Predictably, the Council ban on elemental pursuits was a general failure: as the weeks went by, the call of the elements persisted.
For some, especially the children, there were frequent outbursts: breathing or punching fire when they were upset; denting the concrete and shaking the floors; turning their showers to ice and flooding the garden pathways. The adults, most of whom were better at repression, sickened like Obi-Wan. The Healers had to start medicating people with cocktails that simultaneously dampened their powers and staved off the worst of the Force-deprivation, just to keep them functional. But no amount of medicine could stave off the dreams that plagued them: dreams of the earth shaking under the feet of giant beasts, of screaming airwhas and rough seas, of bright lantern birds singing under open skies, of suns and lightning and star-dragons.
The traditional Jedi manner of dealing with stress had always been to banish it into the Force, and now that they were all essentially forbidden to use the Force, tension began to bottle up inside them. Even the Councillors were not immune to the physical and psychological distress, and most were near the end of their rope: they knew, even if they couldn't consciously admit it, that things could not go on this way forever.
Anakin, Ahsoka, Barriss, and Luminara found themselves thrust into something like a conspiracy, in full disobedience to the Council. Because they were all using (or trying to use) their elements regularly, the Force-withdrawal stress did not trouble them; but the feeling of being trapped was growing for all of them, and a foreboding settled on Anakin that nagged at the back of his mind by day and troubled his dreams at night.
Meanwhile, the next few weeks were going by uneasily for the rest of the Republic.
The Senate was becoming increasingly antsy. Representatives from Kamino, the Trade Federation, and the Banking Clan were openly resentful at how sharply the truce was cutting into their profits. Meanwhile, representatives from those planets who had been suffering the most damage during wartime (for example, Orn Free Taa, Onaconda Farr, and Padme) were very anxious to maintain and even extend the truce. The other senators varied in their attitudes - a handful were outspoken bigots who chafed at being beholden to the enemy; a fair few would not call the Separatists 'animals' out loud but sympathized with the open bigots; and some others were just anxious to keep the fighting from reaching their systems and planets.
The question of the status of the Jedi came up from time to time - the Chancellor maintained that now was not the time to strip the Order of its rank and privileges, but Saam kept drilling home the point that it was not feasible to have a military dependent upon now-powerless Jedi.
The public at large was sifting through a number of ideas. They had, of course, any number of opinions about the Separatists, but for the most part they were none too hot on the Jedi either. Protests had begun picking up popularity even while the war was in action, and Disband-the-Jedi petitions began to pop up on the holonet.
The two Sith lords (former Sith Lords?) were making excellent progress in learning to wield fire. Unburdened as they were by the ideological hand-wringing that held back the Jedi, Sidious and Dooku were constantly testing the limits of their new abilities. For example, it didn't take Sidious long to find out that the energy which ignited living fire could be split and then rejoined, thus giving him a far more deadly form of the old Sith powers of lightning.
After about a month of vigorously 'training' Dooku (mostly beating and burning him in ever more sophisticated fire duels), Sidious declared that Dooku was ready for the field again. And so it was that, after some four short months of an uneasy peace, Dooku knelt before his Master to ask him what was his bidding, and Sidious said, "Let us make an end of this folly of a truce, my Apprentice."
"It is with a heavy heart that I must announce a Separatist attack on a Republic planet mere hours ago," the Chancellor addressed the Senate.
Outraged, Padme leapt to her feet. "That can't be true!" she cried. "It's impossible!"
Around her, other Senators were also crying out - "Just like those faithless animals!" "How long did we believe they would honor a truce?" "We should never have treated with them!"
Palpatine raised a hand for quiet. "Yes," he said gravely. "I fear that our peaceful Alderaan has now become a battleground."
Padme's legs went out from under her, and she fell back into her chair. Alderaan?! She snuck a glance at Bail; her old friend looked pale and haggard, and there were dark shadows under his eyes. Her mind raced - had the attack damaged any cities? How many had been hurt or killed? Was Breha all right?
"It is clear that we now have no choice but to meet their attack with appropriate force," said the Chancellor. "To strike at the heart of the Republic, at one of our most peaceful worlds - we cannot allow this atrocity to go unpunished."
Cheers and cries of agreement erupted from around the Senate, but Padme couldn't speak. What had happened? Had Mina been overruled? Had some Separatist army official acted without leave? It would be just like Grievous, honestly.
"We must mobilize a regiment immediately -" began the Chancellor, but Saam interrupted.
"And how will we do that?" he bellowed. "Our military generals and commanders are currently out of commission, are they not? The fact that our military is beholden to the Jedi has rendered us vulnerable to an attack just like this!"
And just like that, in the midst of her worry for Bail, Padme saw two opportunities she just couldn't pass up. She stood up again, and brought her pod forward. "In that case, I have a proposition," she said firmly.
The other senators all paused and turned to look at her curiously. "Speak on, Senator Amidala," said the Chancellor.
"If war is our only way forward, and if the Jedi can no longer command our armies," she said. "Then it is plain that the Republic no longer has a reason to withhold military autonomy from our clone troops. Let our most able clone captains be raised to the ranks of commanders and generals, while creating a new special initiative that utilizes the tactical knowledge and experience the Jedi can still offer. If we do this quickly, we could be in a position to liberate Alderaan as soon as tomorrow."
She bit back a smile of triumph as nods and murmurs of approval began to grow around her. She snuck another glance at Bail, who sent her a brief but grateful smile.
Of course, she knew from Anakin that the Jedi weren't strictly "powerless," but they certainly weren't in a position to go back to being generals and commanders. Making them into special agents would allow them to retain something of their original position.
As to the clones themselves, what better way to push the Senate towards granting the clones full citizen's rights than by granting them the opportunity to win themselves real renown? Burtoni was giving her the evil eye, but she couldn't complain now without sounding unpatriotic - there simply weren't enough admirals and captains who weren't clones to command the entire Grand Army of the Republic.
"A most resourceful solution to our plight, Senator!" said Chancellor Palpatine approvingly. "I see no reason why we should not implement this change at once."
"Then," said a newly emboldened Padme. "I move that we simultaneously elevate the military status of the clone troops and create a special military initiative for members of the Jedi." And she held her breath, hoping that fortune was with her today.
"And I second that motion," came the voice of Mon Mothma, and Padme allowed herself a grateful smile at the other woman.
The Chancellor spread his hands. "All in favor, say 'I,'" he said, and most of the room appeared to join in. "All opposed, by like sign," said the Chancellor, and Padme couldn't help but notice that Burtoni was among the naysayers.
"The motion has been passed," said Palpatine, and Padme drew a long sigh of relief. "The administrative changes will be ratified immediately, and a battalion will be sent to Alderaan as soon as possible."
The moment that the meeting was disbanded, Padme tried to catch Bail, but she was delayed in being congratulated by some half a dozen other senators, not to mention the Chancellor. She ended up going straight to Bail's office.
"Oh, Bail," she said as soon as she was inside. "I'm so terribly sorry — is Breha all right?"
Bail, who had been standing by the window, turned at the sound of her voice. "Breha's unharmed, and so are most of our people," he said, coming forward. "The Separatists have taken the palace, but appear to have done minimal damage."
"Thank goodness!" breathed Padme, relieved.
Bail inclined his head. "Padme, I want to thank you. I know you hate to resume the war, but your presence of mind today made the difference between help for my people and a month's bickering in the Senate."
"Well, I'm always glad to help," said Padme truthfully.
"A most unexpected turn of events, this is," said Yoda. "Yet grateful we are, that stand by us, the Senate has."
He had called a quick emergency meeting in the wake of the Chancellor's announcement of the attack on Alderaan and the Senate's decision to reorganize the GAR.
For his part, Obi-Wan had mixed feelings. He was glad that the Republic had decided to 'give the Jedi another chance' in the form of a new role, but he was also very uncertain of what the future would hold.
"For that it seems we have Senator Amidala to thank," said Mace. "It was she who put the motion on the floor." He had never been altogether comfortable with how close Amidala was to the Order (and especially to the wild card that was Skywalker), but she had proved an extremely valuable ally in the Senate lately and he could hardly complain about it now.
"Then the Jedi are much indebted to Senator Amidala," said Saesee Tiin. "But whom will we send to Alderaan?"
"From the 501st, the dispatched regiment was," said Yoda gravely. "Send Skywalker and Tano, we will."
"With respect, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan broke in. "Is it truly the best idea to send Anakin on a mission this important and experimental?"
"For once, Kenobi, I think sending Skywalker's a good idea," said Mace. "He's almost out of control being cooped up in here. The 501st was his brigade, and he'll throw a fit if he can't go with them. But since you're concerned, you've just volunteered to go and keep an eye on him!"
Obi-Wan allowed himself a quiet groan. He'd walked right into that one.
"Now do remember, you two," said an anxious-looking Obi-Wan two days later. "That this mission is something of a trial run for the new initiative. You'll be making your report to both the Council and the Chancellor, so let's try to be careful, shall we?"
Anakin smirked. "Aren't I always careful, Master?"
Ahsoka cut him an "I-know-you-did-not-just-say-THAT" look, but frankly she was glad enough to be out of the Temple that she wasn't feeling particularly cautious herself.
"Very well," said Obi-Wan. "Let's be going!"
Anakin grinned down at Ahsoka. "Ready for a new adventure, Snips?"
"You bet, Master!" chirped Ahsoka eagerly. "Let's go!"
The trio walked onto the cruiser (well, Obi-Wan walked and Anakin and Ahsoka bounded) to join the crew, the regiment, and Senator Organa, who had apparently promised the Queen that he would come. Obi-Wan set about showing the Senator to a comfortable room, while Anakin and Ahsoka went straight to the bridge.
"Good morning, Admiral Yularen," Anakin greeted the man.
"Agents Skywalker and Tano," Yularen inclined his head. "Welcome aboard. Where is Agent Kenobi?"
"He's on his way," said Ahsoka reassuringly, and then, "Rex, Fives! Good to see you two again, finally," as the two clones walked up to the bridge.
"Commander Tano, General Skywalker!" Rex immediately stood at attention.
Fives elbowed Rex sharply, Admiral Yularen cleared his throat, and Ahsoka felt suddenly awkward. "Actually, we're not your commanding officers anymore," she reminded both him and herself. "General Rex."
"Ah, right," Rex looked supremely uncomfortable. "Apologies, Agent Tano."
Thankfully, Obi-Wan broke the moment by coming up behind them. "Admiral, General, Commander," he said smoothly. "Are we ready for takeoff?"
"That we are, sir," said the Admiral, and the pilots began the process of maneuvering the cruiser out of the hangar.
All things considered, it was a strange ride to Alderaan. Rex was awkward around the Jedi; he kept reverting to calling them 'General' and 'Commander' and seemed to be biting his tongue from asking them for orders. Fives was doing somewhat better, and seemed to be having an easier time adjusting to his own new position of Commander. The anticipated mission itself was pretty straightforward: liberate the planet from the droid armies, fly the Senator to the Palace. But Anakin and Ahsoka still had very little idea what constituted this new "special agent" role they were now supposed to play.
"Part of the objective of the mission is to find that out," said Obi-Wan bluntly.
"I just hope it doesn't mean they expect us to sit back while the clones have all the fun," said Anakin, and Ahsoka heartily agreed.
"I'm sure you two will manage to find something exciting to do," said Obi-Wan dryly.
Anakin pulled Ahsoka aside. "You solid on that kata, Snips?" he asked.
"Sure thing, Master," said Ahsoka, and she couldn't help the thrill of anticipation that ran through her. "But are we going to use it if Master Kenobi is going to be looking over our shoulders?"
Anakin smirked. "Well, you heard the man," he said. "We're just going to have to improvise."
General Grievous paced the floor of the throne room, where Queen Breha, her courtiers, and her aides were all being held at blasterpoint by droids. "Is that Republic cruiser in range or not?" he growled at the tactical droid.
"Not yet, General," said the droid tonelessly.
"What's taking them so long?" Grievous fussed. "It's been three days already!"
Near the end of the hyperspace run, Rex called everyone in for a briefing. "As far as we know, the Separatist cruisers are parked on the planet's surface. A droid army has infiltrated the palace, and is holding everyone inside, including the Queen, as hostages."
"Wonderful," groaned Anakin. "Got a plan, Rex?"
"Sure do, sir," said Rex. "I think we need to split our forces: keep half the regiment up here, along with the Senator, while the rest of us head down to the surface to do what we can."
"And where do you want us?" asked Anakin.
Rex hesitated, clearly uncomfortable again, and Fives took over. "Er, well," he cleared his throat. "Begging your pardon, sir, it was our understanding that the Jedi aren't currently in a position to do much besides tactical consulting."
Obi-Wan looked thoughtfully at Anakin, and stroked his chin. "That's not strictly true, Commander," he said.
Ahsoka was suddenly nervous. What exactly did Obi-Wan know?
Anakin met Obi-Wan's gaze warily. "We can still swing our lightsabers, if that's what you mean," he said guardedly.
"Oh, I was thinking of more … inflammatory methods," said Obi-Wan significantly.
Ahsoka's jaw dropped. "Isn't that a little outside of protocol, Master Kenobi?" she asked.
Obi-Wan inclined his head. "I am simply suggesting that, if we find that more offensive measures would be useful in assisting the General's forces, we should take them."
Rex, Fives, and Yularen were exchanging puzzled looks. "Care to enlighten us, Agents?" asked the Admiral.
Anakin smiled suddenly, his eyes sliding over to Ahsoka's. "Let's just say that rumours of our new limitations have been exaggerated," he said.
Fives's eyebrows arched. "Enough that you're ready for the front lines again?"
"Quite possibly," said Anakin, still smiling. Ahsoka was practically pulsing with excitement.
"If that's the case," said Rex. "I want one of you Jedi up here with the cruiser, ready to escort the Senator down when the fighting's over, and the other two on the ground with me. Agent Skywalker -?"
"You didn't even have to ask, Rex," said Anakin. "Snips?"
Ahsoka was beaming. "Sure thing, Master!"
But after the briefing, Anakin pulled Obi-Wan into a quiet corner. "What did you mean by all that?" he asked suspiciously. "Aren't the element-based pursuits banned?"
Obi-Wan looked at him steadily. "They are currently banned across all Temple grounds."
Anakin's jaw swung, and he decided that at some point he had to stop forgetting how fast and loose Obi-Wan sometimes played with the rules.
Obi-Wan shrugged. "Consider it," he said. "I'm not blind, Anakin. I won't pretend to know the details of what you and Ahsoka have been up to lately, but …" He sighed. "You two look so well - radiant, even. I still have my doubts about what's been happening in the Force, but whatever you've been doing with your element has agreed with you."
Anakin couldn't deny that. Meditating and experimenting with fire had been having a wonderful effect on his mind and body, and he knew Ahsoka had been enjoying similar benefits. "Sure has," he admitted. "You should try it, Master."
"Maybe," said Obi-Wan noncommittally. "Regardless, if Rex and his men are to be successful in liberating Alderaan, they're going to need you and Ahsoka to deal with Grievous." He reached up and grasped Anakin's shoulder. "May the Force be with you, Anakin."
The Separatist blockade waiting for them above Alderaan was surprisingly flimsy: there was only one cruiser, and Anakin and Ahsoka blew through its droid fighters in barely more than an hour. It felt strange and unsettling, flying in a real-time battle without the heightened intuition they were used to, and both Jedi found themselves narrowly dodging droid-fighter blasts more than once, but they and their squadron made it through without major incident.
They made for the surface with the gunships behind them, peering down intently to see what was going on.
Ahsoka saw the enemy lines first. "The droids are lining up in front of the city," she said. of battle-droids (standards, commandos, and supers). "Straightforward battle formation, nothing fancy."
Anakin smirked. "And we thought this might be hard! General?"
Rex's voice came over the speakers. "Fives, take your battalion out to the other side of the city; get in and take care of those clankers. Get to the palace if you can, and watch for hostage civvies."
"Yes, sir!" barked Fives, and half the gunships broke away.
The ground before the city was flat for miles, so Rex had to land his own battalion amidst a rain of blaster fire from the droids. "Wedge formation!" he shouted as he jumped down from his gunship. "Skywalker, Tano, with me!"
Clone rights in this house!