Jedi High Council Spire
Coruscant

" Mm, a grave danger, Mandalore does face," remarked Master Yoda. The wrinkled Jedi regarded Obi-Wan with caution and sympathy. The younger Jedi had just finished telling the Council his story. "Doom for Mandalore, a Republic invasion could mean."

"I agree that haste could leave Mandalore off even worse," Obi-Wan began, "but I feel we must do something."

"That is up to the Senate," Mace Windu reminded the Council. "We are meeting to decide whether the Senate should know or not."

"Word of the crisis will reach them anyway," Jedi Ki-Adi-Mundi put in. The Cerean stood with Obi-Wan on the issue. "We would most likely see a more positive reaction if we acted sooner. Mandalore has no representation, though. It will take a while for the Senate to learn of this if we do nothing, and if we are not the informants, then they will not know of the Sith threat."

"The Sith threat is why they will take action," Master Shaak Ti pointed out. "That is what we are debating, after all. If we do not tell the Senate, most likely, they will not take action. If we do, the opposite is true."

"It is up to us to defeat this phantom Sith menace," Obi-Wan interjected. "Is that not why we exist, to keep the peace? And what challenges that peace? The Sith. It is our duty to do something." The council was silent. He felt each member studying him. Would his message ring true? Many of those on the council that would have once supported him had perished in the Clone Wars.

"I am sure you know I agree with Master Kenobi," Master Mundi acknowledged. Masters Fisto, Tiin, and Plo nodded in agreement. Shaak Ti was still deep in her mind, battling thoughts. The others seemed occupied as well. Yoda met Kenobi's eyes, and the message was clear.

"Feel that Kenobi should lead a force to liberate Mandalore, I do," the wizened master said at last. Some of his fellow members looked at him with surprise. "If Mandalore is to be reclaimed, now, the time to strike, it is." The other masters seemed to agree.

"Master Kenobi," said Mace, "we will discuss this matter further, but I believe that you can expect this case to be brought before the Senate tonight."

"I am most grateful," replied Obi-Wan. He bowed and exited the chamber. Anakin waited outside. Ahsoka Tano sat in a chair next to him, swinging her legs with anxiety.

"How did it go?" Anakin inquired as the master-aprentice pair noticed him.

"I believe that they will tell the Senate, which will be all too happy to invade Mandalore."

"Did the duchess request an invasion force?" wondered Ahsoka. Obi-Wan faltered. He looked at Anakin, who shook his head. The meaning was clear enough: she doesn't know.

"Satine was," Obi-Wan grappled for words, "unclear on her beliefs. But her sister requested help, and it's our job to provide that."

"They're done being neutral?" Ahsoka persisted with questions.

"They're far beyond the point of still having that option," Anakin cut in. Suddenly, a thought struck him. "Is the Twilight at the spaceport?"

Obi-Wan grimaced. "Unfortunately, it broke down on Mandalore."

"Broke down?" Anakin cried. "It was in perfect condition when you borrowed it! Well," he added after a moment of thought, "able to get off the ground, at least. Even if it did break down, you couldn't fix it?"

"I tried," admitted Obi-Wan. "I forgot to mention the part where the Death Watch blew it up afterwards."

Anakin sighed, "So I guess this is payback for all the times I've broken something you let me borrow." Ahsoka laughed. Obi-Wan and Anakin couldn't help join in.

"It was beginning to smell, anyways," Ahsoka pointed out with a chuckle. "I think Rotta must've used the toilet behind a table when we first got it." Obi-Wan continued to smile. Anakin's young Togruta apprentice always brought some light into the darkness. Even now, Obi-Wan couldn't help but feel joy at her presence. It was a joy he hoped would stay with the Jedi for many years.

"So you're Mandalore bound?" Anakin assumed.

"I suppose that, with my knowledge of the situation, the Senate will want me to lead the operation," Obi-Wan agreed. "Master Mundi supports me, and the Galactic Marines that serve under him are a popular choice of the Senate for invasion. Between his forces and the 212th, we should have a shot at freeing the planet. Hopefully, that's all we're going to do: free the planet and get it back on its feet."

"I agree," stated Anakin. "Some members of the Senate will definitely try to use this as an opportunity to take control of Mandalore, but I doubt the Chancellor will let them get by with anything."

"Isn't he away on business?" inquired Ahsoka.

"He did leave just about a day ago," Anakin confirmed. Obi-Wan felt a slight disturbance in the force at the mention of that detail, but he ignored it.

"I'm going to freshen up," Obi-Wan said at last. "Wouldn't want to appear before the Senate like this." Though he had removed his stolen super commando armor, his Jedi robes beneath were dirty and sticky. "Will I see you two there?" They nodded. "See you tonight, then." With those words, the Jedi master left them.

Obi-Wan changed his clothes and lay on his bed. He didn't move for several hours. His mind never left Satine.