Ever since my heart-to-heart with Anakin, I worry about him more than ever. I worry about his emotions in this tug-of-war the Council and the Chancellor are putting him through. It's a position nobody should be in.

Currently, I'm on my way to one of the docking bays. I'd gotten a message from Anakin earlier, requesting my presence. He didn't give much detail, but judging by what docking bay I'm heading for, it can mean another battle is in the midst on another planet.

I pass multitudes of clones preparing to board ships. Some incline their heads out of respect to me. Jedi or not, I'm recognized, having been in many battles in this damn war. Anything war-related is piling into a Republic Assault Ship: clones, weapons, tanks, and the like.

Through the throng of ship preparations and buzzing clones, I find Anakin and Obi-Wan. They're slowly making their way towards the landing platform. Though their backs are to me, they quickly pick up on my presence behind them. Obi-Wans offers me an easy smile.

"You got here awful fast," Anakin notes.

"Well, you didn't give much detail, so I assumed it was urgent," I say to the men. "So...care to fill me in?"

"Master Kenobi is headed for Utapau," Anakin informs me. "There's been reports of General Grevious on the planet."

I perk up at that. "Okay. So, when do we leave?"

"I'm leaving as soon as everything and everyone is finished boarding. I'm taking my Starfighter, of course," said Ben.

I scowl. "I'm not going with you?"

"The Council agreed that I'm the one to head this mission."

I lick my lips. "Didn't think to throw my name into the ring?"

"If the Council believed the situation was direr, perhaps they would have talked about more generals heading for Utapau."

"So I'm sidelined, not because I'm injured, but because I'm not needed." I tap my foot impatiently. "I'm starting to think my worth in this war is rapidly nosediving."

"You could always sneak your way out there," Anakin suggests. Obi-Wan gives him a rather annoyed glare. "What? She could! They would appreciate the extra help, I'm sure, Master."

"See? Anakin understands," I say proudly. "Besides, we kick more ass when there's one than one of us on the battlefield."

"I tried to reason with him to let me go," Anakin tells me.

"If this turns out to be a wild bantha chase, I'd rather it waste my time and no one else's," Ben says firmly. "Besides, should something else arise, you two can be called into action. See how that works?"

"You and your logic game," I groan.

"He never stops with it," Anakin chimes in.

"As much as I enjoy the banter, I must be going," Ben stops our ragging on him. "The problem won't solve itself."

Anakin and I exchange glances at Obi-Wan starts to head off. I remain behind as Anakin runs to catch up to Obi-Wan first. I give them their privacy, though the temptation to eavesdrop is a bit strong. Just as I see my brother walk away, I pass him.

"You didn't think you'd walk away without saying goodbye to me, did you?" I tease Ben.

"I was hoping that I didn't."

I quirk my mouth. "You're sure you don't need Anakin or me for this? It's okay to ask for help. Are you afraid Annie or I will get first shot at the machine before you can?"

Ben chuckles. "I appreciate your offers, but I can handle this myself. I'll be back before you know it. Next mission, you and me, Thea."

"You swear?" I raise a brow.

"I swear."

"Oh, I'll hold you to that, Kenobi. You better not disappoint." I glance around the landing platform, aware of how eyes aren't solely focused on us. I pull Ben close to hug him. "You come back to Corsucant safe. Preferably concussion-free."

"I can't guarantee that."

"Come back, Ben. Please."

His hold tightens. "I will. We need to have that next mission together, after all."

"Don't make me have to search through the Force to find out what's going on with you." I pull back slightly, rubbing his beard. "I remember back when you still had that Padawan braid."

"I hated that thing."

I snicker. "It's only because I pulled on it to annoy you. Admit it, you enjoyed the attention. If it makes you feel any better, I didn't like mine either. It stood out against all the curls."

Obi-Wan and I stop hugging, in fear of being seen. Jedi or not, it's risky business to show any affection out in the open. But I worry. I worry that he'll be going against Grevious. What if this is the last time I see Ben?

"You go get the Republic a win, Kenobi," I tell him.

"You stay out of trouble until I get back. And easy with your training. If I come back and see you're missing a limb, I'm revoking your lightsaber privileges for good."

"As long as I have the Force and one good working limb, that's never happening." I smile. "You can't take away one of the things that makes me badass."

"You still have a blaster to use."

"That's pretty much impractical now." Truthfully, I can't remember the last time I used one. "Well, I suppose I shouldn't waste your time any longer, General Kenobi." I wink. "You have Grevious to apprehend."

With both of us glancing around, we share a quick peck on the lips, though I can speak for myself when I say I don't want just that. If he'd just stopped at my suite, we wouldn't have to be so paranoid out in the open.

Obi-Wan offers me a parting wave as he heads further onto the landing bay. Sighing, I turn and head back, only to find Anakin waiting for me. My cheeks warm in embarrassment.

"How much did you see of that?" I ask.

"More than I probably should have," he answers jokingly. "He'll come back, Thea. He's Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"It's weird, isn't it?"

"That you two are together? Just a little bit. You don't have to worry, I won't tell anyone."

"Oh, keeping the secret wouldn't be for my benefit; it'd be for Ben."

"I know."

"Where are you off to now, Annie?"

"What, do you want to tag along?"

"Just curious is all. I'm thinking about stopping up to give Padmé some company."

"You know, you really need to invest in a hobby, sis."

"Well, I can't gain my Knight status since my reentry got rejected. Padmé has pretty much sworn me off protecting her." I shrug. "I don't want to invest in a new career if I need to be called in for a battle. I'm kind of stuck."

"I know the feeling."

But for Anakin, he's caught between spying for the Council on the Chancellor and being the Chancellor's representative on the Council. At least, for me, my being stuck doesn't bring me any stress.