Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's chapter 34! Thanks for all the great reviews. Five years have now passed since the events in Chapter 32. Hunter is now sixteen, Blake is nine, and Ahsoka is seventeen.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed and I apologize for the delay in this chapter. I moved in May so both May and June have been extremely hectic and exhausting. In addition to having no time to write, with everything going on, it was hard to even gather my thoughts on my stories. It's taken me a while to get back in the groove, but hopefully the delays won't be quite so drastic going forward.
Force Jumper
Chapter 34: Chasing the Sun
Ahsoka rolled her eyes, as she listened to the delegates drone on. She was itching to find out exactly what was going on, but Padme couldn't tell her anything until they were free of prying ears. She had been assigned to Padme's protection detail in Hunter's absence, secretly of course, and she was getting tired of hiding in the cramped air shaft. As per normal, she watched Padme storm out of the Chancellor's office, after once again failing to get them to see any sort of reason. She slipped from the air shaft and into the elevator with her, just as it closed.
"So...why exactly am I assigned to secret protection detail? Not that I don't love spending time with you, but I can't stand not knowing what's going on," Ahsoka said.
"Trust me, as soon as we're in my apartment, we'll tell you everything," Padme replied.
"So it's big?" she asked. Padme nodded.
"Very big," she replied, as Padme exited the lift. Ahsoka waited in the lift, as a cloaked figure entered. Quinlan dropped his hood and Force jumped Ahsoka to Republica 500. Padme arrived minutes later in the speeder with Sabe.
"Okay, now can you tell me? It's not like Sky guy and Sky guy junior to leave you and Blake for very long," she said. Padme smiled at her use of nicknames for Anakin and Hunter.
"Threepio, please make us some tea," Padme requested, as Blake and the twins scampered out. Blake tackled Ahsoka with a hug first, before giving one to his mother too. They sat down with him and the twins.
"Anakin, Hunter, and Obi-Wan are on their way to a place where there is a colony of Force Jumpers that are interested in building a real resistance against the Xal'Kaar," Padme said. Ahsoka's eyes widened.
"Wow...that's amazing. How did they find these people?" Ahsoka asked.
"A few of them were on Naboo doing a supply run when they were attacked by the Xal'Kaar. Hunter stopped them and discovered that the young people around his age also have unique abilities aside from just their Force jumping abilities. But that's not even the most amazing part," Padme explained.
What is?" Ahsoka asked. Padme put her hand on Ahsoka's.
"Scout is alive," she told her. Ahsoka's eyes widened in surprise and Padme's smile widened.
"Scout was with these people?" Ahsoka asked. Padme nodded.
"But...I don't understand," she said in confusion.
"Scout is a Force jumper. Master Windu tried to kill her and then covered up her escape by saying she was killed in action. Whie is with her as well," Padme revealed. Ahsoka smiled and Padme hugged her tightly.
"When can I see them?" she asked eagerly.
"A few days. They reside on a very remote planet, but once Anakin has a few jump sites, he'll be back for us," Padme replied.
"Yeah, there's a girl too that can make water in her hands!" Blake chirped.
"Water? Like Hunter makes lightning?" Ahsoka asked. Padme nodded.
"And a boy that can make wind. Supposedly, there are a few others as well," Padme replied.
"Yeah, but Hunter likes the girl," Blake said, wrinkling his nose.
"Well, someday you're going to like girls too," Padme replied.
"No way...girls are icky!" Blake declared, making them chuckle.
"I just can't believe I have to keep going back to the Temple and acting like nothing is wrong. Mace Windu tried to murder my best friend," Ahsoka said, as she did her best to release her anger into the Force.
"I know, I wish we could expose him. But you know it has to be done the right way or we won't be able to take down the whole operation as well," Padme reasoned. Ahsoka nodded.
"You're right. I'll wait and when the time is right, we'll bring Mace down and everything he's built with him. Then everyone will know exactly who and what he is," Ahsoka said. Padme patted her shoulder.
"That's the spirit," she said.
Jake and Katrina hugged their daughter in relief, as they arrived home on Solaris V. Sky's
parents, Johnny and Sydney hugged their son as well, also relieved that he was home safe, after hearing about their brush with the Xal'Kaar.
"Thank you so much again for stepping in when the Xal'Kaar cornered them," Jake stated.
"My son deserves most of the credit. He was nearby when it happened, but I'm just glad we both got there in time," Anakin replied, as he turned the attention to Hunter. Jake and Johnny shook the young man's hand.
"Let me introduce you to my wife and our friends," Jake said, as he motioned to the beautiful blonde woman whom was unmistakably Arianna's mother.
"This is my wife and our President, Katrina Zearing," Jake said, as Anakin bowed formally to her.
"Milady," he greeted formally.
"You and your son saved my daughter's life, so you can dismiss the formalities and call me Katrina," she insisted. He nodded.
"Allow me to introduce my staff and friends. My Vice President, William Evans, my staff members and friends, Anna Morgan, Summer Hanson, and Sydney Landers. And our Sheriff, Xander Morgan," Katrina introduced. He greeted them all with handshakes.
"And these are some of my associates that handle the training of our young ones," Jake said.
"Johnny Landers," he said indicating the shorter, but well built dark haired man next to him. He and Sydney are Sky's parents. My lead combat instructor, David Hanson," he said, indicating the taller and very well built man with short spiky brown hair.
"It's an honor. I'd love to test my skills against someone like you," Johnny said. David nodded in agreement.
"Me too," he said eagerly. Anakin smirked.
"Sounds like fun, but first, Hunter and I need to acquire a few jump sites so the rest of our family can join us," Anakin replied. Katrina nodded.
"Of course. Feel free to explore our city and then we can convene for dinner this evening in the Presidential mansion," Katrina stated. They all nodded in agreement.
"I could show you a few places," Arianna suggested to Hunter. The youth looked to Anakin, who nodded.
"Go on. Be back here in thirty minutes," Anakin said, as the two young people joined hands and disappeared.
"Kids," he said, shaking his head in amusement, as he disappeared as well.
"This is place is really beautiful. It reminds me a lot of home in the Lake Country," Hunter mentioned, as he and Arianna appeared in a cove by the seaside with massive waterfalls that cascaded down into the lagoon.
"This is probably my most favorite place in the world," she replied. He was instantly humbled that she had shared it with him. She startled him when she took his hand.
"Come on, let's go up to the peak," she said, as she jumped.
"Wow," Hunter said in awe, as he gazed around.
"You can see everything from up here," he said.
"That's why I like it," she called over the sound of the roaring falls near them. She took his hand and led him back behind the waterfall, revealing a beautiful, lush garden, full of more colors and flowers than he had ever seen, even on Naboo or Yavin IV.
"This place is amazing! How have you kept this planet from being discovered?" he asked curiously.
"We're very careful and it is quite remote. My Uncle Xander and his team do track those that land here. Most are those trying to escape the Republic authorities. If they keep to themselves, we leave them alone. If they discover our settlement, which a few have, they are allowed to join us if they agree to the terms and laws of our society. As you can imagine though, outlaws see something here to exploit. In those cases, they are arrested and taken back. Usually my dad finds a Republic outpost and jumps there from his ship, drops the prisoner and disappears before they can see. Some might see it as extreme," she explained.
"I don't think it's extreme. We have to do everything we can to protect ourselves and survive. There are so many out there that either want us dead or would try to exploit our powers for criminal purposes. But doesn't your dad worry about those people telling them about this place and your powers?" Hunter asked. She nodded.
"Yes, but that's where my Uncle Johnny comes in. He is not only prolific in hand to hand combat, but he has the gift of telepathy. He can convince them they were never here and never saw anything," she replied.
"He can use Force suggestion?" he asked.
"To an exceptional degree. His midichlorian count is higher than most, around five thousand, so too low to learn some aspects, but he's a gifted telepath. It's part of why he's so good in hand to hand combat too," she explained.
"I'm hoping I can learn from him too," Hunter replied. There was an awkward silence between them and Arianna found herself blushing under his handsome stare.
"Um...we should probably get back," she suggested. He nodded and took her hand, making them both blush.
"I don't really have any jump sites yet," he stammered, trying to cover his seemingly forward gesture. She smiled and squeezed his hand.
"Then you better hold on," she replied with a smile. He smiled back and they disappeared.
"Scout!" Ahsoka called.
"Ahsoka!" Scout called, as they ran to each other and embraced in a hug.
"I wanted so badly to somehow contact you and tell you I was okay," Scout said. Ahsoka hugged her tightly.
"I know why you couldn't," Ahsoka replied, as she hauled off and punched Whie in the arm.
"Owe! What was that for?" he asked.
"For running off like a Nerf, even though I'm glad you did," Ahsoka replied.
"He's been taking good care of me," Scout assured her.
"He better," Ahsoka replied, giving him a sly smile. He rolled his eyes.
"Some things never change," he commented.
"So you and Master Obi-Wan have been working with Knightblade for the last few years?" Scout asked. The young Togrutan nodded.
"Master Obi-Wan found a secret recording left to him by Master Qui-Gon. It told him that his real family had been Force Jumpers. Mace's people killed them and he was brought to the Temple. He told Master Obi-Wan to join the cause against Mace Windu and the Xal'Kaar. Master Obi-Wan suspected Knightblade was really Anakin Skywalker. After they accepted his story and he joined them, he told me everything, including how Mace was probably responsible for your death," Ahsoka explained in detail.
"So Windu has no idea that you and Master Kenobi are double agents?" Whie asked.
"As far as we know, he doesn't suspect. But we're extremely careful nonetheless," she replied.
"Even with Knightblade, do you really think we can take down the Xal'Kaar?" Scout wondered uncertainly.
"It's daunting for sure, but Padme is positive if we set this up right and Mace is tricked into revealing everything himself to the whole galaxy, then that will be the beginning of the end," Ahsoka said.
"I like the idea of that bishwag getting what's coming to him," Whie agreed.
"The timing has to be perfect and the battle will be no easy task, but we will bring down the Xal'Kaar. They have too much blood on their hands," Ahsoka stated.
"And the Sith? Cause you know it's Force Jumpers like Count Dooku and Grievous that are going to make people think that all Force Jumpers are evil," Whie reminded.
"Then we'll have to show the galaxy differently," Anakin interjected, as he returned with his family in tow. They nodded in agreement.
"Senator Amidala, I must say it is both an honor and a privilege to meet you. Many of your ideals went into forming our own system of government and as our leader, I humbly welcome you," Katrina greeted.
"Thank you. The honor is mine. And please, call me Padme," she insisted.
"I've met your oldest and you've met mine. But I don't believe I've had the pleasure of these other little ones," Katrina said.
"This is Blake," Padme introduced.
"It's nice to meet you," Blake said, as he bowed properly as his mother and grandpa Ruwee had shown him.
"My, such good manners. It's nice to meet you too, Blake," she greeted in return.
"And these are our twins, Luke and Leia," Padme said, as the toddlers squirmed in their parents arms.
"They're precious. I hope you'll all join us for a special dinner that we've prepared to welcome you," Katrina announced.
"We would be honored. One thing about this brood is that they love to eat," Padme said, eying her husband and oldest son in particular.
"I understand your sentiment. The appetites around here are anything but small," she agreed, as they followed her and her entourage into the Presidential mansion.
The cloaked woman observed her young teenaged charges toy with their prey, like a pack of Nexu with a womp rat. They very air around her was so thick with the dark side that it was almost tangible. But the once Sith assassin, turned free agent, now turned Xal'Kaar commanding operative, had her reasons for being angry.
She had once been the apprentice to the illustrious Count Dooku or Darth Tyrannus, as he was known to some. But he tossed her aside like trash when he decided he no longer had any use for her. She escaped his attempt to kill her and for a while, she worked as a free lance bounty hunter until one fateful day when Jedi Master Mace Windu had tracked her down. After a fierce duel, Windu had bested her and she prepared to die. But the mysterious Mace Windu had other plans...
Three years ago
"Go on Jedi scum...kill me already," Asaaj Ventress hissed, as his violet lightsaber hummed mere inches from her throat. She lay on her back in defeat, gazing up at the stoic Jedi Master. But to her complete surprise, he extinguished his weapon and continued to gaze down at her with an unnerving stare.
"Your former Master, he had a special ability that most do not possess, am I correct?" he questioned. Ventress narrowed her gaze at him.
"What are you talking about?" she demanded, as he knelt down and surprised her again, as he grabbed the collar of her tunic, bringing her face closer to his. She gazed into his cold black stare.
"You know what I'm talking about," he snapped.
"You mean the teleporting?" she guessed. He nodded curtly.
"Yes, your Master is an abomination, one I've spent my life trying to rid the galaxy of," Mace replied, as he shoved her back to the ground and stood up.
"You have a choice, Ventress. You can join my cause and hunt Force Jumpers or you can die today. The choice is yours," Mace stated.
"I'd rather die than join the Jedi!" she spat. He gave her a rare smirk.
"The Jedi do no hunt Force Jumpers, you fool. I belong, no I lead, another group that is dedicated to ridding the galaxy of these wretched people and should you join the ranks of the Xal'Kaar, I promise that you'll eventually have your revenge on Count Dooku. Your skills would be superbly appreciated by the Xal'Kaar," he tempted.
"These...Force Jumpers...you just kill them, all of them?" she asked. He nodded curtly.
"A very un-Jedi like thing, I know. But what they do not know will not hurt them. We eliminate all Force Jumpers. Men, women, children. Innocent and guilty, it does not matter. We are secret. No one knows we exist and no one must know. Breaching the code of the Xal'Kaar means instant death, but you will never find a people more loyal to their own than us," he promised. Loyalty. Acceptance. Revenge. It was everything she wanted. And it was a much better offer than instant death.
"All right. I will join you," she agreed. Mace said nothing and raised his hand. Everything went black.
End Flashback
The rest was history. He had used a powerful sleep suggestion on her and she had awakened on Haruun Kal. Her training within the ranks of other operatives had been extensive and her skills were put to good use. She had soared through the ranks to the top, soon commanding her own team within a year. And her body count was nothing short of what the Xal'Kaar considered extremely impressive and would be appalling to most anyone else if they knew.
"Kill him already!" she snapped at her trainees. She hated taking the trainees on missions, but she knew it was a necessary evil and required by all commanders. She much preferred her efficient killing team though.
"Pl...ease," the young victim pleaded. The boy was no older than fourteen. But he was a Force Jumper and her recruits showed no mercy in their taunting.
"He's crying," one youth said snidely.
"He should be. We're about to gut him," another added. But their carelessness allowed the child to catch them off guard, as he kicked on of them in the stomach and started to scramble away.
"Stang...get the machine ready!" one of the teens called, thinking they would have to chase him through a jump scar. But Assaj's patience was wearing thin and she struck the boy with Force lightning before he could jump away.
"Your reports will not be good today," she snapped at her charges, as she strode toward the boy writhing in agony. She ceased and took pity on him, quickly slitting his throat with her vibro blade.
"Just as we do not play with our food, we do not play with our targets. You subdue them and eliminate them as quickly as possible. Until you learn this, you will not join an operative," she stated.
"We promise to do better, Master," the young male said. The female nodded and she motioned for them to follow. She was tracking at least five others on in this system. There would be more opportunities for them to prove their worth. But she longed to rejoin her team and get back to the real hunt. She would have revenge on her former Master and she would help her new clan bring down the menace known as Knightblade, as well as all his accomplices.
After dinner, while the adults conversed and got to know each other, the teens took Hunter to their favorite beach that had a large cliff overlooking the cove. As he and Arianna arrived, he saw Dustin take a hold of a rope they had tied to a tall tree and swing, before letting go and somersaulting into the ocean below. Sky took his shirt off and stripped down to his swim trunks, following suit. Riley and Mina were already in the water too.
"So this is why you made me wear swim shorts under my clothes?" he asked. She nodded.
"I spend a lot of time in the water, since it's my element," she replied, as she shed layers, leaving her in a two piece swim suit. Hunter's cheeks burned and his eyes became fixated on her, as she grabbed the rope and dived into the water. She hollered up at him and he snapped out of his trance, before shedding his shirt and pants, leaving him in just a pair of swim shorts. He grabbed the rope and joined his new friends in the water.
The Xal'Kaar operative nervously entered the room where Mace Windu himself stood gazing out at the landscape of his beloved Haruun Kal. To most, it wasn't much to look at. It didn't have the lush green beauty of Naboo or the cold, but breathtaking mountain ranges of Alderaan. It also didn't have massive shipyards and sprawling cities like Corellia or impressive skyscrapers like Coruscant. In fact, most would consider Haruun Kal dull and boring. No one paid it any mind and that is what Mace loved most about his home. He didn't get to come here often due to his duties and life as a Jedi Master. But when he did, he made the most of it. He sensed the trepidation in the subordinate that had just entered and knew he did not have good news.
"I take it that you don't have good news, Commander," Mace stated in an even tone, betraying no emotion.
"There is troubling news from Naboo, Master," he stated.
"We have recovered the bodies of team K-23574. From their recording logs, it seems they were tracking Esterhazy, Malreaux, and two more unidentified Force Jumpers," he reported.
"Get to the point," Mace snapped.
"They should have had no problem disposing of them, but I'm afraid the whole team is dead," he reported.
"And let me guess, the bodies show signs of lighting burns?" Mace guessed.
"Y...yes Master," he replied in surprise.
"That will be all, Commander," he said, as Depa entered.
"Send Ventress to Naboo. I want that brat eliminated," Mace snapped. Depa bowed and left to deliver his orders.
Hunter, Arianna, and the others hurried out of the water, as a storm had begun to roll in. The temperature had also dropped and Ari shivered, as they dried off with towels.
"Wow...the weather changed fast," Hunter mentioned.
"Yeah, that's usually how it happens around here," she replied, with chattering teeth. Hunter put his hands on her arms and flared his Force energy like his father had taught him.
"Wow...you're so warm. How do you do that?" she asked, as she cuddled close to him. The heat rose to his cheeks and hers too, as she realized what she was doing.
"It's a little trick my dad taught me," he replied, as he held her. She made no motion to move away and neither did he. Their friends quickly jumped themselves home. But they remained, gazing into each others eyes.
"I...I guess we should get back too," she said, almost in disappointment. He nodded.
"There's just one thing I want to do first," he replied, as he leaned down and pressed his lips gently to hers. Several long seconds passed and their lips parted. They smiled shyly at each other. I've been wanting to do that all day," he admitted. She smiled back.
"Me too," she replied, as they joined hands and jumped home.