Christophis Command Post
The Republic forces had secured the area. The fires of the battlefield burned low, casting long shadows between the crystalline buildings. Jace stood with arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the holotable as the transmission flickered to life.
The distorted, slug-like form of Jabba the Hutt filled the hologram, barking out demands in deep Huttese.
"We need that supply route through the Outer Rim," Cody muttered under his breath, watching the display.
Anakin scowled. "And Jabba's not going to give us anything unless we help him first."
Obi-Wan's voice was calm but serious. "His son has been kidnapped. If we don't assist, the Republic loses crucial hyperspace lanes."
Jace's eyes narrowed, his expression shifting from the usual playful glint to something far steadier — the weight of duty settling onto his shoulders. He leaned forward, resting both hands on the edge of the holotable.
"We're not just negotiating with a crime lord," Jace said, his tone low and even. "We're showing the Outer Rim that the Jedi keep their word — even when it's inconvenient. Especially when it's inconvenient."
The clones nearby paused, glancing toward him. Even Anakin's gaze shifted his way.
"It's not about what Jabba deserves," Jace continued. "It's about what we stand for."
His eyes swept the room — the quiet intensity behind them unmistakable.
"There's always going to be someone watching. Waiting to see if we'll break our code when it's hard to follow. If we let that go now… we're not the guardians we claim to be."
The words hung heavy in the air.
Obi-Wan gave the faintest nod, approval clear in his eyes. "Well said, Jace."
Anakin frowned but gave a reluctant sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… alright. Point taken."
Ahsoka looked between them, visibly impressed. "Didn't expect that from Mr. Sarcasm."
Jace's lips curved into a faint smile, but the steel in his gaze didn't soften. "Wisdom and sarcasm aren't mutually exclusive, Snips."
Forming the Plan
The holomap shifted, displaying the desert world of Tatooine.
"We'll need to split up," Obi-Wan said, tracing a path along the map. "Anakin, you and Ahsoka will lead the recovery of Jabba's son. I'll negotiate directly with Jabba."
He turned to Jace. "You'll stay with me."
Anakin raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? Jace seems more like the 'kick down doors' type."
Jace leaned back slightly, arms crossing over his chest again. "First of all, thank you. Second… if this is about building trust, maybe having someone who speaks plainly isn't the worst idea."
Obi-Wan smiled softly. "Exactly why I want you there."
Jace inclined his head. "Then I'm with you, Master."
He turned toward the clones, voice lifting so they could all hear.
"Get your rest, men. Tomorrow, we fight a different kind of battle."
There was something in his tone — that quiet conviction, like the steady hum of a starship engine at full power. It wasn't loud, but it was strong. Reliable.
"Not every fight's won with a lightsaber," Jace added. "Sometimes the hardest battles are the ones where you have to sit across the table from the enemy — and still stand your ground."
Later That Night – A Moment with Ahsoka
As the troops settled and the camp quieted, Jace stood at the edge of the overlook, watching the horizon. The faint glow of the city lights reflected in his eyes.
Ahsoka wandered up beside him, arms folded.
"You know," she said, "when I first met you, I figured you were all smart mouth and flashy moves."
Jace didn't look at her, just smiled faintly. "Most people do."
"But… what you said back there? About standing for something? That was… Jedi stuff."
Jace's smile softened into something warmer. "Snips… it's easy to swing a saber. Anyone can learn that. But if you swing it without knowing why… you're just another thug with a weapon."
He finally turned to look at her, serious.
"Don't forget what we're fighting for. Even when it's hard. Even when you're angry. Especially then."
Ahsoka blinked, visibly taken aback.
"…Wow," she muttered. "You're, like… way older than you look."
Jace chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, well. Old souls run in the family."
(Next: Obi-Wan and Jace arrive at Jabba's palace — and Jace gets his first taste of Hutt diplomacy.)