- CASTLES CRUMBLING (A.S.) -

- 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍 -

never gonna give it up.

"WE HOPE THAT THIS assignment will serve to a beneficial end," finished Mace Windu, looking at Regina who nodded at him, trying to be respectful. Sometimes the Master really set her teeth on edge.

Regina was standing before the Council the day after being released from medical care–which had only lasted one day of her consciousness. The doctors had wanted to make sure that she was perfectly healthy before she returned to the line of duty. Which was fine, because Regina was exhausted from all the fighting. She was looking forward to the day when the war would end.

Regina studied the masters in front of her. Most of them were off on various worlds and missions of their own. But they joined meetings holographically and still gave assignments. Regina spared a glance at Master Kenobi, seated in person on his seat. Regina had a feeling that her friend had helped in her being assigned to this mission. To be fair, Regina was grateful for the appointment. She wouldn't mind something slower paced, not after the Citadel. Anakin, however, was off on a mission with Ahsoka–one that was definitely not a relaxing quest. But Regina liked to negotiate, as long as she didn't get sucked into the actual politics. And she loved Padmè and was thrilled to be on another mission with her.

"Go to Senator Amidala immediately, you will," instructed Yoda. Mace Windu nodded in agreement.

"Take your entire battalion with you on this, as well," Windu advised. "Conqes is deep in Separatist territory and you may need backup."

"Sorry to disagree, Master Windu, but won't a large clone presence make matters... complicated for the citizens of Conqes?" Obi-Wan's expression was one of deep thought as he considered all of the options.

Mace looked thoughtful.

"I agree with Obi-Wan," Ki Adi Mundi nodded. "Regina should bring all of her men, but perhaps leave a majority in orbit above the planet, unless further assistance is required. A large number would make these people fearful. We want them as allies. With their impartiality to the war effort–on either side thus far–the citizens of Conques may be fearful."

"Very well." That seemed to have answered the question for Windu. "Take your entire force but only bring a select few to surface. We are trying to make an alliance after all."

Regina walked out of the Chamber, feeling curious. The Republic was counting on this alliance so it made sense for a Senator and a Jedi negotiator to go and speak with the leaders of the system. Still, it made Regina feel as if she were the politician.

And that was not at all what being a Jedi negotiator was supposed to mean.

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"So we're being sent on a diplomatic mission?" Clipper asked for the tenth time since they'd been in their ship speeding along through hyperspace. Regina shot Padmè a look but the Senator simply looked amused.

"I think it's a good break," Breaker spoke up, clearing his throat, looking around. Regina shifted in her seat, observing the clones she'd selected for this mission. Similar to the Citadel mission, Regina had picked through her clones, only choosing a specific few for the actual part of their assignment. The rest of the battalion had come as well, but they weren't to be called to the surface of the planet. Among those that were actually on the shuttle with Regina and Padmè included Blue, Breaker, the ARC troopers, Sham, Relf, and Dux, of course, as he was flying the ship. Also in attendance was Padmè's bodyguards, providing the appropriate protection for the senator.

"Breaker's right," said Blue sharply. "General, you've been under direct fire too often. You can handle yourself, yes, but it seems you've become a target."