As it turned out, planning to host a party took a lot more effort than Ahsoka had assumed it would. There were so many things to consider. What food to serve? What music to play, if any? Party games? How long was the party going to last?
And of course, most importantly of all, the guest list. Her apartment, whilst sizeable, wasn't exactly built to house hundreds of guests. She would be lucky to get over ten into it comfortably.
To that end, she had decided on a rather small party. In fact, it was less of a party, and more of a gathering of friends. She had invited a fair few people thus far, those that she was close to, including the Chancellor, though she doubted very much that he would attend. He likely had more important things to do.
So far she had confirmation from Anakin and Obi-Wan, as well as Rex and Jesse. Kix, oddly enough, hadn't responded, which was unlike him. Perhaps he was busy doing medic related things, or having a night to himself. Ahsoka knew just how hard the Clone medic worked. If anyone deserved a night to himself, it was Kix.
Padmé too was coming, but that was mainly because in her confusion and panic at not knowing how to host a party, Ahsoka had gone to her begging for help. Padmé had been delighted to offer her assistance, something that Ahsoka was extremely grateful for. It had certainly taken some of the weight off her shoulders in terms of planning and organization.
That said, Ahsoka did have another motive for inviting Padmé, aside from her being her friend. From what little Anakin had told her, he and Padmé still hadn't made up after their argument. Ahsoka knew that what Anakin did was a terrible thing. Clovis might have been a disgusting traitor, but even he didn't deserve to be beaten into a coma!
Ahsoka also knew that both Anakin and Padmé were stubborn individuals who wouldn't see things the other person's way, not unless they were locked in a room together and forced to talk it out.
Smirking to herself, Ahsoka refrained from chuckling in mock evilness, lest she give away her plan to the other person currently in her apartment.
It had taken a few days to set everything up, giving both herself and her guests time to prepare for the party, but finally, the day was upon them.
"Right, I think that's everything set up Ahsoka. You good?" The voice of Padmé Amidala sounded around Ahsoka's apartment from where she was standing in the kitchen, sorting various snacks into various bowls for when the guests arrived, which Ahsoka knew was imminent for some.
"Yeah, all good over here. Gentle music ready to play." Ahsoka responded from her position in front of her apartment's holoscreen. She had spent several hours trying to get it to connect to a local radio station that played music. Nothing too fancy, just simple background music on Padmé's suggestion.
"You've done a good job Ahsoka. I think we could all use a nice break every now and then. You should be proud."
Instinctively, Ahsoka's hand went to her thigh, where Maul's lightsaber had struck her several days ago. The wound had mostly healed, leaving a scar as expected, but the memory of it remained. She had let her guard down, and allowed her arrogance to take control. In that moment she had paid the price. Frankly, she was lucky she didn't lose the leg!
"Thanks Padmé. It means a lot. Hopefully everyone has a good time."
"I'm sure they will." Padmé replied just as a knock at the front door echoed around the room. "Want me to get that?"
Reaching through the Force to feel the presence of the person on the other side, Ahsoka again smirked before answering.
"No, I'll get it. I'm the host after all. Hey, do you mind putting those boxes in the spare room so they are out of the way?" Ahsoka said, gesturing towards a pair of now empty boxes that had contained party decorations, which were now strewn around the apartment.
Padmé nodded with a smile on her face as she picked up the boxes, moving towards the spare bedroom in the process. Once she was out of sight, Ahsoka opened the front door and welcomed her first two guests.
"Hey guys! Glad you could come."
"You know me Snips! You say party, I say hell yeah!"
"Please do try to contain your drinking Anakin. I don't want to be forced to carry you home like that time on Ryloth."
"Obi-Wan… what do you take me for?!"
"Someone with very little self control!"
Shaking her head at the interactions of her former Master and Grandmaster, Ahsoka moved aside to welcome them. Anakin, as expected, moved into the apartment with ease, having been round many times in the past. Obi-Wan was more cautious, as if making sure he was welcome.
Rolling her eyes at his behaviour, Ahsoka held out a hand to him, gesturing to the outer robes he was wearing over inner ones. Obi-Wan had a knack for wearing his full outfit everywhere, something that both she and Anakin had mocked over the years. Just how many robes had Obi-Wan left behind on exploding Separatist ships?!
The Jedi Master nodded with gratitude as he handed the robe over to Ahsoka, who turned on her heel to find Anakin about to sit down on the couch, a handful of small snack bites in his hands.
Rolling her eyes, she threw Obi-Wan's robe at him and spoke.
"Hey! This might be a party, but that doesn't excuse you acting like a slob Skyguy! Put Obi-Wan's robe in the spare room would you?"
"What?! Oh come on Snips! Don't be such a housewife!"
"Do it, or you are banned from this party!"
"Wow! Mean much! Fine. Don't eat all the food without me." Anakin replied with a huff, standing back up and moving towards the spare room.
Just as he was about to pass through the doorway however, Padmé emerged, her face instantly adopting a look of surprise at seeing Anakin before her.
Without giving either of them time to talk, Ahsoka delved into the Force and used it to push Anakin forward, into Padmé, both of them collapsing onto the floor of the spare room in the process.
Behind her she heard Obi-Wan suppress a laugh before she strode forward, closing the door between the main room and spare bedroom, locking it in the process.
"Now you two are going to stay in there until you sort out your disagreement, you hear me!"
"Snips! I'm gonna kill you for this!" Was the only response that Ahsoka got, and it was more than enough for her. Let Anakin make his idle threats. She was doing him a favour.
"Whatever Skyguy! Have fun… just not too much 'fun' you hear me? Same goes to you Senator!"
"Snips… I swear to the Force…"
Ahsoka didn't hear what else he had to say, instead choosing to move away from the door and back towards Obi-Wan, who had a pensive look on his face.
Seconds later, the Jedi Master spoke, and revealed a bombshell in the process.
"So, you know about them too then?"
The sigh of frustration that escaped his throat could not be contained, but right now Anakin couldn't care less. What sort of practical joke did Ahsoka think she was playing by locking him and Padmé in a room together, especially after the argument they had had! Was she trying to ruin her party before it had even begun!
"She's right Anakin, we do need to talk."
'Curse the women in my life for always being right!' Anakin's mind whispered to him. She was right, they did need to speak, and Ahsoka had put them in the perfect position to do so. Maybe he wouldn't kill her later. Maybe he'd just take revenge on her another way.
"Yeah, I know. I just wish she hadn't pushed us in here like that. I taught her better than that!"
"She clearly adopted your cheekiness." Padmé replied as she moved to sit on the spare bed, looking up at Anakin before gently patting the space beside her.
Anakin hesitated for a second before he moved to join her, maintaining a respectful distance at the same time. He wasn't sure how close she wanted to be to him right now, and he wouldn't force himself upon her.
"In that case I taught her too well!" Anakin replied, hoping to add humour to the situation they found themselves in.
Judging by the way Padmé laughed lightly, it had worked, and Anakin felt some of the tension leave his body. Maybe, just maybe they would be ok.
"Anakin, I can't ignore what you did, or pretend it was done out of the best interests. You nearly killed a man out of petty jealousy."
"I know."
"And I know you know that. You're a good man Anakin, despite everything life has thrown at you. It's why I love you. But at the same time, I can't help but be concerned. This isn't the first time you've snapped like that."
Another sigh escaped Anakin, knowing full well what Padmé was talking about.
Tatooine. The Tusken Camp.
His mother.
He had butchered an entire camp that day, including children. Children who were completely innocent, despite being a part of a tribe of bloodthirsty monsters. They hadn't played any role in the capture and torture of his mother. They couldn't have. They were just children!
But still, he had butchered them without hesitation. And whilst Padmé had understood his reasons at the time, reasons that he would have defended with borderline religious zeal back then, he knew now that she had never truly accepted or forgiven him for it.
And honestly, neither had he. He had never told anyone, but the dreams had come to him, dreams of him slaughtering the children.
He hated himself for it.
"I was wrong to attack him, and I'm sorry for it. Nothing I can say and do will make up for it Padmé. You've given me plenty of chances, and I've kriffed them up. I understand if you want nothing to do with me anymore."
A gentle hand rested on his arm, pulling Anakin into Padmé's side whilst she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Oh Anakin, it's because you think that you've messed this up that I'm willing to give you another chance. It takes guts to apologize and admit you were wrong, but you did, and I admire you for that."
"So… you really forgive me?" Anakin asked, honestly surprised at how easy it had been to convince her. He wasn't sure he deserved it honestly.
"Forgive you? Yes, I do. I love you Anakin, but that doesn't mean I'll forget. You can't keep acting like this, because if you do, one day it will blow up in your face and destroy everything you care about. Please keep that in mind."
He would. He would never fail her again. Not Padmé, his wife. Anakin would do all in his power to make sure she was happy.
"I promise Padmé."
"You as well huh?" Ahsoka countered towards Obi-Wan, honestly surprised at his blatant statement.
She shouldn't be surprised though, not really. Anakin and Padmé were hardly discreet, and Obi-Wan was one of the most observant people she had ever met. If anyone could figure it out, it was him.
"Anakin never was very good at stealth." Obi-Wan replied as he moved towards the kitchen, gesturing to where several glasses had been set up next to a bowl of punch. "May I?"
"Help yourself. Have they said anything to you?" Ahsoka asked, genuinely interested. They had told her in person, only after she had discovered them together by pure chance… and Anakin's lack of situational awareness.
"No, they have tried to remain discreet, and failed in doing so." Obi-Wan replied as he filled a pair of glasses with punch, offering one to Ahsoka in the process, who took it with a smile.
"How come you've not said anything then?" Ahsoka said, worried for a moment, before the worry faded. Obi-Wan had clearly known for a while, but hadn't said anything. Was he perhaps protecting Anakin, even now?
"For the same reason you haven't I suspect. I value Anakin's friendship more than he realises. Padmé makes him happy, and that is all I want for him."
Before either Ahsoka or Obi-Wan could say anymore, another knock at the door drew their attention.
Moving over to the front door, Ahsoka opened it, revealing two figures on the other side, hands holding several bags of what Ahsoka assumed were snacks.
"Sorry we're late, someone forgot the cakes!"
"That someone was you Jesse!"
"Never said it wasn't Rex!"
Shaking her head, Ahsoka once more stood aside to welcome the two Clones, both of which moved over to the kitchen worktop where Obi-Wan was standing, depositing the bags and their contents in the process, revealing a vast selection of cakes and snacks. Both Clones had been insistent on bringing something to the party as a gift, and try as she had to stop them, she hadn't been successful.
Not that she was complaining of course. The more food the better, especially with the human dumpster known as Anakin Skywalker around!
"So, what are we talking about?" Jesse was the first to speak, his eyes brimming with mischief as always. Ahsoka had always liked Jesse, and he had been one of the first members of the 501st to fully accept her into their ranks. He had a reputation of being a jokester, but at the same time she knew he was a soldier through and through, and would always get the job done. His encounter with Pong Krell was evidence enough of that.
"We were discussing General Skywalker's lack of stealth when it comes to Senator Amidala." Obi-Wan quickly replied, humour in his tone.
"Ah.. yeah… those two aren't exactly stealthy to say the least. I get really tired of covering for them and their secret holocalls." Rex was the first to comment. It wasn't a great surprise to Ahsoka that Rex too was aware, or even Jesse for that matter. Honestly, she would have been surprised if anyone inside the 501st didn't know about Anakin's 'attachment' to Padmé.
"Kinda embarrassing, but I honestly thought General Skywalker was gay when we first met. Guess I got that one a bit wrong huh?" Jesse joined in, his revelation earning him the reward of Obi-Wan choking on his drink.
"Why would you think that?!" Ahsoka countered, unsure of how Jesse had reached such a conclusion.
"I dunno, that was just the vibe I got off of him. Good thing I didn't try to set him up with anyone huh?" Jesse replied, moving over to the punch to pour himself a glass.
"I will pay you one million credits to do it!" Ahsoka said, barely containing her laughter. She could just imagine the look on Anakin's face as he tried to stutter out a response.
"That's a damn good offer… but I'd rather not be booted out of the 501st! What would I do with myself?"
"The 212th would welcome you with open arms Jesse." Obi-Wan said, his own face adorned with a massive smirk, clearing picturing the same scene in his head as Ahsoka was in hers.
"Gonna have to give that some serious consideration now."
Yet another knock at the door drew Ahsoka away from the conversation now going on between Jedi and Clones. Another guest she had invited had clearly arrived, but who it was she was unsure.
Opening the door, Ahsoka couldn't help the gasp that escaped her throat. She hadn't been expecting him of all people to come!
"Ah, my dear, a pleasure. Am I still invited?"
The unexpected appearance of Chancellor Palpatine at the party had been a shock to everyone to begin with, but much to Ahsoka's surprise, the elderly man had fit in right away. Ahsoka had witnessed him making small talk with both Rex and Jesse, as well as engaging in a long threeway debate with Obi-Wan and Padmé, who had finally emerged from the spare room with Anakin after Ahsoka had finally let them out.
The topic of the debate had been something in regards to the fate of the Seperatist Parliament once the war was over. Both Padmé and Obi-Wan had been championing the idea of them being granted a reprieve, whilst Palpatine was adamant they pay heavy reparations for the war. Ahsoka could see both arguments, and she chose not to get involved, instead opting to join Rex, Jesse and Anakin in an arm wrestling contest, one that Rex had won with ease, even against Anakin's cybernetic arm.
Another knock at the front door again drew Ahsoka away from her guests. As host, she was taking her job as seriously as she could, and she wanted to greet each and every guest as they entered.
Opening the door this time she found herself face to face with the towering Dowutin Jedi Knight that was Masana Tide. The Dowutin had a wide smile on her face, and held in her clawed hand a pristine looking bottle filled with what Ahsoka assumed was alcohol.
"Hey! I brought wine! Best I could afford on a Jedi's salary."
"A thoughtful gesture, even if I don't drink. Glad you could come." Ahsoka replied as she moved to allow Masana entry.
"Nah, don't worry about it. This is a rare Dowutin wine. Very very potent. Most non-Dowutins can't stomach it. Bil tried once and he ended up with severe diarrhea for a week. Pretty funny actually. He apologizes for not being here by the way. Windu's got him confined to archive duty."
"Oh man I've been there. So boring!" Ahsoka quipped in reply, remembering her own time working alongside Jocastu Nu. That had been an experience to say the least.
"Yeah, sucks doesn't it? Seriously though, thanks for the invite. Not very often I get invited to a party." Masana said softly, genuine gratitude in her voice.
"As you said, don't worry about it. Enjoy yourself, but don't get too drunk. I'm not carrying anyone home."
"Yes mum." The softness of Masana's voice was gone, replaced by sarcasm that Ahsoka herself was known for. She watched as Masana moved away from her and towards where Anakin and the two Clones were, her voice booming across the room.
"Skywalker! Good to see your ugly face again! And Rex! When are you taking me out on that date?"
Nobody missed the way Jesse burst into laughter, or the way Rex buried his face in his hands in embarrassment as the Dowutin sat down next to him at the table, smirking all the while.
Glancing around her apartment, Ahsoka smiled to herself. So far the party was going pretty good, or at least, she thought so.
Twenty minutes later, and another two guests had shown up at the same time.
Both Riyo Chuchi and Lux Bonteri had arrived, apparently late due to a busy meeting that had taken up the better part of their day, not that Ahsoka minded. They were here now, that's what was important.
"So, how's the life of politics been treating you both?" Ahsoka asked the duo as they sat together, catching up.
"The usual. Endless meetings to attend, paperwork to fill out. You know, in a way, I almost miss being a Rebel on Onderon." Lux replied with a smile, rolling his eyes in a dramatic way as he described his day to day.
"Tell me about it. As important as politics is, it could be a bit more exciting. At least we've got a rich friend who hosts parties at her place now huh Lux?" Riyo inserted, throwing a smirk Ahsoka's direction.
"That's true. Aren't we lucky Senators."
"Not as lucky as I am to have you as my friends." Ahsoka replied, bringing her punch filled glass forward in a toast, a gesture that both Riyo and Lux reciprocated.
"Here's to us then, three badass young people stuck doing difficult jobs that no one else wanted to do!" Riyo offered the toast with a smirk.
"I'll drink to that, Riyo." Ahsoka replied, taking a gulp of her punch at the same time as the other two did.
Yes… so far, this party really was going perfectly.
"Sooo… I've got a game we can play. Who wants to go first?" The tone Jesse used was ominous, and judging by the way Rex froze up all of a sudden, Ahsoka could tell that whatever Jesse was going to suggest would be highly entertaining, whilst at the same time infuriating for Rex.
Still, even that wouldn't stop her. After all, it was a party, and they were meant to be having fun.
"I'll go. What's the game?"
"Commander no!" Rex interrupted with a look of shock, mortified by Ahsoka's agreeing to play whatever Jesse had in mind. The Clone Captain was clearly not pleased about what was to come.
Jesse's face however adopted a sudden look of pure evil as he answered.
"Marry, Kriff, Kill."
"Good lord!" Judging by his reaction, Palpatine shared the same opinion as Rex on Jesse's idea of a 'game'.
But again, that wouldn't stop Ahsoka. She had said she would play, and play she would.
"Go on then Jesse, hit me with your best shot."
Through the Force Ahsoka could feel Anakin's worry build suddenly before she squashed it with a nudge of her own, telling him to calm down. Anakin's Force signature cooled moments later, but she could tell he was still on edge.
"Ha, I like your enthusiasm Commander! So, Marry, Kriff, Kill? Senator Chuchi, General Skywalker, and Captain Rex!"
"WHAT?!"
"Jesse! What the hell?!" Rex's cry of outrage, along with the way Riyo blushed profusely, made the situation ten times more funny than it already needed to be for Ahsoka. She knew that partaking in a game such as this would open up a can of worms. She only hoped that she wouldn't offend anyone with her choices.
"Is that the best you can do Jesse?" Ahsoka taunted, throwing a smirk at the confident trooper. Jesse's brave face seemed to fade for a brief moment before returning, a false smile being brandished once more.
"If it's so easy Commander, what are your answers?"
"I'll kill Anakin first things first. Wouldn't want him in my bed if he was the last person alive in the galaxy."
"Oh thank god!"
"Then I guess I'd have to kriff Riyo."
Riyo's blush got ten times worse in that instant, and the laughter around her didn't help. Ahsoka felt sorry for putting the Pantoran in such an awkward situation, but that was part of the game, and there was no way she was losing to Jesse of all people.
"So," Jesse began once he had finished laughing, "If you're killing Skywalker and kriffing Chuchi, then that means you are marrying…"
Rex's scream of mortification was muffled behind his own hands, which now rested on his face in a desperate and pitiful attempt to escape his current predicament.
"What's the matter Rexster, am I not good enough to be your wife?" Ahsoka added in, her tone joking.
Once again, Rex screamed behind his hands, earning another round of laughs at his expense.
Another hour passed by, and Ahsoka was in the middle of the process of setting up the team quiz she had planned when another knock on her apartment door sounded, drawing her over to answer it.
Upon opening the door, a wide smile came to her face.
"Master Plo! You made it!"
Despite not being able to properly see his facial expression, thanks to the mask he was required to wear to survive, Ahsoka had always been able to tell when Plo Koon was smiling, and right now he certainly was.
"Little Soka, look at you. I can't even tell you how proud I am." The Kel Dor Jedi spoke with incredible warmth in his voice, both of his hands coming forward to rest on Ahsoka's shoulders, gently squeezing them.
"Thank you Master, that means a lot. Are you here for the party? We were just about to start the quiz."
"I would be honored to partake. I am quite the master of quizzes."
"I don't doubt that Master Plo." Ahsoka replied as she moved to the side once again, welcoming Plo Koon to her apartment. The Kel Dor Jedi Master strode in with quiet confidence, his masked eyes examining every inch of her apartment. He was clearly deciding whether or not it was good enough for her.
A few moments later he released a gentle huff of pride before turning back to face Ahsoka. "You have done very well for yourself my young friend. You should be proud."
"I am Master, and I owe it partly to your teachings as well as Anakin's."
Plo released a deep chuckle from his throat as he gestured to the rest of the apartment, where the guests had been split into two separate teams for the quiz.
"Which team should I join?" The Jedi Master asked.
Glancing over at the two teams that had been formed, Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief. The teams had been uneven until now. Plo's addition would make it fair.
"Join Team Jedi. They've only got four people at the moment."
"A sound idea, Little Soka. I shall join Master Kenobi's team." Plo replied as he moved over to join the other Jedi, who welcomed him with open arms.
Pleased to see that her guests were getting along, Ahsoka began to move to her position in the middle of the apartment. She had prepared all of the questions herself, and thus it would be unfair of her to participate. Thus, she would take up the role of quizmaster.
In her hands she held a stack of question cards, randomly sorted via shuffling. Hopefully, if all went to plan, the easier questions would be mixed with the harder ones. The last thing she wanted was the question to be too easy or too hard all of the time.
Glancing back over at the two teams, Ahsoka did a headcount.
Team Jedi, led by Obi-Wan Kenobi, contained the Jedi Master himself, as well as Anakin, Plo, Masana, and honorary Jedi, Captain Rex. The 501st Clone Captain had been adamant that he side with the Jedi rather than the other team, something that had clearly pleased Anakin to no end.
The second team was Team Senator, led by Padmé Amidala. Her team consisted of herself, Chancellor Palpatine, Riyo and Lux, as well as Jesse, who had sworn complete loyalty to the Republic over the Jedi Order for the quiz.
Rex had not taken Jesse's 'defection' well.
Clearing her throat, Ahsoka drew the attention of both of the teams, who sat on various chairs on opposite ends of the apartment, huddled together. Next to where Ahsoka stood were two more chairs.
"Ok, Jedi, Senators and Clones, it's time for the first ever 'Quiz of Snips'. I am your host, Ahsoka Tano! The rules are simple. The game lasts for thirty questions, divided into six rounds of five questions. At the start of each question you will nominate someone from your team to partake in the head to head. They will come and face the other team's chosen champion. The first to answer the question correctly wins the point for their team. If no one answers correctly in a one minute time limit, the question is forfeit." Ahsoka began to explain, putting on her best 'game show host' voice. From where she stood she could see Rex staring at her with glee, eagerly awaiting his turn in 'the chair'. The sight almost caused her to break character and laugh.
"However," Ahsoka continued, further explaining the rules. "With each round, a player may only enter the head to head chair once! Once the round of five questions is over, you may be nominated again. This way everyone gets a turn. Furthermore, before each nomination, I will read out a theme word for the question to help you make an informed decision. For example, if I was to say the topic of the question was 'Politics', the last thing you want to do 'Team Jedi' is send Anakin to the chair!"
"Hey!"
Several chuckles from both sides of the room echoed around the apartment walls for a few moments before they receded, allowing Ahsoka to continue.
"Likewise however, if a question about Republic armaments comes into play, it might be wise to send a certain pair of Clones in the head to head!"
"You're going down traitor!" Rex called over the room at Jesse suddenly, who responded with a rude hand gesture that did cause Ahsoka to finally drop her character.
More laughs were passed around before Ahsoka finally regained control of herself, speaking once again, this time in her normal voice.
"Does everyone understand the rules? I tried to make them simple, but fun."
"You have done an admirable job my dear. I look forward to this." Palpatine was the one to reply first, his elderly face full of joy at the situation. Ahsoka was honestly still surprised that he actually came, but if he was enjoying himself, that was what was important.
"Hear hear!" Riyo called out from beside the Chancellor, raising her glass of punch in the air in the process to toast her once again, a gesture that was mimicked by Lux, and then the rest.
Smiling to herself, pleased with her work, Ahsoka bowed once. It was rare that she had days like these anymore. She was glad that, despite everything that had happened, she still had a strong group of friends that she could rely on.
"Thank you, thank you!" Ahsoka replied, adopting her 'game show' persona once more. "Now, I think it is time to begin. The topic of the first question is… Geography!"
"You're going down Rex!"
"No… you're going down you traitor!"
"Nope… I'm going up… you're going so far down you'll end up at the planet's core!"
"Just remember Jesse… if you beat us, I will demote you to latrine duty!"
"An idle threat is an empty threat Rex!"
"I don't make threats Jesse. I make promises!"
Ahsoka couldn't help but shake her head at the trash talking going on between the two. She wasn't surprised that both Clones had been nominated for a question regarding Battledroids, all things considered. The only person who would have been better at answering such a question was Anakin, but he had already had his turn in the current round answering a question about 'Outer Rim Pirate Strongholds' against Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin had won that point for his team, and now it was Rex's turn to see if he could repeat the feat.
"Alright ladies, enough with the trash talking already. Are you ready for the question?" Ahsoka finally interrupted before the situation could get any more chaotic. She got two nods in reply, signalling her to continue to the question.
"Ok then, no help from the teams as usual. What was the name of the Super Tactical Droid that participated in the Occupation of Onderon?"
Ahsoka didn't miss the way Lux began to practically bounce in his chair, the answer on the tip of his tongue. Having been present for the campaign, Ahsoka was fully aware that Lux knew the answer. It was just bad luck that Jesse had been nominated for the question instead.
And judging by the stumped expression on Jesse's face, it was clear he didn't know the answer, a fact he proved seconds later with his answer.
"Um… Mr Super Boring Droid?"
Over in Team Senator, Lux facepalmed.
"No you moron, it was General Kalani!" Rex replied, providing the correct answer to the question, earning Team Jedi another point.
"Correct Rex! One point to your team!"
The Clone Captain was met with a cheer from Anakin, as well as a mock sneer from Jesse.
"How the kriff did you know that Rex?! You left that place before the conflict really began!" Jesse asked, clearly annoyed at Rex's knowledge.
"I read Commander Tano's mission report of course. I always read her and General Skywalker's reports on missions. Never know when that little bit of extra info is gonna pay off Jesse."
"Teachers pet." Came Jesse's response as he rose from his head to head chair, moving back to join his team, who offered him sympathetic words. Rex too did the same, instead being welcomed back as a hero by Anakin and Masana.
"Ok, the next question's theme is, fashion! Choose your champion!"
It took a good hour, one that was accompanied by the sight of the sun beginning to set outside the apartment windows before the quiz finally came to the final question. Both teams had an equal score of twelve points, with five of the quiz questions remaining unanswered and thus unscored.
This had led to the thirtieth question being a tiebreaker, and it was all down to the standoff between Anakin and Padmé.
Ahsoka had to force back a smirk when she had realized that they would be the last two champions for the teams. One way or another, one of them was going to be a hero, and another was about to cost their team the entire game. Part of her wanted Anakin to lose, not because she didn't respect and adore him, but because she knew it would be a funny sight to behold.
That and he could afford to be taken down a peg or two. He had been awfully arrogant this game. Mind you… when was he not arrogant?
On the other hand though, Padmé too had been very smug about her victories, especially about one over Obi-Wan regarding some famous romance novel that they had both apparently read. Ahsoka wasn't surprised to learn that Obi-Wan had read a romance novel before. Perhaps it would be better if Padmé lost? It would certainly wipe the smug look from her face.
She didn't mind who won either way. It was all a bit of fun at the end of the day, and from the reactions she had gotten thus far, her guests had clearly enjoyed it. Hopefully they would continue to enjoy the rest of the party too. The night wasn't over yet after all.
"Ok then, final question. Whoever gets this one right first wins the game."
"So, no pressure then?" Anakin quipped from his seat with a smirk, one that matched Padmé's as she sat opposite him.
"Hey, I'm not the one who is gonna get ripped to shreds by Rex when you get this wrong Skyguy." Ahsoka replied, taunting him, despite her neutral position as quiz master.
"Have a little faith Snips!"
"I have a little. Anyways, here is the question: What was the name of the ancient Sith Lord who created the 'Rule of Two'?"
Anakin was up out of his seat not even a second later, excitement and smugness radiating off of him as he shouted…
"Darth Revan!"
… the wrong answer! Ahsoka very nearly insulted him for his answer. Luckily, she didn't have to. The rest of Anakin's team had done that for her.
"Anakin you idiot!"
"Come on Skywalker! How did you kriff that one up?"
"Even I know that's wrong General!"
"Clearly you did not listen in your history lessons Skywalker."
Anakin's face changed in an instant as he realized what he had done wrong. His mouth opened and closed several times like a fish out of water, before he finally began to speak again.
"No wait…. I take that back! It was…"
"The answer quiz master is Darth Bane." Padmé beat him to it, maintaining her composure as Anakin dropped to his knees in dramatic fashion, burying his face in his hands in horror.
"What have I done?!"
"Darth Bane is the correct answer Padmé. Congratulations!" Ahsoka chose not to respond to Anakin's failure, instead choosing to congratulate the victors of the quiz. Padmé threw a smirk over at Anakin, who was too busy wallowing in self pity to see it, before she stood from her seat and moved to rejoin her team, being engulfed in a bear hug from Jesse in the process.
Cheers of success came from one side of the room, whilst grumbles of defeat came from the other. The contrast was humorous to Ahsoka, even more so that it had been caused by Anakin failing to answer a question on 'Force Users' correctly.
Mind you, it was Anakin. She honestly should have expected it.
Out of the corner of her eye, Ahsoka witnessed Obi-Wan stand from his chair, moving over to where Anakin was sitting on the floor, face still hidden from view. At first Ahsoka thought it was to comfort his former Padawan.
That was before Ahsoka noticed the cup of water that Obi-Wan held in his hand, which was promptly dumped over the top of Anakin's head, who yelled in alarm at the sudden attack.
At that, Ahsoka burst out laughing.
The aftermath of the quiz game, which had mostly been Anakin being mocked by everyone in the room, including the Chancellor, had been yet another nice change of pace. The quiz had been a major success, with Lux, Riyo and Rex all demanding a rematch at some point in the future. Ahsoka would have to do some serious research to find some more questions to ask, but it would be totally worth it in the end.
The group dispersed around the apartment after that. Rex and Jesse sat at the table with Masana, both trying their best to beat the towering Dowutin in an arm wrestling contest. So far they had failed to even bring Masana's arm down even an inch. Ahsoka suspected that the Jedi Knight was using the Force to enhance her strength, not that she'd tell the Clones that.
Anakin, oddly enough, was in the middle of a long conversation with Riyo. What they were discussing was unknown to Ahsoka, but she was glad to see him interacting with someone he wouldn't usually speak to for once.
The Chancellor meanwhile was once again discussing politics with Obi-Wan, but this time with both Padmé and Lux joining in. Ahsoka had to resist the urge to march over and tell them to relax and not talk about work for once in their life, and whilst they might have listened to her, she doubted that they would stop. If they were happy talking about such things, then that was fine with her.
That just left Master Plo, who had disappeared to the refresher moments earlier. He had previously been with the Clones and Masana, watching with amusement in his eyes as Jesse had tried in vain to defeat Masana with both hands at once. As with every other attempt however, it had proven to be a failure. Masana appeared to be the queen of arm wrestling.
Chuckling to herself, Ahsoka turned around from where she had been observing the apartment and looked out of the large windows. The sun had set on Coruscant completely during the last few quiz questions. The only light outside was that of the various apartment complexes and skyscrapers around them. Coruscant at night had always been a marvel. Many nights Ahsoka had spent staring at the buildings, wondering what was going on inside of them, wondering what people were doing. More than once, such thoughts had helped her fall asleep as well.
"Little Soka?"
The sound of Plo Koon's voice made her jump as she turned to greet him, the Kel Dor Jedi moving to stand beside her, his own eyes observing the city beyond the glass.
"Master Plo, are you enjoying the party?" She replied, hoping that playing the role of host would help alleviate any tension that might exist between them. She had spoken to Plo several times since she had left the Order, but never in a one on one setting. Did he still trust her? Did she still trust him?
"I am, thank you again for the invitation. It was very generous of you."
"No worries. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's nice to relax every now and then."
"I agree."
Silence fell between the two as they both returned to surveying the outside world. Ahsoka honestly didn't know what to say to him. Should she demand to know why he didn't help her the same way Anakin did? Or should she just tell him to leave her alone, as he had done during her trial.
"Little Soka, I wish to apologize."
Ahsoka's eyes widened briefly in surprise as she turned to face Plo, who she found was looking at her with sorrow in his eyes. The sight made her want to hug him.
"What for?"
"For the trial, and for not doing more to help you after you left the Order."
Plo's voice held despair in its tone, his body language the same. Ahsoka had known the Kel Dor longer than she had anyone else in the room. She could tell when he was being genuine and when he was not.
In this instance, he was, and his guilt was clearly eating him up.
However, as far as Ahsoka was concerned, out of all the Council Members, Plo Koon had the least to feel guilty about. After all, he had actually apologised to her that fateful day, whilst the rest either said nothing or gave feeble excuses about her trial being 'The Will of the Force'.
Ahsoka had stopped believing in the so-called 'Will of the Force' that day. Her future wasn't going to be determined by some cosmic entity. It was going to be determined by her alone.
But still she could see how this was affecting him, and she knew what she had to do.
"Thank you Master. I appreciate your apology. I don't know if I can ever fully forgive the Council as a collective, but I can forgive you as an individual. You are my oldest friend after all."
Behind his mask, Plo's mouth seemed to curve into a small smile, the joy and compassion in his eyes returning slowly as he contemplated Ahsoka's words.
"I, thank you Little Soka. You made a very hard decision that day, and I am so very proud of you for it. I always knew you'd be special."
"Thank you Master." Ahsoka replied, turning to him fully and bowing in a sign of respect, one that Plo returned. It had been a long time since she had bowed to a Jedi in respect, but Plo Koon was worth it.
With that, Plo turned away from Ahsoka and moved to join Masana and the Clones once again, pushing Rex aside and taking on Masana himself. Ahsoka was about to move to join him when another voice hit her senses.
"Peculiar. He said you had to make a hard decision that day, yet he does not say if it was the right one?"
The Chancellor's sudden appearance by her side caught Ahsoka by surprise. His face was one of deep contemplation, his mind studying Plo's words in great detail, but for what reason, Ahsoka did not know.
"Chancellor?" Ahsoka asked, suddenly worried. Did Palpatine not trust Plo Koon?
The Chancellor's face changed in an instant, the look of deep thought vanishing as his head moved to face hers once again, his lips curling into a warm smile.
"Oh, do not worry my friend. Merely the ramblings of a paranoid old man. I am pleased to see that some of the Jedi, aside from Anakin, still respect you. You certainly deserve it for all you have endured."
"Thank you Chancellor. That means a lot." Ahsoka replied, bowing her head in respect for the Chancellor of the Republic. In a lot of ways he had become a mentor to her, much as he had to Anakin. He was kind and patient, and whilst his methods had been described by many as unorthodox, they had only brought success upon the Republic, leading to it thriving, even in the midst of galactic war.
"No thanks are necessary my dear. Anakin always said you were special, and that you had a long and wonderful career ahead of you. I am pleased to not only see that he was right, but to be able to help you along the path you deserve as well."
Once again, Ahsoka bowed her head. Without Palpatine, she would be nothing right now. She'd be stuck in some run down flat, waiting tables for Dex.
That was not who she was. She craved adventure. She lived for helping people, and for doing the right thing.
Through Palpatine, she had a purpose, and for that she was eternally grateful.
"You are all insane!" Lux Bonteri cried as he stood beside Ahsoka, a look of complete horror on his face as he watched the events about to transpire before him. Ahsoka's face was a direct contrast to Lux's, a wide smirk present and ready.
"Nah man! We are the brave ones here!" A second voice, the one belonging to Jesse echoed round the apartment. The Clone was sitting at the table on one side, with Rex standing behind him with a grim look on his face.
"More like stupid Jesse! I can't carry you to Kix if this goes to kriff you know!"
"Yeah yeah I know Rex. I'm sure Kix will show up soon. Now.. are we doing this or not?"
"Ohh… we are totally doing this!" Another voice, one belonging to Masana Tide said as she sat opposite Jesse, the large bottle of Dowutin wine being placed on the table in the process, along with four shot glasses.
Two more individuals sat at the table moments later, completing those that were competing.
Ahsoka's smirk widened as Masana opened the bottle, pouring four shots of the wine into the glasses before she passed three of them out. One went to Jesse, who sniffed the alcohol with confidence. The second shot was passed to Obi-Wan, whose face was stoic as he picked up the glass, swirling the liquid around experimentally.
The third shot glass was passed to Chancellor Palpatine, who apparently, in his own words, was quite fond of exotic wines of distant cultures.
"Ok, rules are simple. Take a shot, and swallow it. This stuff is known to be very very potent to anyone who isn't a Dowutin. You humans will either barely survive, or spontaneously combust!" Masana spoke as she picked up the fourth shot glass, bringing the drink to her nostrils whilst inhaling the scent, a bright grin coming to her lips in the process.
When Masana had dared the other guests to try the wine, Jesse had jumped at the opportunity, despite Rex warning him against it. Obi-Wan had joined in next, followed most surprisingly by the Chancellor.
No one else seemed to want to risk it, and Ahsoka had a good feeling that they were the smart ones here.
"Ready everyone?" Masana asked, eyes moving over the faces of her three competitors, earning a trio of nods back in return. "Good. Annnddd… take shot!"
Four glasses rose to four lips simultaneously, the alcoholic liquid disappearing down their throats seconds later.
Barely a moment later, and the first person bailed.
"OH GOD THAT TASTES LIKE RANCOR PISS! I'M OUT!" Jesse cried as he retched several times, barely keeping his insides inside as Rex laughed at him.
"Hmmm, yes, most pungent, I must say. I too have had enough. Thank you Knight Tide." Palpatine bailed moments later as well, his reaction not quite as visceral as Jesse's, but still bad enough. The sneer of disgust on his face at the taste made Ahsoka laugh.
"I will have another one please." Obi-Wan's voice broke out as he pushed the shot glass back to Masana, his expression remaining stoic. The look of surprise that briefly came to Masana's face was quickly replaced with excitement.
"Finally! A worthy opponent! You are going down Kenobi!"
The duo took another shot, followed by another, and another, and still, neither backed down. There was a very good chance this could go on all night, Ahsoka realised. She also got the distinct impression that she would have to prepare the spare room for whoever collapsed first.
As the sixth shot was downed however, a subtle sound caught her montrals. It was the beeping of an incoming message to a commlink, specifically Rex's commlink.
Ahsoka watched as the Clone Captain quickly glanced over the message, his eyes widening in shock and concern, before he did his best to hide it. What was that about?
The Clone turned away from the group to face Ahsoka for a few moments before speaking.
"Sorry to cut this short Commander, but I've got to go. There has been a… disturbance in the barracks that I've got to go and sort out."
"Want me to come, Captain?" Jesse interrupted, suddenly beside Rex with a confused look on his face.
"No Jesse, you stay and enjoy the party for both of us. Just don't eat all of the Commander's food."
Jesse nodded his head slowly, confusion on his face that matched Ahsoka's own expression. It wasn't like Rex to sneak out like this. Whatever it was was clearly important.
"You ok Rex?" Ahsoka inquired, worried about her friend.
"I'm fine, thank you for the party kid. We should do it again sometime."
With that, Rex nodded his head again and left, quickly vanishing out of the door without so much as a goodbye to the others.
Again, it occurred to Ahsoka that that was not like Rex at all. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Captain Rex ran as fast as he could. The message had come out of the blue, after three days of no contact from him. Where the hell had he vanished to?!
Charging through the entrance Rex found himself in the barracks that had been reserved for the 501st when planetside. It wasn't large, and couldn't house all of the troops, but it was a nice change of scenery from the endless hallways of the Venator Star Destroyers.
Moving through the hallways, Rex stepped into the room he had been directed to, the one that had been assigned to a medic who had disappeared days ago.
"Kix!" Rex began as he entered, seeing the Clone sat on his bunk, a worried look on his face. "Where the hell have you been? I've been so worried!"
Kix said nothing at first, his body not even moving to address Rex's presence. Something was very seriously wrong.
"Kix? What's wrong?"
The second time proved to be the charm. The combat medic rose from his seat and moved over to Rex, moving between him and the doorway the Captain had just entered through.
"Do you trust me Rex?" Kix asked, negating the use of his title. Now Rex was seriously worried.
"Always Kix. Always."
Kix responded by closing the door to his room, locking it and sealing them in together.
"You can come out now." Kix spoke softly, momentarily confusing Rex, until the Captain spotted movement in the corner of the room.
Another Clone, dressed in pure white armour of a shiny stepped out, helmet covering his face, his posture stiff, as if deadly nervous.
"Kix, who is this?" Rex asked, gesturing to the new arrival.
Kix glanced over at the shiny, nodding his head slowly, as if to say he could trust Rex.
The shiny hesitated for a few moments, before his hands moved up to his helmet, removing it slowly.
His face was tired, and lacking both facial and head hair. The same hazel eyes that all Clones had that some could somehow still tell apart stared back at him. For a few moments, Rex was confused. What was this about?
It was then that Rex saw it. A tattoo, small, but very very familiar on the right hand side of the Clone's temple.
The tattoo was a number, and that number was…
"Fives!"
"Hello Captain. We need to talk. It's important."
Author's thoughts
Well... that was a lot of fun to write. Was it fun to read? Did Ahsoka host a good party? Did you guys want to go?
Did Anakin deserve the hardcore bullying everyone gave him in this chapter? XD
After the darkness and despair of the last arc I figured we needed some downtime, and what better way than to have a party with all of our favourites. Thinking up ideas for this and then writing them was tons of fun. I only hope you all found them as funny as I did writing them.
In regards to the Anakin and Padmé scene, I know some of you will feel as though their reconciliation was rushed, but if anything that seemed more in character for them both in terms of canon. Padmé does seem to turn a blind eye to Anakin's failings, and that's not a bad thing per say. He regrets his actions, which is good. However, at the same time, I wanted Padmé to issue an ultimatum to Anakin, as I feel that is also in her character. Only time will tell if Anakin actually pays attention and doesn't screw up again. XD
On another note... before anyone makes any assumptions, no... the game of Marry Kriff Kill included within this does not have some hidden meaning for this story whatsoever, not is it an attack at any Anisoka, Riyosoka or Rexsoka shippers among you. It is merely included for laughs. (mainly at Anakin's expense XD)
In terms of story progression, absolutely nothing of any importance happens in this chapter. Nope... nothing at all. No need for any detail. Moving on. XD
This chapter also marks the end of the intermission stuff. Next chapter you see will begin the penultimate arc of this story. The events of Revenge of the Sith are in sight now. It's only a matter of time.
As for what the next arc is about... well... here is a mini tease. The next arc is called 'The Third Battle of Mygeeto'. Take from that what you want. Though don't expect it for a little bit. Want to have a bit of a break first. :)
Once again, thanks to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders' for all his hard work. Without him this story would be a grammatical nightmare. XD
Next time round, some important intelligence is finally decrypted, and the 501st and 212th join together for an important mission.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Cat-Gods-Of-The-Cat-People: The plot thickens indeed. I wonder what that could all be about? XD
And you are welcome. I'm glad you are enjoying Ahsoka's currently mental state. XD
Dream Plane: I don't know what you mean? The Chancellor has been perfectly nice to her thus far? What exactly could he be hiding? XD
Yes... will Palpy tell the truth... or is everyone in big trouble? XD
Mysterious Guest One: That's a fair point. End of the day, the thing that matters most is the thing no one can see. Sidious had every advantage, and he played his hand perfectly. XD
tf330129: Doing what I can! XD
RyanSquad: For the sake of this story, and from this point onward, Ahsoka has her Season 7 look about her in regardless to her Lekku and Montrals. She's certainly older than she was when she left the order, as nearly a year has passed. Just add her custom Mando armour instead of her regular outfit and you've got her character design. Same for the likes of Anakin and Obi-Wan. They become more like their ROTS designs starting with the next arc.
Oh yeah... Anakin is a total space dad when he can be. Not that Ahsoka listens to him at all! XD
Ahsoka and Fox have likely spoken offscreen somewhere, but yeah, she does outrank him. She has the power to assume command over even Jedi generals by this point, something you will see in a future chapter. She's pretty powerful politically and militarily by this point. Hopefully it doesn't go to her head! XD
1saaa: A massive essay of thoughts? That's either a good thing or a bad thing. Either way, I look forward to it. :)