Eight

"They have your apartment ready Ma'am; you can head there now and rest up if you like. You are not required to sit in the Senate until next week, although I hear the Chancellor wants to see you privately. You'll be notified when."

She looked so sad.

She noticed a soldier wearing red on his armour enter the room. He looked over at Kix and nodded.

"Sir," she heard the medic say.

Her head felt fuzzy, she was aware of being injected with something in the Mess after the commotion she had inadvertently caused.

"This is Commander Fox, head of the Coruscant Guard. He will escort you to your new accommodation."

Kix was already weary from the morning's proceedings. He was looking forward to ending his shift, eating a meal and sharing a drink with his fellow 501st brothers.

Gemma didn't say anything; she just picked herself up and wandered over to the man in red.

"Ma'am," he said standing to attention.

Ascertaining that she was a little shaky, he held out an arm. She looked at the offered limb and then at the Commander before gently laying hers on it. It struck Fox immediately. Was this the Sith Slayer everyone was talking about? The woman who, together with Captain Rex had struck a blow to the Separatists?

"Ma'am?" he said again. Startled she looked away and together they continued into the Senate Building, leaving the ghastly Republic Army Barracks and Infirmary behind them.

He entered a sequence of numbers into the control panel on the door and it slid effortlessly open. She walked through into her apartment and without looking at him, thanked the Commander for his escort. He nodded, saying something she really didn't hear. Commander Fox went to leave but quickly turned back to look at her. She stood forlorn, thin, looking out at the world of speeders whizzing past her giant window, feeling more alone than she ever had in her life.

.

After falling into an artificial sleep, Gem awoke and realised that it was late afternoon. Dragging her body out of her enormous bed, she took a tour of the apartment that would now be her only home.

It was a small but satisfactory accommodation.

A galley kitchen and open plan eating and lounge area. One bedroom with a large refresher attached.

Her possessions had been delivered and she cried openly when she saw her guitar, alone in the corner of the lounge. She had broken two strings and would be looking at replacing them as a priority. Music had been her passion when not debating politics with her peers on Oriis or helping her father in his laboratory. Those days were now over she thought as she was an orphan on a strange planet that could not tolerate anything less than one hundred percent.

Her thoughts then drifted to Reed, and the sadness once again tore at her heart. She had been congratulated in keeping the young pilot alive, but if they only knew, it was Reed who kept her going, giving her a sense of purpose when she thought all was well and truly lost.

She made herself some caf and ate something from the conservator. There was an endless array of sweet and tasty treats in her cupboard, a far cry from the bland, beige food she had experienced in the soldier's Mess.

She took a shower, closing her eyes and allowing the water to beat against her head and dampen her already sombre mood. She found her glasses and read a little, frustrated in feeling couped up, and paced the apartment, looking for something, anything to break the boredom. During the past six months she had been outside daily except when she slept. She exercised by running. She also always had someone to talk to in Reed. Life in the Senate was going to be a far cry from the excitement that had been her life over the past half a year.

She opened her wardrobe and looked at the gowns she had brought with her to begin her new life in the Senate. The beautiful materials were soft, colourful and felt comforting to touch. Oriian culture was different to that on Coruscant. The clothing she was used to wearing was more per functionary, shorter skirts and pants rather than the elaborate costumes she had noticed on the other woman on her walk to the apartment earlier that day.

She looked around at the chrono on the bedside table.

It was 1900.

'The Captain is throwing a party for Broadside at The Bunker at eighteen hundred.'

She remembered Kix's invitation to the table of Commando's.

The captain.

She needed to talk to him about what had happened to her lieutenant, the Sith warriors and what the general in the Mess had told her.

With renewed purpose, she reached in and pulled out a dress and quickly dressed.

.

Master Plo Koon had arrived at the Military Hanger after overseeing training of troops on Kashyyyk. He alighted from his jet fighter and climbed down to greet the head of his squadron, Commander Wolffe.

"Welcome back sir," Wolffe said saluting, "good trip?"

That's when it happened.

A Force pull so strong that the Jedi dropped to his knees, holding his head. It was a bitter sweet memory that tugged at his soul, unexpected and strangely familiar at the same time.

Sir? Sir! Medic!" Wolffe yelled, crouching down beside him, holding his general in his arms.

.

Obi-Wan closed the door of his meagre quarters and let out a breath. He had felt the disturbance first on board the Resolute, then stronger once getting back into Coruscant. He pulled the chain out from under his tunic. Half a medallion hung from its end. He sat and looked at it for a long time, thinking and rubbing his chin with his hand.

"Oh, my dear one." he muttered.

.

Grand Master Yoda closed his eyes in meditation. "An old friend has returned. Disruption again, she brings."

.

Gemma, transformed, found a piece of flimsi and scribbled some numbers on it. She was happy with her appearance; a red silk dress that she tied in a bow on the left side of her neck. Her dark hair in an elegant bun on the top of her head and a golden bracelet that she pulled half way up her arm. It was a far cry from the outfits she had worn recently and she almost felt guilty wearing something so feminine.

Opening her door and locking the apartment behind her she set out to find someone who could help her find this party at The Bunker, and ultimately the answers to questions that bore heavily on her shoulders.

The accommodation part of the Senate Building took up a few floors. Security was paramount and she noticed a patrol station around most corners, manned by soldiers wearing the distinctive red markings on their armour.

She knew who she was looking for and continued, determined, on her way.

"Representative Gem, can we be of some assistance?"

It was the same Commander who had escorted her to her apartment. He had his helmet off, looking with two other soldiers at some information scrolling in front of them on a data pad. She was immediately struck at how much he looked like Reed. It caught her again, the sadness. She blinked hard, and took in a deep breath.

'What was his name again?' she muttered to herself.

"Commander Fox Ma'am," it was like he was reading her lips.

"Thank you Commander. I would like an escort if you have someone free?"

"If you don't mind my asking Ma'am, where are you thinking of heading?"

"I would like to go to The Bunker, commander."

The two other troopers smiled and looked at each other.

"Ma'am, I don't think that is a place for ladies, it is a military, um, establishment."

"Do you know where it is commander?"

"Yes, but -"

"Commander Fox, I would just like someone to take me there, will you or will you not assist me?"

"I'll go sir," the tattooed soldier on the left offered eagerly.

"Stand down Vail. I'll take you personally Ma'am," he said, grabbing his helmet and punching some numbers on a data pad in front of him.

"I'll be on comm if you need me," he told the other two.

"Sir, yes sir," they both chimed back.

She did look beautiful he thought. She also appeared to be in a brighter mood than when he left her earlier that day. He had thought about her most of the afternoon. He wanted to know more about her time on the mid-rim moon. He had heard the rumours about the two Sith and her role in bringing them to their death. He desperately wanted to hear it from her, and being patient, he knew he eventually would. He had also noticed the red dress with the long split at the front that opened slightly when she moved, steeling glimpses of her bare skin occasionally as she walked. He also noticed with interest the red sandals she wore, they looked delicate and he wondered briefly how she walked in them.

Details, he was excellent at noticing the details.

Yes, he thought, she was simply stunning and he felt proud to be escorting her for the evening, her arm resting lightly on his.

"What is your role here on Coruscant Commander," she enquired.

"We are Special Forces Ma'am, we make up the Coruscant Guard. We look after the Republic official's, like yourself." he added.

He was charming. Dealing with politicians on a daily basis showed in his demeanour. They continued down into a seedier part of the city.

"You sure you want to continue Ma'am?"

She merely smiled. He stopped momentarily. He had never felt so much warmth in a smile before in his short life. He now knew why every clone trooper in the city was talking about the Honourable Representative from Oriis.

As they approached The Bunker, the noise and smell intensified. The door would open occasionally. Cheering and music would quickly escape and then din as the door pulled it back inside. Commander Fox removed his helmet and turned to her.

"One last chance Ma'am?" he tried hard to hold back a smile.

He had heard that Broadside was getting a bash thrown in his honour by the captain of the 501st.

He and Rex weren't great friends but they respected one another. She nodded and he opened up the door and they ploughed in amongst a sea of white.

No one noticed them entering, the bar full with troopers wearing the ubiquitous white armour. Gem noticed the splashes of colour on the white to differentiate their individual units. She looked around for the familiar blue.

Fox pulled out his blaster and made some adjustments before lifting it above his head and firing.

A blue light went up, but no damage ensued.

The club with all its reverie quietened and he stepped forward.

"Captain Rex?" his voice boomed throughout the room.

"Who wants to know?" was the cheeky reply.

"If I may Ma'am," Fox turned and grabbed her around the waist and lifted her high so that she could be seen above his brothers.

A loud cheer broke out.

Rex looked in the direction of the door, the corner of his mouth lifted into a slight smile.

"Gem," he mouthed silently.

"Here Sir, pass her over." Fox looked at her and Gem nodded. He was officially off duty and the party was just what she needed to forget the events earlier in the day.

It was pass the politician as Gemma was man handled by several troopers to get to the lower level of the club where Rex and the 501st boys had ensconced themselves. She smiled and giggled as she was congratulated, on more than one occasion, a little too over enthusiastically, before her feet again touched the ground. She caught glimpses of Rex as she continued towards him, weaving and dodging cheery soldiers. Rex too was being patted on the back for his efforts against the agents of Dooku.

Tears pricked her eyes and she tried hard not to cry.

He looked rested, strong.

He was back in the white armour, and she could sense the confidence it afforded him.

Closer and closer they headed towards one another. She noticed his smile dissipate and his honey brown eyes locked on hers, she could sense their intensity as he moved, quicker and with purpose towards her.

Then the moment when they finally met.

He pulled her into him hard and his mouth sought hers in a kiss so passionate, it caught her unaware.

The crowd cheered again at their union.

One of his hands moved up to cup the back of her neck and he decided to deepen the kiss, letting her know that it was that other time, finally that other place.

She took his cue and opened hers a little wider in acceptance, the crowd relinquishing another loud cheer. They heard and saw nothing but each other as they embraced.

"You're beautiful!" he whispered in her ear.

"Oh, Rex," she replied, crying silently into his neck.

He slowly released one arm and delved under his kama to bring out a piece of material and pulled away gently enough to pass it to her. She took it and wiped her eyes as he kissed her affectionately on the forehead and said in low voice,

"Come on, there are a lot of people here that want to meet to you."

He slipped his arm around her tiny frame and guided her towards the men in blue.

.

Niner watched her as she seemed to float down toward him. Her eyes never leaving his gaze until the moment they collided in that kiss. It just wasn't him, she was looking at. Fi and Darman went wild, but Niner couldn't watch. He just looked back down at his glass, swirled it and drank it in one shot.

'Why would she have even noticed me?' he thought to himself, 'he's the captain of the five hundred and kriffing first for fek's sake'.

Kal saw the disappointment on his sons face and sighed.

.

Ahsoka had been drinking with Jesse and Fives when it happened. She looked up and saw the vision in red and then the moment her heart felt like it was going to break in half. She knew how he felt, how he tasted. She knew that feeling in the pit of her being that would be rousing. She couldn't take her eyes off them. He was still angry with her when he left for Suleucami. She ended the brief liaison she had initiated and he begged her to reconsider. He was hurt, confused, and she berated herself for being so indecisive. It would be a regret she would have to learn to live with.

He now knew what it was like to love, to be loved and he wanted to feel whole again.

.

They drank and sang their ancient war songs, laughing and telling stories of their captains misadventures with General Skywalker. She listened and joined in their reverie when Kix touched her gently on the back.

"I think we have a round to buy for Omega Ma'am," he whispered in her ear.

She turned and saw the table of larger men in the corner of the club, talking amongst themselves. She joined Kix, carrying a small tray with seven glasses and a tall elegant bottle. They immediately stood up as she approached and she shook her head and hung it in embarrassment.

"I owe you all an apology for my behaviour this morning".

"Did you bring your own buy'ca?" Fi grinned.

"I'd put your butter knives away too," Darman added.

"Ok, so we can quit with the jokes," she laughed back.

"The sarge is having physical therapy for his knee, might have to miss the next hop," Atin added.

This finally drew a smile out of Niner who coyly looked up at her. She grabbed his arm. He felt her warm through the fabric, her scent wafting around him, mixed with the alcohol, making him light headed.

"No Ma'am, they are all being di'kuts."

"Well, gal 'gala – anyway I think that's how you say it? Hardcase has been teaching me Mando'a over there, although I am not sure they are phrases I will use in the Senate room."

They all thoroughly enjoyed her attention whilst drinking the beautiful yellow liqueur littered with tiny golden flecks.

"On my planet, this is referred to gold wasser," she announced.

"It is usually drunk - "

" - at weddings and special occasions," Kal finished.

"Well done sergeant, you know Oriian culture?"

"I am yet to travel there My Lady," he nodded his head in respect.

She liked him. He was gentle and she could see that he was fiercely protective of his boys.

Rex had been watching her interact with the elite troopers. She was laughing and had them all engaged in a conversation, of which one he noticed, was particularly animated about. He was drinking with the commander of the 212th, who noticed his eyes wander towards the table in the corner.

"OK, give. What's the deal with the girl?" Cody knew Rex. They were more than brothers, more than commanding officers, and best friends.

"What?" Rex couldn't hide the smile.

"Oh, I know that look! Go on, get over there before one of those genetic freaks steal her away." Cody patted his mate on the back. Rex looked at him and smiled.

"Be careful captain, she is a Politician after all."

"She's a woman first though ner vod."

"A woman, where? I think I can feel a base inspection coming on."

"Not this furlough Commander," he said swilling the remains of his beer down and placing the empty glass in his friends hand before heading purposely on his way.

He had never met any of these Commando's before, but stories of their size and reputation he could clearly see, were true.

He stood behind Gemma and put his hand out towards Niner.

"Sergeant, I want to thank you for putting an end to a rather touchy altercation in the Mess this morning." Niner stood up slowly and grasped his hand back and shook it hard.

"No problem Sir. Congratulations on getting Maul and Savage."

"Simply a case of right place at the right time," he stated matter of fact.

"Red man and yellow guy," Fi laughed.

He had over indulged in the golden warmth of the liqueur and was feeling a little too familiar with the captain of the 501st. Rex didn't mind in the slightest. He laughed and whispered something in Gemma's ear and she flushed deeper than her gown.

"Gentlemen," she nodded and let the captain lead her away.

"Can I have some time to you myself tonight?" he joked as he led her to the bar area.

There he pulled up two stools and waited for her to climb up onto one. She crossed her legs purposely; the thigh high split in her gown draped either side of her left leg perfectly. He looked down and she noticed his brow rise ever so slightly.

"Like what you see captain?"

"Indeed I do Ma'am," not removing his eyes from her skin.

It looked so perfect; he leaned forward and barely brushed its length with the back of his hand.

Maybe it was the ale but he was being bolder than he usually would around women.

Fek, he had only met a handful in his entire life, one being his Commander. Recent events made him realise that his life was precious and pleasure in all its forms needed to be grasped with both hands when presented.

She momentarily closed her eyes.

"Captain," she whispered.

"Yes," his eyes not leaving her leg.

"I can't concentrate."

"I believe that's the point." His voice low and provocative.

.

Fives had been given the task of getting the next round.

He stood at the bar waiting for the Twi'lek woman to fill the order as he turned and leaned his elbows against the rail. He looked in the direction of the captain, watched as she closed her eyes.

He smiled to himself and thought how lucky Rex was, wishing now he hadn't knocked back the mission to find the plant he thought below an ARC trooper.

"Rex," Gemma leaned forward and slipping her hand on top of his she pushed the piece of flimsie into his palm.

"This is my apartment's location and the access code. When you finish here, I'd like you to join me later this evening," she spoke nervously, looking around to see if anyone was watching.

"You sure Gem?" he looked directly into her eyes, asking the unspoken question.

"Yes, I just need to talk to General Kenobi over there. There is a lot I want to talk to you about, I can't here, not like this."

"O-K," he replied slowly, "you want to talk?" He looked away slightly, embarrassed by his suggestion of something more.

"There are a lot of things I just don't understand. The two men we, well, you know. Reconditioning, Reed, everything."

Reconditioning! Claxons sounded in his head.

"Let me get this clear from the beginning. You want me to come to your apartment, enter it with this code, wait for you to arrive, and talk?"

"Well," she smiled, "I would also like to finish the conversation I think we just started here."

She stood up from the stool and moved in close to him. He didn't move a millimetre. A crooked smile crossed his mouth and he remained still while she whispered something into his ear. He dropped his head and nodded, smiling all the while.

"Whoooaaaa," went the boys sitting opposite from the two hundred and twelfth, Cody laughed as he watched his friend being hit on by a woman, a beautiful one at that.

"Relax in the apartment; use the refresher if you want, food in the conservator."

She stopped and turned back to him.

"You will be there?" she asked again.

"I will," he nodded, "how will I be able to get this back?"

He grabbed a gold medal with a blue stone in its centre from around his neck and lifted it over his head and placed it over hers.

"Oh Rex, no," she gasped feeling its weight as it dropped down onto her chest "I couldn't!"

"K'uur," he drawled, "you can't get one as it's a military recognition for bravery, but in all honesty, you deserve this more than me."

He stood back, admiring it and grabbed her hand in a gentle shake

"Until later?" she asked again.

"Until later," he replied.

"Oh come on Cap'ain, surely you can do better than that?" Broadside slurred.

"I most certainly can," he replied.

With that, the captain of the 501st dropped her hand and took a step back.

"Ke'sush!" he bellowed in Mandalorian.

Everyone in the bar stood up, although Gem noted a few swaying out of the corner of her eye. He lifted his right arm and saluted her. She heard the clipping of boots and was amazed to see every other soldier in the establishment follow suit. She was humbled and bowed back.

She looked around at the men in the room.

For the first time in a long time, she felt part of a family.

Hiding the water welling in her eyes she turned to head up the stairs and into the darkness.

Rex glanced quickly over his shoulder at her, as others in blue and white slapped his back and roared for more Mandalorian ale to be brought over.