Star Wars: Heir of the Force
Episode 2: Chapter 3
***I own no part of anything Star Wars related***
If you want occasional updates, follow me on twitter Angelslayer135
***HotF***
Ahsoka bit her lip in agitation as she stood over the control panel located at their temporary refuge, her thoughts warring with each other. Her master had originally told her not to send any communications unless it was an emergency.
Then a message had come through the day after their arrival informing her that she should contact the council with updates immediately. But there was nothing to report… if she ignored the young man currently sharing a house with them who seemed to have connection to The Force that she could not in any way shape or form comprehend, much less explain.
She really ought to mention that to mention that to the other masters, or at the very least her own. This train of thought, however, caused her more pause than it should have. The human wasn't dangerous, at least not towards them, and he certainly didn't seem to be evil or involved in the assassination attempt on Padme's life. Then there was the fact that the woman she had been chosen to protect seemed rather interested in him.
Plus, the way that Amidala seemed to know what she was contemplating, if the warning glares were any indication, meant that if she chose this route there would undoubtedly be repercussions, at least to the extent of making her job considerably more difficult.
A sigh escaped her lips as she stared down at the flashing lights and buttons. At least her master would be happy, she was finally overthinking everything just like he seemed to do. It was proof of how conflicted her own thoughts were when a voice startled her from the doorway.
"Decide what you are going to do yet?" It was a cold tone, and she immediately knew the owner. 'Anakin' seemed nothing but bright and cheerful around them after all.
"I… uhm…"
Disappointment flared from the young woman and Ahsoka was more than a little happy she was facing a different direction so that her wince wouldn't be revealed. She was all too familiar with that feeling being directed towards her.
"I just came to inform you that lunch is ready. Should we be expecting more visitors?" Though it was posed as a question the teen instinctively knew that Padme would be furious at more Jedi showing up.
A brief shake of her head was all that she could manage, "No… no I haven't contacted them. I… I wouldn't know what to say even if I did… I don't know what to do. All I ever do is fail."
Though it had been a whisper, her words seemed to echo through the room, even overtop the hum of electronics. Emotions changed, and the frost seemed to melt. "Sorry, I shouldn't be angry at you, I know you are just doing your best to please everyone."
The snort that emanated from her wasn't very Jedi-like. "Yet I end up disappointing even more people instead."
Seconds passed, before a hand gently rested on her shoulder, "It sounds like you have the same problem I encountered years ago, back when I was in politics. You can't make everyone happy and trying to do so is just setting yourself up for failure.
Biting her lip, the younger girl nodded before turning to face the older, "As your guardian my priority is your safety. Until the assassin can be apprehended, we will stay on communication silence."
Padme's response was a heartfelt smile, and a feeling of trust being built between the two.
***HotF***
"Tea?"
The disapproving frown was enough to earn a sigh from the older Jedi, he had hoped that his former padawan would keep his sense of humor, or at least to copy a bit of his own mischievous streak. Apparently though this was either not the case, or he was the point of it showing.
"I understand you are upset Obi-Wan and I told you that I would explain things but only if you will agree to listen with an open mind."
Kenobi responded by crossing his arms, his expression not changing in the least, "I am taking an open mind Master, by sitting here listening rather than immediately contacting Coruscant."
Nodding in gratitude, the aged man slowly took a seat, a weary sigh escaping his lips before he could suppress it.
"Master… are you okay?" Gone was the judgment from the knight's eyes, replaced with concern.
Qui-Gon felt a smile form on his features, it was good to see that despite his 'indoctrination' by the Jedi Council his apprentice had not lost his empathy. "I am just tired Obi-Wan. Tired and a bit sore, you will understand when you get to be my age. Now then, I know you have questions and I will address them, but I suspect first you would like to know how I came to be here."
Seeing a nod, the man continued in his tale, "I had received a message from my own Master, inviting me to speak with him regarding the politics and negotiate with the Confederacy. Obviously, I wanted to do what I could to try and calm the situation or maybe I thought that I could somehow fix the problem. Either way I came here, spoke to him, listened to what his and the others' goals are, what they want to achieve…"
"So, you see what they are trying to do then? They are attempting to destroy the Republic, to destabilize democracy!"
With a shake of his head Jinn saw that the other Jedi had indeed been blinded by the Senate and the Council he had once believed in as well. "They are not. Those involved want to peacefully leave the Republic because of the unfair treatment and laws. They want equality, to escape the corruption that we both know exists."
"There are other ways of doing this, Master. They are threatening to destabilize the galaxy for their own selfish reasons."
"All life is selfish my friend. Do you think the Senators are altruistic just because they are part of a committee?"
A mental battle clearly waged on the face of the 'captive' as he struggled to come up with a further argument, but he was tired both from the trip and his imprisonment, though short it may have been.
Before weariness could completely take hold Obi-Wan made his inquiry, "Am I to be returned to my 'cell' after this?"
"Of course not. Dooku has assured me you are not a prisoner, though he does wish to speak with you personally before you communicate with Coruscant."
He had been ready to argue but noticed a pleading light in his master's eyes and relented. He had wanted to investigate regardless after all.
***HotF***
She breathed deeply, taking in the warm summer air, the fresh scent of nature, and the peaceful sounds of a breeze moving the grass and trees ever so slightly. This, she realized, is what she had needed. A break from everything, from all the stress and worries of her chosen career, and just from dealing with politicians and the corrupt in general.
A glance to the left revealed the young Jedi sitting with her eyes closed, apparently in meditation, or maybe she was just enjoying the warm sunlight as much as Padme was at this moment.
The only question now was where her third guest was. This was answered a moment later with a loud cheer, followed by the sound of running as a body blurred past her. Then there was the splash as the man decided to jump straight into the lake. From the corner of her eye she noticed that this had, in fact, disturbed the other girl as well.
Seconds ticked by as the surface of the lake smoothed out to a calm sheet, the opposite of what her heart was currently doing, because now she was beginning to worry. Had he hurt himself? Was he trapped underwater or unconscious? Standing, she moved forward towards the edge of the water, joined shortly by Ahsoka, whose expression of concern was quickly matching hers.
Before either could make the decision to jump in after him the water, and tension, were broken as the blonde burst out, absolutely soaked, long messy hair sticking to his face, and grinning like a madman.
"You… you… jerk!"
She wanted to be mad at him, for making her worried, for ruining the relaxation she was having, and for just being a bit of… well a jerk. Unfortunately, that damned smile of his made it hard for her to stay mad.
His grin widened as he called back, "I have really missed swimming."
Shaking her head, Padme ignored the giggle from next to her and crossed her arms, at least attempting to look upset. This seemed to have gotten the point across, at least somewhat, as Anakin floated over towards them, before climbing out of the water and onto the embankment.
"Sorry, you're right, I didn't mean to upset you." Unknown to him, however, his words were lost on the two who became aware of something else. He was still wearing his casual clothing, which meant they were now completely soaked, and clung to his body rather tightly.
Seconds later the youngest girl let out an 'eep' before turning to hide her blush. Padme, on the other hand, continued raking her eyes over him. He was a glorious mess, long, untamed, hair plastered to his face, eyes sparkling with excitement and joy, infectious smile just as bright as the midday sun. The only things concerning the scene that caused a moment of disappointment were that he was still wearing obscuring clothes, and the nearby guest that would make any further activity impossible.
"You've never heard of a 'swimsuit' have you Anakin?"
His head tilted to the side in the adorable manner of subtle confusion. "No, I don't think I have."
"Mmm, well you aren't really supposed to swim in normal clothes." She muttered, making no attempt to look elsewhere.
This time a frown of confusion formed on his face, "Should I have undressed first?"
Padme was very tempted to confirm his thought.
***HotF***
It had taken longer than he would have liked, first to determine the layout of the facility and then so gain the trust needed to be allowed to venture out on his own. Eventually, he had convinced his former master that being allowed to send a basic transmission would be in the best interest of everyone involved. At some point his absence would be noticed, and then the Jedi Council would send more than a single knight to investigate the disappearance.
If Dooku wanted to keep their location neutral, and ignored, having groups of Jedi investigators was not the way to go about it. He had promised to keep the message short though, just enough to explain he wasn't in danger and was still following up on some information.
Kenobi intended to keep that promise, at least from a certain point of view. He would send out a message to the Jedi Council informing them that he was still proceeding with his mission, and unharmed. If he also just happened to mention that there was no need to follow up on Geonosis or the Count well that was just him covering his bases.
Because there was something not right about the entire situation. He didn't buy the former Jedi's explanation about their presence on this planet for a minute, despite the man's obvious charisma.
'We are working with the Geonosians on inducting them into the Confederacy as well. They too have long suffered under the unfair trade and regulations brought about by the corruption in the Senate and have found sympathetic ears here, amongst friends and allies.'
He very much doubted that it would require so many to go over negotiations. Even if it did there was the unsatisfactory answer concerning the connection between their 'peaceful protest' and the bounty hunter he had been searching for. Misdirection and half-truths befitting a politician rather than a noble master of the Order.
There was more than going on than what was being spoken out loud. Despite what his master seemed to be ignoring Obi-Wan could feel The Force pulling him onward, calling him to investigate and seek deeper truths, to search for a more 'elusive' answer rather than the one sitting right before him. He could recall years prior ignoring such instincts at the behest of Qui-Gon and focusing solely on The Living Force.
Not this time, as he had theorized all those years ago it had been that feeling that sought to warn him of the return of the Sith. Now, he was going to find the truth for himself.
***HotF***
Padme Amidala was not jealous, because there was nothing to be jealous of. Certainly not how much time her protector was spending with Anakin, or the connection they seemed to share. The two had gone for a run around the lake a bit earlier and were just now coming back around.
Smoothing her features, she forced a smile as they came slowed to a walk, she called out to them, pushing aside any negative thoughts she might be harboring. "I think you two just broke any records there might have been."
The young Jedi blushed from the praise, while the blonde merely grinned. "You should have come with us, Ahsoka was worried the entire time about leaving you alone."
Okay, that was kind of sweet of the younger girl, and Padme's smile smoothed to something more genuine when she turned towards the teen. "I appreciate that, but I don't think I could keep up with you two."
Curiosity flashed on the man's face, "What do you mean?"
"The Force…" Tano muttered, "Sort of gives us an unfair edge…" It was a bit of a risk, to reveal that she knew he had a connection to it similar to her own, but it would happen eventually.
Oddly his expression didn't change, "It certainly helps, but why would that prevent Padme from keeping up with us?"
"I'm not exactly a Jedi."
Amidala promised herself that she would never tire of his laugh, or the way it seemed to lighten her heart and mood. "Neither am I. Just because you aren't a Jedi doesn't mean you can't use The Force though."
"Well yeah… but I mean she isn't Force sensitive so…"
Anakin shrugged, "Just because you aren't naturally good at painting doesn't mean you can't paint. The Force is created by life and creates all life. It is not owned by one religion or another, it answers to any who can call out to it and listen to the reply."
"Could I…" The older woman paused, trying to figure out what to say. She had always mocked the idea of The Force as anything besides a way for the Jedi to cheat and manipulate others. The idea that she now was interested in it… would she be a hypocrite for asking?
"We are always learning new things, always changing. I can teach you, if you want." That simple sentence broke her from the doubt. It was filled with so many things, but judgement was not one of them. It was like he could see right through her, see her weakness and past, and then look beyond them.
How long had it been since someone simply wanted to help her? Even Ahsoka seemed surprised by the offer of the man.
"I… would like that."
***HotF***
The young man was a tad puzzled. Emotions for both the two women he was living with had shifted very strangely. Ahsoka was filled with conflicting emotions, mostly confusion and a small amount of regret.
Padme, on the other hand, was… giddy? Yes, giddy would be a good way Anakin would describe it, that and something else, a burning that he had felt before in others but never had enough time to approach and ask them about it.
Entering the dining room, and feeling a bit of confusion himself about the lack of illumination save for various candles and a fire burning nearby, he was about to ask why the younger girl wasn't present when their host turned towards him, and he suddenly found it rather difficult to speak.
She was wearing dark clothing, a top that came up very low on her chest, thus revealing a large amount of glowing skin. For a moment he wondered if it was as warm as it looked and felt the desire to check.
Whatever expressions were on his face seemed to be what Padme had been aiming for, and her smile sent further shivers through his body.
"Everything alright Anakin?"
Was her voice different? It seemed softer, but at the same time filled with something he couldn't recognize. "Uh y-yeah everything is good. You uhm… you look really nice."
There was a bit of confusion in her face, had he said something wrong? He wasn't exactly used to complimenting others, so he wasn't sure if... she immediately interrupted his concern with laughter. "Thank you, Anakin. I'm glad you seem to like my outfit. Would you like to sit down and eat?"
With a nod he took his place, with Padme sitting right across from him. A comfortable silence descended as they began to enjoy the prepared meal, yet throughout Anakin found himself continuously glancing up to the other individual, her upper torso in particular.
Why was this so very interesting to him? Why was that the sight seemed to send his heart racing?
"Something wrong?"
His eyes jumped to her face, to her lips, she had been saying something and he had been staring at her.
A teasing smile crossed her face, "I asked if something was wrong, you were… distracted."
"Sorry, I was just wondering…"
"Wondering what?"
"What it would feel like to touch your skin."
This time it was Padme's turn to shift slightly in her seat, teeth scraping her lip as she fought for an answer. Should she accept? Continue teasing him? Drag him back to her room? A voice in her head promptly chided her debate, one that sounded suspiciously like her mother and how it was important to wait until marriage for such actions.
Dropping her gaze, she muttered her reply, "Maybe… in the future you can find out." She, more than a little reluctantly, replied. In that moment she was hesitant to look up at him, wondering if he would be upset at her teasing and then withdrawal. Finally, she made the choice and was surprised at his normal bright smile and returned one of her own.
***HotF***
"Ahsoka, you need to relay this communication to Coruscant," Her master, just a blurry poor-quality image commanded, "we haven't much time. I can't use their transmitters without being discovered or interrupted."
The Padawan had been alerted, thanks to the droids located at their hideaway, of the man's transmission, which had also earned the attention of the other two occupants. A gesture, however, had the two older individuals waiting outside the range of the transmitter
Kenobi continued on, the young girl confirming that he was being transmitted to the Jedi Council, "I have made a terrible discovery, it appears that the Confederacy is using the foundries at Geonosis to produce a massive droid army. I've also spotted what appears to be large transport ships capable of transporting and deploying them."
From the safety of the tower on Coruscant, Windu frowned in concentration. It wasn't that they hadn't expected the CIS to prepare for some sort of military operation, it was simply that this was far earlier than they thought it would be, and far more aggressive.
"What of the leadership?" the dark-skinned man pressed.
Kenobi seemed to glance about before drawing his cloak in just a tad more. Nights weren't exactly warm on planet. "Count Dooku is the major leader, at least that I have encountered though he denied any involvement on the attempt on miss Amidala's life I sense there is something more than he isn't confirming."
"Gather what more information you can and then get off the planet, we will report this to the Senate and…" The connection between Naboo and Obi-Wan suddenly broke, leaving Ahsoka with a terrible feeling in her stomach.
"Trouble, knight Kenobi has found. Prepare for conflict we must." Redirecting his ancient gaze towards the center of the room, and thus the Jedi visible on Naboo. "In danger, Amidala might still be, stay with her in safety you must. Rescue Obi-Wan we will."
Ahsoka did not have time to respond before the images faded, leaving her with the other two standing nearby. Silence filled the air until it was the largest personality who decided to break it, "So, when do we leave?"
If she had been moving, she might have stumbled, instead the youngest girl spun to face the older, shock clear on her face, "Wh-what?"
"When. Do. We. Leave?" Padme repeated slowly, as if the Jedi hadn't quite heard her.
"Leave? Where? We aren't going anywhere. You heard Master Yoda, I'm supposed to keep you here, where it is safe."
The former monarch rolled her eyes, "Yes, because sending a message from a hostile world that probably had something to do with the assassination attempt definitely did not reveal our location. Look, I might not like Kenobi or the stick crammed way too far up his ass, but I know he's important to you and I would like to find out if the Confederacy put a price on my head."
Anakin nodded in agreement, "I've never been to Geonosis, it sounds like fun."
Biting her lip, Ahsoka considered telling the odd man to stay on Naboo, where it was safe. It was bad enough that Padme was marching into what certainly could be a trap but bringing another in was reckless and selfish.
Still though, she felt… connected to him somehow. His presence seemed to give her focus and strength she never had before. "I suppose, as long as we are really careful. It might throw off anyone who thinks we would stay on Naboo."
***HotF***
Anakin's frown, had anyone been around to observe and comment on it, caused him to resemble a pouting child rather than a grown adult and skilled wielder of the most powerful energy in the Universe. He had a right to be upset though. After all they had been through the two women had insisted that he wait behind at the ship.
At the ship!
What was he supposed to do, guard the bathroom?
A huff of annoyance breezed through his lips, it wasn't as if he couldn't sneak around or fight if he had to, heck he could probably do so better than they could, but for some reason Ahsoka had demanded they both stay, that is until Padme had pointed out that it would be against the young girl's mission to leave her unguarded. This had led to a short standoff after which the younger had conceded that, so long as they were careful, she could tag along.
That, however, was when they had both turned and explicitly told him to 'stay here, where it is safe', and then departed.
"Yes, because sitting in the shiny large piece of metal is so much safer than anywhere else…" he grumbled, before staring off into the wasteland surrounding them. Couldn't these 'Confederate' people at least pick a nicer planet to live on? Just as he was contemplating ignoring the previous 'orders' and wandering around a bit outside something caught his attention from a nearby rock formation.
A metallic figure moving amongst the rocks, he vaguely recalled them from years ago, something known as a 'battle droid'.
"Well, that probably means they know the ship is here…" he rationalized, "Which would mean they are either going to blow it up or investigate, which means that the ship is no longer 'safe' which means I should find somewhere else that is safe… maybe somewhere a bit more interesting…"
With that decision made the teen snuck out into the harsh landscape and glaring heat, moments later finding a small vent that he could slip into and enter the underground facility undiscovered.
***HotF***