Mandalore, being neutral to the war, offered its services in hosting the peace talks. Mereen Kryze, sister to the late Duchess Satine - and a much more aggressive force in dealing with Deathwatch, as evidenced by their eviction from the system - played the part of mediator between the two parties.
On the Republic side, Senators Organa, Taa, Mothma and Amidala, heavy with child, as well as Masters Kenobi and Unduli, representing the Galactic Senate and the Jedi Order, respectively.
The Confederacy, well. Only Grievous and a handful of B1 Battle Droids attended. When asked why that was, the android freely admitted he'd slain every other leader, from Poggle the Lesser to Nute Gunray, for betraying the CIS with their greed and corruption. The Republic party was apalled, naturally, but Grievous' reputation preceded him, and negotiations still proceded, albeit in a somber atmosphere.
The galaxy was divided. The Republic retained its Core Worlds, as well as a section of the Mid Rim, while the CIS obtained control of more systems on the Mid Rim and agreed to relinquish control of several key Outer Rim strongholds, such as Utapau and even Geonosis. Hostilities were ended over night, with every deployed battle droid heading back to the Lucrehulk-class battleships waiting in orbit. Grievous himself left Mandalore with a swish of his billowing cape, and no one in the New Republic ever saw him again, merely receiving notice of the Confederacy's sure growth under his brutally efficient leadership.
"I think you may have shocked the poor Captain, Master."
Ahsoka smirked. "Perhaps. Not many in the Republic knew the old General personally. Even less survived." -she paused, still bearing a scar or two from the various encounters she'd personally had with the Kaleesh. "He was always rather thorough."
Leia gave her a deadpan look. "I can probably name five just off the top of my head."
"Not fair considering who your family and friends are." -said Ahsoka wryly.
Leia shrugged. "Fair point. Oh! We've docked."
Indeed, the Daughter had latched onto the disabled Corellian blockade runner. Upon opening the hatch, they were greeted at gunpoint by a group of C1s and two fearsome IG-150 Magnaguards. Ahsoka resisted the familiar urge to ignite her blades as the weapons were lowered.
"Apologies, Knight Tano. We are following standard procedure." -one of the Magnaguards said with a deep voice.
Once employed as Separatist Leader bodyguards, the newer model Magnaguards occupied much the same role in Confederate space as Jedi in the Republic did - that of peacekeepers and mediators. Each personally trained by Grievous himself, these enforcers had ditched the electro-staffs and been equipped with yellow bladed saberstaffs. Their outer shell was also made from phrik alloy, allowing them to resist all but the strongest of lightsaber blows.
"Understood. May we pass?" -she asked the droid, who nodded, stepping aside.
The scene inside, along every one of the hallways of the ship, could only be accurately described as carnage. Nearly two dozen men and women lay slain, in many cases mutilated. Blaster scoring lined the walls, but the direction of the shots pointed to only one explanation.
"The Captain was right. Whoever did this was exceedingly talented with a lightsaber. The blaster bolts only go two ways - down the halls, or deflected back to the crew." -said Ahsoka.
Leia wasn't listening though. Her hand was open and her arm extended, and her eyes were closed as she paid attention to the ethereal whispers of the Force.
Ahsoka patiently waited a few minutes, unwilling to interrupt Leia's impromptu meditation. Her Padawan opened her eyes, and walked over to a nondescript section of the wall.
"You've been shown something."
Leia turned and nodded, her hands feeling the cool metal. "A witness, perhaps."
Ahsoka closed her eyes and felt the panel in the Force, only mildly surprised to feel a presence on the other side. Together, the Jedi forced the panel's mechanism open, and were greeted by a cacophony of beeps and screams.
A red astromech droid trembled from its discovery, holding out a plasma cutter to keep the 'attackers' at bay.
"Whoa! Calm down little guy. We're Jedi, from the New Republic." -said Ahsoka.
The droid beeped questioningly, and the Jedi glanced at each other. "We just want to help. You must be so scared from what you saw - there are more droids on board who can lend you a hand." -said Leia softly, holding a calming hand out to it.
The astromech gave a sad whine, but ultimately put away the tool, slowly rolling out from its hiding spot. Ahsoka keyed her comlink, asking for the CIS droids' assistance.
Three C1s and a Magnaguard answered her call. "This astromech was hiding in a secret compartment. It is possible he may have witnessed some of the battle. Will you ensure he is treated right in exchange for his cooperation in this matter?" -Ahsoka asked, though she knew the answer already.
Droids were viewed as equals in Confederate space. Restraining bolts were strictly prohibited, and personal development was heavily encouraged. Many a droid from the Republic had escaped to try and find a better existence - there was a weak but still present sense of mistrust of 'clankers' in NR territory.
The Magnaguard seemed to stand a little straighter. "Her treatment would be more than acceptable regardless of her cooperation, but 5A-8Y is willing to help, if it means aiding in catching the monster behind this massacre."
Ahsoka nodded, satisfied. "We will leave, now, and await the report on your findings."
The Magnaguard nodded, and the two Jedi walked toward the airlock, deep in thought.
And then the cold came.
Misery, pain, and anger without bounds. The full nature of the Dark Side, with none of the balance achieved by Anakin Skywalker and his pupils.
The all consuming Darkness of the Sith.
Ahsoka gasped, drawing on the Light to regain her footing. Leia was silently screaming, tears starting to flow from shock. The Jedi Knight poured as many calming thoughts as possible into their bond, purging the surge of the Dark Side she'd clearly felt much more strongly than Ahsoka had.
Leia gasped, her eyes unfocused. "Master...that felt..."
"Horrible. And worse, familiar. It seems the Sith may not be as destroyed as we hoped." -said Ahsoka, hugging the teen and rubbing her back for comfort.