(Star Wars) ~ Alice

XIII

The Skywalkers were gathered around the outdoor table but as of that afternoon, the 'family' had gotten bigger. Rex and Ahsoka were back from their honeymoon and had stopped by to see their squadmates. At the same time, Obi-Wan and Satine had brought their three kids down to see their friends for a week. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice." Dak greeted them, shaking the men's hands and hugging the women. "I need a favor and I'm afraid that it'll require the Squad for a day or two."

"Has something happened?" Obi-Wan asked, bouncing Kara in his arms while Satine held apart a fighting Luke and Mara by the backs of their shirts. "Yes, Kenobi. I... I have to get my girl back and I can't retrieve her alone." He stated confidently, trying to keep the things in his head in line. "Woah, hold up; you got a girl?" Ahsoka raised an eyebrow, leaning back against her husband's chest. Padme chuckled from where she sat; Anakin was just coming out of the house with Hayden in his arms after a time out lesson. "You missed some interesting stuff while you were gone Snips."

"I bet..." The togrutan shook her head, looking at her husband who mirrored her shock. "So what's the plan, bald man?"

"What plan are we talking about?" Anakin asked, finally joining the group after putting a sniffling Hayden down. "The plan to get Alice back." Dak smiled at them, taking a deep breath before getting into squad mode. "Alice is being held by Jabba the Hutt on his cartel ship that's orbiting over Kessel. We will infiltrate the ship, find where she's being held, retrieve her and then get out quietly."

"Wait a minute, what are you saying? This is the Escuro Squad; we don't do things quietly. Furthermore, I'm the leader and I didn't say anything about a rescue mission." Anakin put in; his temper had slightly risen as it always did when he thought someone was stepping on his territory. Padme stepped in, handing little Ani to his Aunt Ahsoka. "Love, this is just like what we've done before; remember when I was taken by the Tusken Raiders?"

"Of course I do, it still scares me when I remember it." He answered truthfully, pulling her to his lap; the glint partially leaving his eyes. "Then give me one good reason why we can't help Dak rescue Alice." She crossed her arms stubbornly, leaning away from him defiantly. "Sweetheart... This is my father we're talking about. I just can't... its." He sighed, seeming to only see her in the room. "You're not going to let me off, are you?"

"No. I'm not. Look around you, Anakin." She pushed her way out of his lap and motioned to the family. "Everyone but Dak here has someone; Obi and Satine, Snips and Rexie, you and I. Do you want him to be alone because if we don't help him, that's probably what will happen." She growled under her breath, frustrated with him. "If you don't want to help him, fine but you're not going to stop any of us from helping him." Anakin looked almost frightened at the sight of his little wife standing before him. Quickly he put his hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay! I'll help but I'm still somewhat against it."

Dak put a hand on Padme's shoulder, smiling a silent thank you. "I don't blame you; if we get caught, it's Dad we have to answer to."

"That's one way to put it..." Anakin grumped, turning back to his brother. "So what's your plan?" Padme quickly went back over to her husband, kissing him softly as he put her back on his thigh. "Relax, baby..." She turned her head to Dak as he began to plan aloud. "First, we need to figure out where the kids will be; I don't think any of you want to risk them on a mission. Maybe Mama Jae could watch them for a day or two?"

"I can have her fly out there's no need to shuttle them all back home. Besides Mama needs a little getaway." Anakin answered, his wife soothing his temper. Dak nodded his agreement. "Perfect. We next need to figure out where Jabba's cartel ship will be; we have to catch them in orbit. If they get to the surface, things get a lot harder."

"You just said they're orbiting Kessel; that means Jabba is likely finalizing details for the transfer which means it'll be in orbit for the next few days." Obi-Wan put in, stroking his beard as he thought about it. Satine raised an eyebrow, thinking along the same lines of her husband. "How do you plan getting us on board without getting recognized?"

"Unless you have a hide in plain sight plan." Rex offered, speaking for the first time. "Perhaps; Jabba's got the place crawling with guards. Lucky for you, I have two spare uniforms. Unfortunately, it'll only fit someone with my stature..." Dak's yellow eyes landed on his brother. "Wait, hold it, I'm confused. Do we need to infiltrate his cruiser or his palace." Ahsoka spoke up looking between the men. "His cartel flagship; Jabba doesn't go anywhere without a clique of guards." He pointed out, his eyes turning towards his brother. "Once Anakin and I are in, we'll find Bunny and then signal the four of you. The less attention onboard, the less chance of us getting caught; besides, I don't think Anakin wants to risk all of us getting caught."

"Definitely not." The young crime lord agreed, nodding his head. "What about Jabba?" Padme asked, a scenario forming in her head. "Someone needs to distract him; maybe I could do it." Anakin frowned, "If anything goes wrong Sweetheart, I don't want him blaming you." He had to voice his own concern. "I meant for a distraction; I could maybe talk to him about... You or something! Maybe even bring up the kids?" She tried to think of something; a lightbulb suddenly went off in her head. "I could go talk to him about your upcoming birthday or something; pretend I don't know what to get you."

A small smile crept onto Anakin's face.

"That's my devious, little Mouse."