Summary:

Ahsoka has a meeting with friends as the Endor base.

Jinn instructs Ahsoka to go after Anakin and get help from Padme.

Jinn plans to trip to Mandalore.

Obi-Wan and the peace movement arrive on Endor.

Barriss and Obi-Wan speak to Jinn.

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37.

Ashoka led her friends inside a chamber that was set up as a meeting room inside the caves. The chamber had a small opening at the top that let in the night sky. It had a plain wooden floor with an opening at the center for a fire. Stones were laid around the fire and the light cast long shadows against the walls. Jinn and Ventress strode into the room first. They sat close together on the floor around the fire. Then, entered the clone troopers, Rex, Fives and Slick. The last to enter the room was Ezra. He rushed in and sat on the other side of Jinn.

Once they were all seated, Ahsoka sat crossed leg on the wooden floor between Ezra and Rex. She cleared her throat and said, "First, let me start off by telling you all about what happened on our mission to get in contact with the peace movement on Coruscant."

Jinn said, "Did you get in contact with your friend, Miss Offee?"

Ahsoka nodded her head. "Yes, I spoke to Barriss. I told her about our plan of creating a New Order. She was interested in joining. She was going to get in contact with the other Jedi members of the peace movement and try and convince them to join as well. However, after we parted ways, Rex and I ran into Anakin."

Jinn said, "Is he well?"

Rex answered, "He seemed well enough."

The amber Jedi sighed and said, "I'm sure he must be cross with me."

Slick leaned towards Fives and asked, "Why? What did he do?"

Fives realized that Slick hadn't gotten the full story about what happened between Master Jinn and General Skywalker. It wasn't information meant for the men. Fives couldn't wait to land the bombshell of what really happened on the ship when the power briefly went out.

He smiled and said, "Oh, nothing much. He just stabbed Skywalker in the gut before going AWOL."

Slick raised his brow. He turned to Jinn and said, "I don't understand. Why did you do that?"

In a matter of fact tone, Jinn replied, "He insulted my girlfriend."

Slick frowned. He didn't like Jedi, but he knew they weren't allowed to fraternize. However, he learned from the men that Master Jinn wasn't like other Jedi. He was the one who created the cure for clone rapid aging. It made him alright in his book. It was the only reason why he accepted his authority and Commander Tano.

He knew it was none of his business, but he had to ask, "Who's your girlfriend?"

"Miss Ventress. Well, I suppose it's Mrs. Kenobi now."

Slick was dumbfounded. "What?"

Ezra turned to his mentor and said, "Wait, Mrs. Kenobi? Since when did you two get married? I thought you were only engaged."

Jinn replied, "We got married this evening during sunset."

The teen exclaimed, "And you didn't invite me! Don't you need a best man or something? Or-or witnesses?"

Jinn calmly said, "We had a warrior's ceremony. It's like a Mandalorian wedding."

The three clones hummed in understanding which only made Ezra even more confused. He had no idea what a Mandalorian wedding was like. He made a face and said, "Can you please explain? I don't understand. What's a Mandalorian wedding?"

Fives smiled and elbowed Rex and said, "Yeah, Cap. Explain what a Mandalorian wedding is to the kid."

Rex blushed and nervously rubbed the back of his neck and said, "Uh-it's an exchange of wedding vows. You don't need anything fancy like guests and witnesses. You just got to mean it when you say the words out loud to the person you want to marry. And if they say the words back then you're married. It's as simple as that."

Ezra suddenly felt disappointed and said, "Oh. I guess that's convenient."

Ahsoka smiled and said, "It's fine, Ezra. I'm sure we can plan something later. I'd like to get back to the debriefing. When we meet Anakin, I explained to him that we weren't returning to the GAR. He didn't take it well."

Fives asked, "What did he say?"

Ahsoka sighed and said, "He decided to confront the Chancellor by himself."

Fives groaned and covered his face with his hand. "You've got to be kidding? What does he think we've been working so hard to do all this time? We weren't just sitting on our hands. Our brothers have been working hard to connect the Chancellor to the Separatists through the Clone Network."

Ahsoka continued on and said, "I don't think that we can. I thought we had a chance to expose him and bring him to justice, but his corruption runs too deep. He has already infiltrated the Senate and the Order. We are on our own."

Slick scuffed and said, "That's old news, Tano. Tell us what happened when Skywalker confronted the Chancellor. Did he kill him?"

She said, "No, he hesitated for some reason. Rex and I tried to do it, but the Chancellor was too powerful. We barely managed to escape."

Fives leaned forward and said, "What about Skywalker?"

She shook her head and said, "He stayed. Afterwards, we were branded traitors to the Republic. We were able to escape on the Martez sister's ship."

Jinn said, "I take it you were unable to get in contact with Miss Offee before you left?"

Ahsoka said, "No, there wasn't enough time."

Jinn rubbed his beard and said, "Don't worry, Miss Tano. You might have blown your cover, but not all is lost. The Sith still believes you are merely a youngling. Let them underestimate you. Your top priority should be protecting Anakin."

She said, "What do you mean?"

He gazed at her cross the fire and said, "Skywalker is strong. Do not let Sidious steal his strength. Enlist Padme's help if you must."

Ahsoka said, "Alright, but I fear that the more time we waste then the more people will suffer."

Jinn said, "You must be patient, Miss Tano."

She gave him a sad smile and said, "Funny, you sound like Obi-Wan."

Jinn wasn't sure if he should be offended or pleased by her comment. He wasn't Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan followed the rules. Obi-Wan obeyed the will of the High Council. Honestly, he was a bit of a stick in the mud. He was too compliant for Jinn's liking.

The amber Jedi said, "I can assure you, Miss Tano, our similarities are only skin deep. Now, since you are all here. I want to let you know that I am planning a trip to Mandalore with Bridger."

Ezra lifted his head, "You are?"

"Yes, I want to purchase a piece of beskar in order help Bridger forge a sword."

Ezra's eyes gleamed, "Really?"

"Yes, it's considered a trial for young warriors."

Concerned, Ahsoka remembered that Jinn explained to her what he went through during his warrior trials and said, "You're not going to drug him and nearly kill him, are you?"

The teen exclaimed, "What!"

Jinn shook his head and said, "No, but I might drug him. I don't need to try and kill Bridger. He already has experience being nearly killed."

Ezra said, "Hold on just a minute here. You plan on drugging me? Since when?"

Jinn replied, "You needn't worry. I'm medically trained, and you aren't doing anything I haven't experienced myself."

Ezra frowned and said, "That's not comforting, old man."

Rex jumped into the conversation and said, "Anyway, the cure and the distribution operation are going well thanks to Vent-I mean, Mrs. Kenobi's smuggling connections. Fives and Slick are planning on contacting Jedi Master Shaak Ti in order to stop clones from getting the bio-chip."

Fives said, "We believe that Master Ti isn't aware of the bio-chips. She's our best bet of stopping the bio-chips at the source."

Slick said, "We're also working on getting more med-tanks built, but funds are low. Nobody wants to help us unless we're willing to be hired muscle."

Fives said, "Then let them hire us. We don't get paid to be soldiers, but we can get paid to be bounty hunters and mercenaries."

Slick crossed his arms over his chest and said, "Sure, but we don't have enough men."

Fives said, "There are millions of clones. Let's start building our ranks. I say we go recruit some of our brothers to join us as rebels."

Jinn said, "Fives, perhaps you should think about expanding your recruitment to civilians as well. There are a lot of people who have been affected by the war who might be interested in joining us."

The ARC trooper grinned and said, "I like the way you think, Master Jinn."

Slick frowned and said, "I don't agree. Civilians aren't clones."

Jinn said, "Then, how about we let Slick screen new recruits? If they can pass his scrutiny, then we'll know they can be trusted."

Slick looked appalled by the suggestion, but Rex and Fives were pleased. Rex smiled and said, "I agree with Master Jinn. Slick, you're in charge of new recruits."

XXX

"Where are we?" asked Barriss.

The Padawan looked around the forest and nearly rocky terrain. It was beautiful and full of life. She wondered what kind of person Master Jinn was to choose such a hiding place. She followed Master Kenobi and Master Vos as they exited the ship along with the rest of the Jedi younglings.

Obi-Wan looked over his shoulder and replied, "We're on Endor. It's a forest moon on the Outer Rim. Based on the coordinates, we should head in that direction towards the rocks."

Barriss turned towards one of the Padawans beside her and said, "There's nothing to fear, Caleb."

Caleb narrowed his brow and said, "I'm not afraid, but I am worried about Master Depa. I didn't tell her where I was going. I just left without saying anything."

Barriss smiled reassuringly and said, "Once it's safe to contact the others then we will. For now, I think it's important to seek answers for yourselves."

Caleb lowered his gaze and said, "I guess."

However, once they cleared the trees, they saw a clearing at the mouth of a cave against a large rocky cliff. There was a wrecked ship being repaired by several men who were being directed by a young woman. Barriss saw that the men were clones. It looked like they made the cave their base.

Barriss approached Obi-Wan and said, "Master Kenobi, what is going on here?"

He turned to her and said, "I wish I knew."

Suddenly, Fives walked by or rather ran by as a different young woman was following him. She caught up to him and grabbed his arm and shouted, "Hey! I'm talking to you. We're not done."

Fives groaned and pulled his arm away from her and said, "And I already told you. You are not getting the full payment until you complete your assignment. And before you start, you are not getting more credits for doing nothing."

Rafa uncrossed her arms around her chest and poked Fives' armored chest and said, "Listen, buddy. You own me compensation for my wrecked ship."

Fives narrowed his brow and said, "It's not my fault you're a terrible driver. And it's not buddy. The name's Fives."

Rafa frowned and said, "That's not even a name! That's a number. And the way I see it. It is your fault. Your friends, Ashla and Jaig, or should I say Commander Ashoka Tano and Captain Rex brought us here under false pretenses."

Fives tilted his head with a smile and said, "Oh really? Are you sure it wasn't your greed that landed you in this mess? The way I see it, no one twisted your arm or put a blaster to your head to make you come here. So, unless you got a legitimate compliant, I suggest you take your pretty little self elsewhere cause I'm a busy man."

The ARC trooper didn't wait for her to respond. Instead, he turned on his heel and started to walk away. He heard Rafa fume and curse under her breath. He didn't want to admit it, but he liked her. He smiled to himself because he suspected the feeling might be mutual.

Suddenly, someone called his name, "Fives."

He saw that it was General Kenobi. "General Kenobi? What are you doing here?"

Obi-Wan raised his brow and said, "Yes, it's good to see you too, Fives. Now, where's Master Jinn?"

"Ah-uh, he's-"

Obi-Wan raised his hand and said, "Never mind, I'll go look for him myself. In the meantime, please tend to our guests."

Barriss stepped forward and said, "I'm coming too, Master Kenobi."

Master Vos said, "Don't worry. I'll babysit the kids."

Obi-Wan replied, "Very well. Come, Barriss. I sense him this way."

XXX

Barriss followed Obi-Wan deeper inside the cave. She saw that it was larger than she thought. There were many corridors and passageways. There were also more clones who looked more surprised to see her than Master Kenobi. Though, the men looked to be moving supplies and setting up equipment. She saw that several of them were clone medics.

Eventually, they followed a passageway that led to a beautiful waterfall inside a large chamber. The top of the chamber had a large opening that allowed sunlight to stream in. Yellow butterflies flew around them and the sound of the falling water was tranquil.

Barriss was started when she saw a man that looked like Master Kenobi overlooking the falls at the mouth of a corridor. Obi-Wan didn't seemed surprised to see the man at all. However, instead of wearing white robes, he wore grey.

"Jinn, what is this?"

Jinn turned to him and said, "Obi-Wan? Well, this is a surprise. Welcome to Rebel base."

Obi-Wan said, "Jinn, this isn't a social call."

He said, "Yes, I know. I'm sorry that I lost my temper, but I won't apologize for what I did. If Anakin seeks satisfaction, then you can tell him that I will oblige him."

Obi-Wan rubbed his face. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You mean you're not sorry that you nearly killed him?"

Jinn raised his brow and said, "Don't be so dramatic. If I wanted him dead, then he would be."

Barriss narrowed her brow. She had no idea what they were talking about. She had no idea what sort of name Master Jinn was, but she had brought her friends a long way to meet him. She was beginning to think she made a mistake.

She stepped forward and asked, "Are you Master Jinn?"

Jinn looked at her and said, "Yes."

Barriss steeled her eyes and said, "My name is Barriss Offee. I am a member of the peace movement. Is it true that you want to create a new Jedi Order?"

Jinn said, "Yes."

"Then, tell me Master Jinn. What sort of New Order do you wish to build? How is it any different from Order that already exist?"

He said, "I want to create an Order that accepts all Force-sensitives. A place that embraces both the Darkness and the Light. An Order that permits attachments. An Order that teaches it's followers to defend the helpless and takes arms only against those who wish to do harm."

Barriss was shocked. She had never heard a Jedi say such radical beliefs before. She couldn't imagine a world were Jedi and Sith were accepted as one. She couldn't picture a place where attachments were not forbidden.

"But what about love, fear, jealousy, anger and hatred? Doesn't attachment lead to the Dark side of the Force?"

Jinn said, "Fear, jealousy, anger and hatred are natural feelings. They can't be avoided. It's what we do when we faced those feelings that defines us. You can either let hatred consume you or you can choose to make it your strength. As for love, well I have no right to deny anyone happiness."

Barriss was stunned. She had always been taught that the Darkness was evil and that it should be avoided. Yet, Jinn's beliefs went against everything she had been taught. She could see why Ahsoka considered him a friend.

"Master Jinn, such beliefs could get you expelled from the Order."

"Then, it's a good thing I am not a member of the Order."

"Do you really think it's possible to create a New Order with such beliefs?"

"Yes, I do. Though, I don't plan on doing it alone. I assume you're here because you're interested in joining."

Barriss lowered her gaze and said, "Yes. The things you've said are intriguing, but I can't give you my answer yet."

Jinn said, "I understand. Take all the time you need to reflect before you make your decision. In the meantime, you and your friends are free to stay here as my guests."

Barriss met his gaze and said, "My friends? How did you know?"

He smiled and said, "I sensed you and your friends when you arrived here. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to discuss something in private with Obi-Wan."

"Oh, of course."

XXX

He silently followed Jinn down a corridor away from the waterfall. He was disturbed by what he told Barriss. His ideas were dangerous and went against the teachings of the Order. If Jinn wasn't careful then he could lead all the Jedi followers of the peace movement to ruin.

The corridor eventually led to a chamber. It was set up with medical equipment and several bacta tanks. Obi-Wan recognized the tanks as the ones Jinn created to produce the cure for clone rapid aging. Though, on closer inspection, he saw that one of the tanks had been modified. There was a patient inside. Obi-Wan was horrified when he saw who it was.

"Jinn-what is this?"

"I'm restoring Darth Maul's body."

Obi-Wan turned to him and said, "What in the world for?"

"It's part of my plan to tame him."

Obi-Wan was appalled and said, "You can't be serious."

"Maul has agreed to help me kill the Sith Lord."

"And they call me a great negotiator. Tell me, how did you manage that?"

Jinn smiled and said, "By appealing to his darker nature. Revenge. Oh, and he still plans on killing you."

Obi-Wan raised his brow and sarcastically said, "And that minor detail doesn't bother you?"

"I'm sure you'll do fine. I think of it as evening the odds. It wouldn't be fair to fight only half a man, now would it?"

Obi-Wan stared at the tank. Maul's lower half was a strange tangle of tendrils that looked more plant-like than humanoid. It was both fascinating and horrifying. He didn't think it was possible to restore a body so damaged. Jinn had proven himself once again to be a man of many talents.

"Why didn't you tell me your plans sooner?"

Jinn stood beside Obi-Wan. The Jedi Master saw his reflection in the glass of the tank. Their appearances were nearly identical, but in truth the two men couldn't be more different.

The amber Jedi said, "I didn't want to put you in a difficult position. I know you must answer to the other members the High Council and my ideas and actions goes against their beliefs. They might order you to stop me and your sword is one that I will not cross."

Obi-Wan didn't except Jinn's response. He thought Jinn was avoiding him out of guilt of what he did to Anakin, not because he was worried that he'd have to face him.

Jinn turned away from his reflection and met Obi-Wan's gaze and said, "I was wrong. I should have told you my plans. It's not easy." He lowered his gaze and said, "It's not fair to you, but when I look at you, I see my father. I except you to know me. I except you to know my motives. So, let me ask you now. Will you stand with me? Will you fight by my side even if it means going against the Order?"

He then offered Obi-Wan his hand.

XXX

TBC

XXX

Notes:

1. Caleb Dume (or Kanan Karrus) master's named is Depa Billaba.

2. Beskar is what Mandalorin armor is made of.

3. Quinlan Vos is supposed to be Ventress' love interest in Star Wars.

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