- CASTLES CRUMBLING (A.S.) -

- 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐈𝐗 -

you were playing with fire.

"ALL DUE RESPECT, Master Yoda," Anakin was saying, "but to send a Jedi Knight off alone? To a place filled with the Dark Side of the Force?"

Regina resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She understood what he was trying to do, and while it was an admirable attempt, it was a futile one.

"Handle herself well, Regina Sitara can," Yoda responded, not looking at Anakin but keeping his focus on the holotable that stood in the center of the circle of Jedi. They were in the middle of a briefing and Anakin had been making his wishes known. "Know of her skill in Vaapad, we do. Right, she is, for this mission."

"Besides, she won't be completely alone, not for most of the mission," Windu added, giving Anakin a stern look. Regina, surprised by his statement, tilted her head at Windu. "We're sending you and your Padawan along for part of it. You'll split up and travel to separate, but nearby, systems. Then you'll rendezvous at a given point."

"I think we should tell him what his assignment is, Master Windu, don't you?" Obi-Wan offered, shooting Anakin a knowing look.

"Very well," Windu said. "But first: Regina?"

"Understand what the Republic and the Council asks, do you?" Yoda jumped in.

"Yes, Master," Regina nodded. She did, but that didn't mean she had to like it.

After being dismissed, Regina began to walk away, sighing to herself as she did so. She was being sent so far away and she had no idea when she'd be back. The destination, Marea, was deep in Separatist territory, and there were rumors that it was home to an ancient Sith temple, one the Council wanted her to explore. It was not a pleasant thought. But, on the bright side, she had Anakin for the drop-off and pickup, so that was a plus.

"Regina, do you have a moment?"

Regina turned around to see Obi-Wan coming toward her.

"Yes, of course," she replied, waiting for the Jedi to speak.

"I want to give you a word of advice," Obi-Wan informed her. Regina tilted her head, trying to understand what he was saying... And what he wasn't. "The Council didn't want to tell you this, but there have been rumors that either Grievous or Dooku—or both—have been in the region in which you are being sent." Regina stiffened. She realized that if there was, in fact, a Sith monastery there, she shouldn't be surprised if she came across Dooku or Grievous—both of whom she had yet to actually meet. Well, the Council didn't know for sure that Dooku was a Sith, but Obi-Wan was convinced that he was; he'd heard the words come directly from the man's mouth. And Grievous was Dooku's tool. The two would count on the Jedi being pulled to the place, making it easy to lay a trap there for any Jedi. In fact, they would be waiting for her or any other unsuspecting Jedi. Not a pleasant thought.

Regina raised her eyebrows, though she wasn't particularly shocked. Still, her thoughts were flooded with possible scenarios that she might endure.

"I don't understand," Regina spoke up. "Why didn't the Council want me to know?"

Obi-Wan shook his head, putting his hand up to his chin to stroke his reddish-blond beard.

"That reason... I'm not entirely certain. Perhaps they wished to keep you from worry or fear. However, I felt that you deserved to know the possible dangers that may come for you."