Much to Ahsoka's surprise an entire week managed to pass by before she got another call from the Chancellor. In a way she was glad for the distraction. Ahsoka had never been very good at sitting still, especially during times of war. She preferred to be training or fighting, or learning from her teachers.

Now however she had none of those, aside from her frequent visits to the nearby gym, and even those paled in comparison to Jedi training or sparring with the Clones.

Even Anakin had pretty much radio silent the past few days, most likely spending time with a certain Senator who had arrived back from his conference the day after their trip to the club with Rex and the others. Ahsoka wouldn't begrudge Anakin spending time with his wife. He deserved to have some time off more than most, and she was happy that he had someone to go home to.

So yes, she had been bored without a mission of some kind, or without anyone to really spend some time with, thus she all but jumped for joy when her comm link pulsed early in the morning and the Chancellor's voice came through asking her to meet him at his office.

Assuming it to be another mission Ahsoka quickly armored up, before heading over to the Senate building in her newly purchased speeder, one she had spent a vast amount of credits on. She had the money to spend after all, so why not treat herself?

It only took several minutes in her speeder to reach her destination, and a short brisk walk through the halls of the Senate building that had become a frequent locale for Ahsoka before she entered the Chancellor's office, finding him staring out of the large window planes at the city below.

Moving over to his desk, Ahsoka reached up and removed her helmet, gently clearing her throat to alert the elderly man that she was present and ready for her new orders.

The Chancellor reacted as she expected, his body turning away from the window and towards Ahsoka, a warm smile coming to his face as he gestured towards the chair opposite his desk, taking his own in the process. Ahsoka knew by now that that was his invitation to sit, so she took it.

"My dear it is good to see you. I trust you have been enjoying your time off? Something that was no doubt rare during your time as a Jedi as I understand it?" Palpatine spoke, his tone soft and patient, an air of compassion about his as he referred to her previous life. He was evidently trying not to remind her of the past too much, something that she appreciated.

"I'm doing well Chancellor, thank you for asking. I've kept as busy as I can but I'm looking forward to getting back to doing some good for the galaxy." Ahsoka replied, hoping her enthusiasm would please the Chancellor.

Across the desk Palpatine chuckled, reaching under his desk to extract what looked like a small slip of paper with eloquent writing on. It was rare to ever see such material these days. Nine times out of ten everything was written either on flimsi or on a datapad. Whatever this was was important.

"As much as I appreciate your services Agent Tano I'm afraid this is not another mission, but merely an invitation for you. The Office of the Supreme Chancellor is hosting a charity ball in hopes of raising funds for the orphans of this forsaken war. Many wealthy and influential Senators from across all of Republic space will be present, and I managed to secure an invitation for you as well. I thought that perhaps you might like to attend and enjoy yourself for a night. You are still a young lady after all if you don't mind me saying." Palpatine detailed, handing the paper slip to Ahsoka in the process, who took it and began reading what was upon it.

The writing was joined up and in Ahsoka's mind rather pompous, but it was still easy enough to read.

'You are cordially invited to the Republic Charity Ball, hosted by the Office of the Supreme Chancellor.'

'Invitation reserved for: Ahsoka Tano, plus one.'

'Black Tie mandatory.'

Upon realization that the invitation was specifically aimed at her, Ahsoka's eyes widened in surprise. Was she really important enough to the Republic to warrant an invitation to what seemed like a prestigious ball?

"I.. don't know if i should accept this Your Excellency? I'm not exactly a politician with any sway in the Republic." Ahsoka explained, placing the invitation back on the Chancellor's desk.

"Perhaps not my dear, but you are still a welcome addition to the event. You would not be there to play politics, but to simply enjoy yourself. You deserve that much after all." Palpatine spoke softly, reaching across his desk to gently push the piece of paper back towards her, a clear encouragement for her to take it anyways.

"I'm not sure Chancellor. I'm not really a formal person." Ahsoka answered, picking up the invitation again and beginning to fiddle with it. She could do small parties with friends, or a night out with her men.

But an entire charity ball attended by hundreds of Republic Senators? That might just be too much for her to handle, especially in light of her last interaction with them.

That said, she couldn't very well turn down the Chancellor… could she?

"Do not worry about making your decision right this second Ahsoka. The ball is in three days time. Think about it and I will either see you there or not." Palpatine said, standing from his chair and moving round the desk towards Ahsoka, a hand gently resting on her shoulder. Even through the armor she could feel the gentle squeeze. It was oddly comforting in a way.

Rising from her own chair Ahsoka smiled at the Chancellor, her mind not fully made up, but grateful for the time to think things over.

"I'll think it over Chancellor."

"Good, that's all I ask. It would be nice to have a friend there, especially one who isn't a Senator looking to depose me." Palpatine's reply as instant, a touch of humor in his tone as he finished.

She didn't show it, lest it reveal some part of unproffessionalism that Palpatine would not want to see, but Ahsoka was happy that the elder man considered her a friend. She hadn't had many growing up, and had very few it seemed even now. In fact she could almost count the people she would call friends on one hand.

Now though it seemed she had more, as well as the support of the most powerful man in the galaxy. If the Chancellor of all people called her his friend then clearly she was doing something right.

"Anyways, I have an important meeting with Senator Chuchi that I must attend. Enjoy the rest of your day Agent Tano. I hope to see you at the charity ball."

With that, the Chancellor led Ahsoka out of his office, bidding her farewell before leaving alongside his Senate Guard escort, headed to his meeting.

Have little else to do, Ahsoka tucked the paper invitation away in her armor, before taking her leave. She would admit to being a little disappointed that she didn't have another mission, but grateful to the Chancellor nonetheless.

Not everything could be explosions and adventures after all.

Upon arrival back to her apartment Ahsoka still hadn't made up her mind about attending. She wasn't really one for big formal events, usually only tagging along if she had guard duty for some Senator like Padmé or Riyo. Even then she hadn't really socialized or allowed herself to enjoy the party, mainly sticking to her position as bodyguard instead, watching every corner with both her eyes and the Force to determine if any threats were present. Most of the time there were one, but once or twice there had been. Those had been eventful parties to say the least.

Reaching her hands across the various sections on her armor, Ahsoka began to remove the protective layer, placing it neatly upon an armor stand that she had purchased from a local scrap metal dealer. It wasn't much to look at, but it did the job.

Content that she wouldn't need the armor for the rest of the day Ahsoka moved across to the kitchen, opening a drawer to extract a small sachet of powder, one that when combined with water would turn into a rich creamy soup. It wasn't the most fancy of meals, but it would do for a later breakfast. She had forgotten all about eating in her rush to get to the Chancellor's office.

Tearing the top off of the sachet, Ahsoka emptied the powder into a saucepan, placing it upon a cooker and adding water to it, before beginning to mix the water and powder together.

When the powder began to fold into the creamy substance she desired she turned the stove on, beginning to heat it. Luckily it would only take a few moments the heat up to the temperature she desired, something that appeased her suddenly growing stomach. Ahsoka hadn't realized how hungry she was.

A few minutes past before the soup began to bubble, indicating it had reached the temperature desired and was ready to serve. Smiling to herself, Ahsoka removed the saucepan from the stove, slowly pouring the soup into one of the bowls she had brought herself.

Content that her breakfast was nearly ready, Ahsoka moved across the kitchen to slice a piece of bread off of a loaf she had stored, fully intending on dipping it into the soup whilst she ate.

Placing both the slice of bread and bowl of soup on a tray, as well as a spoon, Ahsoka picked the tray up and moved out of the kitchen and towards her living room. Sitting down on her couch Ahsoka turned on the holoscreen, hoping she'd at least be able to catch some sort of morning holovision that wasn't clichéd junk.

Eventually, she found something, a simple program about insects across the galaxy hosted by an elderly Besalisk names Divad who traveled the galaxy to study various creatures.

The thought of what to do regarding the ball was still on her mind, but for now she could relax. She had plenty of time to decide after all.

Two days passed by and Ahsoka still had not made her decision.

Her gut instinct told her not to go, not to bother attending a ball that would not doubt include many Senators who had no doubt taken part in her unjust trial, who as far as she was aware had judged her for crimes that she had not committed, and were fully willing to let her be executed. Why should she attend a ball and socialize with those people?!

But then she would remember who had invited her, and what she owed him. The Chancellor had come to her in both his and her time of need, offered her help and support, just as he had to Anakin numerous times. And now he had clearly gone out of his way to secure a ticket for her to attend what sounded like a rather prestigious event. That couldn't have been easy to do!

Sighing to herself, Ahsoka glanced down at the small slip of paper in her hands, reading it to herself for what felt like the one hundredth time.

'Black Tie Mandatory' would be easy… if she knew anything about formal wear. Ahsoka had only ever worn a dress once on her life, and that was to pose as a slave. Even she would admit that dress had been a bit too revealing. No way she wanted a repeat of that.

Perhaps she could ask Padmé for some advice… but then again she didn't really want to distract her, especially if Anakin was with her. They deserved some time alone after all.

And then there was another part of the invitation that was causing her mind to spin. 'Ahsoka Tano, plus one.'

Why had Palpatine gotten her an invitation that included a plus one? Who was she supposed to bring?

Throwing the invitation on the floor Ahsoka growled aloud, frustrated by the situation she somehow found herself in. It shouldn't be as hard as it was to decide what to do. What was wrong with her?

Taking a deep breathe, Ahsoka made herself comfortable on her couch, crossing her legs and delving deep into the Force. Perhaps some meditation would help calm her senses… and maybe help her make a decision.

As it turned out, meditation did not help in the slightest. For some reason Ahsoka was on edge, as if all of her senses were trying to tell her something. What, she was unsure… but it had been enough to disturb her during meditation, forcing her to pull out. The Force had just seemed darker as of late, and whilst she was use top the feeling of being alone and isolated, recently it had begun to feel like something in the Force was trying to consume her.

Ahsoka couldn't tell if it was light or dark, and frankly she didn't want to find out. Whatever it was made her feel like someone who wasn't Ahsoka Tano, something that terrified her.

But for now, all she could do was ignore it. There was no point chasing ghosts, not until they were real, if they even were. Whatever it was would be revealed in time, that much Ahsoka was sure about.

Choosing to forgo any more meditation, Ahsoka had instead grabbed a small bag she used for the gym and set off for her daily workout. She felt the need to spar with something or someone, the innate need to hit something. Perhaps that would expel some of her inner stress that seemed to be permeating her recently. And while she knew she would find no willing sparring partner at the gym, she did know that they had several punch bags ready for those who needed them. Hopefully one would be free today, or else Ahsoka might very well snap!

Meditation had not worked, but punching the kriff out of a punching bag had. Ahsoka had earned several concerned looks from other gym members as she had taken out her frustrations on the poor punch bag, as well as one or two inquiries about why she was so stressed. She had brushed their concerns off, merely throwing them a small to indicate that she was ok. Hopefully that had appeased them.

Once her workout had been completed, Ahsoka returned home, mind calmer, but still undecided on what to do regarding the invitation.

Bending down, Ahsoka picked up the slip of paper, eyes surveying the words once again.

If she went, she'd have to get a dress… and she would need a plus one.

That seemed like a good place to start. If she could get a plus one, then she would go. It might have been somewhat mean, but if she was going to go and suffer at this party, then so was someone else.

The only issue was finding someone who would go with her. She didn't have many friends left after all, much less ones who would want to attend a political event such as this. Padmé no doubt had her own invitation, and no doubt Anakin would be there to protect her. Obi-Wan would be an interesting choice, but he wasn't the biggest fan of politicians in general.

It was then that the face of a young Padawan came to mind, someone she had met and befriended recently, one who was always ready to learn.

And what better way to learn about the politics of the Republic then to attend a charity event.

He might say no, but it was worth a shot at least.

Standing up from her seat Ahsoka moved into her bedroom, picking up her wrist comm and finding the number that Caleb Dume had given her. If he answered, then good. If not, then oh well.

Sitting on her bed, Ahsoka waited as the call rang out, waiting to be connected on the other end. For all she knew he could be out in the field with his Master, or in the middle of a lesson within the Temple. There was no guarantee that he was going to…

"Hello?"

'Never mind.' Ahsoka thought to herself as a small hologram of Caleb sprang to life on her wrist comm interface.

"Hey Caleb, you busy at the moment?" Ahsoka inquired, ensuring that she wasn't disrupting him from doing something important. She might not have been a Jedi anymore, but the last thing she wanted to do was ruin the young Padawan's chances of becoming a knight, especially if he was busy.

"Oh! Hey Ahsoka. You called me!" Caleb's tone of voice indicated surprise, which was nice to hear in a way. Clearly he had not expected her to call.

"I said I would, didn't I? How's things in Temple? Been up to much?" Ahsoka continued, hoping that Caleb would respond in kind.

"Yeah, that's true, and no I'm not busy, just reading a really boring essay on politics." Caleb replied, sarcasm dripping off his tongue, something that made Ahsoka smirk.

"Why's it boring?" Ahsoka questioned, wondering if perhaps asking Caleb to come along with her to a politicians ball was a bad idea. If he found politics boring, the last place he'd want to be was at a formal event.

"Just reading about it is boring. I'd rather be out their experiencing it in person, if that makes any sense whatsoever?"

Caleb's response was not what Ahsoka had been expected, but worked perfectly for what she had planned.

"In that case I've got just the thing for you Caleb. You up for attending a Senatorial Ball tomorrow?"

Author's thoughts

Sooo... been a while since I updated this right? Sorry about that, but I really wanted to finish off that One Shot Saga arc before coming back to this. Hopefully now I'll be able to focus on this story for a while. Maybe crank out the next arc or two before getting bored of it again. Fingers crossed anyways.

Not much really happened in this chapter. (kinda disappointing really since I've not updated in a while but oh well, can't win them all) Merely setting the scene for the start of the next arc. Said arc is going to mark a bit of a turning point in this story for several reasons. Not going to spoil anything but this is something that I've done a fair amount of planning and re-planning on since the conception of this story. In fact the next two arcs of this story are sort of like that. Hopefully they will be well received. :)

So yeah, that's about all I have to say really. Aside from writing and planning, as well as experimenting around with that new Tumblr blog of mine, I've not really been up to much. Here's hoping I find some free time to write and update more often.

Next time round Ahsoka attends a charity ball in the senate. I wonder who she will run in to?

As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:

Juxshoa: Hopefully the extended wait was worth it. Sorry for being AWOL. :(

1saaa: I'm glad you enjoyed all of the Clone interaction. It was fun to write each unique personality and how they view Ahsoka now.
Anakin's overprotective nature was what led to his downfall in canon. Only time will tell if it remains the same here.
Your speculation is pretty well detailed... but I can't say anything without spoiling the future of the story.
I will say though that there is at least one thing you are right about. What that is though remains to be seen. XD

TaitanoRules555: Thanks, glad you liked it.
I'll keep up the work. It may be slow and steady, but it will keep coming. :)

Dream Plane: Thanks, glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Walking away from the order did sort of leave Ahsoka with no where to go. Luckily for her things seem to be going her way now. She still had some friends she can rely on and hang out with, Anakin and Padmé chief among them.
Anakin's defensive nature is just his pure instinct when it comes to those he deems as family. He knows Ahsoka is a grown up now, but that doesn't stop him from seeing her as the Padawan he took on at Christophsis.
Hopefully the new arcs are seen as good. Got some pretty important plot stuff coming up. :)

SWGoji2001: Yeah, seeing the drunk guy chased out by Anakin with a lightsaber would have been awesome. Good thing it became a deleted scene for my Tumblr page right?
As for the naked Rodian... I'll go get the bleach to burn our eyes out.
I'm glad the teaser of what is to come is interesting. I've got some many ideas for this story, it's just trying to fit them all in in good places. The next two arcs are pretty bit and important and ones I've been wanting to do for a while. I only hope people like them. And only time will tell how accurate your speculation is. :)

Shadow Walker of Fire: The good news is that the deleted scene in question does now exist over at my Tumblr blog. (same user name as fanfic as well so should be easy to find it).
Please no Gibbs slap. I get headaches from blows to the head easily. My heads not exactly durable. XD

Erukat: Good thing that deleted scene came into reality then as it proved to be quite popular. XD
Hope you enjoyed the final few One Shot chapters for that arc, cause the focus is back to this story for a while. Here's hoping people still read it. XD
Interesting selection of characters. Be interesting to see if either of them sow up anytime soon.

: The story is by no means perfect, but I really appreciate the kind words.
Rest assured that Lux is going to be showing up soon, just don't expect him to be the love interest, merely the good friend of Ahsoka's. Sorry if that disappoints you. :(

SappySoulTaker: Poor Jar Jar. He tries his best at least... and doesn't betray all of his friends and loved ones, unlike a certain Skywalker.
I personally like Jar Jar, but I get why people don't. We all have our preferences. :)