Hey everyone, to those who read Return of a Favour and favourited, followed and reviewed it, thank you.
I must inform you that this chapter contains some foreshadowing, specifically surrounding certain Star Wars Rebels characters. Pay attention as they are mentioned indirectly in this chapter. Enjoy.
Anakin Skywalker genuinely felt he belongs in Padme's family. Of course, he met them before while protecting Padme from the attempts on her life, but this is the first time he saw them as in-laws. The bonus was how quickly they accepted him in the family; it's clear they wanted Padme to be happy and have a family. Despite her being Chancellor, it's clear Ruwee, and Jobal Naberrie no longer worries about their younger daughter's wellbeing and finally found a match in Anakin Skywalker.
Speaking of which, the same Anakin Skywalker insisted he and his companions, Rex, Petro and R2 can spend their nights at The Naberrie's household. During their stay, the trio discusses the Eight-hundred and forty-eighth Naboo Festival of Light with Queen Apailana. Anakin's grandparents-in-law accepted that request.
The result, the trio have a much more relaxed meal than what they could experience in either a restaurant or the palace hall. Another benefit was Jobal has a reputation that no-one finishes dinner without feeling hungry.
The dinner was coincidental to the time Anakin was there three years ago, although, this time, he is there as a family and not to protect someone.
As they sat down, Petro and Rex exchanged the amusing side of Anakin to Ruwee and Jobal. Sola and her kids went to their home, not too far away from here, an hour before dinner was ready. Together, Anakin's in-laws repeated their delight that their daughter had found someone in Anakin. Even more so after their son-in-law showed a holoprojector displaying an ultrasound image. A tale-tale sign that Anakin and Padme, much to the Naberries' delight, are becoming parents.
As they sat down having dinner, Ruwee was keen to hear about how Anakin and Padme fell for each other an how their marriage is allowed.
"Anakin, we all took a liking for you when you visited us three years ago. Tell me how you captured my daughter's heart and made her the happiest person in the Galaxy?" Jobal began to beam at her husband's question.
Blushing, Anakin said, "Beleive it or not, we began to fall in love not long after I first met you at your family's lake retreat out of all places." Both Naberries, along with Rex and Petro, stared out in shock. The fact that Anakin and Padme fell for each other not long after he first visited the household dumbfounded both of Anakin's parents-in-law. "Even then, she was headstrong that such a relationship wouldn't happen between us. Remember, at the time, the Jedi weren't allowed to love."
Jobal knew Anakin was referring about, after all, Padme said a similar thing three years ago; "our relationship is strictly professional." Oh, times have changed. "So when did Padme reciprocate her feelings?" She then asked.
Anakin then explained the time he and Padme travelled to Tatooine after his visions of his mother dying but then working his way around the events surrounding his mother's death so to avoid the aftermath of that event. He then explained how his Master got captured by the Separatists and Padme's headstrong attitude to rescue Obi-Wan. Ther capture and their sentence at Geonosis followed that. "It was before we were due for execution at the Sarlacc pit, did Padme admit her deep feelings for me."
Ruwee and Jobal gave a smile to each other, knowing that Padme did have deep feelings for Anakin all this time.
"After that battle, not long after we saw you briefly, we married at the Lake Retreat. Artoo and Threepio were the attendees."
Anakin then pressed on about his Clone Wars heroics and training Ahsoka to the Naberries with Rex explaining some of these events from his point of view. The heroics include how they saved Torgruta colonists to how the Jedi Council took advantage of Padme spying on Clovis to seize control of Geonosis. Petro also explained how Anakin's training helped the younglings in his clan escape Florrum and General Grievous. Of course, there were low points, such as the Council rushing to expel Ahsoka for bombing the Jedi Temple on Tarkin's orders only to realise that the real culprit was Barriss Offee. He also explained how Obi-Wan saved the Chancellor by going undercover as a disguised bounty hunter much to Anakin's annoyance.
"... You can tell there were some cases where I was conflicted. I have dedicated my life to the Jedi since I was ten years old, yet there were some moments where I wanted to leave the Jedi Order as a way for Padme and me to reveal our marriage."
"And yet, you still are a Jedi, and your marriage to my daughter is one of the well-discussed stories in the Galaxy; what caused it?" Ruwee asked Anakin, who shared a glance with Rex before he reimagined the battle which triggered a particular series of events.
"Not long after Ahsoka's expulsion, the 501st and I fought in a battle on a space station on Ringo Vinda. We were alongside fellow Jedi, twin sisters Tiplee and Tiplar and their Clone Batallion as we fought is a hefty skirmish against Admiral Trench's forces." Anakin sighed before he explained a fateful incident. "Thanks to my fearless skills, we were able to push the droid army to the breaking point where, suddenly, out of the blue, one of my Clones, Tup, turned on Tiplar and murdered her." Anakin sighed as he recounted how Tup shot Tiplar.
"Intentionally?" Jobal asked curiously.
"Sure, there was Slick on Christophsis," Rex replied "but Tup's actions are unlike anything we ever saw from a Clone. What's worse is he, after I checked up on him, unconsciously said: 'Good soldiers follow orders. Good soldiers follow orders.' and 'Good soldiers follow orders.' before, after seeing Tiplee, whispered 'Kill the Jedi!' before charging towards her."
"Thankfully, Tiplee used the Force to protect her, and no more damage came afterwards," Anakin said.
"Myself and an ARC Trooper called Fives then took Tup to Kamino where I left Fives with Tup." Rex explained, "Unfortunately, both Tup and Fives later died. The circumstances of the latter's death prompted me to persuade Anakin to investigate whether Fives' claim of a 'plot against the Jedi' was right."
"What we discovered at Kamino is; along with heroes on both sides, there are villans on both sides as well," Anakin responded.
"Why?" Ruwee and Jobal replied.
"While I was protecting Padme on Naboo, Obi-Wan's pursuit of Jango Fett led him to Kamino. Despite Padme's stance against the creation of an army, Obi-Wan learnt a Jedi Master called Syfo-Dyas commissioned the Clone Army without the Jedi Council's approval. Yet Fett mentioned a chap named Tyrannus recruited him to be his template."
"How does this connect to your investigation?" Ruwee asked.
"Because Rex and I found out Tyrannus and Count Dooku is the same person and gave out orders to terminate Tup."
Both Naberries stared in shock as to what transpired. Suddenly, a brainwave came through Jobal. "So you decided to reveal your marriage to Padme after that discovery?"
"You could say that," Anakin replied. "Officially, it was done so the Jedi can discreetly remove the Inhibitor Chips Tyrannus implanted on the Clones." Anakin then dives into his pocket. His hand reemerged displaying Rex's Inhibitor Chip. "This was Rex's Inhibitor Chip; I extracted it before I revealed my marriage to the Jedi Council. Hence the scar on Rex's forehead." Ruwee and Jobal were interested with the scar on Rex, only now, does it make sense.
"Oh, and do you want to know the real reason why the Code was changed? It is because of who Palpatine was and how the Jedi way allowed him to rise."
"I understand son," Ruwee replied, making Anakin becoming less of a Jedi protector and more of a family.
"Thank you," Anakin replied.
After dinner, Anakin excused himself to make his way towards Padme's room at the house as he is now a member of the Jedi Council to which the Naberries accepted.
Since the death of Chancellor Palpatine, things have changed within the Jedi Order. That is the same for the High Council. The fact their real enemy was hiding in plain sight forced them to accept their ways allowed the Clone Wars to happen; hence why Anakin, someone who many members of the Council believed to be too old to be inducted, took Saesee Tinn's place next to Ki-Adi-Mundi and Obi-Wan. Tiplar's sister Tiplee took the seat vacated by Agen Kolar. There was only one resignation from the Council; Oppo Rancisis. Rancisis struggled to adapt to the new ways of the Jedi Order and the Council, believing him to be too closed-minded, agreed his resignation. Cere Junda took the Thisspiasian's seat following Mandalore. The remaining Council members before Palpatine's death stayed on as they accepted the flaws and adapted to the new ways.
During this Council meeting, apart from clearing the damage and Ahsoka's mission, many sessions were mainly internal ones. Little does Anakin know this particular session would see him reunite with an old friend, albeit via hologram.
One topic brought up in this meeting is the status of Obi-Wan's mission on Lothal. "It's amusing; we've got the Naboo Festival of Light coming up." Anakin joked. "And, instead of going undercover as a bounty hunter, you're helping the Lothalites with your Padawan."
"Funny you said that Anakin," Obi-Wan responded. "but we also befriended a married couple, in a rather peculiar way." Interest began to spread throughout the Council Chambers.
"What are you referring to, Obi-Wan?" Depa queried.
This peculiar way was Katooni examining the stomach of the female, Mira Bridger. That indicates that the child of our new friends is Force-sensitive." The Council members looked at each other. Anakin though thinks his former Master is the proudest man in the universe. Obi-Wan's first Padawan fulfilled the Chosen One prophesy by destroying Darth Sidious and a Jedi Council member. His second Padawan sensed a Force-sensitive before it was born. There was also him and Luminara, of course.
"Made arrangements for the child's training, have you?" Yoda implored.
"So far, we managed to get their com number to get in touch," Obi-Wan responded. "do you have other ideas, Masters?"
"Luckily, this child is on Lothal." Cere retorted. "I've heard stories, mostly from my Master Eno Cordova, that there is a Jedi Temple within Lothal which a Master and Padawan can open by using the Force."
Suddenly, the Jedi Council members took an interest in Cere's suggestion. "Are you saying that whoever trains young Bridger can head to that particular Temple?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"It's a possibility," Tiplee answered. "It makes young Bridger's training that much easier."
"A balance between living with his parents and Jedi training this is." Yoda acknowledged. "Masters we need, who are willing to expedite to Lothal for this to happen."
"Well, as I am already friends with the Bridgers. I'm in."
"If he or she is this strong with the Force, perhaps I can mentor him with flying and fixing things, let alone how to cope if someone close to young Bridger dies," Anakin replied, "I'm in as well."
"So am I." Depa decided. "Perhaps this would be good practice for my Padawan to pass what I taught him."
Anakin giggled inside of himself by Depa's suggestion; is she arranging her Padawan to take on a Padawan of his own? "Anyway," Obi-Wan replied, bringing Anakin out of his thoughts, "how were the preparations for the Festival of Light?"
Anakin snickered before he explained, "Smooth. The Queen interpreted the plans for this year's festival and for there to be a special ceremony for Fives. I'm going to explain Ringo Vinda to several students at Naboo University tomorrow. My nieces are among the attendees."
"I presume those are at Padme's side of the family?" Shaak Ti asked. But before Anakin could respond, the tale-tale sign of an incoming transmission interrupts the conversation. Deciding to leave it for another day (as this year's Festival of Light is barely an issue at all compared to last year), they answered it, revealing a hologram of Ahsoka.
"Ahsoka," Anakin answered. "did you find the leader of the anti-Slavery movement?
"Yes, I did, although it took him recognising that I was a Jedi for him to help."
The Council members looked at each other. "How did he recognise you as a Jedi?" Tiplee asked.
"He saw me fighting Cad Bane with my Lightsabers. Speaking of that sleemo, I disarmed him before the leader shot him from behind."
Containing the pleasure that a thorn in his side is dead, Anakin asked, "May we see him?"
"Sure thing to see an old friend again Skyguy." Anakin was confused at first before the person responsible for Bane's death appeared. Suddenly, Ahsoka's comment on him seeing an old friend makes more sense.
"Kitster!?" A flabbergasted Anakin asked. "Is this you?"
"Do you know him Anakin?" Pol Koon asked as the Council members looked at each other.
"Of course, Master Plo," Anakin responded. "Kitster Banai and I are old friends. We were once slaves to Gardulla the Elder until she lost a Podrace bet to a junk dealer called Watto. That resulted in Kitster and me going our separate ways. Despite that, we still socialised with each other until Qui-Gon freed me." Sensing the admiration coming from the Council members, Anakin turned to face Kitster and Ahsoka. "Kitster, what is the movement you're running?"
"Despite my freedom which happened thanks to your prize money donation…"
"Prize money donation?" Ki-Adi Mundi interrupted.
"Has Ani never told you about his generosity after he won the Boonta Ever Classic?" Kitster questioned.
"I had so many spare prize money even after Qio-Gon spent most to buy the Hyperdrive parts and my freedom, so I gave some to Kitster."
"And Ani's donation was enough to buy Par Ontham's Guide to Etiquette, which secured me a job at the Three Moons hotel."
"And that resulted in earning your freedom," Anakin concluded; he was pleased that was his simple act of kindness had paid off. Similarly, the other Council members are silently congratulating him for that.
"Yes," Kitster replied. "It did."
"This simple act of kindness, my old Padawan," Obi-Wan complemented. "fills the Galaxy with hope."
"Thank you, Master." Anakin grinned before turning his attention to his old friend. "What brought about you starting up your movement against Hutt control?"
"You," Kitster reacted. "your actions which ended the Clone Wars and in the liberation on Mandalore inspired us. Of course, there is the slave chip which gets in the way of slaves escaping. Luckily whispers of the slave rebellion reached Coruscant and your mechanic friend Trace."
"Hence why you met Ahsoka," Ki-Adi concluded.
"Yes, Master Jedi." Kitster asserted. "What assistance can you lend us?" he then asked.
"We can provide you funding and supplies from the Republic," Mace answered.
"But until the slave transmitters are deactivated, your movement is going nowhere," Anakin explained. "Is there a way to solve this?"
"I have an answer." Ahsoka jumped in.
"Which is, little 'Soka? Plo Koon inquired.
"As Anakin's old Master, Watto is now a sympathiser to Kitster's movement considering he gave me more Intel on this rebellion; I might ask him to borrow a chip deactivator."
Anakin sat in surprise. 'Watto, a sympathiser?' He thought. He then concluded. "I am inclined to agree with your idea Snips, given Watto told you more about Kitster's movement. Even then, that's not enough; you will have to take the transmitter back to the Jedi Temple. Perhaps I can create replicas."
"Or my new Padawan can as well." Kit Fisto concurred. At the same time that Anakin chose Petro as his Padawan; the Nautolan Jedi Master wanted his counterpart. Zatt, who like Anakin is fond of technology.
"Well, I guess we agree on this, Kitster." Anakin declared. "As we see the blueprints of the deactivatior, no doubt Zatt, many Jedi Sentinals and I can create carbon copies. We shall discuss other arrangements when we see each other."
"Thank you, old friend," Kitster told Anakin.
"And you. May the Force be with you." The transmission ended after that.
"While there is light regarding Tatooine's slave uprising, there are still plenty of other planets which are in a similar situation." Master Mundi explained.
"Inspired by the hero of the Republic being a former slave, they are." Yoda reasoned. "Monitor them carefully, we should."
"What about the slave movement in Ryloth?" Master Mundi further inquired.
"It's critical we stamp down the loophole that is causing many Twi'leks to be affected by the slave trade." Wind responded.
"I concur," Anakin concurred. It's a loophole we cannot allow to continue."
"Are you willing to work alongside Cham Syndulla again Master Windu?" Obi-Wan asked.
"If you all agree, yes," Mace concluded only for his former Padawan to interrupt. "Alright if my Padawan and I can tag along, Master?"
"I don't suppose why not?" Mace agrees, looking forward to meeting his old friend for the first time since liberating Ryloth from the Separatists.
Comment if any of you saw the foreshadowing I purposely created. In particular, a romantic pairing. *hint, hint*
Having said that, I will be asking you to comment on who will be the Master to young Bridger (aka Ezra). He could either have Caleb (Kanan) like in Canon, or he could have Ahsoka, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Depa Billaba, Luminara and Mace. Until next time, bye.