Death's Choice
By Ammie Hawk
Disclaimer: Still don't own anything….
AN: So, I'm soooooo sorry about the wait on this chapter. I've had it done for awhile now, but completely forgot about it. I originally waited to see how long the next chapter would be, and it's been fighting me hard. So, yeah, here's this chapter.
On another note, I'm sure some of you have noticed that there is a definite end to this fic now. And yes, it's only a couple chapters away. But do not despair, that is by no means the end of the story. I have always planned for this story to be divided into different fics. Originally, the second installment was supposed to take place after the end of the Clone Wars, but since this part in particular has taken on a life of it's own (pushy clones) here we are.
Anyway, enough of my ramblings, let's get this show on the road.
Chapter 27: Reunions and Requests
Fox snapped to attention as the newcomers detoured in their direction. The palpable shift in the atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension. He wasn't sure what the relationship was between the redhead and Anakin, but based on their reactions to one another they were obviously close. Perhaps the blond's Master since the braid over his shoulder indicated he was still a Padawan.
He clocked the Chancellor stiffen in shock out of the corner of his eye. The carefully cultivated mask of composure he usually wore slipped momentarily. Clearly the unexpected arrival of these particular visitors had thrown the meddling old geezer off balance. Though, that made no sense to him, given that his personal guard had escorted them there.
"Anakin," the older Jedi said when they were close enough not to be shouting across the room, "I have to admit, I was not expecting to see you here."
"I was visiting the Chancellor," Anakin's gaze darted rapidly between the Chancellor and his Master. "Master, when did you get back?"
"Only just, actually," the redhead pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaustion evident in his posture. "I barely managed to make it back to the Temple before I was summoned here."
"I—I see," the younger male deflated slightly.
"Master Kenobi," Palpatine strode confidently over to the pair, having obviously regained his composure, "it is good to have you back. I must admit we were not expecting you."
"Were you not?" a single eyebrow quirked in a gesture of well-practiced skepticism. "Then was it not you who sent your guards to escort me here?"
Fox had to hand it to the man. He was obviously not stupid. He wasn't afraid to challenge the Chancellor about the inconsistencies in his narrative. Especially in the politician's home turf. It was quite brazen, but it was clear that the Jedi wasn't entirely convinced by Palpatine's explanation.
"Chancellor?" betrayed blue eyes turned to the older male. "Did you know? Was everything before just a lie?"
"Of course not, my boy," the Chancellor soothed. "I have never lied to you. I truly was not expecting this. Though," he held up his hand as if struck by a sudden recollection. "I did have a standing order to have him come in upon his return to receive his commission."
"Oh," Anakin's shoulders slumped, relief washing over him. "Of course."
That was a lame ass excuse if the CC had ever heard one. He could practically hear the gears turning in Palpatine's mind. He wasn't sure what the old man's endgame was, but the calculating look in his eyes said he definitely had one. But, being stationed here gave him plenty of time to unravel the threads of whatever this plan was, perhaps before it was too late.
"Unfortunately, Master Kenobi," the geezer continued, "due to the unexpected nature of your return, I do not have time for that today. I am running late for a meeting as it is. Perhaps we can schedule something in the next day or so? I will have someone reach out to the Temple to arrange it."
"Of course, Chancellor," Kenobi bowed, a perfunctory smile etched on his face. "I look forward to it."
With a final, dismissive nod, the Chancellor turned and swept off, his robes swirling around him like a dark cloud. The guards who had been escorting the Jedi automatically fell into step around him. Their presence a silent reminder of the man's power and authority.
"Oh, and Master Kenobi," Palpatine glanced back over his shoulder, "perhaps in the future you should submit a flight plan, to avoid further miscommunications of this nature."
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One emerald eye peeked out from the Commander's shoulder as the Chancellor walked away. Harry wasn't sure why, but he didn't like that man. He kinda reminded him of someone. Or maybe a memory of a memory of someone. Like that made any sense. Ted, maybe? No. Tim? Timmy? Thomas? His head began to throb with the effort of dredging up the forgotten name. He decided to let it go, for now.
"Well," a clap broke the tense silence, "that was awkward."
The speaker was a tall, well-muscled figure with black dreadlocks spilling just past his shoulders. A vibrant yellow tattoo bisected his face just below his eyes, a stark contrast against his tanned skin. Wait, he knew that man. It was Mister Vos!
He hadn't seen the Kiffar since he had taught him to meditate. He knew they shared a connection, but he had been focused on the others that had formed to really pay attention to it. Now, though, he closed his eyes and focused on that thread, reaching out with his mind. It wasn't as bright as some of the others, but it was still there. He gave it a tentative mental poke. A flare of shocked surprise, not his own, shot back at him.
Before he could explore this further, another voice cut through the air. Green eyes shot open and he turned towards the sound.
"Must you always be like this, Quinlan?" a tired sigh escaped the familiar redhead. "Anakin, you remember Master Vos, don't you?"
His breath hitched as he drank in the sight of the bearded man. Mister Kenobi was back! It had been so long since he had seen the man who'd brought him here. Seeing him again was like a balm to his soul. Almost as good as seeing his dads, but not quite.
"He's hard to forget, Master," Anakin snorted, a hint of playful defiance in his tone. "No matter how hard you try."
"Indeed," Obi-Wan's lip twitched in amusement as the other began to sputter. "Well, since apparently we are done here, Quinlan and I were heading to Dex's, would you like to join us? I'm sure there is much we have to catch up on."
"That sounds great," the blond readily agreed. "But the Commander and I have to take these two younglings to the Temple first."
"We can accompany you," the bearded man smiled. "We were actually planning to make a stop at the creche ourselves."
"There's no need for that," Quinlan interjected, a mischievous grin lighting his features. "At least not on my account. Mine's right there."
A finger rose to point directly at the little raven still clinging to the Commander. A small squeak escaped him as all eyes turned to him. He quickly buried his face in Fox's neck, seeking refuge from the sudden attention.
"Wait, Harry?!" a note of incredulity laced the redhead's voice. "Did you wander off on Master Feemor again?"
"Maybe," he mumbled into the trooper's neck.
He could feel Fox's glare on him as he was jostled in the man's hold. But he hadn't done anything wrong. He hadn't admitted to anything. He knew better than that. He carefully shifted his head to see how much trouble he was actually in.
"We will discuss your wandering off later," Obi-Wan rubbed his forehead wearily. "I will contact Master Feemor and let him know you are with us. And since it seems our trip to the creche is no longer necessary, and it would be rude not to include him now that he knows our plans, would you like to join us as well?" he turned to address the little redhead still clutching Anakin's hand.
Cal startled at being spoken to, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. Harry had forgotten the other boy was there. But given the events of the day he felt he could be forgiven for that. Finally, the older Initiate gave a hesitant nod.
"Excellent," the bearded man smiled. "Commander, you are welcome to join us as well. For all the trouble these two have inevitably caused you."
"It was no trouble, sir," the CC shook his head, the ghost of a smile twitching at the edges of his lips. "But I was tasked with seeing these two safely back to the Temple, and until then, I have no choice."
"There is always a choice, Commander," the older redhead shook his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "But if that is what you have to tell your superiors then so be it."
Fox chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through Harry, as he fell into step with the others and followed the man out of the building.
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Rex allowed Kote to lead him out of the communications room, his mind reeling from the call. Harry wanted to come home. The words echoed in his head, a painful longing filling his heart. Their son belonged with them, not thousands of light years away.
But he also knew the brunet was right. They couldn't just go harrowing off across the galaxy on a reckless rescue mission. They each had their responsibilities, and they couldn't shirk that for the sake of one individual, not even their son. Not even Prime was doing that. Gods, since when was Prime, the legendary bounty hunter and epitome of ruthless efficiency, a role model for anything but killing people?
On top of all that, there was the Jedi to contend with. If they just showed up at the Temple to get Harry, whether he wanted them to or not, they were sure to have a fight on their hands. Those bastards had made their intentions about keeping Harry pretty fucking clear at this point.
No, their best option right now was to let Prime handle it. He was supposed to be the best bounty hunter in the galaxy after all. He was bound to have some tricks up his sleeve on how to get their son, his grandson, back to them quickly and efficiently.
He was brought from his musings by the chiming of a bell, a discordant sound in the quiet night. He looked up to find they had come to a stop outside a closed door. He wasn't even sure where they were at this point, having blindly trusted Kote to get him there without mishap.
He wasn't kept in suspense for long as the door hissed open to reveal the haggard form of Jango Fett. The older male looked like he just dragged himself out of bed, which, okay was fair, considering the late hour. But the bags under the man's eyes indicated he hadn't actually been sleeping, at least not well. From the looks of it, he hadn't had a decent night's sleep in days.
"Kote," Prime growled, keeping his voice low, "you know better than to use the bell this late."
"Right," the younger brunet scoffed. "Wouldn't want to risk waking Omega."
"What?" Rex asked incredulously, allowing the byplay to distract him. "You scared of a little girl, Prime?"
"She wakes up hyper, you brat," dark eyes narrowed into a glare as they zeroed in on the blond. "And she won't go back to sleep for hours. I need to sleep at some point."
"Doesn't seem to be working for you," he quirked a brow as he gave the bounty hunter a once over.
"Is there a reason for this late-night visit, Kote?" the older male ran his hand through his hair, choosing to ignore the barb. "Or did you just bring this asshole here to… be an ass?"
"No, dad," the Commander chuckled quietly. "There is a reason. Can we come in?"
"Ugh, fine," Prime sighed heavily. "Just keep it down. If you wake Omega, you get to babysit."
"We'll keep that in mind," Kote shook his head as he practically dragged the blond into the living room.
Rex quickly found himself seated on a couch, with the brunet pressed close to his side. The bounty hunter disappeared for a moment, only to return with a glass of clear liquid he was sure wasn't water. Kote's arm settled around his shoulders, pulling him even closer, and he couldn't help but lean into the embrace as the older brunet took a seat in a chair across from them.
"So," Prime took a swig of his drink, "what brings you to my door at o'dark thirty in the middle of the fucking night? I doubt it has anything to do with that," he waved the hand with the glass in their general direction. "Unless, of course, you're here to tell me you got married. But that could've waited till morning."
"No," the younger brunet rolled his eyes. "Fox called."
"Fox?" a confused frown marred the other's features. "He's not due to check in for another three days. What did he want? Is everything alright?"
"Dad, I need a favor," the Commander took a fortifying breath.
"Kote," Prime leveled the CC with a flat stare. "Fox doesn't call off schedule, and you don't ask for favors. Tell me what the hells is going on."
"Fox found Harry," the blond interjected, just as impatient with the runaround as his progenitor.
"What?" the older male straightened, much more alert now. "What did he say?"
"He had Harry with him," a small smile played at the corners of Kote's mouth. "We actually got to see and talk to our son."
"He wants to come home," the CT let out a shaky breath. "He doesn't want to be a Jedi. He wants to be with us."
"Okay," Prime's brows drew together in a deep brown. "I don't see the problem. Go get him."
"We can't," the younger brunet shook his head. "Rex and I are set to ship out in the next forty-eight hours. There's not enough time to find and effectively brief replacements for us. Therein lies the favor."
"You want me to go get him?" the other asked incredulously. "Kote, I can't just go to Coruscant and break into the Jedi Temple. If you haven't noticed, I'm not exactly welcome in either of those places. Not to mention the fact that I'm supposed to be dead."
"Dad," Kote locked eyes with the older male, "I'm asking, as your son, to go in my place to retrieve my son, your grandson, and bring him home."
"You're a manipulative piece of shit when you want to be, son," the bounty hunter knocked back his drink in one go. "Fine, I'll go and retrieve my grandson."
Ammie: Okay, so there's that. It's kinda filler, but kinda not. Anyway, please let me know what you think.