Star Wars the Clone Wars: Family Ties

Chapter 11

In the Jedi Temple Medical Bay, Cloe lays on a bed with a fresh bandage over eye, still unconscious. Braxton is standing with Windu, Obi-Wan, and Anakin, while Rex stands next Cloe's bedside with Cody.

"You want me to leave her," Braxton said.

"It would only be temporary," Windu said, "Just until we can figure what Grievous and the Separatist are up to."

"But, I was told that Grievous knows that I am not the One. So, why am I still in danger?"

"We don't know that yet, Braxton. What is important now is that we get you safe," Anakin said.

Braxton looks back at Cloe, "What about her?"

"Cloe will remain here on Coruscant with us until she gets better," Windu said.

"I know that this isn't ideal for you, Braxton," Obi-Wan said, "But you have to understand that if you remain here, everyone including your sister is in grave danger."

Braxton wipes away the tears that begin to fall down his face.

"Can I have a moment say goodbye," he asked looking back at the group.

"Of course," Windu said.

Making eye contact with everyone in the room, they all begin to file out as Braxton walks up to Cloe's bedside. Braxton lightly sits on her bed and grabs her hand.

"You always were there to protect me," Braxton said, "And now it is time for me to protect you. Just. Try not to be too angry at them when you wake up. I want to go with them. They aren't forcing me. I am willingly going."

Braxton gives Cloe a small kiss on the head, "I promise that I will come back safe and sound. Promise and beyond."

He places his thumb on hers and with one last kiss, he slowly walks out of the Medical Bay.

----------------------------------

On the landing bay of the Jedi Temple, Windu stands on the loading bridge of a ship, talking with a clone. Anakin and Obi-Wan stand at the bottom of the bridge with Cody and Rex. Soon, Braxton joins them with a backpack and a cloak around him.

"Ready," Anakin asked as Braxton walked up.

Braxton sighs heavily, "No. But I don't really have a choice, do I?"

"Don't worry, kid," Rex said, "We will keep an on your sister for you. And let you know if anything happens to her."

Braxton gives a small smile to Rex, before looking up to Windu who gives him a slight nod indicating that it was time to go. Braxton begins to walk up the platform before stopping halfway up and walking back down and to Rex.

"I meant to give you this," Braxton said.

He reveals a small communicator that is on a chain, "I was working on it on Oria before everything happened. I want you to hold to it for me."

"You got it kid," Rex said taking the chain.

Braxton smiles once more at Rex and runs up the platform. The ship takes off within a matter of seconds and flies into the atmosphere, leaving Coruscant. Across from the Jedi Temple stands a tall building and a female figure in all black is looking below at the landing bay. The figure pulls up a hologram of Count Dooku.

"They took him away," Sierra Mist said, "What now?"

"Continue with the plan," Dooku said, "Bring Cloe to me."

The assassin ends the hologram and stands up.

"This is where the fun begins."