- CASTLES CRUMBLING (A.S.) -

- 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐘-𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 -

...but the system is done for

"GENERAL, HAVE YOU heard the rumors?" Clipper inquired. Regina was playing a game of sabacc with Clipper and Topper in the 555th quarters of the GAR barracks. The other clones were relaxing, doing whatever–all except Blue, as usual. He was sitting off to the side but somehow he made "relaxed" look like roll call.

"What rumors?" Regina absently asked, studying her cards. This was how she'd been spending her past few weeks. She'd train in the Temple and then spend some time with the clones. She hadn't been reassigned yet, and it was beginning to make Regina uneasy. Why was she here? Anakin wasn't on the planet as far as Regina knew, though she wouldn't necessarily know. It had happened in the past where they were both on Coruscant yet had heard no word.

Sham, who was leaning against the wall and watching the game, answered the question. "Fives from the 501st made an attempt on the Chancellor's life."

Regina skillfully reserved her emotions, keeping her emotions in check. That didn't mean she wasn't shocked, though.

"Fives? Tried to assassinate Palpatine?" Regina repeated. All of the clones in the area tuned in.

"That's what they're saying, sir," Topper shrugged. "Story goes, he went crazy. Not sure if it's true." He put down his cards. A good hand too.

"Yeah, I heard he's on the run," Clipper agreed, glancing at his own cards before placing a mediocre hand on the table.

Regina sighed, looking at the collection of cards. But her mind was no longer focused. First of all, a clone she knew well was in major trouble. Second, Anakin was most likely on the planet. Regina had been keeping a low-profile, so that would explain why they hadn't crossed paths. She guessed. She had to find him and ask what was going on.

Regina placed her cards down without even bothering to look to see how badly she'd lost before standing to her feet and leaving the room. The clones said nothing. They were used to her unexpected arrivals and exits and this was no different.

As Regina made her way over to the door, only Blue gave her a look. Regina crossed the distance between her and her commander.

"I'm going to talk to Skywalker," she informed him. "Keep this under wraps."

Blue's lips curled up slightly–so slightly Regina wouldn't have noticed it if she hadn't known him well. "I won't say a word to anyone, General. You have my word." Regina patted his shoulder before moving past him and out of the barracks.

Regina couldn't find Anakin anywhere in the Temple, though she didn't ask around too much. She wanted to draw as little attention to the two of them; asking every Jedi in sight where he was would not do that. So when she couldn't find him, she decided to head back to their flat. For one thing, the hour was getting late and she hadn't been to her secret hideout since she'd come back. Besides, she had a feeling that Anakin might be there himself.

Walking into the main living space, Regina was overjoyed to see that she had guessed correctly. Anakin was lounging on the couch in the center of the room, his head resting on the arm. As soon as he saw her, he jumped to his feet and threw his arms around her, pulling her off her feet and whirling around once before setting her back down. She didn't let go of him, though. 

"It's only been a few months, Skywalker," Regina said into his shoulder as he held her close, amused. He pulled back from her tight embrace so he could see her.