The Power to Save Her
Chapter 26
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
Important Note: I will not follow comics/legends characters or concepts closely, if at all. My knowledge is strictly on the that of the movies and a more mainstream knowledge of Star Wars. Though I may reference events and things outside of the movies, I do not claim to know the material on a deeper level.
The rebel fleet drifted through space, a distant system casting starlight onto the larger ships. X-Wing fighters were practicing formations, while the people within the larger vessels maintained the ships. In the secure wing, Padmé was sitting on the cot opposite to Anakin, reading a datapad quietly, waiting for the Alliance to accept the truth of their words. Anakin was sitting with his eyes closed, a look of deep concentration on his tired face, when the door to their secure room opened. Anakin dropped his meditative stance, and quickly pulled up his mask, when an older man walked in, greeting them with a bow. Padmé was at once struck with a strange sense of familiarity with this person, and as soon as she met his gaze, she understood why.
"Good to see you again Senator Amidala.", he greeted and Padmé felt her jaw drop in shock.
"Captain Rex?", she questioned, truly examining the man before her. He was older, bearded, but clearly the same clone captain from all those years ago.
"Yes milady.", nodded the clone, older but otherwise very much the same.
Padmé couldn't hold back a smile as she turned to glance over to Anakin who was keeping his gaze low. Then all at once she remembered where they were and turned back to their old friend. A man she once believed to be dead, along with many of the brainwashed clone troopers, was seemingly involved in the Rebel cause.
"You're alive.", she said at last, causing the clone to give a faint smile.
"Thanks to the daring rescue of Ahsoka.", he answered, mind seeming to go back to another time. Padmé again noted his age, his eyes telling her that he'd grown wiser with time. "She's been missing for over three years now."
Padmé felt a surge of melancholy come over her at the prospect before forcing herself to smile again.
"You're here though, and I'm thankful for that.", she responded, seeing the man agree with that.
"I've heard you've made quite the impact around here.", Rex continued, eyes glancing over to Anakin who remained silent. "Even going as far as to rescue the young Skywalker."
Padmé smiled at this, though didn't know quite what to say.
"He's your son, isn't he?", Rex assumed, gaze completely on Padmé. She nodded, knowing that he'd been privy to some of the information about her and Anakin's relationship, so it wouldn't be too hard to guess. "I thought so. Quite the Jedi now, and takes after the both of you."
"For which I am quite proud.", was all she said, not sure how to continue.
"General Skywalker would be too, I'm quite sure.", Rex stated, not knowing that the man in question was standing right there. "But, back to the reason for my presence. High Command has cleared you and is asking for your presence."
"So soon?", she wondered aloud, and reached for her shoes.
"Oh yes, those Bothan spies work fast, especially with the head start you gave them.", Rex replied, while she got ready.
"I have to wonder, as not all are too convinced by my sudden appearance.", she replied, quite frankly. She heard the older man make a dismissive sound.
"Well the blood testing has revealed your identity, so most of the naysayers are more receptive.", the clone replied, glancing over to Anakin again with the slightest look of interest. Anakin for his part, played with the fabric of his cloak. "Though the same can't be said for your bounty hunter friend."
Padmé felt a bit uneasy as the captain continued to stare at Anakin.
"You know Rako Hardeen, you were once accused of assassinating Obi-Wan Kenobi.", Rex stated, tilting his head at Anakin. Padmé could hear the meaning in the clone's voice, mouth going dry.
Anakin simply nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
"I know you're not that bounty hunter.", Rex stated, seeing straight through the disguise. Then the clone turned to Padmé, quite confident in his assessment. "You remember that Hardeen made a name for himself, milady. He might be trying to take the credit, and he's probably a spy."
"He's not a spy.", Padmé insisted, but Rex glanced warily to the masked man. "But you're right, he's not Rako Hardeen. His identity is to be kept a secret from all."
"Is there a reason for that?", Rex asked boldly, showing how he'd grown past his training as a compliant soldier.
Padmé didn't answer the question at first but sighed upon the clone captain's questioning gaze.
"There is, but to keep from burdening you with such knowledge, I'm afraid it must remain this way."
Padmé kept a pleading gaze at the clone, who watched her expression with some growing worry. Finally the clone sighed, and nodded though he still cast a suspicious glance towards Anakin. Her husband kept his mask and hood up, though she noted a hint of shame in his eyes.
"I will not tell a soul that he isn't the bounty hunter.", Rex acquiesced, though he still looked unconvinced. "I trust you Senator."
"Please, it's Padmé now.", she insisted and a little but of the tension melted away from the man's face.
"Of course, Padmé.", he replied before shaking himself. Rex gestured to the door behind him. "Though, I'm afraid we must now go."
They listened to him and without another word, he led both of them back towards the room filled with High Command. As they walked in, the noted that people were already waiting. Rex excused himself, seeming to have other things to do outside this meeting, and the door hissed shut. Luke and Leia were there, as were Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, and Chewie. Padmé saw her sister there, though her nieces weren't. She deduced that Sola had been there to confirm her story with others in High Command. It must've worked, for the eyes on her were much less suspicious and more receptive.
"Padmé Amidala, I'm happy to report that you've been cleared." Mon Mothma announced, seeming to be genuinely pleased. She nodded with a smile to her, and Padmé did likewise.
"It relieves me greatly to know that the Rebellion is putting aside differences to take down this rising threat.", was all she said, bringing them right back to the deal with Vader.
"Ah yes.", Mon Mothma muttered, looking decidedly less enthusiastic. "Before doing this, we must speak with him directly."
Both she and Anakin stiffened at this.
"How do you propose that happening?", Padmé asked, keeping her face neutral.
"We meet in neutral space.", Mon Mothma proposed, displaying a holographic map to a star system. "Somewhere beyond the eyes of the Empire, on our terms, to assure no betrayal."
"And you want me to convince him to meet you there?", Padmé surmised, face highlighted by the blue glow of the holoprojector.
"Yes, which means your return to him.", Mon Mothma stated, though looking very unhappy about all of this. "We acknowledge the great risk it would take for you to return, so if you do not think this is the right call, we will find another way."
"No, I know there is no risk.", Padmé replied quite adamantly, putting a palm down on the metal holoprojector table. She glanced left and right, to each of the members of high command. "He knows of my presence here, so a return will not be dangerous."
Mon Mothma didn't appear happy about this but conceded, respecting her long-time friend's opinion.
"Then it is with great reluctance that I see you go, but I know this is for a greater cause."
"With all due respect, I do not believe it is wise for her to be alone.", Leia spoke off to the side, and Padmé turned to her daughter, surprised. Leia came forward, her posture stiff, though she didn't acknowledge Padmé or Anakin.
"What are you suggesting?", asked the rebel leader, who placed both hands on the holoprojector table as she leaned forward.
"That I, along with a few other volunteers, go with her back to Vader's fleet.", Leia stated boldly and Padmé raised her eyebrows. Beside her, Anakin was watching their daughter with some curiosity. "If it is dangerous, as many of us may think, she will need a way out."
"You are a high-ranking member of the Alliance.", Madine shook his head. The general continued, his eyebrows reaching his light-colored hairline. "You'd be recognized."
"My rank has never stopped me from leading ground assaults in the past." Leia argued, just as evenly. She kept her gaze fixed with Madine, face quite serious. "And if Vader is lying, and turns on us when he recognizes me, then we will know the answer to his allegiances."
Many murmured at this, seeming to acknowledge the logic of it, though others didn't like the danger.
"Do you believe it is a risk worth taking?" Mon Mothma asked, clearly concerned. Her fingers seemed to grip the table a little more.
"I believe that Vader isn't lying.", Leia stated boldly, and Padmé cast a subtle glance at Anakin, who was watching their daughter in befuddlement.
"Neither do I.", another voice stated and Padmé turned to see Luke coming into the circle. The Jedi crossed his arms, and stood ramrod straight as all eyes were on him. "I've fought with him in the past, and the Force is shifting around him. I sense no danger in this plan."
Even more murmuring was heard after the Jedi and famous pilot spoke in favor of Padmé's words.
"Even so, his past atrocities are against him.", stated another rebel leader, and Luke's eyes grew tired almost instantly. "We need to speak to him before determining the truth."
"Both of us have faced him before, and are aware of his past," Luke continued with a firmness in his voice. "Which makes us best qualified to ascertain his intent."
"You plan on going too?", Mon Mothma asked, growing even more wary.
"I do.", Luke nodded, continuing to keep his arms crossed.
"As am I.", came yet another voice and they turned to its source. To their surprise it was Han Solo who said these words. Though often informal in his commitments, his expression bore nothing but sincerity. "I know Imperial protocols, as I was once one."
Chewie growled in worry, causing his longtime friend to turn to him.
"I know pal.", Han stated with some sympathy. "I wish you could come too."
"You three will go with Padmé Amidala, to not only protect her, but to report on what happens.", Mon Mothma agreed, though Padmé could clearly see her wan demeanor. The red-haired woman continued, "As will your bounty hunter."
Each of them agreed, and so did the majority of high command. After the meeting concluded, Mon Mothma asked the traveling party to stay behind, a serious expression on her face. Those who were not involved, filed out of the room, glancing with curiosity at the group. The doors closed and it was just the six of them there.
"I am aware of a certain connection between one of you and Padmé.", she began, her voice low. Her gaze was sent Luke's way. "And I want to know if the person who has personal ties isn't going into this blind."
"We're all aware of this connection.", Han stated evenly, and Mon Mothma blinked in surprise. The smuggler only shrugged.
"I see.", replied the rebel leader, though she clearly didn't. "Even so, this is a difficult task for each of you."
"There are reasons we are certain that this will work, especially with our group.", Leia stated, hinting that there was something else kept hidden.
"Reasons like the identity of your elusive bounty hunter?", Mon Mothma stated, turning her gaze fully on the masked man. "I know this is a ruse, but the question remains as to why you'd an Imperial in plain sight."
Everyone stiffened at the assumption made by the rebel leader, though they couldn't deny her conclusion.
"The question is why?", she asked, arching an eyebrow. "Why would you hide this Imperial?"
The room was silent as Mon Mothma observed him.
"There is much you do not know.", Anakin stated, his tone quiet. Mon Mothma tilted her head at the voice, seeming to find it familiar. "And I dare not burden you, as to force your hand."
"I've heard your voice before.", the rebel leader observed, furrowing her eyebrows. She stared a moment longer, before something must've clicked. "No… it can't be. Skywalker?"
Anakin, clenched his jaw, saying nothing, but his silence confirmed this.
"No one can know of him.", Leia stated, almost immediately, stepping in the line of sight of the rebel leader.
"Why?", asked Mon Mothma, clearly not understanding the reason for concealment. She arched an eyebrow as she glanced over to the masked figure. "What do you mean by this?"
"Because the shadow of Vader looms nearer than you think.", Leia admitted, her voice surprisingly gentle.
There was some silence, when finally, a dawning realization occurred.
"Oh.", was all the rebel leader said, as the sudden understanding came over her complexion. There were several moments of silence as a myriad of emotions passed over her face. Anakin kept silent, watching her, before she finally raised her gaze to meet his. Mon Mothma glanced over to Luke, who nodded, his expression beseeching. Finally, she sighed. "I will not question you further. It is better left unsaid."
"I intend to see fall of the Emperor.", Anakin asserted, his voice as stiff as his posture. "And I would be honored if you joined us."
"This complicates things.", Mon Mothma stated, almost ignoring his words. Her face was white, as she took a step back. She lowered herself onto a bench to sit.
"It changes nothing.", Leia insisted, going to sit by the Rebel leader's side. She sent a sidelong glance towards the unmasked bounty hunter. "It is still a test of allegiances."
"Oh but it does Leia.", Mon Mothma asserted, though she said this in a quiet voice. "The Rebel Alliance, should they figure out what's been hidden, will dole out consequences. I may have power, but I cannot stop them."
"That is why they must ever know.", Leia stated, her tone pleading.
"These are dangerous times.", Mon Mothma continued, a deep worry settling in her. "What if I fail to act and the Alliance falls prey to the Empire?"
"I have served for almost my whole life.", Leia insisted, her tone quite firm. "If he steps out of line, you will be the first to know. I would sooner die for the cause then see it be destroyed."
"I know you would.", Mon Mothma sighed, before glancing over to Anakin. "That's what I'm afraid of."
"I will vouch for him.", Luke stated, coming forward. Mon Mothma watched the Jedi with some trepidation. Despite this, Luke continued, "If I still sensed the darkness within, do you think I would've allowed him here?"
"The fact remains that you're his… you're related.", Mon Mothma stated, not able to admit the truth fully. She turned a far less critical gaze towards the princess. Fortunately, she was still unaware of Leia's connection to the Skywalkers.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi has vouched for him.", Luke stated, causing most everyone, besides Anakin to act in surprise. The Jedi crossed his arms, unwilling to lose his voice in all this. "I have communed with him in the Force."
"It is difficult to take your word for it.", Mon Mothma admitted, though she didn't outright deny his claim. Though they could understand her hesitance to believe him, it was no less disheartening.
Luke seemed to go silent for a minute before at last a solution came to his mind.
"If I can get another Jedi to vouch for him, would that put your mind at ease?", Luke asked, and the whole group turned his way. Anakin knew he was speaking of Yoda.
"There's another living Jedi?", Mon Mothma asked, hardly believing it.
"Yes, though I can't reveal his identity.", Luke admitted, quite decided about protecting one of his masters. "Should this Jedi consent to clearing his name, I will bring him here to testify."
"I don't doubt your honesty Luke.", Mon Mothma clarified, before glancing back over to man who'd gone silent. "And for that I won't keep you from leaving tomorrow, but if you are able to get the Jedi to speak, I will be able to fully support the alliance between ourselves and the Imperial fleet on the day we make contact with Vader."
"I will see it done.", Luke replied, though it was apparent that he too was anxious.
"Very well, but after discovering what I just did, your bounty hunter must continue to remain in the secure wing.", Mon Mothma stated turning her gaze to Anakin.
"Understood.", was all he said and Mon Mothma, found it difficult to look away from him.
"I will keep this quiet.", Mon Mothma assured, though appeared reluctant to do so. "You have my word."
After the uneasy agreement, they were finally dismissed. Luke once again led Padmé and Anakin back to their room in the private wing. Anakin was silent the entire way back, as was she. They were both contemplating what was to happen and how a high-ranking Rebel leader knew the secret. It'd never been their intent to tell anyone of Anakin's identity and yet it had been discovered in one day. Padmé glanced over to Anakin. Perhaps it was a good thing they were leaving the very next morning.
Finally, they made it to their room, and Luke left them be, his face quite worried. Now that they were alone, Anakin went to sit on the cot. He let out a deep sigh, leaning his head back against the wall, and Padmé sat opposite to him, silent. For a few minutes they sat like this, thinking of all that had transpired in the past hour, trying to consider the ramifications of it.
"After this is all over," Anakin began, continuing to stare into the middle distance. "I will have to stay far away from everyone."
"What are you talking about?", Padmé asked, perturbed by his sure statement. His gaze shifted to hers.
"I have many things to answer for,", he stated, quite evenly. "And those things cannot be connected to you, or Luke and Leia for that matter."
"Anakin, we've been over this.", Padmé sighed, trying not to grow impatient with his self-loathing. "And besides, Mon Mothma swore to keep this quiet."
"But for how long?", Anakin demanded, crossing his arms. "Once this war is finished do you think my crimes will go unanswered?"
"By doing this, you will have helped save the galaxy.", Padmé argued, trying to get him away from his past. "Mon Mothma will not forget that. As for what happens for us after the war, I cannot answer that. It's been many years since I've seen peace."
"I cannot imagine. It seems that my entire life has been predetermined.", Anakin replied with disgust. Padmé noticed the pain in his eyes as he said these words, "To be used as an instrument of war."
"There is more to you than that.", Padmé assured, going over to sit right next to him. Though she knew that had happened to him, she would not let him believe he had only ever been a detriment. "War does not define us, we do."
Anakin tilted his head to look down on her, his face revealing doubt.
"You're the only one who was able to see who I truly was.", he said, voice quiet. His eyes were weary, burdened by the decades of war, and yet somehow, they softened when looking at her. "Power never mattered to you… just me."
"And that continues to be true.", Padmé stated, a slight smile, as she placed both her hands on his face. She felt conviction as she said these words, "I've seen your extraordinary compassion. That is who you are."
"Are you certain of that?", he asked, still finding her comments harder to accept. His brows were furrowed, and gaze cast down.
"Yes.", she stated again, though he appeared doubtful. Knowing her words may never be accepted, she gently brought his face down towards her own for a kiss. Finally, he sighed, finally seeming to let go of his self-doubt. For several moments they reveled in the moment before she pulled back and rested her head on his shoulder. She reached for his hand, "No matter what happens, I will love you."
"And I you.", he said quietly, finally taking her hands in his.
The next morning, Luke was preparing his few belongings, and threw the bag over his shoulder. Briefly, he turned to gaze at his room, noting how impersonal it was in the absence of his things. With a sigh, he passed through his door, and made his way towards Leia's room. He knocked on the metal door once, and it opened to allow him access.
When he stepped inside, he saw Leia packing her few things, and she briefly looked up to acknowledge his presence.
"Ready to go?", Luke asked, anxious to travel.
"Nearly.", she stated as she put together some nondescript communication devices.
"I'm proud of your quick thinking yesterday.", Luke commented, and noticed the slight stiffening of her shoulders.
"It wasn't exactly quick thinking.", she replied, tossing him the briefest of smiles. "I had already decided what I was volunteering for."
"You are truly ready to agree to more time with our father?", Luke asked, feeling a little skeptical.
"If it means more time with our mother, yes.", she replied and Luke at last understood. He let a melancholy smile come over his face.
"I wish there was more I could do to help things between the two of you.", Luke admitted, and Leia turned to him, trying to give him an apologetic expression.
"It's nothing you can do Luke." Leia insisted, though she did appear troubled. Then she went back to packing, and continued, "As for Vader, I need to see his choices to believe his change."
"But you are giving him a chance.", Luke replied, deciding not to push the matter further. She had come further than he'd expected her to. "Have you continued meditating?"
"Here and there.", she replied, though noticed Luke's troubled expression. "I do wish to learn, though I fear time has gotten away from us all."
"I understand, and if you do not wish to learn, I will not push you to do so.", Luke replied, and Leia gave him a genuine smile. Luke could feel that she appreciated his sentiment.
"Han also said something to that affect, but Luke, I still intend to learn.", Leia admitted, finally pulling her bag around her shoulder. She adjusted the strap, while keeping her gaze level with his. "It's a part of me, as it is for you, and I intend to find a way."
"Very well.", Luke replied with a slight smile, encouraged by her words. He glanced about the room, noting that it was completely bare. How strange it was that they could pack up their lives in a matter of minutes.
"Let's go.", Leia said, walking past him, and leading the way to the hanger.
In this hanger was the Falcon, a shuttle, and Luke's own X-Wing. By the Falcon he noticed Han speaking to Lando and Chewie. Near his fighter, Threepio was talking to Artoo, who was being lowered into Luke's ship. By the shuttle, his parents were speaking to one another in hushed tones. Mon Mothma was there with them, listening to whatever was being said.
Upon their arrival, the rebel leader turned to them.
"I trust your X-Wing to return within the week, with or without the Jedi.", she stated to Luke, who nodded in understanding. Luke noted that she appeared tired, as if she'd barely gotten any sleep the night before.
"It will be done.", he stated, though he himself felt a small measure of anxiety.
"And Leia, I hope to hear your report upon arrival.", Mon Mothma asserted, and his sister nodded once.
Over by the Falcon, Han was still speaking to the two. They were near enough to overhear the conversation, though Luke was the only one who tuned into it. Han seemed to be feeling some anxiety, and upon listening to his words, Luke understood why.
"When the time comes, I want you to take the Falcon and use her.", Han stated, causing Lando to grow surprised.
"Are you sure? I know how much she means to you.", he replied, motioning to the ship behind him.
"Yes! She's the fastest ship in the fleet, and when you help lead an attack on the Death Star, you will need her.", Han insisted, though Luke could sense it was difficult to say for the former smuggler.
"Alright buddy.", Lando conceded though he glanced to the towering Wookiee at his side. "Either way, Chewie will make certain that I treat her well."
The Wookiee growled in agreement, though let out a mournful sound after it.
"I know Chewie, but I promise to stay out of trouble.", Han replied, though this was pointless to say, given that they were heading straight for an Imperial fleet. Abruptly, Han was pulled into a crushing hug by the Wookiee. Han let out grunt in surprise, but after being let go, he patted the arm of his long-time friend. "I will be back soon."
Chewie growled again, and Han nodded.
Then, he turned towards them.
"I guess this is it.", the smuggler stated, though he didn't say it to anyone in particular.
"I will meet you at the rendezvous point in a day or two.", Luke stated, before turning to his ship. With practiced ease, Luke climbed the metal ladder and lowered himself into the cockpit.
"See you there, kid.", Han replied from below, and Luke returned with a smile and a nod. Not so subtly, Han cast a wary glance towards the still disguised man. Luke followed the gaze and noted that his father didn't bother making eye contact with the smuggler. Luke could tell he was struggling to keeping himself aloof.
"I will see you all very soon.", Mon Mothma said, speaking to the group as a whole. Then she backed away from them towards Lando, Chewie, and Threepio.
"Be safe R2-D2.", Threepio stated, almost mournfully. The astromech droid let out a series of whistles and beeps that only the protocol droid and Luke's father could understand.
As one, the group of four entered the shuttle, while Luke waited in the fighter. Luke waited as the aircraft canopy closed over him and watched as the nondescript shuttle rose first. As his environment pressurized, he fired up the engines of his X-Wing. Both their ships swept out of the hanger and into the vacuum of space. Their shuttle turned left, while Luke started his trajectory right. Before jumping into hyperspace, Luke felt the minds of both Leia and his father reaching out to him.
I will see you soon, he said to both of them silently.
Then both ships disappeared into hyperspace.
A/N: Okay, so I said I wouldn't include Ahsoka in this story, and that's still true after doing some research as to what happened to her in Rebels, but I've changed my mind about including Rex. Because so many of you are dying to see him, I decided to have a cameo of sorts here. To help get an idea of where Rex was canonically, one reviewer suggested watching a documentary on YouTube of his entire canon life, and I watched the entire two-hours of content! He won't be having any major parts in this story, as that's reserved for the Skywalker family, but I will try to think of ways to work him naturally into the story along with the myriad other characters.
I'm so proud of my reviewers for catching details and giving thoughtful input for the story! It's honestly one of the best parts of doing this, as it allows me to improve my writing and create a more enriching story! This is your story as much as it is mine, so thank you :)
Special shoutout to RyanSquad, Mercy Medical angel, 55, IntelEwok, MMM73181, westerns never die, (Guest), Jeda31, ichigo urahara Shihoin, and Reconzilla117 for reviewing! A big thank you to those who favorited and followed my story! Your responses to my story and support for it continue to blow me away! I love hearing from each and every one of you, and am ecstatic that you're taking the time to read and review :)