Chapter 40 is here guys and we are getting close to the new arc involving the planet of Almora. I hope everyone is ready for this upcoming arc and this one too. I know these break parts of the story don't have a lot of action in them, but I think our heroes should take a little break before big fights begin again. Don't worry that will change when things get more serious.
So last time we saw Lux and Saw have some closure with one another, both Ahsoka and Jake admit they like each other but will wait till the fighting is over, and Damien is looking to gain a new alliance with another group. How will this go for everyone? Will things get tougher for our heroes? And what will happen when we get to Almora?
Well check out the chapter to find out what happens. Thanks again guys for the reviews you left and to my friend for his help on the story. Glad to see how things are going and hopefully you'll like this chapter too. I don't own anything from Star Wars or Power Rangers just my OCs, now enjoy!
Secrets told
Coruscant
Three days has passed since the fighting Onderon ended and since Ahsoka became the seventh Power Ranger. Her training with her new powers has been slow since she is still recovering from her fight with Vampira. Thankfully for her the Council has given her some time off to recover and she has been able to meet up with Zane to learn more about her powers. Nathan also has been helping her, even teaching her about the power both their Zords have.
It has been a good experience for her since she has more she needs to learn about her powers and how they have helped boost her Force abilities. Barriss taught her about that, but nothing that pushed her body too far. She has also spend some time with the others learning what she needs about being a Ranger and how to summon her weapon. She has also spend some time with Jake, which was okay despite how they feel for one another.
She wants them to work on their relationship, but she knows they have to wait till the fighting is over and when they don't have to deal with everything that is going on. Still, she hopes that they don't have to deal with any more problems than what they are already dealing with, especially how she has been assigned to protect Lux. The Council decide while she rests to keep an eye on Lux and make sure no harm comes to him, which should be easy since both can use their morphers.
"Is there a hit out on him?" Ahsoka asked her friend as they walk down the hallway of the Jedi temple.
"No, but the Council still believe it will likely happen," Barriss replied. "However, I don't think we need to worry about him being in danger against any bounty hunters. If it's any of Damien's monsters I think we should raise some concerns."
"Vampira came for him once, she might do it again," Ahsoka recalls what happened on Onderon and how if she wasn't there to stop Vampira there was a chance she might have figured out Lux's identity. "What will happen if our enemies or our allies find out about our secret? Does Zane have a plan for that?"
"I think he does," Barriss replied knowing this is something she talked about before with the others, but they haven't discussed it with Ahsoka. "But if he doesn't we agreed that we would accept everyone knowing the truth and be more careful with our enemies knowing the truth."
"What about the Council? What if they find out?" Ahsoka asked.
"Zane will speak to them about that," Barriss replied recalling what he told them if their secrets are revealed. "Still, we shouldn't worry about that right now. What we need to focus on is stopping Damien before he can cause any more problems."
Ahsoka nods in agreement. "So, has Zane found any clues where he could be hiding?"
"No," Barriss replied as they stop in front of the entrance into the gardens. "But he believe he'll make an appearance soon. That is why he is training us harder than before and that is why Nathan wants to help you get ready."
Ahsoka figured with Damien losing more and more monsters he would have to come out of hiding. She just wonders if all the training they go through will be enough to be ready for him.
"Ahsoka," the two Jedi look over to see Senator Amidala walk towards them.
"Padme, what are you doing here?" Ahsoka asked surprise to see her friend in the temple.
"I came to see Obi Wan and you. Are you busy?" Padme asked.
Ahsoka shook her head in response. "I think Obi Wan is with the Council at the moment. He won't be out for another hour."
"That's fine, I wanted to talk to you about something important," said Padme.
"I'll leave you two to talk then," said Barriss as she decided to head out, but gave Padme a quick bow. "Goodbye, Senator Amidala."
Padme returned the bow as Barriss took off leaving the two friends alone. "So, are you free to talk? I heard you got injured and I don't want to hold you up if your still resting."
Ahsoka shook her head. "I'm fine. Barriss helped heal my injuries so I don't have to be bedridden. How are you doing though? And how's the well you know."
Padme knew what Ahsoka was referring to and gives her a reassuring smile. "So far it's all good. The baby is fine, we're both fine."
The day after Ahsoka got back from Onderon she was approached by Padme who told her that she is pregnant. It made Ahsoka feel some guilt because she knows Anakin is the father and he is not here to be a father. Padme reassured her everything is okay and she doesn't blame her for what happened. After the two talked for a whole day they were able to get passed this and Ahsoka was happy to know her friend is going to be a mother.
"That's good. I guess I'm still worried for you and the baby since I'm worried what will happen if the Separatist find out about it," said Ahsoka knowing there are a few Separatist leaders that would love to kill Padme or harm the baby to get to her.
"I'm aware of that and that's why I want to talk to Obi Wan about it," said Padme who lets out a small sigh. "I just hope he will be okay with this and won't be upset that Anakin broke the rules."
"I think he's used to him breaking the rules and I get the feeling he knows," said Ahsoka who before always saw Obi Wan talking to Anakin about Padme, but she figures it was about something else.
"I think the issue is what if the Council finds out the truth? I mean we're already dealing with what would happen if they know about us being Rangers, but if they knew about you being pregnant…" Ahsoka didn't finish her sentence since she is now concerned what will happen if the Council knew the truth.
Ahsoka revealed to Padme the truth about her becoming a Ranger and how it happened. Padme was happy for her friend and promised to keep her secret safe. However, what they were concerned more is what will happen if the baby is found out by the Council. They figure the baby would be strong with the Force like Anakin, so the question is what will the Council do and what would happen if the Sith found out.
"That's why I want to talk to Obi Wan about this and see if he'll help," said Padme explaining why she came. "I know he cared for Anakin and would help him when he needed it. I'm confident the Council wouldn't take the baby from me, but if Count Dooku found out I'm afraid what he would do. Do you think Obi Wan will help us?"
Ahsoka knew without a doubt he would help them. "He'll help and so will I if you need anything. I'll even train the baby if you want when he or she is born."
Padme smiled happily knowing Ahsoka would help them no matter what and is happy that her friend is here for them. "Thank you, which brings up to why I came to see you."
"What is it?" Ahsoka asked wondering what Padme wanted to tell her.
Padme took a deep breath and finally came out with it. "Ahsoka, would you consider being the godmother to my baby?"
Outer Rim
A transport ship appeared out of hyperspace as it heads towards a large red colored planet. The ship enters the surface flying over the dead trees, red colored mist, and lack of life as it heads towards the location where it is heading. It arrives near what appears to be a temple and begins to descend. Once it landed the ramp begins to come down and out comes Torus along with Damien's new monster, Warrior.
A name fitting for one that unlike the others has a sense of honor. Something that the other monsters have a problem with since they were created for one purpose, to destroy by any means necessary. Damien has no issue with his warrior monster since like all the other monsters, they are all loyal to him. However, there are times when the warrior's honor will get in the way during some missions.
For Torus he hopes this one will not be one of those missions. "Look at this place. When Count Dooku send his forces to attack it, he send almost everything he had to bring it down."
Warrior looked over the remains of the fallen Nightsisters and noticed their weapons that were used. "They fought like warriors and died like ones. A same their foe had no sense of honor when he had them killed and doesn't bury them for their bravery."
Torus didn't care much for bravery since he thought it was foolish for these women to fight a force they never encountered before. "It was foolish, but our master feels they have some use for us, especially against the Sith."
"Is that so?" the two monsters hear what sounds like an older woman's voice, along what sounds like a second one that is deep. The voice echoed all around them as the monsters looked for the source of it. "So you must be the monsters that serve the one called Damien. I must admit you are exactly what I expected."
"Show yourself, witch!" Torus demanded as a green glowing smoke begins appearing around the monsters.
"As you wish," the smoke soon takes form as the once former leader of the Nightsisters, Mother Talzin appeared. "Welcome to Dathomir."
The monsters turn their attention to the witch and see how different she is from what the information described her as. In fact she reminded them a lot of someone they once knew, but decided to focus on the task at hand.
"We have come to speak to you, Mother Talzin on behalf of our master," said Torus as he bows his head to the witch showing some respect towards her.
"And why did your master not come to see me himself?" she asked not showing any signs of caution towards the two monsters, but they both knew better than to strike a witch.
"Our master did not want Count Dooku to find out he came to see you," Torus replied. "So he send us instead to make you an offer for an alliance."
"What sort of offer?" she asked.
"An offer to help return to you what was taken and to have your revenge against the Sith," said the Warrior getting the interest of Mother Talzin. "Are you willing to hear our master's proposal?"
Mother Talzin stares at the two monsters as if trying to get a reading on them. She knew it would not be wise to meet with an ally of Count Dooku and his master. However, she could tell they were being truthful with what they are proposing to her. If what she has been sensing is true, then this might be the perfect chance to exact revenge.
"What does he have in mind?"
Coruscant
"You want me to be the godmother to your child?" Ahsoka asked shocked that her friend asked her that request. "W-why me? Why not someone else like someone in your family or Alexis?"
"I did think maybe someone in my family could be the godparent of my child and Alexis was a choice. However, before Anakin left we were talking about what would happen if I was pregnant and who would be the godparent to our child if anything happens to us. Anakin felt you could care for our child as the godmother, while Obi Wan could be the godfather," Padme explained trying to also help calm her friend. "He felt with everything you went through during the years as his student that he trusts you to care for our child, and Obi Wan well you know why with him."
Ahsoka knew as well. Obi Wan was like an older brother or to others a father to Anakin who took care of him and helped him get to where he needed to go. Sure they had their disagreements at time, but Anakin always turned to Obi Wan for advice when he needed it. So him being asked to be the godfather is no surprise, but her as the godmother is one to her.
"What do you think?" she asked.
Both women sat down as Padme began explaining to Ahsoka what she feels. "I think he's right about you being the perfect choice to be the godmother. You are strong like Anakin, hard-headed at times like him, but you are both caring, and I know you will do everything you can to keep our child safe. You weren't just a student to Anakin, you were like his little sister, and in a way I see you as one too. You're my friend, my sister, and your family."
Ahsoka couldn't help but feel her eyes filling up with a little bit of tears as she tries to wipe them away. "Thank you and if you really think I can do this then I'll be the godmother. I just wonder how Alexis will feel about that."
"Oh she knows," Padme replied. "She agreed with me when I said you could be the godmother. Like me she trusts you too."
Ahsoka felt happy to know that Jake's mom trusts her. She wonders though if she trusts him enough to date her son. "So, what now?"
"Now, we wait till I talk to Obi Wan to see if he'll be okay with all of this. For now go see your friends and spend some time with them," Padme suggested as they head towards the entrance of the temple. "Oh and try spending some more time with Jake."
Ahsoka stops near the entrance after what her friend just said. "W-what?"
Padme giggled when she saw her friend's reaction. "I know you two confessed your feelings for one another and that you are not doing anything about it till the fighting is over. My advice though is try spending some time together at least and enjoy the time you have with each other."
Ahsoka figures Jake or the others told Padme what happened, but decided to figure it out later and take her friend's advice. "All right, I'll try and thank you."
Padme nods as the two friends give a quick hug and Ahsoka takes off to find her friends. As soon as she left Obi Wan stood near the entrance watching the whole thing, and had on a small smile.
"You keep this up and the Council might decide not to let any Jedi go near you," said Obi Wan getting Padme's attention. "Especially if you keep having them break the rules."
"I'm just giving them my honest opinion, that is all," said Padme as she greets her friend. "Hello Master Kenobi, how long were you standing there?"
"Enough to hear you talk to Ahsoka about giving this relationship with the boy a chance," Obi Wan replied as he approaches the senator. "And about her being a Power Ranger, which we agreed to not have any mention around the temple."
Padme nods understanding what Obi Wan is saying, who also knows about Ahsoka's secret. He had his suspicions about the Power Rangers ever since Naboo and who they are. He didn't say anything since he felt they are all doing good and seem to know what they are doing. Finding out Ahsoka was a Ranger happened after he was told from Saw that he saw her transform after Vampira was defeated.
He didn't tell anyone except to Obi Wan who he felt could be trusted and because Obi Wan trusts Ahsoka. So he decided to only tell Padme who knew as well and the two decided to keep this a secret, even from the Council.
"I just hope the Council if they ever find out won't kick her out. Will they?"
Obi Wan shook his head. "I'm not sure, but if they do find out I don't think they will kick her or Barriss out. My concern is what the Chancellor will do if they find out. Already many of the Council members believe if the Republic finds out they will try using the Power Rangers as a weapon. That is why we have to keep this quiet until we figure out what to do."
"I hope so," said Padme as she decided to try moving the subject along. "Obi Wan, there's something I have to tell you. Do you promise to hear me out first before saying anything?"
Obi Wan nods curious on what the senator wants to tell her. "What is it?"
Padme took a deep breath and just tell him. "I'm pregnant and I need your help."
Rhen Var
Torus and Warrior entered the throne room where they kneeled in the entrance before their master who is standing at the balcony with his back against them.
"Welcome, Mother Talzin." said Damien sensing the presence of the Witch of Dathomir. He turns around and sees the spirit form of the witch appear before him as he motions for his warriors to leave. "I must say when I read the files about you I wasn't expecting you to look less like the witches I have met in the past."
Mother Talzin approaches Damien not surprise by how he looks, but was surprise by the power she could sense from him. It was nothing she has ever sensed before and she knew it was a power that surpassed the Sith in every way.
"And you are this Monarch of Evil that I have heard much about," she said as she walks up to him in the balcony. "I must admit myself I didn't expect you to look young and appear human."
"This form is the cause of a sealing spell my enemy created during our final battle," said Damien pointing at his human form. "So it is true what I heard then. You know what is going on in the galaxy despite how you are now."
Mother Talzin nods in response. "I can sense the conflict going on, I can see everything that is going on, I know about the Power Rangers, how you got here, and who you are."
Damien was pleased to hear the things he heard about the witch are true. "Good, then I assume you are interested in what I have to offer?"
Mother Talzin didn't respond at first, but rather stared at Damien as if trying to get a read on him. After what happened with the Sith she wasn't going to be so trusting towards him, especially if she doesn't know what his intentions are.
"Tell me, Damien. Why is someone as powerful as you seeking alliance with me?" she asked as she walks out of the balcony and towards the throne room. "After all, with all your monsters, powers, and control over the criminal organizations surely destroying the Sith should be an easy task for you."
Damien knew gaining her trust would not come so easily, especially after her encounter with the Sith. "As powerful as I am my dear, I'm afraid getting rid of the Sith will not solve my biggest problem. For me to get rid of them I'll need your help."
"And what do you want from me that you can't do yourself?" she asked again trying to figure out what angle he is playing.
Damien knew if he was going to gain her alliance he'll need to tell her everything. "During the final fight against my enemy, Zane. He sealed half my powers and trapped me so that I would never break free again. As you can see I broke out, but despite my best efforts I could not break free of this seal that was placed on me. I thought aligning myself with the Sith would help me find a way to break free, but I found nothing they had could break the seal and return my full power to me."
Mother Talzin now sees why he summoned for her. Not to gain an alliance, but to be free. "You believe with my powers then I can free you?"
Damien shook his head in response. "No, like you I can sense how powerful you are and you don't have the power to free me. However, you do have the power to free the one that can undo the seal."
"Who?" she asked.
"My wife," he replied surprising a little the witch. "Like you my wife is a powerful sorceress who assisted me in the final battle against the Power Rangers. Like me though she was sealed away, but not by Zane. It was his wife who sealed mine away and brought her to this world, but on a planet that cannot be found by me. I also assume that even if I found the planet that Zane's wife will make sure I can't go anywhere near it to free my wife."
Mother Talzin now sees why Damien wants her alliance. "I assume you never told Darth Sidious because you know as well as I do he will try betraying you."
"He won't try, he will," he replied as he uses his powers to summon his dark globe. "I know how the Sith work and how they want to be the only powerful force in the galaxy. That is why I believe we can work together. I know why you hate the Sith and what they have done. Not just for destroying your home, but what they did to your son."
Mother Talzin stares at Damien not surprise he knows about her past or about her son who was used by the Sith, but then tossed aside. Still, it doesn't mean she will work for someone whose powers if freed would surpass her own.
"Again, what can you offer me? What can someone who is limited to what he can do offer me in return for my services?" she asked while walking around him. "How do I know you won't betray me after I help free your wife? How do I know you won't try killing me like the Sith tried to do."
Damien knew what she wanted and how he can give it to her. "I may be limited to some things, but not everything. I can help bring back your fallen warriors from the dead so they may serve you once again. I can also help you get revenge against the Sith by bringing them to you on their knees broken and beaten. And I can help give life to you once more, but only if you accept my deal."
Now this is an offer she was tempted to take. It's true she cares little for her warriors that died, but to serve her without question once more and to bring an end to the Sith is something she wants more.
"How do I know I can trust you?"
"You don't. Just like I believe I can't trust you either, he replied bringing up a good point. "However, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. So I will put aside my doubts about you and I will help you, but the question is will you help me?"
She knew he brought up a lot of good point and with how things are she'll need all the help she can get to get her revenge. "Very well. I will accept your deal, but finding your wife will take time. Even if I do find her, to free her will require a powerful spell and I sense Zane's wife will throw obstacles that will stop us from freeing your wife."
"I assume you have a solution for that?" he asked.
She nods in response as she turns to the globe and uses her magic to reveal an image on it. "She once lived on our home world before she was taken from us. She once a slave, but was saved by a Jedi until his death came and she accepted the darkness. She once served the Sith, but was betrayed and left for dead. And she once came home before losing it to the Sith who came to destroy everything."
Damien sees the image of the woman who appears to have pale skin, no hair, and he could sense the power coming from her. "Who is she?"
"Her name is Assajj Ventress and with her help we will free your wife."
Unknown planet
A female Bivall scientist is in her laboratory going over some experiments she was ordered by the Chancellor to perform. She was charged months ago to try cloning a creature that was killed on Coruscant so they can gain more of its scales to create armor for the Clone Army. However, the cloning process for the creature failed multiple times and they couldn't perfect a proper clone for it. That all changed when they managed to clone one that died a few days later, but did give her time to gain what she needed to create the armor needed for the soldiers.
That all changed though when a month ago the Chancellor placed her on a new experiment to work on using the materials of the creature and a horn of another that was brought to them by one of the Clone soldiers. The Chancellor wanted her to create a hybrid creature to help them combat against the monsters that are being unleashed on the galaxy. Before she thought she was doing the right thing trying to help people, but now she wasn't so sure. She feels more like a prisoner being forced to do whatever she is ordered to do.
The door to her lab opens as Admiral Tarkin walks in with two Clones walking up behind him. "Dr. Boll, how goes the experiment?"
Doctor Sionver Boll faces Tarkin, not pleased to see him. "It's going slow. Would go a lot faster if I had some help."
"The less people know what we're doing the better," Admiral Tarkin replied. "Anyways, the Chancellor wants it done soon."
Dr. Boll moves her arms up and shows the process she has made so far. "It won't be ready for another few months. I told you that already. I can't do it all by myself and the droids you left for me end up getting destroyed when the experiment goes wrong. I need assistance from those that will listen to me and won't get damaged."
"That is why the Chancellor has decided to bring in someone to assist you and he brought a new sample for you to work on with your experiment," Admiral Tarkin moves to the side and shows the assistant, much to Dr. Boll's surprised. "Meet Dr. Vindi, he will be assisting you in the experiment."
Dr. Vindi greets the doctor, while still cuffed. "Greetings Dr. Boll. Looks like we'll be working together."
"You can't be serious!" Dr. Boll replied upset with who she is working with. "You can't leave me alone with this criminal. He is a mad man and will only end up damaging what process I have made so far."
"Not if he wants to live," Admiral Tarkin has the soldiers show a device attached to the back of Vindi's neck. "If he so much as tampers with it, it will kill him and it will also make sure not to bring any harm to you. Just as long as you two get the job done."
Dr. Boll knew she had little choice and has to do what Tarkin says. "Fine, what is this sample you said he has."
Vindi shows a vial containing some blood. "This will help complete our experiment and create a creature that will not only destroy the monsters plaguing our galaxy, but destroy the monster behind making them."
"Where did the blood come from?" Dr. Boll asked.
"From one of Damien's monsters, Vampira," Tarkin replied surprising Dr. Boll. "Now remember, get this creature done soon or else we might have to figure out what to do about your future."
Sorry for keeping you guys waiting. We wanted to make sure the next chapter is good before we get to the Almora arc. Not to mention I have the family over and trying to get employment. I think I found one, but still keeping a second opinion just in case.
Also it looks like both bad sides are planning betraying the other. Who will pull the trigger first? Damien and Zane both have wives? Gasped!
Well actually no one should be surprise, especially with all I threw in here. What will happen now that Damien has the Nightsisters as allies and will the alliance last? Will Obi Wan confront Ahsoka about her being a Ranger? And what does Damien have plan for Almora?
Find out next time to see what happens next. Thank you to my friend for his help on the chapter and all of you for the support for the story. We appreciate it guys and also if you like how this went then please leave some reviews, but no flame reviews. Also if you guys want some updates on the stories go to my Tumblr page then.
Take care everyone and see you all next time.