The peaceful togrutan colony of Kiros had been invaded by the Separatists army. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker had been sent with their padawans to assist the togrutas.

Grim had remembered the mission the moment she had heard of it, although she hadn't had the chance to warn the others. While on the ship, Grim paced back and forth, anxious about what would take place on the mission.

Ahsoka watched Grim. "What happened to them?" she asked her.

Grim stopped her pacing. "What? Oh...well.." she realized Ahsoka had noticed her worry.

Ahsoka walked over to Grim, "dear, you're not good at hiding your worry. Something has either happened or is about to happen."

Grim rubbed the back of her neck and gave her girlfriend an awkward smile. "You can see right through me, huh?" she asked nervously.

"Grim..."

"Both," she admitted. "They are all gone, they were kidnapped."

"All of them?" Ahsoka asked, her eyes wide. "How could the Separatists kidnap all of them? Where are they being held? We need to tell Master Kenobi and Master Skywalker!"

"Ash wait-" Grim started, but Ahsoka had rushed off to tell their Masters.

Grim muttered a curse that only Obi-Wan would understand and ran after Ahsoka. When the two padawans reached their Masters, it looked like Obi-Wan and Anakin were about to find Grim and Ahsoka.

"Whoa," said Anakin. "You two are in a hurry," he commented.

"Yeah," said Grim. She looked at Obi-Wan, "Master? May we talk?"

Obi-Wan looked at his padawan with some mixed confusion. "Sure, what is it, Grim?"

Grim dragged Obi-Wan to the side so Anakin couldn't overhear. "Long story short, I've seen this before. The colonists were captured and taken to Zygerria to be sold as slaves," she explained.

"Well that certainly complicates matters," said Obi-Wan stroking his beard.

"The way I see it, it's completely straightforward, we go to where they are and rescue them," said Grim.

"That would be the goal, but it isn't a plan. Not to mention we have no evidence of this matter-"

"Is my word not enough?"

"It is for those who know about you, but things get complicated when other parts of the problem are involved."

"Oh, so I should just tell everyone my big secret?"

"That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying we need to work around the fact that the only people who know are the Council."

"So are you saying we go ahead with this mission even though it is pointless to do so and we both know it?" Grim asked him. "The lives of everyone in that colony is at stake!"

"You think I'm not aware of that, Grim? We're in a difficult situation. The only way we know this is through you, and while I and everyone else on the Council trust you, the simple fact of the matter is, nobody else knows and it is not like it's just the two of us involved on this mission. Otherwise things would be different."

Grim considered his words. He was right. It wasn't just them on this mission, what she knew couldn't alter the course of this mission. "So it must go as I know," she sighed defeatedly.

"No, it can change."

"How?"

"Well, how was this discovered? What should we expect?"

"Oh," she said, realizing. "Well, we should expect droids, well obviously. You'll be summoned to negotiate with this one asshole named D'Nar. Get your ass kicked in the process, but I assume it was part of the plan."

"That doesn't sound like much of a negotiation if I get beat up," Obi-Wan pointed out.

"I'm just telling you the plot of the episode. And the fight was your idea," she shrugged. "Anyways, D'Nar has planted all these bombs in the city so Skywalker and Ash have to go around and defuse them. Under the impression innocents will be killed if they don't. D'Nar escapes you, so then Skywalker and Ash go after him."

Obi-Wan stared at Grim. He inhaled deeply. "Padawan, do you realize the concerning things you say casually?"

"You asked for the plot!"

"I asked what to expect."

"Yeah, expect the plot of your story? What were you expecting me to tell you?"

"Not the plot of the entire 'episode' of this mission, just what to expect on the mission."

"Which is the plot of the mission?"

"Just what to worry about."

"Worry about the plot! I worry about the plot everyday! Be glad I only told you the plot of a single episode and not the whole series and a movie."

"And somehow I know there's even more plot than that that you worry about."

"Yeah but one thing at a time."

"And a series and a movie is one thing?"

"They overlap at the end of the series. So yes. Same plot. This series is building up to the movie."

"The things you say sometimes..." Obi-Wan sighed, shaking his head. Grim grinned in response but it quickly fell with his next words. "We still have to do this mission, but I'll keep in mind what you've told me and we can create a plan based around this."

Grim bowed her head. "Yes, Master," she said. She walked back over to Ahsoka and Anakin.

"Did you tell him?" Ahsoka asked.

"Yes, but the mission is still going," Grim told her.

Ahsoka frowned. "Why?"

"We only have my word."

Anakin looked between the two padawans, confused. "What are you two talking about? And what were you and Obi-Wan talking about, Tiny?"

Grim had forgotten Anakin was there. She froze for a moment, trying to figure out an excuse. Her lies about visions no longer worked on him, but she had to keep a straight story. She was about to speak when Ahsoka answered instead.

"Grim had a vision," she explained to her Master. Lying for Grim, understanding that she didn't want Anakin to know about her being from another universe. Although she didn't understand why, she respected her girlfriend's wishes.

Anakin raised an eyebrow, "Oh she did, did she?" He looked at Grim. "Can I speak with you for a moment?" Grim gulped. Anakin didn't wait for her to respond and grabbed her arm leading her to a place they could speak. He let go of her and crossed his arms, glaring down at her. "I know you don't have visions, Grim."

Grim was afraid but wasn't going to show that to Anakin. She wasn't going to let the older Jedi intimidate her. "Of course I have visions, Skywalker," she told him. "How else would I know some of the things I've known?"

"I don't know, but I do know they aren't from visions. Visions couldn't have told you about what I did before this war even started, don't think I've forgotten that. You know things you shouldn't, I don't know how but I do know that. I have visions, they aren't as clear as you claim they are. Now not only are you lying to me, but you're lying to Ahsoka too? What are you trying to accomplish, Grim?" Anakin demanded.

She wanted to shrink into the wall. She had hoped Anakin would have forgotten her slip up from all those months ago. She had forgotten about it after all the time that had passed. She tried to laugh off Anakin's accusation. "What am I trying to accomplish? What do you mean? Are you trying to imply I would hurt Ahsoka? Because I would ne-"

"This isn't just about Ahsoka. What is your motive?"

Grim gawked at him. "My motive? W- what? Skywalker I have no ulterior motive. My motive is to do what is right."

"Then why lie about having visions? You know more than you let on. You know more than you should."

"And if I do, Skywalker?" Grim asked him, her fear turning into a quick anger. "If I do know more than I let on, then I should? What does that matter to you? What does it matter if I lie about it? We're on the same team, we both want to end this war peacefully and save lives. Or have I misjudged you? Do you not care if we save lives? Of course you don't. People like you only care about victory. They don't see the lives they can hurt, that they can end. Because for you, this isn't about other people. It's about your own selfish desires. Oh yes, I know far more than I let on, far more than I should, but at least I use that knowledge to defend life and make the galaxy better for others. If you knew the very same things I did, you would use it to build a better life for yourself and tear yourself apart all the same. It doesn't matter in the slightest what I know or how I know it. How can you even be sure I'm lying to Master Kenobi and Ahsoka? Maybe the only one I lie to is you, because you have stained your hands with so much blood and have turned your head to the darkness, walking away from the light so often that I could never trust you." She stormed away without waiting on Anakin to respond.

Of course I lie to him. He's a Sith.

Anakin watched her for a moment. His anger raging into a fire. How dare she claim she was better than him.

She was only a kid, what did she know?

Ahsoka and Obi-Wan wore concerned expressions on their faces when Grim and Anakin met back with them. They could feel the conflict between them. Ahsoka even felt a little guilty that she had said something wrong.

Obi-Wan tried to break the tension. "Well..." he said. "We should get on with our mission."

Kiros was a beautiful world. Grim would have loved to be here under vastly different circumstances. Unfortunately, a galaxy at war rarely allowed for vacations so Grim took in the beauty for only a moment. The mission was more important.

The four Jedi were on speeder bikes with the padawans controlling the guns on the side bikes and their Masters driving. When Grim looked over and saw Ahsoka wearing her goggles she couldn't help but think she looked cute. But again it was only for a moment. The mission was more important.

They began to ride through the city. "It's too quiet," Anakin said. "I haven't seen any colonists."

"I don't like it," agreed Rex. "The clankers have never been shy about using civvies as living shields."

"They could just be hiding, I'm sure they're here somewhere," decided Anakin. "Let's make for the city center."

As they made their way for the center, Ahsoka suddenly shouted. "Biker droids, dead ahead!"

Sure enough droids had blocked the way.

"Squad, tighten up. Form on me," Anakin ordered.

The clones did as they were ordered. The droids started to head towards the group of Jedi and clones.

Blasterfire erupted to life.

Grim and Ahsoka ignited their lightsabers as they deflected enemy blasterfire back at the droids.

The clones shot at the droids and the droids shot at all of them.

Anakin ignited his own lightsaber and cut a droid down before deactivating his weapon as he continued to drive the bike.

Ahsoka deactivated her lightsabers as she shot down the droids. Grim soon deactivated her own to do the same.

They defeated the droids that chased them. "We're all clear, Master," Ahsoka said.

When they reached the center of the city they were not. Not only were droids waiting on them, tanks were there as well.

Once more blasterfire erupted to life.

One tank aimed its gun at them, but Rex quickly took it out of commission with a rocket launcher that destroyed it. Ahsoka jumped off her bike and destroyed the other one, throwing two bombs inside it. Before landing back on the bike before the explosion.

Grim watched Ahsoka move with grace, and a trace of blush appeared on her cheeks. She was in awe with how wonderful her girlfriend was.

But again, she could only have this for a moment. The mission was more important.

Obi-Wan turned to Rex, "Captain, have your men to secure the area."

Around an hour or so later, or at least that's what Grim felt like how much time had passed. She was never sure about time. The clones were still clearing out a few droids here and there and had set up a perimeter. Cody approached Obi-Wan with a message.

"Cody, any word from the Separatist commander?" Obi-Wan asked him.

"He's barricaded himself inside. His name is Darts D'Nar. He sent you a message, sir," Cody replied. He showed Obi-Wan the message.

A holographic figure of D'Nar appeared. "Master Kenobi, come to the tower. We will negotiate terms for surrender."

"Well that was easy," said Obi-Wan. He looked back at Grim, whose expression told him it wasn't that simple. He hadn't thought it would be.

The message was taken from Cody's hand into Anakin's as he used the force. He crushed it in his hand, and for a moment Grim saw the wrong man. Taking a step back.

"Zygerrian scum," said Anakin. Hatred seeped through his voice. "I'll handle that slaver."

Grim found herself suddenly frozen in fear. Wide eyes focused on Anakin but not seeing him. She saw Vader in his place. But what did that matter when they were the same man?

"Anakin, he asked for me," Obi-Wan reminded him.

"Fine. I'll have Admiral Yurlean initiate a planetary bioscan to locate the missing colonists," said Anakin. He marched off to do just that.

Grim watched him for a moment longer, as if afraid he'd suddenly dawn the suit of the shadow she saw. Obi-Wan noticed how she watched him with fear in her eyes. It concerned him how afraid Grim was of Anakin. And he wasn't blind to the conflict between his two padawans.

Ahsoka walked over to Obi-Wan. "Why is he so upset?"

"Anakin has never talked about his past, has he?" Obi-Wan asked her.

"Only to tell me he won't talk about it," Ahsoka replied.

"As a child, Anakin and his mother were sold into slavery by the Hutt clans."

"Oh. And these Zygerrians, they're slavers?"

"Anakin has struggled to put his past behind him."

Ahsoka sighed. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him."

"Make sure that you do." He told her. He then walked over to Grim. "Is everything alright, Grim?"

"Huh? Oh," She hadn't realized she was still staring at Anakin. She was still afraid that he would suddenly become Vader. "Yeah...I'm fine."

"You don't look fine," Obi-Wan told her.

"Then don't look," she replied.

"Grim," he said concerned.

"I'll be fine, I promise."

"I hope so, because you're going to be staying with Anakin and Ahsoka, while I negotiate with D'Nar."

"What?! Can't I come with you? I could be good at negotiating."

"He asked for me, nobody else. Besides, you were the one who told me I'll get beat up, I'd rather not have that happen to my Padawan as well. Are you going to be okay with Anakin?"

"What makes you think I wouldn't be?"

"I'm not blind Grim, for the past couple of months there's been a conflict between you and Anakin. And just now you were afraid of him, it almost looked like you were thinking of something else."

"I..." she trailed off. She had no excuse because Obi-Wan was right. He could see right through her. "I'll be fine," she said.

Obi-Wan gave Grim a worried look. Not entirely convinced but not wishing to argue with her. "Avoid causing any trouble," was all he said, instead.

Grim grinned. "Me, cause trouble? I would never," she said dramatically, before giggling.

Obi-Wan smiled. "Very well then," he said. Then he left to negotiate with D'Nar.

Grim, Ahsoka, and Cody were by Anakin when his comm went off. Obi-Wan was recording his conversation for them to hear.

D'Nar was speaking: "No, you are wrong, Jedi."

Obi-Wan: "Am I? You are no doubt aware your droid forces have been destroyed and you are surrounded. Do the honorable thing and give up now, D'Nar. I promise you will receive fair treatment."

D'Nar: "You have broken through my defenses. You think you've won. Think again. I have planted bombs all over the city. No one will survive. Now, surrender."

Ahsoka looked at Grim. Her face was confused and Grim read the question on it. She wished she could answer it without Anakin present.

Obi-Wan was speaking: "If you are not bluffing, then I must concede, but you'll have to make considerations. First, you release the colonists."

Now Obi-Wan was bluffing, because he knew that D'Nar was about the fact there would be no survivors. Because the togrutas weren't there. Grim had told him.

D'Nar's reply: "Here is my counteroffer."

The building behind them exploded. They turned around to see the destruction.

Obi-Wan had stopped recording his conversation, and he didn't need to. Now they had a new mission.

Find those bombs.

Grim, Ahsoka, Anakin, and Cody ran to the injured to help them. Anakin called for a medic, when Kix arrived Anakin then addressed Cody. "Cody, we don't have time for the planetary scan. Hook Artoo up and he'll locate the bombs."

"Right away, sir," Cody replied.

"Ahsoka, Grim, let's go," Anakin told the two padawans.

"Where are we going?" Ahsoka asked.

"To disarm the bombs while Obi-Wan negotiates," Anakin replied. The three Jedi hopped onto their own AT-RT walkers. "Let's hope he can buy us some time."

"This is Master Kenobi, we're talking about Skywalker, of course he can. Let's hope we can get this done quickly," Grim replied.

They sped off to find the first of the bombs. While they were, Anakin's comm went off. "General Skywalker, your droid's transmitting the bomb coordinates now," Cody informed him.

"Copy that, Cody. We're approaching the first bomb now," Anakin replied. He turned to look at the padawans, "let's go."

They reached the first bomb, Grim immediately jumped off her walker and ignited her lightsaber. She quickly cut down a droid.

Ahsoka followed, igniting her two lightsabers and cutting down the other droid.

The two padawans deactivated their lightsabers as Anakin made his way to the bomb. Grim removed the top of the bomb and Ahsoka looked inside. "There must be a wire we should cut," Ahsoka said. "Or something to stop the countdown."

"Stand back," Anakin told the two padawans. They obeyed as the Jedi Knight ignited his lightsaber and simply sliced the bomb. It instantly powered down.

"Wow," said Ahsoka. "How did you know that would work?"

"I trusted my instincts," Anakin replied.

"You mean you guessed," Grim and Ahsoka said at the same time.

"Yeah, but it was an educated guess," replied Anakin.

Grim sighed and shook her head. "Whatever you tell yourself, Skywalker."

"Come on, we've got plenty more to go," Anakin told the padawans.

Grim and Ahsoka rolled their eyes before following Anakin.

The Jedi trio disarmed many of the bombs throughout the city. As they destroyed the droid guards and then the bombs Grim found herself losing herself to the Force and allowing it to be her guide. As always. And with every fight it was a dance. She always felt free in combat, she didn't know why.

Now the trio were arriving at the final two bombs. Their lightsabers ignited, they cut through the droids to reach the bombs. Anakin deflected blasterfire as he spoke to the padawans, "defuse the bombs, I'll cover you."

"The bombs are linked," said Grim. She turned to Ahsoka, "we'd have to do it at the same time."

Ahsoka nodded. Grim ran to the one bomb while Ahsoka ran to the other. "On the count of three?" Ahsoka suggested.

"That sounds good to me," said Grim, getting in position.

"Alright," said Ahsoka, as she got into position. "Ready?"

"Always am, Ash," replied Grim.

"One, two-"

Blasterfire was now being directed towards the padawans by droids on the roof. "Snipers!" Grim cried.

"Kriff," cursed Ahsoka.

"I hate Star Wars curses," muttered Grim.

"I'll cover you, just disarm those bombs!" Anakin called. "I've already been covering you!"

"Can you handle those snipers?" Grim asked him, as she noticed the older Jedi struggling.

"Their shields are too strong," Anakin admitted.

"They're weak from the sides," said Grim.

"How do you know that?" Anakin asked her.

Grim smirked smugly, "I'm trusting my instincts."

"So you're guessing?"

"Maybe, but it's an educated one."

Anakin sighed and Ahsoka laughed. "Fine, I'll trust your guess, but I'll need your help."

"On it," said Grim. Grim and Anakin worked together to defeat the droids. Grim got the one closer to Anakin and Anakin got the one closer to Grim, then she turned to Ahsoka. "Three?"

Ahsoka smiled at Grim and the two padawans cut through the bombs. The three Jedi deactivated their lightsabers. "That was a close one," said Ahsoka.

"Let's hope Obi-Wan shares our luck," said Anakin.

"He will now, because of us," said Grim. "Although Master Kenobi would disagree on the part about luck."

Anakin grinned. "He certainly would."

A few minutes later another explosion went off and Obi-Wan's voice came through Anakin's comm. "Anakin, Anakin, come in. D'Nar is making his escape from the tower."

"On our way!" Anakin replied.

The Jedi trio headed off to catch D'Nar. "We'll never catch him in time," said Ahsoka.

"I'm not letting that slaver scum get away!" snapped Anakin.

Grim shuddered. Anakin scared her. She didn't say anything, afraid of saying the wrong words and causing him to get angrier.

While they chased after D'Nar, Grim tried not to see the wrong man, while feeling the shadow of Vader all the same.

They jumped onto D'Nar's ship as he was flying away. Anakin ignited his lightsaber and stabbed one of the engines of the ship, and it started to tilt. "Oh great fucking job, Skywalker!" Grim shouted over the wind.

"Quiet Grim!" Anakin snapped.

The three Jedi quickly ran around to a different part of the ship, clinging onto it so they wouldn't fall. "So, what's your plan?" Ahsoka asked.

"I'm open to ideas," Anakin replied.

"Meaning you don't have one," commented Grim.

The ship opened up and the three Jedi entered. The cargo hold was full of caged animals. One creature was set free by D'Nar as the trio turned around. The creature started to reach for the Jedi with its tentacles. "Hold on," Anakin told the padawans.

One tentacle wrapped around one of Ahsoka's legs. Grim cut Ahsoka free.

"Hold on? Do we have a choice?" Grim and Ahsoka asked him.

Anakin got caught by the tentacles of the creature. While Grim and Ahsoka continued to dodge together. Moving like two dancers in harmony.

Ahsoka stabbed the creature but it did not relent. Anakin cut himself free. "You're only making it angry, you stabilize the ship, I'll handle this," Anakin told the two padawans.

They nodded and rushed to do as they were told.

The two snuck into the cockpit, and pressed a few buttons behind D'Nar to stabilize the ship. He turned around and saw the two teenaged padawans.

They jumped back and pulled out their lightsaber, not igniting the blade. He pulled out his electric whip and spun it around, crackling. "Young Jedi, you will learn your place," he told the two girls.

Grim and Ahsoka ignited their lightsabers.

"I'm not so young anymore," retorted Ahsoka.

Except Grim knew they both were.

The two padawans fought together elegantly against D'Nar. The two danced as they dodged his whip. Performing a show together. They defeated him with grace. "Got ya," said Grim.

Anakin walked into the cockpit as the two Padawans deactivated their lightsabers. "Mission accomplished, Master," Ahsoka told him.

Anakin approached D'Nar crossing his arms and glaring at the slaver. "Where are the missing colonists?" He demanded.

"I will tell you nothing," D'Nar replied.

Anakin grabbed D'Nar and put his unignited lightsaber against his neck. "Where are they?" He demanded again.

As Grim watched she stepped back. Seeing Vader in Anakin's place. One hand even rested over her lightsaber as if afraid Vader would attack her next. Fear evident in her eyes.

Ahsoka saw Grim's reaction. "Master!" she hissed at Anakin.

Anakin saw Grim's reaction too. He shoved D'Nar back before he stepped back himself and crossed his arms once more.

"My queen is going to bring back the royal slave auction as in the days before the Jedi. Zygerria will be rich and powerful again. The Jedi will not stop us this time," D'Nar told them.

Anakin scoffed. "We'll see about that."

"You'll never get the chance," said Grim, she was angry too.

Ahsoka looked at Anakin and Grim, the anger in her master worried her, and Grim's reaction did little to put those worries at ease.

They returned to the ground, where they reported the results of the mission to the Jedi Council. Yurlean informed the Jedi that the togrutas were not even on Kiros at all.

"Hmm, troubling is the return of the Zygerrians," said Yoda.

"It is likely they mean to use Dooku to rebuild their slaver empire," Plo Koon said.

The evils of the galaxy seemed to be fond of empires.

"We can not allow that, Master," said Anakin.

"Agree I do, but first find the colonists you must," said Yoda. "In great danger they are."

"What is it, Master?" Plo Koon asked, seeing and sensing Yoda's concern.

"Sense I do, a darker hand in this mystery. Slavery, a great tool it is for the rise of the Sith," said Yoda.

Grim went still as her blood froze. She thought of the Empire she was giving everything to prevent. She looked at Anakin who she kept seeing as the ghost he'd become. She thought of how the end of the war drew near. She thought of Sidious. Her hands formed fists and she shut her eyes. Even with all she knew Sidious remained ahead.

Obi-Wan immediately noted how tense Grim had become, and felt her fear and anger. He noticed Anakin, his anger written clearly on his face. They'd have to get better control.

To save the missing Togrutas, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ahsoka, Rex, and Grim had to head to Zygerria undercover. While Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Rex had an easier time putting on their disguises, by putting on Zygerrian armor, Grim and Ahsoka had more complicated outfits.

Grim hated that it had to be done, but she wasn't going to complain when she knew this would help the togrutan colony. The two padawans wore dresses, as disguises for slaves. While it stopped there for Ahsoka, something had to be done about Grim's hair. It was harder to hide a human's padawan braid than a togruta's.

To fix this problem, Obi-Wan had helped to do Grim's hair. As he delicately wove her padawan braid around her hair making it a part of a larger hairstyle. While Obi-Wan did so Grim let out a heavy sigh. "I'm afraid," she admitted.

"Of what?" Obi-Wan asked her.

"This mission. It doesn't go so well in the show, and I highly doubt it'll go any better in real life."

"The future is always in motion," he reminded her. "Worrying about what could possibly happen does nothing good."

"I know that of course, Obi-Wan," she replied. "But when I know the future clearer than anyone else, it's hard not to worry."

"Yes, I understand that little one, but remember that you only know one possible outcome, and be mindful of your emotions."

"I know, Master."

Obi-Wan smiled. "Well, your hair for your disguise has been completed. We should go to the others."

Grim and Obi-Wan stood up. "Wait, Master, how do I look?" Grim asked him, before twirling around.

Obi-Wan let out a gentle laugh. "You look fine, Grim." She grinned in response.

The two Jedi went back to the cockpit where the others were. Zygerria was visible from the viewport. Obi-Wan went over, standing behind Anakin, while Grim stood next to Ahsoka.

"It looks like Zygerria is a popular place these days," Anakin commented, seeing all the people heading to Zygerria.

"Hmm, whatever is happening is attracting plenty of high class...scum," said Obi-Wan.

They arrived on the world. "Let's hope the information our spies gave us about the Queen is accurate," said Anakin as they were preparing to exit the ship. "Remember, I'll keep the queen occupied while you locate the missing people of Kiros," he told Obi-Wan, as he put on his helmet.

"How do you plan on keeping the Queen occupied?" Obi-Wan asked, putting on his own helmet.

"Well, with my magnetic charm of course," replied Anakin.

"Oh yes, of course," replied Obi-Wan sarcastically.

"Are you going to charm her with wonderful speeches such as 'I don't like sand?'" Grim asked him smugly.

Anakin did not respond and instead turned to Artoo. "Hey buddy, can you hold onto this for me?" He asked, tossing his lightsaber to the droid, Obi-Wan did the same, as did Grim and Ahsoka.

The doors to the ship opened. As they exited, Ahsoka asked Anakin, "Remind me why Grim and I are playing the parts of slaves?"

"I tried it once, and I wasn't very good at it, besides the role of Master comes easy for me," replied Anakin.

"Really? Well this time try to be convincing at it," Ahsoka retorted.

Grim laughed and high-fived Ahsoka. "Good one, Ash."

The group of five entered the city, with the Padawans staying close to their Masters. "Ugh, how can a civilization this advanced still practice slavery?" Ahsoka asked.

"It makes them wealthy and powerful at the expense of others," Anakin replied. "Before the Hutts bought my mother, she was sold in a market just like this."

As they continued walking they watched as a twi'lek slave collapsed on the ground. A Zygerrian slaver pushed through several other twi'lek slaves. "Get up, you useless skug!" He ordered the fallen slave.

"Master, the bonds, they are too heavy," the twi'lek replied, weakly.

"Tell it to my whip!" The Zygerrian replied, pulling it out.

Grim almost ran to stop him, but Obi-Wan put an arm in front of her to stop her. "No, Grim, there's nothing you can do," he whispered.

Ahsoka however, thought otherwise as she had rushed forward and grabbed the man's wrist to stop him from whipping his slave. "You don't want to do that," she told him.

He deactivated his whip. "Ah, you dare touch me!"

Anakin intervened, pushing Ahsoka to the side. "Excuse my slave, friend. She is freshly caught."

"Mmm, what do we have here? You wear Zygerrian armor, but you are not one of us. Who are you?"

"I've come for an audience with the Queen."

"Then you have an invitation? We can't just let anyone in to speak with Her Majesty."

"No invitation, but I do bring news. News the Queen will be eager to hear."

"I doubt that. You're nothing more than a brigand."

"I wouldn't say that, especially when the Queen learns you prevented her from hearing the news about Bruno Denturri."

It looked like a fight was about to break out, but the probe droid watching all of this occur spoke out. "Halt! Cease all hostilities! This man is to be escorted to the palace by order of the Queen."

With that Anakin and Ahsoka were taken away to speak with the Queen, while Grim, Rex and Obi-Wan were to begin their search for the missing togrutas. Eventually the trio reached the place where the slaves were there for viewing. Grim's heart sunk seeing all the victims to this slave trade, while knowing she couldn't help them all. She wanted to so desperately she wanted to. It took a great amount of self control to not jump in and free every slave she saw.

A hutt passed by the three during their search and said something to Obi-Wan in huttese that Grim wasn't able to understand but sure her Master was. In any case the Padawan guessed it was some sort of insult. Not that it even mattered. They paid him no mind.

"Sir, take a look at this," said Rex, as he had found one of the togrutas.

Grim and Obi-Wan jogged over to him, to see what he had to show them. Seeing the togruta Obi-Wan told the two, "stand watch. I'll take a closer look."

Obi-Wan jumped in to speak with the togruta while Grim and Rex were careful to stand watch. A couple moments later, Obi-Wan jumped out with the togruta who happened to be the governor of Kiros.

"Sir, did you happen to find out where the others are?" Rex asked him.

"Not yet," replied Obi-Wan.

"We've got to get him out of here," said Grim.

Obi-Wan nodded, agreeing with his padawan. He stole one of the flying creatures that the Zygerrians rode and flew it down to them. Grim and Rex helped the governor onto the creature before getting on themselves. Rex was in front, Grim behind him, the governor behind her with Obi-Wan taking up the rear.

They were barely flying when Obi-Wan got shot and fell off with the governor.

Grim and Rex looked behind them to see the two men tumble to the ground. "I'm going to help them," Grim decided, preparing to jump off the creature.

"Kid no, don't do anything stupid. We can't help them right now-" Rex protested but Grim had already leapt from the creature and over to the Jedi and Governor.

Two Zygerrians held blasters at their heads. Grim quickly used the force to shove them apart, and even grabbed one of the blasters from them. "Let's get out of here," Grim told Obi-Wan.

He hadn't even stood when the Zygerrian with the remaining blaster hit Grim in the head with the back of it. Knocking the young Jedi unconscious.

When Grim came to, she found herself in the corner of a dark cell. Obi-Wan was chained to the wall, with his back facing her. His back, that the padawan realized with horror was visible from his torn outfit. Revealing scars and open wounds.

She realized with even more horror that Obi-Wan was being whipped in front of her. The open wounds that coated his back the slavers would not allow to heal. His beige tunic was turning red with his blood.

Worse was the noise. Obi-Wan didn't say a word, but he grunted with every blow. Yet he didn't scream, and Grim couldn't see if he cried either. He remained determined not to give away their mission.

She wanted to run to him. Maybe together they could escape. They could get back to Rex and free the Togrutas-

"Well? Who is he?" A voice asked, another Zygerian as he walked into the dark cell.

"He hasn't talked, but I'll loosen his tongue," replied the man who tortured Obi-Wan.

"Why would a slaver who already has a slave try to rescue a new one from the palace? It's suicide," the new man said as he walked over to Obi-Wan.

As another blow landed Obi-Wan groaned. Grim cringed, but found herself unable to look away from her Master's suffering. As Obi-Wan's head fell back his face was visible. Along with the blood and bruises. "Wait," the new slaver said as he began to recognize Obi-Wan. He grabbed his face and forced the Jedi to look at him, pulling his head back. "I know you from the hologram. I never forget a Jedi."

"No!" Grim cried, unable to restrain herself. She realized what she had said as the horror sunk in.

He turned around and approached her. "That would make you his student, yes?" He asked. He grabbed her padawan braid that had been so delicately woven around her hair and yanked it. Grim yelped as her braid fell to its rightful spot behind her ear resting on her chest. She looked up at the man with wide eyes full of fear. He turned to the man who had been torturing Obi-Wan, "Put her in his place, perhaps Kenobi will be more willing to talk when his student is the one suffering."

Obi-Wan's chains were undone and he was dragged to the corner Grim had been in. She was grabbed by her shoulders but she pulled herself away and dived for Obi-Wan.

She wanted to hold onto him for her life. She would feel safe just holding him. She grabbed onto him, needing his support. She buried her face into his chest, sobbing uncontrollably fearing for her life.

Obi-Wan wanted to comfort Grim but could do nothing as he helplessly watched her be dragged away to where he had been chained just moments before. She shouted words that were unintelligible through her tears.

She was dragged across the room and made to face the wall as she was chained to it. Tears continued to roll down her cheeks.

"Well Kenobi, will you talk now, or do you need more convincing?" He didn't wait for the Jedi to respond.

Grim felt her back erupt in pain and she let out a strangled cry. There was a shout of protest from Obi-Wan followed by yet more pain. Through the torture Grim cried out to her Master, "Don't tell them anything Obi-Wan, I'll take it!"

More pain.

"Quiet skug," her torturer told her.

"I thought you wanted talk?" she remarked.

More pain.

The padawan had no idea how long she endured her the torture. Only that for every blow she received she cried out in pain. And that a horrible part deep inside of her, a selfish bit of her that wanted it to end, wanted Obi-Wan to give in. And she hated that part of herself so profusely she bit into her cheek to stop herself from saying anything of the sort. She bit into it so bad she could taste the blood in her mouth.

Grim didn't know when they finally stopped the torture. All she knew is that her back ached and screamed at her. She could barely feel the blood trickling from the gashes that had been left. Staining her purple dress with crimson red.

Grim didn't even notice when her shackles were undone and she was dragged back to Obi-Wan. She didn't notice the slavers leave the cell, and the two Jedi alone in the dark.

Not until she felt Obi-Wan's warmth, how he was holding her, careful about her back.

"M-master?" she asked weakly.

"I'm so sorry, little one," he whispered.

It was too dark to see, but she could hear the tears.

She closed her eyes and moved closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "It's alright, Obi-Wan, it's not your fault," she told him. "I'm here."

"You shouldn't be," he said quietly.

"I chose to be. I choose every time."

Obi-Wan smiled, although the padawan didn't see. "This was never your war."

"Maybe not, but I made it my war."

"I'm sorry this happened to you, Grim."

"I made the choice."

"I meant the torture."

"Oh, well I knew that was bound to happen at some point. I still made the choice didn't I?"

Obi-Wan made a gentle sound that turned pained. Both of them suffering from their injuries of the torture they had gone through.

His eyes closed too, and soon the two Jedi drifted to sleep.

They were woken violently.

Grim cried out in pain as another kick landed in her gut. She quickly got off of Obi-Wan. She tried to stand, but stumbled.

She reached for something to stop her from colliding with the ground, but unfortunately that ended up being her torturer. He looked down at her and punched her in the face.

She let go and collapsed to the ground.

There was a crack and a crackle as the whip was activated and made contact with her back.

"Get up, skug," he told her.

Grim bit her lip, it tasted of blood. "I can't get up if you whip me, dipshit," she commented.

This was followed by pain.

"Up," he repeated.

She followed directions this time.

The two Jedi were led to the slave auction. Limping and staggering into the sunlight. The crowd jeered at them as they were led to the center. Grim wanted to collapse then and there, she felt so weak and so incredibly exposed.

The Queen spoke over the jeering crowd. "My friends, my good friends, do not fear the Jedi. They are no different from others we have forced into submission for they have forsaken their ideals to serve a corrupt senate. Every Jedi has become a slave to the Republic. The Jedi Order is weak, and we will help break it."

"I'll show you weak!" Grim shouted. Despite her injuries she tried to steal a blaster from one of the guards that kept her and Obi-Wan from resisting.

"Grim no!" Obi-Wan shouted.

Grim was hit with a whip, and could only bring up her arms to take the blow instead of her face. She grunted as it made contact with her bare skin, as it had ripped the sleeves of her dress. Drawing even more blood on the young Jedi.

Obi-Wan ran over to her holding his padawan. He glared up at the slaver that had hit her but could do nothing more. The guards grabbed Obi-Wan and Grim and forced the two Jedi to their knees. Their hands on their heads.

Anakin approached the two from behind. "Looks like I have to rescue you again," he commented just low enough for the two Jedi to hear.

"I knew you'd have a backup plan," said Obi-Wan.

"Prove to me you are a slaver. Swing that whip, or die beside them," the Queen ordered Anakin.

"Well those are some lousy options," said Anakin. He looked to Rex and then Ahsoka. Then he bowed as he activated the whip he had been given. "You leave me no choice, Highness." He gave a salute and then swung the whip at the guard, grabbing his blaster and yanking it away.

Obi-Wan then rolled and used the Force to push the guard away and off of the stage.

Artoo shot their lightsabers from his head and Anakin caught his and Obi-Wan's while Grim caught her own. Anakin passed Obi-Wan's lightsaber to its rightful owner as the Queen shouted, "Guards subdue them!"

Chaos was birthed into life all at once. Blasterfire from the stands. Ahsoka got her lightsaber back and killed two guards. There was an explosion. Rex was now in the arena. The three Jedi in the arena prepared for a battle, standing back to back together.

Anakin shouted, "Ahsoka the Queen!"

The togrtuan padawan quickly held the Queen at lightsaber point only to be electrocuted by the Queen, with the use of the shock collar around her neck. She screamed and fell unconscious.

"Ahsoka!" Grim cried.

There was nothing she could do.

Guards were now flowing into the arena and she had to fight alongside her two Masters. The three Jedi dodging whips and batting them back with their lightsabers. Grim tried to find this battle as much a dance of any other, but through the haze of pain she found it near impossible.

Obi-Wan was taken down. Grim used the Force to grab his lightsaber, reigniting it in her free hand turning the blade around into a reverse grip. She fought back to back with Anakin, and as whips flew to restrain the two Jedi, Grim blocked them with the two lightsabers she wielded.

Two whips caught Anakin's wrist and his lightsaber flew from his hand. Grim tried to cut him free but was caught by two whips around her own wrists. Both Grim and Anakin struggled against the damaging whips, and despite Grim's injuries she refused to be taken down so easily.

Both Jedi fought back until they couldn't anymore.

This time when Grim woke up she was on a ship. There was a shock collar around her neck. On first instinct she went and found Obi-Wan, and when she found her Master she wrapped him in a hug. "Obi-Wan!" She cried.

Obi-Wan held her back. "Grim," he breathed, both relieved and broken. "I'm so sorry."

"For what? My own choices?" she asked him. "I make every choice knowing."

Obi-Wan smiled at her, "you're very brave."

"I have to be."

The ship landed on the new world, where they would all be held prisoners. Grim, Obi-Wan, the Governor, and Rex were escorted off the ship as it opened. Revealing the imprisoned togrutas from Kiros. "My people! We have found them!" The Governor exclaimed.

"Keep moving, skug," one guard told him, shoving him down the ship's ramp.

They were greeted by another Zygerrian in a hover-chair. "General Kenobi. You and your student are the first Jedi I have entertained at our educational center."

"Educating what? Being broken?" Grim remarked.

"Padawan!" Obi-Wan hissed.

The Zygerrian looked directly at her. "Few possess a Jedi's resolve. And it is strength of will that is my greatest enemy." He pressed a button and an entire row of togrutas fell to their deaths.

"NO!" Grim shouted. "You b-!"

"Grim, try not to make him angry," Obi-Wan interrupted her.

"He's making me angry," Grim remarked.

"Now that I have your attention, Jedi," the Zygerrian continued. "Be aware that it will not be you who suffers should you defy me."

"Yeah, it'll be- MMMTH MASTER!" Obi-Wan had put a hand over her mouth to stop her from saying something that would get anyone killed.

"Grim, it's not our lives at stake here," he reminded her. "We can't do anything that'll make the situation worse."

"I'd rather die than give up fighting," Grim replied, a fire burning in her eyes.

"And that's why it won't be us who will be killed," he told her. "There's nothing we can do."

"I refuse to believe that," Grim replied.

Obi-Wan looked at her pleadingly. "Others will die if you don't."

In the facility Rex and the two Jedi were quickly put to work. Forced to become slaves. Grim stayed close to her companions, and while they worked under the looming threats of what would happen with defiance Grim found her own ways to rebel.

She couldn't just comply with the oppression of the slavers. She wasn't going to surrender, she refused to. When they tried to punish her by punishing others Grim always fought back. Oftentimes Rex and Obi-Wan had to hold her back. She was angry at all the suffering that surrounded her. That anger became a fuel as she remained stubborn, not seeing the suffering that happened as a result.

"Grim, you have to stop," Obi-Wan whispered to her, as they worked. "Your emotions are blinding you, you must be mindful of them."

"Am I not allowed to be angry? People are suffering, Obi-Wan," she asked.

"I know, little one. You're allowed to be angry, I am too, but be mindful of that anger. Your anger is clouding you. Every time you fight back more people suffer."

"I have to fight for what's right," she replied. She choked on her words. She had even refused to cry, but a sudden wave of her sadness born of anger crashed down on her.

"And we can, but not now. I promise, my young Padawan. Just not now."

She wanted to hug him and cry then and there. But she couldn't. That would be punished too.

The keeper of the facility hovered over to the Jedi. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, once a Jedi Master, now a Jedi slave." He laughed. "Pitiful."

Grim was about to say something in Obi-Wan's defense but he grabbed her shoulder. "No," he told her. She could hear the pain in his voice. "Don't."

"I can't stand this," she complained.

"I know," he replied. "Everything about this place is designed to shatter the will. It has already begun to affect these poor people."

The two Jedi were whipped on their collars. They both flinched at the blow. "Speech is forbidden," one of the Zygerrians told the two Jedi.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again," replied Obi-Wan.

"There will be punishment," he told them. He then whipped a togruta next to the two Jedi.

"No! Stop!" begged Obi-Wan. "It's my mistake! Leave him alone!" Obi-Wan bent down to help the man who had been whipped, only to get electrocuted by his shock collar. He screamed as he was tortured.

"Don't you dare hurt him!" cried Grim. She tried to grab what they were using to charge Obi-Wan's collar, only for it to be turned onto her. She screamed as it was her turn to be electrocuted.

Obi-Wan wanted to help her, but he couldn't. He would only risk her and others around him more pain.

When Grim's torture was done, the Zygerrian turned around to the togruta from before. "Slaves dare to give me commands?" He began to whip the other togruta constantly. "Beg me, before this one dies because of you, Kenobi!"

Obi-Wan went on his hands and knees. "No, please," he begged softly. It broke Grim to hear the pain in his voice. "Forgive me, Master."

The slaver stopped. Then he addressed the padawan. "And you, follow his example," he told her. His whip still glowing in his hand.

"I'll never bow down to filth like you," Grim growled.

He whipped another slave nearby. "Then the blood is on your hands."

As the togruta screamed and Grim watched, she felt her own resolve breaking. He showed no signs of stopping. She watched helplessly, and then fell to her knees. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Forgive me," the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over and she sobbed in front of her torturer giving him the satisfaction she had tried to refuse.

He stopped and left the Jedi to their misery.

Grim could only cry.

The Jedi no longer spoke. Although the Master and Padawan knew each other so well that speech was unnecessary. Even still they did not communicate. And Grim no longer fought back.

She wanted to, and how she despised the fact that she found herself giving in. But she couldn't fight. Fighting back now only broke another one of her rules. Saving as many lives as possible. She had already been shown others would die if she remained as stubborn as her soul still did.

Despite the hopelessness that filled the air, Grim held onto the fact that rescue would come. Hope of rescue faded for everyone else, but she knew the truth. She knew the future and so she held onto it.

Suddenly what always haunted her mind and broke her, became the same thing that healed her and gave her hope. There was always hope. And there was always light.

The slavers could take all they wanted from her, but they couldn't take what made her Grim Kennet. She would always be Grim Kennet. Jedi or not. Because it was not the Jedi that defined her, it was her. She wrote her own story. Just as she worked to write the galaxy's.

Grim had only stopped her defiance on the surface. Inside, she continued to be Grim Kennet. No one would ever take that from her. No one could.

Night arrived. It was time for the slaves to rest. Grim would embrace that rest, but she couldn't bear to handle it alone. She knew it was dangerous.

The slavers were everywhere and either she'd get whipped or somebody else as punishment for her actions. Yet she was afraid, afraid and slowly breaking.

She needed comfort, she needed Obi-Wan.

Being careful to not wake any of the togrutas they had gone to rescue or catch the sights of the slavers that had become their torturers. She climbed over people, careful not to step on anyone. Her back still screamed at her, and she was still sore from the previous torture of the day, but she ignored it.

Grim reached Obi-Wan's bunk and settled herself next to him, wrapping her arms around him and snuggling her head into his shoulder, careful to avoid the shock collar on his neck, and being wary of the one around her own.

Obi-Wan's eyes fluttered open, as he woke up to the feeling of his Padawan. He turned his head slightly and saw the fluffy reddish-blonde hair that could only belong to Grim. "You shouldn't have snuck in here," he whispered to her quietly.

She hugged him tighter and looked up at him through her messy hair, emerald eyes shining with tears. "I know, Obi-Wan. I just...I can't be alone," she whispered back.

"If you're caught-"

"I've seen enough today to know what will happen," she whispered quietly. Her voice shook slightly. "Please Obi-Wan, don't make me go back. I don't think I can sleep alone tonight."

He sighed. "You have to, little one."

"I already took the risk of coming here, didn't I? You won't know I'm here."

"It was an unnecessary risk and this is one further, you should go to your own bed."

"Go to my own bed," she said, laughing quietly. "Reminds me of when I had just become your padawan."

Obi-Wan smiled at the memory. "Yes that's right, you snuck into my bed every so often. Although for a little while you just kept falling back asleep."

"What can I say? You're comfortable, and so I'm not leaving."

"This isn't the Temple, Grim."

"Then let's pretend it is, just for tonight."

Obi-Wan sighed with a soft smile. He shook his head and closed his eyes. "Goodnight Grim, but you have to return to your bed before you're caught."

Grim smiled and closed her eyes, snuggling next to him. "Goodnight Dad, and don't worry I will."

The following days were no better.

Grim, Obi-Wan and Rex continued to suffer with all the others. Grim had never felt as helpless as she had in this position. She tried not to show it. She tried to avoid it. But she cried. She was crying all the time as she broke down.

And no comfort could be given, or torture was risked. Even her tears risked torture Grim had learned. She had to endure.

And so she did. Grim endured through everything. She wouldn't let her spirit be broken. She was breaking, but she would pick up the pieces.

And when she picked them back up, she would fight again.

Grim, Obi-Wan and Rex were taken away from the togruta slaves. They had been brought before the keeper of the facility, in stuncuffs. And Grim already knew why. They were forced down the steps and onto their knees.

"Someone wishes to speak with you," he told them.

A projection of Dooku appeared before them, as he looked down at the three. "Obi-Wan Kenobi. In chains once again I see."

"Count Dooku, still afraid to get your hands dirty," Obi-Wan retorted.

"I would gladly make an exception in your case, my friend," Dooku replied. "I wanted to say a proper farewell before Keeper Agruss puts you to death."

"I'm so glad you think that's what will happen, Gramps." remarked Grim sarcastically.

"Grim!" Obi-Wan exclaimed.

"What?" She asked innocently.

Obi-Wan sighed.

Dooku stared at her, then looked at Obi-Wan. "Master Kenobi, you got a new apprentice," he said surprised. He then looked back at Grim, "It might have been unfortunate that we never met, but I'd say that is rather unlikely," he told her distastefully.

"I could say the same to you," she retorted. "Must you be so snobby?"

He looked at her disgusted. "You're just as bad as Skywalker."

She shrugged, unoffended.

Before she could retort again, one of the Zygerrians spoke. "Keeper, the slave ship Tecora is making an unscheduled landing on platform two-four."

"Skywalker," said Grim and Dooku together. Dooku said the name with disgust. For the first and final time Grim said the name with hope.

"Kenobi, tell your young friend Skywalker if he does not surrender, the slaves will be terminated in his name," Dooku told Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan did what he was told. "Anakin! I'm glad to see you, but I'm afraid our host feels otherwise."

"Well you can't make everyone happy, Master," replied Anakin.

"They're threatening to kill the slaves unless you surrender."

"It's good to see you're always ready to negotiate. But I've had enough bargaining with slave drivers."

"Anakin, you must realize, this is a fight you cannot win alone."

"Who said I was alone?"

"Keeper, a fleet of warships has dropped out of hyperspace in sector six," one of the Zygerrians told him.

"Jedi reinforcements," the Keeper realized.

Grim grinned. "You're in trouble," she said childishly, in a sing-song voice.

"Rex! Grim! Now!" said Obi-Wan. He used the Force to free Rex from his shock collar, then the two Jedi freed themselves.

The fight broke out at once. As the three of them fought together. Grim managed to get a Zygerrian to break her stuncuffs after Obi-Wan had done the same and then stole their blaster. While Rex and Obi-Wan could both handle themselves with hand to hand combat, the padawan needed a weapon to do better for herself. She shot two guards dead, but then tripped over her dress and lost the weapon.

"Stupid dress!" Grim groaned.

Obi-Wan helped her up. As Grim stood she brushed herself off. The two Jedi stood back to back as they battled the Zygerrian slavers. Rex got his hands on one of the electrostaffs and the battle had turned in favor for the three prisoners.

Realizing this the Keeper activated the controls to kill all of the slaves before destroying them. Obi-Wan and Grim ran to them while the Keeper laughed. Obi-Wan called Plo Koon on his comm. "The controls are destroyed, Master Plo. There's nothing we can do from here!"

"I cannot move the cruiser in for the rescue operation until those enemy cannons are destroyed," Plo informed him.

"We'll take care of those cannons," Anakin promised. "Just make sure that cruiser gets down here. We're running out of time!"

Rex, Grim, and Obi-Wan continued to fight against the slavers. But soon more filled the room. "Incoming!" Rex warned the two Jedi.

Grim and Obi-Wan rolled and dodged the blasterfire that was aimed at the Jedi, seeking cover by the holoprojector. "Hey, Master, you wouldn't happen to have a plan, would you?" Grim asked him.

"I'm open to suggestions right now, if you happen to have one," Obi-Wan replied.

"Well great, because I'm just relying on memory from a show I haven't seen since I entered it," replied Grim. "So I guess we're figuring it out as we go." She paused. "The Keeper has our lightsabers," she remembered.

Obi-Wan looked and saw that his Padawan was correct. He grabbed their lightsabers with the Force and handed Grim her own. The two Jedi stood igniting their lightsabers. They defeated the last of the Zygerrians until it was just the Keeper.

The Keeper laughed at the Jedi with their lightsabers. "Come now, I know a Jedi won't kill an unarmed man."

Obi-Wan and Grim looked at Rex. Rex threw the staff he had stolen at the Keeper, impaling him. "I'm no Jedi," he said.

Grim grinned.

The battle was won, and their mission was a success. The people of Kiros were saved.

Grim knew it would take time to recover, for everyone involved, especially those who had been innocents caught in the crossfire of evils and war. But those two things always overlapped in the end.