentice shoved too quickly into his place. He needed to meditate, but could not tear himself away from the window. He would take the time later, after he'd heard what Padme and Anakin had planned.

"Master?" Anakin placed a soft hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Obi-wan looked up in surprise. He hadn't sensed his approach. They were alone in the sitting room, Rex having gone to join Padme in the cabin.

"I'm well enough."

Anakin sat beside him on the couch. "I know you're worried for her too, I can feel it."

Obi-wan didn't respond at first, staring out into the familiar, calming texture of space. When finally he spoke, it was with a serenity so practiced had it not been for the hum of the force it could have fooled even Anakin.

"I suppose you're correct."

"That's alright." Anakin placed a hand on his shoulder, staring at him until Obi-wan was forced to meet his eyes. "To feel things, I mean. If I've learned anything it's that every being in this galaxy feels, even if the emotions take different forms. I'm sure every Jedi who's ever lived has had emotions… even you Master," he teased, trying to get a witty jab it return. "Sure, we must control them, but first we must acknowledge that they are there. I think Master Yoda told me that."

This reversal of roles had only added to the strange feeling in Obi-wan's gut, but all the same Anakin's words had helped to center him.

"Perhaps you're correct. It appears that it is you who has something to teach me, for a change. I just wish I knew if it was the right lesson."

"Am I interrupting something?" Padme asked, leaning against the doorframe.

She entered the room with Rex close behind her, and R2-D2 trailing behind them both. He'd already been on the ship when Obi-wan had arrived, an obvious addition to the mission.

"Not at all," Obi-wan answered.

Mutually they broke the moment, moving simultaneously away from each other just a little.

"Perfect!" Padme took a seat in the bowl shaped chair opposite the couch. "Let's fill them in, Ani."

After a few hours in the archives, Anakin had managed to identify the planet from his vision with a good degree of certainty. It had been the outer rim planet of Korono, previously Hutt controlled space, the sector had recently fallen to The Separatists. The planet itself had, thus far, remained untouched by conflict. That made it a prime destination for refugees in that part of the galaxy, and there were a lot of them, since The Separatists had taken many of the surrounding systems by force.

Due to the unsanctioned nature of their mission, the plan was to stay as under the radar as was possible. That meant no lightsabers unless it was absolutely necessary. It also meant they would be going in as refugees.

"It worked the last time," Anakin said, sharing a knowing look with Padme.

"Yes," Obi-wan added, his previous mood almost completely gone, "it worked fantastically until the pair of you decided to go do who knows what with no regard for the plan."

It was Padme who delivered the response required to continue the banter, for Anakin had fallen silent. Obi-wan had never found out why they'd left Naboo for Tatooine, or what darkness mention of this would drag Anakin back into.

"Next time we won't bother coming to rescue you then," she said, with a smirk.

"Oh… because that worked out so well."

To get onto the correct refugee ship with identities which had any chance of fooling The Separatists they would be relying on an old friend of Padme's. Her name was Ster, and she was a member of one of Lyran's leading families. It was the main planet in Korono's sector, and held a tenuous new place in The Separatist parliament. Padme had secured vital aid for Ster's section of the planet many years ago, after the eruptions of terrible methane volcanoes had devastated the population.

"This could very likely be a trap," Obi-wan said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Does she know you plan to smuggle Jedi into Separatist space?"

Padme shook her head. "She only knows it's a personal mission, unsanctioned by the senate. She didn't ask many questions. In her mind, she owes me a debt, though I was only doing my duty."

"To a planet in the outer rim, help from the galactic senate must have seemed like a miracle," said Anakin.

"Doesn't mean it isn't a trap," said Rex.

"No," Obi-wan agreed, "it does not guarantee anything. Though it appears, at the moment, to be the best plan we have."

"I have faith in Ster," Padme said, "she is an honorable woman."

It turned out that Padme's trust was well placed. Their stay on the surface of Lyran was brief and uneventful. Ster had their documents waiting for them when they arrived, and they left the ship with her, taking only what they could carry on their backs.

They stayed in Ster's palace only long enough to transform themselves into refugees. Rex was fine was he was, but the other three had to make themselves look slightly less wealthy. Obi-wan and Anakin kept their robes, though changed into simple woolen tunics underneath. Padme wore something similar, aside from the faded shall she wrapped around her head. She also wore a pilot's jacket which had been made for someone larger than she.

Ster was a beautiful blonde woman dressed all in silks, and as Padme thanked her she kissed her on both cheeks.

"Be safe, Senator Amidala," she pleaded. "The streets of Lyran are a rough place right now, and Korono is no better."

"I will, Ster, I promise."

Compared to a lot of the outer rim the architecture on Lyran was aesthetically pleasing, or at least it had been. They liked stained glass, and domed roofs, though not much of that remained. The battle for Lyran had not just been in space. There are been clones with boots on the ground here, and probably a Jedi general as well; though no one could remember who off of the top of their head. It was clear now, walking through the aftermath, what contact with the clone war really meant for a civilization.

Sure the class structure here had been stringent, the ruling families ruthless as any form of government had to be to survive near Hutt space. But the people had had roofs over their head and food on their tables. To Anakin, this was the work of the evil Separatists. The heroic Jedi had fallen just short of saving these people. But as Obi-wan walked through the ruins he was plagues by doubts about the war, as he often was. He had fought in many battles like the one which had devastated this city. Win or lose, after it was over he was back on the ship on the way to the next crisis.

On the battlefield the buildings they passed wouldn't have been homes. They would have been cover, or a place in which the enemies could be lurking. So this is what they left in their wake: refugees and rubble.

"So here's the story," said Padme, shoving the stack of papers she'd been reading into her bag. "We were all factory workers here on Lyran. According to these documents Anakin and Obi-wan are brothers. It also appears, Anakin, that I am your wife." She did not pause or flinch in any way. As a politician, Padme's poker face was flawless. "Rex also appears to have the same last name as the rest of us. What are you feeling Rex? Cousin? Uncle?"

"I think I'll take cousin."

"Wait," Obi-wan interjected, "will we be going by fake names? I think that may have been worth mentioning earlier."

"Only the last one. We're the Duura family. Generals Skywalker and Kenobi might be recognizable names, but no one had heard of Anakin and Obi-wan. I'm sorry Rex, I know this is going to be hard for you, but that means you're going to have to drop the formalities."

"Senator?"

Padme laughed, though she was honestly unsure if he'd been joking or not. "Not anymore. And while we're on this mission these two aren't generals. I'm afraid you're going to have to call us by our first names."

Rex looked genuinely distraught for a moment. He wasn't an idiot, but had Padme not reminded him of this directly he realized that there was a good chance he would have made the mistake on instinct.

"Give it a go then," Anakin said. "I don't think I've ever heard you say my first name."

He snickered, and Rex had to resist the urge to role his eyes.

"Don't worry, Anakin," he recovered quickly, "I'm sure I'll be able to manage. Who knows, maybe I'll enjoy being freed from the chain of command."

"Oh, this should be fun," joked Obi-wan. "I know what it's like to work closely with Anakin. There must be all sorts of comments you've been repressing."

"Of course not," Rex said, clearly sarcastic. "Every one of the general's—urhm," he cleared his throat, "I'm sorry… Anakin's decisions is carefully planned beforehand. What could I possibly have to complain about?"

What Rex hadn't realized was that he'd just stepped through a very dangerous door. No more could he be silent while the other three bantered. He'd just made himself a target.

"Thanks Rex," said Anakin, picking up on the shift in the group dynamic. "That's much appreciated. Just to make sure you've got it down, why don't you run through them all once. I know pronunciation can be a bit difficult."

"Padme," Rex tipped his hat to her, and she grinned. "Ani…"

His wife had to suppress a laugh behind her hands.

"Don't push it, soldier," Anakin muttered.

"R2." Rex looked down at the droid that trundled beside them, over the uneven ground.

Turning to Obi-wan, Rex hesitated for a moment. He had teased Anakin before, and when he'd first met the young Jedi he had still been apprenticed to Obi-wan. Anakin was an incredible warrior, but reckless and flawed. In Rex's mind, Obi-wan was close to infallible. He was a legend among the clones, like Yoda or Master Windu.

"Obi-wan." He nodded respectfully.

"Glad to have you along, Rex," the Jedi master said. "I don't know if I could have survived this mission being stuck with only these two."

"Here's to the dream team," said Padme. "Together there isn't a force in the galaxy that can keep Ahsoka from us."