I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori, her family and other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 20: Voyage of Temptation
A royal welcome!
Sent to investigate allegations that Mandalore was joining Count Dooku's Separatists
Obi-Wan Kenobi was reunited with an old friend, the Duchess Satine of Kalevala
While Satine claimed Mandalore's intentions were to remain neutral during the War
An attack on the Capital City led Obi-Wan and his Padawan, Nadia Aomori to the discovery of a terrorist organisation known as Death Watch
Now the Duchess travels to the senate so she can plead her case against her involvement in the war as the Jedi prepare a defence against her opponents…
Aboard the Coronet...
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ferus brief the Clone Troopers on protecting Duchess Satine from the Death Watch.
"You know your marching orders."Obi-Wan instructed."The safety of Duchess Satine is of the utmost importance. The Death Watch will stop at nothing to assassinate her before she pleads her case to the Senate."
"The Death Watch may be backed by the Count Dooku, Darth Sidious and the Separatists, so stay sharp."Anakin instructed in a firm tone.
Ferus looked at Artoo.
"Artoo, use your scanners to probe for any suspicious droid activity."Ferus ordered.
Artoo gives a beep at Ferus.
"Anything else, sir?"Rex asked.
"No, that will be all."Obi-Wan replied.
Then the Clone Troopers walked away as Obi-Wan answered his comlink that was beeping.
"Yes?"Obi-Wan asked.
"Master, the Duchess and her retinue request your presence."Nadia reported.
"Very well, young one."Obi-Wan responded.
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ferus along with Captain Rex and Commander Cody then went in the elevator to head to the top floor.
Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan when he felt a sense of anxiety coming from him.
"I sense some anxiety from you about the Duchess."Anakin stated."She couldn't be in safer hands."
"Yes, I know."Obi-Wan responded.
"Then why..."Anakin started.
"Never mind."Obi-Wan interrupted simply."It's all in the past."
"Oh, so you're close to her?"Anakin assumed.
"I knew her."Obi-Wan replied with a hard look and looked down."A long time ago."
A small smirk grew on Anakin's face while Ferus smiled smugly.
Below the Decks of the Coronet…
The two Clone Troopers, Red Eye and Mixer, were checking around a sector.
"All secure here."Red Eye commented.
"Let's move on to the next sector."Mixer suggested.
Once Red Eye and Mixer were out of sight, an eerie whirring came from one of the crates revealing to be a spider assassin probe droid.
In the Guest Room...
Nadia and the Senators were listening to Duchess Satine's statement about the Clone Wars.
The young teenage girl wore a long strapless emerald green dress with a matching cape, leggings and flats. Her raven hair was tied up in a French braid while her Padawan braid was dangling out.
"War is intolerable!"Duchess Satine retorted."We have been deceived into thinking that we must be a part of it. I say the moment we committed to fighting, we already lost."
"Excuse me, your grace."Senator Merrik spoke up."You suggesting we oppose the war on humanitarian grounds?"
"I'm going to oppose it as an affront to life itself."Duchess Satine declared."As the designated regent of 1,500 systems, I speak for thousands of worlds that have urged me to allow them to stay neutral in this war."
Then Obi-Wan came into the room with Anakin and Ferus.
"And yet some might argue that the strongest defense is a swift and decisive offense."Obi-Wan stated.
"You are quite the General, now aren't you, Master Kenobi?"Duchess Satine asked.
"Forgive me for interrupting, Your Highness."Obi-Wan said firmly."I meant no disrespect."
"Really?"Duchess Satine questioned and glanced at the Senators."Senators, I presume you are acquainted with the collection of half-truths and hyperbole known as Obi-wan Kenobi?"
"Your Highness is too kind."Obi-Wan admitted.
"You're right, I am."Duchess Satine agreed.
"Allow me to introduce Nadia's and my fellow Jedi, Anakin Skywalker and Ferus Olin."Obi-Wan introduced.
"Your servant, my lady."Anakin responded.
"It's an honor to meet you. Master Skywalker and I heard a lot of great things about you from my big sister."Ferus said respectfully.
"I remember a time when Jedi were not Generals and Commanders, but peacekeepers."Duchess Satine stated.
Nadia glanced at Duchess Satine.
"We are your protectors at the moment, Your Grace."Nadia explained."But we're fighting for peace."
"What an amusing contradiction, Commander Aomori."Duchess Satine commented.
The female robot maid gave the Duchess of Mandalore a cocktail drink.
"What my Padawan means is that we are acting at the behest of Your Highness to protect you from the Death Watch, the Sith and the Separatists, who don't share your neutral point of view."Obi-Wan corrected as he stepped forward.
"I asked for no such thing."Duchess Satine retorted.
"That may be so, but a majority of your court did."Obi-Wan declared.
A few of the Senators looked at each other.
"I do not remember you as one to hide behind excuses."Duchess Satine scowled.
"I do not remember you as one to shrink from responsibilities."Obi-Wan argued.
Senator Taa went between Duchess Satine and Obi-Wan.
"I am certain we all agree."Senator Taa declared."Duchess Satine and General Kenobi have a proven there are two sides to every dilemma."
"Indeed."Senator Merrik agreed.
"Now, in regard to the Senate Vote, we think-"Senator Taa started.
"I think a multitude makes discord, not good counsel."Duchess Satine interrupted.
"Right again, my lady."Senator Taa remarked.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin and Ferus.
"There may be two sides to every dilemma, but the Duchess only favours hers."Obi-Wan admitted.
Below the Decks of the Coronet...
Red Eye, Mixer and Artoo looked around the area as the little white blue droid beeped at his companions.
"I'll check out the South Quadrant."Red Eye said.
"Careful over there, it's dark."Mixer warned.
"Yeah, very funny, Mixer."Red Eye retorted sarcastically.
But when he was a few feet away, Red Eye saw Artoo, who just beeped at him and rolled away.
"Droids."Red Eye muttered.
Red Eye then got attacked by the spider assassin probe that was secretly watching him in the darkness.
In the Guest Room...
Nadia spoke with Persephone Callas, the Senator that represented the planet Hapes.
Senator Persephone Callas had long ash blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail with lighter blonde streaks which had a crescent-shaped clip and dark blue eyes with lighter blue eyeshadow and eyeliner. She wore a long blue dress with a dark blue cape.
"I've read about Lorell Raiders in a book about Hapes, Senator Callas."Nadia complemented."But I would be honoured to learn more about them from you."
"Hapans were actually the descendants of the Lorell Raiders, a group of pirates who had found routes through the Transitory Mists and used the Hapes Cluster as their base. They, along with any other treasure they would plunder, would abduct beautiful human women from all over the galaxy and bring them back to Hapes."Senator Callas exclaimed."The women would stay on Hapes and raise their children. The Lorell Raiders would take boys and make the raids only to return to Hapes to rest. Around four thousand twenty nine years ago, however, the mostly male Lorell Raiders were devastated by the Jedi when they ventured out int Republic space. Hapes was forgotte and the women left behind took control and vowed that a man will never rule them again. They formed the Hapan society, with a Queen Mother at its head."
A look of awe appeared on Nadia's face.
"Really?"Nadia said."That's amazing."
Ferus secretly watched Nadia talking to Senator of Hapes in admiration causing Anakin to notice this and smirk at him.
"You know you can tell her now."Anakin suggested.
A small blush crept on Ferus' face.
"No way!"Ferus whispered angrily."Not with Master Kenobi and the Senators around!"
"Okay then, but remember it will take longer to get your next chance."Anakin said smugly.
Ferus rolled his eyes at his brother-in-law as he took a sip of his drink.
"A Republic Military presence is the only sure defence against the Separatists."Obi-Wan commented.
Duchess Satine stood up from where she sat.
"Even extremists can be reasoned with."Duchess Satine added.
"Perhaps, if one can be heard over a the clanking of their battle droids."Obi-Wan said sarcastically with a sharp look.
Duchess Satine rolled her eyes before approaching the Jedi General.
"The sarcasm of a soldier."Duchess Satine declared.
"The delusion of a dreamer."Obi-Wan replied.
The Duchess and the Jedi General glared at each other as Senator Merrik spoke up.
"Duchess, Master Jedi. It's been a long trip."Senator Merrik reminded."I think we could all use a little rest and refreshment."
Anakin, Ferus and Nadia all smirked at the arguement of Obi-Wan and the Duchess.
"Hear, hear."Senator Taa spoke up."Now let us put politics aside until after dinner."
"Fine!"Obi-Wan and Duchess Satine answered in unison.
The Duchess of Mandalore pushed Obi-Wan away as she went out of the room that was now filled with silent with Nadia following right behind her.
"Are you alright, Satine?"Nadia questioned.
"I'm fine, Nadia."Duchess Satine replied."Just need to refresh a bit before dinner."
Bellow the Decks...
Mixer was looking around and saw now threats.
"Stand by for light speed."Mixer informed in his comlink."Engage, my side's secure. What have you got, Red Eye?"
Mixer got no reply in his comlink from his fellow clone.
"Red Eye, you copy?"Mixer asked.
Mixer then heard an eerie whirring sound and started screaming as the assassin spider droid caught him on the head.
Meanwhile...
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ferus walked together in one of the elegant hallways of the Coronet.
"You and Satine have a history?"Anakin asked.
"An extended mission when I was younger."Obi-Wan explained."Master Qui-Gon and I spent a year on Mandalore protecting the Duchess from insurgents who had threatened her world."
"Interesting."Ferus remarked.
Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ferus went inside the elevator.
"They sent bounty hunters after us."Obi-Wan stated."We were always on the run, living hand-to-mouth, never sure what the next day would bring."
"Sounds romantic."Anakin admitted.
Obi-Wan gives Anakin a sarcastic look while Ferus snort his laughter.
The three Jedi then came out of the elevator to the next level of the Coronet.
"A Civil War killed most of Satine's people, hence her aversion to violence."Obi-Wan added."When she returned, she took rebuilding her world alone."
Ferus raised an eyebrow at Obi-Wan.
"You didn't stay to help her?"Ferus asked.
"That would have been problematic, Ferus."Obi-Wan responded.
They came into a room as Obi-Wan used the Force to bring one of the chairs to him.
"My duty as a Jedi demanded I be elsewhere."Obi-Wan commented.
"Demanded?"Anakin asked."But it's obvious you had feelings for her, surely that would affect your decision."
"Oh, it did."Obi-Wan answered."I live by the Jedi Code."
"Of course, as Master Yoda says, "A Jedi must not form attachments."Anakin said simply.
"Yes."Obi-Wan agreed."But he usually leaves out the undercurrent of remorse."
Obi-Wan picked up his comlink that started beeping.
"Yes, Captain Rex?"Obi-Wan asked.
"General Kenobi, something's wrong with Artoo."Rex reported."Scared him a real good, sir. I've also lost contact with two of my men."
"I'm on my way down to assist you."Obi-Wan replied.
"I'll go, Master."Anakin suggested."If there's something dangerous down there, the clones and I can handle it."
"Do you want me to come with you?"Ferus asked.
"Nah, go on and mingle with Dia."Anakin said with a smirk.
Ferus frowned at Anakin's reply and then smiled innocently at Obi-Wan, when he noticed the Jedi Master raising an eyebrow at him.
In the Dining Room...
Duchess Satine, Nadia and the Senators were having dinner together.
Nadia was sitting on the seat between the Duchess of Mandalore and Senator Persephone.
The raven haired girl felt hungry at seeing the delicious food in the table, but decided to wait until everyone would start eating.
"Deep-fried nuna legs."Senator Taa remarked."Mmm, delicious."
Then Obi-Wan and Ferus came into the room.
"I beg your pardon, Senators."Obi-Wan apologised."Our men are investigating a situation below decks, I respectfully ask you to wait here until it is settled."
"That seems no problem for any of us, Master."Nadia complemented.
Bellow the Decks...
Anakin met up with Cody and the other Clone Troopers.
"Alright, men."Anakin greeted with a frown."What's the problem? I'm missing dinner."
"We're not sure yet, sir."Cody answered."But there's still no sign of Mixer and Red Eye."
Artoo beeped nervously in respond.
"What's the matter, buddy?"Anakin asked.
Artoo beeped a response.
"I know, I know."Anakin replied."But I'm here now, use your scanners see if something's out of place."
Artoo lead Anakin and the Clone Troopers to a large box that was open and empty.
"Well, what've we here?"Rex asked."Looks like the contents of this box are missing."
"Or it got up and walked away."Anakin suggested and looked at the Clone Troopers."All right, fan out and separate squads. I'll contact Obi-Wan."
In the Dining Room...
Obi-Wan's comlink was beeping causing him to stand up to answer and move away from the dinner table.
"Please excuse me."Obi-Wan said as he stood up from his seat."Anakin, what have you found?"
"There's a large open container and the contents are missing, and I still have two men unaccounted for."Anakin reported.
"That's not good."Obi-Wan responded."Keep things quiet. Me, Ferus and Nadia will stay with the Senators."
"Got it."Anakin answered.
Bellow the Decks of the Coronet...
Artoo started beeping as Anakin looked at him.
"What's up?"Anakin asked."Did you find something?"
Artoo lead Anakin to another part and they found Red Eye by himself.
"There you are, Red Eye. Where have you been?"Anakin scowled."You've had us all worried."
Red Eye didn't reply.
"Red Eye?"Anakin questioned.
Anakin then activated his lightsaber when he notices behind Red Eye was the huge spider assassin probe.
Anakin slashed one the Assassin Probe's leg as Rex and the other Clone Troopers came and started firing at it.
The group then destroyed the Assassin Probe.
But then Anakin spotted another Assassin Probe heading to the lift.
"The lift!"Anakin warned.
Just before they could stop it, the Assassin Probe headed straight to the next level.
Anakin contacted Obi-Wan.
In the Dining Room...
"Obi-Wan, there's Assassin Probes down here!"Anakin warned."One made it up the lift!"
"We'll try to hold the others here."Obi-Wan replied.
"Quickly!"Ferus demanded."Secure the lifts!"
"It's here!"Nadia retorted.
Obi-Wan, Ferus and Nadia all activated their lightsabers as the Assassin Probe came in.
The Assassin Probe then took out two of the Mandalorian Protectors.
It then went on the table to approach Duchess Satine and the guests, but Obi-Wan, Ferus and Nadia immediately destroyed it.
Bellow the Decls...
"There might be one left."Anakin announced."Let's spread out and find it."
"Watch it!"Cody warned.
Then numerous small SD-K4 mini-assassin droids came out of the larger ones.
Anakin activated his lightsaber while the Clone Troopers took out their blasters to take the creepy little droids down.
In the Dining Room...
SD-K4 mini-assassin droids came out of the larger probe, scaring the guests.
Obi-Wan, Ferus and Nadia activated their lightsabers to attack them.
Duchess Satine used her deactivator to destroy some of the assassin droids.
"Ugh! They're everywhere!"Nadia growled while slashing a few assassin droids and watching her steps."I hate spiders!"
"Who doesn't?"Ferus scoffed.
Obi-Wan and Duchess Satine were back-to-back as they fought against the little droids.
"Do you always carry a deactivator?"Obi-Wan asked.
"Just because I'm a pacifist, doesn't I mean I won't defend myself."Duchess Satine stated.
"Now you sound like a Jedi."Obi-Wan informed.
Ferus took out the last few of the SD-K4 mini-assassin droids with his lightsaber.
Luckily, none of the Senators weren't harmed by any of the assassin probes.
Bellow the decks...
Anakin, Artoo and the Clone Troopers took out the SD-K4 mini-assassin droids from where they were hidden in.
"Good work, men."Anakin remarked and looked at Artoo. "You too, buddy."
Artoo beeped at his Jedi friend.
"Assassin droid."Rex muttered, glaring at the probe."How did that monster end up in the hold?"
"Question is, who smuggled him on board?"Anakin questioned.
In the Dining Room...
"Just like that swarm of venom-mites on Draboon, remember?"Obi-Wan asked.
"How could I forget?"Duchess Satine replied. "I still have the scar."
"Begging your pardon, Duchess."Obi-Wan responded. "I distinctly remember carrying you to safety."
"I meant the scar, I got after you fell and dropped me."Duchess Satine admitted with a smile.
"Oh yes."Obi-Wan said with a hint of amusement.
The two adults were unaware that Nadia watched and had listened to their conversation with a smug smile on her face.
"It sounds that you and Satine know each other a little too well to just be friends."Nadia thought.
Nadia frowned when she used her Force Judgement to zap a few assassin droids with her free hand.
Bellow the Decks...
Anakin was talking with a protocol droid.
"I'm looking for the droid that services the cargo bay."Anakin stated.
"Uh yes, sir, are all those droids dead?"the protocol droid asked.
"That's what I'm trying to find out."Anakin retorted."You're in charge of the cargo manifest, right?"
"Uh, yes."the protocol droid said while taking out a manifest device list."I have it right here."
"Well, where did they come from?"Anakin demanded.
Anakin took the manifest from the protocol droid's hand.
"It is right here on the manifest."the protocol droid answered.
"For immediate delivery to Coruscant: one container marked 'medical supplies."Anakin declared and frowned."There's no name on this chart! There is no indication of who shipped it!"
"No, sir."the protocol droid answered."Just the Senate stamp, always accepted for transport here aboard the Coronet."
Afterwards in the Dining Room...
Anakin met up with Obi-Wan, Ferus and Nadia before the Jedi Knight handed the manifest to Obi-Wan.
"One of our five distinguished Senators appears to be a traitor."Anakin stated.
"I sense it too."Obi-Wan said.
Ferus and Nadia looked at Obi-Wan and Anakin.
"So do we."Ferus added.
"Well, how are we going to find out who it is?"Nadia asked.
The four Jedi then notice one of the SD-K4 mini-assassin droids was still alive.
"It looks like one of our little visitors is still alive."Anakin commented.
"Disgusting droids."Nadia muttered sourly.
"I have an idea how to expose the turncoat."Obi-Wan declared."You and Ferus return to the hull of the ship destroy the last assassin droids. Me and Nadia will find out which of the Senators is the traitor."
"Understood, Master Kenobi."Ferus replied.
Ferus followed his brother-in-law out of the room.
The Duchess of Mandalore and the Senators then sat on their seats again as they did before the Assassin Droids came.
"Duchess Satine, you are not eating."Senator Taa admitted.
"I have no appetite."Duchess Satine replied.
"Begging your pardon, you must keep up your strength."Senator Taa insisted.
"By all means, be my guest, Senator Taa."Duchess Satine answered.
"If you insist."Senator Taa remarked.
Obi-Wan then arrived to the room with Nadia, who was holding a container covered in a dark pink napkin.
"Ah, dessert!"Senator Taa said in excitement."Excellent!"
"This morsel might prove too much even for your legendary appetite, Senator Taa, enjoy."Obi-Wan explained.
Nadia removed the napkin revealing the SD-K4 mini-assassin droid still inside.
"On second thought, it wouldn't agree with me."Senator Taa replied nervously.
"My Padawan took the liberty of wiring our little friend to attack Duchess Satine and anyone who defends her."Obi-Wan admitted."Anyone, that is, except the traitor who programmed it."
"Take it away, please!"Senator Taa begged.
"Obi-Wan, this line of questioning borders on torture!"Duchess Satine argued.
"Don't worry, Your Grace. Everything is under control."Nadia assured gently with a smile."We're trying to figure out the bigger threat."
Nadia began passing the small probe that attempts to attack Senators Orn Free Taa, Onaconda Farr, Persephone Callas and Kin Robb.
But the small probe suddenly remained calm when it was brought near Tal Merrik.
"Interesting."Obi-Wan commented."The droid displays unusual hostility toward the honourable Kin Robb. But it seems to like you, Senator Merrik."
Nadia frowned."So you're the traitor."
Senator Merrik smirked at Obi-Wan and Nadia.
"Really, General Kenobi, you and your Padawan are quite clever."Senator Merrik sneered.
Senator Merrik then throws the container and lets the small probe free which caused Nadia to activate her lightsaber to destroy it.
Merrik then takes Duchess Satine hostage and escapes the room.
Both Obi-Wan and Nadia ran out the room and started chasing him in the hall.
"Anakin, Ferus, Tal Merrik is the traitor and he's taken Satine hostage!"Obi-Wan shouted in his comlink.
Bellow the Decks...
"Copy that, but we've got problems of my own right now."Anakin replied.
Anakin and Ferus held their lightsabers out to protect themselves as they walked around.
"Cody, Rex, have you found anything?"Ferus asked in his comlink.
"All quiet over here, sir."Rex replied.
They then heard blaster shooting and they ran to see SD-K4 mini-assassin probes attacking Rex and Cody.
Artoo electrified the SD-K4 mini-assassin droids to help out his friends.
"Thanks, little guy."Rex thanked.
Artoo beeped at Rex.
"Well, we found the little ones."Anakin answered."What about the mother?"
"Haven't seen it."Rex replied.
Suddenly, the Assassin Probe appeared and attacked Rex.
But Anakin and Ferus quickly threw the lightsabers to slash it before it escaped to cause more harm.
Meanwhile...
Senator Merrik makes his way to the cockpit, where he murders the crew as the Duchess of Mandalore watched in horror.
"Monster!"Duchess Satine growled in anger."You're a horrid monster!"
"Get used to it."Merrik retorted coldly.
In the Hallway…
Obi-Wan and Nadia met Anakin and Ferus in the Hall.
"Did you guys find them?"Nadia questioned.
"No."Anakin answered."But we've stationed troopers at every escape pod."
Nadia looked at Obi-Wan.
"That will buy us time."Nadia suggested.
"Merrik will try to signal his allies for help."Obi-Wan informed."We have to find him."
"Let's hurry then."Ferus insisted.
Then Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ferus and Nadia started running and headed into the lift.
"This may not be the time to ask, but were you and Satine..."Anakin started.
"I don't see how that has any bearing on the situation at hand!"Obi-Wan scowled sharply.
The smirks on Anakin, Nadia and Ferus' faces grew bigger at Obi-Wan's respond.
Senator Merrik pulled the Coronet out of hyperspace and contacted Pre Vizsla.
"Death Watch command."Pre Vizsla stated.
"Tal Merrik here."Senator Merrik answered.
"Senator Merrik."Pre Vizsla said."Have you completed your mission?"
"Yes, sir."Senator Merrik replied as he held Duchess Satine."I have Duchess Satine but I'll need help getting her away to Count Dooku and the Separatists."
"Very good."Pre Vizsla stated."Reinforcements are on their way."
In the Hallway...
The Clone Troopers rushed passed Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ferus and Nadia as they heard something intrude into the Coronet.
"Me and Ferus will take care of this."Anakin explained and looked at Obi-Wan."Obi-Wan, you? Go find your girlfriend."
Then Anakin and Ferus ran off leaving Obi-Wan and Nadia by themselves.
"Right."Obi-Wan replied and realised what Anakin just said."Uh, no, Anakin! She's not my-"
Nadia chuckled. "You just admit she is."
Afterwards…
Obi-Wan and Nadia went to the control room, where they saw Senator Merrik holding Satine as hostage.
The Jedi Master and his Padawan activated their lightsabers.
"Come in, Kenobi."Senator Merrik greeted."You and your bratty Padawan are expected."
"Tal Merrik, you are under arrest."Obi-Wan declared."Release Duchess Satine."
"You have no escape."Nadia informed with a cold tone."So don't try to do anything that will make you lose your head."
Senator Merrik then out a remote.
"I took the precaution of wiring the ship's engines to explode."Senator Merrik admitted."I press this remote and we all die."
Duchess Satine looked at Obi-Wan.
"Obi, if you have any respect for me, you will not take such risks with so many people's lives at stake."Duchess Satine commented.
"Satine...don't."Obi-Wan warned.
Senator Merrik took Duchess Satine away as Obi-Wan and Nadia slowly followed after them.
In the Hallway...
Anakin, Ferus and the Clone Troopers were fighting off the battle droids with Duchess Satine's bodyguards.
The Jedi Knights stood back to back as they fought the battle droids.
"I'll admit it!"Ferus declared."This is so far the most fun I had in this luxury liner!"
"I couldn't agree more!"Anakin replied.
Anakin leaped up and took out another battle droid.
The duo then forced pushed down the last battle droids and deactivated their lightsabers.
The two brother-in-laws then ran off to find their companions.
In a Dark Hall...
Obi-Wan and Nadia followed after Senator Merrik, who still held Duchess Satine hostage.
"This is Merrik."Senator Merrik reported in his comlink."Stand by to disengage. Say farewell, duchess."
"Obi-Wan, it looks like I may never see you again."Duchess Satine declared sadly."I don't know quite how to say this. But I've loved you from the moment you came to my aid all those years ago."
Nadia became stunned at the Duchess of Mandalore's respond.
Senator Merrik rolled his eyes.
"I don't believe this."Senator Merrik muttered.
"Satine, this is hardly the time or place for."Obi-Wan started.
Duchess Satine looked at Obi-Wan with a pleading look.
"All right."Obi-Wan said in defeat."Had you said the word, I would have left the Jedi Order."
Nadia's jaw dropped open while a look mixed with shock and surprise was on her face.
The young raven haired girl never expected to hear her own Master to reveal to have romantic feelings for the Duchess of Mandalore.
"No way..."Nadia thought in disbelief.
"That is touching. Truly, it is."Senator Merrik mocked and then frowned."But it's making me sick and we really must be going."
"You have the romantic soul of a slug, Merrik."Duchess Satine said angrily.
The Duchess of Mandalore then stepped on Senator Merrik's foot.
"Ow!"Senator Merrik growled.
Duchess Satine then stole Merrk's blaster and pointed it at him.
"And slugs are so often trod upon."Duchess Satine retorted.
"Good point, Your Grace."Nadia agreed with a glare.
"Interesting turn about. But even if I do not deliver Satine Duchess alive to Count Dooku and the Separatists, I still win."Senator Merrik informed and took out the remote."The second I'm away, I'll hit the remote and blow the Coronet to bits."
"I will not allow that."Duchess Satine snapped.
"What will you do? If you shoot me, you prove yourself a hypocrite to every pacifist ideal you hold dear."Senator Merrik retorted and then looked at Obi-Wan and Nadia."And you, Kenobi, you are no stranger to violence. You and your bratty Padawan will be hailed as heroes by everyone on this ship. Almost everyone."
The Duchess and the two Jedi looked at each other.
Nadia then notice something from behind the traitor which made her smile.
"I wouldn't be sure about that, Merrik."Nadia sneered bluntly.
"Come on then."Senator Merrik said sarcastically."Strike me first and brand yourself, a cold-blooded killer, Padawan Aomori."
Nadia smirked as a blue lightsaber struck Merrik from behind and killing him.
Ferus grabbed the remote before it fell on the floor as Duchess Satine threw the blaster away from her hands.
"Anakin."Obi-Wan scolded.
"What?"Anakin asked with a smile as he deactivated his lightsaber."He was going to blow up the ship."
"I could've done the same thing."Nadia remarked with a shrug.
Nadia earned a small frown from her Master as they deactivated their lightsabers.
"Obi-Wan, I..."Duchess Satine started.
Then Ferus and the Clone Troopers arrived causing the Duchess to become silent.
"General Skywalker, the last of the droids have been defeated, sir."Cody reported.
"Very good, Cody."Anakin said.
"I'm glad that's over."Ferus admitted.
Anakin and Ferus then left the dark hall followed by Nadia as Duchess Satine glanced at Obi-Wan.
"I must get back to the business of diplomacy."Duchess Satine declared.
"As you say, Duchess."Obi-Wan responded. "Some other time."
A Few Hours Later...
The Coronet finally arrived and landed on Coruscant.
Nadia wore her Padawan clothing again as she walked down the ramp with her companions.
Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ferus and Nadia were then greeted by Chancellor Palpatine.
Ferus put on a smile and gave a quick wave at Chancellor Palpatine.
"A job well done, Master Jedi."Chancellor Palpatine remarked.
"Thank you, Chancellor Palpatine."Obi-Wan responded.
Nadia smiled."It's wonderful to hear you say that, sir."
"Your Excellency."Anakin greeted.
Both Anakin and Nadia bowed at Chancellor Palpatine before they walked away with Ferus and the Senators.
Duchess Satine walked up to Obi-Wan.
"How ironic to meet again, only to find we're on opposing sides."Duchess Satine remarked.
"The needs of your people are all that matter."Obi-Wan stated."They couldn't be in a better hands with you to guide their future."
"Kind words indeed from a mindful and committed Jedi."Duchess Satine stated."And yet..."
"What?"Obi-Wan asked.
Duchess Satine stroked Obi-Wan's face.
"I'm still not sure about the beard."Duchess Satine complemented.
"Why?"Obi-Wan asked in confusion."What's wrong with it?"
"It hides too much of your handsome face."Duchess Satine answered with a soft smile."One more thing, you've done a stupendous job training Master Skywalker and Nadia."
"Thank you, Satine."Obi-Wan replied."I can't take all the credit because Qui-Gon had his part in it too."
"Well, if he was still alive, I know he'd be very proud of the Jedi Master and fine young man you've grown up into just like me."Duchess Satine declared.
The Duchess of Mandalore then walked away to head to a small ship.
Anakin, Artoo, Ferus and Nadia walked up to Obi-Wan.
"What was that all about?"Anakin asked with a small laugh.
Ferus smirked. "I'm kind of confused."
Nadia smiled at Obi-Wan.
"She's a very remarkable woman, Master."Nadia said kindly.
"She is indeed, young one."Obi-Wan agreed.
The four Jedi then watched as the small ship departed and took off in the sky.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter:)
See you all later!