Padmé appeared in the doorframe. "I can't believe him.", she muttered. "What happened in there?", Ahsoka asked. Padmé was breathing heavily, she was almost panting. Ahsoka figured she had been shouting.
"Nothing much. I just wanted to make clear on who's side I am." Ahsoka raised her brows. Padmé had always had a will of iron, but it seemed like she was even more sure about Anakin than Ahsoka was.
That makes sense, Ahsoka thought to herself. She really has feelings for him. "I will go check for Nuha and Thral.", Ahsoka announced. "They're probably awake by now." She left the room, aiming on granting the family some privacy.
Ahsoka found her ways in the huge fortress faster and faster. Her ability of orientation had always been an extraordinary one. Soon she had found the hallway, in which she thought Nuha and Thral were sleeping.
She knocked at the door carefully. Thral opened. "Breakfast?", Ahsoka said with a grin. Nuha appeared behind Thral. "Morning, Ahsoka.", she smiled. Both Thral and Nuha were wearing uniforms like Padmé.
"There are rations downstairs in case you're hungry.", Ahsoka said. "He's there too, isn't he?", Thral replied before Nuha was given the chance to do so first. Ahsoka knew exactly who he meant. "Yes, he is.", she answered.
"Then I don't want to go there. I can't really judge over any of this, I'm too confused. But I know I fear him. I have seen what he did, I have seen what he leaves behind on his path of destruction." Ahsoka looked down.
"Don't think I don't know what he did.", she murmured. "He has been slaughtering every last one jedi, and the order was my life." Thral sighed. "You're very warmhearted, Ahsoka. But do you know for sure that he deserves it?"
Ahsoka only shrugged. "Of course not. But I have hope now. You don't have to fear him, Thral. He wouldn't do anything here, but obviously, you could still leave anytime you wanted. Being with him, is dangerous in another way."
Nuha frowned. "What do you mean? What is more dangerous than Vader turning on us?" "The Emperor.", Ahsoka simply answered. "It is safer, the further you are out of his reach." Nuha froze a little.
"I never considered him. Are they... in contact?" Ahsoka nodded. "I guess you could call it that. Sidious likes to... be in control. He called only this morning." Nuha exhaled in shock. "Does he know about any of this?"
Ahsoka shook her head. "He thinks Anakin is here on his own, training the twins to be sith like himself." Nuha pulled a grimace. "But he isn't...right?" Ahsoka's eyes widened.
"Of course not! The twins are fine, believe me. I was with them ever since they came." "Good... more sith would destroy the galaxy's last rests of light.", she whiffed. "It would extinguish the spark." Ahsoka raised her brows.
"You mean the rebellion. Do you two know them?" Thral and Nuha exchanged a glance. "Yes. We worked with them once, when we were refugees. We still have friends in command there, we've been through a lot together."
Ahsoka nodded. "I've always wondered about the rebellion. I thought about joining them once or twice." Nuha frowned. "Why didn't you?" Ahsoka sighed deeply and wrapped her arms around her torso.
"I've been fighting in war since I was fourteen. We succeeded so often, we fought so bitter, and yet... I mean, the republic won, the separatist leaders ended up dead. Why bother to fight a war at all? It was all for nothing."
Nuha sighed. "Didn't you just say you had hope? Do you want to let the empire resume what it is doing to the galaxy and everyone living in it." Ahsoka shook her head. "No... But I don't believe in war anymore." Thral snorted.
"Those lightsabers make it a little unbelievable that you are a pacifist." "I'm not.", Ahsoka replied. "Violence is practical, but war doesn't accomplish anything. It goes on and on until both sides are destroyed. But simple fights can end anytime."
Nuha frowned. "With death..." Ahsoka nodded. "Yes. But only a single one. Maybe a few. War never really ends until everything is too broken to continue. How is that going to help anyone? And it's not a long term solution now either."
Nuha raised her brows. "So how would you end the war?" Ahsoka shrugged. "I guess the only way to take out the empire without going down with them is killing the Emperor directly and without any detours." Nuha frowned.
"If the rebellion could reach the Emperor, they would kill him, but..." Ahsoka shook her head. "No they wouldn't. He has a lot more darkness in him than Anakin and he is almost as good of a fighter. They wouldn't stand a chance."
Nuha nodded. "I felt Vader before, I can barely imagine that there is someone... worse. But anyway, there is no way to reach him. He is constantly hiding in his palace, and only the highest ranks can ever see him." Ahsoka smirked.
"Exactly. This is why Anakin is so valuable to the rebellion's cause. He is the second in command of the entire empire, he is like a direct transition to Sidious. With his help, the rebellion might actually achieve something." Nuha frowned.
"You're making sense, Ahsoka. But you understand that we won't just give him the rebellion's position." Ahsoka nodded. "Of course I understand.", she said. "But I have an idea." Nuha raised her brows. "Oh? And what's that?"
"You and Thral could go to the rebellion and be a kind of... messenger. We could contact you and you could contact us. That way, we might actually build up some kind of alliance." Nuha frowned repulsively.
"That could cost many lives. If he wasn't as good as you think he is, and he found us. He could destroy the whole rebellion effortlessly." Ahsoka grabbed Nuha's hands.
"But imagine how many lives it might save! He could inform the rebellion about every single one of the empire's moves. They could avoid the imperials as long as necessary." Nuha sighed. "Hiding and running would be easier, yes, but..."
Ahsoka interrupted her friend, too excited to stop talking. "Then, when the time comes, the rebels would help with the final strike against the Emperor. They could help to infiltrate his palace, and Anakin would have a chance to take him out."
Nuha raised her arms defeat. "Alright fine! We'll tell the rebel leaders about that crazy plan of yours, we'll see how enthusiastic they will be about working with Darth Vader. And you have to ask him!" Ahsoka nodded.
"Yes! Finally we actually know what we're trying to accomplish here. It's an idea, and it might really work. You won't regret helping, Nuha, I promise." Nuha frowned. "I just hope this isn't a huge mistake."
"Are you sure about this?", Thral asked, as Nuha pulled out a comlink. Padmé recognized one of the communicators she had seen in the storages earlier. "No, I am absolutely not.", she replied, visibly trembling.
"Maybe we should wait then.", he said. Nuha shook her head. "They need to know we're coming. I don't want to show up on Dantooine unexpected." Thral frowned and put his hand onto Nuha's. "Do you think they will agree with this?", he asked.
Nuha shrugged. "Ahsoka knows what she is doing.", Padmé said. "She sounded very confident when she told me about this. After all she was a commander for years, she has experience."
"So does Ackbar. We'll see what he thinks about this.", Thral said. "Is that the rebel leader?", Padmé asked. "He's an amazing admiral, i've seen him in command. If we want to link the rebels with your husband, it will happen through him."
Padmé smirked as her friend told her about the rebel, who's name seemed strangely familiar. Padmé already felt more confident about what they were planning to do. Excitement spread in her. "Then call him. What is there to lose?"
Thral inhaled deeply, wanting to answer the rhetorical question, but was interrupted by Nuha. "You're right. I'll call him. He won't talk to Vader directly, right?" Padmé nodded, ignoring the hated name Nuha had used.
"Did he even agree?", Thral asked. Padmé shook her head. "Ahsoka's still filling him in. I'm sure Anakin will consider it, he is just as opposed to the Emperor as you are, probably even more." Thral raised his brow.
"Oh, really? Then why is he serving him again?" Padmé's expression hardened. "I don't think there is more distrust anywhere than between a sith master and apprentice. And Palpatine has done a lot that Anakin won't forget."
Nuha sighed. "Okay, let's do this.", she said and began to type on her comlink. The picture of an Mon Calamari appeared in a blue shimmer. "Nuha! What an unexpected pleasure.", he said. "Greetings, admiral.", Nuha replied.
"It been ages since we've heard from you and Thral. Were have you been?" Nuha sighed. "Many places, many stories. The latest one is pretty interesting actually." Ackbar frowned. "What do you mean?"
Nuha chuckled slightly and and scratched the back of her head nervously. "Well, many improbable coincidences lead to us bumping into Darth Vader." Ackbar's eyes widened in shock. "Oh no! Are you alright? Did you manage to flee?"
"No, not exactly. In fact he invited us to his home. And that's not morbid sarcasm, he literally did." Ackbar frowned. "Explain, Nuha. I don't understand." Nuha nodded.
"Apparently he isn't completely evil. I called you to ask you if you would consider working with him." Ackbar visibly tensed. "What? Are you out of your bloody mind?" Nuha shook her head.
"Look, I know how this sounds. My reaction wasn't different at first, but I trust him a tiny bit by now. Think of how he could help the rebellion! He is the second in charge of the whole empire, this would change everything."
"It's a trap!", Admiral Ackbar called out. Padmé stepped next to her friend, smiling at her reassuringly. "Thank you, Nuha.", she said before turning to Ackbar. "I can assure you, that it is not a trap, Admiral." The Mon Calamari exhaled in shock.
"Padmé Amidala! I haven't seen you in years, I thought you died along with the other democracy loving senators." Nuha frowned. "You know each other?", she asked in surprise. "We're old friends.", Padmé simply answered.
"We met in the clone wars.", Ackbar added. "For the first and last time. Now what is your role in all this? Do you think Vader is as trustworthy as Nuha said?" Padmé smirked. "Of course I trust my husband, Admiral. A lot more than Nuha does."
"Your husband?! Fine, I'd like to speak to him personally.", Ackbar said. Ahsoka stuck her head through the door. Anakin appeared behind her. "It was your idea, wasn't it, Nuha?", he asked. "No. Mine, master.", Ahsoka said.
Anakin sighed, then glanced over to the Admiral talking to Nuha and Padmé. "Is this your rebel? Wait...isn't that..." Padmé smiled and nodded. "Yes, it is. I'm sure you remember Anakin Skywalker from Mon Cala, Admiral." Ackbar nodded.
"I do. He is there too?" Padmé nodded. "Actually, he is who Nuha referred to. Formerly, we agreed that you wouldn't speak directly, but if it is your wish..." Ackbar nodded. "This is hard to believe, so yes, I wish to speak to him."
Padmé smirked at Anakin who stepped next to her. "So, Nuha has told you who I am now?", he asked. Ackbar looked down. "It is hard to imagine, but yes, she has. She said you were willing to work with us." "I did not!", Nuha said hastily.
"I only asked if you were willing, Admiral." "I've just been informed about this... idea. I don't know what to think of it. You must know, I don't have a high opinion of the rebellion.", Anakin said. Ackbar gulped visibly.
"We are trying to help people in need. It is what you were doing when I last saw you." Anakin tensed. "A lot has changed, Ackbar.", he said simply. "Oh? So you don't deny the wrong you are doing?" Anakin snorted.
"Deny? How could I possibly deny?" "I meant your intensions. I never realized Darth Vader knew he was evil." Anakin's eyes narrowed. "You know nothing of my intentions, Ackbar. Only of my actions." This time Ackbar chuckled a little.
"So we share our cause?" Anakin shrugged. "Perhaps. What does it matter? You need my help, and I can make use of yours. If I ever wanted to kill the Emperor it would be a rather difficult intervention." Padmé grinned into herself.
It was incredibly relieving to hear Anakin talk about the Emperor's destruction. "What do you expect me to do?", Ackbar asked. "I will not give you our position if that is the purpose of this." "Of course not.", Anakin answered.
"I don't expect you to do anything, Ackbar. I suppose neither was Nuha when telling you about this... idea. Although I am willing to do you favors, in case I can rely on you remembering them." Ackbar snorted.
"And what would those favors be?" Anakin began typing on the comlink wordlessly. Padmé couldn't make out what he was doing, he was too fast, and the commands seemed advanced.
"I can't transfer more over this channel. It just a single file." Ackbar frowned. "What is this?", he asked. Anakin stayed silent and waited for the Admiral to open the data. Suddenly the Admiral's eyes widened. "Are these...", he stammered in shock.
"Yes.", Anakin answered his unfinished question. "The recent locations of every imperial warship and search party. You might find this helpful on your quest of welfare." "Indeed I do.", Ackbar murmured.
"Did you just become a traitor?", he asked then. Vader shook his head. "Oh no. That happened two years ago already." Ackbar frowned. "Well, thank you... what do you ask in return now?" "Nothing just yet.", Anakin said.
"There will be opportunity to repay me in due time. Until then you can have as much data as you want. I was told Nuha and Thral know where you are and that they will be coming. I would transfer messages and data through them."
The admiral nodded. "That seems reasonable. When can we expect them?" Anakin turned to Nuha, looking at her, waiting. She only shrugged. "We could make it an a day.", Thral said from behind. "It's settled then.", the admiral said.
Obi Wan frowned. "They agreed to this?", he asked sceptically. Nuha and Thral were climbing onto the ship he had arrived with earlier. Ahsoka was standing next to him, waiting for them to take off.
"Of course they did.", Ahsoka said while waving Nuha goodbye. "Imagine what they could achieve with all the data Anakin can give them. They wouldn't have to fight this war anymore if they are wise."
"Are you sure they are as enthusiastic as you are? They are cooperating with their Nemesis, whoever agreed to this idea is probably already accused of treason." Ahsoka shrugged.
"Those voices will be quiet soon. Anakin already gave them imperial positions, and this is just the beginning." Obi Wan sighed. "I don't understand why. I would like him to come back to the light, but we both know he isn't there yet."
"That doesn't matter now. He and the rebels share an enemy and they're not stupidly proud." Obi Wan snorted. "Anakin is not stupidly proud? We are talking about the same person right?" Ahsoka stared at Obi Wan, suddenly quiet.
"Did you just call him Anakin?", she asked finally. Obi Wan sighed. "I don't know what to call him, Ahsoka.", he murmured. "Not using his given name, in denial of who he is, that's ridiculous and above you. Just call him Anakin.", she said. Obi Wan chuckled slightly.
"Maybe you're right. I guess I only call him Vader, because I don't want to accept that it is Anakin who has done all these things. To me they're two different people." Ahsoka raised her brows.
"You're not a child, Obi Wan. It is a sad truth, but we have to live with it." Obi Wan nodded. He noticed how Ahsoka's hands clenched to fists. "I still can't believe that he is alive. I thought he was dead like all the others. I can't help being relieved."
Obi Wan frowned. "Why would you think he died? So many others survived." Ahsoka shrugged. "You talked to me, Yoda talked to me. He never did. So I assumed he didn't make it. Why did you never tell me what really happened to him?" Obi Wan frowned.
He had expected Ahsoka to ask that question eventually. He wondered why she hadn't done so before. "You know. I thought it would be easier for everyone, if it stayed between Yoda and me. Hiding from Vader was hard enough already."
"Obi Wan... the three of us have fought a war side by side! Don't you think I had a right to know as well?" Ahsoka's face had hardened and her stare had turned to pure ice. Obi Wan could see the pain in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, for everything, Ahsoka. For everything. I've made so many mistakes, that was one too." Ahsoka pulled a grimace. "Oh? You are a pretty tough judger, considering that you have regrets yourself." Obi Wan snorted.
"Of course I have regrets. But you have to admit that my and Anakin's mistakes are barely comparable." "I turned to the dark side once!", Ahsoka called out.
"And yet you talk to me." "That was different, Ahsoka. You weren't yourself." She frowned. "Isn't that what you said about Anakin too." Obi Wan looked down.
"Ahsoka... your mind was controlled. Anakin was influenced by the Emperor too, but he made a choice." Ahsoka frowned. "Have you ever told Anakin that you were sorry?" Obi Wan shook his head. "No..."
Ahsoka gave Obi Wan a look that made him know exactly what she was thinking and entered the fortress again. Obi Wan stayed where he was and watched silently, as Nuha and Thral took off.