A day late… but here you go. Thanks to Nataly SkyPot, Bobboky, DawnDayrider, and ILDV for reviewing. Also many thanks Khalthar for betaing.
Please remember that Star Wars belongs to Disney.
? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ?
Asajj watched Luke sitting at the holotable, fiddling with the message. An hour ago a Separatist broadcast had begun to play and Luke had been fiddling with the kriffing thing ever since, not allowing the shuttle to enter hyperspace. What the kriff does he think he can do?
Next to her master, an astromech patiently waited for Luke's next instructions. Asajj observed him for another minute before sitting down again to wait out her Master's strange fascination. He wasn't even watching the Separatists' propaganda or how they were attacking various systems.
"Try Leia," he ordered the droid.
The droid emitted a lengthy string of beeps.
"You already did? I thought I had it… What about… In remembrance of Leia?"
The broadcast was interrupted again and flickered slightly.
"Hmm… not quite, but I'm getting close."
Asajj groaned and walked over to her him, "Master, excuse me, but what are you trying to do?"
She felt his surprise as he glanced up from his work, "I'm… wait, try... In remembrance of Leia, a warrior to honor."
"Master are you even listening to me, what are you trying to do?"
He's a great Jedi, but he seriously has some kriffing problems when he doesn't explain stuff. Luke raised his eyebrow at her, as if hearing her thoughts. That'd be embarrassing if he could.
"Asajj have you noticed anything curious about the holo transmission?"
She rolled her eyes, "Besides your obsession, no."
He frowned, put off by her disrespect and the feeling of failure descended on Asajj, "Depending on the frequency, the transmissions waver slightly in different ways."
"Yes Master, but all transmissions do that."
A frown marred his face, "Perhaps it is because where I'm from that I felt the need to inspect the transmission. At home, they never wavered unless there was interference."
"All transmissions have interference, like planets, so what do you mean interference?"
"Well Asajj," he began, "there are two types of interference I have been aware of. Older equipment used in my youth, was affected by things like asteroids or storms surrounding the sender or the recipient. Things in between rarely had an impact. The other type of interference is another signal. Depending on the bandwidth I tune in on, the images flicker differently. So I got suspicious."
He's insane, "What's the astromech doing?"
Luke chuckled and gestured at the astromech. The droid beeped happily and the transmission began to garble, until an old familiar raspy voice filled the room. The words weren't always perfectly clear, but she could understand him. What in the kriffing galaxy is happening?
"If you are hearing this message Luke, then you've successfully broken the encryption and are as smart as I thought you are."
The voice broke out in some raspy coughs and Asajj could hear metal clanging in the background.
"Luke... your sister Leia was a very courageous and valiant individual. Her words and actions while in the face of insurmountable odds, have shown and reminded me of who I am, and what I should be doing," he paused before continuing, "I realize that she did not survive and for that you have my truest and sincerest condolences, the galaxy lost someone great that day."
The signal became distorted and Asajj could hear the general banging the equipment in frustration. Whatever technical difficulties he found on the other side were overcome and he began to speak again.
"The galaxy may never know what was lost when she died, but she attained a great victory for the Republic beforehand. I will no longer support or aid the Separatists in their cause; instead, I will focus on keeping my home world safe from the perils of war. My primary concern is to keep my home planet safe from tyranny and the only way that can be done is if the Sith are destroyed. I will aid you Luke, in honor of your sister, to create a better world where all things are equal. I feel that if I can't trust you, then I can trust no one. I warn you to never trust the Separatist scum and not underestimate Sidious."
The message was silent for a moment, "With the Greatest Respect for the Valiantly Fallen, I General Grievous say this. If you accept my proposal meet me on Muunilinst. There is a wrong to right."
Asajj remained silent as she contemplated the message. That was interesting. Grievous always seemed so loyal. Besides her she could feel a similar wave of confusion.
"What happened on Muunilinst?"
A hot burning shame coursed through her as she remembered the world and how it had been destroyed. We obliterated their home world. It will be a wonder if they ever rise again.
Luke's hand settled on her shoulder, "What happened?"
She closed her eyes and looked at him, "The Separatists had a base there. When the Republic armies came, nearly everything was destroyed. We didn't care, it was a game. How many Jedi could be killed," she laughed harshly, "It was a game… The natives were killed by the dozen and before the Republic came, there were rumors… Sometimes military leaders decided to take… a vacation. The Muun were smart, but how could they predict such savagery. There were stories… and the proof lies with the countless dead littering the fields. What have I done Master?"
Luke pulled her in an embrace, as he whispered soothing words. I helped those monsters. They killed so many, so many and I didn't care. How can I ever be forgiven?
"It may surprise you child," Luke began softly, "that people persevere through the worst. Everyone fails and falls. Strength doesn't come from how often you don't fall, but from your ability to get up and become stronger. To walk away and not condemn the world. I've seen the worst in people; I see it in every government, in every conquering force. There is a need to oppress, to prove oneself stronger. No species is exempt."
"How… how can you live with knowing that?"
He laughed slightly and she could feel his sadness, "I don't know. There are things we shouldn't know, for our own sanity. Yet I do, and the knowledge drives me insane… But I've seen the best in others, how they get back up. I marvel at their strength, I don't think I have it."
She shook her head vehemently. He has to be strong; he isn't allowed to be weak. There is so much power for him to wield, yet he exercises such restraint.
"I lack that strength," he paused for a moment, seemingly lost in his thoughts, "I was rather naive in my youth. Always had an expectation of succeeding and that things would end in the best. So many died in our crusade for freedom and perhaps it was a good crusade, yet I can't forget all those voices suddenly silenced as we blew things up. Nor were we perfect… we ignored so many things."
This can't be happening, "But you are here and have helped so many."
Once again he laughed, "Asajj, that's why I had Leia, have Dia, and now you. I admire your ability to keep hoping for a better future. I'm too cynical. This war will not be the end, there will be another one, whether we win or lose. Sith or Jedi, the Force will sway things in a way that it likes. Perhaps that's my problem, I feel too much. I feel every death, I felt the shock when I learned my father was a Sith, I feel everything. Yet despite feeling so much, I can't kriffing act on it. I can't forget the impact of my actions and can't be selfish for once."
"I don't understand."
"Yes, I've been called selfish, but I've never had a day off, where I've done something because I just wanted to despite the consequences. Never."
Something was prompting Asajj to comfort the strange man, who she could now see was so broken. He had been broken again and again, each time he stitched himself back together and never looked back. How many times have I looked back? Never look back, a motto for destruction and creation.
Luke's posture morphed back to his chirpier self, pretending his baggage was gone. It is all an act though. There's so much on his shoulders, a burden nobody but his sister ever understood.
"So Asajj, are the Separatists on Muunilinst still?"
"I'd believe so. There are a lot of droid foundries there."
Luke smiled happily, "Well let's pick up Dea and see if our friend is being honest. Either way, we can deal a crippling blow to the Separatists if we can stop the factories. It'll be a start.
? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ?
Darth Sidious was staring at the tiny planet in jubilation. He could feel the distinctly dark Force-presence clouding the planet. As an apprentice he had started his research and now as the Master he had looked at it again and found the object of interest. I will conquer the galaxy and nothing will stop me.
His only annoyance was that he couldn't contact his future recruits from space. The planet's magnetic field was messing with his sensors and communication devices. Even landing would be difficult.
Regardless of any possible difficulties, Sidious began his slow descent into the atmosphere, wary of possible threats. He maneuvered near a city, his eyes scanning the assembling crowd. How can they bear to be in the presence of each other? Where is the leader?
The Darksiders stepped away to clear room for him to land. Carefully he checked his Force-presence to insure that nobody would feel him. I may be more powerful, but they are far more numerous. I will maintain the advantage.
The ship jerked slightly as it touched the ground and Sidious hoisted his hood over his face. I will prevail and the Jedi will pay. The Darkside rose around him, like a viper, slithering its way free. Around him he could feel the other Darksiders' presence, weak and inadequate, like an untrained apprentice. There's something else that's powerful. The presences he felt were strong, almost at his level. These must be the Masters.
He lowered the ramp, well aware of the intimidating effect he was projecting, and walked down. Crowded before him stood various inhabitants, holding ignited lightsabers. Sidious called on the Force, allowing him to brush against their minds. Fear me. I'm going to be your new Master. You'll bow down before me and destroy the Jedi. The galaxy will be mine to conquer.
His gaze skimmed the crowd and noticed the various outfits; there was a hidden hierarchy in the crowd. When I was trying to land there were people in various settlements, the legends talk of one ship. He glanced at them again. Somehow they managed to establish a culture, but where is the leader I sense. He could feel something powerful waiting, and the something was plural.
He stepped onto the ground, his shoes ringing against the stones and bowed.
? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ?
Asajj welcomed Dea on board and smiled slightly in respect. The former Padawan embraced her Master.
"Like old times?"
Luke gave his Padawan a tight smile, "Like old times," and walked back into the shuttle.
Asajj looked at Dea, "Why is he like that?"
She laughed, not at all disturbed by Luke's behavior, "There remain two great mysteries that the Jedi wish to study; the Force… and Master Luke."
Really, don't they have anything better to do? Luke remained a mystery, a man who was so broken, but didn't let people see that. She slumped into a seat and closed her eyes. I am so tired.
The whine of the hyperdrive caused her to abruptly come out of her slumber. They had arrived at Muunilinst and shame filled her as she thought of the planet.
"Will they ever forgive us?" she whispered.
Dea walked out of the cockpit and stared at her. Understanding waves rolling away from her through the force. Asajj but her lip angrily. I don't need pity. I want to be able to forgive myself. I don't need the Jedi. I just feel sorry for all those innocents who got drawn into a war, not of their intention.
"Don't beat yourself up about it. You need to learn to let go and focus on how to make up for it."
"Like you'd be such an expert," she hissed back.
"I've seen plenty, Asajj. Being Luke's Padawan isn't for the light hearted. I've seen great men driven to madness focusing on their despair. That's why returning to the light is so hard, it is hard to forget your atrocities. The Darkside makes them seem okay, when they are truly horrendous."
"How would you know?"
"Dea closed her eyes, "You don't know anything… Our order learned from our mistakes. The dead speak to us. Luke's father remains a symbol. There doesn't go a day where he isn't filled with regret, but he still imparts his wisdom to us, so we do not follow his path.
The shuttle rocked lightly, a barely noticeable tremor letting them know they landed. Luke stepped out of the shuttle, his lightsaber clipped onto his belt.
"I do believe there's a General waiting outside for us."
"Wait what?" Dea exclaimed, "How did that happen?"
"My dear old former Padawan, he has eyes," Luke said jokingly.
The ramp opened, and the trio warily stepped outside. Before them stood General Grievous, in his normally stooped position.
"I'm surprised you came alone, Jedi. Where's the famous army?" he rasped.
To Asajj's amazement, Luke walked forward smiling, "In my experience, bringing an army to peace negotiations tends to have disastrous effects."
"And what if I bring my army to exterminate you Jedi?"
Luke laughed. My Master is insane. Grievous is going to betray us and I'm going to die. This, journey to the light, is rather short and disastrous.
"It would be unwise to betray me Grievous, I don't take betrayal lightly and you'll find that I'm a force to be reckoned with on my own."
Asajj held her breath as Grievous looked at their small party. She held herself strong. If I'm going to die then it won't be like any of the Jedi weaklings.
Grievous coughed again, then said, "I think I may like you. Your attitude is refreshing, not many would be so brave… or foolish."
A lightsaber sprung into Luke's hands, "You want a test? Defend yourself, I'll attack in twenty."
Grievous stepped back.
"Nineteen!"
The arms began to unfold…
"Seventeen!"
She watched in horror as the lightsabers ignited. I don't want Luke to die.
"Fifteen!"
Grievous charged forward…
"Twelve!"
Luke nimbly stepped to the side.
"One! I believe it's my turn."
Asajj watched in wonder, as she saw Luke swing his own lightsaber. I knew he was good, but this takes it to a different level. He continuously missed by a hair span and the speed never let up. Grievous stumbled backwards, trying to defend himself against the onslaught.
The lightsabers clashed in bright lights, whirring faster than the eye could follow. It doesn't matter how many lightsabers Grievous has, Luke has the Force. She could feel the Force surrounding him, like a supernova. It was hot and bright, so blinding. It wasn't light or dark, it was just there… She had never felt anything like it, but it seared into brain. He isn't shielding, or he's shielding a lot less.
Grievous's lightsabers clattered as they hit the ground.
Asajj swallowed as she felt his power draw back and left the area feeling vacant, as if something essential had disappeared.
"Have I proven my point General?" Luke asked coldly.
Surprise flooded her as the General bowed before her Master, "You've shown your strength and honor, I'd be honored to fight besides you. What do you plan General?"
Surprise briefly crossed Luke's face, "We will help these people and use the ships here to mobilize our own forces. This seems to be one of the last places with a communications tower… Once we regain the planet for the people, we'll ask if we can use the tower to send our own signal."
"You'd give the planet back to the people?"
Asajj smiled as she felt her Master's confusion, "Why would I want a planet? It's a giant rock which is only useful for those living on it. I've got a spaceship."
The General threw his head back in laughter, "I didn't think your kind existed. Most people would think that a giant piece of rock is great because it's giant."
"I don't need it."
? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ?
Sidious looked at the council warily, feeling their power through the Force.
"Why are you here?" the leader asked.
Sidious swallowed, "I've come here for the legacy of the Sith, my brethren have been searching for you for a long time."
"Why," a female asked and Sidious resisted the urge to scowl at her gender.
"Your ancestors were brave and strong, conquering the weaklings and the Sith have long plotted conquering the galaxy, with your help, we will finally succeed."
They're a warrior race and love to conquer, furthermore they know the superiority of humans.
Sidious continued, "Long have Masters plotted how to eradicate the Jedi scum and enslave the worthless."
Another councilman leaned forward, "Surely you weren't as foolish to lay down all your hopes of success with us?"
Curtailing his annoyance, "I almost succeeded and had accounted for nearly every factor. The Force sent an anomoly though, a Luke Spaceflyer. He's very strong in the Force and has the Jedi eating out of his hands. Alone I could take him, but with his other Jedi allies it would be most difficult. Don't you want to aid in the ending of such power, to prove yourselves?"
The Sith leaned back, contemplating his words. This is a gamble. The group is necessary to win, without them my plan is doomed to failure. A powerful Force-presence washed over him and he bristled along with the other council members.
"Spaceflyer," he hissed.
"You know this presence?" asked an elderly man.
Sidious closed his eyes, this will work for my advantage, "Yes he's the Jedi I told you about, Luke Spaceflyer. Only the strongest warriors will have a chance against him."
The council remained silent for a while, an unknown conversation transpiring.
Finally the leader broke the silence, "What's in it for us?"
Sidious smiled. Negotiations have begun. You will run Jedi, but there'll be no place to hide from this army. This lost tribe of Sith will be unbeatable!
? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ? ﾝﾄﾾ?
Thanks for reading. Remember that reviews make my day.
Last chapter before the release of The Force Awakens!