A/N: This story is an AU version of the Onderon Rebels story arc. It is very similar to the regular story, only slightly different wtih a few twists. Enjoy!
Saw's rebels just won an important skirmish in the jungle and managed to infiltrate into Iziz, thanks to Lux's plan. Everyone separates out and did their thing for a few days. One time, Lux follows Ahsoka into the market, and he talks up the merchants while buying fruits and goods to bring to the others. One Twi'lek in particular, who sells small and tiny round fruits, is especially friendly and gregarious. Lux wants to return to that merchant to see where his sympathies lie concerning the King.
"We finally made it back to the safehouse here in Iziz! What a load of fighting." says an exhausted Steela.
"Yeah, it's great to finally all be together again. That was some battle we had earlier!" Saw says, smugly. A few cheers went out. "I like seeing the new faces, but you better learn quick if you're not experienced! Fight fearlessly!" Saw looks at Lux, and Lux responds quietly with a confident look back.
A normally stoic informant comes in with some information: "Guys, I have some bad news. One of my new sources in the merchant square tipped me off about numerous droid reinforcements. King Rash has a new super tactical droid at his disposal, along with more of everything. Numerous commando droids now guard everything important, anything worth hitting. I contacted the other safehouses, and apparently none of ours were killed. There was an independent cell unconnected to us that was massacred. The local holos claim they targeted pro-CIS Onderonians."
Hutch says, "Even if it's true, it doesn't matter since most of us are tired of those damn droids! Whoever likes the Separatists sucks! King Dendup is neutral and sought to keep us out of the bloody galactic war!"
Cheers and shouts erupt, but they are subdued since everything became much harder.
Obi-Wan states his unwavering support for the rebels with supplies and credits. Anakin insults Sanjay while stating his rule is weak, treasonous, and cowardly. Anakin's bravado inspires everyone, especially Saw Guerrera, one of Anakin's favorites. Obi-Wan's comlink beeps.
"You are a righteous group, and you will win! May the Force be with you all!" Kenobi waves goodbye.
Masters Kenobi and Skywalker step away from the gathering, recieveing an important message from Coruscant. Master Kenobi hears the order to return immediately for an urgent mission, to assist in some bitter struggle of a hard fight at an undislosed location. Because Skywalker's padawan is still here on mission, it's up to Anakin whether he should return. Skywalker decides to stay a little while longer, to tie up some loose ends. Anakin needs a few moments with his new favorite group of people and with his padawan. Kenobi and Skywalker exchange good natured sarcastic dialogue and Obi-Wan rushes out of the safehouse, ready to leave Iziz and Onderon for the wider war.
Lux knows what he is doing now, against the droids and with Ahsoka.
Nothing is going to stand in the way of Lux and Ahsoka being together, even if for a short time. Ahsoka was happy, except when the togruta thought about Steela. Steela is an ambitious one, but she lacks the smooth touch that Lux offers. Steela is also foolish
for assuming Ahsoka had been anything less than a powerful Jedi. She isn't exactly on a level with her master, but still what nerve. Lux didn't like Steela anyway, or at least Ahsoka hopes that is true.
A Short While Later
Anakin Skywalker manages to escape the omnipresence of his flock, to engage in much needed time with Padme on his comlink. He may regret this decision when the rebels talk amongst themselves. Some of the higher leadership get antsy and overly ambitious.
Saw rushes into the room, after everyone begins to settle into quiet, joyous conversations.
"Everyone, Everyone! My covert mission is this: sneak into the palace, kill the usurper Sanjay Rash, then free His Majesty King Ramsis Dendup in order to finally end this pointless occupation!"
Steela quicky interjects, "Then Ahsoka kisses you and we all live happily ever after right? Get real, Saw. You can't do anything on your own." Ahsoka glares at Steela for her setup. Some of the rebels laugh, but Dono is melancholy because she secretly likes Saw. Unlike many, Dono can push her feelings down so her purpose does not waver.
"Even if anything happens to me, I'm going to poison the king's drinks, so the next time King Rash has a drink he will die. I'm doing the utmost to avoid collateral damage!" Some rebels applaud the idea, since Saw has been very effective in seizing material from the Seps in the past.
"Enough Saw, you can't do it and you can't go!"
"Ahsoka, come with me to the palace. If I can't ambush Rash, then I will have to get out quick."
Lux has had enough of Saw's selfish, reckless abandon. Deep down, Lux wants to fight alongside Saw so he fights more like a manly man to woo Ahsoka. "I'm going with you. It's risky, but we're in this together. Going solo simply won't work. Besides, I should talk with Royal Guard General Tandin. We need him."
Ahsoka calmly offers, "I have confidence in both of you. I have to get invovled so you both succeed. Lux, you are brave and persuasive. Saw, you're the strongest soldier we have. I can't wait till Rash buckles in defeat before us! We're going in together!"
Anakin walks in while hearing some of the plan: "I'm going with you. I assume you're infiltrating the palace?"
"Yes Master".
"I'm not going to go in to the palace, but on top of it. Captain Rex and I are going to keep an eye on Iziz, and Rex will take out some droids while keeping watch. My role is to observe, and drop in on the palace if anything gets too messy."
Saw felt really assured, as if nothing would ever go wrong:
"That's it, then. Sounds like a plan, Jedi."
"No. You may be the leader, Saw, but this is all too hasty no matter who is in charge. We don't have a chance unless the big power generator falls. Onderon will never be free unless we reinstate Kind Dendup! We have to reassure the people and do recruiting. Besides, your sister has to tell you no from time to time. What do you all think?" Steela smiles.
Some of the fighters in the group murmur.
Dono, one of the rebels with Steela from the beginning, announces: "We need an elected leader who balances cautious strategy and bold action. Steela saw us though tough times and she will save us all! Everyone in favor of Steela as our leader, raise your hand!" Dono pauses. "I'm sorry, Saw, but this is for our own good."
Steela makes contact with the room holo, so the others who are away can participate. Somehow, she knew it wouldn't matter.
The vote is unanimous; all Jedi and some others abstain. Saw was and still is the most popular rebel among them, but popularity cannot guarantee victory. Steela gives the group diplomatic and steady leadership, something the fighters desperately want going forward. She is the best choice, by far.
"Thank you everyone. Listen up. Nobody attacks the palace while the power is up, understood? It's late. We will go over our plan for victory tomorrow. Dismissed."
The rank and file feel relief that Saw will not be reckless. Saw feels like going rogue, and he isn't alone. Lux senses an opportunity, and he will take full advantage.