Danny didn't know why he agreed on this. The ghost wasn't on the frontline, neither he was withthe rest of his family. Of course, Ahsoka counted as the family member, very much so, but she was also the one to bring him on Shili, away from the places the Emperor's job required him to be. But it was important for his surrogate daughter, so Phantom got a spare moment. Ever since Danny gave his agreement, the teenage girl seemed really excited. Too sad Ahsoka hadn't told him what exactly she had in mind.

Well, here they were, sitting on a rock surrounded by the tall grass. They were eating at the moment, a small lunch composed of sandwiches, juices and fruits. It was a very peaceful place: some birds chirped and the grass softly rustled around them. The sky was bright blue, and the sun was at its zenith. Danny smiled, it was actually a nice change, all that blasts and explosions were going to make him deaf.

The victory over Eriadu was outstanding. The superior Republican fleet was in ruins and the Jedi leading it was captured. And Phantom couldn't believe his luck, he captured the member of the Jedi Council. He had to give it to the man, Master Koth agreed to surrender to save his people. Phantom promised to keep them unharmed. He kept the promise, but the Jedi needed to be transported to Count Dooku. For what reason, Danny didn't know, but suspected something nasty.

And with Admiral Trench utterly humilated after his pathetic defeat over Cristophsis, Phantom looked like Caesar returning from Gallia compared to him. But it was only one victory, there were still Republican enclaves within the Confederacy's territory. Danny decided to appeal to the Separatist Senate, through his dearest yuth, of course. Asking the Council would have been suspicious. Besides, most Senators were led by interests of their planets, not money. They needed results, and Phantom gave them.

Of course, there was Grievous. He won the battle and settled fear in the hearts of the Republican citizens. Phantom wondered who he was, but there was nothing. The Intelligence couldn't find anything: no full name, no birth certificate. It helped with building the appearance of a creepy monster. On chicken legs. Phantom snickered the entire day when he got this thought. Members of the Imperial Council looked at him weirdly, once he attended the meeting. But, unlike the Separatist one, they didn't dare to say a word, despite the kind personality of the Emperor.

"Hey, kiddo," Danny called as Ahsoka took a bite of chicken sandwich. "I don't mind being here, but why exactly do you want to?"

The girl ate the meal and looked up at her father. She was wearing white leggins and red slightly heeled boots. Above the leggins was a short red skirt, and her higher chest was covered by a red piece of clothing, which showed her belly.

"I wanted to see my planet again. Thanks again for taking me here."

"No problem, I can do it in a few seconds, you know. But it isn't the only thing you came here for, right?" Danny asked calmly.

"Uhm...maybe."

Suddenly they caught a rustle in the grass. It was distant, but they caught it nevertheless. Ahsoka sniffed the air and grimaced.

"Oh-oh."

Phantom caught a glimpse of something long, furry and orange between the stalks of yellow grass. His hand went to the lightsaber on his belt. Ahsoka meanwhile prepared to take her own swords, stepping as far as she could into open ground. Understanding what she had in mind, Danny followed the gesture.

"What exactly are we looking for?" He asked.

"There are a lot of predators on this planet. If that's what I think it is, we got a jackpot."

Phantom raised his eyebrow, but followed the girl, who ran forward. She was very agile, and was able to get forward. But Ahsoka patiently waited for her father to catch up. Soon they got to the edge of the field, peaking out from the tall stalks of grass. On the opening was a creature, which was chewing down the corpse of one unlucky Togruta. Danny covered the girl's eyes instinctively, but Ahsoka still tilted her head to the side. The feline predator had a long body, covered in orange fur. It had a long pronounced jaw, which looked like it was able to chew down metal and spew what stayed between its teeth.

"Alright, who is this cutie?" Danny asked.

"Akul. They are dangerous and unpredictable."

"I can't agree on the last one. Duck."

Ahsoka knew that even when said calmly his command needed to be done. The rustle became more pronounced. Danny only had time to become intangible as a huge predator jumped out of the cover. Ahsoka was out of range, so she just jumped on her feet and activated the lightsabers. The animal growled, pacing in front of them, getting attention of another predator.

Ahsoka jumped to the side and another Akul missed her. It wasn't so patient as the other one, the Akul attacked Phantom, who seemed like a more preferable prey. Danny ignited the lightsaber and slashed, but its reflexes were quick, and it possessed the feline flexibility. The creature avoided the strike and tried to bite him, but Phantom pushed it away and zapped. It roared and attempted to get him again.

The girl meanwhile was attacked by the second predator. She jumped high in the air, above the animal, spinning in the air and trying to slash it. The Akul jumped to the side and once Ahsoka landed, lunged forward. She attempted to slash the beast, and one of her lightsabers reached the target. Even if the blade pierced the jaw, the weapon was sent flying out of her grasp.

Danny meanwhile was wrestling with the beast, holding its jaw open. He grimaced as saliva dripped slowly on his clothes.

"You need mint gum, kitten!"

He got an idea. Danny loosened the hold on his lightsaber. It floated above the creature's head and ignited again, piercing the predator. It fell dead and Ahsoka saw it. Using her distraction, Akul attacked the girl. Danny's eyes widened, before he blasted the feline with a red beam. It was sent flying backwards, but recovered quickly. Ahsoka narrowed her eyes and jumped at the animal's back. It tried to shake her off, but Ahsoka held tightly. She then repeated her father's action and stabbed the animal's head. It fell dead and Ahsoka grinned.

"I didn't even sweat!" She said proudly, putting hands on her belt.

"And almost got yourself eaten," Phantom scolded her. "Remember our fighting sessions?"

"Yeah..."

"And what did I say?"

"Never turn away from the enemy," Ahsoka looked down on the ground.

"But all in all, good job."

She beamed again. When Danny turned around, Ahsoka remembered what she needed.

"Wait, Dad," she called and Phantom looked back. "Can you...take out a few teeth?"

The ghost blinked. "What for?"

"It's just a tradition. When someone kills an Akul, we make an accessory from its teeth."

"I see..."

Grimacing, Danny phased off the teeth from their roots. They were really big and had a straight triangular shape.

"And what now?" He asked.

"I don't know, actually...maybe there are people in the settlement who can help make it."

Phantom shrugged, before telling Ahsoka to wait. He floated up in the air and looked around. After seeing the buildings on a distance, he descended to the ground. Danny saw the teen's deadpan expression.

"I want to fly, too," she grumbled.

Phantom didn't comment on this. They just went in required direction for some time. It was a village, and by the signs of it, there was something akin to emergency situation. Barricades, watch towers, all included. As they came close to the barricade, several Togruta came from their covers, pointing blasters at them. But soon they seemingly relaxed.

"Oh, that's not the predators!" Someone said.

"Yeah, I don't look much like a big cat, right?" Danny asked.

"Open the doors."

A hole in the barricade appeared, and two Force Users stepped inside. Behind that was a normally looking village. And of course many eyed the strangers. On of the Togruta approached them and bowed slightly.

"We are sorry for pointing weapons at you, please forgive us. This Akuls are running rampant."

"Why?" Danny raised an eyebrow.

"They are really hungry during mating seasons. They have already razed several villages, but we had time to prepare and give a temporary home to those who were able to survive."

"And what were you doing there?"

It was said by another Togruta, with three headtails of purple and white colors. He seemed to be really old. Phantom kept the same calm expression.

"My daughter and I just traveled to her home planet. AND she killed her first Akul. We wondered if someone here would be able to make something out of them."

Everyone's eyes widened as they looked at the blushing girl. Danny was too straightforward. Then the old man saw the lightsabers and everything became clear to him. And the ghost's face was familiar...

"You...you are Phantom, the Confederacy leader!"

Ahsoka blinked and Danny realized that the conversation with her was going to take place soon.

"Well, not the leader," Phantom rubbed the back of his neck. "One of them."

"W-we don't need any problems, we are a neutral planet!"

"No worries, I'm not here because of the war, I repeat. So, is there someone who can help us out? I'm paying good money for it."

"Well, there is, let me show you. Return to your posts now," the man said to the armed men.

As they went, Danny kept asking questions to the elder alien. Their settlement managed to fend off the supplies other communes shared with them. Rampant predators prevented them from growing food, and there was nothing to hunt, because Akuls ate everything. Danny offered some help, but the man was against it. It would seem like he had accepted the help of CIS. Then Phantom suggested hiring mercenaries to hunt down the beasts. The Togruta agreed on this, and was happy that Danny was going to do that for free.

Soon the Stormtroopers would be cleaning the ground. Yes, probably not the work they expected, but that's the oath they all made when joining the army. There was a joking interpretation between the soldiers. "Boys with guns help pals with pikes," they said. But all in all, it was their duty to help the citizens of the Empire, even if future ones. Besides, they all were bored with standing on the outposts and would be happy for any action.

When they gave the teeth to the master, Danny and Ahsoka sat at one of the small eating places. Togruta were very communal beings, they even shared the food. With each other. Phantom just got something to drink for himself and Ahsoka. The two sat on the grassland, drinking some strange stuff which tasted like ice tea.

"So, you wanted to ask something," Danny said.

"What's this Confederacy they talk about?"

"Heh, well, where did you think Komand and Dani were?"

"Hey, I didn't know anything, we had been traveling all this time!"

"Yeah, true enough," Danny shrugged and made a gulp. "Anyways, I'll better show you. Your accessory is not going to be made by tomorrow."

He got up and gave his hand. Ahsoka took it, before they teleported away, to the corner of the Galaxy. Raxus Secundus was a temperate world with grassy hills and many trees. It wasn't as famous as its neighbor - Raxus Prime, which had turned from a gaia world to the biggest junkyard of the Galaxy. Raxus Secundus was famous for one thing - now it was the capital of the Confederacy.

The central city looked really nice. It was somewhere about the size of Paris. It had slums, but what city doesn't? Phantom had purchased a nice mansion, and not many knew about this residence. The Emperor didn't have many palaces across his enormous country, even if there were numerous paradise places. He received money from the treasury, and sometimes he deemed it too much. Danny spent extra money on charity or needs like this.

The mansion was located in an elite part of the city. The entrance was guarded by two B-2 battle droids, who stepped aside as he approached. Danny and Ahsoka walked through the corridors, which looked nice and comfy. Phantom liked the place, he was going to keep it after the war would be over. They heard Komand's voice on a distance.

"Hm, where is this girl?" She asked loudly, not sounding sincere at all.

Danny chuckled and shook his head, while Ahsoka smirked. They peaked through the slightly opened door. Komand was looking around: behind the curtain, in the wardrobe, and each time she gasped. Phantom clearly heard the giggles of a certain little girl. Then Komand was going through the middle of the living room, with a thoughtful expression. Suddenly she seemingly grabbed the air and raised her hands.

"Found ya," the woman smirked, before forcing Dani to turn visible.

"Haha, Mommy, stop!" She laughed as Komand tickled the child.

"How many times I said not to become invisible when we are playing? You are gonna get punished!" The yuth said with a grin, continuing the tickling.

"You are so cruel, honey."

Both girls looked towards the entrance and beamed.

"Daddy!" Dani squealed and phased out of her mother's arms.

The girl jumped into Danny's embrace, causing him to laugh. He kissed her cheek and put her on the ground. Dani then ran to Ahsoka and hugged her and gave her a mark bone breaking greeting.

"Hey, little sister," The Togruta patted the small ghost.

Phantom's head meanwhile was turned to the side and he immediately felt his lover's lips on his. She was kissing him ravenously, wrapping her hands around his neck. Danny hugged her closer and returmed the kiss. Komand parted their lips and panted for breath.

"Woah, that was intense," Phantom commented as Dani eewed.

"I didn't have this for two damn weeks."

Ah, yes, yuth hormones, he forgot. Danny looked at Komand again and she was blushing at what she just said. Phantom chuckled, but then one of the B-1 droids stepped into the room.

"Madam, the guests are here," it said in its usual whiney voice. Whoever made them was an idiot.

Komand let go of her lover. "Let them in," she said.

"Guests?" Danny asked as the machine walked out of the room.

"Well, we need the Senators to be loyal to us, right? I just wanted to make some friends."

Phantom smirked. "Smart girl," he then looked at the children. "Kids, leave us, please."

"C'mon, sis, I'm gonna show you something!" Dani said, pulling Ahsoka after her.

"Why do you have to be so strong?!" The older girl exclaimed in exasperation, before being pulled out of the room.

Danny and Komand chuckled at the siblings' antics. As the first one was busy examining the journal lying on an armchair, the Yuth stood and waited. Soon two B-1s led two people inside. Man and woman both were somewhere in the late thirties. The woman had gray eyes and graying auburn hair, and was wearing a gray dress. She sure liked that color. The man had auburn hair, too, but had blue eyes. He was wearing brown robes.

Komand smiled. "Mina, Larce, thank you for coming," she greeted and approached.

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, dear," Mina responded, shaking her hand.

"Nice to meet you, madame," Larce added.

"Komy, dear, mind introducing your friends?"

Danny appeared out of nowhere and stood nearby, causing the guest's eyes to widen in surprise. He loved getting such reactions. He bowed theatrically.

"Daniel Phantom at your service."

"Oh, we didn't expect to see you here, General," Larce commented, sounding somewhat enthusiastic.

"Believe me, my beautiful lover hadn't told me about your arrival as well."

"Hey, is it my fault that you are absent for so long?" Komand crossed her hands and blushed at being called beautiful.

"Military duties are like that," Larce commented before they all sat on a sofa and two armchairs. "Larce Bonteri, it's an honor to meet you, sir."

"Wow, I'm getting popular," Phantom said with amusement, before seeing narrowed eyes of his girlfriend. She would have nudged him if not for two meters separating them.

"What my husband is trying to say is that we all are impressed by your achievements, General," Mina put in. "Very interesting for someone of your age."

"There is Grievous, he won too."

"Yes, but his methods are more...uncivilized. Besides, you won while the Republic had an upper hand."

"Alright, please stop praising him, or his ego threatens to hit the ceiling," Komand deadpanned, making Danny gasp dramatically.

"How can you say such things?!" He said.

The married couple chuckled at the exchange. Yes, there was definitely something between them.

"So, you are dating, aren't you?" Larce asked.

"Yep."

"For four years," Komand said with a strange note in her voice.

"And you still aren't married?" Mina raised her eyebrow.

Both young adults blushed, and two humans noticed a green color in the stark haired man's cheeks. Huh, he looked human, didn't he?

"Ehem," Danny coughed. "Anyways, there aren't many humans in the Confederacy. Where are you from?"

"Onderon," Larce answered.

"That's...quite far from here."

"Certainly not farther than your planets."

"True enough. My homeworld of Terra is far away."

"So that's where you are from. I never heard of it," Mina commented as a servitude droid brought drinks.

"Purest Ceylon tea...I still like coffee more," Danny said, getting off topic. "It's no surprise you don't know about it, the planet is uncharted and I'll prefer to keep it that way."

"And what about you?" Larce asked, turning to Komand.

"Well, my planet is uncharted as well. It's Babylon."

The conversation kept going about personal things, except for those which were private. Each side understood that. Then the talk came to the war. Larce showed an awe of the ghost's original tactics. If only he saw Thrawn. Then the conversation took a sudden turn.

"Are you two the Jedi?" Mina asked.

Phantom hummed and Komand decided to let him speak.

"Well, no, we are not. They forbid attractions, you know?"

It was a perfectly built lie, when he didn't lie at all, he simply made them think what he needed. Like if they LEFT the Order.

The talk left a very pleasant impression. When two families said their farewells, Danny and Komand looked at each other. Phantom then slowly walked in direction of the nursery. Understanding what he intended to do, the woman followed him. She felt that her lover was in deep thought, and she voiced her curiosity.

"It's...complicated. Why do you think I preferred to keep Ahsoka with us instead of returning her?" He asked.

The question caught Komand off guard. "Uhm...because you wanted to have more Paladins?"

"Then why wasn't she training with others?"

There was a silence. What exactly did he mean?

They entered the nursery, and saw that Dani was wearing a carton Roman helmet with a carton sword in her hand. Ahsoka was sitting in a pillow castle, seeming both amused and a bit embarrassed.

"Don't worry, princess!" Dani said, fixing the helmet on her head and raising her sword. "The Mighty Warrior will save you!"

She jumped at the giant plush toy with an adorable roar, swinging her sword.

"Take that, you meanie dragon!" She said loudly.

Dani defeated the dragon and everyone else laughed. The girl didn't notice that, so she just jumped on her feet.

"Now, you are safe, princess!" Dani grinned proudly, looking at Ahsoka.

"So I see, Mighty Warrior," the Togruta smiled.

The white haired girl yawned. Phantom came to Dani from behind and picked her up. She yelped, but recovered quickly as the helmet fell over her eyes.

"Looks like our lil' warrior needs her day nap."

"NO! I'm a big warrior, I don't need..." Dani yawned again.

Phantom chuckled as Komand approached them.

"Please, put her to bed, I'll be back soon."

She nodded, before Danny handed the girl to his lover. Dani didn't resist and just held onto the yuth, playing with her short black hair. When they left, the ghost looked at his another daughter.

"I promised you answers, Ahsoka. Let's go for a walk."

The perk of living on the city border was that they were able to walk around the forests and fields. If Raxus Prime used to have tropics and white beaches, Raxus Secundus looked like savanna. As they went, Phantom patiently explained the war situation to Ahsoka. He tried to be careful, and avoided talking about the Jedi. But his student was smart, and the girl straightforwardly asked the question about the Order's position. Even if she had spent four years in a company of loving family, the Order still was important for her.

"The Jedi sided with the Republic..." Danny said slowly. "So yes, we are enemies."

"But why do they help them?"

Phantom smiled internally. It may be not so hard, after all.

"Because they believe that the Confederacy is a bunch of evil bastards. Well, its leaders mostly are. But the Senators aren't. They just want to live happy lives, not to be a mere source of raw materials, so moneybags could treat them as trash."

"And you became the Confederacy general...why?"

"Because I want to help people understand that I'm not someone to be feared of. Then, once the time will be right, the Empire will reveal itself, and everyone will see who I really am. We will take this part of the Galaxy without making a single shot. Well, except maybe Death Troopers."

"And what about the Jedi?"

Danny sighed. "Of course, it would have been nice if they stayed neutral. But they are our enemies, except for those Count Dooku turned. But he is a Sith, and not the one who serves me. They follow the Dark Side only, and that's not the way. I don't want to kill them, but I often have no choice. You aren't feeling offended, I hope?"

"No, I think. Still..."

"I know you are conflicted, dear, but you may help them."

"How?" Ahsoka looked up at him with a thoughtful expression.

Danny smirked. "The Order thinks you're dead. Of course, there may be some complications, but we will think up something. I'm not asking about espionage, they are generals and all, but about trying to...convince some of them. You will save their lives. Of course, it must be subtle."

Ahsoka looked on the ground, not sure what to think about it. "But...what if they find out?"

Danny put a hand on her shoulder. "I will be ready to help you by the first signal. I know this is an important decision for you, so I'm not ordering it. This is entirely up to you, kiddo."

They sat on the grassy ground, no one said a word. Danny was patient, he just looked at the setting sun. He wondered what was going on in his daughter's mind. He couldn't read thoughts, he only sensed a conflict. True, convincing the Jedi could save them. But working against the Order...Why did it feel wrong? But one main factor was a general thankfulness to Danny. The man was never unkind to her, and he did so much. Now Phantom asked for something in exchange. Ahsoka finally got a chance to do something. She looked at Danny, who was lying with hands behind his head and closed eyes.

"What do I need to do?" The Togruta asked.

Danny only smiled.

Two following days the Intelligence was busy setting up everything. The agents prepared some small things, bribing a few witnesses so they would say what's needed, buying a transport so it would look like Ahsoka arrived on Coruscant by using it. Phantom meanwhile came up with a cover story, closing every plot hole in it and making sure the girl remembered every last piece of it. Ahsoka got a teary farewell from her little foster sister, they sure would miss each other. Komand was more temperate, just a strong hug.

Danny took her to Shili, where they also took back the accessory - the headdress. It fit her perfectly, and looked very nice. There, in the small spaceport, Phantom said his final advises, and bid his loving farewell, too. Danny's smile was enough for Ahsoka to regain the wavering confidence. It had such an effect on people, many citizens of the Empire loved their ruler because of that. It gave confidence in the following day.

From Shili Ahsoka was taken to the Republican capital. It felt strange for her to return to Coruscant after four years. The Togruta never would have thought that she would return there while not being the Jedi. From the spaceport Ahsoka took a taxi to the Jedi Temple. She got a weirded look from the driver, but he did his job.

Ahsoka went through the enormous square in front of the building. She passed several golden statues, which were about thirty meters tall, not counting the pedestrians. The teen went up the enormous staircase, and near the huge doors she was stopped by two Temple guards. They were wearing white and yellow robes, with masks covering their faces. Ahsoka couldn't help but compare them to her father's Palatine Guards. They activated the yellow ligtsabers and blocked the path. The girl jumped slightly.

"Hey, that's rude," she deadpanned.

She tried to pass them for five minutes, and each time they didn't let her in. Soon, however, the ridiculous show was stopped.

"What's going on here?"

Ahsoka looked behind the guards and saw a mid aged man with dark blond hair and blue eyes. It was Cin Drallig, the head of Temple guards. Apparently, he was summoned there. That was right, the lightsaber caught them off guard, pun intended.

"Hello, Master Drallig," Ahsoka said. "No one wants to let me in, you see."

"Do I know you?" The man raised his eyebrow.

"I'm Ahsoka. Ahsoka Tano."

Cin's expression became thoughtful, before his eyes widened.

"The ways of the Force are unpredictable," he muttered. "Guards, let her in."

They removed their lightsabers and turned them off. Ahsoka made a few steps forward, only to be stopped by the Jedi Master.

"The Council has to know about this, follow me, Young One."

Without any other option, the girl followed him. She admitted to herself that it felt nice to walk through that halls again. They got to the elevator, which moved them up the central tower. In a tiny corridor the Master stopped her and ordered to wait. Ahsoka paced around in boredom, until Drallig went out and invited her to come in, while going back to the elevator. Taking a deep sigh, the Togruta went into the Council room.

Several Jedi Masters were sitting there, while some were present in the form of holograms. One of the twelve chairs was empty. All of them looked at the new arrival in curiosity, and Ahsoka flashed a brief smile at Master Plo Koon.

"Surprised to see you, we are, youngling," Yoda said from his small chair.

"You were presumed dead," Master Fisto said rather straightforwardly.

"I suspected as much," Ahsoka responded, sounding sad.

"You must understand that no one survived on Ilum," Windu said. "How did YOU manage to do so?"

"There were some animals, their meat is edible and their fur is warm. They didn't live in the crystal caves, so I had to leave them in order to survive. Probably that's why our paths didn't cross. I tried, but hurrying through the snowstorm would be a suicide."

"And you were like that for four years?"

"No, a few months later some smuggler was there. He agreed to take me out of there, but I needed to work for this. We flew across the Galaxy, doing some errands, but we never were on Coruscant, only in the Outer Rim. Then there were many things: I worked on the factory, delivered parcels, many things. I tried to save money for a way to Coruscant, but I never was able to. Then I finally got a chance to get to Shili, I hoped that my commune would help me. There I killed the Akul and got this headdress. They helped me get a place in a transport. That's how I got here."

"Hm, a sad and impressive story, it is," Yoda said. "Where the lightsabers came from?"

"Oh, I found them in the snow in one of the caves. It looked like a remnant of the battlefield."

"Yes, there was a battle against the Sith Empire a long time ago."

The irony sometimes can be thick.

"Really? Oh, anyways, I just picked them and put the crystals I found in them. So...what happens now?"

"I think it counts as a trial," Plo Koon commented. "Not everyone can survive for four years in such young age."

Ahsoka felt a shameful pang in her chest. Many Masters agreed with this.

"Right you are, Master Plo," Yoda rubbed his chin with his three fingered hand. "Placed with the Jedi Master, you must be."

"But Master Yoda," Windu put in. "She is four years behind the teachings. Are you sure it is wise to do so?"

"Replaced with Padawan training, they can be," Yoda gave something akin to a small snicker.

"It still shall be discussed. Until then, go have some rest, Young One."

Ahsoka bowed slightly. "Thank you, Masters, I will wait for your decision."

She turned around and went out of the room. Apparently, the mission was successful.