Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing in regards to Star Wars or Harry Potter. All properties therein are those of their creators. I am simply a writer trying to increase my skills with characters and worlds that I love.
Note: The results for the harem poll are in. The winning result was a win for Shaak Ti, followed immediately by Bo-katan. I've already decided who is coming after her and I'm sure it will surprise some of you.
Note: I've had a lot of complaints about the Jedi Council's handling of Anakin's expulsion. To this I will say that they are still too rigidly set in their ways. Yes, through Harry they are starting to explore more open paths into the force, but millennia of tradition does not simply fly out the window overnight. They cannot conceive of a notion that they are wrong in their decision at present. War will open their minds further.
Part Four - The Cloning Facility
Two weeks of partying was the best way to describe the Sith's time on Dathomir. True to her words, the matriarch had welcomed them into her home/temple, and shared whiskey with them. This had later escalated into greater levels of alcoholic debauchery.
The nightsisters brought out their own planet's stores of liquor and everyone started singing and dancing until late into the night. That was when Harry discovered that the nightsisters had literally no barriers from one another, as Asajj had proceeded to stake her claim further before her sisters, and rode him in the middle of them all. Public sex had never been something that Harry had considered before, but he couldn't say he hadn't enjoyed it.
The next day everyone had woken with sore heads, until the Sith healed them, and then they started the party right back up again. Without the threat of a hangover things got even crazier than before.
This pattern repeated itself every day they were on the dark planet, until finally the wanderlust hit Harry again, and he knew it was time to go. He had enjoyed his time on his mate's planet greatly, but there was still more out there to experience.
Luckily Ventress had agreed with him, and they'd gone together to say their farewells to the matriarch and her sisters. There were many hugs and tears shared amongst the women, and the matriarch had given Harry a look that clearly conveyed what would happen to him if he didn't care for Ventress. He'd just nodded back, confirming that he got the message. He was already falling for his apprentice, and he had no intention of ever making her unhappy.
The two gave a final wave and ascended the ramp into the cargo hold where they were met by the robotic visage of Sirius.
"Harry, I want to go to Kamino now." He spoke without preamble.
The Sith tilted his head in confusion. "We planned to go there eventually. What's the rush?"
The robot pointed at the retreating nightsisters. "I just spent two weeks on a planet full of Asajj's, and I was not able to dazzle them with my swagger. I need a body Harry."
While Ventress huffed at the idea of the man wowing any of her sisters, Harry stepped forward and placed his hand over his godfather's. He knew the man could not feel it, but it was the meaning behind the gesture that mattered.
"Of course Sirius. If I'd known this was bothering you so much we would have left sooner."
The robot shook its head. "This trip was important to Asajj. I didn't want to derail it just because I was getting horny."
In contrast to her usual behavior, Asajj stepped forward and hugged the giant hunk of metal. "Thank you for your patience Sirius. You're right, this was important. But you are also important to my master, which means you're important to me as well. Let's go to Kamino."
Harry smiled at the touching scene taking place between his mate and godfather. He didn't think they'd ever be the best of friends, but at least they'd found some peaceful ground here.
"I'll go put in the coordinates Sirius. With any luck we'll be there in about a week." He said as he made his way to the cockpit. He'd heard interesting things about Kamino, and he was looking forward to seeing if the hype was true.
Geonosis
Palpatine, cloaked, and in his full Sith persona, glided along the grounds of the central droid factory on Geonosis. Beside him, Newt Gunray followed, as did the leader of the Geonosian Faction.
It had been a harrowing journey to escape Coruscant, but the exfiltration measures he'd put in place after Dooku's demise had paid off. Clearly this individual who had murdered his apprentice, this shadow adversary, had tipped off the Jedi as to his plans. That set back wouldn't stop him though.
"How soon can we be ready for a full assault on Coruscant?" The aged man demanded of his companions.
The Geonosian clicked his vocal cords in thought for a moment before answering, "Six months, give or take a few weeks. You assured us another year, and production has not risen to meet that high of a demand yet."
"Why not?" Palpatine seethed in anger.
In contrast, the Geonosian ruler was calm as could be. He had faith in his continued use to the human after all. "We had to keep or output measured so that the republic would not suspect anything. This was done by your order specifically as I recall."
"Yes," Gunray decided he just had to put a word in as well, "Count Dooku told us the same."
Palpatine snarled, "Dooku is gone now, you imbecile." His plan of a rapid assault on the government planet was clearly not going to work now.
Gunray floundered for several seconds after the insult before saying, "Indeed he is. On that note, without him, several systems that agreed to join us originally, have been making noise. They saw him as our central foundation, and without him, are beginning to pull away and withdraw support. Have you decided who will replace him as the face of the confederacy?"
If possible, the Sith became even angrier. He had spent his entire life preparing to bring war to the republic, and he had done so in a way that would allow him to run the entire thing from the shadows. That path had now vanished like smoke, leaving him with control of only one side, and only one option.
"I will." He lowered his hood and revealed his face. The holonet had been releasing the news of his escape from the senate twice a day since it happened, so it was no surprise when the two aliens raised exclamations of shock.
The surprise didn't stop the Geonosian however, from saying "I do not know that they will follow a man the Jedi have labeled a Sith."
Darth Sidius laughed cruelly at the implication. "You underestimate the tensions I have raised amongst this confederacy. I will claim the Jedi framed me after I refused to pass bills that they desired in the senate. Sure some may have suspicions, but the rest will fall in line behind whatever leader is offered. As for the Sith aspect, what evidence have the Jedi provided aside from the words of an old green creature? No one has seen me use the force after all."
Deciding the matter was closed for now, Palpatine gazed upon the epic scale of the droid refinery before him. "I want you to focus production on cruisers until you have enough to protect this system from attack, and then I want every worker you have, and whatever citizens you can press into service, to get to work cranking out battle droids. You said six months was the time frame before, I want us on a war footing in four."
The Geonosian bowed respectfully. As you wish…. How would you like to be referred to now? I doubt the rank of chancellor still applies."
The Sith thought about it for a moment. Senator was also out, and he clearly could not go by Darth. Perhaps…. "Minister. I will be Prime Minister Palpatine of the confederacy. Make sure those systems that have been on the fence know a new face has risen to take command. And make sure they hear the tale of the Jedi's 'false' charges."
The aliens nodded their acknowledgment and left him there, alone, staring into the molten light below.
Two Weeks Later - Kamino
Shaak Ti came out of her meditation with a startled sigh. She had been in communion with the force for the last three hours attempting to divine the future, and for the first time in years it had responded. Probably as a result of Palpatine's discovery. That was the good news at least. The bad news was that she hadn't seen what she desired.
The Togruta had been hoping to find a clue as to the unmasked Sith's current location, or at least what his next move would be. Instead the force had provided her a vision of her own future, or perhaps it would be more correct to call it a possible future, as it was one she could not see herself following. Even if it seemed appealing.
She'd been sitting in a high backed chair made of fine wood that was literally covered in cushions. The Sith, Darth Rache, sat to her right side, holding her close by the waist, and in her arms was a bundle of orange blankets. As she watched, the bundle began to move and wriggle in the adorable jumbles of an infant attempting to explore the world.
The implications of this bit of the scene alone would have caused The Jedi Master much thought, but what was revealed next grabbed her attention even more. The longer she stared at the scene, the wider the chair became, and more people sat on both sides of them. Most of the individuals were coated in shadow,but she was able to make out two of them.
The grey skinned woman on Rache's right was clearly that apprentice of his, Darth Jaegerin. The woman sitting beside her was someone she did not recognize, but she was wearing ceremonial Mandalorian armor with a strange symbol embossed on the shoulder.
The last thing the Jedi saw before the vision ended, was her double handing the wriggling bundle to Rache, and him laughing as he held the child high in delight. Then she awoke.
It took her several moments to make sense of what she had seen, but when she did, the woman could not help but blush. The force had shown her a possibility for her future, and it was beautiful. She would not lie to herself and say she was not attracted to the Sith. He was handsome, charming, made her laugh at the temple, and carried knowledge not recorded for over a thousand years. That last one caused her mouth to salivate.
The images she saw implied clearly that there was a chance in her future to forge a relationship with the man. One that would lead to a loving partnership, a child, and apparently sister wives. Shaak Ti was actually very excited about that part. Togruta were born with an inherent sense of unity and togetherness. They craved being part of a group and contributing to it. As such, harems were very common amongst her people. She had dreamed of being in one of her own before, but never gave it much credence. The continuous, forced, solitude of the Jedi Order had more than once caused her to shed tears before she'd managed to get a hold of herself.
Dimly, she wondered if it would even be possible. As a Jedi, she knew that relationships like that were forbidden. Though, as a student of history, and a seeker of knowledge, she also knew that in the old republic it was common for Jedi knights to marry. It fell out of practice after the last great war with the Sith. Enough knights had turned to the dark side in their grief after losing a spouse that they could no longer risk it.
That might not be an issue this time however, if one of her partners was a Sith. One that could train her to deal with her emotions. She shook her head at the thought. Even if this was a path she wanted to follow, it was in the future. The Rache she had seen in the vision had worn a beard after all, and what were the odds she was going to run into him again anyway? The galaxy was a large place and he had seemed quite set on exploring it.
Deciding to think about this later, the Jedi Master donned her robes and ceremonial headpiece, then left her chambers. She had been sent here six weeks prior to investigate this clone army and get it ready to fight the war that was sure to be coming. After removing the chip implants of course. Darth Rache's information in that regard had been spot on, and she needed to remember to thank him if she ever saw him again. An image of a particular thank you flashed in her mind, causing her to fight down a blush. That cursed vision wasn't going to leave her alone apparently.
As she walked to her apprentice's quarters to start her lessons, her mind went back to the presentation the head scientist had given her. She'd been shown incubation tubes, advanced aging cocktails, indoctrination courses, and living and training facilities. The Jedi understood the need for this army, and she personally understood they had to be ready to defend the republic. Still…. It seemed to her that they were breeding an army of sentient warriors, programmed since birth to want to protect the republic. She thought they almost seemed like a slave army.
The woman shook her head as she reached her desired door. Without knocking she waved her hand to open it and entered. Ahsoka was there of course, but she was not doing as instructed. Instead of working on her meditation she was practicing her saber forms in the open space of the floor.
Shaak Ti was about to make a sarcastic comment, but thought better of it as she observed the scene closer. Her padawan hadn't noticed her entrance. In fact, her eyes were closed and a look of pure serenity was fixed upon her face. A light touch in the force confirmed it for the older woman. Her student was melded with the force. For her, practicing katas was the same as meditation. This was quite fascinating.
She sat cross legged on the nearest chair and waited for Ahsoka's trance to end. It was another twenty minutes before that happened. There was no warning for it. The saber just deactivated and the girl's shoulders relaxed. When she opened her eyes she wasn't even surprised to see her teacher.
"Master Ti," She said, "I felt you enter. I didn't even have to look."
The older Togruta smiled. "I can see that Ahsoka, very good. I never thought of using the repetitive motions of a kata to calm the mind. Why did you?"
The younger girl smiled bashfully, "I just never got the hang of regular meditation. Everyone told me it was like a feeling where you mind goes to sleep, and for me that happened when I trained. So I gave it a try and voila. Meditation made easy."
Shaak Ti nodded. "You're far from the first to find your own way. I'm just glad you have one. How was it for you? Did you see anything besides my entrance?"
Ahsoka frowned lightly in thought. "Maybe? I remember an image that made me feel warm, but the view was too blurry to make out. Aside from that, all I got was a feeling that something was coming. Something important. Then I woke up." Her eyes sought her teacher, "Did I do it wrong?"
Shaak Ti quickly rose from her seat to reassure her student. "Have no fear of that padwan. The future is murky at the best of times, and has only just started to reveal itself once more. It takes years of training to interpret what the force shows us, but interpreting a feeling as you did is a very good start."
As Ahsoka smiled, the master unclipped her own lightsaber and ignited it. "Since you have already warmed up your muscles with katas, why don't we work on some combat drills this morning?"
The younger Togruta nodded ecstatically and reactivated her own blade as she took a ready stance. "I'm ready master Ti."
Two Hours Later - Kamino Main Entrance Hall
The two robed Togruta made their way to the main desk in happy companionship. They had experienced a productive morning, and Shaak Ti was more than happy with where her padwan was in terms of conditioning. She was swift, had a solid foundation for her technique, and there was power behind her strikes. A few more years of training and she'd be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Though she had noticed her defense was rather weak on her left side. Perhaps another blade would correct it?
Her thoughts had to be put on hold however as she made it to the desk. "Excuse me," she began, "I have a meeting with Lama Su scheduled today. Could you tell her that I've arrived for another inspection of the clones."
The lanky Kaminoan nodded its elongated head, then pressed a button on its screen and said several garbled words in its native language. A response followed soon after, and it turned back to the master Jedi. In its smooth, accented, galactic basic, it said, "Prime Minister Su will be right out. She is just finishing up with a priority client that arrived earlier this morning."
The Jedi raised an eyebrow. This was an interesting development. What kind of client was priority enough to meet with this planets prime minister upon arrival?
Ahsoka was of a similar mind apparently, as she said, "Lama Su does realize that she's making someone that has ordered millions of her products wait right? What makes this client so important?"
The receptionist placed a finger to its ear, most likely receiving a transmission from an earpiece, and nodded its head before answering. "You might just be about to find out. Their meeting has concluded."
A hiss of a nearby door rising into the ceiling confirmed its words as four individuals walked out to meet them. Three of which were very familiar. The Jedi bowed to the prime minister, two Sith, and droid, all of which bowed back.
"Darth Rache," She spoke politely, while shoving the images her vision inspired to the back of her mind, "it is a pleasure to see you again."
The tall man smiled widely as he openly dragged his gaze across her form. "I assure you master Ti, the 'pleasure' is all mine. Though I'd be happy to share it with you anytime."
The Jedi only just managed to stop the shudder that was building up inside her from his presence. She could feel his gaze upon her, like a literal weight. His appreciation of her form practically sang through the force, as did his desire to see more of her. The very air he breathed seemed to be whispering in her ear, telling her to let go of her restraint and embrace every emotion held behind her mental walls. Was this what the dark side was to him? A pure conduit for feeling? He had said that his philosophy was living his emotions with every breath.
Behind her, Ahsoka was not so pleased. The hiss of a lightsaber activating showed that clearly enough, but at least she didn't flat out attack the dark side users as young Skywalker had.
"Master, these are Sith. Shouldn't we be arresting them?" She asked with a strained voice.
Before the master could respond, the Sith Lord chose to speak. "Why would you arrest me padawan? What have I don't that is illegal?"
"You're a Sith! Your organization is illegal." was the angry response.
The Sith paused, and seemed to think. "Well hot damn. I guess it is. I keep forgetting that little tidbit. Regardless, your council has granted me and mine immunity, so please put that weapon away. You're starting to scare the natives."
The young Togruta looked around and saw he was right. All of the Kaminoans that had been in the room were easing their way out of it as fast as they could.
Hoping to ease the tensions she quickly retracted her blade and clipped it back to her side before looking apologetically at her teacher. "I'm sorry master Ti. I overreacted." Though she apologized, her eyes never left the grinning Sith, and they never lost their suspicion.
Realizing this was the best she was going to get from the girl, Shaak Ti just nodded her head and said, "In the future Ahsoka, try to be more mindful of your surroundings. If these two were a danger then I would have drawn my weapon upon seeing them. The fact that I hadn't should have given you a clue to the situation."
As the padawan hung her head at the reprimand, Harry slipped into the master's personal space and hooked his arm through her own. Eliciting a squawk of surprise and embarrassment.
"Seems like she isn't the only one that needs to learn to mind her surroundings." He took a step forward and pulled her with him. "Now my dear, why don't we walk and catch up for a bit. Lama Su assures me that we're going to the same place, and I've been ever so curious what my drinking buddies on the council have been up to."
Hoping to get some information of her own out of the handsome Sith, the elder Togruta nodded and smoothed her montrals with a free hand as they took the nearest door and started walking through a series of interconnected hallways.
She broke the silence first, "What brings you here Rache?"
He shrugged, "Probably the same reason as you. I want to have a clone made."
Beside them, a viewport opened out to a training ground, and the two were able to see clone troopers going about their drills.
"You know," he spoke again, "when I told your high and mighty council about these men, I thought you'd free them. Doesn't your council have any scruples against using a slave army?"
Before she could answer, Ahsoka, who had been walking a few paces behind them, interrupted. "They aren't slaves. The council would never stoop to something so evil."
The man stopped, and without releasing the master, turned to face the student. "These are living, breathing, and thinking men. From the moment they are 'born' they are taught to fight, told it is their purpose, and are given literal indoctrination courses to make sure they are loyal to the republic. These men never had a choice in what they were made for. Nor are they currently being given a choice in what they do with their lives. What would you call that other than slavery?"
Ahsoka opened and closed her mouth several times, before realizing she had no answer and fell silent.
Harry didn't ridicule her though. He knew what it was to become disillusioned with people and organizations that you admired. "Remember this moment Ahsoka. The galaxy, people, and most importantly the force, is not black and white. There are shades of gray in all things, so you need to make a point to think about circumstances before making a decision. What could be the reason for something? What other goals or purposes might someone have. Learn to ask questions, and you will live a more honest life."
The padawan was stunned by what she was hearing. A Sith was giving her a lecture, and the things he was saying made sense. As she was thinking his words over, the two ahead of her turned back around and kept walking.
"I must admit," Shaak Ti spoke slowly, "that I too am uncomfortable with this whole situation. If I could, I would let these men go and help them find a place to start their own life."
"Then why don't you?"
She sighed, "The republic does not have a standing army, and though war has not been officially declared, we know it is on the horizon. Several systems have pulled their senators, representatives, and embassies from Coruscant, and there have been rumors of vast droid facilities being built on numerous worlds. When the Jedi Council informed the senate of this facility, they voted immediately to call these men to arms. Though it is distasteful, their fate is out of my hands."
"So because your senate is too stubborn to let these systems leave the republic peacefully to rule themselves, millions of men will be enslaved and forced to die?"
Ahsoka cleared her throat to speak up for the republic, but her master gave her a backwards glare that shut her up immediately.
"You're not wrong there either. We tried to convince the senate to do just that, let them go. But they are too worried about the economic collapse their loss would bring. They also see it as a slap in their face. As if they are saying the republic is not good enough for them."
"If it was then they wouldn't be leaving."
"Right again."
Harry sighed. "You know, when I came to this galaxy I thought I'd seen the last of greedy, power hungry men, sending others to die for them. Clearly I was mistaken."
Shaak Ti's curiosity was piqued. "You never did say where you came from Darth Rache. Only that it was far away. Would you tell me more about your home?"
He seemed to think about it for a moment. Then said, "How about this, you meet me at the facility bar tonight, shall we say seven, and I'll answer any question you have." She seemed about to argue so he leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "even those about the Sith's history."
This time Shaak couldn't control the shiver than ran down her spine. This man was offering her a goldmine of unknown knowledge. Though it flew in the face of Jedi restraint, she couldn't pass up the opportunity.
"Very well Rache. I shall meet you at the bar at seven."
He grinned a smile full of teeth. "Wear something nice Master Ti, and I'll do the same."
"I'm a Jedi Rache, I hardly think-"
"This particular bar is a nice establishment Shaak. If you wear your simple robes you'll just stand out. Trust me, nice clothing is for the best."
The master wanted to argue more, she really did. But something about the way the Sith was phrasing his argument, something about the tone, was making it so hard for her to find a problem with it. Finally she just nodded.
"By the way, you said you're here for a clone. Who is it?"
He gestured further back down the hall where his droid and Ventress were giving them a respectful distance. Ventress had an odd smirk plastered on her face. "Believe it or not, that droid carries the soul of my godfather. When we arrived in this galaxy he fell ill, and his body was rapidly deteriorating. So I transferred his consciousness into a nearby droid, and took a sample of his DNA before launching the corpse out of the airlock."
Shaak Ti stared. "You put a living soul into a nonorganic system?"
"Indeed." His smile grew wider, "I'm guessing that's something you are going to want to discuss more in depth tonight?"
She just nodded as they reached their destination. A three prong door that slid open after a moment to admit them into a viewing area. Inside were clone embryos and breeding tanks. As they were examining it all, Lama Su entered the room behind them and the door closed.
"Ah, good" she said, "we're all here now."
From the ceiling three circular chairs descended. Lama Su took one, as did the Sith and Jedi. Their respective students stood behind them.
She started with the Jedi. "Master Ti, your current detachment of clone troopers is ready to be deployed to Coruscant and will head out tonight. The next batch will be trained up and ready to deploy within a month."
She nodded. "I requested to view their training first hand."
The prime minister nodded. A strange gesture with such a long neck. "The request is approved, and I will take you to the training ground in the morning."
Her head turned to Harry next. "Darth Rache, with the material you have provided us we can have a cloned body ready for you within six months."
The man was floored. "Six months? I was led to believe it would take closer to three years."
If it was possible, the Kaminoan seemed to huff in irritation. "Perhaps over a hundred years ago, or from a less advanced facility. We are the best in our field Lord Rache, and you have provided more than enough genetic material to further speed up the process. In six months you'll have the body."
"Can I stay here for that time? I'd like to observe the process, and be ready to receive it the moment it is ready."
"But of course. We have excellent accommodations for well paying clients such as yourself. Its amenities will be added to your final bill. Is this acceptable?"
Harry nodded, and the three spent the next hour alternatively discussing the business aspects of their respective contracts. Then they went their separate ways.
Later That Night
"Are you sure you're okay with this Asajj?" Harry asked as he fixed his finest robes into place over his chest. "You can tell me if you're not."
Sprawled lengthwise across the wide bed of the room, Ventress looked like a jungle cat. Lithe, deadly, and beautiful. "If I had a problem, believe me master you'd know it. As I've said, Dathomiri are polygamists, so as long as you remember that I'm first in this harem, then I have no problems. Plus, the idea of you bringing a Jedi master to her knees is making me a little hot."
The moan she let out at those words almost made Harry cancel his entire night and take her then and there. Instead he just affixed his sash around his waist and readjusted his trousers.
"Well then I'll be off."
"Be sure to tell me all about your evening when you return master." Asajj purred in that voice she just knew he loved.
In another room, on the other side of the complex, Shaak Ti was putting the finishing touches on her own outfit. Her robes were silk, and their puffed collar was adorned with the fur of a plains beast she'd killed as an adolescent. Her headpiece sported a few extra jewels as well. If the Sith wanted her to look her best, he'd succeeded.
She debated weather or not to leave her lightsaber, but finally decided that it was too much a part of her to abandon. Then she went to check on her padawan.
Ahsoka was practicing making hyperspace calculations on her datapad when she found her, and when the younger girl saw her master's outfit she let out a whistle.
"That outfit is going to knock that Sith dead master. Are you sure this isn't a date?" "Don't be ridiculous Ahsoka. Jedi do not go on dates. This is merely an interview for information over drinks. I'm dressed up only as a means of blending in."
"Of course you are…" the girl said under her breath. Not quietly enough though.
"What was that padawan Tano?"
The girl winced at being overheard. "I only meant that you act… differently, when you're around Rache master. Today you let him cart you around this station by the arm. You laughed at his jokes and even the cadence of your speech seems to change. I know you don't want to hear it, but you're acting like a girl with a crush."
Shaak Ti stood up indignantly. "You do not know what you are talking about Ahsoka. Keep up your simulations and I will see you for combat training in the morning." She left without another word, not noticing her student shaking her montrals in amusement.
Twenty minutes later she was approaching the facility's fine dining room, and there he was at the bar waiting for her. The Dark Lord of the Sith was resplendent in chest baring black silk robes that seemed to suck in the light around him. His long lightsaber hilt was stuck through a sash around his waist, and he was swirling a glass of whiskey as he waited. That changed when he saw her however, as he immediately set it down and pulled out a barstool for her.
When she was seated he gestured for the bartender to bring her a glass of her own, and only after she'd taken a sip did he sit himself down. Normally she'd have declined, but she knew from her experience at the temple that he'd not answer any questions she had until she drank.
"Can I ask you those questions now Rache?" She asked after the slight burn of the liquor had worn off.
"But of Course Shaak. Ask away."
She took a moment to line up her inquiries and then asked, "How did you transfer you godfather's consciousness into that droid." She'd expected an evasion, or at least a long winded bout of exposition. What she received was much shorter.
"I performed an ancient Sith technique known as an Essence Transfer. It allows me to move a being's essence/soul/consciousness, or whatever you call it, from one vessel to another. In the past it was a failed attempt at immortality."
The Jedi was confused by that statement. "Failed? That seems like an excellent way to prolong life."
Harry sighed and took another drink. "That's true. I fully intend to use the technique to live for at least a few hundred years, but nothing was made to live forever. A fact that too few seem to realize. There is only so far that a mind can stretch before it snaps. Immortality is a failed dream."
"Can anyone learn this technique?" the Jedi was thinking about all the potential losses her order could avoid if they could just transfer a fallen knight into a droid, or preprepared clone before they expired. Or the trauma of lost limbs that could be negated by the same method.
"Not unless the person performing the act is capable of channeling the dark side." He replied, crushing her idea in its tracks.
Not letting her disappointment show, the master asked another question. "You mentioned being trained by the force ghost of another Sith. How did that happen?" Again she expected a runaround, but got a straightforward answer instead.
"I accidentally bled on a Sith holocron when I arrived in this galaxy, and that opened up a sympathetic link to her spirit. From there I bested her in metaphysical combat and won all of her memories. She stuck around to help me sort through them, and because she was bored."
"You were trained by a Sith ghost because she was bored?" Shaak Ti was flabbergasted. Obi Wan had told her how infuriating this man could be about simply stating monumental topics, but this was insane.
"But of course. Apparently the afterlife can be rather dull in comparison to this one. What with endlessly being carried through the cosmos by the force's will and all."
The Jedi pinched the bridge of her nose at how casual this man was being with his information, but nevertheless carried on. "You mentioned traveling here from far away. Can you tell me from where now?"
An uncharacteristically serious look came over the man's face at that question, and the whiskey in his glass began to swirl ominously. "Are you sure you want the answer to that question. To fully explain it, I'd need to tell you about my life, and it is not a particularly happy story."
She didn't know what to expect, but she nodded her ascent anyway. This choice led to a two hour conversation where Rache described his monstrous childhood, schooling at a place called Hogwarts, and his experience with the force (or magic as his people called it). He talked of friends that he'd left behind, challenges he'd overcome, and the salvation he'd found in the dark side. By the time he was finished, Shaak Ti didn't even know what to say. She had never met someone with even a portion of the experiences this man had in his background.
She finally settled on placing her hand on his shoulder and saying, "I'm sorry for the life you have lived. And I'm sorry you had to travel so far to find happiness."
He smiled at her and covered her hand with his own. Then pushed his power into it.
Immediately Shaak Ti found herself bombarded by endless thoughts, feelings, and impulses that nearly left her catatonic. As soon as it started, it stopped, and the master Jedi found herself sitting where she had been, as if nothing had changed.
She slowly brought her shaking hand back into her lap, and drained her glass with the other. "What did you just do?"
The smile was still on her partner's face. "I exposed the fatal flaw in your code Jedi."
The master raised her brow. "What flaw?"
"Your reliance on subduing and repressing emotions. In one move I collapsed your mental barriers and the backlash of repressed emotions paralyzed you. I just figured I'd show it to you since that other Sith you guys are chasing will probably try the same thing if you ever catch up to him."
He stood up and put a few credits on the bar to pay for his drink. "Good night Shaak."
He made to leave, but was stopped by her orange hand on his pale one.
"Please." She whispered, "I need to know how to stop an attack like that."
The look he gave her was a sad one. "You can't stop it. What you felt wasn't an attack on you, it was your own emotions trying to get out. The only way to keep moving when that happens is training yourself to feel them. Something you Jedi avoid like a plague."
Her hand in his own was shaking now. "I'm willing to learn, will you show me how? I can't be frozen like that in combat."
His other hand came up to hold hers between both of his. "If it is what you want then I'll teach you to feel, Shaak. Come back here again tomorrow night and we'll begin. As a bonus, I'll keep answering questions for you too."
The Jedi gave an appreciative nod and then left to return to her own quarters, while Harry returned to an eagerly waiting Ventress.
While the Sith were getting intimate, Shaak Ti was calling the council with an update of the things she had discovered. She told them everything except the details of Rache's childhood. The man had been rather intimate with his reminiscing, and the Togruta was touched that he'd trusted her enough to tell her everything that he had.
She finished by saying, "I know it is unusual, but I believe I must undergo this training with Darth Rache. If we can be immobilized with this method, then at least one of us must train to understand it."
None of the council had been particularly thrilled by the idea, but in the end they'd agreed.
Two Months Later
"Greetings Shaak." Harry spoke from his usual seat at the bar as the beautiful Togrutan woman arrived. For the last two months they had been working on sorting her mind through the backlog of emotions she'd forbidden herself to feel during her tenure as a Jedi. The results had been astounding.
Shaak now dressed a lot less less conservatively, her robes now loosened to show a bit of actual skin, and when he flirted with her she occasionally flirted back. Her normally uptight manner had started to degrade as well, much to her padawan's appreciation. All in all, she seemed to be becoming a more well adjusted being. Which meant it was time for the next part of Harry's plan.
"What are we doing tonight Rache?" She asked innocently enough.
For an answer, he took her hand and led her over to a nearby dance floor where he drew her close and swayed them slowly to the music. Since the cloning facility featured guests and clients from across the galaxy, the fine dining area was full of patrons of all races and walks of life. The two were in fine company.
"What are you doing Rache?" The Togruta asked with a strange tone to her voice. When he noticed it, Harry looked deep into the woman's eyes and saw that her orange face was speckled by bits of red. He understood immediately.
"What you're feeling right now is romantic interest my dear, and what I am doing is teaching you to deal with those emotions while on the move. Hence the dancing. For tonight's training you are going to hold me close like this and let yourself feel everything as you sway to the beat. Let those feelings encompass you as you accept that they are a part of who you are. We will do this every night from now, until you are comfortable with it."
On some level, Shaak Ti felt like she should object to the idea of a Jedi dancing with a man, a Sith, of all people. But then she remembered why she was enduring this training, and she had to admit that dancing with Rache did feel rather good. So in the end she just leaned her head onto his chest and allowed herself to feel.
Another two weeks, and Shaak thought she was finally comfortable with dancing close to her handsome Sith. Wait… when had he become 'her' Sith? That question aside, they ended up moving to the next step. Which turned out to be kissing.
By that point Shaak had figured out that her emotional training had turned into a romantic seduction by Rache, but she didn't care. The emotions she was finally allowing herself to feel were amazing! And the sensations his tongue gave hers were even better.
"Rache-" She breathed deep once they separated for air. "Rache, what is this? What are we even doing right now?"
His smile was somehow both predatory and exceedingly warm. "I could lie, and say this is just another part of your training, though I guess it could be considered that, but I won't. What this is, Shaak, is a choice. A crossroads if you will. You have feelings for me. Strong ones. And I think we could forge something good out of it, but that decision is ultimately yours." He stepped forward and cupped her face in his hands, "I'll be here again tomorrow for your answer. Weather you say yes or not, your training is done. You've fully integrated with your emotions." He leaned forward to kiss her brow and then he was gone.
For her part, Shaak touched the place his lips had last been and thought over the last two and half months. All the stories and history they'd shared, secrets told, fears conquered, and lessons learned. Now that she'd come to understand her feelings, she realized that at some point in that time she'd begun to fall for the dark force user without knowing it.
The problem was now she did know, and he was forcing her to make a choice. To deny that those feelings were there, accept them and deny him, or the scariest option… accept them and try to build something with him.
She practically ran back to her rooms to meditate. She needed to commune with the force and try for another glimpse of the future. She desperately needed to see what a future together could be. Once more, an image came out of the darkness. It was the same as before, but with one difference. The child in her arms had squirmed free of its blankets, and now Shaak could see its face. Her face.
In the waking world, tears fell down the Jedi master's face as her spiritual eyes gazed upon the face of her future self's daughter.
Eventually the vision slipped away, and she was back in the physical world. As she opened her eyes the woman knew what her decision was going to be, and she wondered how there could have ever been a doubt.
The Next Afternoon
Harry was inspecting the progress of his godfather's clone as he did every day when he felt it. A slight shift in the force that indicated a moment of impending conclusion. A decision had been made, meaning tonight's bar excursion should be rather interesting.
He was just about to head back to his quarters and inform Ventress of this development, when the door opened to admit the robed form of Shaak Ti. She didn't say anything, and neither did he. One look at her face and he knew what she'd decided. An assumption that was proven correct when the woman rushed to him and plastered her lips on his, practically sucking his tongue into her mouth.
"You!" She breathed when she finally came up for air. "I choose you!"
Harry smiled against her lips before sweeping the Togruta into his arms in running to his quarters. Ventress was out exploring again so they had the space to themselves for the rest of the night.
The Next Morning
Harry woke to the amazing feeling of Shaak Ti's strong thighs and calves wrapped around his waist, and pulling him close as they snuggled. The woman was already awake and had been gazing at his face for some time apparently.
"See something you like, love?" He asked, rather cheekily considering they were both naked in his bed.
She purred in response and pulled him tighter to her, seeking his warmth. "Indeed, Rache. I see something that I adore, but tell me, I noticed some shadow on your face. Are you by chance growing a beard?"
The Sith couldn't tell why, but there was definitely a tone of hope in the woman's words. "As a matter of fact I am. Asajj wanted to know what I'd look like with one, and I was rather curious myself, so I thought I'd give it a try."
"Perfect." Shaak said in a wistful voice. "That is what you'll look like with a beard. Just perfect."
The Darth smiled warmly at the woman. "By the way," he caressed her face lightly with the back of his hand. "Rache is my Sith name. Should you wish, you could call me Harry. It is the name I was born with."
"Harry…" The woman rolled the name around her tongue for a moment or two before kissing him deeply. "I think I will, my love. Now," She rolled nimbly on top of her man and placed her hands on his chest, "my feelings are telling me I'm ready for round four. How about you?"
Harry just smirked and pulled her to him.
Next Time:
-War is officially declared.
-Anakin's journey continues.
-Mandalore meets a Sith.