Chapter 39
Ahsoka steps onto the center of the turbolift, flanked by two Jedi Temple Guards on either side. The lift rise, the ceiling opens, and they spin up into the chamber that is surrounded on all sides by the Council in judgment seats. Ahsoka alone continues up, half of the turbolift stopping at the floor with the Sentinels and her Master, who watches helplessly.
The lift steps with a clang, the echo sounding out across the room. After a moment of silence, Yoda begins to speak. "Padawan Tano, serious charges have been levied against you. How plead you?"
Ahsoka strongly replies, "Not guilty, Master. I would never take the lives of innocents. The values of the Jedi are sacred to me."
Master Mundi states, "There is evidence to the contrary. You were alone with Letta Turmond when she died. Can you explain this?"
Ahsoka, already beginning to fall apart at the mention of the mounds of evidence against her, hesitantly replies, "Someone used the Force against her."
Plo Koon, seeming emotionless as if she is nothing but a disgusting animal, inquires, "Which brings us to Ventress. Can you explain your association with her?"
"We had a mutual understanding. I thought she was helping me."
Windu angrily asks, his arms folded across his chest, "Did she help you acquire the nanodroid weaponry found when you were apprehended, the same devices used in the bombing of the Temple?"
Ahsoka persistently shakes her head in denial. "No! I was set up and deceived, as you are being deceived now!"
Windu responds, sounding rougher and sterner, "The question is, Padawan Tano, who is deceiving us? Ventress, you, or someone else?"
Ahsoka shakes her head, beginning to fall apart with every passing moment. "I am not deceiving you. I would assume Ventress is, but I can't be sure. My sense is clouded."
Yoda replies, "Clouded by the dark side these things are, Padawan Tano. Dangerously clouded, but not just surrounding you, surrounding many things in these times."
Her Master, who had been listening silently, hears the way the Grandmaster speaks. He hears the accusations. He sees the looks on the faces of members of the Council, undoubtedly familiar with them.
And so, very un-Jedi-like, he snaps. "You've already made your decision, haven't you? This meeting is just a formality!"
Yoda sighs and retorts, sounding regretful but also resigned, "Reached a decision, we have, though not in total agreement are we."
Master Windu says, sounding resolved as well but colder spoken. She always has been met with his coldness but it was never as big as this. "It is the Council's opinion that Padawan Ahsoka Tano has committed sedition against the Republic, and thus, she will be expelled from the Jedi Order."
Ahsoka's head starts to bow at the acceptance of what she had guessed had been coming all along, but at the revelation of her being expelled, her head snapped up, her eyes wide and filling with tears. So they have betrayed her for the Republic... All of what she has done for them has been nothing but a sham now.
Her Master screams in rage and charges forward, stopped only by the blades of the Sentinels' lightsabers. "You can't do this!"
Master Mundi continues from his position, "Your Padawan status will be stripped from you, and you shall forfeit all rank and privileges within the Grand Army of the Republic. You will be turned over to the Republic courts to await your trial and whatever punishment they will set for you."
One of the Jedi Temple Guard steps forward, grabbing the Silka Bead Padawan braid, pulling it off her head, and breaking the chains. Her eyes closed, tears pouring down her cheeks, as she hears the final, ringing condemnation that only adds insult to injury. "Henceforth, you are barred from the Jedi Order."
Ahsoka is surprised by the newly subtle pain within her chest. Her answers have been answered for her. The Jedi Council would betray her when push comes to shove. It doesn't seem likely but she couldn't live with the agony of people who she cares about so much doing such things to her.
She sees blaster shots coming in her direction, armored men coming for her... The eyes of so many flashes with terror as a crimson blade passes through them and mercilessly strikes them down.
The door to her dormitory opens, and Ahsoka finds herself facing a perfect embodiment of someone who clashed with the ways of the Order. The light and dark appear at crossroads with this figure. They stare at each other for a few moments.
It is only so long before their surroundings change. They appear to be in a Temple of some sort. A large cavern covered by a crust of stone and surrounded by extensive ruins, the dark side of the Force ringing strongly around them, but yet appearing strangely familiar to the young Togruta.
"Ahsoka Tano," the figure speaks, the air dropping around her to the comforting warmness. "I can sense your doubt with the ways of the Jedi Order. Come to me, child, and I would teach you the true ways of the Force."
"The true meaning of the Force is the light," Ahsoka replies, her voice laced with apprehension. "I don't know who you are, but I want you to leave my head now."
The figure's aura flickers with amusement despite how the posture is still impassive outwardly. "That is the Jedi dogmatic views, Ahsoka, they are forming you into a weapon like the Sith have done for their students for so long, and you are the only one among many of the brainwashed that can see through their deceptions in spite of how you don't wish to admit it. Not even Master Plo Koon can see through the errors of the Code despite how he disagrees with their methods from time to time."
Ahsoka draws her lightsaber, ignites it, and points the tip of it up to the throat of the figure. His words are causing some sensation in her chest, but she is not determined to allow him to know that she is uncertain about her path with the Jedi.
"The Jedi Order is working with traitors, Ahsoka," the embodiment replies, simply walking through her blade, absorbing through her. "The Jedi would betray you in the future and allow you to suffer a fate that you cannot never even imagine, one where you have the entire galaxy glaring at your back and condoning your death as a necessity. Do not allow yourself to be their pawn, Ahsoka, not when you could be so much more."
Ahsoka feels herself shivering. His signature is dangerous, and he could certainly kill her if he so wished to do so alone. She disengages her blade and crosses her arms, "Make your case."
"For all the truths surrounding the teachings of Yoda, he is one of the many members that would bring the Jedi Order to a descent that you could not even imagine. No being can wield that kind of power for centuries without becoming complacent at best or corrupt at worst. He has no idea that it's overtaken him; he no longer sees all the little cumulative evils that the Republic tolerates and fosters, from slavery to endless wars, and he never asks, 'Why are we not acting to stop this?' Live alongside corruption for too long, and you no longer notice the stench.
In the Jedi's case, they corrupted themselves when they, by choice, failed to perform their duties. The Jedi Order maintained its status by promising to defend the Republic and all its citizens. When they failed to act on that promise and still claimed the rewards that function provided, they became corrupt. They were no longer providing the service they promised they would but they still were collecting the rewards of that position.
They corrupted themselves when they failed to stop slavery; when they allowed the rampant corruption in the Senate to go unquestioned when they failed to investigate claims about criminal activities; when they caused mass starvation; when they refused to return missing children to their parents; when supported untrustworthy politicians to maintain their own political status; when deployed children into war zones years before; when they refused to send any kind of help to protect people from criminal activities; when they expelled their own members without a proper investigation or trial which led to some Jedi turning to the dark; when they put political prisoners in secret prisons without trial, investigation, legal council, visitation or chance of parole; when they allowed themselves to become militarized; when they allowed natives like Kaleesh to be enslaved; and when they lied and withheld information from the Senate."
Ahsoka finds herself speechless for words. Why does it feel as if she should heed his warnings about everything he is telling her? Why does it feel like she shouldn't turn to even Master Koon for advice in the conflicting turmoil that is her emotions?
"At the very least you have the moral codes to stick to your beliefs, but this can be of use so much more to others, young one if you come over to me and allow me to teach you something new. The Jedi are not worthy of your time, Ahsoka, they never have been, for you are a slave on a short chain to the Jedi Council. The moment you question their codes and protocols is the moment you'll be cast aside. Come to me when you are ready to acknowledge the flaws of the Jedi."
And Ahsoka blinks one more time only to find herself in the dormitory of the Jedi Temple, unable to believe that all of that was nothing but an illusion when it felt so real. Her doubt in the Jedi Order is only amplified by what she has just witnessed, someone appearing before her and casting a darker light on the Order she has been raised to serve.
At that moment, the door opens. In all honesty, Ahsoka feels as if she's a prisoner is about to be interrogated. As if there is no escape.
"Padawan Tano, Master Drallig wishes for you to join his training session."
The Togruta nods and walks to the training ground. She can see a Jedi Guardian, already waiting for her, and she finds herself clenching her hands up into a fist, the Force seems to scream a warning. When had she ever felt distrust of the Jedi in such a manner?
"Are you both ready?"
Both nod, though the younger is truly nervous.
"Begin."
In a split second, the Jedi Guardian makes a break to her, lightsaber coming out as if he is going to truly harm her. Just as quickly, the Jedi Padawan draws her weapon and watches as the Jedi Guardian comes barreling at her, the lightsaber igniting in time to block the assault.
Ahsoka finds herself being pushed backward, thankful that this was a training arena instead of truly fighting for her life. The aggression on the battlefield is something the Togruta would never be able to sustain.
'Don't allow him to beat you. You are much more than those Jedi could ever be.'
The Togruta feels encouraged by that voice, evading just in time, before twirling her lightsaber upwards. She feels safer with someone encouraging her on, feels a lot more powerful, and gives into the desire as much as she knows that she shouldn't. The Jedi Guardian begins taking several steps backward, his blue lightsaber barely blocking the region of strikes, a look of surprise and amazement crossing his lips.
Ahsoka moves to the right just as the Jedi Guardian comes crashing among her, lightsaber poised above him. Many watches in amazement as the Togruta Padawan, appearing to be amplified by some powers are now attacking with all aggression, and even Ahsoka finds herself surprised if not amused at the expression crossing the lips of the Masters.
Ahsoka begins moving at ground-breaking speed, making so many Jedi along with her training partner watch with deep interest, wondering where Padawan Tano has managed to grow so powerful, her blade swinging wildly against the weapon, feeling it get closer and closer to release.
It is within a mere minute that the Jedi Guardian crashes into the floor, his lightsaber flying several feet away from him. For a full shocking moment, many Jedi watch, before at last Cin Drallig manages to find his voice.
"Y-you may leave, Padawan Tano. Well done."
Ahsoka nods and walks out, catching the many odds looks she is receiving from Jedi Counselors as well as signs of respect from the Guardians. She has a feeling she would be popular very soon within the Jedi Temple and those of the Council may grant her their full attention. After all, they need their champion to stand against the threats of the Order.
Days pass as she spars under the observation of Cin Drallig and the other Jedi. While anything hardly appears different, Ahsoka cannot help but feel like she is a prisoner of the Jedi Order these days. She is forced to fight harder against her fellow Jedi, and while many of the Padawans around her are obviously accepting the change because they obviously wish to uphold the approval of the Jedi Council, she finds herself losing confidence in what they are supposed to represent in this galaxy.
Days had gone by where she acted normal – meditation, studying, sparring, all is usual – though the Masters, even Master Plo, keep sparing her odd looks that unnerves the Togruta. Whether or not her presence felt different she didn't know, but it would be a matter of time until they feel it.
The figure who she interacted with didn't show himself again. She wonders what happened to her.
It is only so long before the embodiment appears before her once more after another training session which she won. That has been a lot more frequent. Ahsoka stares up at him. She is not sure why she would say the words she is going to say next, but she finds herself feeling no remorse.
"I want you to teach me; show me what I am not understanding about the Force," the Togruta says, staring up at the embodiment as her eyes shine with conviction.
"Do you understand what you are asking?" the figure queries after a moment's pause. Tano is taken aback at how reluctant he now appears as if he doesn't trust her, but she knows that despite her Jedi oaths, everything in the Temple is changing left and right and she has to do something about it.
She cannot allow the Jedi Order to fall.
"Of course, I want to understand why you view the Jedi Order with such contempt as well as attempting to perceive knowledge," the Togruta answers, walking closer to the figure.
"There's much more to it than that, Ahsoka. The Jedi and the Sith are two sides of the same coin. I don't support or like the Sith at all. Bad aesthetics flawed philosophy normally irredeemably evil. The Jedi are equally close minded. The Force is about balance. Not light. Not dark. It's about the point in between. The light is an easy path to roam while the dark explored the power that you would fathom unimaginable. You would find yourself losing faith in the Jedi, Ahsoka, and your world would shatter to the point where you may be broken."
Ahsoka finds it difficult within herself to believe that. She may not trust the Jedi as much as she used to, but she is still a Jedi despite everything and someone who would bring peace and justice to the galaxy. His mind is clear for her to see... He appears eager in teaching her the ways of his viewpoints and believes that he would be successful.
"Good," the figure responds, at last breaking through her thoughts. "Good.
The figure's eyes become sharp as he is staring into the small blue orbs belonging to the pre-teen. Tano, though shorter than the mysterious Force User, is not easily intimidated by his severe expression. She has always been referred to as a fighter even mentally, not able to shy away even in the face of someone, and has quite a tongue to even the Masters inside of the Jedi Temple.
"Sit, child." The simple command is followed instantly, the Togruta provoked by eagerness and expectation.
"Relax, and allow yourself to feel both the dark and light. To master the light side, you must first master the dark. To master the Force, one must first understand the misconception and confusions between the two. Meditate. Draw on your darkest days where you felt doubt."
Although still not trusting him, Ahsoka nods and closes her eyes, drawing onto the Force. Instead of drawing on the light side of the Force, which she was tempted to do, she focuses on memories of the… darker times of her life. She remembers when some of the residents of her village had bragged about her abilities which brought her to the attention of a female bounty hunter who was searching for Force-sensitive children, and the bounty hunter had killed them all. She remembers when her parents were killed before her very eyes. She remembers when she was brought before the Jedi Council for the first time, being met with the cold indifference of the many Masters including that of Master Windu. She remembers when trying to fit in with other Padawans only to find herself struggling more and more as she has always been more emotional than most.
"Ahsoka."
Ahsoka flinches as she is smacked in the back of her head which brings her back to consciousness. Her eyes are burning a bright golden, and what is worse is that she can feel the flames surrounding her.
"Why?" Ahsoka demands through grit teeth, hating to be insulted in such a manner.
"Because you were losing yourself to the dark side," the figure retorts pointedly, staring into her eyes and radiating light which passes through her signature, calming her down successfully enough for the dark to close. "You mustn't allow yourself to lose the dark side, Ahsoka Tano, or else you will find yourself falling down an all too familiar path."
"I will not turn to the dark side," Ahsoka replies, just as she imagines herself being dragged in front of the Jedi Council and meeting the Jedi's disappointment, dragged away to the prison where she is held and guarded by Jedi.
"When I said understand the Force, I mean do not allow yourself to lose focus of who you are," the figure responds, walking forward and running soothing fingers through her head tails. She hates to admit it but she actually feels safe in his presence, an individual who she never even met before.
"You just proven the Jedi right," Tano growls, not certain if the anger is directed at the figure or herself. "The dark side is seductive and it nearly corrupted me. It is the weaker path among the two."
"Oh?" The figure replies, tilting his head to the side and planting both hands on the Togruta's shoulders, "Weaker, you say? Can the light side give you power? Can the light side crush enemies?"
"The light side does not need those powers," Ahsoka replies, beginning to doubt that she should have done this in the first place "What the light needs is peace and justice, and that's why we Jedi have won against the Sith decades ago."
"And there are ways to accomplish them, Ahsoka," the figure responds. "Your Order says only the Sith deals with absolutes, but tell me when do the Jedi does not? The Jedi Order references that commitment is only effective if you give your full effort, or else you'll inevitably fall short which is an absolute for itself. Eventually, you would see the same views as I do."
Sand. Sand. Sand is everywhere I turn. Sand in my shoes grinding between my toes. Sand forever lapping at my door. Sand in my hair and sand up my nose. Sand everywhere I walk. Sand in my food, turning pleasure into pain. Sand in my bed, keeping me from a comfortable night's sleep. Sand making me itch, carried by the hot winds and stabbing at my eyes. Sand. Sand, always getting in everything. Sand tells lies.
Sand in the morning, sand covering my tracks as I make my way to Watto's shop. Sand burying the Droid parts I need to complete my task. Sand in the corner of my mouth, and stuck to my brow as sweat gathers more... sand. I hate sand. Nothing grows in sand, and sand reclaims everything and everyone on Tatooine. Sand hides the secrets you cannot see with your eyes.
Sand clogging up my pod racer making me look the fool. Sand stopping me, and making life hard. Sand. Sandcrawlers pushing through the dunes of towering... sand. Sandpeople killing the farmers of my homeland by taking them, forever gone, into the sand. Sand is deadly swallowing you up and sand is what we bury our dead under. Sand is depressing and sand makes you sad. Sand is everywhere and it covers the land. Sand. Sand... and it will never ever go away. Sand is my enemy and sand will make you cry. Under sand is probably where I will lay when I die.
Sand. Sand is no friend of mine.
That has once been a mantra of Anakin Skywalker for so long. Suffering on a daily basis due to the heat and sand alone formed a trauma for him, a trauma which now appears to be overturned along countless in no small part due to Vader who helped him put that past behind him and focus on the future.
It is a sad tragedy that only in a position of power, Anakin Skywalker is freed from the chains that have been wrapped around him.
They are at last leaving behind Tatooine.
After months of aiding the planet in rebuilding and formulating a personal law on planet that would make the planet stronger as well as building a suitable army, they are at last leaving for the galaxy and assisting others in time of peril.
Anakin is not certain how to feel about leaving behind his home planet. For the first time in a long time, he is willing to call this dustball his home; the removal of slavery on this never sufficiently planet had allowed him to explore Tatooine without a looming shadow at his back, and see so many happy without living in fear has only provoked these unlikely emotions within him.
He had once thought that returning to Tatooine was to free the slaves and nothing else, standing above those who have caused the torment of so many, showing no hesitation or mercy to those scum that has benefited in the suffering for most of their lives, including Anakin. He had thought Tatooine would be a lost cause and that bringing them to another planet such as Naboo would allow for them to grow in a better environment.
But as recent experiences show, it is not the planet itself that was the problem, but rather the natives on it which hindered the planet from any further progress, those of greed who wished to gain profit from one of the most powerful crime bosses in the entire galaxy. Many lives have been claimed, but many lives would be allowed to live a better future instead of having to be faced with endurance and suffering that one cannot imagine.
As soon as they loom in the atmosphere of Tatooine, the Millennium Falcon takes off into light speed. Anakin feels something clenching around his chest. He didn't think he would miss the world that caused him so much pain but there is so much longing for that world and the new life that it had been introduced to some time ago.
Now, Anakin decides to go speak with his father figure. Vader, as always, secludes himself from the rest of the crew and remains safely private.
When the time came for them to leave Tatooine, Vader was present and did grant many of those who views them as heroes with farewells, namely the children. The younger man knows that Vader has a compassionate side to him when it involves children.
The moment he enters the chambers is when Anakin Skywalker feels a sudden brush over another being. It was almost as if Vader was exchanging conversation with yet another being that the young man couldn't recognize but the familiarity that flashes through him is bemusing to say the least.
"Who were you speaking to?" Anakin asks, wondering what the older man has planned for this time.
"A potential ally for us to recruit in the near future," Vader replies inexplicably, not moving from his meditation posture. "I have spread doubts within her but she is still loyal to her beliefs. Not for long as the world around her is shattering completely until she at last joins us. We need more companions."
"Another fallen Jedi?" Anakin questions slightly bitterly before continuing. "It is perplexing that the Jedi have lost so much control over some members of their Order. Some wouldn't ever believe it possible because they are so many of them spread through the galaxy."
"The Jedi Order has been losing control over their Jedi for centuries but now it's approaching its final years," Vader replies. It is just that due to cunning tactics and multiple pieces of evidence that would lead them to recruit allies from within the Jedi Order. "The Jedi are intent on attacking me which is leading to them losing control of their students as well as allowing threats to strike from the shadows against the Republic."
Anakin cannot find it within himself to shrug that off. While it is painfully obvious that Vader has many allies, he finds it blissfully evident that there are higher powers at gain striking out to attack the Republic for what it is and the Jedi Order which had been oblivious to the return of the Sith for years now, and that there is no way things are changing from within the Republic just like that.
The Jedi stalling their attention on them is leaving the Republic defenseless, but that may be a good thing. Perhaps the Republic needs to be crushed before the eyes of the Jedi Order if only to ensure that there is another Corp of powers that would handle the galaxy better, and maybe Anakin can be that symbol of hope.
"They are waiting," Anakin chooses not to speak any further about the subject.
Vader nods and walks out with the younger man following several feet behind him. Not that the older one ever demanded it, but Anakin saw it fit remaining somewhat behind him as means of respect and admiration that he has for the man.
Once they are in the living room, Vader assumes position in front of them all. "Now that we are away from Tatooine, we would have to consider the possibility that the Jedi would be blunter in their attacks against us. The attack of Master Windu only leads to their Order being damaged politically at least on Tatooine and other Rim Planet but that does not mean their forces have been damaged in terms of strength. I have little doubt that there would always be Jedi deployed on some sort of planet in the false hope that they could bring us in captivity."
It isn't long before his mother steps forward. Anakin notices how her belly begins expanding, and her condition is beginning to worry him. She has been in the refresher as of late a lot longer than what has come before as well as the bond flickering off between herself and Qui-Gon. This cause Anakin to feel overprotective of her as of late especially since he can sense the two bonds between one other. His mother seems afraid of something, but Anakin cannot place his finger on it.
"Vader, if you may, I wish to remain out of the conflict," his mother says, vomiting on her lip. "I have been feeling quite sick as of late and I don't wish to place myself on the battlefield when I could only hold each of you back."
Anakin has to admit feeling relieved at that. His mother being on the battlefield is something he never liked from the beginning despite how Vader was intent on training her in battle, but he was apprehensive about what is going on with his mother. Facing the daily thought of death is something that tears at Anakin, but he is at crossroads of which he whether prefer his mother in a feeble state or firing a blaster.
"Approved," Vader retorts, his gaze locking with her stomach for a long moment.
His mother walks to the back and the door closes behind the woman.
"These are precautions that each of you should take seriously," Vader continues, still in complete control despite the interruption coming from the woman of them all. "The Jedi are growing in their power but their limitations would allow us to assumes superiority over them to the point where they would be forced to end this position. If any of you are uncomfortable with the prospect of killing Jedi, then it is wise that you disarm them instead of placing yourself in a position."
Namely at the end, Vader eyes Qui-Gon Jinn, receiving a slight nod from the Maverick. Out of all those on board, the Jedi Master is the only one who is opposing the death of Jedi and would not kill any of them despite how he would not hinder the rest, even his former apprentice's, efforts.
"Meeting dismissed," Vader replies.
Kenobi and Threepio who haven't spoken a word walk off elsewhere, leaving behind Anakin who has not been listening but instead eyeing where his mother just left. Vader stares at the young man and tilts his head towards the quarters where his mother just disappeared.
"You should check on your mother, young one," Vader states.
Anakin nods, already planning to do that as he walks off to his mother's chambers. His mother is trying to shield something from him, throwing up the shields that Vader has been generous to offer her, and blocking Anakin from seeing within her mind which irritates him for the first time ever. He didn't ever plan to search into his mother's mind, but he doesn't like when his loved ones are feeling pain.
Anakin walks inside the quarters, staring at her and noticing her shivering. He didn't need the Force to know his mother is cold, and he runs up to her, assuring the covers are protecting her, but even with Anakin trying as much to guard her against the cold, the woman is freezing and her shivering appears to never come to a stop.
Oh kriff! She might need medical attention!
"Mom, are you alright?!" Anakin looks seconds away from losing all of his composure.
"An... Anakin, enough..." His mother says, her voice sounding strained as if it is painful for her to speak.
Anakin decides to stop when she asked him to, knowing that sometimes by helping that he could cause further pain which is something he could never forgive himself for. Hurting his mother unintentionally is something that would be on his mind until the day he dies.
Blankets still wrapped around her, his mother manages to stand and goes to the corner as if trying to find warmth.
"I have something to tell you," his mother says softly.
Anakin responds, feeling she is not telling him something: "Do you know about your condition?"
Still shivering, the woman makes her way to her taller son and stares at him. Her eyes are staring with as much power as they possibly can but Anakin can tell it is very painful for her to walk. Her current state is due to that.
But then she says something Anakin would have never expected:
"Ani, I'm pregnant."
That is when Anakin feels something from his brain throbbing as if something about this particular situation is familiar.
'Ani, I'm pregnant.'
His wife... the love of his life... is staring at him with those big brown eyes. Anakin can hardly believe it. They have been at war for so long that the thought of a child being produced by both of them is both a terrifying experience as well as something that only drives his motivation further.
This child would not be born in a time of war nor would have to fear their parents on a daily basis. Anakin would not allow it no matter what.
Anakin would have to end this war even if it meant dragging the galaxy to peace kicking and screaming. Around him, the Republic has begun growing desperate to end the war, and now Anakin has another reason to end all of it. This child would need both of their parents.
The Separatists would not stop either would their allies, even though Anakin wished it. He would be called to battle, and it is possible that this war would take decades to end...
No.
That is not something Anakin will allow. His son or daughter would grow up in a happier galaxy, one without being plagued by war or the fear of being killed on the battlefield in multiple ways that Anakin witnessed for a long time.
'That's... That's wonderful.' he finally manages to speak.
He doesn't need to plague her with fear. This is a blissful moment. Putting the war aside, for now, is the wiser decision especially since she's obviously afraid.
'What are we gonna do?'
Anakin replies, 'We're not gonna worry about anything right now. All right? This is a happy moment. The happiest moment of my life.'
Realizing that he is staring deeply through his mother, Anakin shakes his head only slightly. He can see his mother's fear, the shorter woman undoubtedly expecting him to act the worse due to the news.
Soon, he manages to find his voice as he did in that vision, despite his eyes obviously going wide. "Mom, that's... that's wonderful... but who is the father?"
She is clearly reluctant in telling him.
"Qui-Gon."
Anakin is dumbfounded. There have never been any clues behind his mother and the Jedi Master aside from being very close friends who obviously view peace. They were always the soft speaker of them all, but that doesn't mean that would result in a relationship.
He should want revenge for the implications that led to this unlikely pregnancy, and his emotions are bubbling in all sorts of waves. He never liked when his mother was sexually assaulted by the slavers and that was definitely one of his many emotions about those particular scum which led to him showing little to any care when slaughtering the lot of them.
However, Qui-Gon has been a close friend of his for years and has been one who played a part in freeing him from slavery. Anakin, suffice to say, has mixed feelings about this. Very soon, he would be an older brother, having yet another person to protect.
But the Jedi... if they find out about the child... they would wish to raise him or her. They will turn them against him simply because of his Force Allegiance. Anakin would never allow that to happen. He would kill them all before they would be able to do that to his little sibling and separate his family.
Anakin has a new role in the galaxy: to protect his sibling - but that doesn't mean that such a duty would be easy. If anything, this may motivate the Jedi to come after them if only to get their hands on a strong Force Attuned child. They would not allow the child to choose his or her destiny because they would wish to use them against their parents and his sibling.
Knowing his mother needs him now instead of worrying about that, Anakin rubs her stomach, attempting to pass calming energies if only to make it easier for her. In several short months, he would have a little sibling in the galaxy who would have a happier childhood. He would bring the galaxy to destruction if he has to for his younger brother or sister.
"I'm going to have to tell Vader about this."
Vader can tell the signs of a pregnant woman when he sees one. It is not that he has any experience in that field, but in the beginning months of the rise of the Galactic Empire, Padmé had shown signs that had made Anakin concerned at the time, but both had merely assumed it was a symptom of a sickness she had caught from the wind.
When Padmé told Skywalker that he was going to be a father before the end of the Clone Wars, Skywalker at the time was plagued by happiness as well as slight tinges of fear especially since the CIS could have taken over. Not only was it apparent that the war was going to come to an end, but Skywalker was going to be a father.
Before Sidious took over and proved himself as the ultimate puppeteer. Even in death, Vader finds himself falling into the false belief that the old man is still alive though his signature from the Force has depleted completely from the Force. His effects are plainly still across the galaxy and namely on Naboo.
Vader knows that because Plagueis is vastly different from Sidious, that doesn't mean he wouldn't wish to gain control of the children of the Chosen One. He would have to keep the Muun Sith in check along with his dark allies.
Not only for the birth of Luke and Leia but also for his sibling. That is admittedly something that Vader hadn't foreseen. He is creating new ripples in the galaxy unintentionally and ones that not even he could control.
As his former Sith Master had been killed by his own Master, there is also going to be another Skywalker. When the child is brought to the galaxy, how could Vader be able to assure the child lives in a stable galaxy on just a ship and have to deal with the Jedi? That is something that would have to be left for debate.
When Skywalker enters his corridors, this is the first time that Skywalker had ever seen him standing instead of in his meditation posture. Vader quickly speaks before Skywalker could even deliberate how to disclose the news to him.
"Your mother is pregnant. I already know."
Skywalker opens his mouth in shock before closing it. "How long?"
"Three months," Vader replies. "Qui-Gon and your mother conceived the child on Tatooine, though they had been lost in passion at the time and the built-up frustration may have benefited in the conceiving of your sibling. I have little doubt that Jinn would abandon her in her time of conflict as I can sense the affection shared between the two, however, they would not be able to raise the child in a convenient environment which concerns me deeply."
Both Vader and Skywalker know all too well about being raised in a dark environment. His mother had barely been able to raise him in some sort of happiness. He didn't receive the fortunate that other children have received such as being rewarded with birthdays or other holidays. Each day is just surviving more and more in a ruthless environment.
Jinn hardly knows how to raise a child. Yes, the Jedi Master had two Padawans before - three if one includes Feemor - but each had been trained and learned in a life where attachments were disallowed and learning in a loving home like both Skywalkers had been permitted despite the shadows of slavery clinging to their backs. Not that their mother would be the wiser decision especially since she had been raised surrounded by slavery and so she would have to learn.
At the end, it is best for Vader to raise the child. Brutal Galen Marek's training was, but that did leave him with experience in how to raise a child as there were times when Vader had viewed the boy as a son. Vader had to use droids for cooking and other things, but he is the only one out of all of them who knows to raise a child at a young age properly. On top of this, he has learned from raising his younger self which forced him to ease up in that particular training.
"Lead me," Vader says.
Skywalker walks out with Vader following behind, something which feels odd for the younger man. Not that Vader is a slaver, but the man has a tendency to take control of the situation and lead individuals. While even the young man loathed it at one point when he had been accustomed to the presence of Vader, he had slowly grown to accept it.
The moment they come to a stop, Qui-Gon Jinn stares between them, his eyes flashing in no small amount of curiosity. "What's going on? Is something amiss?"
"It is a small inconvenience, nothing more," Anakin responds, partly loathing how cold his voice is sounding, but not caring as he glares at the Jedi Master. "Kriff it. Something happened to my mother, and I want an explanation."
Qui-Gon raises one eyebrow but doesn't have the chance to respond, dragging him by his arm, Anakin reaches the quarters his mother is waiting in with Vader following in toe. He walks up to her and rubs his hands through her abdomen, feeling the child from within as he reaches out to the Force. The child from within its mother reacts to his presence, almost as if the being within can feel the touch of their older sibling from a different timeline, and is longing for affection from the man.
"What's going on here?" Qui-Gon asks, folding both arms across his chest.
"Oh, Qui-Gon, when we... I'm pregnant." She whispers her admission, slight tears going down her eyes.
Qui-Gon's mouth opens in shock. Vader can only barely resist a smile. The seed within is not yet fully formed for him to be able to tell which gender is, but Vader can already see the power behind the being.
"This is not surprising." While Vader would not say he's happy in particular either, he is reacting better than his younger self, who is fiercely overprotective of his family no matter what. Vader learned to loosen up throughout the years whereas Skywalker would always be shielding anyone he loves no matter what.
"What the kriff... It was only one time." Vader beams at Jinn's uncharacteristic cursing. His Jedi indoctrination is falling apart much sooner than anticipated.
"First, congratulations for losing your virginity." Vader smirks, shocking each participant in the room.
"What? I wasn't a virgin, damn it!"
"You don't seem to be the type who breaks the Jedi Code that far," Vader's grin widens. "I guess you are Maverick in more ways than one."
"That's not what happened! I didn't seduce her!" Qui-Gon didn't sound very convincing.
"Admit it, Jinn, you both seduce one another," Vader replies. "Your untamed passions all built up into one."
Skywalker growls, not happy about how Vader is just shrugging this off. "Vader, he impregnated my mother! This is not a laughing matter!"
"I rather have her be with someone who I know would take care of her than someone who would use her as a sex slave. Am I correct in trusting you with taking care of her, Qui-Gon?" The threat lingers in the air, making all aside from Skywalker tremble in the darkness. Shmi Skywalker is that one individual who anyone would protect.
Qui-Gon gulps, feeling intimidated by Vader. "Yes, Vader, I would make sure that she's not thrown away again."
Vader returns his attention to Shmi, and the child from within, sensing that Skywalker no longer doesn't feel the temptation to murder the Maverick Jedi Master, despite how he is still pretty pissed off.
"The child is growing," Vader says, rubbing his digits through her cheek now. Never did Anakin see before that his mentor is capable of showing any leniency, however, it is obvious that he has personal moral codes and shows affection to his mother. "This child would indeed have special attributes like its older brother. It is wise that you learn how to train how to be a mother without relying on your past experiences with the teaching of your first kin."
Vader knows all too well that the Force is strong within the family of Skywalkers which is why the midi-chlorians have chosen her as the selective choice out of all beings across the galaxy.
But even this is a ripple effect that not even Vader would adapt to simply. He didn't expect this to happen so shortly. A growing child is in there, someone who Vader would have to debate the future of, and ensure both the Jedi and Sith don't get their hands on. It seems that even the growing ultimate puppeteer of this timeline is not going to be able to control everything, both close to him, the fight between the Jedi and the Sith, and this new Jedi Civil War.
He also had to keep an eye on his younger self to ensure that he doesn't fall again. Last time, Skywalker didn't fall because of pride and arrogance despite the Jedi's belief, but because he had no one to talk to, but that wouldn't be the case this time.
Vader would see to it.
Arthur's note: This chapter proves Vader cannot control everything even those close to him. Shmi falling pregnant again was a concept I had planned to begin with. I'm sick and tired of stories where characters like Vader time travels, and everything goes the same so I want to show how much ripples are being created and how I'm not falling Canon.
I feel like Vader wouldn't have left Ahsoka out because he cares about her and, to be honest, Vader is going to need allies. Continuing to go on planets to planets would mean Vader would have to keep fighting Jedi without even building a foundation of a new Order. He is 'corrupting' students from afar so they would eventually come before him, and I can see Vader placing seeds of doubt within Jedi like Ahsoka and Barriss.
May the Force be with you all always.