A/N: Hi everyone! Here's chapter 20, way sooner than I expected (mostly because I had no idea when it was going to happen :). I hope you like it and find it interesting, and I can't wait to see you next time. In order to get you used to my new updating schedule of I have no idea when another chapter is going to be updated, I will say right now I have no idea when the next chapter is coming, but I do have a tentative plan for it. I just need to write it, so please bear with me.
In meantime, please read, review and enjoy!
See you next time; whenever that will be!
Pantora in peril! The newly elected Chairman of Pantora, Baron Papanoida, is caught in a deadly political game. The Trade Federation has blockaded Pantora and suspended all commerce with the system. Isolated from the rest of the Republic, the people of Pantora are beginning to rally against the Senate, who have seemed unsympathetic to their plight. To make matters worse, Count Dooku has come forward offering aid if Pantora joins the Separatist Alliance. Chairman Papanoida has dispatched Senator Chuchi to Coruscant with the hope that she can motivate the Senate to act in favor of Pantora before Lott Dod can legitimize the blockade….
The start of the new year two weeks before brought new problems with it, not least of which was that there was still no sign of the half-Nautolan anywhere in the Republic, and the task force assigned with tracking her down continually failed. It wasn't incompetence on their part; she was just too skilled at disappearing and staying hidden for them to find her. The fact the Force was actively helping her remain hidden and that no one knew where she was from or where she was going didn't help. Thrawn had noticed early on that every time she had disappeared into hyperspace, the trajectories led to dead space, and from there, she could have gone anywhere.
All in all, she knew how to cover her tracks, and the task force was constantly at a loss about what to do about her.
The war, in general, also wasn't going well. The Republic was nearing bankruptcy, clones were dying at alarming rates along with their generals at times, and there was the constant pressure from the Chancellor to push for more war and more spending. It was a difficult situation that no one would want to be in, but it was happening, and it was getting harder and harder to do anything about it.
And with the issue of the Trade Federation's blockade of Pantora, the people of Pantora were finding themselves not entirely pleased with the situation either and wanting the Republic to do something about it, something the Republic was taking its time doing. So Chuchi had gone to Coruscant and pleaded with the Senate to remove the blockade before Lott Dod could legalize it, but she was having difficulty doing so.
Especially when Chairman Papanoida's daughters were kidnapped. With no leads in the beginning and Dooku offering to help in exchange for them joining the Separatists, Chuchi and Papanoida were running out of ideas of what to do when Ahsoka entered the senator's office, saying, "Chuchi, Senator Amidala sent me to help, if I can. Chairman Papanoida," bowing her head to the chairman.
"This is my good friend Ahsoka," Chuchi said as she beckoned at Ahsoka, and the chairman said, "Good. A Jedi can always be of help," as he tapped his staff against his hand.
"Senator Amidala thinks this may have something to do with the Separatists," Ahsoka said, causing Ion to say, "They've already made contact with us. I don't think this is a kidnapping. I think they're holding them hostage."
"A not very subtle attempt to get us to join the Separatists?" the Chairman mused quietly, and Ahsoka said, "If the Separatists are involved, your daughters may be held on the Trade Federation ship blockading your planet."
"That is a possibility," Chairman Papanoida realized, "Why don't you and Chuchi pay them a diplomatic visit and see what you can find out? We'll stay here and follow the police investigation," he and his son leaving then to see what the police had learned about his daughters' disappearance.
The Jedi and the senator had left then, getting on a Republic T-6 shuttle and heading for Pantora, not knowing they had an extra passenger for quite a few hours before Chuchi turned around and literally jumped a few feet in the air at the sight behind them. Ahsoka jumped out of her seat with her lightsaber ready but relaxed a moment later when she saw the half-Nautolan, "You need to stop scaring us like that!" Ahsoka exclaimed before calming down a bit more and adding, "But it is good to see you. You do know the task force looking for you is looking for you wherever they can. Should we tell them to look closer to home?" as the half-Nautolan approached with a slight smile.
The half-Nautolan only smiled a bit more before leaning against a nearby wall, and Chuchi said, "We'll be arriving at Pantora soon. I think I'll be able to get those documents you requested a while back now if the Chairman's daughters are really here. It shouldn't be too hard to get them."
The half-Nautolan nodded and left the bridge with a slight smile still on her face, leaving Ahsoka to say quietly, "I wish I knew half the tricks she did for sneaking around. It almost makes me wish I was Master Fisto's Padawan. If he was able to teach her everything she knows, then there's no telling what he could teach me!"
Chuchi smiled and laughed before saying, "But then you wouldn't have such wonderful adventures with Master Skywalker. Isn't that just as exciting?"
"I guess so," Ahsoka said, "but the Conspiracy certainly doesn't make things easy. I don't like the fact that I have to hide that I know about this from everyone and can't tell everyone I know. I feel like there are people that would help if they only knew, like Master Kenobi or Master Yoda," she looked more closely at Chuchi, "Why are you involved anyways? What she showed us doesn't have anything to do with Pantora, so why are you helping?"
Chuchi was silent for a few moments, staring out at the blues and whites of hyperspace before sighing and saying, "Because it's the right thing to do," turning to Ahsoka and continuing, "Even if Pantora wasn't going to be affected, I couldn't stand by and do nothing, knowing what I know. Personally, I'm doing this because I'm tired of entities like the Trade Federation and the Banking Clan exploiting worlds and bringing them to ruin, and if anything I do helps shut them down, then I will do it. I don't want any other world going through what my home is going through right now."
Ahsoka nodded slowly before saying quietly, "And I don't want everything and everyone I know and care about to disappear forever. Perhaps change is needed, but if none of us are around to bring about that change, I think it would be very boring."
Chuchi smiled at that and laughed, "I love that logic, Ahsoka; it truly helps simplify things at times, especially when it comes to the half-Nautolan and what she is up to. She is a complex being that, frankly, drives me a little crazy at times with her stunts and antics. I honestly don't understand how Master Fisto puts up with her and her behavior."
"He is renowned for his patience," Ahsoka said humorously, "At least now we know where he learned it. If he's been dealing with her for so long, patience would have to be a requirement; otherwise, he would have gone insane by now."
Chuchi smiled again before a light started flashing on the monitor in front of her, and she said, "We're approaching Pantora now," the ship exiting hyperspace a few minutes later and the brown orb of Pantora becoming visible, along with the Trade Federation ship blockading the moon. Seeing it, Chuchi frowned, and Ahsoka glanced at her when she felt the anger welling inside the senator. Chuchi only said, "Let's see what happens from here. Hopefully, this can be resolved quickly, and the Chairman's daughters can be found in time."
Ahsoka nodded and left the bridge, heading down to put on a cloak to hide her lightsaber and make her look like a servant. The half-Nautolan was nowhere in sight, but Ahsoka knew she was close. A few minutes later, they had entered the Trade Federation ship, and Chuchi came from the bridge; she and Ahsoka leaving after the ramp was lowered to speak with Sib Canay and another envoy from the Trade Federation. They were soon being led deeper into the ship under the pretense of Pantora joining the Separatists, which would cause the Trade Federation to remove the blockade of Pantora.
Chuchi had no intention of leaving the Republic, but she knew this was the only way to get onto the ship and look around, as well as get the documents the half-Nautolan had requested. But while in her quarters with Ahsoka, she received a coded message on the secret computer the half-Nautolan had given her when she joined the Conspiracy. Seeing it, Ahsoka asked, "Where'd you get that?" nodding at the highly advanced computer that was more sophisticated than anything the Republic had.
Chuchi smiled then, "Our friend gave it to me when I joined the Conspiracy. All the senators in the Republic have one to communicate and exchange information. I think there are a few senators in the Confederacy that are involved in the Conspiracy, but only Master Fisto and the half-Nautolan know who they are. We work together to keep the Conspiracy hidden from those who want to know about it and use that information to keep people away from our friend when we can. The communications are secure, and there are very few leaks. The only leak I know of, for certain, is Master Fisto's lightsaber," Ahsoka turned to her in surprise, and Chuchi nodded, "Someone bugged it at some point; no one is entirely sure when or where, although I think Master Fisto knows. Because of this, we have to be careful of what we say around him and make sure we don't reveal anything about the half-Nautolan, like her name. This is made easier because only Master Fisto knows it, and he isn't entirely inclined to share."
"So why hasn't he removed the bug?" Ahsoka asked, "Because whoever bugged it has to realize it's been discovered by now?"
Chuchi shrugged, "Our half-Nautolan friend told him not to. She is back-tracing the signal to find out who it is and see if there is something she can use there. Plus, she can track his lightsaber now and keep an eye out for him. She keeps him safe just as much as he keeps her safe," typing a few commands into the computer before saying, "It looks like we don't have to worry about getting that information she wanted. She's already sliced into the computers here and gotten everything she needs. We just need to get her off the ship. She also confirms that Che Amanwe is onboard and in the detention area, but she doesn't know which one. Perhaps we should go to the ambassador's office and see if we can overhear anything useful," turning to Ahsoka as she said this.
"Sounds good to me," Ahsoka said, "Hopefully, they can lead us right to her."
Chuchi nodded before shutting the computer down and hiding it away, folding it until it was nothing more than a four-inch by four-inch square that easily fit into her pocket.
"Convenient feature, isn't it?" she asked Ahsoka, who had been staring in surprise before saying, "Our friend is brilliant and inventive and has built many things to make the Conspiracy run smoothly. Your comlink is one such tool," nodding at the device in question, "Even if you don't use it much for Conspiracy work, I'm certain it can encrypt messages you send to others in the network the half-Nautolan created, as well as scramble the signals of other communication devices nearby. And there is the fact that it is water- and heat-proof. It could probably fall in lava and be completely fine."
"She made all this stuff?" Ahsoka asked in surprise, "I knew she was a great fighter, but I didn't know she was an inventor as well," to which Chuchi replied, "She is many things, Ahsoka, and we are all discovering something new about her every day. It certainly keeps things exciting."
Ahsoka only nodded at that, and the rest of the walk to the ambassador's office passed in silence. Once they arrived, they were only there a few minutes before they started hearing voices and quickly hid as Sib Canay and another envoy came out a few minutes later, still talking: "We need to know who our supporters are," Sib Canay said as they stopped in front of the conference table.
"I understand your profit margins with the Separatists can be considerable," the envoy with him said, "However, I object to the kidnapping."
"The Chairman's children are leverage," Sib Canay replied, "Besides, they're well taken care of."
"Yes, but why on my ship?" the envoy asked, causing Chuchi to gasp in surprise from under the table, something Sib Canay heard since asked, "What was that?" while under the table, Ahsoka and Chuchi could only glance at each other as Sib Canay came closer, "Are you certain we're alone?" the Neimodian asked before looking under the table and finding it empty, "I'm sure I heard something," walking along the long side of the table to where Chuchi was hiding. On the other side, Ahsoka hid above them, watching everything happening.
Sib Canay had reached Chuchi's hiding spot by now and looked around for anything of place, but Chuchi was gone. Above Sib Canay and the envoy, Chuchi floated in midair with Ahsoka holding her up with the Force, straining under the difficulty of doing so for so long. Thankfully Sib Canay and the envoy seemed to be convinced that there was nothing there since the envoy said, "All of this scheming with the Separatists is making you paranoid," the envoy said as Sib Canay went back to join him as they went back into the office, Canay saying, "Do not worry, the daughters are not to be harmed, at least for now."
Once the door was closed, Ahsoka let Chuchi down, breathing a sigh of relief before joining her, Chuchi saying, "You see? The Trade Federation is behind the kidnapping."
"Let's find the detention area. Come on," Ahsoka said. The two young women left then and quickly found the detention area, unaware they were being watched. But that wasn't a problem for them after they found Che Amanwe, who told them she had been separated from her sister Chi Eekway and didn't know where she was. It was the work of only a few swift cuts and blows from Ahsoka's lightsaber to cut down the super battle droids that Sib Canay had confront them. But when living guards showed up, Ahsoka sheathed her blade, not wanting to harm them, leaving Chuchi to figure out how to get them out of this mess as the other envoy arrived, "What is the meaning of this?!" the envoy asked, deciding to play dumb for as long as he could, but Ahsoka wasn't about to let him, answering, "You've been holding the Chairman of Pantora's daughter as a hostage!"
"What?" the envoy said, still trying to pretend he didn't know what she was talking about, "Sib Canay, what is she talking about?" turning to his companion.
"I want my litigator," Sib Canay said, deciding to exercise whatever rights he could think of, and the envoy said, "We are businessmen! We deal in trade and commerce!"
"Yes, but perhaps your business is war profiteering," Chuchi said boldly, and Sib Canay could not stay silent: "How dare you!"
"I dare because you claim to have no involvement, and yet here stands the Chairman's daughter on your ship, held by your administrator," Chuchi said, pointing at Che Amanwe, "I may understand your position, but I doubt the rest of the Senate will."
"Blackmail!" Sib Canay exclaimed, but Chuchi decided to spin it as something else, "No, business. I could, of course, be persuaded to defend your unfortunate circumstance to the Senate. That is, if this blockade ended," leaving Sib Canay no other choice but to say, "I'll see what I can do," wholly defeated and knowing he had no other way out.
Chuchi had smiled then, knowing that things would start turning around for her people and her moon very soon. The three women had left then, heading for Chuchi's ship. They got on board quickly and were soon underway again. Once they had entered hyperspace, Che Amanwe had decided to lay down in one of the sleeping quarters and rest, leaving Ahsoka, Chuchi, and the half-Nautolan to stay up on the bridge and talk, the half-Nautolan having snuck back on board after getting the information she needed.
Or rather, Chuchi and Ahsoka talked while the half-Nautolan sat cross-legged on the floor. For the first few minutes of the journey, they talked about what they had accomplished. Chuchi congratulated Ahsoka on her lightsaber skill, while Ahsoka complimented Chuchi on making Sib Canay squirm so quickly. But finally, the talking died down as Ahsoka noticed the Force was more active now than it had been in the past with her.
It felt like lightning was dancing across her skin and like she could actually see the energy connecting her to Chuchi and every other living being in the galaxy. Turning to where it was coming from, she asked Chuchi, "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" nodding at the half-Nautolan.
Chuchi turned and gasped, unable to believe what was happening or what she was seeing. The half-Nautolan was still on the ground, meditating. Her hands were held in the air at waist level, one hand a few inches above the other, palms facing each other. Her eyes were half open and she was staring straight ahead, clearly focusing. All around her, flashes of light and energy were moving about her, circling around her hands and her body, and Ahsoka could feel the Force become so much more alive. The half-Nautolan was sitting against the wall at the back of the bridge, and Ahsoka could feel the Force more than she ever had in the past. As the two young women watched, the half-Nautolan let out a deep breath, and the Force responded by flowing more strongly to her and entering the vortex of energy and light around her.
"What's she doing?" Chuchi asked quietly, leaving Ahsoka to say, "I was going to ask you. You know her better than I do."
"I don't know anything about this," Chuchi said, "I've never seen anything like this before. I thought you would know; you're the Jedi."
"I've never seen anything like this before either," Ahsoka said quietly, "And I definitely haven't heard of such a thing being possible before. We need help with this."
Chuchi nodded as Ahsoka turned to her, and they both said, "Master Fisto."
Ahsoka nodded, "He'll know about this; he has to. I think he's back at the Temple; let's see if he'll meet us in your office after we get back and deal with the Trade Federation. Maybe he can explain this to us."
Chuchi nodded, and the journey passed in silence for a few more hours after putting the call through to Master Fisto, who had agreed to meet them as soon as he could, the half-Nautolan continuing to meditate the entire time. As they got nearer to Coruscant, though, she drew in a final deep breath, and Ahsoka could sense her meditation come to an end. Turning around in her chair, she waited until the half-Nautolan's eyes were once again focused and aware before saying, "That was intense, and I have no idea what you were doing. But I could feel the Force respond to you so clearly it was impressive. Could you teach me how to do that?" genuinely wanting to know in the hopes it would make her a better Jedi. She was somewhat disappointed when a negative headshake was her only response, but she had already guessed that was going to be the answer anyway. In the end, she said, "I had to try," with a reckless smile that the half-Nautolan returned with a smaller one of her own.
The half-Nautolan stood up then and left the bridge, hiding herself in the same place as before when they had first left Coruscant. By the time they reached Coruscant, she was completely hidden, and Che Amanwe was none the wiser when they landed in the Senatorial complex. The next few hours passed in a blur for Ahsoka as Che and her sister Chi reunited with each other, and Chairman Papanoida was assured she was safe. From there, they all were able to watch as Lott Dod was forced to admit to the Senate the blockade of Pantora was coming to an end and blaming the entire thing on Nute Gunray. From the back of Chuchi's repulsorpod, Ahsoka enjoyed watching the Neimodian squirm and clearly regret every word he was saying. But the blockade of Pantora ended, which was the important thing.
Finally, after several hours, Ahsoka and Chuchi were able to get away as Chairman Papanoida and his family went home, heading for Chuchi's office. They opened the door to find Kit Fisto waiting in one of the chairs facing Chuchi's desk when they got there. When the door opened, he turned to face them, smiling and asking, "You wanted to speak to me?" clearly amused about being kept waiting but not seeming to mind.
"Yes, Master Fisto, we did," Chuchi said as she walked over and sat behind her desk, Ahsoka taking the other chair, "It's about our friend. She hitched a ride with us when we went to the Trade Federation ship blockading Pantora."
Kit Fisto raised an eye ridge at that, "Without the permission of the Council, I take it?"
Both Ahsoka and Chuchi looked rather shamefaced about it, but Kit only smiled and said, "We are all defying the Council by even having this conversation, so I don't think it entirely matters what they know and don't. What did you want to speak to me about?"
Ahsoka answered, "Well when we were returning after finding one of the Chairman's daughters on the ship, our friend did something I have never seen before," describing in detail what the half-Nautolan had been doing to Master Fisto, who listened closely. Once she was finished speaking, Kit smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about it too much, Ahsoka. It is just something she can do."
Not really liking that he wasn't giving much of an answer, Ahsoka decided to press him just a little to see if he would reveal a bit more, "What can she do, Master? I felt it; the Force was responding to her in a way I'd never sensed before. And what she was doing was something I've never seen done before."
Kit looked between the two of them and, not seeing an intention of either of them backing down from the question, sighed and said, "It's called Force-cultivation. Essentially, it is gathering the power of the Force and storing it in something to be used later. Our friend uses it to have the Force at her disposal whenever she needs it so she doesn't have to call it up like a Jedi does. We have to focus and concentrate to use it; because of Force-cultivation, she doesn't have to. It's there when she needs it, and there is an almost unlimited supply because of cultivation. While there is the option of storing it in an object or vessel, like a holocron, our friend stores it in her body. It is physically demanding to do so, so she must be physically strong and fit for the task. She also has to have a powerful, unbreakable will and mind; otherwise, the Force will destroy both and her body. It is one of the reasons why she is so strong in the Force and why she can avoid those looking for her in the Force. She is always using the Force to hide her presence so that no one can find or sense her. Force-cultivation is the best way to do that, and it doesn't take her long to do. An hour or so can last her an entire month, even with doing things strenuous that involve the Force, like fighting and hiding her presence. In some cases, she can cultivate and use the Force for fighting simultaneously; she is that skilled."
Ahsoka had been silent as she listened, but once Kit finished speaking, she said, "I've never heard of Force-cultivation, Master Fisto."
Kit smiled gently at her, knowing this was a lot to take in, "You wouldn't have, Ahsoka. Not many people can do it. Not even Master Yoda can. It requires a level of concentration so intense and so complete that very few can manage it. I can only do it for a few seconds, maybe a minute, and sometimes the concentration is too much. It is an extremely higher-level Force technique that the Jedi don't know about."
Ahsoka cocked her head, "How can you do it if Master Yoda can't?"
Kit's answer wasn't entirely the one she expected because he said, "Our friend taught me. She is much more skilled in the Force than you would think and would give Master Yoda a hard time if she ever felt like it. She is too powerful for even him, and Force-cultivation is just one of many examples of that power. Her abilities with the Force make her such a valuable target for the Sith, hence her decision to stay hidden for so much of her life. It is one of many reasons why she has stayed hidden, but the rest don't have any bearing on the here and now, so don't worry about it."
Chuchi nodded, knowing this was the answer she had gotten used to ever since she got involved with the Conspiracy. Meanwhile, Ahsoka said, "I asked our friend if she could teach me how, but she immediately shook her head."
Kit immediately looked concerned, and his voice was soft and serious when he spoke next, his smile completely gone, "Don't ever ask her again, Ahsoka. You don't have the skill or experience to even think about attempting it, and you aren't strong enough physically for the task. Even if you could cultivate the Force and use it as power and energy, you still have nothing to contain it with. You have no container or vessel to hold it, and your body isn't strong enough to contain it inside you. It will destroy you until there is nothing left. Don't ask that again, no matter how tempting it is to learn such a thing."
Ahsoka nodded immediately, having never heard Master Fisto speak to her like that before, realizing quickly he was serious and she shouldn't test him. But she still had one more question, which she asked somewhat hesitantly and not really as a question, since she wasn't sure what his reaction would be: "You said Force-cultivation requires an extreme level of concentration, but our friend didn't look like she was concentrating that hard."
Kit only said, "She has spent a long time learning how to cultivate the Force, Ahsoka, as well as exploring its more dangerous secrets. After such a long time, she has become a master cultivator and can do so for however long she wants. She doesn't have to concentrate as much as you'd think to do it now and can multitask better than anyone I know."
Ahsoka had been listening closely but, in the end, only asked, "She is more than she seems, isn't she, Master Fisto? And more than you are letting on about?"
Kit froze before saying softly, "Much more than she seems, Ahsoka, and there is definitely more going on than I can say. All I can say is that you will learn everything there is to know about her in time, and it won't be anything you are expecting. Even knowing about Force-cultivation now won't prepare you for everything she can do and is."
Ahsoka stared at him a moment before nodding slowly, deciding she would have to accept that answer for now since Master Fisto clearly had no intention of answering any more questions and a little while later, both Jedi left; Ahsoka to find her master and Kit to track down the half-Nautolan and see what she wanted to do next.
Knowing her, it would be something possibly dangerous and incredibly risky.
Elsewhere on Coruscant, Palpatine met with Tarkin and Thrawn for a few minutes and reviewed the most recent footage of Kit Fisto as he met with Ahsoka Tano and Senator Chuchi. Watching it, Tarkin and Thrawn could see Palpatine get angrier and angrier as Fisto explained Force-cultivation to Ahsoka and Chuchi and why it was so difficult. Finally, Palpatine said softly, "I need to learn this technique, soon."
"General Fisto doesn't explain how it's done, Chancellor," Thrawn said, "And considering how he dodged the question, I don't think the answer is written down anywhere."
"Maybe not," Palpatine agreed, "But there is a way to do it, and I will learn, that I can promise you," he looked up from the hologram then and asked, "Other than that, has there been any progress in regards to capturing her or figuring out a way to find her? Kit Fisto isn't involved in any of this on the outside, so he has no knowledge of how the hunt for her is going."
Both captains had to shake their heads then, with Tarkin saying, "Aside from showing herself on Kamino, there have been no recent sightings in the Republic. She knows how to hide and when to hide, and with the galaxy being as large as it is, it will be next to impossible to find her unless she wants to be found."
Palpatine nodded slowly before saying, "If this Force-cultivation makes it possible for her to hide herself in the Force for as long as she wants to, not even the Jedi will be able to find her until she wants them to. We will have to wait along with the Jedi for her to make the next move."
The captains nodded as they went back to watching the holovideo with Palpatine again, searching for any hint or clue that would lead them to the half-Nautolan. They found none, but kept watching again and again, hoping for something to help them but still finding nothing.
Kit Fisto knew how to hide his secrets too well sometimes.
Conflict with no end in sight! Across the galaxy, the quagmire of war continues. While clone troopers suffer casualties at alarming rates, the Galactic Senate convenes an emergency session to debate the true cost of the war….
With the Banking Clan, Trade Federation, and TechnoUnion fighting for more clone troopers and prolonging the war, Padmé and her allies were pushing to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. While those involved in the Conspiracy didn't think the war could end so quickly or easily, Padmé was optimistic enough to look for a peaceful solution, even if it meant breaking the law.
To that end, a few weeks after Chuchi and Ahsoka had had their adventures with the Trade Federation, Padmé and Ahsoka were off on another adventure, this time to Raxus to see an old friend of Padmé's, Senator Mina Bonteri of the Separatist Confederacy. Arriving on Raxus, they were greeted by the senator, who was not what Ahsoka was expecting, having only had contact with people like Ventress and Grievous in the war. Mina's son, Lux, also wasn't what she was expecting, and so while Padmé and Mina discussed ways to end the war, Ahsoka and Lux met under the gazebo in the gardens of Lux and Mina's home, speaking and getting to know each other better.
They had only been at it for a few minutes when a surprising voice said, "Well….this is something I wasn't expecting to see when I came here."
Both young people turned in surprise at the voice, Ahsoka almost falling over when she saw who it was: Kit Fisto, accompanied by the half-Nautolan, the Nautolan Jedi bereft of his lightsaber so that no one could see what he was up to or where he was. Kit was smiling with an eye ridge raised in amusement, while the half-Nautolan looked like she was barely avoiding laughing. Kit turned to the half-Nautolan before turning back to the two teenagers, who looked somewhat guilty, but put them both at ease by saying, "I won't tell anyone that you're here, Ahsoka, and neither will she. Be careful, though, this one likes to play matchmaker sometimes," nodding at the half-Nautolan, making both Ahsoka and Lux blush deep red.
After a few moments of enjoying their discomfort, the half-Nautolan headed up the stairs while Kit asked, "How are you, Lux? I trust your mother is well?"
"I'm fine, Master Fisto," Lux said, "And so is my mother. She might want to know what you're doing here, though. Jedi, especially Jedi Masters, aren't supposed to be here. Especially when accompanied by someone the Confederacy has labeled a criminal and traitor. Although I hear that has happened in the Republic as well."
Kit shrugged before saying, "She wanted to be here, and I think she thinks something is about to happen; she just isn't entirely sure what. And I wanted to speak to Senator Bonteri about the Conspiracy and how the Separatist members are holding up. I know it is a bit more stressful for them since treason is punishable by death according to Separatist law."
"I see," Lux said, while Ahsoka asked, "There are Separatists involved in the Conspiracy, Master?"
"Of course, Ahsoka," Kit said with a slight smile, "The Conspiracy couldn't function without them. They aren't interested in preserving the Republic; they just don't want to be forced to serve a Sith," he cocked his head then in thought, "Even though Dooku is a Sith, which is rather confusing in the end. Oh well," he shrugged then before turning towards the stairs, "I will see you both in a bit, and I mean what I said: our friend loves playing matchmaker if given half the chance."
The blushes returned as Kit laughed, the Nautolan climbing the stairs and joining the half-Nautolan where she had been waiting for him at the landing, heading back inside as Ahsoka and Lux turned back to each other, Lux saying, "He is the only Jedi I have actually known aside from you, and I don't think he takes anything seriously."
"Oh, he does," Ahsoka said somewhat sourly, "But I think he enjoyed making us uncomfortable. It would be just like him to find the humor in this situation. Master Fisto is a bit more laid-back than other Jedi and is always ready with a smile and a laugh."
"In other words," Lux said as he settled on the gazebo seat, "He is a charismatic leader capable of bringing many sides of a conflict together to help the greater good. So basically, everything Dooku and some Jedi are not. I think the Republic Chancellor has less charisma than him."
Ahsoka had no answer to that that would put Chancellor Palpatine in a positive light and so stayed silent as the conversation moved on to other topics that weren't about the war and their opposing sides. It was a surprisingly pleasant conversation, and Ahsoka found herself enjoying it and seeing the many different sides of the conflict she hadn't been exposed to in the past.
And it was a good feeling, she realized an hour or so into the conversation.
While Ahsoka and Lux talked, Kit and the half-Nautolan joined Padmé and Mina in the house, both of whom were glad to see them if their greetings were any indication: "Master Fisto, it's so good to see you again!" Mina said as she stood up in greeting, while Padmé added, "I didn't know you were coming!"
"Neither did I," Kit said with a smile as he sat down with the two senators, the half-Nautolan joining them and listening as they talked, "But our friend here insisted on my coming, and so here I am. Thankfully my captain is away on leave, and my commander is covering for me, so no one should notice I am gone."
No one there missed the slight contempt in his voice when he spoke about his captain, and Padmé asked, "Is there something wrong, Kit? You never seem to have a kind word to say about your captain, which is surprising coming from you," knowing the Nautolan often looked for the best in others for as long as he could.
Kit shook his head, "Don't worry about it, Padmé; my captain and I just don't see eye to eye on, well….anything. His lack of respect for my orders and my command and his disregard for the clones under our command make him difficult to work with. And the fact he is always watching me is rather disturbing and off-putting. I think I would prefer it if I knew who was telling him to spy on me because then I could tell them to stop. But I think we all know who that is."
Padmé nodded slowly, while Mina asked, "Why not just ask for him to be transferred to another fleet if he is causing you so many problems?" clearly confused as to why Kit would put up with his captain if they clearly weren't getting along.
Kit only looked at the half-Nautolan before saying, "We have decided that keeping an eye on my captain, watching him as he watches me, would be best. It would be the best way to keep us in the loop about who is watching me and what they want, and I can be better prepared for whatever they have planned."
Mina only said, "I see," while Padmé said, "There is no changing your mind about this, I know that. So what brings you two here? Is there something wrong?" knowing the two of them wouldn't have come if everything was alright, especially not together. It was dangerous for them to be seen together outside certain protected places.
Kit shrugged, "I'm just here because she insisted I come along. And I heard that the two of you were going to try and find a peaceful resolution to the war. Something I can support all the way, even though our friend here doesn't think it will work," nodding at the half-Nautolan, who only shrugged before going back to her drink. While the senators and Jedi had elected for a bottle of fine wine, she preferred tea so that her reflexes and reactions stayed sharp, even though Kit hadn't had a sip yet because he knew it would wreak havoc on his stomach and digestive system; that was how damaged his body was internally.
Mina turned to the half-Nautolan, "You don't think a peaceful solution can be found and agreed upon? But if it can, would you support it?"
The half-Nautolan stared at her briefly before nodding slowly, and Kit said, "She does support a peaceful solution, Mina, but she knows that it won't happen. Between the corporate interests making a profit keeping the war going and the Sith who would do anything to destabilize the galaxy, there won't be an end to the conflict anytime soon. But I agree with you that an attempt should be made for peace. Suppose you can convince the Separatist Parliament to extend an olive branch of peace to the Republic. In that case, I will support it all the way. I'm just not sure how far it will get you. As I know you know, there are deadly players at work who will stop at nothing to achieve their plans."
Mina nodded, "I will still bring the motion to the floor of the Parliament during the next meeting. Even if it doesn't get anywhere, at least we will know who our true allies are in the war, even though the Conspiracy members in the Parliament will always vote to end the war. It will be nice to see who else we can garner support from."
Kit nodded while Padmé said, "So in the end, we can only wait and see what happens, and be ready for whatever fallout there is," she shook her head, "Why is that always the case? I can't help but feel like we're just waiting for something big to happen, and only the two of you know what it is," looking at Kit and the half-Nautolan. Kit only looked at her blankly while the half-Nautolan raised an eyebrow with a slight smile, causing Padmé to sigh and turn to Mina, "Shall we go see what Ahsoka and Lux are up to? I need a break from these two and their secrets," but there was no real malice behind her words, and even Kit was able to laugh before saying, "Fair enough, Senators. I think the two of us will go for a swim and enjoy Raxus' oceans. This one has a craving for a few species of fish that are only found here and a seaweed salad she has been wanting to show me how to make," nodding at the half-Nautolan, who smiled in anticipation. Kit couldn't cook to save his life, but hopefully, he could figure out and remember this recipe.
And not given anyone food poisoning if and when he attempted it.
Mina smiled as well, "You know the way to the ocean from the nearby river, so I won't stop you. Feel free to leave your things here in your usual quarters; no one will disturb them. We will see you in a few hours," following Padmé out the door to find Lux and Ahsoka.
Kit bowed his head before following the half-Nautolan out of the room and deeper into the house, heading for the rooms in question to change and enjoy Raxus' oceans before duty and responsibilities were called to them once more.
The next day the Separatist Parliament met in the capital city of Raxulon to discuss the idea of peace negotiations with the Republic, with Mina leading the discussion and debate, "How many lives on both sides have to end before we see the futility? Surely there's room in the galaxy for Confederate and Republic planets to coexist. I move that we immediately open peace negotiations with Chancellor Palpatine on Coruscant."
Many delegates started cheering and shouting in support, but there were a few who were unimpressed with the argument, like Voe Atell of the Corporate Alliance, "The Corporate Alliance will never allow this to happen!" she exclaimed in response, but was cut off by another representative standing across from her, "This is a democracy, and unlike the Republic, corporations do not rule us."
His words caused more argument and noise, but then the hologram of Dooku interrupted, "Quiet," holding up both hands and waiting for the clamor to die down before continuing, "In accordance with the bylaws of Independent Systems, a voice vote is required. All in favor of initiating peace negotiations with the Galactic Republic, say aye."
Many senators supported the idea of peace negotiations with words of agreement, "Aye," a member of the crowd cried, while another behind him called, "Aye."
Mina and the senator across from Voe Atell added their yes votes to the tally, and then Dooku was speaking again, "All those opposed."
"Nay," Voe Atell said, while another in the crowd also added his opinion, "Nay!" but they were clearly in the losing group, especially when Dooku said, "The ayes have it."
Up in the shadows of the viewing area, Ahsoka, Padmé, and Kit watched the proceedings as the vote was formalized, but then Kit said quietly, "This won't last," his hood and cloak hiding him just as Ahsoka's hid her. The half-Nautolan was back at Mina's house, meditating and staying out of sight, not wanting anyone to know that she was there or why she was there. Depending on when Kit and the others got back to the house, she may go out to the Ghost to work on it and see how the clones she had insisted Kit bring along were holding up. The clones were dressed as civilians to hide more easily, but they still moved and thought like soldiers, so they stayed out of sight unless needed.
Ahsoka turned to the Nautolan then, "What do you mean?" to which Kit replied, "A spy of ours in the Separatist high command just sent word that there will be an attack on Coruscant. It is designed to appear as though the Separatists are behind it. Doing so will make it impossible for the Republic to negotiate with them, but will also convince those that are unsure about supporting less spending that more troops are needed and that deregulation of the banks is the only option forward."
Ahsoka shook her head, not entirely understanding, while Padmé said, "So that is what our friend meant when she thought there wouldn't be peace. Suppose Coruscant, which hasn't been attacked in over a thousand years, is suddenly attacked by what appears to be Separatist infiltrators. In that case, the Republic will authorize more spending and more troops, torpedoing our efforts to a peaceful solution," she shook her head, "I hate it when she's right sometimes."
"It takes some getting used to," Kit said as the Parliament members mingled and wandered, "But come, the meeting is over, and we need to leave. If we are seen and recognized, Dooku will use it as an excuse to capture us and use it as propaganda, saying we are here to coerce votes for peace, making Mina's attempts right now null and void. We have to go," standing and leaving with Ahsoka and Padmé right behind him.
They would meet Mina at her transport before heading back to her home so that Ahsoka and Padmé could leave and return to Coruscant. Kit and the half-Nautolan would stay a few days more to see what the fallout of the attack on Coruscant would be here on Raxus.
Peace shattered! Once-promising negotiations between the Republic and the Separatists are now in shambles following a droid suicide bombing on the capital city planet of Coruscant. As fear and anger prevail, the Senate overwhelmingly passes a bill to deregulate the banks, opening a gateway to additional troops, and an increase in fighting….
Padmé and Bail Organa and Onaconda Farr were still in shock over the message Dooku had just sent to the Senate. Not because the Separatists were drawing out of peace negotiations, but because Mina Bonteri was dead. It had further-reaching implications than the fact that she was the senator from Onderon; she was the only confirmed Conspiracy member in the Separatist Alliance. The others on that side of the war were secret and unknowns to them, with only Mina, Kit Fisto, and the half-Nautolan knowing who they were. And those others weren't about to trust anyone else in the Republic with their identities.
"I don't understand how this could happen," Padmé said softly as they walked to her office afterward, "Kit was with her and Lux when we left Raxus and said he would be staying a few days more. What happened after we left?"
"I don't know, Padmé," Onaconda said, "But let's get to your office to talk more freely. Perhaps we can find a solution that will help us."
Padmé could only nod, and the rest of the walk to her office was made in silence. When they got there, the lights were out and the room was dark, except for a bright light coming from Padmé's desk.
More specifically, a hidden compartment in her desk.
Seeing that, Padmé rushed forward while Bail turned the lights on and Onaconda locked the door before joining Padmé as she pulled the hidden computer out of its hiding place in her desk and opened it. Immediately entering the necessary codes and passwords, Padmé and the others waited impatiently for the connections to be made. A few minutes of anxious waiting later, a hologram appeared, revealing two people the senators were more than relieved to see.
"Mina!" Padmé exclaimed, glad to see the senator as she was held up by Kit Fisto, "Are you alright? We heard you were dead!"
Mina smiled painfully, "Not yet, Padmé, not yet. Dooku's thugs tried to kill me but missed and killed a few of my servants when they bombed my home. If it hadn't been for Master Fisto and Lux, the outcome would have been so much worse," she drew in a shaky breath then, saying, "But we will have to leave and go into hiding for a little while, and the peace attempt has failed. I am truly sorry about that."
"We're just glad you're alive, Senator Bonteri," Bail said, but before he could continue, Kit interrupted, "I wish we could continue this reunion now, but we can't. Those thugs are still looking for us, and we must keep moving. The clones here are dressed as civilians and made a decent attempt with disguises, but they move like soldiers and think like soldiers; they'll be recognized soon enough. We need to get to safety and get your wounds tended. We need to leave Raxus."
"You have a safe place in mind, Master Jedi?" Onaconda asked, to which Kit replied, "Yes, I do, and we need to get there soon. Mina's son has decided to wander the galaxy before joining us, and our friend knows how to find him when she needs him. He will keep up the pretense that his mother is dead and will help us as needed," Mina winced then and tried to hide a groan, but Kit heard it and turned to her for a few moments before looking back at the senators and saying, "I will let you know what happens once things have settled down. Right now, we need to get to somewhere safe."
The senators all nodded as the transmission ended, with Padmé saying, "I'm glad he was there and kept his word. That's all he ever does, but I have never seen it in action. I wonder how he helped her without revealing he was a Jedi and didn't have his lightsaber? It couldn't have been easy," turning to the others there.
Onaconda shrugged while Bail said, "He is a skilled warrior and well-versed in other forms of combat. And I'm sure the clones helped him as well. For now, let's make sure Senator Bonteri's efforts weren't in vain and defeat this bill as best we can. Master Fisto will let us know how things end on that side of things when he is ready."
Padmé and Bail nodded, knowing there was nothing else they could do for Mina but wait and see what happened with her and Kit.
Hopefully, it would be good news when they finally got word.
Back on Raxus, Kit ended the transmission and put the holoprojector away before adjusting his grip on Mina as she struggled to stay conscious. While she hadn't been directly in the way of the blast that had destroyed her home, the shrapnel and concussive force of the explosion had done their damage, and she needed a doctor. Kit was doing what he could to heal her through the Force, but it wasn't enough because of his long-term wounds, and they needed to get off-world before they or the clones were discovered.
Almost on cue Commander Monnk, or at least the clone impersonating Monnk, approached and said, "Sir, the droids are starting to spread out and search the forest, and there are what look like bounty hunters coming as well. We need to get back to the ship soon before anyone notices we are here."
Kit nodded as he started walking, Mina walking with him as best she could, but her leg was severely mangled and would need a lot of help, "Let's go; we can do nothing more here. Lux Bonteri has decided to make his own way in the galaxy for now, and we need to keep his mother safe. Without her, the Conspiracy will fall apart on the Separatist side, and that cannot happen."
Monnk nodded and fell in step slightly in front of them to look for approaching danger. The six other clones with them spread out in a loose circle for extra protection. The half-Nautolan was already back on the ship, getting it ready to go, and now was waiting for them to get there to take off and get away.
From there, Kit knew exactly where to go.
It would be about three hours before they got to the Ghost, though, and Kit was hoping what he was doing with the Force would help Mina for as long as possible. The medic they had brought along had already given her a pain reliever and tended the severe wounds to her leg as best he could, but it wasn't enough. She needed more help and a skilled surgeon if she wanted to keep her leg, and Kit knew of only one place he could go to to get that help.
They had only been walking a couple of hours, the darkness of night concealing them in the forest, when Kit sensed something that made him say, "Take her," to the clone next to him, Trap, who nodded and quickly took Mina from him, the senator watching through pain-filled eyes as the Jedi disappeared into the dark forest. It was unnaturally quiet for many long minutes, but finally, sounds of battle could be heard in the near distance. The clones immediately got ready to fight if necessary, unsure about what those sounds meant, but minutes later, movement caught their eyes and they leveled their weapons in that direction.
Their blasters were lowered seconds later when they heard the familiar voice of their general say, "Stand down, it's just me," and Kit Fisto stepped back into the weak light the small lantern they had with them gave, "A few commando droids were searching the forest; it took a little longer than I thought to deal with them. Let's keep moving. We're almost there."
The clones and senator nodded and continued walking, and after only about another hour, they had finally arrived at the Ghost, which immediately took off once they were on board, heading for safety and help far away from Raxus and the war, cloaking itself as it did so to get past the blockade.
Behind them, deep in the forest, the bounty hunters sent after Mina and her allies lay dead on the floor, all of them killed with bolts from a blaster, none of them even having a chance to draw their own weapons and defend themselves.
Having lost contact with his bounty hunters, Dooku had sent a transmission to Darth Sidious, who answered immediately, "What do you want, my apprentice?" Sidious asked, to which Dooku replied, "Mina Bonteri has slipped through our nets, Master. She was helped by Kit Fisto and the half-Nautolan. Somehow that Jedi was on Raxus without our knowledge and was able to get her to safety and away. I don't know where she is now or what Kit Fisto has planned."
Sidious was silent for a few moments before saying, "Kit Fisto is throwing our plans into turmoil, and I won't stand for it much longer. For now, do nothing about him and start hunting for Mina Bonteri. The Senator of Onderon cannot survive to continue defying us! Find her and end her."
"Yes, my lord," Dooku said, bowing his head, and Sidious added, "Say nothing about her having survived; the propaganda will work better for us if the galaxy thinks she is dead. Until we know what they hope to gain, we will stay silent about this matter and continue with what few of our plans aren't in shambles."
"Yes, my lord, it will be done," Dooku said. Sidious ended the transmission then, leaving Dooku to wonder why his master was so obsessed with the half-Nautolan and Kit Fisto and what he hoped to gain from tracking them down and killing them both.
Why were they so important?
Finally arriving at a safe place, Kit, the half-Nautolan, and Mina landed in the hangar bay. They had dropped the clones off with Kit's fleet so that no one would be the wiser, and Tarkin was still on leave and unable to ask what they were up to. Now at the place the half-Nautolan called home, they were quick to disembark, where they were met by an old friend.
"Duchess Satine," Kit said as he helped Mina walk over to the Duchess of Kalevala, "It is good to see you again. I wasn't aware you were here?" as they started walking towards the medical center. The half-Nautolan only nodded respectfully to Satine before hurrying off, knowing it was time to see someone she was anxious to see, and Satine couldn't find any fault in that.
There were several someones the half-Nautolan always wanted to see, and no one would ever fault her for disappearing as quickly as she could whenever she arrived.
Satine smiled as she fell into step with Kit and Mina, "I only arrived a few days ago. Our hiding place was compromised, and we were forced to leave the place you and your brother had set up. He decided bringing me here would be better for everyone, not to mention safer. He's already left, though, mumbling about something needing his attention and not wanting to be here when you arrived. I think he also said the two of you have a hard time separating when you're together?" causing the Nautolan Jedi to duck his head as he continued walking with Mina, "But he knew I would be safe here, and I can see why; I'm guessing very few people in the galaxy, and even fewer people in positions of power, know about this place?"
Kit nodded, "It is one of the few safe places I know of, and I know you'll be safe here for as long as you need to be. Not even the Jedi or other Conspiracy members know about this place."
"And I am grateful for that," Satine said. At the same time, Mina added, "So am I, even though I wish I knew where I was. I understand jumping directly into the hangar bay keeps people from knowing where we are, but it is certainly a rather unnerving experience," hissing in pain as she stepped wrong and her leg buckled.
Kit only shook his head, "For now, I think we should get your wounds tended and set you on the path to healing. We can discuss everything else later."
"Like the fact the more vulnerable members of the Conspiracy are being targeted?" Satine asked, to which Kit winced and said as they neared the medical center and an old friend who was waiting at the door, "Yes, that fact is something we need to address and take what precautions we can. We can't risk anyone else; our friend would never forgive herself, and neither would I if something happened that could have been prevented."
Satine nodded while Mina said, "I will think about this and see if I can come up with any solutions that will help us."
"After your wounds are tended, Senator," Tristan Darka said, overhearing the last part of the conversation, "You can think about it while you are resting," his tone leaving no room for argument.
Mina smiled and said, "If you insist, doctor," to which Tristan smiled as well as he gently took Mina from Kit and helped her into the medical center for tending, leaving Kit and Satine outside together for a few minutes before Kit turned to Satine and said, "I need to return to my fleet before Tarkin comes back and starts wondering where I am. I will see you soon, Duchess, and please let me know if you need anything from me. I will do my best to accommodate you."
Satine smiled gently, "You have already done more than I expected by asking your brother to help me. That is a debt I can never repay, and I know how much he means to you. Thank you for doing so and helping me. You will never know how much I appreciate it," reaching up and resting a hand against Kit's cheek for a moment, making the Nautolan look at her quickly as she said, "You and your brother are a lot alike, but the differences are few and small. I'm grateful to know both of you."
Kit smiled as he reached up and squeezed the hand resting against his cheek briefly before lowering her hand and his, bowing his head and walking away to get his starfighter and head back to his fleet. Satine stayed to wait for Tristan to finish with Mina and make sure she had everything she needed, wondering how someone like Kit Fisto could be so kind after everything he had experienced and all the secrets he was hiding. She only knew a couple of them, and their weight was almost crushing at times.
How did Kit manage it?
Having arrived back at his fleet, Kit was quick to land in the hangar bay, where he was greeted by Monnk, who said, "Captain Tarkin has arrived, sir. Two days ahead of schedule," clearly not pleased about the situation if the frown and near-gritted teeth were any indication.
Kit frowned as well as he climbed out of the starfighter, asking, "What does he know?" doing his best to hide the wince as he was forced to put uncomfortable pressure on his stomach and core to get out of the fighter.
"Only that you were meeting with an informant and were delayed a few days. He doesn't know about us disappearing off to Raxus for a little while," Monnk said, ignoring the slight wince as best he could even though it hurt him to see his general like that, "But he is suspicious and asking questions that none of us are interested in answering."
"I see," was all Kit said as they entered the lift to head up to the bridge and was silent and thinking as they waited for the lift to get them to the bridge. When they finally arrived, Kit turned to Monnk and said, "Say nothing and don't defend me or my decisions. This will need to be played by ear if we are going to keep Tarkin from knowing what we are up to."
"Yes, sir," the clone said but was clearly unhappy about the entire thing as they exited the lift and entered the bridge's command center, where Tarkin was at the holotable and looking over troop placements for their next engagement. He ignored them for a few moments as he typed in commands for the holotable but finally looked up and said, "General, I was wondering where you were? The commander said something about an informant?"
"Yes," Kit said, "My informant thought they had information of interest, but unfortunately, we already knew it. I'm afraid I wasted a few days chasing them down and hearing what they had to say. But Commander Monnk held things down well around here, and everything seems to be fine."
"If you say so, sir," Tarkin said, "But it would have been better if you hadn't left and left the fleet in command of a clone. Something could have happened while we were both away," unimpressed by Kit's argument.
Kit frowned, "Commander Monnk is more than capable of being in command, Captain. Perhaps you should have more regard for his skill the next time we engage the enemy. He is more than he seems."
Tarkin only looked down his nose at the Jedi and the clone next to him, who had a hard time keeping his emotions off his face. Around the room, the clone officers and technicians were watching all this with no small amount of contempt. Tarkin's lack of regard for the clones and their feelings was one reason the clones of Kit's fleet couldn't stand him and had turned against him so quickly, even if he didn't know it yet.
In the end, Tarkin only turned back to the holotable, knowing he wouldn't win the argument against the stony-faced Jedi and the clearly angered clone. Knowing they were at an impasse, Kit went out onto the bridge with Monnk, leaving Tarkin to figure out what he would do next. And with all the clones around him practically radiating contempt and, in some cases, downright hatred, he would need to think of something quickly.
Hopefully, the respect the clones had for the chain of command would keep them from defying his orders completely.
Out on the bridge, Kit and Monnk spoke softly for a few moments about what was happening next in regards to the half-Nautolan, wondering if she was about to make the Jedi realize she was a lot more than she seemed and they may be out of their depth when dealing with her. After a few moments, Kit left the bridge and went to his quarters for a little while to send a progress report to the Conspiracy and pick up his lightsaber, taking the blaster hidden in his robes and putting it back in its hiding place above his bed. He didn't like it, but sometimes a blaster did the things a lightsaber couldn't do and made it seem like he wasn't a Jedi.
Which, considering where he went and the people he associated with, could make things very dangerous if people discovered he was a Jedi.
Better as few people knew as possible.