Rumors have been spreading vastly that the Duchess of Mandalore, and leader of the Council Of Neutral System, Satine Kryze was in league with The Separatists.

As such Obi-Wan and his Padawan had been sent to Madalore to investigate the claims.

The two Jedi exited hyperspace in front of the world. Going to land on its surface and exiting their ships. There was a royal guard waiting when they arrived.

"The Duchess has been awaiting your arrival, General Kenobi," he informed Obi-Wan. The guard also nodded to the Jedi Master's Padawan.

"Far be it from me to keep the Duchess waiting," said Obi-Wan as he and Grim got onto the skiff behind the guard.

Grim gave Obi-Wan a teasing and mischievous smile. Obi-Wan noticed the look she gave him but said nothing. Although she had that same mischievous and teasing glint ever since he told her the two would be going to Madalore.

The guard escorted the two Jedi to the palace on Mandalore. When the two entered they both took a moment to appreciate the interior of the palace.

It was far more beautiful to see in person than in animation Grim had to admit. Although this was true of many things.

"General Kenobi," came a voice, greeting him.

The two spotted the man and Obi-Wan returned the greeting. "Thank you for meeting with me, Prime Minister Almec."

The two men shook hands. "I welcome you as a servant of the people, but I am troubled by the false rumors that brought you and your young apprentice here," he told Obi-Wan. "Mandalore would never turn against the Republic. The Duchess Satine values peace, more than her own life."

"Oh I'm aware of the Duchess' views," replied Obi-Wan. He ignored the raised eyebrow and smirk given to him by his Padawan.

"Master Kenobi, Mandalore's violent past is behind us. All of our warriors were exiled to our moon, Concordia. They died out, years ago," Almec told him.

"Hmm. Are you certain?" Obi-Wan asked him. "I recently encountered a man who wore Mandalorian armor, Jango Fett."

"Jango Fett was nothing more than a common bounty hunter," replied Almec, defensively. "How he acquired that armor is beyond me."

Before Obi-Wan could say more a new voice cut in. One that made both Jedi's attention turn to the speaker. "Master Kenobi, my shining Jedi Knight, to the rescue once again," said the Duchess.

She strolled over to her throne and sat down. Obi-Wan looked at her, with a face Grim almost thought was reminiscent of puppy dog eyes. "After all these years you're even more beautiful than ever," Kenobi told the Duchess.

"Kind words from a man who accuses me of treachery," Satine quickly retorted.

Grim had to cover her mouth to hide her small chuckle.

"I would never accuse you of personal wrongdoing, Duchess," Obi-Wan told her. "However, a Separatist saboteur attacked one of our Republic cruisers, a Mandalorian saboteur." He pulled out a Holopad, and showed the recording of a person in full Mandalorian armor shooting and dodging blaster fire.

"You must be mistaken," said Almec. "No Mandalorian would engage in such violence. Not anymore. Where is this prisoner now?"

"He took his own life rather than submit to questioning," Obi-Wan replied. "I know these commanders fought in many wars, often against the Jedi."

"Every one of my people is as trustworthy as I am," said Satine.

"Then I mean no offense, Duchess, but perhaps your trust in your people may be misplaced," replied Grim. "Not every person is who they may seem on the surface, some just keep their dark sides hidden."

Satine seemed to think about that for a moment before turning her attention back to Obi-Wan. "Clearly your investigation was ordered because the Senate is eager to interfere in our affairs."

"Our investigation was ordered by the Jedi Council," Obi-Wan told her.

"I stand corrected. General Kenobi, perhaps you'd like to join me on a walk through the city," Satine said, offering her hand to him.

As Obi-Wan took her hand Grim stood to the side and smiled at the two. "Then I shall leave the two of you be," the Padawan said.

"And what would you be doing?" Obi-Wan asked her.

"I'll find something to do, I'm sure," she replied with a mischievous smile.

Perhaps Grim could expose the traitors within Satine's government. She knew her mission was purely diplomatic and to investigate rumors she already knew to be false, however it wouldn't hurt to change the mission in pursuit of helping more people.

"I'm sure the Duchess wouldn't mind if you joined us on our walk, would you Satine?" Obi-Wan asked.

Satine smiled, "no I wouldn't."

Grim could tell that Satine did in fact, want some time alone with her Master. "Alright then, I'll just walk, at a distance to give you two some more space from me," Grim concluded.

"Very well then," sighed Obi-Wan.

As they walked Grim gave the two space just as she said she would. Drowning out their conversation in favor of looking around at the scenery.

It was beautiful in many ways, and it seemed peaceful too. Even if the Padawan knew what lay beyond the surface, and the dark future that would befall this world.

Just as with when she was home on Coruscant. It seemed she would get caught up with the darkness of a future that she swore to change.

She pushed away the thoughts of those futures and focused on the scenery and the moment at hand.

Just then there was an explosion. Grim rushed over to Obi-Wan and Satine. "Are you alright?" she asked the two.

"I'm fine," said Satine, before rushing over to help the injured.

"I'm alright as well, Grim," Obi-Wan told her. The two Jedi rushed to the Duchess. "Hooligans couldn't arrange an attack of this scale," Obi-Wan told Satine.

"Then this must be the work of an offworlder," replied Satine.

"Are you sure about that?" asked Grim pointing to the hologram of a symbol that had appeared.

"The sign of the Death Watch," Satine gasped.

"This goes far beyond vandalism," Obi-Wan told her. "This is a political statement against your government and against you. You're not safe here. I'm taking you back to the palace." Obi-Wan then turned to the people who had gathered around. "My Padawan shall interview everyone here, nobody leave this scene."

Grim looked at Obi-Wan, "Me? But-" she started to protest but someone had begun to run off. Grim groaned and rolled her eyes, "Found our culprit." She began to chase after them.

Grim chased the man to a balcony where she cornered him. "I only wish to talk, I promise you, no harm will come," she told him.

Keeping her own voice steady and calm hoping that it would calm the man.

Except it did not and he pulled out a blaster and began shooting at the Padawan.

Grim ignited her lightsaber and began blocking the blaster fire, careful not to hit the man who was shooting at her. Only deflecting back to disarm him.

Obi-Wan and Satine had come running after her. Although Grim didn't spot them at the time.

The man lunged at her and nearly tackled her to the ground but Grim caught him and quickly jumped back up. "I don't want to hurt you," she told him.

The man ran to the ledge.

Grim knew what was happening.

"Calhava bru'chun dralshye'ran!" The man exclaimed.

"No!" Grim shouted as he leaned back and fell off the edge.

There was a thud as his body hit the ground. Bystanders began to scream. Grim, Obi-Wan, and Satine all ran over to the dying man.

"Se solu, se kad, se darasuum kote," he said to the Duchess.

"What is he saying?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Shh," Grim told Obi-Wan.

The dying man continued to speak to Satine. "Kadi, se norm'iim."

Satine leaned close to him, and replied. "Ki, kadi norm'iim." The man smiled and then died. Satine answered Obi-Wan's question, not looking at him. "He was speaking in the dialect they use on Concordia, our moon."

"I shall like to visit this moon of yours," Obi-Wan said. "Perhaps me and my Padawan could accompany the body."

"The Concordian moon is a province with its own governor," Satine informed him. "You'll need me to escort the two of you."

"That won't be necessary," Obi-Wan said.

"Actually it will," said Satine. "You won't make much progress without me there. Especially since your student has just been involved with the death of a Concordian."

"I didn't kill him," said Grim. "He jumped and I couldn't stop him. You saw it."

"I know," said Satine, sadly. She felt bad that it had happened and that Grim had gotten involved, more so about that than how there had just been an attempt on Satine's own life.

Grim sighed. "If I had just reached out in time," she muttered.

Obi-Wan looked at her, "it wasn't your fault, Grim."

"Still, I could have saved him if I had reacted quicker, I knew what he was about to do and I just....froze."

He placed a hand on her shoulder in a gesture of comfort. "Don't blame yourself, you did what you could."

"But what if I freeze like that when what I want to stop happens? What if....what if I freeze up and people die, and if that happens it'll be so much more than just one person," said Grim. She hugged herself and looked away. "What if that happens?"

"Look at me, little one," Obi-Wan said, kindly. She turned to look up at him. Tears in her eyes, swimming in her vision. "Don't worry about what may or may not happen. Be in the present moment, okay?"

She nodded tearfully. "Okay, Master."

The two Jedi went with the Duchess to Concordia. Upon seeing the moon up close, and how little green there was Obi-Wan spoke, "I thought Concordia was an agricultural settlement."

"Before the end of our wars, they turned it into a mining base. The sheer number of mining bases nearly destroyed our forests. They're finally growing back," Satine explained.

They landed on the moon, where a welcome party was there to meet them. "Duchess Satine, you are most welcome," Pre Viszla said.

"Thank you, Governor Viszla," said Satine. "May I present Master Obi-Wan Kenobi representing the Jedi Council, and his apprentice Grim Kennet," she introduced. "Governor Viszla is one of the officials I spoke of. He has been working to find members of the Death Watch," Satine explained to Obi-Wan.

Not really, thought Grim. He's the leader of Death Watch. Although she didn't say anything. She just stood behind Obi-Wan, respectfully.

"I take it you've heard the rumors about Satine, about how she's supposedly leading Mandalore into an alliance with the Separatists," Viszla said.

"Our only instructions are to seek the truth," Obi-Wan replied.

Viszla looked over to see the guards carrying the body of the man from before. "This is the man who bombed the memorial shrine?" He asked.

"Yes," said Obi-Wan. "He was apparently a part of Death Watch."

"A worrisome prospect," said Viszla.

Grim restrained herself from commenting about anything. Although the temptation was there.

Just as it always was when she was listening to people whom she knew the truth behind.

"If you'll pardon me, General, we must attend to the body,'' Vizsla said as he left.

Satine started to leave as well but Obi-Wan stopped her. "I need a favor from you. Please keep Governor Vizsla occupied at dinner."

"Where are you two going?" Satine asked.

"Just for a look around," said Obi-Wan. "We'd like to see one of these mining facilities for ourselves."

"You mean you wish to determine if they're still operational," said Satine.

"We hope to determine they're not," said Grim.

"I want you to wear this earpiece so that we can stay in contact, in case you run into trouble while we're gone," Obi-Wan told Satine, handing it over to her.

Obi-Wan left to get on a speeder but Grim stayed for a moment to whisper to Satine. "More like if we get into trouble, knowing my Master." The Duchess smiled and laughed slightly at that. Grim rushed off to her Master.

"Remember you are here under my protection," Satine told the two Jedi. "Please try not to cause problems where none yet exist."

"Think of us as searching for solutions," Obi-Wan replied.

"I have to tell you I'm opposed to all of this," said Satine.

"I'd be disappointed if you weren't," replied Obi-Wan.

As the two Jedi sped off Grim gave Obi-Wan a look. "Again, flirting with people in front of me?" she asked him.

"I was not flirting," Obi-Wan told her.

" 'I'd be disappointed if you weren't'," Grim repeated in a voice mocking Obi-Wan's. "That was definitely flirting. I'm not an idiot, Master, I can tell when people are flirting. Just like on that mission on Geonosis where you and Cody were absolutely flirting in a way more inappropriate manner," she commented.

"Grim, what are you suggesting?" Obi-Wan asked her.

"Oh nothing, unless there's something to suggest," she replied with a smirk.

"Did you just-?" Obi-Wan started.

"Do the same thing you did to me about Ahsoka? Possibly," replied Grim with a huge smile on her face.

She was just barely suppressing a laugh. Obi-Wan shook his head, but Grim caught his smile.

The two reached the nearest mining facility and entered. Grim stayed just behind Obi-Wan as they walked into the main area. "It doesn't look abandoned to me," Obi-Wan said.

"No, it definitely isn't," said Grim. Cautiously she wrapped a hand around the hilt of her lightsaber. Ready to draw it, when it became necessary.

Obi-Wan approached a deactivated conveyor belt. On it were jetpacks and Mandalorian helmets. "You're right, there's something off..." Obi-Wan picked up one of the helmets.

A Mandalorian jumped out from the shadows.

"Look out!" cried Grim using the Force to push the Mandalorian back before he could shoot at Obi-Wan.

She quickly drew her lightsaber and ignited its blade. The room was coated in its purple light.

Obi-Wan quickly ignited his own blade but the Mandalorian had jumped back into the shadows, leaving him nowhere to be found.

Grim walked over to Obi-Wan's side. Obi-Wan addressed their mystery attacker. "We're here on a diplomatic mission under the protection of Duchess Satine."

"We do not recognize her rule," the Mandalorian from before said, charging at Obi-Wan and shooting at him.

Obi-Wan blocked a few shots, roundhouse kicked him, but then the Mandalorian managed to disarm him.

Shooting his lightsaber out of his hand.

While Obi-Wan and the Mandalorian engaged in hand-to-hand combat, Grim used the Force to summon Obi-Wan's lightsaber to her and spun it into a reverse grip.

Another Mandalorian jumped down and restrained Obi-Wan before the two Mandalorians punched him upwards and kicked him in the face, knocking him out.

"Shit-" cursed Grim, knowing she most likely couldn't hold off two Mandalorians on her own.

She began to strike at the Mandalorians with both lightsabers.

One lightsaber for each of them, but they got out of the way easily.

The two shot at her.

Grim blocked the shots.

Left. Purple. Right. Blue. Left. Purple. Right. Blue.

She knew she couldn't hold the two off forever.

She needed to get Obi-Wan's comm and call Satine for some help. She knew the Duchess was a pacifist, but that didn't mean she couldn't help.

One Mandalorian shot Obi-Wan's lightsaber out of her hand.

Grim let out another curse.

She gripped her lightsaber with both hands and began actually running towards the Mandalorians.

Aiming to disarm them, and if necessary she would kill.

One tried to grab her but Grim slipped underneath and kicked upwards hitting them in the balls. Causing the Mandalorian to fall and roll on his side.

Grim jumped back up, and switched to using just one hand again.

She spun her lightsaber.

Charged again and-

Got punched directly in the face.

When Grim opened her eyes she was suspended upside down, in some orange energy field. "Urgh, my face," she groaned.

"We have a little more than that to worry about at the moment," said Obi-Wan.

She blinked as she realized she was on the conveyor belt and it was moving. Obi-Wan was in front of her, and it seemed there was something in front of him, but she couldn't make it out as Obi-Wan's body was blocking her view.

"Oh, not good," said Grim.

Obi-Wan began moving faster towards the crushing machine. "No, not at all," he agreed.

"I assume you've already called Satine for backup, then?" asked Grim.

Suddenly an alarm began to go off.

"Does that answer your question?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Yes it does," said Grim.

The two Mandalorians rushed off at the sound of the alarm, and Satine entered the room.

"Well, it certainly took you long enough," Obi-Wan told her.

"You know I haven't saved you yet," Satine retorted.

"Oh yes, no need to remind me of that," Obi-Wan said sarcastically.

"Be patient!" Satine told him.

"I happen to be a bit short on patience right now!" Obi-Wan replied back.

"The Duchess is right, Master. Be patient," Grim said.

"In case you haven't noticed, we are about to be crushed to death," Obi-Wan told her.

"And in case you haven't noticed, Satine is here to rescue us, so shut up and be patient," she snapped back.

Obi-Wan continued to get closer to the crusher. "Satine, turn the machine off!" He called.

"I'm trying!" Satine told him.

"Satine!"

"There!"

The machine stopped moments away from crushing Obi-Wan.

"Like Satine and I said, patience," Grim remarked.

She couldn't see it, but Grim had a feeling Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at that.

"Look out!" Obi-Wan called to Satine, as the Mandalorians had come back.

The Mandalorians began to restrain Satine and she struggled against them, but not before kicking a canister to help Obi-Wan escape.

The Jedi Master leapt into the air, kicked one Mandalorian in the face, and threw the other one.

"Showoff," said Grim, rolling her eyes. "Can you get me out of here?"

"Now who's the impatient one?" Asked Obi-Wan as he helped her out.

Grim ungracefully fell on her face. She stood up and dusted herself off.

"Ha, ha," said Grim sarcastically. "I wasn't the one yelling about it though."

The three entered the elevator as Satine dusted herself off. "For a man sworn to peace, you take an unseemly pleasure in the injuries of others," Satine told Obi-Wan.

"For a woman sworn to nonviolence, you don't seem troubled that we could have been killed back there," Obi-Wan retorted.

"But you weren't, and I still haven't heard any thanks," Satine replied.

Grim just covered her face with her hands. "You two argue like an old married couple," she said.

"We do not!" Obi-Wan and Satine denied.

Grim rolled her eyes, but before she could make another comment the door to the elevator opened.

Just behind another Death Watch Mandalorian.

Obi-Wan quickly knocked him out. "This is not the way we came in," he said.

"You think?" Remarked Grim.

The Mandalorians from the base below began to shoot at the three of them. Obi-Wan desperately tried to close the elevator door but it wouldn't close and they were forced to jump out and seek cover behind some crates.

"We'll have to stand and fight," said Grim.

"Or in your case just stand," Obi-Wan added to Satine.

Both Jedi reached for their lightsabers only to find them missing.

"Kark," muttered Grim.

Obi-Wan used the Force and grabbed a nearby blaster from the Mandalorian he had previously knocked out.

He shot down one of the three Mandalorians flying towards them.

He grabbed the jetpack and tossed it into the air.

He shot it, taking down another.

The third walked through the smoke and tackled Obi-Wan to the ground, pointing his blaster at him.

"You there!" cried Satine, throwing a rock at him.

The Mandalorian turned around and began to shoot at her.

Obi-Wan swept the Mandalorian's legs out from underneath him and kicked him in the stomach.

Grim grabbed the fallen Mandalorian's blaster as Obi-Wan went to check on Satine.

The ships began to evacuate.

Another group of Mandalorians were walking towards them.

The commander leading.

He shot the fallen Mandalorian dead. "Failure," he declared.

Obi-Wan walked out from behind the rocks and got in front of Grim.

The commander took off his helmet revealing his face.

It was Pre Vizsla.

"For generations, my ancestors fought proudly as warriors against the Jedi. Now that woman tarnishes the very name Mandalorian," he told them. He threw the Jedi back their lightsabers. "Defend her if you will." From behind him he drew the darksaber. "This lightsaber was stolen from your Jedi Temple by my ancestors during the fall of the Old Republic. Since then, many Jedi have died upon its blade. Prep-"

"Wait, wait," said Grim. She pushed past Obi-Wan. "Let me get this right. This lightsaber, the darksaber, was stolen from the Jedi Temple. As it was created by a Mandalorian who was a Jedi. A Jedi who crafted that lightsaber himself. Am I wrong? Okay, so, this Mandalorian Jedi, when he died his lightsaber was left with the Jedi, because that's what was part of his culture, just as being a Mandalorian. Now, wait a minute, hold on. Okay, so if this Mandalorian Jedi meant so much to you- why did your ancestors steal from him? Nevermind forget that- now killing Jedi with- I'm just just trying to get this right, so bear with me okay? There's so much wrong with all of that, forget even the Jedi part of it, I know you don't care about that- but you're also disgracing Mandalorians, every Mandalorian to wield that blade outside of the person who created it has."

Everyone was silent for a moment.

"Am I wrong?" Grim asked.

"...no, you're not," said Obi-Wan. "However, this isn't the time for that. We're in the middle of a fight."

"It's always the time for facts, correcting people, and also learning history," replied Grim. "Also I don't see any blaster fire and there are no lightsabers clashing. The fight hasn't started yet."

Before Obi-Wan could say anything Vizsla jumped up and went to attack Grim, but she quickly blocked him.

Vizsla attacked both Jedi, but focused more on Grim due to her comment.

Grim and Obi-Wan gracefully dodged his attacks.

And as she moved with Obi-Wan Grim fell into a dance.

She sank into the Force and let it guide her moves.

Obi-Wan and Vizsla knocked each other back.

Vizsla activated his jetpack and flew at Grim but Obi-Wan moved and began to fight Vizsla as they flew higher up.

Eventually Obi-Wan knocked him down and jumped back, landing on the ground gracefully.

"Don't mess with the Master of the high ground," Grim said quietly under her breath.

Sometimes Obi-Wan could still impress her.

"Warriors! Finish them!" Viszla told the other Mandalorians.

They sent three rockets flying at them.

Grim and Obi-Wan dodged each one as if they were dancing.

The rockets started to come back around.

Grim and Obi-Wan realized this.

Obi-Wan grabbed Satine and they jumped into the elevator shaft, just barely escaping the explosion.

The following day Grim and Obi-Wan were escorting Satine to her ship.

"But if Pre Vizsla fled we have no way of learning how widespread Death Watch really is," Merrik was saying.

"It's obvious that the Separatists are supporting the Death Watch," said Obi-Wan.

"I disagree," said Satine. "I told you I wanted to stay out of this conflict."

"Given the current situation, I'm afraid that may no longer be possible," Obi-Wan told her.

"I thought you, of all people, would understand my position on this matter," said Satine, upset. "I will never be a part of this war." With that she walked off to her ship.

"Even so, war finds a way of forcing everyone into difficult positions and situations," whispered Grim quietly. "Especially one as engineered as this one."

Anakin walked over to the two. "Reporting for escort duty, General," Anakin told Obi-Wan.

"Anakin, am I glad to see you," said Obi-Wan.

"You sound tired," Anakin said.

"Yes, well the peaceful ways of the locals, wore me out a bit," he replied.

"Yes, that has to be why you're tired, not from getting your ass kicked in that one fight," said Grim.

"If I remember correctly, you also got knocked out," Obi-Wan replied.

"At least I took down one of them, for a little while, and I lasted longer," huffed Grim.

"It's not a competition, Grim," Obi-Wan told her.

"Be more fun if it was."

Obi-Wan sighed. "You're too much like Anakin."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Grim and Anakin both exclaimed.

Obi-Wan chuckled. "Come on, we have a Duchess to escort."

Grim and Anakin followed behind Obi-Wan. The Padawan knew that the chaos and trouble wasn't over, but she did feel comfortable in the knowledge that she would be heading back to Coruscant, her home.

Grim stood behind her elder Jedi as they addressed the clones. "You know your marching orders," Obi-Wan was saying. "The safety of The Duchess Satine is of 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 up by the Separatists so stay sharp," added Anakin.

"They are backed by the Seps," said Grim, louder than she had meant.

"But we don't have exact proof yet," Anakin replied. "Which is why I want Artoo to use his scanners to probe for any suspicious droid activity."

Artoo made some beeping noises, and Grim assumed that he was agreeing with the plan. She didn't yet understand what it was Artoo said.

"Anything else, sir?" Rex asked.

"No, that will be all," replied Obi-Wan. His comm beeped. "Yes?"

"The Duchess and her retinue request your presence."

"Very well."

Grim, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Rex, and Cody all entered the elevator. Anakin spoke to Obi-Wan, "I sense some anxiety from you about the Duchess. She couldn't be in safer hands."

"Yes, I know," replied Obi-Wan.

"Then why..."

"It doesn't matter. It's all in the past."

"Oh, so you're close to her?"

"I knew her."

"And were in love with her," Grim added in a sing-song voice.

"I wasn't- it was a long time ago," Obi-Wan told her, shutting down Grim's tease.

Grim and Anakin both smirked.

The elevator door opened.

Obi-Wan, Grim, and Anakin made their way to the Duchess. Grim and Anakin behind Obi-Wan with grins on their faces.

As they approached where Satine was they could hear her speaking. "War is intolerable! We have been deceived into thinking we must be a part of it. I say the moment we committed to fighting, we have already lost."

"Excuse me, Your Grace, are you suggesting we oppose the war on humanitarian grounds?" asked Senator Merrik.

"I'm going to oppose it as an affront on life itself," replied Satine, passionately. "As the designated regent of fifteen hundred systems, I speak for thousands of worlds that have urged me to allow them to stay neutral in this war."

"And yet some may argue that the strongest defense is a swift and decisive offense," said Obi-Wan as the three Jedi entered the room.

"You are quite the General now, aren't you, Master Kenobi?" remarked Satine.

"Forgive me for interrupting your highness, I meant no disrespect," Obi-Wan replied.

"Really?" Satine asked. She then addressed the room at large. "Senators, I presume you are acquainted with the collection of half-truths and hyperbole, known as Obi-Wan Kenobi?"

Grim threw a hand over her mouth to stifle her laugh.

"Your highness is too kind," said Obi-Wan.

"You're right. I am," said Satine.

Grim and Anakin looked at each other. Mischievous sparkles in their eyes. The two of them both could see a history of romance behind their Master and the Duchess Satine.

Obi-Wan changed the topic. "Allow me to introduce my fellow Jedi Anakin Skywalker."

"Your servant, My Lady," said Anakin with a bow.

"I remember a time where Jedi were not generals, but peacekeepers," replied Satine.

At least you got to know them outside of us at war. Thought Grim.

It wasn't a resentful thought, not entirely. It was the kind of thought lost between sorrow with the lightest anger underneath.

The anger was not directed at the Duchess though, the anger was directed at the war in its entirety.

Grim agreed with Satine on her opposition to the war.

She wished she too could oppose it, for Grim knew everything that was behind it. However for as long as there was a war she could not remain neutral.

Not just because as a Jedi the Senate - the Chancellor had given her no choice in the matter, but because her very morals would not allow her.

"We are protectors, Highness. Yours, at the moment," Anakin told Satine. "We fight for peace."

"What an amusing contradiction," said Satine.

"What Master Skywalker means is that we are acting at the behest of Your Highness to protect you from the Death Watch and the Separatists, who don't share your neutral point of view,'' Obi-Wan told her.

"I asked for no such thing," Satine told him.

"That may be so, but a majority of your court did," he replied.

"I do not remember you as one to hide behind excuses," Satine remarked.

"I do not remember you as one to shrink from responsibilities," retorted Obi-Wan.

Senator Taa got in between the two, in order to break up the argument.

"Oh come on, it was getting juicy," mumbled Grim.

Senator Taa spoke. "I am certain we all agree. Duchess Satine and General Kenobi have proven there are two sides to every dilemma."

"Indeed," said Merrik.

"Now, in regard to the Senate vote, we think-"

"I think a multitude makes discord, not good counsel," Satine said.

"Right again, My Lady."

Obi-Wan spoke to Anakin and Grim. "There may be two sides to every dilemma but the Duchess only favors hers."

"Don't we all tend to favor our own side in a dilemma?" Grim asked.

"The Duchess only favors hers though, she won't listen to the other side," Obi-Wan replied.

"I guess you're right," said Grim. She understood where it was coming from, but she also knew why there had to be fighting. Why she fought.

Obi-Wan went back to his argument. Grim leaned back against the wall and rolled her eyes, her arms crossed.

"A Republic military presence is the only sure defense against the Separatists," Obi-Wan told the Duchess.

"Even extremists can be reasoned with," replied Satine.

"Perhaps. If one could be heard over the clanking of their battle droids," Obi-Wan remarked.

"Ah, the sarcasm of a soldier," Satine scoffed.

"The delusion of a dreamer," Obi-Wan retorted.

Obi-Wan and Satine had gotten. So close to each other in their argument that had they gotten any closer, Grim would've thought they would kiss.

In fact they were close enough for her to already see how that could happen. Grim looked over at Anakin and saw as he dipped his drink, watching the two with a smirk. Both of Obi-Wan's Padawans were now very invested in their Master's love life. That didn't even really exist.

"Duchess, Master Jedi, it's been a long trip. I think we could all use a little rest and refreshment," said Senator Merrik in an attempt to break up the two.

"Hear, hear," agreed Senator Taa. "Now let us put politics aside until after dinner."

"Fine!" said both Obi-Wan and Satine as one.

Grim covered her mouth as she chuckled a little at the sight. She was not going to let Master Kenobi live this down.

Satine pushed past Obi-Wan and left the room. Obi-Wan came back and stood by his two Padawans, ignoring the smirks they gave him. "Not a word."

"You're in love with her, aren't you Master?" Grim asked.

"I said not a word."

"Come on Grim, you have to be more subtle than that," Anakin told her, playfully.

"Ah yes, I forget you're the Master of subtly, how's Senator Amidala?" Grim teased.

Anakin blushed a little. "I agree with Obi-Wan. Not a word."

Grim laughed.

The three Jedi walked through the halls of the ship. Grim trailing behind the two adults who walked side by side.

Anakin was the one who brought up the romantic tension between the Jedi Master and the Duchess. "You and Satine have a history," Anakin observed.

"An extended mission when I was younger. Master Qui-Gon and I spent a year on Mandalore protecting the Duchess from insurgents who had threatened her world," Obi-Wan explained.

The three entered an elevator as Obi-Wan continued to tell Anakin about his history with the Duchess. "They sent bounty hunters after us. We were always on the run, living hand-to-mouth never sure what the next day would bring."

"Sounds romantic," Anakin and Grim both said.

Obi-Wan looked at the two of them. He raised an eyebrow as if asking "seriously?". Grim and Anakin both continued to grin. They were having far too much fun teasing their Master.

As they exited the elevator Obi-Wan went on. "A civil war killed most of Satine's people, hence her aversion to violence. When she returned, she took the difficult task of rebuilding her world alone."

"You didn't stay to help her?" Anakin asked.

"That would have been problematic," Obi-Wan replied.

The three Jedi entered the small room Obi-Wan was staying in on the ship as he used the Force to push out the chair and sit down. Grim and Anakin just both leaned against the wall.

Obi-Wan went on, "My duty as a Jedi demanded I be elsewhere."

"Demanded? But it's obvious you had feelings for her. Surely that would affect your decision."

"Oh it did," Obi-Wan replied. "I live by the Jedi Code."

"Of course," sighed Anakin. "As Master Yoda says, 'a Jedi must not form attachments.'"

"Either you completely misunderstand what that exactly means, or you do understand and ignore it," Grim mumbled under her breath.

Obi-Wan's comm beeped and then Rex's voice could be heard. "General, something's wrong with Skywalker's astromech. Scared him 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. If there's something dangerous down there the clones and I can handle it," Anakin said.

"I'll go with you Skywalker," said Grim. "And before you say anything Master, I can handle myself besides I'll be with Anakin. You should go spend some more time with the Duchess," she added to Obi-Wan.

"Wait a minute Grim-" Obi-Wan started.

But Grim had already gone off with Anakin.

On the way to the clones Anakin turned to ask Grim, "did you seriously come along with me to tease Master Kenobi?"

"You're the one who said to be more subtle, Skywalker," Grim replied. "Besides, the politics were boring me."

"I understand that feeling, Tiny. Politics can definitely get boring," said Anakin.

"Yet you're dating a Senator," she pointed out.

Anakin blushed slightly. Grim laughed a little. "Just because you keep teasing Master Kenobi and I about our love lives doesn't mean I don't know about your crush on my Padawan," Anakin told her.

It was Grin's turn to blush. "Anyways-"

They had reached the storage area below deck where the clones were waiting on them. Which saved Grim too much embarrassment in trying what would be a failed attempt to convince Anakin she didn't have a crush on Ahsoka.

"All right, men. What's the problem? Tiny and I are missing dinner," Anakin asked the clones.

"We're not sure yet, sir, but there's still no sign of Mixer and Redeye," Cody informed them.

Artoo beeped. "What's the matter, buddy?" Anakin asked him. More beeps. "I know, I know, but I'm here now." Grim really wished she understood Artoo. "Use your scanner, see if something's out of place," Anakin told Artoo.

Artoo obeyed and Grim and Anakin followed Artoo with the clones following them. Grim kept a hand hovering over her lightsaber as she remembered what was happening. She kept her eyes open until they reached a giant open crate.

"Well, what do we have here?" Rex asked. "Looks like the content of this box is missing."

"Or it got up and walked away," said Anakin. He turned to face everyone. "Alright, fan out, separate squads. Tiny, you stick with me. I'll contact Obi-Wan."

Anakin called Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan answered. "Anakin, what have you and Grim found?"

"There's a large open container and the contents are missing. And I still have two men unaccounted for," Anakin informed him.

"That's not good," replied Obi-Wan. "Keep things quiet, I'll stay with the senators."

"Got it," replied Anakin as he ended the call.

Artoo beeped. "Did you find something?" Grim asked him.

Artoo began to head in the direction of something and the two Jedi followed behind him. There was a clone walking towards them, but he was moving slowly. Grim knew immediately.

"There you are. Redeye where have you been-" Anakin started.

"Something's off, that's not Redeye," said Grim. She had stepped in front of Anakin and put an arm out in front of him. With her other hand she pulled out her lightsaber and activated it. "That's his body....and that's a clanker," she added.

The spider-like droid threw Redeye's corpse at the two Jedi.

Both of them moved out of the way and Anakin ignited his lightsaber as well.

The two Jedi got in a defensive position to fight the droid.

Anakin spun his saber.

The droid charged.

Grim cut off one leg and Anakin cut off the other.

The droid threw a crate.

Grim dodged.

Anakin got hit and knocked down.

The droid prepared to attack again.

Grim spun her lightsaber and ran at it. She stabbed it in its biggest eye.

The clone came rushing over. Anakin stood back up. He turned around and saw another one. "The lift!" he shouted. The droid opened it and ran up.

Grim quickly called Obi-Wan. "Master, there's assassin probes down here! One made it up the lift, Skywalker and I will try to hold the others here."

Grim observed the spider looking assassin probe. "There's smaller ones hiding in here!" she exclaimed.

One hopped out at her.

Anakin caught it with the Force and threw it away from Grim. "Tiny, get behind me, quickly!" he told her, as he reignited his lightsaber.

She jumped up and ran behind Anakin as she also reignited her weapon.

Grim and Anakin began slicing through the hundreds of tiny spider droids while the clones shot at them.

"They're everywhere!" Rex shouted.

One clone began to scream, "get it off me! Get it off me!" Grim ran to help but he had already been covered by the droids and dead.

Grim went back to Anakin's side and continued to help him destroy the droids.

The droids were quickly defeated.

"Good work men," Anakin told the clones. "You too Tiny and Artoo," he added.

"Assassin droid. How did that monster end up in the hold?" Rex asked.

"Question is, who smuggled him onboard?" Anakin asked.

The group found the protocol droid that was in charge of the cargo manifest. "We're looking for the droid that services the cargo bay. Would that be you?" Grim asked him.

"Uh, yes ma'am. Are all those creatures dead?" The droid asked.

"That's what we're trying to find out," Anakin told him.

"You're in charge of the cargo manifest, aren't you?" Grim asked.

"Uh, yes. I have it right here," said the droid getting a datapad.

"Well where did they come from?" Anakin asked, angrily.

"It's right here, on the manifest," the droid replied, holding it up. Anakin snatched it right out of its hand.

"For immediate delivery to Coruscant: one container marked 'medical supplies.'" Anakin read. "There's no name on this chart! There is no indication of who shipped it!" Anakin snapped.

"No, sir, just the Senate stamp always accepted for transport here aboard the Coronet," the droid replied.

"Well that's just bullshit!" snapped Grim. "That's an easy loophole to exploit, full of security issues! Like right now, with the fucking assassin probes we just had to deal with!"

"Grim, calm down, we'll get to the bottom of this," Anakin told her.

"Oh come on! You're angry too!"

"Yes, but you can't just take out your anger on something else," Anakin told her. "Don't let your anger get the better of you."

"YOU- YOU- SKYWALKER YOU- DO YOU EVEN REALIZE THE IRONY OF YOU OF ALL PEOPLE SAYING THAT?" shouted Grim as she burst into laughter.

Anakin just stared at her confused as to why she was laughing. What was so funny about what he said? Where was the irony? "What is that supposed to mean, Tiny? What irony??" he asked, absolutely bewildered.

Grim was on the floor now and at this point her laughter had become wheezing. "You don't know the irony, of course you don't- I can't this is too funny-"

"What's funny????" Anakin asked.

"The irony of what you said," replied Grim between her laughter.

"What irony???"

"You wouldn't understand."

"If it's about me, I would???"

"No, no you wouldn't."

"Grim, what the kark do you mean???"

"I mean sweet, sweet, irony."

"I don't get what's so funny or ironic about what I just said, but you need to get up and stop laughing. This is a very serious situation, and we need to figure out who's trying to kill Duchess Satine," Anakin told her, going back to being far more mature and professional.

Grim stopped laughing and stood up. "Of course, Skywalker."

Anakin and Grim went to show Obi-Wan what they found. Anakin handed the Jedi Master the cargo manifest. "One of our four distinguished senators appears to be a traitor," Anakin told him.

"I sense it too," agreed Obi-Wan.

Grim noticed that one of the tiny spider droids was scurrying on the floor. "It looks like one of those droids is still alive," she said, pointing it out to her Master.

"I have an idea on how to expose the turncoat," said Obi-Wan. "You two return to the hull of the ship and destroy the last assassin droids. I'll find out which of the senators is the traitor."

Grim and Anakin nodded and headed back to the hull to find the remaining droid. Back in the hull they met up with Rex and Cody and explained that they still had to find that last droid. The group split up from there. Rex and Cody for one group, Grim, Anakin, and Artoo for the other.

Grim and Anakin had their lightsabers ignited for light as they searched the area. Moving slowly and cautiously. Anakin's comm went off and Obi-Wan's voice came through, "Anakin, Tal Merrik is the traitor, and he's taken Satine hostage."

"Copy that, but Grim and I have got problems of our own right now," Anakin replied.

Grim turned on her own comm, "Cody, Rex, have you two found anything yet?"

"All quiet over her, sir," Rex replied.

Moments later there was blaster fire. "That doesn't sound quiet," commented Grim as she rushed behind Anakin to assist Cody and Rex.

Some of the mini spider droids had gotten on Rex, Anakin and Artoo quickly destroyed the droids and helped Rex. Both Rex and Cody stood up.

"Well, we found the little guys. What about the mother?" asked Anakin.

"Haven't seen it," Rex replied.

That was when the mother droid came out from behind the boxes.

Before it could tackle Rex, Grim quickly grabbed it with Force and threw it into a more open area.

Rex started shooting at it.

The droid began to climb up the wall.

Anakin threw his lightsaber and sliced off several of the droid's legs.

The droid fell to the ground.

Red jumped on top of it and shot all the mini droids inside.

"That was impressive," whispered Grim, in awe.

"You're still impressed that easily?" Anakin asked her.

Grim rolled her eyes, "not as easily as before."

"Still pretty close though, kid," Cody told her.

Grim laughed a little. "Oh whatever, it's not a bad thing."

Anakin ruffled Grim's hair, "no it isn't."

Grim huffed and crossed her arms. But she couldn't help but smile. But it quickly changed to a frown as the very real and serious situation was brought back to her mind. "Either way, we have a Duchess to save and a traitor to stop," said Grim.

Anakin nodded in agreement.

Grim and Anakin ran into Obi-Wan in one of the many halls of the ship. "Did you find them?" Obi-Wan asked.

"No, but I stationed troopers at every escape pod," Anakin replied.

"Merrik will try to signal his allies for help. We have to find him," Obi-Wan said.

The three Jedi ran to an elevator. And as the elevator began to go up Anakin spoke. "This may not be the time to ask, but were you and Satine, ever..."

"I don't see how that has any bearing on the situation at hand!" Obi-Wan told him.

"Seriously, Skywalker? Read the room, Force," complained Grim.

"You've been doing it too!" Anakin replied defensively.

"Yeah, but not when it was a serious circumstance like right now," Grim told him, shaking her head.

"Both of you need to just drop this," Obi-Wan told them. "Whatever history Satine and I have, is neither of your businesses. And Grim, whatever romantic thing you think I have going on with anyone at all, isn't your business either."

"You're right, Master, I apologize," replied Grim. "I'll drop it."

Anakin didn't say anything, because before he got the chance the elevator door opened. Alarms were blaring and clones were rushing to the source. "Grim and I will take care of this, Obi-Wan. You? Go find your girlfriend."

"Right," said Obi-Wan. "Wait, Anakin I just said-"

But Anakin had already rushed off with Grim.

"You do realize Master Kenobi was just telling us to stop with all of that," Grim told Anakin, as she ran by his side.

"When has that stopped you?" Anakin asked her.

"When it really isn't something that we should do," replied Grim. "His love life, whether it exists or not, isn't something we can tease him about, unless we know it exists," replied Grim. "That's why I can tease you and Senator Amidala," she added.

"That's not how that works," Anakin told her.

"That's how I'll go about it from now on, Skywalker," replied Grim.

The two of them reached the source of the chaos. There were many super battle droids in the hall taking down both clones and the guards. Grim and Anakin nodded at each other somehow both knowing what the other was about to do.

They each ignited their lightsabers.

Purple and blue blades shined to life.

They jumped into the center of the droids. Each slicing down the droids.

Ending with a simple force push, shoving the rest back into the wall.

Anakin and Grim both sensed Obi-Wan in trouble. Together they ran and found Tal Merrik, with Obi-Wan in front of him with his lightsaber ignited, but not moving from his place, and Satine a blaster pointed at him. "Who will strike first and brand themselves a cold blooded killer?" the traitorous senator was asking the two.

Grim already knew what was happening. No stopping this one. Anakin ignited his lightsaber and stabbed Merrik right through the chest. Grim quickly grabbed the remote that could destroy the ship before it landed on the ground.

"Anakin..." sighed Obi-Wan.

"What? He was going to blow up the ship," Anakin replied.

"Yes, but there could've been a different solution other than just straight up murder," replied Grim.

"You would've done the same thing," Anakin told her.

"I hope I wouldn't," said Grim.

Except she knew Anakin was right. She would've done the exact same thing if she had gotten there before Anakin.

Cody came over to them, "General Skywalker, the last of the droids have been defeated, sir."

"Very good, Cody," replied Anakin.

"I must get back to the business of diplomacy," said Satine.

"As you say, Duchess," said Obi-Wan, as Satine left.

Sooner than expected, and much to Grim's relief they arrived on Coruscant. Where, Chancellor Palpatine waited for them. "A job well done, Master Jedi," he told Obi-Wan and Anakin.

"Thank you, Chancellor," said Obi-Wan.

"Your Excellency," replied Anakin.

Grim said nothing at all, she just stood in between the two, and willed herself not to glare at the man she despised. She knew who he was, she knew he was behind everything. But for now she had to allow him his disguise, for anything drastic could end worse than what the ending already was meant to be. She had to be careful around the chessmaster, if she was to play against him in his game.

Satine came over to Obi-Wan, but Grim ignored their conversation. She was just glad to be back on Coruscant. She would leave Obi-Wan alone while Satine stayed to argue for her world. Grim decided to leave the next step all up to her Master. She didn't need to interfere. Besides, it would be okay.

She knew it would be.