A/N: Mandalorian season 2 trailer finally came out today, sadly no sign of the Queen Ahsoka Tano, but we got a look at Sabine Wren so, that's definitely something and means Ahsoka cannot be far behind. Hope you guys enjoy your Tuesday night!
Summary: Padme Amidala built bridges with people, especially with her 4th grade students. When new student Ahsoka joins her class, she is ready to start building a bridge to the young girl. Anakin Skywalker doesn't trust easily, especially when his little sister is involved. But he's drawn to the 4th grade teacher and willing to trust Padme with the darker battles his family is facing.
Chapter Thirteen
Thursday, 11:32
It had been a fairly typical morning for Obi Wan. He had gotten up early, made breakfast for his brothers and sister, made some tea for himself, brought her to school then went to work where he had two sessions and then wouldn't have another one until 12:30. Today had been light on appointments, so he was using this time to catch up on some paperwork when he was greeted by a surprise visitor.
His grandfather Duke, or Dooku as all his grandchildren called him. The older man stood in the doorway dressed in dark pants and an equally dark shirt with a brown jacket. Though he had an air of nobility in his stride as he entered the office. Obi Wan vaguely remembered his father joking that Dooku had been royalty in a past life. It wouldn't have surprised Obi Wan if that was the case.
"Dooku," Obi Wan greeted rising from his seat, "This is a surprise."
Dooku was a tall man, even in his old age, he towered over Obi Wan. His hair was all grey, he looked a bit more worn than normal, but otherwise fine. However there was an odd look on his face that Obi Wan didn't like, not to mention the man was hardly one to leave his house unless it was for a special occasion. It had been some years since his retirement and he had taken full advantage of the luxuries it afforded him.
"I wish it were under better circumstances, I am afraid I did not come for a friendly chat," Dooku said flatly and straight to the point as he took a seat in the chair across from Obi Wan.
Obi Wan nodded gravely, doing his best to ignore the obvious similarities and difference of his grandfather compared to his father. The ache of losing his dad would never leave him, so he tended to avoid the subject all together and had even been distant from his grandmother and grandfather because of it. Neither of them held it against him.
As he took a seat before Dooku now, he could see the slight resemblance his father had to him, but the real difference came from how he spoke. Though his father was always able to get down to business, he did so in a way that warm. Dooku was always a bit more cold. Obi Wan shook the thoughts from his mind, there were more important things to worry about, specifically why the man was here at all.
Obi Wan asked him, "Has something happened? Are you and grandmother alright?"
Dooku nodded, "Yes, we're fine. I am not here on matters pertaining to us. It is about Ahsoka and her recently freed father. He is on the move and I need you as well as Anakin to be prepared."
Obi Wan felt his throat tighten, "I see."
When it came to gaining useful material that was not easily found, Dooku often could get it through his various connections. Dooku had worked as a councilman for many years, even became a senator for Coruscant and operated a lot in politics, he worked with lawyers, public service members and had his hands in several affairs. A lot of the information that Obi Wan could not get on his own or from Satine, he would get from Dooku instead.
It had been the combined effort of Dooku and Satine that Obi Wan learned how Malachai had gotten out of jail in the first place, what his standings were and where he was. While Obi Wan couldn't say he was surprised Dooku had actually shared the information with him, he was a bit wary considering he and Palpatine were friends. Obi Wan knew that whatever information Dooku was giving him, he was likely also giving to Palpatine and by extension Malachai. Anything he did tell Dooku may not be safe with the older man, so he always chose his words carefully and was privy to what he shared.
"So you've come to tell me something of importance on the matter," Obi Wan said, hoping his voice was even.
Dooku wore an unimpressed expression, "I know you may not believe me when I say I am on your side, but I do not want that little girl in either of their care."
"And I'm curious as to why that is," Obi Wan inquired, "You've been neutral thus far on the matter, playing both sides the way Palpatine often has in the past."
Dooku didn't deny it, "In the past I admit I have not been very forthcoming on which side to take, but I am now choosing to support you and Anakin in keeping Ahsoka."
Obi Wan leaned forward slightly, "Care to tell me why?"
"Because of this," Dooku said, he pulled out a flash drive and passed it to Obi Wan.
Obi Wan inspected the flash drive uneasily for a moment before he plugged it into his laptop. It took a few moments, but Obi Wan was able to gain access to all the files on it. His blue eyes widened as he scanned over the documents and the pictures here. Some of them were harmless, just proof that Malachai had gotten a house, a car, had quite a bit of money saved. How Dooku had obtained this information was beyond Obi Wan, but he knew better than to ask for such things. However what really caught his eyes was the later pictures.
For years Obi Wan had suspected that Malachai had been involved in illegal activities, especially based on what Rex and Cody had told him about the late night 'adventures' he had the twins participate in. It was no doubt that should Malachai not have been arrested, he likely would have brought Ahsoka into the mix as well. These images showed Malachai at a fight in some ring, it showed him in various places actually that if taken in the right context were gang related.
"Malachai has certainly been busy since his release, getting all of his affairs in order," Dooku told him when he realized what part Obi Wan was looking at.
Obi Wan glanced to his grandfather, "Could this be used in court?"
Much to Obi Wan's disappointment, but not surprisingly, Dooku shook his head, "The way this information was obtained would not hold in a court room, but I thought you should be made aware of his dealings."
"This is why you don't want Ahsoka in his care, because of his non law abiding company," Obi Wan asked as he copied the information onto his laptop.
"It is one of the larger reasons, but not the only one," Dooku commented, that was the most Obi Wan knew he would get out of the old man.
Obi Wan leaned back in his seat, his leg bouncing incessantly, the only sign of how anxious he truly felt despite the calm look on his face. This was important, critical and could be so very useful if it came up in court to support that Malachai was not capable or fit to take care of his daughter. However Obi Wan knew that he could not use these files.
These files had likely been retrieved through illegal means through one of Dooku's old… employees. This employee, by the name of Cad Bane, certainly knew how get sensitive data from anybody and through less than pretty means. If these specific documents were brought to court, it would be speculation at best and the question how such images were taken.
"I thought it would be best that you are at least aware of what is going on in the background," Dooku explained softly, "Perhaps now that you know it is there to begin with, you can be on the look out for it."
Obi Wan frowned, "There's no way I could possibly get more information on this unless I hired a private investigator."
Dooku made a face at that.
Obi Wan sighed, "You could have opened with that Dooku. Why didn't you hire a private investigator in the first place?"
"Bane gets more… conclusive results than a typical investigator," was Dooku's answer.
Obi Wan didn't argue that, he was fairly familiar with him and not his biggest fan. While Cad Bane could have been considered a private investigator, he got his hands far too dirty to be one and walked the line of just barely staying within the confines of the law. It was likely everything Obi Wan had seen on this flash drive had been returned through illegal means and therefore could not be used to help his case. However on the table and what Dooku was getting at was him hiring a private investigator of his own, and he did know just the person for the job.
When it came to child custody cases, it was not uncommon for private investigators to play a role. Anakin had suggested they could hire one if they were still worried about Malachai stalking them. Obi Wan said they should wait, though now part of him was regretting that decision now. Perhaps they could have gotten more information on Malachai to prove he was not fit for Ahsoka, but instead they had very little to condemn the man. But a private investigator might help their case, especially considering what Malachai had been up to recently.
"Has Malachai given you anymore trouble," Dooku asked, his tone flat and almost uninterested, but Obi Wan saw the look in his eyes. It reminded him of his father.
Obi Wan rubbed his forehead, "Aside from showing up at the twin's university, he's been quiet."
"That won't last," Dooku cautioned him.
"I know," Obi Wan admittedly softly, "I know."
And like that, Obi Wan no longer felt like he was in his late twenties, the burden he carried was getting so heavy for him, but he could not put it down. His brothers needed him, his little sister needed him the most and he could not let her down. He'd already failed her miserably before, how could he bear to do it again?
"Obi," the barely three year old screamed.
Obi Wan took her into his arms, shielding her body from the horrors ahead of them, "I'm alright little one, we're okay."
Obi Wan shook his head, more to himself than Dooku he said, "How had things gotten to be like this?"
Dooku didn't give him an answer, but Obi Wan did see his expression soften a bit to show he understood the burden. Wondering how things had gone so wrong before wouldn't change what happened. Of course things weren't always bad or difficult, but it was a reoccurring thing. And for a little while things had been almost pleasant and easy these past few weeks. With Thanksgiving passing blissfully by, Obi Wan hadn't been that worried about Malachai appearing there. It was bad enough he showed up at Rex and Cody's university two weeks ago, there was no telling where he would appear next and what he would do.
An ache went through Obi Wan at the memory of getting the call from Cody, his brother's tone had been business-like which was the only sign either Cody or Rex gave him to how much the visit bothered them. Both Rex and Cody were incredible at hiding their true feelings, putting on a mask and ensuring that no one knew what they were feeling. That hadn't been their choice in their personalities to be so tightly wound. That had been their father.
Obi Wan remembered Malachai's treatment of them in comparison to his and Anakin's. Neither was particularly better than the other, but what made it okay was the fact that their mother was still there. When Obi Wan thought of their relationship, he could never really understand it. He would have attributed it to young age, but he'd watched them from the time he was seven to college age. Even as a teen, he could feel something wasn't quite right with their relationship, but at the same time, his mother seemed happy.
Of course that could have been a front, but he was good at deciphering genuine happiness and fake joy and didn't see any deceit from her. Perhaps it had been from what Malachai had done to ensure she didn't lose her sons, that had been before the twins and Ahsoka had been thoughts, just after his father died.
Their home wasn't perfect, Obi Wan never liked Malachai, but he didn't treat him, his brothers or sister badly. He could be harsh and a bit cold, he did have a fiery temper, but he didn't put his hands on anyone. Of course Obi Wan knew that physically hurting was not the only way to cause pain. Harsh words may not have left any visible scars, but they certainly stuck with people. Rex and Cody had taken the brunt of it, Obi Wan had taken a good bit as well because he fought Malachai at any given time, Anakin was too preoccupied with anything else to get caught in the crossfires like that.
Then there was Ahsoka. She'd been so little when their mother died, she only grew up living with Malachai and then he was arrested. Obi Wan shook his head, this shouldn't have been their life, but it was. So many loved ones lost, so many changes, but change was inevitable. That brought out a particularly painful memory for Obi Wan that he couldn't fight.
Obi Wan stood still at the foot of the hospital bed with sorrowful eyes, watching his younger brothers on either side of their mother. She was weak, getting weaker, her injuries too severe and the odds of her making it were not in her favor. Unconsciously his grip tightened on the toddler in his arms, who was struggling to stay awake.
"My boys and my girl," Shmi said hoarsely, "I love you all so much, even if I am not there to tell you-"
"You're going to be fine mom," Anakin said, tone sharp and desperate.
Shmi looked at her second son, she brought her bandaged hand to cup his cheek, "In case I am not, always know how much I love you. Things are going to change, but my love won't."
Tears fell down Anakin's cheeks, "I don't want things to change."
"Me neither," Rex and Cody said, sad and angry.
Obi Wan stepped to her side with Cody, turning Ahsoka slightly in his arms so she could face her mother one last time. Shmi looked at each of them, her eyes were bright despite the pain she was in and the circumstances that brought her here.
"You cannot stop change anymore than you can stop the sun from setting," Shmi told them, her smile kind and reassuring.
Obi Wan felt his eyes begin to burn, he'd already lost his father, he couldn't lose his mother as well. And his siblings, they needed her, they all needed her around. Ahsoka tiredly reached for her mother, and Shmi patted the side by her for Obi Wan to set her down on. Gently he set the young girl down and she rested her head on her mother's stomach, curling slightly and almost immediately falling asleep.
Shmi ran her fingers through her daughter's hair for a moment with a loving look. A few moments passed with Shmi humming a lullaby, she would have sang it if not for the ache in her throat, the pain she was in and the oxygen mask she wore. The door opened to reveal the doctors and nurses, but they said nothing. It was time.
She lifted her gaze, looking at each of her boys as she said, "Be brave. When you walk out of here, don't look back. Be brave and don't look back."
Each son nodded to her. Anakin gave her a hug first then a kiss on the cheek. Rex after him then Cody. Anakin woke up Ahsoka so that she could as well, leaving Obi Wan last. His hug lasted a bit longer, he squeezed her tightly as he could without causing pain, afraid to let go, trying to memorize the feeling, the smell of her hair. This couldn't be goodbye.
"I hope to see you again," he whispered to her.
"What does your heart tell you," Shmi asked as he pulled back.
"That I will," he said, but it was a lie. His heart told him this was goodbye. She seemed to know it was too.
Shmi smiled at him, "I love you Ben."
"I love you too," he whispered softly.
Then he turned to his brothers, Anakin held Ahsoka in his arms while Rex and Cody had their arms around each other. It was time to go. Obi Wan nodded, they each got a last look at their mother before turning around and doing as she asked. None of them looked back.
Obi Wan lightly shook his head at the memory, forcing himself back to the present. It was bad enough thinking of his father, but the memory of his mother's death made him feel worse than before.
"Anything else you want to share," Obi Wan asked, holding the flash drive out to Dooku.
His grandfather took the small item, "Only that you boys be careful. Malachai is not going to be easy to defeat in this fight Ben."
Obi Wan would have smiled at the old nickname if not for the weight of his grandfather's words, "We are ready to fight him. Ahsoka will remain with us."
Dooku rose to his feet, "For her sake I hope that is true."
Obi Wan didn't say anything else to that, instead he watched Dooku leave his office with a worried gaze. Now was the more difficult part for Obi Wan, deciding whether or not he believed in what Dooku had brought him. In the past Dooku did bring about reliable information, but Obi Wan knew that the man was once good friends with Palpatine. It was clear that Palpatine was on Malachai's side which meant there was a chance Dooku was as well. Though Dooku had sounded sincere and Obi Wan did not see any tell-tale signs of deceit, he knew that Dooku was great at hiding his true feelings and intentions. But Obi Wan wasn't sure what he, Malachai or Palpatine could gain by feeding him this information.
The only way it could work in their favor would be if Obi Wan took these files to court as evidence and the court questioned the source. That wouldn't look great for him, so Obi Wan wouldn't have brought it forward and Dooku even confirmed it wouldn't be a good idea. Why tell him that if he meant harm? Obj Wan truly didn't know what angle Dooku was trying to play right now, but he hoped and prayed that it would help them. Malachai could not get custody of Ahsoka, he could not let his sister fall into his hands. He sent Anakin a text saying he would pick up Ahsoka this afternoon, after that meeting he needed to see her and keep her by his side.
Thursday, 3:34
While boring days weren't fun, sometimes they were incredibly nice. Today had been such a day where Padme didn't have much to handle and she was grateful for it. Her students had been close to angels today, she hadn't been on recess duty which was exhausting on a good day and mostly got caught up on some grading. Nothing interesting happened and given the chaos that was her students on the days after Thanksgiving break, she was glad for the easy and mundane day.
Yesterday her students had been all over the place, barely able to focus, but today had been better which was always a plus. The only thing that was 'strange' about today had been the tentative friendship or truce between Asajj and Ahsoka. The two girls had never been friends, not quite enemies, but they were not close by any means.
However after the incident where Asajj revealed Ahsoka's secret to the class during P.E. and Ashoka hitting her in the face with a dodgeball, the two had avoided each other like the plague. That is until today, the two of them had been sitting together during the free period block mid morning and seemed to be getting along. Padme had asked Ahsoka about it a few minutes ago and the young girl had given her a sad smile saying they had something in common.
"Her biological dad was in jail too," Ahsoka told her.
Padmé hadn't known that about Asajj before, but she did store that information away and it did explain the animosity Asajj had against Ahsoka. While most would think that would make them fast friends because of the common ground, it had brought out some unpleasant feelings in Asajj and her response had been to cause problems with Ahsoka. There was certainly more to unpack there, it was only the surface of their problems, but Padme was confident she didn't need to step in now. After the incident, the two girls had detention together and then avoided each other and now had reached a truce of some kind. If things got bad again, Padme would step in and be better equipped to diffuse the situation now that she the background information better.
"I'll be right back," Ahsoka called from her seat, "Going to the bathroom."
Padme glanced up from the shelf, "Okay. Don't leave the building."
Ahsoka playfully groaned, "Aw, but the swings look so fun."
"Maybe later," Padme called back with a chuckle.
The week before Thanksgiving, Ahsoka and Trace had decided to leave the building and go to the playground without telling her during after care. Padme had been worried when the girls never came back. She had been both angry and relieved to see them swinging on the playground together. Looking back at it now, it was funny. Padme went back to organizing her book shelf. She glanced at the clock, 3:40. Given the time, she had a feeling Anakin would be coming today and she couldn't fight a smile despite having already seen him the past three nights in a row.
The two of them had been together for about two months now and it had been wonderful, Anakin was better than she could have imagined. As she filed the binders away, she thought back to that day when he had come to her house, how he held her the entire night. Everyday since had gotten better. The two of them had their first 'fight', but neither of them rose their voice at the other, if anything it was the exact opposite of how her fights went in the past. For that she was more than grateful.
In the time since then Thanksgiving had come and gone, this was the fourth day back to school and in another three weeks, the holiday break would come. Padme glanced at her calendar, December twenty first marked the last day of school. Padme would be spending the break with her parents, sister and nieces which she was looking forward to. Anakin wasn't looking too forward to the holidays, mostly because it meant he had to bring Ahsoka over to her grandfather as per the visitation agreement and the possibility of her father making an appearance.
There wasn't any new news on the girl's father when it came to custody claims, but Padme heard from Anakin that Maul showed up at Rex and Cody's university and spoke to them. Anakin also mentioned that they wanted to make a stalking report against Maul, but so far they didn't have any evidence besides the 'sightings' and his one appearance. It was likely his next appearance would be somewhere near Ahsoka. Legally speaking, Padme had no idea if he was even allowed near Ahsoka and that was why he was doing this, Anakin didn't give her a lot of information on that matter.
However before she could think on it more, a knock sounded at her door. The school teacher guessed it was one of Ahsoka's brothers, she hoped it was Anakin though he usually never knocked. She rose to her feet and turned to greet them, but froze when she saw it was a grown man she didn't recognize. Yet, he did look familiar in a way she couldn't place. His skin was darker, cold undertones and as he walked inside, she could see his eyes were an amber color. She'd seen eyes like those before.
"Good afternoon," he said, his voice deep and purposeful, "You are the teacher on duty correct?"
Padmé nodded, "Yes. How can I help you?"
His smile wasn't very friendly, it was almost predatory that made Padmé nervous, though she didn't show it. Head held up high, she held his gaze. A knot was beginning to form in her stomach, her gut telling her this man was not one she wanted to around. He wasn't a teacher or staff here, a parent perhaps? Padme didn't know all of her student's parents or guardians by face or name, what she did have was an approved list of people to pick up each student and a photograph to reference when it doubt. It was school policy that it be sent in to avoid the wrong person taking a child. Only exceptions made were when a parent called to give permission for their child to go home with another parent and that other parent would have to confirm it. It wasn't a difficult process and it ensured that no children ended up where they weren't supposed to.
The man spoke again, not quite breathily, but the undertone was there, "Indeed, you can help me. I am here to get my child."
So he was a parent, but what parent went beyond her. Padme had met most of her student's parents, but then again she didn't know them all and only had her list reference to go off of. His face wasn't familiar from that list, but he did look familiar. Perhaps he was in the wrong spot, it wouldn't have been the first time that a parent walked back here looking for the kindergarteners.
"Is that right," Padmé asked not entirely convinced, "I'll need a name."
Yet as she said the words, something clicked in her mind. Only one student was still here after carpool, said student wasn't in the classroom and for that Padme was more than grateful. This man, the reason she'd seen him before was because she'd seen his features in the past. The cheeks belonged to Rex and Cody, the jaw and skin tone was close to Ahsoka's. This was her father. The one Anakin called Maul. He was here for Ahsoka, but there was no way she would dare let Ahsoka leave with him.
"Malachai Tano at your service," he said, his grin turned even less friendly than before. "I believe you are my daughter's fourth grade teacher, Ms Amidala."