YAVIN 4: Rebel Alliance Headquarters
The camera panned around to show several large and ancient stone temples, which housed the Rebel Alliance headquarters.
"That's an interesting place for a base," Anakin comments.
"On the grounds of an ancient Jedi temple no less," Obi-Wan remarks.
"Kind of reminds me of Saw and Steela's hideout on Onderon," Ahsoka comments.
"Well as long as it's hidden, I'd take it in their situation," Anakin replies.
Inside the largest temple, a rebel soldier led a handcuffed Jyn Erso through the base, glancing back every few moments to make sure she was still following. A few technicians sat down t terminals to listen and decrypt any Imperial transmissions. Seated at a table, an older man approached Jyn.
DRAVEN: You're currently calling yourself Liana Hallik. Is that correct?
When she didn't answer, he continued.
DRAVEN: Possession of unsanctioned weapons, forgery of Imperial documents, aggravated assault,escape from custody, resisting arrest.
JYN ERSO: You're all rebels aren't you?
Those gathered shared a look with each other.
JYN: I rebel.
"I like her," Padme decides with a small smile.
"Epic choice of words," Anakin said in agreement.
DRAVEN: Yes, well, imagine if the Imperial authorities had found out who you really were. Jyn Erso? That's your given name, is it not? Jyn Erso? Daughter of Galen Erso. A known Imperial collaborator in weapons development.
Cassian Andor watched, and then at the other end of the table, a woman with short red hair, garbed in white senatorial clothing with a silver necklace around her neck approached. This is Mon Mothma.
Padme and Bail both gasped in surprise, not expecting this. "Senator Mothma?!" Bail exclaimed.
"Who?" Master Fisto asked.
"She's a good friend of ours," Padme answers. "I can't believe she's actually a part of this as well..."
"Maybe this is a possible future..." Bail says grimly, not wanting to think about such a thing happening.
"hope to avoid this future, we do." Yoda says.
JYN ERSO: What is this?
MON MOTHMA: It's a chance for you to make a fresh start. We think you might be able to help us.
Cassian approached the table as Draven sat down.
MON MOTHMA: This is Captain Cassian Andor, Rebel Intelligence.
"So, Cassian is his name..." Anakin muttered thoughtfully.
CASSIAN: When was the last time you were in contact with your father?
JYN ERSO: 15 years ago.
The Jedi in the room felt sympathetic for her, remembering the opening scene of the holovid where Galen was taken by Krennic, losing his wife in the process, as well as leaving Jyn alone to fend for herself.
"Poor girl," Padme muttered, she and Bail having gotten the rundown of the situation from Anakin and Obi-Wan.
CASSIAN: Any idea where he's been all that time?
JYN ERSO: I like to think he's dead, makes things easier.
Anakin grimaced slightly, unsure of how to feel when comparing his parent story with Jyn. Padme glanced at him regretfully.
CASSIAN: Easier than what? That he's being a tool of the Imperial war machine?
JYN ERSO: I've never had the luxury of political opinions.
CASSIAN: Really? When was your last contact with Saw Gerrera?
Jyn looked up at Cassian, nervous, while the others stared at her intently with suspicion.
"Something tells me that they don't like Saw," Ahsoka tells Anakin.
"Well as I recall, he was the more... trigger happy, I guess you could say." Obi-Wan offered.
"Can't argue with that," Anakin said in agreement.
JYN ERSO: It's been a long time.
CASSIAN: He'd remember you, though, wouldn't he? He might agree to meet you, if you came as a friend.
DRAVEN: We're up against the clock here, girl, so if there's nothing to talk about, we'll just put you back where we found you.
"I don't like this guy," Ahsoka said with a frown.
At least he gets to the point," Mace observed.
"Does he have to be so rude about it though?" Anakin asked.
"Not in their dire situation," Mace replied, and Anakin shook his head lightly in annoyance.
JYN ERSO: I was a child, Saw Gerrera saved my life. He raised me. But I've no idea where he is. I haven't seen him in years.
CASSIAN: We know how to find him, that's not our problem. What we need is someone who gets us through the door without being killed.
JYN ERSO: Aren't all of you fighting for the same side?
"That's what I'm asking!" Ahsoka stated in exasperation.
"That's what you'd also think with the Republic Senate," Padme replied dryly, and Bail chuckled in amusement.
MON MOTHMA: Yes, but Saw Gerrera's an extremist. He's been fighting on his own since he broke with the Rebellion. His militancy has caused the Alliance a great many problems. We have no choice now but to try to mend that broken trust.
"I guess I can see the possibility of him being like that," Anakin said.
"So can I, but he's still doing it for a good cause," Ahsoka replied, hoping she was right.
"Not all people on a certain side will fight correctly with honor though," Master Mundi stated.
Anakin and Ahsoka both rolled their eyes, making sure he wouldn't notice.
JYN ERSO: What does this have to do with my father?
CASSIAN: There's an Imperial defector in Jedha. A pilot. He's being held by Saw Gerrera. He's claiming the Emperor is creating a weapon with the power to destroy entire planets. The pilot says he was sent by your father.
MON MOTHMA: We need to stop this weapon before it is finished.
"That's worrying," Padme says, both she and Bail seeing a hint of serious concern underneath Mothma's stern expression, knowing her too well.
DRAVEN: Captain Andor's mission is to authenticate the pilot's story and then, if possible, find your father.
MON MOTHMA: It appears he is critical to the development of this superweapon. Given the gravity of the situation and your history with Saw, we're hoping that he will help us locate your father and return him to the Senate for testimony.
"Hopefully they can learn the full story." Bail said. "From what I know he isn't working for this 'Empire' willingly."
"I hope so as well," Padme said in agreement.
Behind Mon Mothma, a man appears out of the shadows, also wearing clothing resembling that of a senator, but with a personalized cape and a goatee. This is Bail Organa.
Padme gasped, looking over at Bail, who was staring at the screen and shock, stunned that he was there as well. All of the Jedi noticed this, giving Bail a look varying between surprise, confusion, wariness, or something else.
"Maybe your future self will be able to shed some light on this situation," Obi-Wan says kindly. Bail only nods numbly in agreement.
JYN ERSO: And if I do it?
MON MOTHMA: We'll make sure you go free.
With the conversation finished, Jyn and Cassian were moving through the base with extra clothing and baggage for their mission, headed for a U-Wing starfighter parked outside of the temple.
DRAVEN: Captain Andor!
Draven approached the group, and Cassian headed over to him while Jyn entered the ship. Inside, the Imperial Droid from earlier was typing at a console.
anakin leaned forward eagerly, hoping to get some more laughs from this droid. Padme, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan all noticed this and sighed in exasperation, although they also shook their heads fondly. Ahsoka also couldn't deny that she liked this droid's personality from the few seconds they saw of him.
K2-SO: I'm K-2SO.
She didn't answer, and his arms slumped in irritation.
K2-SO: I'm a reprogrammed Imperial droid.
"I love this guy," Anakin grinned.
JYN ERSO: I remember you.
K2-SO: I see the Council is sending you with us to Jedha.
JYN ERSO: Apparently so.
K2-SO: That is a bad idea. I think so, and so does Cassian.
"With such a similar sense of humor, I can see why," Obi-Wan deadpanned. Ahsoka and Padme both giggled lightly, some of the Jedi sharing similar smiles of amusement. Mace ignored the banter, focused only on getting the answers they needed.
Jyn looked up at him, and then outside where Cassian was speaking with Draven. She gave him a suspicious look.
K2-SO: What do I know? My specialty is just strategic analysis.
DRAVEN: Galen Erso is vital to the Empire's weapon program. Forget what you heard in there, there will be no extraction. You find him, you kill him. Then and there.
"What?!" Anakin exclaimed in bewilderment.
"That's ridiculous!" Ahsoka said in agreement, crossing her arms.
"I high doubt me or Mon would agree to something like this!" Bail said firmly, and Padme nodded in agreement.
"Then this is probably his personal opinion." Obi-Wan said with a small frown.
Cassian looked down, conflicted at the idea before nodding in understanding, walking back to his ship.
"He can't be actually considering that?" Ahsoka asked.
"I don't know Snips. He's his superior, so a direct order is hard to disobey, even if its not right." Anakin says.
"Coming from you, ironic that is, hmm?" Yoda asked with an amused chuckle.
Anakin hunched down in his seat, a sheepish smile on his face.
CASSIAN: You met Kay-Tu?
JYN ERSO: Charming.
CASSIAN: He tends to say whatever comes into his circuits. It's a by-product of the reprogram.
K2-SO: Why does she get a blaster, and I don't?
CASSIAN: What?
JYN ERSO: I know how to use it.
CASSIAN: That's what I'm afraid of. Give it to me.
K2-SO turns to look at the standoff, Jyn and Cassian both glaring at each other, tension high.
"Quite a staredown," Anakin comments.
JYN ERSO: We're going to Jedha. That's a war zone.
CASSIAN: That's not the point. Where did you get it?
JYN ERSO: I found it.
K2-SO: I find that answer vague and unconvincing.
JYN: Trust goes both ways.
Cassian concedes with an irritated sigh hops into the pilot seat, starting up the ship. K2 gapes at him in bewilderment.
K2-SO: You're letting her keep it?! Would you like to know the probability of her using it against you?
Cassian stares at him briefly, and he gives his own analysis.
K2-SO: It's high.
Anakin and Ahsoka both chuckle in amusement.
"He's not wrong," Anakin comments.
CASSIAN: Let's get going.
K2-SO: It's very high.
Those chuckles evolve into quiet laughs, and even Obi-Wan and Padme both smile in amusement.
The ship takes off and leaves the base with Draven watching. Once out of the moons atmosphere, they fly around the red gas giant before entering hyperspace.
PARTISAN BASE ON JEDHA
The camera shows badly damaged prosthetic feet stomping across a metal grated floor.
SAW GERRERA: Lies! Deceptions! Let's see it.
"Is that... Saw?" Obi-Wan observes in surprise.
"What could've happened to him?" Ahsoka asks in bewilderment, surprised by the level of injuries he had gained.
"Geez..." Anakin muttered.
One of his soldiers hands him a miniature datapad with Bodhi's information.
SAW: Bodhi Rook. Cargo pilot. Local boy, huh?
BODHI: Uh-huh.
TWO TUBES: (This was found in his boot when he was captured)
BODHI: Okay, I can hear you! He didn't capture me, I came here myself. I defected, I defected.
"I'm starting to not like Saw's current militia very much," Anakin comments with a frown.
SAW GERRERA: Every day, more lies.
Bodhi is astounded.
"Why can't he just believe him on this one? He's obviously too frightened to lie!" Ahsoka complains, perturbed by how this older Saw was acting.
BODHI: Lies? Would I risk everything for a lie? No, we don't have time for this! I have to speak to Saw Gerrera before it's too late.
The sack is pulled off of Bodhi's head. Bodhi looks up at Saw, surprised and shocked while Saw glares back down at him.
Ahsoka, Anakin and Obi-Wan stare at the old, beaten image of Saw Gerrera in surprise.
"He's not looking well," Obi-Wan comments.
"Losing Steela must've taken a heavy toll on him," Anakin theorizes sadly. ahsoka glances away, a small amount of guilt shining through.
BODHI: Okay... So, you... Um, eh, that's for you. And I gave it to them, they did not find it! I gave it to them. Galen Erso. He told me to find you.
Saw pulls off a breath mask and sticks it on his face, sucking in much needed air. Bodhi watches, slightly terrified and finding familiarity in the breathing sound with another person...
"Really not looking well-" Anakin says.
"Ok Anakin, we get it." Padme interrupts.
Saw drops the mask, staring hard at Bodhi with wild eyes and considering, coming to a decision.
SAW GERRERA: Bor Gullet!
BODHI: Bor Gullet? Galen Erso sent me! He told me to find you!
Ahsoka slumps in her seat, disheartened to see Saw acting so coldly, even if he believes them to be an enemy. She knew he was rash, but the Saw she knew would never be so heartless and uncaring... would he?
SPACE
The scene changes to show a single TIE Fighter flying past the camera, headed for a Star Destroyer that appears out of the shadows. The camera pans out to reveal a massive object behind the Star Destroyer, also exiting the shadow, which is revealed to be a msssive disk being attached to a giant space station.
the Jedi all widened their eyes in realization of what this was, Padme and Bail also staring in disbelief at the sheer scale of it, having not seen or heard about Starkiller Base yet.
"I know what it is! Remember in the previous holovid where they mentioned the Death Star?" Anakin recalls.
"You think this is the Death Star they showed?" mace asks.
Anakin nods confidently. "It most definitely is. that design is unmistakable to the hologram.
"A... Death Star?" Padme asks nervously, the name itself sounding frightening to comprehend. Anakin nods.
"I'll explain it later," he replies.
"Well it isn't as big as Starkiller Base, but it still is massive." Obi-Wan observes worriedly.
On the bridge, two Death Troopers stand beside Director Krennic as he slowly approaches a figure watching the Death Star's construction. The image clears up to show the back of a tall man with a straight posture and graying hair.
Some of the Jedi narrow their eyes, esecially Anakin, feeling as if they had seen this person before.
"...do we know this person?" Ahsoka asks in concern.
"I can't remember," Obi-Wan says.
TARKIN: Most unfortunate about the security breach on Jedha, Director Krennic. After so many setbacks and delays, and now this.
He then turns around to reveal the face of Grand Moff Tarkin, calm and collected, although hiding an inner fury. His gaze is cold and calculating.
Everyone is the room gasps in shock and disbelief, Anakin torn and disheartened. This was Admiral Tarkin, a man who was supposed to be on the side of the Republic! Ahsoka scowls angrily, never having liked him in the first place, while the two Senators frown, knowing they had to talk about this as soon as the holovid was over.
"That no good traitor!" Mace says angrily.
Yoda frowns in concern, while Anakin continues to stare in shock. Tarkin was supposed to be a good ally with the Chancellor.
"I said he was a good captian..." he whispers, feelings of betrayal running through him.
"Apparently he never was," Obi-Wan says, a hard frown on his face.
TARKIN: We've heard word of rumors circulating through the city. Apparently you've lost a rather talkative cargo pilot. If the Senate gets wind of our project, countless systems will flock to the Rebellion.
KRENNIC: When the battle station is finished, Governor Tarkin, the Senate will be of little concern.
"Governor...?" Anakin mutters coldly, the feelings of betrayal and sadness turning into those of anger.
"I don't know him well, but the only thing that comes to mind when I think of Tarkin is how he just wants power and status," Padme states with a disgusted frown.
TARKIN: When has become now, Director Krennic. The Emperor will tolerate no further delay, you have made time an ally of the Rebellion. I suggest, we solve both problems simultaneously with an immediate test of the weapon. Failure will find you explaining why to a far less patient audience.
"He doesn't even care about using a weapon that destroys planets!" Ahsoka exclaimed.
"He needs to be removed from his position as soon as possible!" Mace declared.
"For once I agree with you Master," Anakin replied, glaring at the screen.
Krennic glares angrily at Tarkin, who stares back impassively.
KRENNIC: I will not fail.
Krennic then exits the bridge furiously, his two guards walking beside him. Tarkin smirks to himself before turning around, and watches the superlaser be set into place, completing the Death Star.