Ahsoka Returns – Chapter 9: War Does Not Make One Great

Apologies to all readers for the long wait. I have been busy and this chapter (for some reason) took some time to write. But the next installments should be more timely and forthcoming…

Thanks to followers: WolverineRay, Alastar R UnLife, LEGOman112, JG32, death to sasuke, gloverderrek, Generation Zero, strongchristiansilver.

Chapter 9: War Does Not Make One Great

Yavin IV, Gordian Reach-NE Outer Rim, 5 ABY, 2 months, 4 days, 10 hours

Ahsoka Tano, along with Ezra Bridger, Reema Andujah, and Luke Skywalker, were still in conference in a bunker below the surface of the fourth moon of Yavin. This was the first meeting of what they believed were the remaining Force-sensitive people in the Galaxy. As the senior person of the four, the others looked to Ahsoka for leadership. Luke had just mentioned Leia Organa, whom he had recently learned was his sister, because her biological father was also Anakin Skywalker.

"Luke, where is Leia now?" Ahsoka asked.

"Not sure, but I would suspect Chandrila. She's close to Mon Mothma, the new Chancellor of the Republic. Leia had told me she might be getting a seat in the Senate, representing the survivors of Alderaan."

"Oh? How many were there?"

"She says it's at least a hundred thousand. Alderaan was a prosperous place and many who were born there had been living in other systems and sectors when the Empire blew up the planet. Leia's done a great job helping them all to unite and they have picked out a new planet they can settle on."

Ahsoka put her hand on her chin for a second, and pondered. So much I still have to learn, but I remember Leia – a little.

She then asked. "Luke, is she interested in learning more about her native Force ability? She could be a valuable ally."

"Well … I think she's still trying to come to grips with the idea that she is Force-sensitive. But I believe she wants to help us."

Ezra then spoke up. "I met her once, too. She was very smart and we sort of became friends. But I haven't seen her since."

Reema's head was swimming, as she tried to take all of this in. Finally, she ventured a different topic.

"Miss Ahsoka, are we going to help the New Republic … against the remaining Imperials? I'm not sure I want to get so deeply involved."

Ahsoka looked at Reema, wondering more about who this newest member of the Force-adepts was, and what her story might be. She tried to scan Reema quietly, but the young woman was anything but readable.

"Um, Reema … I think that's not unreasonable. I don't see us as joining in the battle directly either. Ezra, have you and Reema talked about what you want to do? Are you two both planning on being together?"

"We are," he answered. "But we don't have any plans, yet. I can't really go back to Lothal, there's really nothing for me there. And Reema is scared about the situation on Coruscant now. So, we are open to suggestion."

Ezra then glanced at Luke. "What about you, Luke? Any plans?"

Skywalker shook his head. "I would just like to know more about what's going on. From what Wedge told us, they could use our help. I still consider myself a rebel – except that we supposedly won. But it's not over …"

Ahsoka laughed. "From my experience, it never really is. But I'm not opposed to getting more information. Ezra, what have you been able to learn?"

"Well, Reema and I have been doing a lot of traveling around the Galaxy. Things are rather confused, but most seem to want to give the New Republic a chance. Luke, I was certainly a rebel too. We won a great victory at Lothal but I had to go away after that and it's been four years."

Reema laughed. "Looks like I'm the odd one out. The only fighting I've done is to survive on the ground on Coruscant. Sometimes, I didn't eat for three days."

"But you look fine now," Ahsoka smiled. "I'm happy to meet you. Really. I can't stand here and say I know what you went through, I really don't. But I think all four of us have stories to tell. So, let's put that aside and see if we can make a good team." She turned to Luke and Ezra. "What would you think about us training together? Let's get on the same page and then we can talk about saving the Galaxy."

Ezra stepped forward and came to Ahsoka's side. "Ahsoka, I truly thought I'd never see you again. And you likely did me. It's great to meet Luke, and Reema is someone that I feel the Force brought to me. I had gone to Coruscant, but I really don't know why, and when I got there, I went straight to her, and she needed me. I'm sure that has happened for you."

Ahsoka thought about the long time she spent after the War and before her disappearance. Yes, fate brought Barriss and I together again, and it allowed me to forgive her. But then she left me and I still don't know why.

"Ezra, you are correct. My life has been a long series of crazy things, and what happened on Malachor was just one of them. The four of us have to work together. The Force is telling me there are some difficult times ahead."

Luke broke in. "Ahsoka, you earlier told me you were skeptical – if not opposed – to reforming the Jedi Order. How do you feel about it now?"

She scanned the faces of Ezra and Reema before answering.

"Luke, you would need to see this through my eyes, not whatever Obi-Wan told you. How long were you with him?"

"Really, only a day or so before he seemed to die on the Death Star – at the hands of my father, Anakin."

"And what did he tell you about the Jedi? For that matter, what did Anakin tell you?"

Luke made a puzzled expression for a second. "Ben only said the Jedi were the guardians of peace in the Galaxy. Father told me nothing – he didn't have the chance before he died."

Ahsoka simply nodded, then took a deep breath. "Luke, we've spoken before about the Clone Wars. But maybe I didn't provide enough background. I was rather young when the war started, so maybe I didn't realize what it might do to us, but it changed us, maybe forever. Yes, the Jedi were all about keeping the peace, but we were changed into warriors. That's not what I was trained to do. And I think it may have done harm to Anakin, too."

Luke thought it over. "I remember what Yoda told me once … he said 'war does not make one great.' Was that what he told you, too?"

"Not in so many words, but, yes. A Jedi fights because she has to, never out of aggression. That was the philosophy. So, I'm hearing that the Republic is going to battle the remains of the Empire. Of course, I want them to win, but I think we need to stay out of the direct fight."

Ezra felt he had to weigh in. "Ahsoka, I learned much from you in the short time I knew you before, and both Kanan and I learned from you, but when the time came to fight for the freedom of my home planet, I was ready to do my part – and we were successful."

"And I'm proud of you, too." She turned again to Reema, "I'd love to get your opinion on this."

"Me?" Reema asked, hesitantly. "I … I don't really have one, but I'd like to wait before we plunge into battle. I mean … who do we work for, actually? As for this Republic government, who exactly elected them?"

"A fair question, actually," noted Ezra. "I'm with you, too, my friend. But I do know this, we can't let the Empire win. It was hard to beat them."

Ahsoka nodded, tentatively. "Then, it's settled? The four of us are going to stay out of the fighting … for now."

Yavin IV, 5 ABY, 2 months, 4 days, 12 hours

A bit later, while Reema had returned to the Mira Bridger to take a rest, Ezra and Ahsoka stopped to chat privately. Both of them were having similar thoughts. He spoke first.

"Ahsoka, I've been thinking about what you told me, earlier. Someone seemed to have saved you from Vader, but you don't remember much about how it happened. What do you remember?"

"Only that I found myself in this strange place. And … there was this … woman. Or at least it seemed like one."

"Are there any details about her that you remember?"

"She was very tall – over two metres – and her hair was almost to the floor, all white. And she wore gowns in every color I could imagine. As she moved, I could see different colors."

"How did she seem?"

"Very gentle. She spoke quietly and mostly smiled. It was like a dream at first. Ezra, why do you ask?"

"Because I also met this woman, she told me her name was Su … and she was very much like you describe her. When you met her, how long were you with her?"

"Hard to say, actually. I completely lost track of time. It was like I lived in a dream world where everything was peaceful and perfect. Much of my memory was lost but I think it's starting to come back. Su, you say? Yes … I think that was her name, actually, and she didn't call me Ahsoka very often, mostly it was "my child." She seemed quite fond of me but in a motherly sort of way. I miss her and hope to see her again. She told me I would. I'm looking forward to it. What are some of your memories of her?"

Ezra thought about it, and it started to come back. "She showed me visions of many things that happened in the Galaxy while I was with her – especially about the Death Stars and the Empire losing the battles of Yavin and Endor. It was like she was preparing me to go back. When I was staying with her, everything was dark except for her. Often, she was the only source of light in the room or outdoors. Later she told me she had two personal craft – one dark and one light – but they were more like small planets instead of ships and she had the power to direct them anywhere in the universe, or so it seemed."

Ahsoka paid rapt attention as Ezra further described his time with Su, then had a realization.

"Ezra, I must have been on her light world-craft. Everything was always sunny and bright. She mostly wore white and gave me several garments in white too. They felt wonderful. I still have them on my ship. Would you like to see?"

"Yes … I would, very much. Anything that can help to explain things would be most helpful."

They walked together and came above ground to the surface of Yavin IV, then proceeded to where Ahsoka's ship Essence II had landed, then went aboard.

"Where did you get this ship, Ahsoka? From Su?"

"Yes! It's really quite nice, she also gave me an astromech that sometimes talks, which I call Ar-Six. The ship is fast and quite nice inside, best craft I've ever had."

As she showed him more of the ship, Ezra was comparing it in his mind to Mira Bridger, the craft Su had given him, and thought … Su sure has great taste, and I get the feeling she can just manufacture anything she wants on those world-ships, but don't ask me how.

Ahsoka then showed him the various garments – robes, gowns, dresses – that Su had given her, and he was amazed at how light they all were. "It's like they have no mass at all. How do they feel?"

"Like you said – lighter than air – but quite wonderful. I really want to see her, it's been almost a year since I returned, but I still have so many questions."

Ezra nodded. "So do I. But I don't think it was an accident that she brought us both back at the same time."

She chuckled. "Yeah … maybe she'll visit us together."

Chandrila, 5 ABY, 3 months, 12 days

At this time, the New Republic government had something of a "shadow" legislature in some parts of the Galaxy, particularly in some sectors that were more than a day's journey from the Core. Most of these places were more-or-less self-governing but often this meant government by a thinly veiled organized crime syndicate, which some ex-officio Imperials had joined. The titles of Moff or Governor were now mostly ceremonial, as financial interests – from the Hutts or Black Sun, but also extending to well-off Outer Rim worlds such as Lianna, Eriadu, or Muunilinst – tended to call the tune. The moneyed worlds could afford the best in military equipment and personnel and often treated nearby less-affluent planets as de facto client states, whose governing heads served at the pleasure of the richer worlds. These worlds and their tributaries tended to vote as a bloc in the Senate and were often the principal check on the Core worlds' power. The powers of the Senate were greatly limited when it came to administrative matters, even though Chancellor Mothma wanted to devolve some of her powers. The plain fact was that she had a lot on her plate and being the chief executive of the new government was a never-ending job.

Mon Mothma at this time had one overriding interest – the need to roll up what remained of the Imperial military – and it seemed that the opportunity to do that had at last arrived. The Imperial Remnant (as it was referred to on Chandrila, the seat of the Republic government) was essentially a rump force, believed to consist of two SSD and a coterie of about fifty remaining Star Destroyers, with an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 remaining personnel. Against that, the Republic could put as many as 500 capital ships and well over 2 million personnel, and these included perhaps 100 wings of various types of strike craft. Some of these ships were equipped with advanced weaponry that could greatly compromise the ex-Imperial craft. Given the situation, the Chancellor and her leading admirals and generals believed they could win this fight and perhaps get the Remnant to surrender and agree to a peace settlement.

But, in order to gain authorization for the military action, a majority of the Senate had to vote in favor, as was dictated by the newly instituted Constitution of the Republic. Mothma had always been a champion of the concept of democratic rule, whereby the voice of the people was supposedly heard and heeded, but putting this into practice was never simple or straightforward. Even among the worlds that had approved of the Constitution and had also favored her accession as Chancellor, there were nonetheless voices of dissent. Their opposition to military action was sometimes based on simple pacifism, and a desire to see the Imperial Remnant as essentially a group that shared many of the same ideals – a desire for peace and order and thus a prosperous Galaxy overall. Moreover, the death of Palpatine had removed the seemingly biggest impediment to that vision.

Mothma knew better. She understood the Remnant as still harboring a desire to regain overall power and thus would attempt to reestablish the Empire in some as yet-to-be-understood form. Though there was no apparent leader, she knew one might soon emerge. So, the remaining forces under their control had to be put down. Most of the Senate seemed to understand this as well, but a number of members were all too willing to condition their votes on gaining other priorities from the Administration for their worlds and sectors. This was a tricky course to steer through, but Mothma was an old legislative hand going back to pre-Imperial times.

So it was that the Chancellor had to call on Senator Willis Dragoo of Lianna. She had to have his vote and he could swing enough senators to get to 50% plus one. She rang him up one afternoon,

"Hello, Willis …"

"Ah … Madam Chancellor. What can I do for you?" he laughed.

"In your estimation, what would the result be if I called for the vote today?"

He made her wait for a couple of seconds, then answered. "I think you would be a few short."

She basically expected this response. "And this is with you and Almosso Wynchell's help?"

"Well … he's still trying to whip a few more in line. It's a hard sell right now. Mid-rim sectors want to know what the Republic will do for them. Spending on military assets is not popular right now. They want the war to be over."

"I understand," she sighed. "But this could be the one that does it. We have the firepower. We have the personnel. Let's get it done."

"Give me three more days before you call the vote. I think we can swing something. Perhaps a ministry of Agriculture, with some subsidies for Outer Rim farmers, might help."

"Interesting. If we could contain the budget, perhaps so."

"It might be a good opportunity to build the Republic brand, to show that the Galaxy is more than the Core and a few otherwise favored worlds."

"All right, then. It's settled. You can let Almosso know."

A couple of hours later, Dragoo placed a call back to Lianna.

"Milady? It's all set. The Chancellor has agreed to your plans."

"Most excellent, Senator."

As she put down her com device, Valles smiled and gave a soft laugh. All too easy. Let's get to the battle, shall we? And then, we shall have peace … lots of it.

Chandrila, 5 ABY, 3 months, 15 days

The Republic Senate – a body of 500 – somehow ended up passing the Chancellor's war bill by a vote of 295 to 195, with 10 abstentions. As Mothma gaveled the body to order, she made a few short remarks.

"By a tally of 295 to 195, the motion is agreed to. Now we can set about taking the actions that will lead to a lasting peace, and then we make our galaxy a better place for all who live in it."

A rousing cheer went up from the members who were in favor of the authorization-of-force resolution, and an even larger majority had earlier passed the bill creating a Ministry of Agriculture. Having such a body in place meant that the farming worlds of the Galaxy would receive additional subsidies (likely in the billions of credits) for growing various food crops. This would be a boon for worlds such as Shili, Naboo, Ukio – and Lianna.

Aboard Super Star Destroyer Ravager, Jakku system, W Inner Rim, 5 ABY, 3 months, 16 days

Admirals Rae Sloane and Gallius Rax were talking over strategy on a conference call with Valles Santhé after they knew the Republic Senate had agreed to military action against the Imperial Remnant. Valles was doing much of the talking.

"The pieces are in place, Rae?" the Supreme Leader asked.

"Indeed, my Lady. We are ready to draw the Republic ships into the battle."

"Galli, has the new weapon been deployed aboard the Ravager?"

"Yes, Chairman Santhé. And also on the Arbitrator. Was that your desire?"

Valles chuckled. "Yes, Galli … now listen carefully." She sent them a holo diagram, illustrating the battlefield with the sandy planet Jakku as the backdrop.

"Now I want only about 12 of the ISD deployed in theater as the Rebels show up. Six on a side, to draw them into a pincer formation. This will have them deploy more and more of their resources, whereupon we dump another 12 ISD into the fray."

Sloane nodded and spoke up. "Milady, we are going to take severe casualties. Is that your plan?"

Valles chuckled again. "Indeed it is. The cost of war is going to be dramatically demonstrated to the New Republic. I want only ten of our ISD to remain when this is over. Now … I've just given you the first two hours of the strategy. The next moves will depend on what the Republic response is – they say Ackbar is a fine tactician – we will see about that."

"I wouldn't underestimate him. His forces performed admirably in the recent skirmish in the Akiva Sector." Rax noted.

"Exactly, Galli. I want his people to have full confidence in his leadership."

Sloane was a little puzzled. "Is it your intention to destroy the New Republic fleet, my Lady?"

"Only a significant portion of it, which means we will sacrifice significant assets ourselves. The key is to make them think we have been defeated. When this is over, you will meet again with Mon Mothma and agree to terms."

Rax whispered in Sloane's ear. "Just play along, Rae. She's got bigger plans. This is going to work out well in the long run."

Valles – fully aware of what they were discussing – then wrapped up the call. "Let me know when they arrive, Galli. Then put the first phase of the operation into action. We'll call this 'Operation Draw' … Valles out."

Yavin IV, 5 ABY, 3 months, 17 days, 10 hours

Meanwhile, on the 4th moon of the planet Yavin – as with many other Republic bases – forces were assembling and plans were being made. Immanuel Doza and Jarek Yeager were meeting with Wedge Antilles and talking over some strategy details.

"So, we're just going to show up at Jakku and engage them? How exactly is this supposed to work?" Doza asked, somewhat skeptically. "It's common knowledge now that the Republic had authorized engagement with the Imperial Remnant."

Antilles countered. "I must admit, I'm a little sketchy on some of the details. But we are gathering a force of over 500 ships."

Yeager let out a slow, low-pitched whistle. "Whew … that could get crazy. Wedge, what do you see us doing?"

Antilles nodded. "Immanuel, you are going to be commanding a medium-light cruiser with about five wings of A-wing fighters. Those pilots have shown their superior handling to the TIE craft the Remnant is still using." He turned to Yeager.

"Jarek, you are going to command one of those fighter wings. You had indicated your familiarity with the A-wing and I know of your combat record – it's quite good."

Yeager also nodded; a tad embarrassed. "I look forward to it. We have to win this battle. When do we deploy?"

"I would expect soon, maybe within two rotations. Admiral Ackbar and the other higher-ups are working that out now. I do know this much – we are going to hit them in waves."

At that point, General Hera Syndulla joined them.

"Wedge, I've been assigned theater co-commander for tactical craft. Are these some of my assets?"

Antilles introduced her to Yeager and Doza, after which she smiled, then shook both men's hands.

"Good to have an ex-Imperial with us, Captain. It could be quite useful in spotting their tactics. You are going to be in formation with up to fifteen similar ships." Hera turned to Yeager. "Jarek, you come highly recommended. We're going to need someone who can think fast. Weren't you at Hoth?"

"Only partially. I helped with the evacuation. It was tough watching the Imps pound that place, but we had to get away."

Hera smiled again, clapping him on the shoulder. "It's people like you – and so many others – that helped us win in the end. The rebellion was only possible due to such amazing and consistent effort."

"Thanks, General. It was all worth it …"

Yavin IV, 5 ABY, 3 months, 17 days, 12 hours

A little later that day, the Four (Ahsoka, Luke, Ezra, Reema) – as they had agreed to call themselves – were also discussing the upcoming battle.

"So, Luke, what did Leia tell you, regarding who might be in charge of the Remnant?" Ahsoka led off.

Luke slowly shook his head. "To tell the truth, she really wasn't sure. All she knows is Grand Admiral Sloane – the same name we've been hearing."

Ezra added, "Sloane was supposedly behind the attack on Chandrila a few months back. Even though she was there on the planet – but I think that was to make her look innocent."

"Okay, so how do we know that we have to go to Jakku? I've never been there – have any of you?" Ahsoka scanned the faces of her three fellow Force-adepts, but they all were blank. Luke finally spoke up.

"I've heard it's a desert planet, much like Tatooine." Both Ahsoka and Ezra looked at each other and gave knowing nods.

Ezra then spoke. "Jakku is where the Imperial Remnant is massing their ships. It's like they're daring us to take them on. And I guess if we don't, they might return to Chandrila and finish the job."

"Hmm." Ahsoka said softly. "Well, we can't let them do that. So, I guess it's win one more for the Rebellion."

Only Reema was unaware of what they were talking about, but she was fine with it. Even so, a look of concern came over her. "Are we actually going there? I'm not too excited about getting into the battle."

Ahsoka smiled at her. "I'm not planning to get too close, but I would like to be able to help out if we're needed. Hera Syndulla is a friend and I'm sure she will be there."

"So," Reema said slowly, "How do you want to play it?"

"I was thinking we might go in our two ships … they seem to have some extreme capabilities … and we might be in a position to lend a hand where we could."

Ezra broke in. "I've been studying my ship. It has some offensive capabilities. And we each have an advanced astromech droid to manage things."

"Yes, you are correct about that. My R6 seems to have capabilities I've barely even tapped." Ahsoka remarked.

"And R2 could come along too," Luke added.

"Great idea!" Ahsoka replied, loudly. "Then it's settled. Reema, are you okay with this, though? I don't want to drag you in if you aren't."

"Sure," the Coruscanti half murmured. "Just so long as we are careful."

"Don't sweat it," Ezra came next to her, putting a hand on her right shoulder. "I think you'll do just fine."

"OK, it's settled," Ahsoka summed up. "Luke and R2 will come with me on Essence, while you and Reema will be together on the Mira Bridger."

The Four looked each other in the eyes, smiling. Then they clasped their right arms together in a bond of unity – joining hands to wrists – and then, in a well-rehearsed ritual, they spoke in unison. "One … two … three … FOUR!" Upon the final beat, they broke the clasp and raised their right arms in a fist salute.

As they prepared to go to the ships, Ahsoka then added, "Let's get Ar-Six, Ar-too, and Sara together for a data exchange. It could come in handy."

Jakku, Western Inner Rim, 5 ABY, 3 months, 21 days

Things dragged on a bit before the first shots were fired some four days later. The SSD Ravager, with its basic battle group of 12 ISDs, were in high orbit over the planet, some 2000 kilometres above the surface. The Republic sent their first fifty ships into the sector, with the next fifty set to arrive about 30 minutes later. As they dropped out of hyperspace, the Remnant sent three ISD at them, followed by another three soon after.

Immanuel Doza's cruiser group were among the first to deploy. As they came into formation to meet the Imperials, groups of A-wing and X-wing starfighters were soon launched and they made for the ISDs, which were slow to react, taking volleys from the Republic ships before they could get their wings of TIEs into action. In the early going, the Republic fighter wings were scoring direct hits and the Imperials were too slow on the draw.

Soon, Yeager was reporting back.

"Captain, we've taken out ten TIEs so far, without even a scratch on our ships."

Doza responded. "Great! Good work, people." He thought about it for a few seconds, then decided to withhold any comment.

The next group of Republic ships arrived in-system and the results were much the same. More Imperial fighters were destroyed, and then the cruisers started to take on the ISDs. Again, they met with general success. Hera Syndulla's group had also arrived with this batch of ships, and after about an hour, she contacted Captain Doza.

"Immanuel, can we meet? I've made some observations about the battle so far, and I was wondering if you'd noticed some of the same things."

"Sure, General. I'll meet you at the hangar bay."

Things in the theater had quieted down for a few minutes, at least. As Hera docked her B-wing to the cruiser Valiance, she was met by a pair of New Republic sergeants.

"Welcome, General. Captain Doza is waiting for you."

Hera nodded, and followed them to a lift that took them to the bridge of the ship.

Doza was waiting, and silently ushered her into his small office.

"General Syndulla. Somehow, I think I know what you want to discuss, but I'll let you start."

She chuckled, then noted "these don't seem like typical Imperial fighting tactics … they seem to be offering merely token resistance."

"Yes!" Doza responded, and half-laughed. "But, why?" He took a deep breath and exhaled. "Could it be some kind of trap?"

"I don't know, but our orders are to press the advantage when we have it."

"Of course. When does the next group arrive?"

Hera checked her com device. "I'd say … in about another hour."

A very different conversation was taking place aboard the SSD Ravager. Admirals Sloane and Rax had pulled up a holo meeting with Valles Santhé, who seemed to be driving the whole strategy.

"What is the status?" Valles asked, in a relaxed tone.

"My Lady, the Rebels continue to arrive. We haven't yet destroyed even a single fighter."

"Excellent. Once we see at least 250 ships … only then do we deploy the Arbitrator. Then I want to start taking the Rebels out, cruiser by cruiser, that should bring them all into the theater."

Sloane then asked, "We are still planning to destroy the Ravager, is that correct?"

"Absolutely, then the remaining forces will be aboard Arbitrator and its battle group."

"Aye, aye, My Lady." Rax responded.

"The New Republic will appear to have won a great victory today, as we slink off to parts unknown … unknown, to them, of course."

To be continued …