Author's Notes: Okay, I almost got sidetracked. Fortunately, Bail kept me focused (what almost sidetracked me? I went to see Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 yesterday and immediately got attacked by Nebula feels. Dammit, that's two movies she's done that to me now!). In any event, in this chapter, we hear once more from the senators; Bail begins to assist the Jedi with their fallen brothers; Padme and Xan make a horrifying discovery; while Obi-Wan is updated by a very-put-out Boba (who, by the way, is convinced that Jedi are insane). And one final secret is revealed. One more chapter and then the epilogue.
Chapter Sixteen
One Final Secret
Xanatos had only just begun his explanation when an explosion … there was no other word for it … rattled the building. And it came from the Chancellor's office. Bail, Padme, and Mon were driven to their knees by the force of the explosion, but as Bail looked around, he realized that Xanatos completely collapsed. He wasn't the only one who noticed … Padme scrambled to her husband's side, still on her knees, and drew his head to rest in her lap. Mon asked, looking as shaken as Bail felt, "What was that?"
Padme stroked her husband's hair back from his forehead and whispered, "The Force … more to the point, it was the death of a powerful Force-user. Maybe several." Bail's blood ran cold at the implications, but Padme wasn't finished. She went on, "This happened before. Near the beginning of the war. Several Jedi, and their padawans, were killed. We were on the Queen of Naboo, bringing aid to the planet where it happened, when Xan collapsed." She looked up at Bail and Mon, dark eyes pleading with them as she went on, "That's why when the opportunity to talk to the Separatist leaders arose, I had to take it … I had to! To end this awful war, to save the lives of both Jedi and clones, I had to take the chance offered. But it was a trap, and Obi-Wan spent six months of his life as a captive!" The bitterness and shame in the young woman's voice was so thick, it all but choked the other two senators.
Bail was on the verge of speaking, of reassuring his younger colleague, but it was then that the door to the Chancellor's office flew open and a somewhat-unsteady Master Fisto called, "Whoever is on their feet, we need help!" Mon was on her feet immediately, bolting inside the office, and Master Fisto added gently, "He'll wake up soon, Senator. The only ones who are still unconscious are Knight Kenobi and Master Yoda." He added in an undertone as he made his way back into the office, "Of course, if Obi-Wan hadn't impaled himself on his own lightsaber, he might be awake now." Bail shook his head … he could not have just heard that. Then again, this was Obi-Wan Kenobi, a self-sacrificing idiot if ever there was one.
"You should help them," Padme said softly, drawing his attention back to her. She looked up, determinedly blinking back tears, and went on, "They need your help, and I just need to wait for Xan to wake up. We'll be fine, I promise." Bail wanted to stay for emotional support … but she was right. The people inside the Chancellor's office needed him far more, especially if Master Fisto was telling the truth (which he probably was). He squeezed her shoulder, and then headed into the Chancellor's office after the still-unsteady Nautolan.
What he found was … worse than anything he could have imagined. Asajj Ventress- Kenobi was quietly arranging the limbs of several dead Jedi, looking over her shoulder every few minutes. Bail followed her gaze, to find Master Yan Dooku holding his son and her husband … and the Chancellor dead next to Obi-Wan. Asajj said softly, "He was mortally injured when he killed Darth Sidious … and used the last of his strength to buy Obi-Wan time." She fell silent, before adding, "I was the first to recover. Would I like to be at my husband's side? Of course. But they have to prepare him for transport to the Temple, and someone needs to see to our fallen brothers. And Obi-Wan understands about heart versus duty." She nodded respectfully to Mon as the other woman carried Master Yoda from the office. Bail didn't know much about these things, but he respected Asajj's commitment to her fellow Jedi and her duty to them.
"What can I do to help?" he asked, but before she had the chance to answer, he noticed the body lying in the back. Bail murmured, "Jango Fett … is that why Xanatos was here?" Asajj shrugged helplessly … which meant he probably was. Bail immediately began looking around for Boba, because if there was one thing he learned about the Fetts, it was that you rarely saw one without the other being nearby. He found the ten year old with Anakin Skywalker, clinging to the older boy's leg, despite Anakin looking none-too-steady on his feet.
"Odd … I would have thought that Boba would still be at his father's side. He helped us to take down Sidious, but when Sidious was dead, he immediately started helping us, rather than returning to his father's side. When I asked him, he said that his father was marching away, and that Boba had to help those who remained," Asajj observed. Marching away … Bail heard that from some of the clones to describe the brothers they lost in combat when he visited the battlefields. It was an example he was using in the legislation, to prove the clones were sentient beings who deserved to be recognized as such, and as citizens of the Republic. He wouldn't use the conversations he had with the vod, as they called themselves … those were private, and Bail wasn't about to betray the trust placed in him. Asajj added after a moment, "You asked me a moment ago what you could do. If you haven't already alerted Senate Guard, that would be helpful … or assisting one of the Jedi who is still recovering from the death of Sidious."
He could do both … first he placed the call to Senate Guard (who were aware that something was happening, just not what). And as he moved to assist Mace Windu to his feet, he noticed for the first time the shriveled figure. The Master of the Order said wearily as Bail helped him up, "That's what's left of Darth Sidious … or as we knew her, Kimi Pelonite, the executive assistant to Chancellor Palpatine." The first thing that crossed Bail's mind was, 'so that's her name.' The second thing was, 'I remember her being a lot younger.' The final thing, 'wait, she was the Sith? Not Palpatine?' He looked at Master Windu, who said wearily, "We have a lot to tell you. But you should also know, Senator … once this war is over, the Jedi Order will begin distancing itself from the Senate."
Bail inclined his head, smiling to himself as Master Windu added, "And we'll be taking the clones with us, whoever wants to join us. They may not be Force-sensitive, but they've become family." He received a sidelong look from the Master, who added, "And you can put that in the legislature you're drafting on behalf of the vod. That might sweeten the deal for some of your more recalcitrant opponents." Bail fought back a smile … people underestimated this man at their own peril. Some of his fellow senators were about to learn that the hard way. Bail looked forward to seeing the fallout.
SWSWSWSWSWSW
Within minutes of the call placed by Senator Organa, the Chancellor's office was swarmed by Senate Guard personnel. Obi-Wan Kenobi was placed on a grav-sled, and a shuttle was waiting to return him and the living Jedi back to the Temple. A second shuttle was on stand-by to take their dead brothers once the first shuttle departed. In the meantime, there were two other bodies to process, including the late Chancellor. And there were decisions to be made, about exactly came next. But for Padme Amidala, all of that was secondary to her husband's health.
She wasn't a good wife to him in the beginning … young and headstrong, she was at that time (well, she still was, if she wanted to be honest with herself), and she'd heard mutterings about his departure from the Jedi Order. She still remembered those Jedi who sacrificed so much to save her planet. She wasn't unpleasant to Xan, in those early days, but she also wasn't as kind as she should have been. As a monarch and as a junior legislator, she should have remembered that every story has two sides. Xan's patience and sincere desire to do right by her, and by her people, won her over … but then, she overcompensated, and she hurt someone who had only ever helped her. Far from her finest hour.
"You're thinkin' too loud … wouldn't surprise me if you could wake the others with your thinkin' like that," Xan mumbled, his head resting on her shoulder. Padme turned her head ever so slightly to kiss his forehead. He'd awakened just as the security personnel loaded Obi-Wan onto the grav-sled, far too pale and much too still. Master Windu broke away just long enough to tell Xan that Darth Sidious … or as nearly everyone in the building knew her, Kimi Pelonite … was dead, as were Chancellor Sheev Palpatine and Jango Fett. Xan went very still in her arms before asking after his nephew. Master Windu stepped to one side, allowing Xan to see the small dark-haired boy at Obi-Wan's side. Xan relaxed against her and Master Windu swept away, following the grav-sled to the shuttle that would take the living Jedi back to the Temple.
They just finished taking the Jedi who fell against Lady Sidious to the shuttle that would bear them home, and while Xan was conscious, he was still recovering. According to her husband, Lady Sidious' death caused a shockwave in the Force, something she already knew and explained to Bail … but what troubled him was the possibility that her master was still out there. Padme observed that she was under the impression that there could only be two … the master and the apprentice. Xan acknowledged that yes, that was the Sith Rule of Two, but that didn't mean the rule was kept. She asked softly what would happen if Sidious was the apprentice, rather than the master. Her husband's silence spoke volumes.
"What about Boba?" she finally asked. Alazne died several years earlier, and Padme wasn't sure if their brother-in-law made arrangements in the event he died as well. Xan sighed quietly … he probably wasn't ready to even think about that, but they would have to. They were all Boba had left. Or so she thought. Xan shook his head, and Padme frowned at her husband's bent head. Surely he meant to bring Boba home with them? They were his family, after all.
"I'm going to leave that up to Boba. He's formed a bond with Obi-Wan … actually told me before we parted company this morning that he thought Obi-Wan needed someone else to look after him, someone with common sense. Boba's words, not mine. Would I want Boba with us? Of course … he's all I have left of my sister. But … he's not an ordinary child, Padme. He's a child of Mandalor, and all that entails," was Xan's rather surprising response. Padme stared at him in shock, and no little horror. But … Boba was only ten, a mere child. He couldn't make decisions like that! And Xan, as ever, read her expressions easily.
Her husband took her hand and said softly, "Again, dear heart … Boba is not like other children. He has seen things that most adults would shy away from. And he is a child of Mandalor. He is a warrior at heart, even though he's just a boy … and family has a greater meaning than simply your parents and siblings to the Mandalorians. If he chooses Obi-Wan, and I suspect he will, then I will honor his choice. Of course, we could force him to come with us, but there's no guarantee that he would stay. Besides … just look at Luke and Leia, if you have any doubts about his parenting abilities. And are you really ready to raise a child?"
Padme's shoulders slumped, because he was right on all counts. No … no, she wasn't ready to raise a child. She wanted to be a mother some day … but not now. And, Obi-Wan was a wonderful father. She saw that every time she saw the Knight with his twins, and even with other younglings. And yes … it was clear even to her that Boba had chosen the man who risked his life, his very sanity, to protect him. She asked softly, "Then what do we do? Just be ready for when he does need us?"
"Now you're understanding. Padme, whether he lives with us or not, he'll always be family, and we'll always be there when he needs us," Xan answered, picking up her hand to kiss her knuckles. Padme smile a little in spite of herself, and returned the favor by kissing the top of his head. At last, the Senate Guard officer who was supervising the transition of the Chancellor's body to the morgue (and Kimi Pelonite's body to the incinerator, where it belonged) approached. He bowed to them both, and Padme inclined her head.
"Senator … my Lord. Before Master Windu departed, he asked me to brief you on a few items since, at the time they left, you weren't completely … aware. The Jedi Order has requested that Senate Guard leave Miss Pelonite's quarters sealed until they are able to send their investigators. Do you and your husband require assistance, Senator Amidala?" he asked. Before she had a chance to answer, Xan was reaching out his hand to the Bothan, who pulled him easily to his feet. Xan wobbled, and Padme scrambled upright to support him. As she wrapped her arms around him, she heard him muttering under his breath about his shields needing work. There was still a lot she didn't understand about the Force and the Order, but she resigned herself to that particular truth years earlier.
"Thank you … my shuttle is on the level below this one. If you wouldn't mind escorting me there, I know my wife still has a great deal of work to do. With the Chancellor's death, an enormous power vacuum now exists. Padme … I just had a thought. Do you remember the destruction of the shuttle that put all of this into motion at the beginning of the war?" Xan asked. Padme nodded, shuddering. Oh yes, she remembered that all too well. The Chancellor's rage had been terrifying to behold. Xan went on, "I'm wondering now if Pelonite was the guilty party all along … if she provided the faulty intel."
That … was entirely possible and even plausible. Xan returned his attention to the Bothan, asking, "Did Master Windu indicate whether I would be permitted to access Miss Pelonite's dwelling? I am no longer with the Jedi Order, but I believe I could be of some assistance." The officer inclined his head and Padme looked at her husband with a confused frown. What was Xan doing now? In the first place, he could barely stand and in the second place …
"Actually, there is something inside you should see. If you will come with me?" he requested. Padme and Xan exchanged a glance and then followed the officer inside the Chancellor's office. She shuddered, remembering again that this was where five people died. Yes, one of those five people was a Sith who orchestrated a devastating civil war, but her point remained. The Guardsman led them to a wall, saying, "It's behind here. I don't know how the Chancellor didn't know about this, but …"
He pressed something and the wall swung open, revealing … a secret room? Casting a grim look at them both, the Guardsman led them inside. Padme looked around, stunned as the room lit up on its own … looked at everything but what she should have been looking at. Her attention was drawn back to what lay in front of her when Xan choked out, "Oh Force. Oh, you poor girl … what did that Sith bitch do to you?" Padme could only stare in horror at what hung on the wall, hand covering her mouth. She thought all the horrors were revealed. She was wrong.
SWSWSWSWSWSW
Jedi Temple
Three Days Later
"I'm still mad at you."
Those were the first words Obi-Wan Kenobi heard as he regained consciousness. And while it was a familiar voice, he couldn't place it. He wasn't entirely sure what happened, until he shifted, ever so slightly, and a fiery pain blossomed in his midsection, stealing his breath once more. That brought back the memories very quickly. The confrontation in Palpatine's office … the issuing of Order Sixty-six … the understanding that rather than turning the clone soldiers into droids of flesh and blood, it would turn him into an unwilling Sith with the compulsion to kill the other Jedi … including his wife, including his padawan-cousin. And that couldn't be permitted.
Obi-Wan forced his eyes open and looked at his companion. He already knew where he was … an injury that life-threatening, there was only one place where he could be. But it was a bit of a shock to find Boba Fett sitting in the chair beside him, glowering at him. He offered the youngster a tired smile, only to have Boba scowl at him, repeating, "I'm mad at you! You scared me, you scared all of us, and my brothers are gonna have a thing or five to say to you when they get here!" Brothers? The last Obi-Wan knew, Boba was an only child. Boba added, rolling his eyes with obvious exasperation, "The clones. The vod in the 212th haven't left the Temple since they found out that you nearly died. You scared Cody … it's kinda funny. He didn't like Dad, but he took our name anyhow. He's not here right now, 'cause I promised I'd stay with you."
"I'm sorry I frightened you, Boba … but I couldn't allow my family to be hurt, any more than you could," Obi-Wan answered hoarsely and flinched at the scratchiness of his voice. Too late, he remembered that Boba's father died saving his life. He bowed his head, before asking, "How long has it been?" He remembered very little after leaving the Chancellor's office … just Anakin's worried face hovering over his own, and his father's hand holding his own tightly, as if the physical contact would keep Obi-Wan tethered in this world. Boba sighed and left the chair to sit on the bed carefully beside Obi-Wan.
"Three days. Miss Asajj is in the training salles, destroying any droids she can when she's not with you or the twins. Master Yan is meeting with the new/old Chancellor … oh. Right. The Senate has named the old Chancellor, Valorum, as interim Chancellor until elections can be held. Senator Organa didn't want the job and Aunt Padme says she's nowhere near experienced enough. 'Sides, there's the matter of conflict of interest, she says," the boy replied. Three days. A lot happened in three days. But Boba had more to tell him, saying, "Anakin said to tell you that his mom, your aunt, is on her way back from Tatooine and that you're in trouble with her as well. Not 'cause you got injured, but because you keep scaring her."
Well, that made a lot of sense. Aunt Shmi tended to react that way if any of her boys (which, he was quickly informed during the last visit, included him) were injured. Obi-Wan would have sighed, but his abdomen was still tender from his self-inflicted wound. Probably not his wisest course of action, but at the time, it seemed like the only way to protect his family. And then, Boba dropped the biggest bombshell, adding almost nonchalantly, "Oh, and I told Uncle Xan and Aunt Padme that I'm staying with you. I don't think Aunt Padme likes the idea very much, but she accepted it, and Uncle Xan says that you need someone with common sense to keep you from doing crazy things. He says it's a Jedi thing."
Obi-Wan blinked at Boba in astonishment, trying to process what he was just told. The youngster just blinked at him innocently, and it was then that Anakin entered. He registered a double-take, seeing Obi-Wan awake, and then glowered at Boba, saying, "I thought you promised to let us know when he woke up, runt!" Obi-Wan suddenly had a vision of what the rest of his life would be like with these two and he groaned. Anakin immediately smacked the button on his bed that would call the healers, adding, "I'm so sorry, Master, the runt and I agreed that whoever was with you when you woke up would notify the others … including Grandmaster and Asajj. Obviously, someone doesn't know how to keep his word." Not surprisingly, Boba bristled at that particular accusation (he really needed to warn Anakin about Mandalorian honor and the cost of impugning the aforementioned honor).
"I do so … he just woke up! And quit calling me 'runt,' you great big gundark! I was telling Obi-Wan everything he needed to know while he was unconscious," Boba fired back. Obi-Wan rested his hand on the boy's shoulder, trying to calm him down. It worked … briefly. And then there was the stampede of feet, signaling the arrival of his wife, his Master/father, the Master of the Order, and the Grandmaster … his grandmaster, who was sitting atop Asajj's shoulder as she carried Leia. Luke was in his grandfather's arms, and he immediately lunged for Obi-Wan.
The next few minutes were chaotic as the healers tried to make sure that Obi-Wan was healing, Boba flat-out refused to leave his side, saying that Jedi not only lacked common sense but basic self-preservation skills, Asajj kept touching his hair and his face to make sure he was really all right, his twins chattered at him … it was all getting to be too much, until Mace Windu whistled. The room went completely silent, and Mace leveled everyone with his best Disappointed Master of the Order look, saying, "That's enough … we are overwhelming Obi-Wan, and while there's much he needs to know, he just regained consciousness."
Master Yoda muttered something under his breath, something Obi-Wan was quite sure he didn't want to know about. Obi-Wan's own master sighed, observing, "You're right, Mace. First, child, how are you feeling? Are you experiencing pain?" Obi-Wan considered playing things down for all of two seconds, and then he nodded. He was exhausted and in pain, and not inclined to be stoic right now. With that confirmed, something was injected into him and the worst of the pain began to ease. His father looked at him, murmuring, "I should be angry with you, child … but then, I would have to be angry with myself, because you were only doing as I raised you. Has Boba informed you that he is my newest grandchild?"
Obi-Wan managed a smile at that, along with a nod, and Asajj observed, "Yes, suddenly I have a ten year old son in addition to the twin terrors. I have to admit, though, he's wonderful with Luke and Leia. Just yesterday, I caught him telling Leia that any of her suitors would have to come through him, and he wouldn't allow just anyone to date his little sister." Obi-Wan thought briefly of Han Solo, and the interactions between the two men in the other reality. And now, Boba regarded Leia as his little sister … that would certainly make life interesting. For everyone. And he needed to find out where the young Corellian was right now. Later, though.
"Always growing, my line is … includes non-Jedi, it does," Yoda muttered, sounding far more grumpy that he actually felt in the Force. Yes, there was definitely a touch of amusement there. Yoda added, almost laughing now, "Collected strays, your first Padawan did. Is being collected by others, your third one is." Papa actually rolled his eyes, mumbling something under his breath about 'annoying little green trolls' and 'I need all the help I can get to keep him out of trouble as an adult.' Obi-Wan thought briefly about pointing out that he wasn't exactly being fair, and then shook his head. No, he wouldn't waste his breath. That proved to be wise.
"There's something else, Master … something that you really need to know," Anakin said in the silence that followed, glancing at the head of their line, and then at the Master of the Order. Mace hesitated and then nodded. Thus reassured, Anakin returned his attention to Obi-Wan, saying, "Xanatos and his wife … they found something while investigating the Chancellor's office. Or rather, the Senate Guard found something and since Xanatos was the only Force-user on site, they reported their discovery to them."
All riiiiight. What exactly was Anakin trying to say here? It was something that his padawan was struggling with, obviously. The boy took a deep breath, muttering, 'why is this so frippin' hard to say?' Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows, because Anakin rarely swore in his presence, much less like that. Anakin looked at him straight in the eye and said, his voice nearly trembling in rage, "They found Jasleen Palpatine, Master. Not her body, her … that Sith bitch had her frozen in carbonite and then hung in the secret room of her own father's office as a fripping wall decoration. She's alive, Master … Jasleen Palpatine is alive, and she's here in the Jedi Temple." It felt as if all the air was sucked from Obi-Wan's lungs with that particular revelation. An image of Han Solo frozen in carbonite in Jabba the Hutt's palace formed, and he shuddered despite the pain radiating at the motion.
Mace took up the narrative, explaining, "From what we've put together from her alarmingly thorough records, Pelonite arranged for the 'accident,' but switched out Jasleen with a copy of her. A clone, created for the sole purpose to die. Jasleen was badly injured, however … perhaps trying to save her clone, no one is entirely sure and Pelonite's records are frustratingly vague about that part … and it's those injuries that are creating issues with bringing her out of the carbonite. They want to stabilize her as much as possible before unfreezing her." Yes, that made a great deal of sense. Mace shook his head, his eyes nearly blazing, "That child has lost her father and too many years of her life. When she wakes up, she'll be all alone."
"But won't she have us?" Boba asked, looking around at the Jedi surrounding Obi-Wan's bed. The boy pressed on when no one answered, "I mean, she is family, sort of. The Chancellor was Force-sensitive, and the gundark told me that Force-sensitivity isn't necessarily passed from parent to child, but it often is." Said 'gundark' (Anakin) merely glared at the younger boy, who cheerfully ignored him. But, Boba raised a good point. Mace leaned forward until he was eye to eye with the newest member of their family.
"You're absolutely right, Boba … she will have us. Her father died saving the Republic and Obi-Wan. That makes her family. She'll have a home with us," he answered. Obi-Wan had the odd sense that not only was he speaking as Master Mace Windu … but as Master of the Order. Not that Master Yoda was arguing. Mace went on, "Right now, though, we need to leave the room so the healers can check on Obi-Wan's progress." Ah … actually, no, they didn't. Mace glowered at him, adding, "He'll argue with us, but it's part of making sure he takes care of himself. In the meantime, I think it's time you met one of our favorite non-Jedi, Dex. Oh, don't worry, Obi-Wan … his first meal at the diner will be with you, but I think he should at least meet Dex. That'll give me the opportunity to reassure him that you're all right."
Reassure him … they told Dex. Of course they did, whatever was he thinking? Papa added, "Just to be safe, I'll go along … it's been far too long since I saw that old reprobate." Obi-Wan arched both brows at his father who leaned forward to kiss the top of his head, murmuring, "You don't know how long they live, child." Ah. Excellent point. Asajj was the next to kiss him, observing that she needed to put the twins to bed … she would be back later. She was sure the healers wouldn't begrudge her cuddling time with her husband ('as long as you don't poke at his wounds, it'll be fine,' Bant agreed). Yoda poked at Boba, who obligingly lifted him onto his shoulder, before sliding down from Obi-Wan's bed.
Anakin was the last to leave, pausing just long to hug Obi-Wan fiercely as he whispered, "You will never know how much I love you, Master … there aren't words enough in any language. I'm still mad at you, but I know you were just trying to protect us, as you always do. But now, it's our turn to take care of you." Obi-Wan kissed the side of his padawan's head, whispering, 'And I love you, my dear padawan.' Anakin's arms tightened around him, and then he left Obi-Wan to the healers. Outside, he could hear Anakin and Boba bickering. Those two would certainly make his life interesting over the next few years … followed by Luke and Leia. And what came next? He wasn't sure. Even with Lady Sidious gone, the war might continue. There was the possibility that Darth Plagueis lived. And what of the Vong?
That remained to be seen. One of the last false memories he recalled took the future in a new direction, and a return of the empire with a new name, the First Order. The Jedi Order was stronger than it was in that other reality, and Obi-Wan knew better than to try to prevent possible futures. He knew that sometimes, those preventive actions ended up causing the very future that was supposed to be averted. But this time … this time, he wouldn't be alone. According to Master Yoda, the Jedi Order now numbered nearly twenty thousand strong.
No, he wasn't alone … and Jasleen Palpatine, if she woke up, when she woke up, wouldn't be alone, either. Obi-Wan smiled at that comforting thought, and let his exhaustion take him into a dreamless sleep.
TBC