Last time: Sasha and Obi-Wan talked about her future as a Jedi Knight.

Now: Sasha tells Obi-Wan what happened on Mandalore.

Chapter 21- The Truth Comes Out

Scamp stared at the reflection before him in quiet awe. His armor was freshly polished but still showed signs of battle damage. His suit underneath was replaced with a fresh one after his other got ruined during the fight in the hangar. But what he was staring at most was the new, yellow and gray pauldron and kama that officially marked him as an ARC Trooper. And with a new bucket to match. It had the same markings and designs as before, just on a new helmet that came with more bells and whistles, and matched the other ARCs he knew.

After they had returned with Sasha and General Kenobi, Scamp and his other wounded brothers were sent to the medical center for Clones on Coruscant. He practically lived in a bacta tank for days before being released to a normal recovery room. But when he was discharged yesterday, he was escorted to his new quarters. They were down the hall from his old room with his squad mates and a lot bigger. And because he was the only ARC in the 212th, he got a whole room to himself. If Fives or Jesse or even Rex were apart of the 212th instead of the 501st, he would bunk with them. But being alone like this was going to take some getting used to. Especially being called Captain. He had heard that title constantly since returning and it still didn't register that that was his ranking now.

But seeing the armor now on his body felt and looked right. He had done it. He had become an ARC Trooper. And now he was going to see his best friend and Commander, and finally share the good news.

Scamp was informed late yesterday by Anakin that Sasha had woken up. Scamp asked him if he could stop by to see her today per their previous conversation. General Skywalker was way ahead of him and arranged for Scamp to see her, but under the purview that he was actually at the temple to be introduced to the Council as the latest ARC Trooper. A process that actually had to be done and with some paperwork involved according to Fives. But Scamp got to the Temple early as he wanted to see Sasha before his meeting. But he was escorted to the Council chambers first shortly after arriving to the temple.

Thankfully the meeting was short and sweet with no complications. And now he stood in the Halls of Healing before a mirror, waiting for the healers to allow him back to see her. A young healer approached him a couple moments later.

"Captain," she said, very softly. "Padawan Monroe is awake and ready to see you."

"Did you tell her I was here?" Scamp asked, facing the healer.

"Yes, but I did as you instructed and avoided using your title," the healer said. "Follow me."

"Thank you," Scamp said, graciously.

When he had arrived to the Halls of Healing, he informed them that he wanted to see Sasha. But he asked very nicely if they could tell her that 'Scamp was here to see her.' He wanted to surprise her with his promotion, but felt he had to explain why to the healers. So he had to make up a white lie to the healers that Sasha didn't know about his promotion and it might confuse her if they used the new title. And while that was still true, he also didn't want to ruin the surprise.

He followed the healer down the hall to the room Sasha was in. She gestured to the door as she came to a stop.

"She is in here, but do not stay long. She needs to rest and heal still," she informed him.

"I won't and thank you," Scamp said, nodding.

The healer moved on to another part of the hall, leaving him alone. Scamp took a deep breath and knocked gently on the door.

"Come in," Sasha's voice rang from the other side.

Scamp reached up and removed his bucket. He ran a hand through his short hair and tucked the helmet under his arm. He opened the door and stepped inside. He looked to the bed to see that Sasha wasn't there. He stepped further into the room and looked around in confusion as the door slid shut. He spotted Sasha by the window. She was sitting in a chair and appeared to be taking in the sun that shone through.

"Commander," Scamp said, standing at attention. He was trying so badly not to smirk as he was so anxious to see her reaction, but he kept it as cool as he could.

"Scamp," Sasha said, happily. She glanced over her shoulder at him and had no reaction. But when she pushed herself to her feet and came around the chair to face him, she froze upon fully seeing him. "Scamp… what…"

"It's Captain now, actually," he clarified. The smirk on his face blantly obvious.

"Captain?" Sasha gasped.

Scamp nodded.

She came over to him and stopped before him. He could tell up close that she was doing a lot better, but she still walked with a limp. She looked over his armor like a General analyzing her solider for the first time. But with a look of awe instead of judgment. She looked up at him with a grin.

"You got promoted? When did that happen? And how come no one told me?" Sasha asked, elated.

"You were unconscious at the time," Scamp explained. "General Skywalker just returned with General Kenobi, and I was sitting with you in the medbay while Basha finished treating the others. Then after we took off and General Kenobi gave me a promotion right then and there. He said that with how good of a job I did on this mission that there was no need for the official promotion steps. Then we got back here. You were rushed away by the healers and I was taken to the medical facility for Clones. I just got released yesterday and I knew I had to come show you once you were awake. Plus i made a promise that I'd be here when you would wake up." He sheepishly rubbed his neck at that. "So here I am."

"Well congrats, Scamp," Sasha beamed. "I'm so happy for you. You're going to do a wonderful job as an ARC Trooper."

"Thanks," Scamp said, smiling. "But enough about me, how are you doing? You look a lot better."

"I feel a lot better," Sasha said. "Still sore and it hurts to walk, but the healers say that after one more bacta treatment I'll be released and allowed to return to duty." Her smile faltered at that.

"You don't sound too excited about that," Scamp observed. His smile fading into a small frown. "Everything okay?"

Sasha met his gaze then looked away. She limped over to the bed and sat down on the edge. "Master Obi-Wan thinks I'm ready to become a Jedi Knight," she said, solemnly.

Scamp's brows raised in shock. That was good news, but she definitely wasn't taking it that way. "And you don't?" He asked. He furrowed his brow as he came over and sat on the other bed, opposite of her. "Isn't that what you always wanted?"

"It is," Sasha stated. "And Master Obi-Wan truely believes I'm more than ready. He explained it to me yesterday."

"But?"

"But I still haven't told him about the Duchess," Sasha admitted, quietly. "What if I tell him and he takes back his decision."

"I don't think the General would do that," Scamp answered, honestly. "He is a man true to his word."

"I know he is, but Scamp," she hesitated. "I told you before that the Duchess and my Master were friends. But that's not a hundred percent true. The way my Master felt about the Duchess is more than what just friends have for each other."

"Oh?" Scamp questioned. Then it hit him. He realized what she just told him. "Oh."

"And you can't tell a soul about that," she quickly added.

"I swear I won't," Scamp promised. "You have my word."

"Thank you."

"So if you tell him, you truly think that he will take back his decision?"

"Even if he doesn't, I know he will be furious with me. I would be if the roles were different. But I was on an unsanctioned mission, where I could have gotten killed and I didn't help him save the Duchess when I had the ability to. If you were in his shoes, how would you react?" She asked, exasperated.

Scamp went quiet for a moment, contemplating that. "I'd be upset. If one of my brothers was there and I didn't know but was able to help me save the one I… someone I care about, but didn't." He pointedly didn't look at her. "I'd be upset. But I'd forgive him."

"Why?"

"Because even if he could have helped save someone I care about, I didn't lose him in the process. Especially if Maul is the villain and he had done the same thing to me as he did to the General," Scamp explained. "I'd be upset for a while, but I would forgive him. And I know the General would forgive you. You are his padawan and he cares about you. This mission made that very clear to all of us."

Sasha looked up and met his gaze. She then looked down at her hands. "That…" She struggled to find the words. What he said, didn't really help her anxiety on this matter.

"Sasha," he said, gently. "If you tell him what happened, exactly like how you told me on the ship, he will understand." He looked down to the floor. "Look, when you told me after our first encounter with Maul, I was shocked that you saw that and were in that position. But would have thought nothing of it, other than that Maul was, is a monster. And we've dealt with scarier beings in the past." He paused. "But after what happened last week, if you told me that now, I would have been relieved to know that I… that we didn't lose you to him sooner."

She looked at him, frowning.

"Look, I'm really bad at this and I'm sorry I'm not being very helpful," Scamp sighed. "It's just that I understand how the General feels to an extent. You almost died. The General almost lost his padawan after losing someone he already deeply cares for. And I would have lost my best friend." And someone I deeply care for. But he couldn't say that out loud. "I just want you to understand that I would forgive you if I was in his place and that you shouldn't be afraid of what he will say or do. The threat with Maul is over. For now. I don't think you should wait on telling him. The longer you wait… the worse it might get."

"You're right," Sasha said, quietly. She looked down at her hands in her lap. "I just need to tell him. Thank you for talking this out with me. And you're not bad at this. It's just a difficult situation." She looked at him and he met her gaze. "Thank you for being so understanding and helpful. And thank you for being there for me during that nightmare. You saved my life. I owe you."

Scamp shook his head. "You don't owe me anything. Just promise that we'll still be friends once you become a knight and I'll call it even."

Sasha smiled. She reached over and grabbed his hand. "Scamp, we will continue to be friends forever. And I'll make sure you are apart of my legion of troops when I'm assigned my own. I can't fight this war without you."

Scamp returned the smile and squeezed her hand. "Same here." They held each other's hand and gaze for a long moment. Scamp cleared his throat and glanced at the chrono on the wall. "I should go. The healers didn't want me to stay long. I'll check back in with you later, okay?"

"Sounds good." She released his hand and the two of them stood up.

"Rest well, Commander," Scamp said, smirking.

"Thank you, Captain," she chuckled. "That's going to take some getting used to."

"Tell me about it," Scamp laughed.

Sasha laughed too. As her laughter died down, she wrapped Scamp up in a hug. He was startled by the gesture, but returned it, hesitantly. He wasn't sure if this was even allowed, but he didn't want to turn away such a gesture either. After a moment, she pulled away.

"Sorry about that," she apologized. "I just wanted to say thank you again."

"Don't worry about it," Scamp said, warmly. "I'll always be there for you, Sasha."

"I know," Sasha nodded.

"I've got to go," Scamp said, moving for the door. "See ya later?"

"Definitely."

Scamp nodded and slipped his helmet back on. He stepped back out into the hall. Once the door slid shut, he took a shaky breath. His heart was racing in his chest from Sasha holding his hand and hugging him. He pushed the feeling aside and walked towards the exit.

The water felt refreshing as it sprinkled on her bare arms and face. Sasha sat under one of the fountains in the Hall of a Thousand and meditated. She had been released from the Halls of Healing and free to return to her duties early that morning. But her master was in a Council meeting at the moment and Cayden had left with Jac on a mission yesterday night. So she was alone for the time being. And that was fine. It gave her a chance to clear her head and prepare to tell her master about Mandalore. A topic that still kept her up all night for the last couple nights. A topic she was still dreading telling him, but knew she couldn't wait any longer.

After a while, she wasn't sure how long she had been sitting there, but she felt her master approach. A sense of dread filled her chest when he got near as it meant now was the time to talk. She wasn't sure she was ready, but she was running out of time to avoid the subject. She opened her eyes and looked up at him as he came to a stop before the fountain.

"Good morning," Obi-Wan greeted, warmly.

"Good morning, Master," Sasha greeted, forcing a smile.

"You look tired? Did you not sleep well?" He asked, furrowing his brow.

"I'm alright," Sasha assured him. He saw right through her and she did everything in her power to not grimace at that. She moved the water aside and moved away from the fountain, perfectly dry. "Just had a lot on my mind is all."

"Well, I'm finished with meetings for the day. Why don't we go for a walk and you can talk to me about it," Obi-Wan suggested. "Plus you still owe me that story from the other day."

"That sounds nice," Sasha said, absently.

Obi-Wan's brow furrowed again at that. But he didn't say anything as they started walking. They walked in silence for several long minutes. Sasha didn't know what to say to start the conversation, but she knew she wanted it away from prying ears. So when he led them out of the Room of a Thousand Fountains and onto an exterior path that had a spectacular view of city and some of the gardens below did she feel comfortable speaking. There was no one else out there at the moment and distant sounds of the city provided enough background noise for them to speak quietly with no one else to hear.

"How was your meetings? Any update on Maul?" Sasha asked, breaking the silence first.

"No, nothing," Obi-Wan shook his head. "He has disappeared for the time being."

"You're worried that he will return?" Sasha asked, carefully.

"One day he will, but I can't let that worry drive me," he answered truthfully. "Other than that, the meetings were as they always are, just another boring day in the universe." He chuckled.

Sasha smirked. "That's good, I think."

A comfortable silence fell between them as they walked in the warm Coruscant midday air.

"So what's going on?" Obi-Wan asked, after a moment.

"A lot," Sasha answered after a minute. "Maul's still out there. Scamp got promoted to Captain. And I'm on track to become a Knight. It's a lot to take in," she said, distantly. Those things were on her mind, but they weren't the crux of her problems at the moment. She stopped walking and turned towards the rail that looked out to the city. She leaned against It.

"But that's not what bothers you," Obi-Wan observed, leaning beside her.

"No," she stated, simply.

"Does it have to do with your story?" He asked, carefully.

"Yes." She answered after a pregnant pause.

"Sasha, what is going on?" Obi-Wan asked, worriedly.

She sighed. "What I'm about to tell you, I hope you can understand my position. Do you remember that delivery mission I had just before Satine died?"

"Vaguely, yes," he replied.

"Do you recall how I had to return?"

"By public transport, if I'm correct," he answered. "Did something happen on that trip back?"

"You could say that. The transport made a few stops on it's way to Coruscant," she said, looking out at the city. "One of those stops was Mandalore." She subtly clenched her hands into fists.

Obi-Wan looked at Sasha, uneasy with where this story was going. But he said nothing.

"Since there was going to be a few hour layover, I had the idea of visiting Satine. Maybe grab some lunch with her. But when we arrived, the transport informed us that it was only to drop off passengers. That there wasn't going to be a layover. This was due to unexpected reasons, according to the ship captain. But I sensed something else was going on." She looked away. "I sensed two dark presences and a foreboding aura in the Force." She looked at him. "And I sensed you."

"Me?" He breathed out. "But… how…?"

"I hid myself in the Force. That's how you weren't able to sense me. But I knew I had to investigate," she continued. "You seemed so distant when I had last spoken with you. I knew something was wrong that you weren't telling me. So when I sensed you on Mandalore I figured it had to due with those presenses and Satine. I got off the ship and I snuck into the capitol. I followed your presence all the way to the palace. I snuck inside to understand what was going on before I would get involved. But I found Maul and Savage… and Satine in the throne room. Then you entered as a prisoner."

Obi-Wan was speechless. "You were there?" He finally voiced after a moment. His voice trembled, slightly. "But I didn't see you there."

"I was hiding… in the vents," she said, quietly. She looked away. "I never revealed myself. But yes. I was there. And I saw everything that happened." She admitted, ashamed.

Obi-Wan blinked as tears suddenly stung his eyes. He looked out to the city, struggling to respond.

"I saw Maul kill Satine," Sasha said, her voice breaking. "I saw her die in your arms. And I did nothing… I just watched, trying to understand what was happening. And I was about to jump out and help… but I was too late. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know if I should reveal myself or not. I should have jumped out to help you or to save Satine. But I hid and I ran when you escaped. I didn't do anything to help the situation. And now she's gone. I could have done something to stop it, to save her. To save you the heartache, but I didn't and I failed you as a padawan," she rambled. Tears fell from her eyes as she finally admitted all of this. "I should have told you when I got back, but you were so distraught that I couldn't bare telling you then. Then everything happened with Maul and I didn't know when to tell you. I'm sorry I didn't and I'm sorry I kept this from you for so long."

There was tense silence between them for a long time. Obi-Wan shook as all of that settled in his mind. He gripped the railing so tightly his knuckles turned white. His lack of response was killing her. Her heart tightened in her chest as she waited for him to speak.

"Please… say something," Sasha pleaded quietly after a moment.

"You were there," Obi-Wan said, distantly. "You saw all of that."

"I'm so, so sorry," Sasha wept, quietly. "I should have done something to help you and Satine. She's gone because of my mistake."

"It wasn't your fault, Sasha," Obi-Wan explained, sharply. "It was mine for falling for Maul's trap. Her death is my burden, not yours."

"But I was there. I could have done something to help. I do have some fault in this matter," she urged.

"And you should have never have been there. You could have been killed too," Obi-Wan chastised. "That was reckless, padawan."

"I know that," she wept. "I know I was reckless. But I thought I was doing the right thing by coming to check. To simply see what was going on so I could try and help. And instead I hid like a coward. That's not what a Jedi Knight does. I don't deserve that title or rank." She looked downward. "I don't deserve to continue to be your padawan."

"Sasha…" He let put a frustrated breath. "Don't say that."

"Why?" She questioned. "When you said I should become a knight, this is why I thought it was a mistake. A Jedi Knight would make the right call, would have called in support. But I fled the moment I realized there was nothing I could do. And I lied to you. None of these are traits of a Jedi Knight." She swallowed. "And Anakin would have never done something like this."

"You're right. Anakin would have never done this. He would have stepped in. He would have intervened. And he might be dead if he did that," Obi-Wan responded, firmly. "But Sasha, you have not failed me as a padawan. Am I upset? Yes. Do I feel like you don't deserve to be a knight or my apprentice because of this?" He paused as he ran a hand over his beard. "No. Nothing about this changes my decision or how I feel about you as my padawan."

Sasha looked at him, stunned. Tears stained her cheeks.

"Look… hearing that you were there, without permission, upsets me. Hearing you were there when you could have helped… angers me. But," he sighed and continued softly. "But knowing that you didn't get involved is relieving because I don't know what would have happened if I lost you then too. Sasha, almost losing you to Maul scared me in ways that is unbefitting a Jedi Master. I made reckless decisions that very well could have meant my death, but you, Anakin and the Clones saved me from throwing my life away. So thank you for finally telling me the truth. You don't need to apologize. I probably would have done the same if it were me in your place."

Sasha stared at him, shocked. She hadn't expected forgiveness so soon after telling him. She expected to be punished or chastised further, but Obi-Wan surprised her in ways she never thought possible. She looked down at her hands and nodded.

"Thank you, Master," she said, softly. She reached up and wiped her face. "I don't deserve your kindness or forgiveness, but thank you for listening. For understanding."

"Just promise me you will communicate it better next time," Obi-Wan said, tiredly.

"You have my word," she promised.

He sighed and nodded. "Does anyone else know of your detour?"

Sasha grimaced. She hadn't prepared for that question. But she couldn't lie to her master, not after everything she just admitted to him. "Yes," she voiced after a moment.

"Who?" He asked, shocked.

"Scamp… and Cayden," Sasha admitted, curling in on herself. "I told no one else. I swear."

Obi-Wan groaned. "Why did they know before me?"

"Scamp found out after he saved me from Maul on the cargo ship," she explained. "I was scared and kept seeing what happened to Satine in my head. I felt like I needed to confide in someone I trusted. I was going to tell you then when I returned from that mission. But seeing how you reacted when I said I confronted Maul made me uneasy to bring it up. Cayden only found out a couple days ago, but he doesn't know the full story. I kept a lot of the details out." She took a deep breath. "I only told them because I didn't know if I should tell you. I needed advice on the matter. They both suggested I talk to you about it, further afirming my thoughts on the matter. I'm sorry you weren't the first to know, but I trust them and they haven't told a soul. I don't plan on telling the Council unless you think that is best."

"At this point, I don't know what to think," Obi-Wan sighed. "The Council is already upset with me for going in the first place. It's probably for the best that they never learn of your trip there or else you will be punished. But I should have been the first person to know. Satine was… was the love of my life. I wish knowing this and everything that happened, I could go back and save her. That we could save her. But it's too late for that. She's gone." He rested against the rail, struggling to keep it together. "Just tell me next time you do something like this."

"I will," Sasha said, adamantly.

Another silence fell between them that lasted for several long moments. Finally, after an eternity there, Obi-Wan pushed away from the rail.

"Master?"

"I need to clear my head," Obi-Wan said, quietly and keeping his back to her. He walked away without another word.

Sasha lowered her gaze to the ground then out to the city beyond. "Oh Satine… if only you were here to help him," she said softly.

It was about midnight before Obi-Wan returned to his quarters. He could sense Sasha asleep in her room as he entered into the small living space. The lights were dimmed but on and all was quiet. Obi-Wan quietly made his way to his room and sealed the door shut behind him. He leaned against the door for a moment, running his hands down his face. He had spent the remainder of the day thinking about what Sasha told him and thinking of Satine. He avoided everyone and tried to clear his head, but it did little to help.

He walked over to his bed and slumped down on the edge of it. He sat there for a while before he decided to get ready for bed. He removed his boots and set them aside. He removed his bracers then his belt. As he set the belt on the bed, one of the pockets snapped open and something fell out. It landed on the floor with a ting and rolled over to the night stand. Obi-Wan furrowed his brows at it and leaned over to pick up the item in question.

It was Satine's engagement ring.

He had put it somewhere safe after her memorial service weeks ago. Only after they returned from saving Sasha from Maul did he pull it back out again. He had been thinking about Satine and had pulled her ring out subconsciously. But he forgot to put it back. He had to head to a meeting so quickly after he had pulled it out that he had to stuff the ring into the pouch for the time being.

Obi-Wan looked over the beautiful piece of jewelry. Finely crafted from Mandalorian merchants. And the simple of his love for Satine. Closing his hand around the ring, he opened the drawer and reached inside with his other hand to retrieve its hiding place. He produced a physical book that he had acquired years ago when he first met Satine. It had a portion hollowed out when he had found it and inside was crystal he gave Satine as a gift then. Now it housed her ring and a couple of other small mementos of her. He popped open the cover and set the ring inside. As he closed the lid and put the book back, a slip off paper fell out.

"What are you?" Obi-Wan questioned. He furrowed his brow as he stared at it. He had no idea what this was and has never seen it before.

Leaning over, Obi-Wan picked up the paper and set the book in the drawer. He opened the paper and found a handwritten note from Satine. He stared at her penmanship for a long time before he even started reading the note.

Obi,

You're probably wondering where this came from. I wasn't even sure if you looked in this old book, but I found it the last time I was with you in the temple. It made me smile to see you still had after all of this time. I decided to leave you this little note as a surprise for when you eventually find it.

I just wanted you to know how much I love you and how happy I've been since you've returned to my life. This war has become so unbearable but you are my light in all of it. And if something was to ever happen to me, just know that I will love you for all eternity. You are my Jedi Knight in shining armor, my Obi-Wan. And I can't wait to see what our future holds once this war is over. Maybe a life… just the two of us? I guess we will see.

Anyway, I hope you find this note and it makes you smile like how you make me smile. Just remember a few things. Don't forget to rest. Don't be too hard on yourself. Take care of yourself… please. And give Sasha my love. She is a such a wonderful girl. Don't ever let her go.

With all my love,

Your Satine

A singular tear fell onto his hand that was holding the paper. He didn't even realize he was crying or when the tears came, but his heart ached as he read the note. He had no idea when she wrote this note or when she snuck it into his book. She had been to the temple a few times during the war, and Sasha was his padawan during those instances. There was no clear indicator when this was written, but he was caught off guard by the part where she discussed the future. Satine had been thinking about a future and marriage long before he proposed to her. Or however long ago this was written.

He kept re-reading it over and over and over again. He could almost hear her voice in his head reading this to him. A sense of joy and happiness came to him for the first time in weeks as he continued to look at the note. Even in his darkest time, Satine was still able to be a beacon of light for him.

"Thank you, my love," Obi-Wan whispered, softly. "You always know what to say."

Pressing a kiss to the note, Obi-Wan laid back on his bed, holding the note to his chest. And for the first time in weeks, Obi-Wan had a peaceful night of sleep.

*Sniffs* I'm not crying, you are. Review!