Responses to Reviews
TragicFiction, 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: Glad you got the update. Enjoy the finale!
Hghg (Guest), 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: Happy that you enjoyed the chapter, as always! Pallas keeps losing people left right and centre – it's the price of knowledge and victory. I have to admit I had a lot of fun writing Windu. He feels very emasculated by the 19 year old girl, but to be fair for him he hasn't watched Revenge of the Sith so he doesn't know what that girl just saved him from. Also, Ahsoka doesn't need Ares to be a Queen. I would like to thank you in particular Hghg for being such a faithful reader and reviewer – I really appreciate it. I couldn't ask for a better reader 😊 Hab ein schӧnes leben! I hope you enjoy this finale.
LewtonSpoons, 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: I'm kinda sad that this is the end too. I had a great time writing this. Glad that you enjoyed the ride. Follow my author account and it will update you if I publish anything new. Hope you enjoy the finale.
Xxnike575xX, 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: Oh my god I am crying. You stayed up all night for chapter 18? I was editing it till about three in the morning and then I dropped dead asleep and through all that time you were guarding your inbox. I love you so much. I got both your reviews – thank you for taking the time to make sure that I got your feedback (I really appreciate it). To answer your question, I haven't decided on an epilogue yet. This story has exhausted me (I've been writing it since February), so the epilogue is unconfirmed. You sound like someone who would love a sequel though – I'm not promising anything, but what would you like to read about in a potential sequel? Now, onto your comment which is a PIECE OF ART in itself. I'm glad I hurt you with Ares and Obi-Wan (don't take that out of context). This whole day is just one long rollercoaster of pain for Ares. He's had to fight both his fathers, seemingly to the death, within the first couple of hours. Anakin taking a leap of faith with Ahsoka, especially after she seemingly betrayed him, was a difficult choice to make for me too. But if you think about it – impulsiveness sums up all of Anakin's personality. And it just saved the entire galaxy (kriff you, Jedi Council). Palpatine didn't get a chance to explain anything because he is just so angry that he literally blows up the ship – think Maul on the Venator but much angrier and without the patience for epic hallways scenes. Pompeii represents what would have happened to the twins if they didn't have their little plan – crushed dead by their father's war. Enjoy the finale!
FalconFighter1427, 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: Sorry to disappoint, but I currently have no plans of writing anything. This work been my project since February so I'm a bit drained. However, if you follow my author profile and the site will update you if I publish something new. I really hope you enjoy this finale. Thank you for all your reviews – I've really appreciated them.
DojoYoyo, 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: Here's the thing right – even if the Jedi stopped Palpatine (say Mace Windu or Anakin killed him), you have to think that Palpatine has allies in the Senate that would still carry out Order 66, which is exactly what happened in this story. Good thing Pallas and Ares thought 10 moves ahead and prevented the worst damage with their lice droids. Thank you for all your reviews and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the finale!
rainfallMyth, 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: Glad to hear that you're going to miss the story – it means that I have done my job well. I would like to thank you as one of my most loyal reviewers. Yours is a name that often found itself in my inbox for which I was always so grateful for. I hope you enjoy my finale.
Triglavian, 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: Happy to hear that you're grateful. I hope you enjoy the finale!
TheChamp123, 17.07.2020, Ch. 18: Watch and learn, my apprentice. Yup, Anakin isn't a scorched potato – Ares and Pallas really, really hated Palpatine for ruining their family. Obi-Wan and his son are the epitamy of "like father, like son" – let's just take a nap during the most important fight of our lives. Pretty people need their beauty sleep –Anakin and Ahsoka can deal with the problems of the universe. Pulling a red wedding and emotionally cripple you… now you've let a few ideas sit around in my brain. Regardless of how emotionally paralyzed you'll be by the end of this chapter, I wanted to say what an honour it was to have you as a faithful reader and, more importantly, reviewer. I hope you enjoy the finale!
Jamin (Guest), 20.07.2020, Ch. 18: Yeah, Pallas almost died twice in the last chapter – the consequences of getting a Sith Lord angry, I suppose. Here's the finale. Thank you for reading the story and I look forward to reading your finishing thoughts.
Starwarsfan1114, 20.07.2020, Ch. 18: The ramblier the better! I hope you still have those tissues, donuts and tea cause this is a bumpy one. The fate of all your emotions is mine to command – you think I don't know that? 😉 Sorry if this chapter is a little later than usual, but I had to get it perfect. I love that you picked up on Anakin choosing Ahsoka over Palpatine, despite not knowing what the hell was going on and having fought her for a few hours earlier. Obi-Wan was confused too. The whole chapter was confusing – for that is the essence of the dark side. I'm very happy that you were here to see the story grow as well. It was my pleasure to write for such appreciative readers. Here, enjoy the finale!
Chapter 19 – A Long Journey to Peace
The broadcast flocked every senator into the Senate Hall to debate.
The Chancellor's treason and the sudden absence of both Vice Chair Mas Amedda and Chief of Staff Sly Moore brought unprecedented pandemonium. Padme had never seen such a political nightmare in the Republic Senate before and she doubted she would again. The noise of the giant Senate Hall was ear-splitting from the shouts of bickering politicians. People were screaming at on one another all sorts of heinous accusations and obscenities that had little to no bearing with the situation at hand. It was chaos, she thought, true chaos.
For her own part, Padme chose to remain in the stands and watch. She could feel Captain Typho's concerned glare at the back of her skull. She rested her hands on her pregnant belly, mindful of the stress she was placing her baby in, but this was important. This was the fate of the war and the whole galaxy. The heated room would calm soon, she hoped, and give her an opportunity to speak with clear reason and voice. Palpatine's treachery had stunned and betrayed her personally.
He had been her senator when she was Queen. Since he had been Chancellor, he had been a mentor to both herself and her husband. It had been his whisperings that had prompted her to issue a Vote of No Confidence 13 years ago that had led to his ascension. The Trade Federation blockade that had terrorised her home now seemed very likely to be constructed by him to gain power. She had been such a fool!
The words had tumbled out of Sheev's own mouth. No one would be able to say or do or deny anything. The truth was on the table for the whole galaxy to see. As one angry senator reasoned that this was all a Separatist trick and was immediately pushed aside by his peers, Padme couldn't help thinking how Pallas of Serenno had played her cards masterfully.
"Padme," the voice of her friend, Bail Organa, broke her out of her thoughts. She looked at the senator of Alderaan, who appeared as a hologram in front of her. "How are you feeling?" her old friend asked, compassionately. He knew the Chancellor's treachery would hit her hardest. The pregnancy hormones couldn't have been helping.
"Like a fool, Bail," said Padme. "I feel like a fool. I should have seen the signs. He was my friend, my mentor. I should have known."
"Don't feel guilty, Padme. Palpatine was influential in the Senate before you were even born.
I've just received word that the Jedi have detained General Pallas and Count Dooku. They are to be held under house arrest," said Bail.
That broke Padme out of her thoughts. "But… then who is in command of the Separatist Parliament?" she asked. As usual, Padme's thoughts were on how to end this war faster. With the divisive force now ousted from power, chances for peace were suddenly very hopeful.
"Unclear," said Bail.
"This," she gestured vaguely to the chaos, "must also be happening in the Separatist Parliament. The entire galaxy was in chaos."
Bail nodded in agreement. "We need a leader right now to reign in the madness."
"Bail…" Padme almost whispered, so that her neighbouring senators wouldn't hear her. "…You have to do it." The suggestion made him blink. "You know you have to do it. You're someone who has the trust and admiration of many. You were no closer to Palpatine than anyone else and you're a member of the peace party. You could end this war—"
But just as she said this, the rowdy Senate hall grew uncharacteristically quiet. Padme put a hand on her swollen, pregnant belly and looked up.
She saw Masters Yoda, Fisto and Koth appear on the Chancellor's podium. All members of the Jedi Council, she noted. They were here to disperse the Senate. Looking at all her colleagues, she really couldn't blame them.
"Members of the Senate," said Fisto, the Jedi with the strongest voice of the three. "Due to recent developments, we are obligated to dismiss this session until the allegations with regard to Chancellor Palpatine and his cabinet have been fully understood. We must kindly ask every member to come quietly and remain in their office until we have more information in this matter. For now, the Intergalactic Republic is in emergency state."
Jedi were poor politicians, Padme concluded and not for the first time. She hoped Anakin was alright.
[][][]
As Pallas and Ares soon discovered, house arrest meant one of the finer cells of the Jedi Temple. There were fine furnishings that tried to distract their prisoners from their predicament and a window that looked out onto the courtyard, taunting of its freedom. Food was brought in by a Sentry, though neither twins were particularly hungry.
"Come here," Pallas said to her brother as she stared out the window.
"Yes?" He came up to her side, massaging the sore stump on his arm. The prosthetic was gone – he wasn't sure where it went. The effects of the drugs had worn off during their flight here.
"I've never been to Coruscant before. Quite the entrance, I've made," she said.
"Yes," said Ares, thinking of the wreckage of the War God. He tried to imagine what the pedestrians of Coruscant saw when they saw the flaming war machine fall from the skies. Did they think of doom and extinction? A fitting symbol when their Supreme Chancellor had been exposed as a master of evil. "Much more dramatic than my first arrival," he said.
"Is that the Senate Office?" she asked curiously and pointed to the oval shaped building. He was surprised that they could see it from their cell.
"Yes," said Ares. "You're quite the avid tourist, aren't you?"
"So, that must be the Senate building?" she asked, pointing to a different structure.
"Yeah," said Ares. "I wonder what's going on in there, right now."
"Chaos," Pallas stated, factually. "Father always promised that we'd parade our army down the Avenue of Core Founders on the day we win the war," said Pallas. "But I never thought I'd spend the first day of the end of the war in a cell."
Ares smirked. "The day has only just begun, sister," he said, his cold, regal voice sounding odd with the words. "Do you think he knew? That his army would never march down that Avenue?"
"If he did, then he was a bigger fool than we imagined," said Pallas. "If he didn't, then he was very gullible."
Ares sighed. "There's just no pleasing you, is there?"
Pallas laughed and looked at him with a bitter expression. "I am my father's daughter," she said. "Ironically."
Ares' right hand found her shoulder. "I used to think that being your father's offspring meant that you had to continue him – his genes, his vision, his teachings. Then, I thought it was about paying off his debts and correcting his wrongs. Now, I think it's a little bit of both." He paused for Pallas' scoff and eye roll. Ares was uncomfortably aware that he was still wearing their father's face and clothes as he said that. "It's time to let him go. I'm tired of being someone's son. I am more than a son, just like you are more than a daughter. I am my own man and, more to the point, I'm all out of kriffs to give. Accept the gifts, the good and the bad, and bury him. It's time to grow up and pave your own way."
She chuckled. "When did you become so wise?"
He shrugged. "I hung around enough crackpots. Occasionally, they'll say something wise."
Her eyes looked down at his missing hand with guilt. "Is it sore?" she asked. It was her fault her brother was dependent on rusty metal instead of real flesh.
"No," he said, warmly. "Just strange not to have a prosthetic."
"We'll fix you one up when we get to Raxus," she promised and looked away.
"You should rest," said Ares. "We both should. Save our strengths for what's to come next."
"We need a plan first," said Pallas.
"Relax," said Ares. He took a seat on one of the couches, smiling broadly. "I'm already on it. Our plan for escape is already in motion," he yawned and stretched. "We just need to be patient. I have everything under control."
It was hard to take him seriously or believe that he had anything under control when he was dozing off. "Care to share this plan of yours?" asked Pallas.
Her brother gave her a shit-eating grin. "Not particularly."
Pallas gave her brother an annoyed look. "Sometimes, you make it hard to love you," she said.
"I never took you for someone who chose easy routes," he said.
[][][]
The cell's door suddenly opened and in stepped Ahsoka Tano with Obi-Wan Kenobi following her, looking sheepish. Ares smiled immediately at seeing them both, perhaps especially delighted by the prospect of annoying Obi-Wan.
Ares mustered his deepest voice, straightening up to give his best impression of Dooku. "Look who decided to join us. I see my new apprentice has convinced you to join the dark side, Master Kenobi," said Ares. The grey beard hid his grin.
"Please don't undo all my hard-work, Ares," said Ahsoka, sighing exasperatedly. "It took about an hour to explain everything."
"Ares?" Obi-Wan's voice broke a little saying the name and looking at the wrong face.
"You like my new haircut, general?" asked Ares, as if they had not battled one another to the death a few hours ago. "Beard too."
"Not particularly," said Obi-Wan.
"That beard is not staying," said Ahsoka, sternly. He winked at her playfully. "And neither is the rest of… that," she gestured vaguely to his face. Okay, wifey, he thought teasingly.
"Well, to get rid of it, we need to get out of here and end the war," said Pallas, speaking up for the first time. Both she and Obi-Wan sized one another up, awkwardly. It was Pallas who decided to offer her hand. "Hello there, General Kenobi," she said. "We meet at last. Thank you for keeping my brother from getting killed all these years."
Obi-Wan tentatively shook it. "No, General Pallas, thank you for constantly threatening his life and giving me plenty to do all these years."
"All part of the plan," said Pallas.
"The Council has decreed that you and… your father should stay here until we can figure it all out," said Obi-Wan.
"Another twenty years long enough for your colleagues, Master Jedi?" asked Pallas, bitingly.
"Now, now, sister, that's no way to go around the Jedi Council. You should speak softer and slower. They are simplistic folk," said Ares, smiling at her remark. Obi-Wan glared at him. "What? I am Count Dooku. I scoff at the folly of the Jedi Council. It's the whole reason we've just had a war."
"Still going, by the way," said Pallas, enjoying this exchange. "The longer we are in this cell, the more the Confederacy slips out of our family's fingers and into the grasp of slime like the Corporate Alliance, war profiteers or maybe even a gangster like Maul. Options for usurpers are limitless."
"Alright, I get it," said Kenobi, annoyed. "The council isn't always right." He looked pointedly at Ahsoka, who looked at him with forgiving blue eyes. "That was a lesson my old master, Qui-Gon Jinn, had tried to teach me when I was his padawan. He had an instinct for knowing what the right thing was. I, unfortunately, did not learn that lesson."
"Better late than never, general," said Ares, looking at Ahsoka who winked at him and walked into the cell towards the wall.
"Indeed," said Obi-Wan. "Which is why Anakin is currently finding a speeder to smuggle you both out of this cell and we're cutting your way out of here." Out of the depths of his brown Jedi robes, Obi-Wan produced to Ares his father's lightsabre. The sound of ignition drew Ares attention to Ahsoka who had a golden-hilted red blade in hand and was cutting open a circle in the wall.
"Whose lightsabre is that?" asked Ares.
"Palpatine owes me," Ahsoka said, simply.
The count turned back to Obi-Wan. "Look at you, general, committing treason and helping out Separatists," said Ares, smirking. His hand clutched around the cold hilt.
"Don't jinx it," said Obi-Wan. "Please… please tell me it's not treason. Please tell me I'm not making a terrible mistake, Ares."
"You're not," said Ares, earnestly. "You're ending the war, Obi-Wan. More so than any battle you've ever fought."
"That's a terrible thought," said Obi-Wan.
A gust of cold, evening breeze hit their sides. Ahsoka had cut open their exit and outside, true to word, was a speeder, piloted by Anakin Skywalker.
"Won't you come with us?" Ares asked his general.
"I can't," said Obi-Wan. "The Republic is in chaos. The Jedi need to secure order. I'm needed here more than I'm needed with you. Anakin will go with you. I trust you, my friend, but you must understand that I can't let your sister walk out of a prison without assurance."
"That's fair," said Ares. "Thank you, Obi-Wan. For everything."
Meanwhile, Pallas was having the pleasure of greeting Anakin Skywalker, who, despite being debriefed by Ahsoka about everything, was still fresh with memories of violent battles waged by this very girl.
"General Pallas," he said from the pilot's seat. "I was expecting someone of your reputation to be a little older."
Pallas fixed him with a deadpan look from the backseat. "Then you clearly don't understand the concept of twins, do you, General Skywalker?"
Ahsoka, who had seated herself in shotgun, next to her master, snickered. This promised to be a fun trip. Ares jumped into their speeder in the other backseat, next to his sister.
"This was your great escape plan? Have your friends bail us out?" asked Pallas.
The face of Count Dooku grinned, uncharacteristically. "Unlike you, I spent wartime making allies," said Ares.
"In my defence it's difficult to make friends with Siths and monsters," said Pallas.
They flew above the courtyard where a gathering of younglings were training basic lightsabre forms with varying levels of success. Ahsoka looked over the edge of the speeder and recognised some of those children. Not long ago, she had accompanied some of them to get their lightsabre crystals. An adventure that included General Grievous, pirates and circus attractions.
"Those kids... would they have been killed by the clones?" she asked.
Pallas turned to where Ahsoka was looking. "Most likely," she said. "They're the heirs of the Jedi Order. They'd have been a threat to the Dark Lord." She paused. "I'm guilty of a lot of things, but I can have one comfort: I prevented the slaughter of children. Even if they'll never know it and may be raised to resent me." There was a haunted look in Pallas' face. The ghosts of all those who she sentenced to die followed her everywhere she went like a horrid stench or an unbreakable curse.
Ahsoka watched that look for a moment. No doubt there were things that the twins didn't tell her about Palpatine's plan. Ahsoka wasn't sure that she even wanted to hear them. The mere thought of Order 66 being carried out successfully gave her shivers. The full knowledge of the plan must have been an incredible burden to bear.
"That shouldn't be a small comfort," said Ahsoka. "... Thank you."
"How are you planning on getting off this planet?" asked Ares.
"I have a Republic shuttle waiting for us on a military bay," said Skywalker. "If we break past the planetary lockdown, we'll be able to get out."
"No," Pallas stated.
"No?" Skywalker asked, already angry.
"No," Pallas repeated. "I have no idea what to expect on Raxus. We need to rendezvous with my fleet, which my commander evacuated before the crash. My droids are not emotional beings. They are not swayed by the treacheries of Chancellors. If we arrive with a Republic shuttle, they'll open fire before I can give them my security codes. We need a neutral ship."
"Then, I have an idea," said Ahsoka. "Master, take us to level 1313. Pallas and I have some mutual friends there that own a neutral ship."
[][][]
They descended into Coruscant's famed criminal underworld and found the repair shop that the Martez sisters owned. Ahsoka jumped out of the speeder and looked around. "Raffa? Trace? Anybody home?" she shouted out. The Silver Angel was there and, Ahsoka quickly noticed, its pilot was on the roof with a blowtorch. "Trace!" she yelled out.
Trace stopped and lifted her visor to look at the Togruta. "Ahsoka! Raffa, it's Ahsoka!" she exclaimed and jumped off her ship. She ran at the girl and embraced her friend tightly. "You're safe! What are you doing here?" Trace asked. The last time they saw one another was still in the Pyke prison. She and her sister then had to go and deliver a message to the Jedi. That seemed so long ago now, but it had only been a fortnight.
Raffa stepped out of the shadows and observed. "I see the Jedi rescued you," she said, looking distrustfully at the three cloaked strangers.
"Yes, I'm okay. I have a job for you two," said Ahsoka.
Trace looked behind Ahsoka to the three strangers speaking discreetly to one another on her platform. One of them was the Separatist general who had bought them from the Pykes. "Not this psycho again," Trace muttered, looking at Pallas. "Did she hurt you after we left?"
"It's okay, Trace. No, she didn't hurt me. She's one of the good guys," said Ahsoka, calming her friend.
"Does that insult you, general?" Anakin said to the young woman, who gave him a humourless smile.
"Not in the slightest. I've always known I was the good guy," she replied.
"What if I told you that you were the bad guy all along, Skywalker?" challenged Ares. Anakin glared savagely at Count Dooku's form and remained silent.
"What's the job?" Raffa asked Ahsoka.
The young general stepped forward. "Transfer four persons out of Coruscant to my fleet and I'll pay you ten thousand credits."
"That's it? We're just the delivery girls?" asked Raffa.
"Are we committing treason?" asked Trace, eyeing the Separatist distrustfully. "Didn't you kidnap the Chancellor or something? Rumours have reached even down here."
"You two were willing to sell spice to Pykes. Don't think too hard about treason," said Ahsoka. "Is it a deal?" she outstretched a hand to Raffa.
"If the moral high ground is bringing us a job then it must be legit," said Raffa, as she shook Ahsoka's hand.
"Great. Let's go. I would prefer to leave immediately," said Pallas. "Every moment is precious."
[][][]
The four of them gathered in the main hull of The Silver Angel to discuss their next move.
"I can feel your fear," said Ares to his sister, "calm down. Everything's going to be fine."
"You don't know that! You can't make such a promise!" Pallas snapped at him. She sighed deeply and one of her hands fiddled with the gold chain around her neck. I wish Wodin was alive, she thought bitterly, I have so many questions. "I played politics once and I paid a horrible price." She tried to block out the thoughts of Mina Bonterri that plagued her everywhere, everyday. "I know this might sound strange, but I don't know how to be a dictator. Not a political one anyway."
"Sure you know," said Anakin. "We've all seen it. Don't they teach you that in your posh Separatist Academies?"
"Our dictators learnt from yours, Republicans," said Pallas, glaring at Skywalker.
Ahsoka pushed between them. "Alright, that's enough," she said. "The plan? Is there a plan?"
"A very vague one," said Ares. "I go in with my wrinkly unsexy face, transfer my privileges onto my… heroic daughter, Force-that's-weird-to-say… and strangle anyone who opposes it."
"You'll have many throats then," said Pallas.
"No one said peace would be bloodless," said Ares.
Pallas glared at him. "You're getting a little too into character, dad."
"Good, that's the point," said Ares. Then he softened. "If you're worried about what happened to Mina—"
"Don't—" Pallas snapped, a sudden hatred and anger flaring in her. Her fingers curled into a fist and there was a pained twinge in her jaw. "Don't talk to me about her when you look… like him."
Ares was getting tired of this face.
[][][]
They were hurtling through hyperspace now. Pallas and Ares were writing up their speeches for the Parliament. These weren't matters that Ahsoka could help much with, so she walked into the pilot's cockpit where Trace was in the pilot's seat, staring at the colourful rays of hyperspace.
"Hey," Ahsoka said, gently. "Company?"
"Sure," said Trace, shrugging. Ahsoka took a seat in the co-pilot's place. "So… you're a Jedi, aren't you? Raffa and I figured as much by how they cared about your getting captured. And… your friend, the tall gloomy one with the scar on his eye, showed me a few impressive piloting tricks on our way out of Coruscant."
"I was a Jedi," said Ahsoka, "but I left."
Trace looked at her and her eyes fell on the golden lightsabre on Ahsoka's belt that had, until recently, belonged to Palpatine. "Doesn't look like it to me," she said. "You should have told me."
"How could I? After what you told me about your parents," said Ahsoka. "…Luminara Unduli. That's the name of the Jedi that… you know. She's not really known for her compassion." Ahsoka thought about Barriss for the first time in a long time. She was surprised by the sympathy she now felt for her betrayer. They had both become disillusioned by the Order. The difference between them was that Ahsoka was surrounded and nurtured by love and Barriss had been raised in Luminara's cold, unfeeling, unattached tradition. Had their upbringing been reversed, she wondered if she would have acted any differently to Barriss. She wanted to think herself above acts of terrorism and framing her friends for them, but still… what if things had been different for her. "I'm sorry about the Jedi Order. War makes monsters of us all."
Trace looked at her sympathetically. "Aren't you going to show me how that thing works?" she asked, looking at the lightsabre, trying to lighten the mood.
A good question, thought Ahsoka. She took the hilt in her hand. She still hated its red glare. Red crystals were harsher than natural ones, but this was heavier than any lightsabre she had ever held, even more so than Ares'. A red blade sprung out, glaring menacingly. "It's not mine. I'm just… borrowing it, I guess." Except she wasn't. The Sith Lord the sword belonged to was dead and never coming back for it.
"Pretty cool," Trace said, staring at the hypnotic light.
"Yeah," she whispered, annoyed by the angry glare, and switched it off. "Not really my colour though." She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and allowed the Force to flow through her. The hilt started to levitate in front of her and disassemble. The crystal fell into her palm and she felt it's raw power rush through her. She resisted its lure and pushed her own strength through it, overpowering it. Without its true master, its venom was weak. When she opened her eyes, in her palm rested a pure white crystal. She fixed it back into the hilt and ignited the weapon again. A beaming, warm white light ejected from the hilt.
"Wow," Trace said, watching beside her.
"Indeed," she said and smiled. "It feels really good to take something from the Dark Lord and make it good."
[][][]
They arrived at the rendezvous point. The Silver Angel sailed smoothly through to the command frigate after Pallas passed the security codes. Once aboard, Pallas paid the sisters and sent them on their way.
"You alright, General Skywalker?" asked Pallas smirkingly, seeing the itch in the Jedi Master to cut down her mechanical troops.
"I'm not exactly in my comfort zone right now," said Skywalker with gritted teeth.
The fleet jumped to hyperspace and came up on Raxus. "Set up a defensive perimeter. Position Delta-7. I want the capital protected," Pallas ordered her tactical droid.
"Roger, roger."
Pallas looked at her brother, whose expression was unreadable under the false face. "Welcome back home, brother."
"Home," said Ares, tasting the strange word. "It's been so long."
[][][]
After a whole day of chaotic debates, squabbling, threats and games, Nute Gunray was pleased to find himself in the Speaker of the Assembly's seat. He had pulled strings and tugged purses to secure this seat for himself amidst his colleagues. Now, they just needed to decide upon a Commander-in-Chief for their army and a Head of State, which were much more difficult tasks.
"We don't even know that Count Dooku or General Grievous are dead!" one of the senators yelled.
"We don't know much, Senator! But we need leadership now!"
"The hierarchy is clear!"
"The entire hierarchy is in Republic hands!"
"We should decide on a Commander-in-Chief now and strike the Republic whilst we have the chance! They're vulnerable now!"
"We should pursue peace!"
"No! More war! We have the advantage now!"
The viceroy listened to all these myriads of voices, hoping on exhausting them before he could organise them. He made mental notes of the voices that wanted anything but war. Those would be called to the floor last if they even had time to get to them.
Suddenly, the main doors blew open and all eyes fell on Count Dooku. Silence filled the hall. An unsure air hung around all the politicians. The last 24 hours of debating had been for nought if Count Dooku was here. Neither the Viceroy or any other politician noticed two cloaked Jedi slip into the Parliament and take a seat in the spectating wings.
The count took his slow steps. He was wearing his brown cloak and his arm was in a sling. There was a dangerous look in his eyes.
"Viceroy," said the cold voice. Nute Gunray felt his throat dry and couldn't move any more from the seat. Dooku's seat. "Thank you for keeping my seat warm for me. Now kindly find yours."
The terrified Viceroy didn't need to be told twice. He scurried back to his place without protest, embarrassed and shocked.
"My fellow servants of the Confederacy," he began. "I've just returned from a bloody battle, which my noble daughter has won. One battle of many that has been waged to satiate Palpatine's bloodlust, but I am pleased to confirm that the Dark Lord of the Sith is dead. He will have no more dealings in our affairs." A round of applause clapped around the hall. "Yes, we are free to true liberty now, but I am an old man, too weak to carry this great Alliance to glory. We are entering uncertain times and I believe that leadership must be made swiftly. I love our state too much to let it fall into the cesspit that Palpatine has left in his wake. Whilst I may still lay claim to being its founder, I believe the Confederacy of Independent Systems needs a new Head of State, Commander-in-Chief and Speaker of the Assembly. There is no one who is more opposed to the Dark Lord than his vanquisher, General Pallas of Serenno."
The doors of the Parliament opened, and Pallas walked in with a squadron of droids on her heels. Cheering boomed around the halls. The entire Parliament gave a standing ovation for their war hero. The noise was louder than the bickering of the senators at the peak of their disagreements. Gunray noticed the surprised look upon the young woman's face amidst the support.
"I propose an emergency bill to transfer all my powers, privileges, titles and responsibilities to my one true heir, my daughter! All those in agreement say 'ay'!" Count Dooku's voice thundered over the cheers. It was a resounding majority. "All those against, say 'nay'!" A few confused voices sounded in the crowd.
Count Dooku stepped down from the Speaker of the Assembly's podium. He unclasped the brown cloak with the signet of the count of Serenno on it and fastened it around his daughter's shoulders. "Congratulations, general," he said warmly. There was an uncharacteristic pride in the count's eyes.
Nute Gunray had never seen a more elegant transition of power and he scowled in his seat. He had spent too many credits for the position of the Speaker of the Assembly and all for nought.
Riding the momentum of a new ascension, Pallas stepped onto her father's podium. "Thank you for this honour, my friends. It had been Palpatine's desires to continue the war to subjugate us all. We have all fought too hard to fall into the trap of the greedy tyrant. However, terrifying a galaxy in chaos is, I can assure you all that it is much more preferable to an empire ruled by an emperor! Therefore, I propose an immediate bill to open negotiations for peace!"
It was hard to deny a heroic leader anything after having been proclaimed a Supreme Leader from such loud cheering.
[][][]
"I can't believe I'm back here," Ares murmured as the giant doors of his childhood home creaked open. Beside him was Ahsoka. Pallas had matters to attend to at the Parliament and they had left Skywalker as her bodyguard. An amusing notion, thought Ares, but he was impatient to have his face back. No matter how much it entertained him to pose as his father, he was getting tired of Ahsoka's shudders of discomfort or Pallas' suppressed scowls.
"I remember once looking at this monstrosity and thinking: wow, no wonder he ran away," said Ahsoka.
"Ready to meet my mother and see the root of all mine and my sister's issues?" asked Ares.
Ahsoka looked at him strangely. "Your mother is alive?" she asked. He'd never spoken about her. Ahsoka just assumed that she was dead. They never spoke about their parents unless it was to bemoan Dooku's villainy, but surely he'd have mentioned his mother if she was still alive.
"'Alive' is an interesting word to use. Yes and no," said Ares. He looked up at the ceiling. "Mother! Switch on!" he shouted.
Suddenly, the room buzzed to light as if the power was back on, a chime echoed around the walls and a disembodied voice spoke. Chime. "Welcome back, son. How fares the war?"
"There, that's the emotional reunion I was hoping for, mom," said Ares. "Activate the med droids – I want a face transplant." He said that as if it was a completely normal request to one's mother.
Chime. "Of course, darling," she said.
Ares looked at Ahsoka who had a crooked white brow. "You're lucky I already love you because this is really creepy," she said.
"You are not the first person to say that," said Ares.
"How does she know it's you and not…" Ahsoka gestured to his bearded grey face.
"A mother always knows," he said and smiled as if it was a private joke. "No, in seriousness, she does a scan of every life form that enters the building. It's the best security system in the galaxy. Nothing happens in my mother's house without her knowing."
The operation would take about half an hour and the med-droid was insistent that there would be no one else in the operating room. So, Ahsoka took the opportunity to explore the fortress. She noted that it had the décor and architecture conspicuously similar to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Was it a twisted joke of Count Dooku or a sad reconstructed memorabilia of the past?
It was empty and spacious; too spacious and empty for the uses of two kids. The term 'spoilt brats' came to mind. Spoilt brats that just saved the galaxy. She imagined it was easy to grow up with a sense of autonomy when there were only droids and… disembodied, emotionless mothers for caretakers. She vaguely remembered Mina Bonterri mentioning how the twins often trespassed on her hospitality and, now looking inside the stronghold, Ahsoka couldn't say she blamed them.
She found Ares' room. Speeder and droid parts were scattered around, miniature models of ships hung from the ceiling, and posters of pod-racing champions were stuck to the walls. A finished chess game was on his desk, gathering dust. The four-poster bed was made up neatly.
"I thought I'd find you here," his voice made her jolt, as if she'd been caught red-handed. She looked to find the young man leaning on his doorway, smiling at her with his normal face. Had it already been half an hour? She thought to herself briefly before she pounced on him, arms wrapped around his neck and kissed him as if she hadn't seen him in decades. His arms curled around her back, pulling her closer.
"I've missed you," she whispered.
"So, you're not into role-play then?" asked Ares, smirking.
"Not as your father, no. Old men that endanger the universe aren't really my thing," said Ahsoka. "I'm quite happy with you for now."
"'For now'?" he exclaimed playfully. "Then I better make use of that time, don't I?" She laughed as he carried her to his four-poster.
[][][]
"Yes, I couldn't agree more, senator…" Pallas said as she escorted the last politician out of her office. Her hand pressed to his back and the other was showing, vaguely, the way out. "We'll discuss it more in the next session."
"Good night, Your Excellency," said the senator, bowing to her and leaving, finally. She closed the door after him and huffed. She slid down the door, sat on the floor and looked at the ceiling.
"I already hate this kriffing job," she muttered.
A chuckle made her look to the desk, where she saw Skywalker sitting on it. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone more uncomfortable than you with politicians, general."
Pallas glared at him. "I'm out of my comfort zone with them," she said. "I could do with a drink. Would you like one, Master Jedi?"
"From Count Dooku's personal liquor collection? Don't mind if I do," said Skywalker.
"Let's see what the old man stored here," said Pallas, opening the crystal cabinet. "Oh, father, what an abysmal whiskey collection this is. Whiskey, gin, brandy and port. Old man drinks. And… ah-ha, I found some champagne." She passed the bottle to Skywalker to open whilst she fished out two flutes.
"You seem to know your alcohols, general," said Skywalker as he propped it open.
"Good taste is important," said Pallas. She watched Skywalker pour it. Pallas propped herself up on the desk beside him and took the flute. "To the end of the war," she said, lifting the flute.
"To peace," said Skywalker. They chinked glasses and drank silently. What a strange situation, both thought to themselves. The taste was sweet and bubbly with a hint of cherry. It went straight into Skywalker's sinuses.
"Jedi training doesn't include alcohol appreciation?" asked Pallas. She watched his discomfort with quiet pleasure.
"Dulls the senses so it's ill-advised," said Skywalker.
"Congratulations, by the way," said Pallas. "On your wife's pregnancy."
The champagne sprayed out from the Jedi like a gunshot. He coughed for a while and the young woman had to beat his back, awkwardly, to get him to recover. His eyes watered a little. "What?"
"Oh… it seems you didn't know," said Pallas, uncomfortably.
"How do you know I have a wife?!" Skywalker demanded.
"It's not terribly difficult to discover with my resources," said Pallas. Skywalker glared at her harder.
"What do you mean she's pregnant?" demanded Skywalker.
"You didn't know? How could you not know? She's almost full term," said Pallas, apologetically. "My apologies. I honestly thought you did."
"I need to go to her," said Skywalker feverishly.
"Of course," said Pallas. She threw him some keys from the desk. "Take my ship. Bay 3C."
"Thanks," said Skywalker and he ran out.
Pallas sighed. "What a way to find out, Pal," she said to herself, taking the last sip of her flute.
The weight of the past day, or fortnight or maybe even three years, suddenly made itself known. She yawned and stretched out and located a comfortable sofa. Never one to pass an opportunity for sleep, especially when it visited her so rarely, she lay down on it and used the Admiral cloak as a blanket. She passed off into a dreamless sleep.
What seemed like a few hours later, Pallas' eyes fluttered open and she groaned waking up. She reached out for the control panel, but the click of a blaster and the cold circle of a barrel pressing against the back of her head stopped her.
"Get up," said a familiar voice. "On your knees, scum. If you call for help, I'll shoot."
She obeyed. He snatched her commlink from her wrist. "How did you get into the building?" she asked.
"I grew up in these halls. I know the number of times the guards patrol the corridors. Your house's operating system is on so I assumed you weren't there – you hate the thing you call a mother, after all, that's why you murdered mine," said Lux Bonterri.
"Clever. What do you want, Lux?" asked Pallas.
"I'm here to finally avenge my mother's death on my own terms," he stated, and the blaster in his hand shook.
"Ironic," she said. "I was going to do the same thing in these coming weeks." Boy, was this a really bad time to die, she thought.
"I know you," he said, venomously. "These will not be peace talks. You have no interest in peace. You don't know what peace even is! If you did, you wouldn't have killed my mother for offering it!" Lux barked. She noticed that he kept repeating those words, as if reminding him why he had to do this. "But I am not deceived. I see through your lies and tricks. I will end this with your death."
Pallas took a deep breath. It was so odd. In this moment of crisis, she was at her calmest. "Can I at least see your face as you do it?" she asked.
"You didn't give my mother the courtesy of looking at your face when she was murdered," Lux said.
"Your mother was asleep. She didn't feel anything. I made sure of it," said Pallas. "Besides, you're better than me, aren't you? You know that killing me is the right thing to do, don't you? Why should you be afraid to look me in the eye as you execute me?" She was careful to speak in questions, rather than sentences.
"I'm not afraid!" Lux screamed.
"Lux, she's baiting you," said a strong, female voice. The rebel girl from Onderon, Pallas recognised, although her name was escaping Pallas' mind at this moment. "We don't have much time, Lux. Do it and let's get out of here."
"I see you brought friends," said Pallas. "That's nice. It's good to have moral support in such grim dealings."
But Lux didn't listen. Pallas could feel his hateful gaze burning into the back of her head. He stepped around and presented his face. The war has changed him, she thought. The innocent boy had been broken and replaced by the soldier. Funny, she thought, they had all always thought he would make the worst warrior and poorest soldier of their little quartet. No. He wasn't a soldier. He was a rebel now. He took initiative, risks, disobeyed orders to do what he thought was right, not what was ordered of him. The distinction was important.
"Why did you do it?" asked Lux, desperately. He was still searching for what was the right thing to do. "Why… why did you do it?"
"You wouldn't understand it, but I'll tell you anyway. It would seem that I have nothing left to lose," she said, taking a deep breath. "Your mother had to die because she defied my father's grand plan for the war. Outspoken bravery has a price, Lux. He ordered me to kill her to set an example for any sympathisers. Not a day goes by that I don't regret what I had to do."
Lux's fist shook. "I know that! How stupid do you think I am!?" he screamed at her. "I've spent the last year and a half thinking over and over and over how it could be possible that you could kill her. I know politics! Don't teach me about the politics! My question is why did you give the order whilst you made love to me!" His rage left no space for embarrassment, even if his present girlfriend was in the room.
"Lux, we don't have time for this!" the rebel shrieked at him.
"Then, go!" Lux yelled at her, as if this conversation was the most important thing in the world to him. "Steela, go if you want, but I am not leaving without answers. I'll die for this if I have to!"
Pallas watched his exhaustion. It almost matched her own. He must have dreamed about Mina's death as often as she did. For both Lux and Pallas, it was an obsession.
Steela saw the look in Lux's eyes. There was nothing that she could give to him that would tear Lux away from his obsession. There was not enough love in the whole galaxy that would sate the boy's unquenchable pain. There was nothing that she could possibly provide or promise him that would heal him. Perhaps he hadn't even realised it himself, but he had used her, as a steppingstone or a temporary band-aid. She looked at the young woman, the heartless monster, kneeling on the floor at gunpoint and knew that Lux Bonterri would willingly sacrifice them all for this conversation and not feel a shred of remorse.
So, she took a step back. Her trusty sniper was clutched in her hand and ran down the corridor to reunite with her brother, Saw, and the others that had come to this suicide mission. Pallas heard the girl leave and felt sorry for her broken heart.
"Answer my question!" Lux demanded, pushing the barrel hard into Pallas' head, not far from the spot that had killed his mother.
She closed her eyes and truly thought about that night for the first time since it happened. "I couldn't… I wouldn't let you be in the room, in that building, when she died. I would rather have you know that I had done it than for you to have heard it or felt it," said Pallas, sincerely. "I couldn't risk you waking up in the night and finding… her. Or fighting your way through the droids. I couldn't risk the droids accidentally firing at you. I was also selfish. I wanted to cling to you, whilst it happened because I knew it was happening and there was nothing worse than knowing. You were so strong and happy and I loved you."
Lux dropped to his knees in front of her, his hand keeping the blaster upright but now weak. He was so broken and exhausted. "I have to kill you," he said, looking down. "I have to kill you for my mother," he repeated. "I owe it to her to kill you."
"Lux, your mother died for peace. You owe it to her to bring that peace," said Pallas. She debated with herself if he would feel threatened if she moved the blaster point away from her chest. Instead, she reached out to touch his cheek. "You owe it to your mother to make sure the war ends right. Like you said… I don't know what peace is. All I've ever known is war and violence. Help, Lux. Help me bring peace."
"I can't ever trust you again," he said, dejectedly.
"That's understandable," said Pallas. "I've done horrible things, but I want to change that. I need a good politician, Lux, like you. You were raised for politics. Both the Separatist and Republic Senates are rife with people who want the war to go on – you know that. Your mother's vision for peace will die with me. Let's earnestly bring it to life, together." She outstretched a palm out to him.
Lux closed his eyes and breathed. Even now, even after everything, he still couldn't deny her anything. "You are not forgiven," he said. "You are very far from forgiven." He lowered his blaster.
"A temporary ceasefire, sure," she said.
[][][]
The election of a new Chancellor had been swift. Unofficial campaigns had been made amongst the members whilst the Jedi were trying to reign in the crumbling order. There had been many nominees, but it was an unspoken agreement that the new Chancellor had to be a member of the peace party. Padme herself had been far too young, not to mention too close to Palpatine to have a serious run. Bail Organa of Alderaan, however, did. The most respected member of the peace party and, in Padme's firm opinion, the best possible choice out of the entire Senate. He won the election.
The Senate fell quiet from its usual pre-session chatter and the great orator's speech began. Millions of eyes across the galaxy looked upon him.
"My fellow servants of the Republic," Bail said. "Amidst these difficult times, I am pleased to inform you that today this dreadful war can finally be over. Supreme Leader Pallas and I have negotiated a peace treaty between our two states. There are five main clauses. In the first clause, we will recognise the Confederacy of Independent Systems as a valid, independent state with its Supreme Leader and her Parliament as it's valid, executive Head. In the second clause, the Jedi Order is to be relieved of all its political and military privileges—"
A confused kerfuffle began amongst the members. No voice was louder than the other. The members of the Senate seemed to be evenly split about the Jedi's presence. Outside the Senate walls, millions of voices cried out in a cheer.
Bail raised his hands to quieten the house and his loud voice echoed across the chamber.
"There will be time for discussion later!" he announced. "As I was saying, members of the Jedi Order shall be honoured for their service to the Republic during this difficult conflict, but it is time that they returned to their original role as peacekeepers, not politicians or war leaders. They will hold no political offices or privileges."
Padme looked at Anakin sitting beside her. His face was emotionless, but his hand reached out and touched her pregnant belly. A reminder, she thought as she touched her husband's hand. Anakin's thoughts were on his family and how he could now, finally, leave the Order. Other Jedi might not be of that sentiment, Padme imagined.
"In the third clause, the clone army will continue to serve the Republic as the army. Each soldier will undergo a full vaccination of the control chips that influenced their mutinies. Similarly, the Confederacy will keep its droid army as it sees fit. In the fourth clause, the Supreme Chancellor's seat will surrender the emergency powers accumulated during the course of the war and all banking clans absorbed into it will become neutral once again. In the fifth and final clause, allies of Sheev Palpatine are to be branded as traitors to the Republic and Confederacy. It is my hope that with this settlement we can finally end this meaningless conflict, bury our dead, rebuild our homes and work together to make sure that such a devastating calamity never occurs again. I now open the floor to discussion!"
[][][]
"I still can't believe the war is over," said Ahsoka as she flew the ship onto a landing bay outside of the Jedi Temple.
"I know," said Ares. He thought about the last few days. It still didn't seem real. Now that both the Chancellor and Separatist Head had the common goal of peace, it was easy to end the war. "It seems only yesterday you were giving me a tour of The Jedi Temple and accusing me of future treasons."
She looked at her co-pilot with a playful glare. "In my defence, I was right," she said.
"You should have followed your feelings. I really was the sneaky traitorous bastard that you suspected me to be," he said with a smirk.
"I'm glad I didn't," she said, turning to look away from him and focusing on landing the ship on the prescribed platform.
They both needed to make their peace with the Jedi Order, even if neither of them was part of it anymore. From their cockpit, they could see a gathering of the Jedi Council members waiting for them outside the Temple.
"Oh great. We get a whole procession," he muttered. "I really, really hate your cult."
"It's not my cult anymore," said Ahsoka.
Ares grinned at her. "… I love you so much," he said.
"For disowning a cult?" she asked.
"No, for everything," he clarified.
She landed the ship and pressed the button to open the door. "Come on," she said.
"I suppose it's too late to turn back now?" he asked.
Ahsoka gave him a blank look. The past three years briefly flashed before her eyes. "Way, way, too late," she said.
"I'll just stay on the ship. You go. They won't try to kill you… not after their last mistake," he said, sinking into his seat. "And you have the better story of the two of us. You can tell them I seduced you to the dark side or something."
"Come on. You're braver than that," she said, as she stood up. "And remember, we come with peace."
"Don't look at me. I was destined to be a warlord. They're supposed to be the peacekeepers," he said, throwing up his hands and following after her. They walked up to the Council side by side.
Kenobi was beaming. Mace Windu looked like he was keeping unbridled violent emotions barely contained. The other members like Plo Koon, Fisto, Luminara, Tiin were neutral. Yoda looked more peaceful than either of them had ever seen him.
"Um, hello there," said Ares, dreading the awkward silence.
"A debt of gratitude, the Council owes you both," said Yoda. In the weeks that had transpired, the horrible truth had become abundantly clear to everyone. "And an apology. Saved countless lives you have. On behalf of the Order, thank you." Though the grandmaster meant his thanks, it felt so empty to Ares. Lives were worth more than words. Some of those lives were standing around them.
"Your sister didn't travel with you?" asked Plo Koon.
"No. She had some matters to discuss with the Chancellor," said Ares, politely. "But she sends her regards."
"Please pass on our gratitude and well wishes to her," said Luminara. Amongst her fellow Jedi, she was perhaps the only one that had not fought against the teenage general. She was also conscious that her battalion of troops had been vaccinated by the lice and she had been spared a gruesome fate.
"So… what happens with your Order now?" asked Ahsoka. No one missed her not using the possessive 'our' or a neutral 'the'. It felt like an abandonment, even if she hadn't been part of it for some time now.
"The Chancellor has announced the Jedi Order is to be relieved of its political duties," said Windu, with spite. That much they all knew. It was one of the terms of the peace treaty that Pallas had personally written in. What surprised everyone was how much support there was amongst the people of the Republic for the Jedi's dismissal. Embarrassing questions were being asked that the Council couldn't answer.
"Better than death," Ares said simply.
"Yes," said Windu, glaring. His humiliation was unmatchable.
"Disband, we will," said Yoda. "Become out of touch from the Force we have. Return to our roots as peacekeepers we shall."
"Peace needs as much work as war does," said Ahsoka.
"Maul is still out there. So are the eternal vices of slavery, corruption, poverty, and pain. The wound of war will need healing," added Ares.
"Indeed," said Yoda. "Let the peace finally begin."
THE END.
OH MY GOD. It's over! The mission… The nightmares… they're finally… over.
Guys, it's been such a pleasure writing for you all. Those of you who reviewed have been a wonderful audience. It's been a thrill, but all good things must come to an end.
PLEASE REVIEW. Share your favourite moments, in this chapter or whole story.