Cassandra and Anakin raced through the palace for the throne room. Anxiety churned in her gut. What could the Republic military be doing here? Several possibilities zoomed through her mind: the Senate sent the fleet as a form of intimidation, Dorme needed extra security, they were going to occupy Ansion. Or worst of all, the planet was under attack.

Skidding into the throne room, Cassandra tripped over her borrowed robe. Yelping, she flailed her arms for balance.

Anakin appeared beside her and caught her elbow, preventing her from face-planting on the mosaic floor. "Easy, Cass."

Cassandra barely heard him, staring across the throne room. Nal'el perched regally on his throne, the gem encrusted rings on his hands flashing underneath the chandelier. In front of the dais stood a familiar red-haired Jedi and a Flerken.

Anakin strode over to his master, long legs quickly eating up the distance. Cassandra had to jog to catch up with him. "What are you doing here, Master?"

At the sound of Anakin's voice Obi-Wan turned, a warm smile lighting up his face. "Its good to see you, my young friend." His smile dimmed a fraction. "I wish it were under better circumstances."

Uh-oh. That sounded bad.

Purring deeply, Goose rubbed her body along Cassandra's calves. She scooped up the Flerken for a hug.

"Why? What's going on?" Anakin vibrated with nervous energy. He looked back and forth between Obi-Wan and the king, sensing something amiss. "I thought the treaty was going ahead."

Obi-Wan glanced at Cassandra and did a double-take at her attire. One brow rose, but he refrained from comment.

Goose squirmed in Cassandra's hold and slid free, dropping to the floor. Meowing softly, she trotted over to the Jedi and plunked her butt on his left boot.

Cassandra gathered the folds of Anakin's robe around her to hide her nightgown and bare feet. She realized how it must look to the older Jedi. Obi-Wan wasn't the sort to make a scene. If he addressed the issue of her wearing Anakin's clothes he'd do so in private.

A conversation she had ever intention of avoiding because they hadn't done anything wrong.

"Master?" Anakin prompted again, a note of impatience in his voice. "Tell me, what's going on."

"We intercepted Separatist intelligence. General Lok Durd is planning to launch a surprise attack against Ansion." Obi-Wan said gravely. "Thank the Force we have time to prepare before Durd arrives. Steward Altin has already begun the evacuation of the city."

A laugh threatened to burst from Cassandra's chest. General Turd? Oh, God, that was too perfect. Her lips twitched, earning her frowns from all three men.

"Is something amusing, Representative Pierce?" The King barked. "I sincerely hope you aren't laughing at Ansion's predicament."

Crap. Cassandra just got her ass in a load of trouble. "Uh, no. Its just the General's name. Turd. It means something.... else on my planet."

Clamping a hand over his mouth, Obi-Wan looked like he wanted to vanish through the floor at her stupidity. Anakin shook his head at her in warning.

Right. Shut up. Cassandra clamped her mouth shut. Anything she said now, would only make it worse. Everyone already thought she was an insensitive asshole. She couldn't help it. When she was stressed, her inappropriate sense of humor reared its head.

Facing an impending invasion was the epitome of anxiety. It was either amuse herself or freak out.

King Nal'el regarded the sorceress stonily. "If you are quite through...Representative we have a crisis on our hands."

Anakin clenched his jaw, his expression pensive. "There are thousands of people in El-Arda. I don't know if its possible to evacuate everyone in time."

Well, the night had officially gone to shit, and she wasn't just referring to the unfortunately named General Turd. Cassandra sighed dropping her arms to her sides. "What's the battle plan?"

"We'll head them off. It's imperative the enemy ships do not enter Ansion before the people are evacuated." Obi-Wan replied. "I've sent word to the other cities on Ansion warning them to take shelter."

"The Republic has brought this upon my people." Nal'el declared bitterly and shot another glare at Cassandra clearly allotting her the blame. "If you wish for me to sign your treaty, you will defend us."

Great. Now the king was blackmailing them? Cassandra cast an equally foul look at the ruler. They were on the verge of a major crisis and he was playing games? She shouldn't be surprised. Nal'el was a politician.

An icy look appeared in Anakin's eyes. His sandy brows knit together as he glared at Nal'el. "Don't worry. We'll keep our word, your majesty."

Nal'el lifted his chin haughtily. He rose regally from his throne. "See that you do, Master Skywalker."

The king's guards enveloped him, escorting him to safety. Cassandra was disgusted that he was going into hiding before securing his own people's safety.

"Don't judge him." Obi-Wan murmured quietly, picking up on the sorceress' ire. "A leader must secure themselves so they can keep the chain of command intact."

Cassandra understood. She just didn't agree. Why couldn't leaders be like the kings of old who fought in battle alongside their soldiers? Those leaders were loved and admired for their honor and bravery.

Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "Speaking of which, I'll secure Senator Dorme and then meet Rex and Cody at Central Command."

"What about Dr. Khal and her team? She's out in the desert. She probably doesn't know anything about this." Cassandra pointed out worried about the professor.

"Who is Dr. Khal?"

"An archaeologist Cassandra befriended." Anakin answered, folding his arms across his chest. "Najma Temple is fairly isolated. If the battle ends up anywhere near the dig site, the team will be in trouble."

"I'll send a shuttle to pick them up." Obi-Wan promised.

"What...will Anakin be doing?" Cassandra interjected hesitantly.

The corner of her boyfriend's mouth lifted. "I'll be doing what I do best. Leading the main charge in my starfighter."

Starfighters were small fighter craft used in space dogfights. Alarmed, Cassandra grabbed Anakin's sleeve. "You're not going up there, are you? It'll be dangerous. Maybe I should go with you."

Anakin shot her down immediately. He loomed over her, his handsome face shadowed. "Absolutely not. You're too inexperienced a pilot. Its best if you stay with Dorme."

Right. Because the Senator would be sequestered somewhere safe. Cassandra lifted her chin. "I'll work with the city guard to erect a serviceable defense."

If Anakin was going to fly headlong into danger, she would do her part too.

"What are you thinking?"

Cassandra locked gazes with her Jedi. "That I'll bring everyone into the Mirror Dimension once they're in the palace."

Judging by his expression, Anakin didn't approve of Cassandra becoming involved. Her safety was his priority. If she involved herself in the conflict, she risked getting injured or worse.

Cassandra was aware of the risks and was willing to accept them. "I would never forgive myself if I stood by when there's something I can do." She pressed a hand over her heart. "I may not have flashy combat skills like a Jedi, but I am capable of holding my own."

This time, Anakin averted his gaze from the intensity in hers. "I know." He'd seen her in action at the tradeport on Caranda when she swiftly defeated a communication aid who attacked her, beating him with her staff.

Anakin was conflicted. A full-scale battle was entirely different. It went against his instincts to allow the woman he loved to become involved, even tangentially in the Republic's war. It was not her conflict. He also did not want her to think he didn't believe in her because he did.

Caving, he lowered his head. "Alright."

Cassandra's expression softened in relief. "Thank you, for not fighting me on this. May the Force be with you."

Conscious of Obi-Wan watching them, Anakin held himself back from pulling her into his arms and kissing her. Putting a hand to his chest, he bowed low at the waist. "And with you, Master Pierce."

She flushed at the warmth in his tone. Cassandra started to shrug out of his robe when he stalled her. She only wore a nightgown beneath.

"No. Keep it for now."

"Okay. I'll hang onto it until you get back." The sorceress raised her fist into the air for him to bump. "Flush General Turd down the toilet where he belongs."

Anakin choked, finally understanding her meaning. Turd=Poodoo. That was kriffing hilarious! He loved this woman!

"Are you going to leave me hanging?"

He brushed his knuckles against hers, his fingers gliding over her wrist in a subtle caress. "Be careful."

"I will."

*********************************************************************************************

Anakin marched onto the starcruiser with R2-D2. He was greeted by Admiral Yularen the commanding officer aboard the Resolute. He'd only met the man once and found him to be a quiet efficient leader.

"Master Skywalker."

Anakin corrected him. "Actually, its General Skywalker. I was given a field promotion by Obi-Wan before departing from the palace."

Yularen's thin mustache twitched. "My apologies, General. Congratulations on your promotion." He beckoned Anakin to follow him.

They left the hangar and took the lift to the bridge. Yularen ruled his ship with an iron fist. The crew was well disciplined, each officer at their stations making preparations.

Anakin held himself straighter as the ship ascended. The Resolute's engines hummed to life, the ship glided smoothly upwards. In the eyes of the Republic, he was on equal footing with his former master. It's long past the time the Council should have recognized his worth. He was the most powerful Jedi in the Order and deserved to be shown proper respect.

*********************************************************************************************

Temporarily shrugging off Anakin's robe in the bedroom, Cassandra glanced down at the front of her nightgown and swore. A red blotch had seeped through the white fabric. "Of all the times to get my period!"

Thank God, her period hadn't come when she was making out with Anakin on the terrace. 'I'd have died from the embarrassment.'

She wrenched open the suitcase and grabbed a tampon and a fresh change of underwear.

Once she dressed and swallowed a couple aspirin, Cassandra dashed for the guard gate at the palace entrance. A crowd of terrified people jostled and bumped into one another desperate to get into the palace.

Steward Altin and the guards on duty were unsuccessfully trying to quell the panicked Ansions. "The king has opened the palace for your protection!"

"Remain calm! Everyone will get inside!" The second guard called.

An elderly woman struck his knee with a cane. "Don't give me that nonsense, Ahmed. I used to change your diapers. Now, tell us what's going on!"

The guard turned beet red. "Grandmother! I'm a palace guard! You can't talk to me that way!"

Okay, Cassandra had seen enough. She interjected herself between Ahmed and the restless crowd raising her hands.

At the presence of a stranger, a confused murmur rippled through the crowd. Cassandra surveyed them, judging how long she had before they stampeded. Not long, by the fear visible in their eyes.

Motes of golden light floated from her palms, bobbing gently over the crowd. "I am Representative Pierce. The Republic Army has come to protect your homeland."

Entranced by the sparks of magic, the crowd quieted.

"I know this is scary, but we can get through this together if we all remain calm." The motes coalesced into a flock of butterflies. A few children squealed with glee, reaching for the translucent butterflies.

Ahmed's grandmother snorted derisively.

"In addition to my duties as a politician I can also use magic." Cassandra explained, keeping her voice low and soothing. "Now, all of us will go to the palace. Once we are there, I will bring us inside a...barrier."

She figured if she dropped words like 'dimension' the crowd would stampede for sure. Barrier was safer and not far from the truth. "Protected by the barrier, we will remain invisible to the enemy."

"So, we'll be safe?" A woman clutched a child in her arms, her face twisted in terror. "The Separatists can't reach us?"

Cassandra summoned a smile. "No. They can't."

A relieved sigh echoed among the people, the tension easing. Cassandra remained on her guard, knowing the smallest thing could turn the tide against her. She lowered her hands and the butterflies dispelled. "Please, follow me."

*********************************************************************************************

A fleet of Separatist ships came out of hyperspace. The Republic fleet was waiting for them. Anakin dashed back into the hangar where a yellow starfighter waited. Artoo lowered himself into the astromech hub, locking himself in.

A teenage Togruta swung her legs back and forth from atop a stack of supply crates, a bored expression on her face. He stared at the girl. "What are you doing here, Snips?"

"Master Plo brought me. I'm his new Padawan." She jumped down from her perch, landing in a crouch. Rising, she smirked at Anakin. "Master says I'm going to be your copilot, Sky Guy."

Anakin growled in annoyance. "That's just great. I don't need a tagalong!"

Ahsoka picked at her nails lazily, blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Hmm, that's too bad. Master Plo says it's an order."

Hopping into the starfighter, Anakin jabbed a finger over his shoulder to the seat behind him. The little brat! "Get in, Snips!"

"Don't order me around like a youngling! I'm a Padawan now!" Ahsoka huffed and jumped in behind him. "I can handle this mission."

"You'll do as I say. I outrank you." Anakin barked, activating the comm system. "Yellow Leader, here, prepare to fly."

"Falcon, acknowledges. Let's get those Seppies sir!" Brick called over the speaker, cheers going up from his fellow clones.

Smirking at their enthusiasm, Anakin hit the throttle, shooting out of the hangar. His squad followed. This is where he belonged. In a cockpit, not on the ground.

*********************************************************************************************

Cassandra ushered the last stragglers through the Mirror Dimension. Before going in, she cast a look around. "Where's Dr. Khal's shuttle?" The archaeologist hadn't arrived.

Obi-Wan stood beside her, scanning the empty courtyard. "The professor and her team insist on securing the site before leaving."

There was a dedication to your profession and then there was suicide. As much as Cassandra loved archaeology, she would choose saving her own skin over a bunch of relics.

Thunder rumbled overhead and the first rain drops splattered the flagstones. Cassandra shook her head, feeling the mounting pressure to close the Mirror Dimension. "I can't wait much longer."

"A few minutes more." The Jedi urged.

It went against her better judgment. Cassandra agreed to give Dr. Khal more time, praying she wasn't making a mistake that put the lives under her protection in danger.

"Cassandra, I owe you an apology." Lightning cracked, striating the sky. From the shelter of his hood, Obi-Wan smiled at her. "My behavior was beyond the pale on Caranda. Intent on doing my duty, I did not take into account your feelings. For that I'm sorry."

Cassandra was taken aback by his unexpected apology. He sounded sincere. "I've pretty much gotten over what happened. So, don't worry about it...Ken."

"Ken?"

"Obi-Wan Kenobi is a mouthful. Ken is easier to say." She replied quietly, adjusting the hood of Anakin's robe over her head.

"I can live with that since you accepted my apology." The Jedi said wryly.

A pair of headlights cut through the gloom. Cassandra whipped her head in the direction of the approaching lights, squinting. "Do you think that's the shuttle?"

Reaching under his robe, Obi-Wan withdrew his lightsaber as the craft landed twenty feet from them. "I'm afraid, not. Get inside the barrier." He ordered.

The ramp lowered and a tall figure sauntered into the courtyard, hips swaying. "Obi-Wan Kenobi." A low female voice purred from under a heavy hood.

Obi-Wan stiffened. "Ventress." Igniting his lightsaber, he took a protective stance in front of Cassandra.

Rolling her shoulders, Ventress' cloak spilled to the ground, unveiling a bald alien female with marble-white skin. Her painted lips curved in a taunting smile. "I missed you."

A/N: Sorry for the cliffhanger! It seemed like a good place to stop! I hope you enjoyed it.