"Belief is not a matter of choice, but of conviction."

―Moral

In the soft embrace of the crimson couch, Smaug heaved a sigh of content and unfurled across its plush expanse, reminiscing the voyage to Rugosa—a mission marked with a triumphant sojourn with the King of Toyrairda.

The journey back to Coruscant was nearly behind her, and Smaug made her stealthy escape to her quaint lodge. Evading detection, she remained a ghost to the clone patrols that swept through the reaches of her sanctuary.

The prying eyes of the galaxy skirted her abode; indeed, she cultivated darkness as her ally, allowing nary a sliver of light to betray her presence. Yet, with the dawn's arrival, and as golden rays danced upon the window sill, she indulged in the warmth they offered, inviting the sun to caress the inner sanctum of her dwelling. It was a simple pleasure, but to Smaug, it was an ample bounty.

She was draped across her designated bed, a temporary sanctuary in an expanse of uncertainty. But the quietude was pierced by a knock, a rhythm that spoke of the familiar. Smaug rose, her senses suffused with the distinctive scents of Anakin and Obi-Wan. A smile played on her lips as she beckoned the door open with a casual wave of her hand, revealing the two Jedi standing sentinel outside.

"Smaug," greeted Anakin, moving swiftly to envelop the queen in an embrace. There was a moment's hesitation on her part, a flicker of uncertainty, but it was extinguished as the eager knight hugged her earnestly. For Anakin, to embrace was to express his affinity without reservation—it was not an uncommon gesture. Obi-Wan approached, a warm smile lighting his face, his blue eyes sparkling with mirth.

"It seems you've fashioned this into a home. It's quite cozy," he remarked.

With a click of her tongue, Smaug released Anakin from her hold. "Well, yes, as I haven't much of a choice, but thank you for finding this hideaway for me. Tell me, how fare the clones?" she inquired.

A chuckle emanated from Obi-Wan. "They're well. Rex and Cody, though, harbor some concern for your safety, fretting that some of their brethren might uncover your secret."

Anakin gave a snort. "Oh, dear Rex even has your image adorning the wall beside his bunk!"

At that, Obi-Wan gave Anakin a playful yet reprimanding slap on the shoulder. "Hey, don't tease him about it! You're one to talk, after all!"

Laughter escaped Smaug as she shook her head in amused derision. "Oh, the lot of you are ridiculous, but that's part of your charm." She flicked her tail idly. "Now, I presume this visit isn't solely for a welfare check. You have a mission for me, don't you?"

The atmosphere tensed as levity gave way to the gravity of their purpose. "Indeed, Smaug, we request your company on a mission to unearth the enigmatic separatist vessel which, ghostlike, preys upon our ships, leaving none to tell the tale. Your unparalleled tracking skills are essential," explained Obi-Wan with a note of urgency.

Smaug chuckled, a sound rich with both skepticism and valor. "I presume I shall not be the sole participant in this endeavor."

Anakin shook his head, the weight of responsibility etched upon his brow. "No, Master Jedi Plo Koon will accompany you, leading his battalion."

"Well enough," conceded Smaug with a nod of acquiescence. "Then let us not dally." With a casual flick of her fingers, a bag materialized, clutched in her grasp as if conjured from the ether. Together, they made their way to the hangar, where the star cruisers awaited their command, silent sentinels in the symphony of stars.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

As they boarded the star cruiser, a peculiar energy hummed through the air. Smaug was aware of Master Plo Koon by reputation alone, and this face-to-face encounter was its own brand of unnerving. Despite her regal stature, she seldom relished the limelight. Yet the Jedi Master exuded a gentleness, and the tranquility of his aura served as a welcoming beacon as Smaug ascended the ramp of his vessel. He greeted them in the hangar with a graciousness befitting of his station.

"Welcome, Master Anakin, Master Obi-Wan, and Queen Smaug. It is a pleasure to truly meet you in person—far from the confines of your previous shelter. On behalf of the Chancellor, I extend my sincerest apologies," he said, bowing respectfully.

With a gracious incline of her head, Smaug returned the gesture. "All is forgiven," she replied, her words laced with a practiced grace, though internally she appended a bitter note—even if it is a falsehood. She quelled the thought hastily, lest the Jedi's perceptive senses catch the dissent whispering beneath her diplomatic veneer.

Plo Koon brought his hands together in a gesture that bridged eagerness with solemnity. "Very well, let us embark," he intoned, and they all pivoted towards the vast window as the cruiser began its ascent, gracefully ascending from the hangar to mingle once more with the celestial tapestry of stars. Smaug inhaled deeply, her chest swelling with the weight of the moment. Now or never, she mused—a silent mantra for the journey that lay ahead.