Chapter 17 – An Awkward Meeting
Author's Note: In which Council meetings occur. :D
~ Amina Gila
It's surreal to be back at the Temple. Anakin never thought he would be here again. Obi clearly shares his sentiment, though she's much grumpier about it. Ani is as stuck to her side, as Starkiller is to Anakin's. He hasn't said how he feels, but Anakin can guess anyway. He's scared, and with good reason. If the Council tried to detain him, he wouldn't stand a fighting chance. Not only that, but he's also never been here, and being surrounded by the Jedi is no doubt a reminder of what Ben wanted him to be.
Revan is following them, his shields too strong for Anakin to pick up much of anything.
"We're going to find Ahsoka first. She's probably at my apartment," Anakin informs the others. He does his best to ignore the curious glances thrown their way when people catch sight of the group – especially Starkiller – because all Jedi know Anakin doesn't have a look-alike brother or twin, so it's must look odd. He's grateful everyone is in too much of a hurry to stop and ask them.
Finally, he arrives at the door to his apartment. He can feel Ahsoka on the other side for the first time in... forever. This place is home, and he's finally about to be reunited with his little sister. It hurts knowing what was supposed to happen to her, how he nearly killed her, but... that's from a time he'll never live through. Not anymore. "I'll go in first," Anakin tells the others.
The Togruta is leaning back on the couch when the door opens, an adorably irritated look on her face as she stares down at a datapad.
"Master!" she exclaims happily, jumping up and tossing it aside.
"Hey, Snips," Anakin greets, barely managing to resist the urge to pull her into a hug and never let go.
"You should've taken me with you. You wouldn't believe how borrrred I've been." She'd really wanted to come on the mission to Kamino, but Anakin knew it was going to be dangerous, and it wasn't necessary to bring her along anyway. It's been so long, he's nearly forgotten the details of that incident until now that he's back here.
"Yes, it's been a lot longer than even you realize."
"...What do you mean? Don't tell me you found the mission that boring too."
He reaches over, resting a hand on her shoulder. "It's good to see you, Ahsoka."
"Something going on, Master?" she asks, slightly concerned.
"Technically, yes. I might've gone on a long journey through time and space when I was gone."
Ahsoka rolls her eyes. "If you're going to lie, at least try to be convincing about it."
"Sometimes truth sounds more like a lie than a lie does," Anakin smirks.
"Really?" Ahsoka scoffs, "So where'd you visit while on your long journey?"
"Oh, a super battle station from the future, Naboo from the blockade, an old Sith planet where I nearly got my life sucked out, and the End of Time."
"Oh, nice! So, what does the End of Time look like?" She clearly thinks he's joking, and he can't even blame her.
"It's kind of like a void of space. I left a band of hooligans in charge there to make sure nothing goes wrong."
"Really? So, what'll you do when something does?"
"I'm kind of hoping my visitors will figure that out."
"What visitors?" she demands suddenly immensely wary.
"The ones waiting outside the door." Anakin steps back over to the entrance, motioning for the others to come inside.
"How do you look like Anakin?" she inquires warily, staring at Starkiller.
"He's a version of me."
"What?!" Ahsoka screeches, her expression growing increasingly horrified as the others introduce themselves.
"There's more of us still back on the Star Cruiser," Obi informs.
"You... could've warned me!" Ahsoka exclaims finally.
"That's what I spent the last entire conversation doing." Anakin insists.
"I thought you were joking!" she wails.
"Did I say I was?"
She groans dramatically. "I suppose not. So... like... What are you even going to be doing? Are you staying?"
"That depends on the Council," Obi replies, "We have a meeting with them shortly."
"I hope we can stay," Ani adds. Anakin gets the feeling she's seriously weirded out by seeing such a young version of him. Well, by the whole situation, in general, but this part of it, in particular. Just wait until she sees the younger version of herself, he supposes.
"Can I... meet the others?" Ahsoka queries cautiously.
"Sure. Once the meeting is over," Anakin agrees. Right on cue, his comm beeps. It's time to go.
**w**
Being near Obi-Wan again is unsettling, but at least he's nothing like the one Starkiller knew. That's the only consolation he has, even if he can't shake the feeling that everything is going to blow up any minute. He's a Dark Sider, short of being a Sith only because he had no one to train him, to teach him what it means to be a true Sith.
"Do you intend to remain here?" inquires Plo Koon as the group stands in front of the Council together. Starkiller would much rather be anywhere else, thank you very much. He knows a thing or two about what happened in the original timeline and that alone is enough to make him distrust the Jedi. Not to mention that they're all eyeing him distrustfully and making no effort to conceal it.
"That was our plan," Obi responds.
"What are your intentions with remaining here? Why not remain in 'the Void' as you called it?" Windu demands, suspicious coloring his tone. Of course, he suspects them. As the head of a group of people in charge of the security of the entire Republic, Starkiller supposes he can understand it, but that doesn't mean it's not frustrating. They haven't even done anything to arouse suspicion, and he knows Obi-Wan would've already told the Council what Anakin thinks of them. Still, they don't trust them at all.
"Some people would, in fact, prefer to have a more normal life," Obi states dryly.
"We have no intentions, aside from living our lives and perhaps assisting the galaxy," assures Revan in a tone that doesn't sound very much like a reassurance at all. He actually sounds like he's about to take over the conversation, yell at everyone, and walk out.
"Have you considered the issues that may arise, given you are not citizens of the Republic?" Mundi inquires.
"Nothing we can't work around. There's a war going on, and it's a big galaxy. We could be from wild space, too," Obi replies evenly. She's using the tone that Ben often used when he was trying to calm down a situation.
The Council members exchange glances, and Starkiller idly wonders if they're communicating through the Force. He's never done that before, though now that he thinks about it, talking to Anakin would no doubt be easy. They share the same soul and have a bond far stronger than any other.
"That is not our largest concern," Windu declares finally. "Several of you are Dark Side users." He says the word like it's the biggest crime ever known to the galaxy. Somehow, Starkiller doesn't think any of them thought this through enough when they decided to come here.
"And?" Revan prompts casually. Starkiller's respect for him reaches a whole new level.
Windu practically glares at him. "The Dark Side is extremely dangerous and corrupts it's users."
"Interestingly, I sense a good deal of it in you."
Starkiller has to withhold a snort. He feels the same.
"I only walk the edge. I do not use the Dark Side itself," Windu retorts.
"Believe whatever makes you sleep better," Starkiller mutters, and Anakin nudges him into silence. Right. He doesn't want to get on these idiots' bad side. At least not anymore then he already is by simply existing.
"We cannot allow those who are immersed in the Dark Side to roam freely," Windu insists.
"Well, I don't know if you realize this, but using the Dark Side is not a crime. You can't arrest us for no reason," Obi retorts. Ani should be proud to have her as a mother. He probably is.
"We are not talking about arrest. Only a temporary detention until we determine your intentions," announces Mundi, "And if we can trust you."
"You want to detain them?" Anakin asks incredulously, speaking up for the first time.
"The galaxy is at war, and we cannot take chances," Windu replies coolly.
"Now I know why I left the Order," Obi grumbles under her breath before fixing him with something that borders on a glare. "We're from a completely different place, and we don't know much of anything about the state of your galaxy. I understand your concerns, but I – we – came here for the chance of living a life with our family. Not being held here for the indefinite future."
"It is for your protection, as well," Fisto reminds, sounding vaguely placating. It would seem that he's one of the very few Jedi who have a sense of common decency. "It is dangerous for your son as long as the Sith remain alive."
"Are you doubting my ability to protect him?" she asks dangerously.
"Let's be honest," Anakin points out. "You have no way of fighting off two Sith if they come for him."
She glares back at him. "Thanks for the support."
"You wouldn't be alone," Revan reminds. "I will stay with you."
"I – maybe it would be safer if you stayed at the Temple for now," Anakin suggests, looking at the floor. He's acting as though he's scared to speak his mind. It makes Starkiller sick to see him act like that.
"Agree with Skywalker, I do," Yoda declares, "Safe to leave the Temple, it is not, as long still at large, the Sith are."
"We don't have anywhere else to go at the moment so until we do, I'll agree to those terms," Revan cuts in, "But we are staying here of our own choice."
"There is also the matter of the Force sensitive child who is still on the Cruiser. She is young enough to join the Order," Shaak Ti declares.
"No," Obi all but snaps, "She already lost her family once. You're not taking it away from her a second time."
The Council exchange glances, maybe at the tone she's using on them, Starkiller isn't exactly sure.
"I'm sure you know from your own timeline that it is generally accepted that all children young enough with the right skills join the Jedi," Mundi replies. "You should at least consider this."
"She's staying with her father, and that decision is final," Obi responds firmly, expression daring any of them to challenge her.
"For now, settled this matter is," Yoda decides, "Stay at the Temple, all of you should."
"But tell us before attempting to leave Coruscant, or any other such action," warns Windu.
Revan turns to Starkiller almost as soon as they leave the Council chambers. "I don't suppose you've had anyone train you properly," he says. "I am willing to complete your training, if you want."
He doesn't even know what to say. Never had Starkiller even considered the possibility of someone training him, teaching him to control himself and his darkness. He knows he's wild and capable of unimaginable things, and his first inclination is to agree, but – but could he handle having someone as a... master again? That's what Ben was, and he's gone. "I – I'll have to think about it," he manages finally, glancing at Anakin in search of advice. It's strange how easily he can turn to him for support and assistance now.
"It doesn't sound like a bad idea to me," Anakin replies, understanding his unspoken question, "But it's your choice."
The two of them slip away from the others as soon as they reach their apartment again. "I want to take the offer," he relates. "I want to learn to control myself, but I..."
"I know," Anakin assures him. "You're afraid to have that kind of relationship again."
Starkiller looks away, nodding.
"Take time, if you need it. There's nothing to rush for, but I do think he's more capable of teaching you than anyone else. I... can teach you a few things, but not what you need."
"You already taught me what I needed most."
"And you did the same for me. You taught me to trust myself again. After seeing the future, I was... lost."
Tears sting Starkiller's eyes, but he blinks them away automatically. It's ridiculous. He hasn't cried in... a long time. "It seems we're the only ones who can teach each other humanity."
"It wouldn't really be a surprise, either. No one else really has seen us as human."
Words form at front of his mind, words he hasn't said in years. "I love you." It's strange yet so freeing to say.
"I love you too, little brother."
**w**
Ahsoka is pretty sure she hasn't had an afternoon this entertaining in a long time. After a lot of fooling around, her, Ani, and little Soka made their way to the hallway so they wouldn't disturb Obi and Old Rex in the next room. It's still beyond weird to think that the little Togruta is literally another version of her, and that that Ani is another version of her master. (Honestly, she had no idea he used to be so adorable.) Anakin was having a private conversation with Starkiller back at their apartment, so she came over here instead for now. She has to admit that she finds being around Starkiller a little creepy, and not only because he's identical to Anakin. She can feel the Dark Side strongly around him and it makes her uncomfortable.
Artoo whistles as he zooms down the hall that leads to the bedrooms in the apartment, the three-year-old riding on top of him, giggling maniacally. Ahsoka is honestly shocked the adults haven't come to tell them to shut up yet.
Finally, Artoo rolls to a stop in front of them, and Little Soka slides off its dome, somehow managing to land in Ani's arms. For a moment, Ahsoka finds herself wondering what it would have been like if she'd gotten to know Anakin when she was still a youngling. How would things be now?
The three-year-old yawns as she rests her head on Ani's shoulder. "Um... I hate to break the news," Ahsoka speaks up, "But I think it's time for someone to go to take a nap."
"No nap!" whines Little Soka, looking up at her with the most adorable glare in the universe.
"Yes, I think she's right," Ani replies, carrying the Togruta into one of the nearby bedrooms and setting her down on the bed, "But Artoo can stay here." The droid beeps almost gleefully. Why does she listen so easily to Anakin but not an older version of herself? Whatever.
"And try not to keep her awake," Ahsoka advises. As soon as they're sure she's settled the two of them slip out of the room, heading back to the main living room where the adults are talking.
"I'm going to take Ani around the Temple now, if no one minds," Ahsoka informs.
"Go ahead," Obi agrees.
And so, they head out into the Temple. She takes him to all the most important places first, making a mental note to go to the hanger bay last, because something tells her that once they go there, they won't be leaving until after dark.
Finally, they head into the Room of One Thousand Fountains, which is honestly probably Ahsoka's favorite place in the entire Temple. It almost looks like being outside, at least once you're in the midst of all the plants and everything.
"There's so much water," Ani murmurs in awe, staring at the fountains in awe.
"Yup, and it's a lot like being actually being outdoors," Ahsoka agrees, although she privately wonders why he specifically mentioned the water anyway. Is there something to that?
They start making their way through the room, Ahsoka pausing briefly on occasion to point out various plants.
Several human padawans pass them as they go, throwing a few curious glances their way, but thankfully no one stops to talk to them. She's certain pretty much everyone at the Temple can sense Ani and Starkiller's bright presences, especially because of how the Force feels when two versions of Anakin are around each other, but beyond the Council, no one actually knows what happens. There're rumors of course, but... well, she doesn't really want to have to talk to people about whether or not these rumors are accurate right now.
"Sometimes, I feel like I'm the only Togruta in the universe," she comments dryly, "I mean like even among all of you who came from the Void, everyone else is human."
Ani looks up at her with a small smile. "Sometimes, back in my own timeline, I used to feel like I was the only human around."
"Really? Where'd you live?" she wonders. She knows he never became a Jedi, so where did he live then?
"We were trying to avoid the Jedi, so Mom finally took me to live on Tatooine."
"Tatooine?" Ahsoka echoes in surprise, "Anakin grew up there too." She'd never forget the very brief talk she had with him about it right after she first became his Padawan. She's always wanted to know more, but it's never something he's talking about at all. "What's it like there... if you don't mind me asking?"
"There's sand everywhere, no plants, and the Hutts have almost all the water."
Oh. Well, that explains a lot, including why he would find so much water fascinating. "I went there once on a mission with Master Anakin. We were rescuing Jabba's son from the Separatists."
"Rescuing Jabba's son?" squeaks Ani, eyes going wide.
"Yeah, the Republic was trying to make a deal with the Hutts to use their hyperspace lanes during the war," Ahsoka explains.
"I thought slavery was illegal in the Republic," Ani frowns.
"It is, but we needed the routes to help us with the war."
"But helping slavers?!" he protests. "That's wrong!"
"Anakin wasn't happy about the mission either," Ahsoka replies, not entirely certain how to calm him down.
"Of course, he wasn't," Ani huffs. She gets the feeling he knows more about Anakin's past and whatever really happened to him on Tatooine, than she knows. Which she supposes is hardly a surprise since their lives probably had some similarities, after all.
"I asked him about his past, but he never told me anything," she remarks.
"He should tell you himself," Ani replies, looking away.
"Why would Obi go a place like that, anyway?"
"We were trying to avoid the Jedi. Besides, we could help people out there. We could be somewhere our skills would be useful." For some reason, Ahsoka doesn't think she even wants to know what that means. "We could help the slaves when we could, but we had to be careful, or we'd be killed, too."
"Sounds like you were doing better out there than the Republic," she has to admit, "But wedo our best. We can't always help everyone. That doesn't mean we don't try."
"Do you?" he challenges.
Ahsoka finds herself becoming increasingly uncomfortable. She's not entirely certain what to say to him, but she doesn't like people questioning her beliefs. "Yes, we do," she insists.
"After seeing what happened to my family, I can't believe that."
"Want to go to the hanger now?" she asks instead. Sometimes, changing the topic is the best option.
Ani brightens instantly. "Sure!"
He's so... light. How could any version of him be as dark as Starkiller? Frankly, she never wants to know the answer.
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