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━━━━ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ━━━━
"THIS is cosy," Araminta mused as they gathered in the cargo hold of the ship, dust visible in the air from the dim lights overhead.
Cargo and boxes stacked as high as the ceiling surrounded them as they listened to Obi-wan explain their mission, a small group of Clones gathered in a circle. To Araminta's left stood Anakin, and to her right, Obi-wan, slightly in front of her as per usual.
"You know your marching orders," Obi-wan continued, ignoring her remark. "The safety of the Duchess Satine is of the 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 by the Separatists, so stay sharp," Anakin added. "R2, use your scanners to probe for any suspicious droid activity." The astromech beeped in response.
"Anything else, sir?" said Rex.
"No, that will be all," Obi-wan responded. Rex nodded, as the group of clones began to split off.
"What are we even looking for?" Anakin asked, tone switching from commanding to the inquisitive tone that always made him feel younger.
"Anything," Obi-wan sighed. He still had that air of tiredness since they had boarded, but Araminta had conveniently neglected to comment on it. She didn't dare, and it wasn't her concern.
"I'm more worried about the people onboard," Araminta pointed out. Obi-wan looked at her thoughtfully, before the communicator at his wrist went off.
"Yes?" the Jedi said.
"The Duchess and her retinue requests your presence."
"Very well," Obi-wan relented.
Araminta assumed her usual position in Obi-wan's blindspot as they headed for the lift, Anakin standing beside the assassin, their shoulders briefly touching as the lift shuddered upwards.
"I sense some anxiety from you about the Duchess," Anakin said abruptly, speaking to Obi-wan over the top of her head. "She couldn't be in safer hands."
"Yes, I know," Obi-wan responded quickly.
Anakin furrowed his brows. "Then why?"
"Never mind," the older Jedi said sharply. He sighed at the abruptness of the response, adding, "It's... all in the past."
Anakin and Araminta exchanged pointed looks– his questioning what he had missed, hers with an urgency to just shut up.
"Oh, so you're close to her?" Anakin continued lightly.
"I knew her," Obi-wan snapped. "A long time ago."
"Okay," Araminta said, holding up her hands as if in surrender.
