Chapter One
The Will of the Force?
In some ways, it seemed history was repeating itself. . .ragtag rebels racing away from nasty Imperials in a battered old ship. But right now, the grimly-determined woman wasn't worrying about that. She was more concerned with dodging the blasts from the Imps. The shields were holding (for now), but she tended to have her grandfather's luck. So, it was about to run out. And they really needed to get away from that pile of bantha poodoo before then. A voice from the back shouted something incomprehensible, but she shook her head. She really did not have time for this right now. . .
She had even less time for the Force-vision that blocked out her current reality. Unfortunately for her sanity (and sometimes her health), the Force didn't serve her. . .she served the Force. And right now, it insisted on her undivided attention. The past. . .the way to save the future, was putting things to rights in the past. She saw a white structure. The Jedi Temple, as it was. And it was beautiful. Oh stars, it was so beautiful! She saw faces. . .a solemn-faced young man with auburn hair that brushed the nape of his neck and a neatly trimmed beard; a lovely, determined young girl; a man who seemed to be in his late fifties with graying dark hair and serene blue eyes. But it was the final face which was most recognizable. . .a young boy, no more than nine or ten years old, with sandy-blond hair and bright blue eyes.
Other images exploded behind her eyes. Two men battling beside a river of flame. An old man battling a monster in black armor as a young blond man cried in anguish. . . Uncle Luke! The older man she saw earlier dying in the arms of a weeping young man. The girl collapsing to the ground, heavily pregnant, both hands at her throat. Another old man, past eighty, on his knees, with lightsabers crossed at his throat and eyes filled with resignation, sorrow and remorse. As if that wasn't bad enough, she felt their emotions through the Force: guilt and grief, rage and despair, hatred and love, and so many others, too many others. And a Voice whispering inside her mind, whispering into the air, see them, the victims of Sidious, the victims of Palpatine.
The two realities merged as she heard voices from both:
Get her out of there! Something's gone wrong!
I have a bad feeling about this. . .
Papa! What's happening?
I should not have come back.
Get her out, get her out, get her out!
Train the boy. . .
Wake up, little sister, wake up!
My name is Anakin and I'm a person!
"Merit!"
Merit Solo forced her eyes open, gasping for breath, and found her own reality staring her in the face. She was lying on her back. . .outside the simulator. Something smelled of smoke, and Merit had a sneaking suspicion that it was coming from their (late) simulator. Her elder brother Thane knelt beside her, his hand cradling the back of her head. As she looked up into his eyes, the worry was replaced with relief. She asked hoarsely, "Did I break the simulator?" Thane choked back something that was either a laugh or a sob, and drew her into his arms, pressing her head into his shoulder. Merit didn't fight him. . .she didn't have the strength, nor did she have the desire. After what she saw, there was no finer place to be than in the safety of her brother's arms.
"You didn't break the simulator, but somethingcertainly happened," came the cool tones of the other remaining Jedi. Thane released Merit, allowing her to look at the blond man kneeling on her other side. Jedi Master Aidan Kenobi. . .grandson of the legendary General Obi-Wan Kenobi. Merit tried not to wonder if he was a great deal like his (in)famous grandfather. After all, how similar was she to her grandmother? To her great-grandparents, even? Oooh, that didn't bear thinking about. Bad enough that one Skywalker followed her great-grandfather down the path of destruction. . .the galaxy certainly didn't need another! There were times when that knowledge was the only thing that kept her on the right path. . .the other was imagining the look on her brother's face if he lost her to the Dark Side as well. She couldn't do that. Not to Thane.
"But we're not sure what?" Merit asked, returning her attention to the matter at hand. Aidan shook his head, clearly concerned. Merit sighed and lay back, closing her eyes. Gentle fingers stroked her hair back from her forehead. Merit opened her eyes and smiled at the final member of their group, Aidan's eleven-year-old daughter, Amidala. From what she could gather, Ami's mother Erzsebet died shortly after the little girl was born. With that void in her life, Ami adopted Merit as her surrogate mother. Since Merit was only twenty-five, she found that strange. . .but didn't protest. She, of all people, knew how important it was to have a mother. . .or a mother figure. . .in her life.
"No idea. . .but never mind that. What in the name of the Force happened to you, little sister? It looked like some sort of Force-vision, but it's never taken so long to pull you out of it," Thane observed, looking worried. Merit pushed herself into a sitting position, wincing as her body protested its recent treatment. She rested her head against her knees for a moment, and then reached up to Thane. He took her hand, frowning, and Merit extended her other hand to Aidan. With the aid of the two men, she stood. . .however, Thane kept a protective arm around her waist. Not that the young Knight minded. Her legs weren't especially steady, and she still had to figure out what she would tell her brother. . .she was still trying to make sense out of what she had seen.
"The past, Thane," Merit finally said, tilting her head back to look up at Thane. Her brother's bright blue eyes narrowed, and Merit continued, "More to the point, several of our ancestors. Obi-Wan Kenobi. . .a very, very young Obi-Wan Kenobi. An even younger Anakin Skywalker. . .and I think the young girl I saw was our great-grandmother, Padme Amidala." Thane's eyebrows reached his hairline and Merit continued, "It was all of the past. There's one man I didn't recognize, an older man. Around fifty or sixty, I suppose. But he's important."
"Obviously," Thane retorted with more than a touch of sarcasm. She just glared at him, and then closed her eyes, rubbing her fingers over her forehead. Thane's sarcasm gave way to concern, and added more gently, "That's enough, little sister. These Force-visions always make you sick, and we have to put the sim back together. Get some rest. No meditation, just rest." Merit didn't protest. . .her head was pounding, and she'd already been exhausted when she agreed to test the simulator. Rest sounded like a good idea. Preferably without any more Force-visitations, although she wouldn't hold her breath.
SWSWSWSWSW
If you only knew, sweet girl, the Force-ghost thought with a faint grin, if you only knew. Anakin Skywalker had thought decades earlier, as he and Obi-Wan Kenobi watched the rebel celebration on the forest moon of Endor, that it was finally over. He had thought as he watched his children that they could rebuild what he destroyed during a time of peace. He was wrong. But it didn't have to be that way. Even now, the forces of good were mobilizing in what his son-in-law jokingly called the great blue glowy beyond, so called because of the way the late Jedi could and did appear to the living.
Ani? What are you do. . .oh. His wife moved to his side, watching in fond sadness as their great-granddaughter slid to her knees to begin her meditation. Evidently, she decided to ignore her older brother/Master. Typical. One hand reached around to the nape of her neck, releasing her hair from its tie. Padme murmured, She is so like Leia! Anakin simply nodded. Though he was finally reunited with his daughter, as well as his son, in the Force, and though Leia had long since forgiven him, forgiving himself was far more difficult. It was especially difficult now, as history repeated itself. Anakin thought grimly that the wrong brother had been killed years earlier, and hated himself for even thinking that. But Anakin Solo fought hard to ensure he didn't follow his grandfather's path. The older Anakin couldn't help but think the galaxy, to say nothing of his great-grandchildren, would have fared far better if his namesake had survived.
How did it go so wrong, Padme? Why didn't he learn from my mistakes? Anakin asked softly, speaking of their grandson Jacen. Anakin became a Sith to save Padme, or so he thought. But had he Fallen because of love, or from a desire for power? Even now, decades later, he couldn't answer that question. He wanted to believe he did what he did for love, but if he was truly honest. . .if he was truly honest, he would acknowledge that genuine love was a willingness to sacrifice oneself for another. He murdered children to save the wife he later tried to kill.
Our mistakes, Anakin, Padme corrected softly, our mistakes. Anakin sighed. She was right, of course. Once they came to terms with the past and with each other, the pair admitted to themselves, and to each other, that they should have never married. They were wrong for each other. . .and neither could make a proper commitment to each other. Although the twins were the greatest reward of that terrible mistake, and while both Anakin and Padme adored their children, even they couldn't argue with one simple fact. The marriage should have never taken place. Hindsight was always so clear.
Anakin returned his attention to the kneeling form of his great-granddaughter. Padme was right when she said that Merit was a great deal like Leia, and not just because she bore her grandmother's name. She had all of their daughter's spirit and determination. Leia, at least, had a happy childhood, though it was cut short. Her granddaughter was not so lucky. And now, Merit Leia Solo was one of the four last Jedi in the galaxy. As yet, the Council refused to aid the mortal Jedi (emphasis on 'as yet'), time was running out, and there was no Obi-Wan Kenobi to guide the galaxy's last hope. Anakin never liked being a situation where he was completely helpless.
Of course, his Master would gently remind him that he couldn't save everyone. (As if he had any room to talk?) And mostly, Anakin could accept that. It was just that. . .after everything he did, to Padme, to his children, to Obi-Wan, to the younglings and the babies in the crèche, he didn't believe that he really deserved to be here. In his eyes, killing Palpatine was only the beginning of his atonement. So, he watched over his great-grandchildren. He repaired the damage to his relationships with both Padme and Obi-Wan, as well as his children. Making amends with Padme was far more difficult than repairing his relationship with Obi-Wan. . .in large part because his beloved but dense Master blamed himself for Anakin's Fall. According to Masters Dooku and Yoda, it was something of a Force-miracle that Obi-Wan could even forgive himself a little for Anakin's bad choices. A Force-miracle. Yes, here in the 'great, blue glowy beyond,' as his son-in-law called it, Anakin was learning a few things about miracles.
When he sacrificed himself to save Luke on the second Death Star, it was the first of several miracles. The second miracle was being accepted into the Force, after betraying it so terribly (although Master Jinn swore that he hadn't betrayed the Force at all, but merely fulfilled his destiny). The third miracle was finding himself with his twenty-two year old body within the Force. Or perhaps it wasn't a miracle. The truth was, only at the end of his life had Anakin Skywalker truly grown up. He certainly hadn't been an adult when he faced Obi-Wan on the first Death Star, taunting his former master as he had (a memory that caused him pain even now, decades later). The Force had simply given him the body that was most like his true self.
And speaking of true selves. . .wasn't that an interesting puzzle? While Obi-Wan appeared to Luke as he was at the time of his death, to Anakin, Obi-Wan's true self was the Jedi Anakin had bid farewell, just before the thirty-eight year old Master left for Utapau. The tired old man he had faced on the first Death Star wasn't Obi-Wan Kenobi. It couldn't be. Even as Darth Vader mocked the serene old Jedi, the Anakin Skywalker who remained within the suited monstrosity wept at what time had done to his brother, his best friend. What he had done.
With the Force-vision granted to her, we have the opportunity to make everything right, Ani, Padme said, interrupting Anakin's guilt-ridden musings. The Force-spirit smiled. Yes, that was his feeling as well. Padme raised an eyebrow, asking with a mock-stern smile, And did you have anything do with those Visions? Anakin merely smirked, but didn't answer immediately. The truth was, he had nothing to do with his great-granddaughter's Visions, but he enjoyed teasing his wife too much to say otherwise.
No, the Visions were just that. . .Visions sent by the Force. Though Anakin hated seeing what became of the galaxy, hated that his grandson followed in his footsteps, he would never manipulate his great-granddaughter as he was manipulated. Merit and her brother Thane (as well as their sister Allana) suffered enough because of their father. Anakin would not add to his list of crimes by adding to the suffering of his great-grandchildren. But with the Council meeting, it was Anakin's hope that the Council would take note of his great-granddaughter's Visions, and realize it was time for them to get involved.
Of course I didn't have anything to do with those Visions. But I did feel them in the Force, and I do know that they are true Visions. I just hope the Council is wise enough to not only heed them, but to have Luke speak to her. She knows and trusts him,Anakin admitted. He smiled as his son appeared just behind his mother. Luke's Force-self (at least to Anakin) was as the young man who destroyed Darth Vader and brought Anakin Skywalker back on the second Death Star, not the old man he was when he died (was murdered by his nephew's troops).
Father, Master Windu just called us to the Council, Luke greeted after kissing Padme's cheek. His bright blue eyes danced as he added, I think he's on our side. He was grumbling about Master Jinn becoming a stickler for the rules now that he's one with the Force.Anakin barely suppressed a grin of his own. Luke looked at the kneeling young woman, his eyes softening as he asked, How is she? She looks so tired. Mara is still trying to send sleep suggestions to her, but she has a double dose of stubborn.
Triple-dose, Anakin corrected and Luke inclined his head in agreement. The same. But she's strong, Luke, and not just in the Force. And if Master Windu is on our side, as I believe Yoda is, then we'll carry the day, Anakin told his son with a mischievous smile. He shook his head, murmuring, If someone had told me when I was Obi-Wan's apprentice, all those years ago, that I would find myself on the same side as Yoda and Master Windu. . .other than getting Obi-Wan to take care of himself. . .I would have never believed it. But this is just too important.
Speaking of Ben, why wasn't he asked to join in this meeting? Luke asked, frowning at what he perceived to be a slight to his first teacher. Though Anakin was his father, and Luke did love him, he also regarded Obi-Wan Kenobi as a father figure. . .which became apparent when his own son was born. Anakin wondered what a former Emperor's Hand thought about naming her only child after the last great Human Jedi Master. However, he never asked his daughter-in-law about it. And now that he was Anakin again, he didn't begrudge his Master his place in Luke's heart. He was, in fact, pleased that Luke loved Obi-Wan, for it meant his son healed the heart Anakin had broken with his Fall.
The father and son were more alike than they sometimes realized. It was for that reason Anakin told his son, He was. Qui-Gon wanted him in this meeting, but Master Dooku and Obi-Wan said otherwise. Luke still looked disappointed (and protective), and Anakin pointed out, Obi-Wan has earned his time of peace, son. Allow him that. Luke obviously wasn't happy, but he wouldn't argue further. Anakin added with a bemused smile, Although, if someone had told me, all those years ago on Geonosis, that Master Dooku would become an ally. . .
None of us could have foreseen that, Ani. I was there when Obi-Wan joined us in the Force, I saw Cou. . .Master Dooku fall to his knees, weeping, when Obi-Wan arrived, and I still didn't believe what I was seeing, Padme observed. Yes, Anakin could believe that. According to his wife, not only did Yan Dooku fall to his knees before the Jedi he wanted as his own apprentice, he actually kissed his grandpadawan's hands, before he begged Obi-Wan's forgiveness. Anakin smirked. Now that, he really wished he could have seen, if only to witness his former Master's reaction. Obi-Wan, all flustered and embarrassed, practically begging the Jedi-Sith-Jedi to rise. His poor Master was probably beet-red with embarrassment. He just never saw anything special about himself.
Of course, the idea of seeing Dooku on his knees, without lightsabers crossed at his neck, held a great deal of appeal. Even with the passage of decades (and finallymaturing), forgiving the older Jedi for everything he'd put Anakin and those he loved through. . .well, it wasn't that easy. For hurting Obi-Wan, for trying to kill Padme, for Geonosis and too many other reasons. The only reason he could forgive the Count now was because he knew that his great-grandmaster loved Obi-Wan, just as Anakin and Luke did.
And now, Master Dooku awaited them in the Council, along with Master Windu, Yoda, and other Jedi. Padme said softly, I will see you when the meeting is over. Luke, look after your father. . .he still has a problem with his temper. Anakin glared at his wife, and Luke just laughed. Hmph. Trust the boy to be amused! He must have picked up Obi-Wan's sense of humor. And then there was the matter of his son-in-law. Padme added firmly, You look after your father and I'll make certain Han leaves Obi-Wan alone.
If that smuggler irritates my Master, he'll find out just how. . .Anakin began hotly, his natural protectiveness rearing up once more. He didn't really dislike his son-in-law. After all, with only a few exceptions, Han Solo had made his Leia very happy. And anyone who made his daughter happy. . . Still, Anakin had to have some fun and he derived suchenjoyment out of needling his son-in-law. Something his wife well knew. . . just as she knew that Anakin would do just about anything to protect his former Master, even now, even here, where Obi-Wan didn't need to be protected.
Han doesn't irritate Ben. . .I think he amuses him, more than anything else. And even if he does push too far, Mother will be there, as will Leia. And you know she won't let things get out of hand, Luke pointed out with a broad grin. Anakin allowed himself a goofy smile at the thought of his daughter, who reminded him so much of Padme when they first met, it was all he could do to not to ask, 'are you an angel?' However, he restrained himself. Leia wouldn't understand, and that took all the fun out of it.
Anakin felt the humming through the Force telling him that the Council was ready. Luke felt it, too, and Anakin told Padme, We should go. Look after Obi-Wan for me? In the years since their reconciliation it had become a promise between them. Obi-Wan had taken care of them and their children for so long, they chose together to take care of him now. It was no longer actually necessary, and Anakin knew it for what it was. . .a way to assuage their own guilt, as well as an act of love.
You know I will. And we will all look after the children, Padme promised. Anakin nodded, gifting his wife with a smile for the promise made, then with a glance at his son, went to the Council Chambers.
SWSWSWSWSWSW
Luke Skywalker's life had started over many, many times. The first was the day he encountered Ben Kenobi, the crazy old wizard. . .the day Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi came to his rescue. Luke smiled to himself, that day crystal clear in his memory. He felt like a child as the old Jedi began Luke's training in the use of the Force. Looking back now, decades later, Luke knew that was exactly what he was at the time. A child. And a child he still was, for every day, living within the Force, he learned more. . .and realized how much more he had to learn. But here, he was with his parents, with his beloved twin, with his wife and son, with his Masters.
As he and his father entered the Council Chambers, Luke nodded first to Master Yoda, then to Master Windu. He heard his father's stories of what Master Windu was like while they both had bodies of flesh, but those stories were hard to reconcile with the warm, sometimes mischievous Councilor he had come to know and respect since becoming one with the Force more than ten years earlier. He was especially amusing when he and Master Dooku started one of their infamous mock-arguments. . .to say nothing of playing one of their equally infamous pranks (usually on Master Jinn).
On the other hand, those mock-arguments (and pranks) generally started because they believed Ben. . .Obi-Wan. . .needed to laugh. Like Luke's own father, the pair were rather protective of Obi-Wan, but expressed it in different ways. Luke once questioned his mother about this. Padme Amidala Naberrie Skywalker was silent for several moments, before explaining, You see Obi-Wan as the 'crazy old wizard' who died on the first Death Star to buy you, Leia, and Han time to escape. But to Yan Dooku, Obi-Wan is the defiant young Jedi he captured on Geonosis. To Master Windu, he's the last padawan of Mace's dear friend, Qui-Gon.
It made sense. And in the beginning, when he joined his parents, Leia and Han in the Force, he saw Obi-Wan as crazy old Ben. But one day, he touched his mother's hand as she was watching Obi-Wan comfort his namesake, Luke's son. . .and saw him through her eyes. As she last saw him, holding an infant Luke in his arms while Leia was born. She saw the exhausted, heart-broken, but still young Jedi Master. And from that moment, that was how Luke saw him as well. He saw the man whom both of his parents loved, in their own ways. He saw the man who held Luke, who took care of him until he was placed in Aunt Beru's arms.
What is she doing here? Luke's father demanded unexpectedly, sounding almost petulant. Luke turned his attention from his memories and back to the council. His father was glaring at a slight, hairless woman standing quietly beside Master Dooku. Luke smiled and nodded when he caught her eye, prompting a shy smile in return. His father had never forgiven this woman. . .but Obi-Wan had, and she had been truly kind to Leia when his twin first arrived. Perhaps it was a desire to redeem herself, or curry favor with the Chosen One. . .or perhaps she was simply lonely and wished for companionship.
Master Windu wanted her input, Father. . .yes, you were a Sith, but he wants to make sure that all voices are represented. Not only were you a Sith, but you are also Merit's great-grandfather. . .and everyone knows how you are about family. Especially with her resemblance to Leia, Luke reminded him. His father actually pouted, and Luke added, Yes, he tends to side with us, but he wants to make certain that our case is airtight. He believes Asajj Ventress can help us with that. His father still didn't look convinced, so Luke played his trump card, pointing out, She wants to redeem herself, Father. You can't argue with that. She knows what she did to Obi-Wan, she knows how badly she hurt him. She wants to atone.His father still looked mulish, but Luke knew he wouldn't argue further. He smiled again at Asajj Ventress, whose answering smile grew a little stronger, and then the Council meeting began.
SWSWSWSWSWSW
I don't belong here.
Yan Dooku glanced at the woman beside him, even as the Jedi settled down for the meeting. Asajj was shaking, minute tremors that no one else would have noticed. But he noticed, and only the fact they were in a Council meeting prevented him from placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Not because people would disapprove, but because he didn't want to draw further attention to her. Anakin Skywalker was currently glaring at her, despite his son's stabilizing presence, and Qui-Gon didn't look happy, either.
You do belong here. You have as much right as anyone to stand in this Council. You have valuable insight, Asajj. And if need be, I'll remind young Skywalker that you and I were not the only ones in this room to hurt Obi-Wan, he answered, his voice just as soft as hers. She looked up at him, her blue eyes wide with contained terror. Yan just smiled at her tenderly, adding, It is not something I wish to do, child. But sometimes young Skywalker forgets that he is not the only one who loves Obi-Wan. Just as he forgets that I am not the only one who betrayed his Master.
Asajj offered him a half-smile, not entirely convinced of his words. But, and this he knew to be important, she wanted to believe him. Sometimes, that was a large part of the battle. After a moment, however, she asked softly, And what of Master Jinn? Can you say the same to him. . .of him? Yan looked at his slim companion, weighing his words. How, exactly, did he explain his odd relationship with his first padawan, in such a way that this girl would understand? For though she was of an age with the child-Senator, Padme Amidala, in her heart of hearts, Asajj was still the child orphaned first by the murder of her parents, then by her Jedi Master.
At last, all he could say was, Qui-Gon is not the same boy I raised to adulthood. Further, his relationship with Anakin Skywalker has deteriorated since they were reunited within the Force, something that has embittered him.Just as Dooku himself was embittered by the loss of his padawan. However, Yan had only himself to blame for that. He should have reached out to his grandpadawan after Qui-Gon's death, understanding as few could about the challenges of taking a padawan as such a young knight. Obi-Wan would have told him that there was no guarantee he would have accepted his aid, but Yan still believed he should have at least made the offer.
He was given little time to follow that thought further, because his disciple had turned her attention to the mortal Jedi whom they hoped to help. Particularly the very young, sandy-haired girl even now trotting down the hall toward an unknown destination, the namesake of the child-Senator. Asajj mused, She is so very young. . .perhaps the same age I was when my parents were murdered, and my Master came into my life. And yet, she is so very different. Dooku looked at the girl who might have been his padawan, had things been different, had he been a better, stronger man. She stared in fascination as Ami Kenobi peeked into Merit Solo's room. . .no doubt to make certain she was actually resting. In some ways, she was very much like her great-grandfather.
She has been born in a different time, Asajj, and under different circumstances. Erzsebet's death had a lot to do with that, as did the Jedi Purges. Her entire world is comprised of three people. . .her father and the Solo siblings. They are her family, they are her world. Merit is but twenty-five, yet she is the only mother Amidala has ever known. The child honors the mother who gave up her own life so that Amidala could live, but she has no memories of that woman, Yan pointed out gently.
Just like Leia and Padme, Asajj mused, though Leia remembered some things. But where Ami would be thrilled to see her mother in the Force, Leia was angry with hers. Angry with her for giving up. For not thinking that her babies were worth fighting for. Asajj looked up at Yan, saying honestly, I understand that. My mother was a farmer, not a warrior, but she was taken from me by force. Leia's mother was a warrior and a queen, but she simply gave up. Believed life wasn't worth living, without Skywalker. I cannot understand that. Can you explain that to me, Master?
She sounded lost. . .and just as young as the child they now watched. But he thought about her question. No. . .no, he couldn't. There was a reason he still thought of Padme Amidala Skywalker as the child-Senator, and her abandonment of her children played into that. But that didn't mean he could explain it to Asajj, who considered Leia Organa Skywalker Solo her best friend. Asajj, who loved her parents and whose parents loved her. Asajj, whose guilt over her torture of Obi-Wan had led her to become viciously protective of him in the Force. It was actually a bit odd. . .two of the people who hurt Obi-Wan most in life became the most protective of him in the Force. However, he wouldn't mention that to Anakin or to Asajj. He didn't think either would appreciate it.
Instead, he returned his attention to the reason why they were in the Council, namely the young mortal Jedi. Stars end, young Amidala Kenobi was scarcely more than an infant. What were they thinking, asking so much of her? And yet. . .did they really have a choice, if they wanted to save the galaxy? With that in mind, Yan observed, If we carry the day, Asajj, that child will find herself in far more dire straits than she has so far. But if we fail, the galaxy. . .the very future. . .is doomed. It seems wrong, does it not, to ask a child to sacrifice herself? And yet, that little girl, her father, and the other two are the best chance we have to save everyone. Well,he thought, mentally amending his statement,everyone except Palpatine. He can burn in the nine Sith hells for all I care.
And again I say, I do not belong here. As much I might despise Anakin Skywalker, he was a Jedi. . .and I was not. You were a Jedi, and I was not. In fact, I should be staying with Leia and the others, rather than Obi-Wan. Whatever knowledge I have is ill-gotten, Asajj reiterated. Her bright eyes were haunted with the memories of what she had done in the past, a child's desperate attempt to win the approval of the closest thing she had to a father. If he had not during his life, Dooku could now see why his grandpadawan tried so hard to save this woman from herself.
All true. . .but not the entire truth, came the voice of an old friend, one whose support Yan would gratefully accept, you are here, for the very reasons that Yan mentioned. Your input as a Dark Jedi will be invaluable. You, above all, can convince those assembled that the few remaining Jedi need us. . .and that we need this chance to put things to right.Yan smiled at his old friend gratefully, for saying exactly what his young disciple needed to hear. Mace Windu smiled back, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief as he added, That being said, let's get this party started.
Yan rolled his eyes, but instead of telling Mace what he was thinking (exact opposite of 'this party is over,' hmm?), he instead observed, You do realize that my former padawan would tell you that this is anything but a party? Mace actually snorted at that remark, reminding Yan once more just how much the younger Councilor had changed since joining the Force. He was glad of it. Obi-Wan and Asajj were not the only ones gathered whom he had hurt. In those moments before his death on the Invisible Hand, he regretted the pain he caused Obi-Wan. . .but once he joined the Force, he acknowledged that there were others whom he hurt.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. . .he chose a truly strange time to go by the book. We're one with the Force, we no longer carry the burdens and responsibilities we did in life. He used to accuse me of forgetting how to enjoy myself. . . Mace replied, shaking his head in astonishment as he added, Obi-Wan would say that he has no room to talk. Yan almost snickered, because he had heard his grandpadawan say that very thing on more than one occasion. The devoted, dutiful padawan had turned into a Master in his own right, one with a sometimes-scathing wit. Yan actually laughed the first time that scathing wit was turned on Qui-Gon, shocking his padawan to no end.
Poor Obi-Wan had a great many adjustments to make, once he joined them in the Force. Yes, he was still guiding Luke and grieving over Anakin, but he also had to adjust to his new existence in the Force. The first shock came when Mace pulled him into a bear hug. The words 'Mace Windu' and 'bear hug' just did not match, so Obi-Wan was already off-balance when Yan knelt and kissed his hands. Yan still didn't regret that. That was the least he owed his grandpadawan. His only regret was that the action upset the boy.
It was because of those early shocks, because of those adjustments that the young man stepped out of his long-held role as Qui-Gon Jinn's last padawan. He found out quickly that he was no longer that devoted child, and held back from no disagreement with his former Master. Nor would he be the first to apologize in a dispute to keep the peace. He was tempted, the first time it happened, a short time after Anakin joined them. . .but both his former Padawan and his grandmaster quietly gave him their support in the dispute.
And that was where the division began, between Anakin and Qui-Gon. Anakin was no longer the little boy who idolized the man who freed him and took him from Tatooine. Yan Dooku shook his head almost sadly, but turned his attention to the gathering. They had a great deal of work to do, if they were to help the children. Qui-Gon wasn't his priority. . .the future of the galaxy and the Jedi was.
SWSWSWSWSW
The very first thing Mace Windu learned, after he became one with the Force, was something he actually relearned. Something he forgot, years ago. . .how to have fun and laugh. In the early weeks (or, what seemed like weeks to him, though he later discovered it was actually years in the world of mortals), he was still reeling from the last moments of his life, from the discovery that the Republic he had loved and served for his entire life was under the control of a Sith. That was the most devastating blow of all. Right after that was the understanding of just how wrong they had been, about so much.
That was why Mace already made his decision. When young Merit Solo experienced that Force-vision, it was clear to the Council that it was time to act. . .if not long past time. Mace hadn't spoken with Yoda, yet, but he sensed that was the trigger the Council was awaiting, the signal that it was time to get involved again. The Force itself was giving them its blessing to change things. And while he was within the Force, Mace couldn't help wondering why now, at what seemed to be the end of all things?
He mentally reviewed the facts in evidence, as he had been taught so many years earlier. There were only four Jedi remaining, one of whom was an eleven year old padawan. If this Council decided to warn the four Jedi what the Force wanted of them, then the fate of the galaxy (past, present, and future) depended on two Masters, a Knight, and a Padawan. And make no mistake. . .Mace knew that was the decision of the Council was not whether or not the children would go back in time, but whether the Council would assist them. That was the decision to be made today.
The vote cast by Yan Dooku was obvious. He wanted the children to go back, and he wanted to help them in any way he could. The same was true of both Asajj Ventress and Anakin Skywalker. . .of both Skywalkers present, for that matter. Mace glanced over at Luke Skywalker, who was quietly calming his father. The Chosen One did NOT look happy to see the former dark adept in the meeting. Mace could sympathize, remembering how Obi-Wan looked when he was returned to them. But her input would be invaluable in swaying the undecided votes. Besides, both of Skywalker's children liked Asajj. Safe in the comforting embrace of the Force, Asajj was revealed to be a gentle, kind young woman who found an immediate kinship with Anakin's daughter Leia.
It was because of her friendship with Leia that Anakin's still-bitter resentment toward Asajj was contained. With everything he had done to his daughter, the last thing he wished to do now was alienate her. Besides. As angry as he still was with her, not even Anakin could deny that Asajj truly cared for Leia (and Luke, though she was a bit uneasy with the last Jedi Grandmaster. . .probably because of his resemblance to Anakin). The grandson of the Chosen One, Anakin Solo, adored Asajj, often calling her 'Aunt Asajj,' because of her obvious friendship with his mother.
Master Yoda. Mace was more or less certain how his old friend would vote. With everything they learned within the Force, Yoda still kept his own counsel on many things. However, he was clearly not happy that Obi-Wan would not take part in this Council. He was, after all, a member of the High Jedi Council during the last few years of the Old Republic, and had a great deal of insight into what the young Jedi were facing now. Yet, Mace could understand his young friend's reluctance. He had earned his time to rest, and neither Mace nor Yan would take that from him.
And the other Jedi? Mace glanced around, evaluating each vote as he came to a Jedi. Kit Fisto was easy to predict, and not simply because of his death at Palpatine's hands. He had been arguing for a long time that they had to get involved, had to help the children. It provoked more than one ugly argument with Qui-Gon, who maintained that the Jedi proved they were unfit guardians for the galaxy. It was actually necessary for Yan, Asajj, and Mace himself to restrain the enraged Luke Skywalker when the last Grandmaster heard that remark. Ben Skywalker merely stared at him for a long time, before walking away. . .most likely to find his mother (or, possibly, his cousin Anakin). Since that day, the young Jedi had nothing to do with Mace's old friend.
Mara Jade Skywalker. After dying at the hands of her nephew Jacen years earlier, Mara began to take back some of the characteristics of the Emperor's Hand in the Force. The ruthlessness had returned, but it was now tempered with wisdom and some compassion. Even now, she still hadn't forgiven Jacen for murdering her. . .her anger had as much to do with what it did to Luke and their fourteen year old son as anything else. But that rage did not extend to Jacen's children. . .any of them. (Though Mace had a feeling she had a soft spot for Merit, because the girl bore a variation of her name) There was absolutely no doubt how Mara would vote. Force knew she and Qui-Gon argued about it often enough. At least once each mortal day.
Plo Koon. Harder to tell. Ki-Adi Mundi. He was veering toward the Skywalker side of things, but during his most recent conversation with Ki-Adi, Mace realized he saw some worth in Qui-Gon's arguments. It could go either way. Adi Gallia was another who would have to be convinced, as Luminara Unduli. They had their own reasons for their wariness, and Mace respected that. Siri Tachi was another who had already cast their vote, choosing to help the Jedi of today, along with the rest of that circle.
Mace's eyes swept over the gathered Jedi, blinking in surprise at a dark-haired young man standing behind Yoda. The man inclined his head to the Councilor, who was more than a little surprised by his appearance. Xanatos Verras was the last person he expected to see here. Judging from Qui-Gon's expression, it seemed likely that he felt the same. . and he was not happy to see his former padawan. Xan's mouth quirked a little as he returned Qui-Gon's gaze. Then his eyes shifted to Asajj, and his expression softened. He executed a small bow, smiling gently at her. To Mace's surprise, the girl actually relaxed and smiled back at Xanatos.
Now that was interesting. He saw little of Xanatos here within the Force, though the former Jedi spent a great deal of time with Han Solo. Like called to like, they said, and they were both rogues in their own ways. Like Yan, Xanatos also wanted to apologize to Obi-Wan for the pain he had caused him, but unlike Yan, Obi-Wan's brother-padawan kept things low-key. Well, as low-key as a fierce hug and 'I'm so sorry. . .for everything' could get. Still, it was better than Yan on his knees and kissing Obi-Wan's hands. From the way Obi-Wan was blushing, Mace was actually a little surprised that the mortal Jedi couldn't see him.
There were other Jedi in the Force. . .that went without saying. But it was determined that the Jedi from the twilight of the Old Republic would be the ones to choose not only whether they would help the four remaining Jedi. . .but what form that assistance would take. There would actually be two debates. Mace was, despite his current uncertainty about how certain Jedi would vote, confident that they would carry the day. The question then became, how they would assist the new Jedi. Some who supported the Skywalkers said that it should be a member of the High Council who spoke to the young ones. Others, like Kit, firmly believed that if anyone spoke to the children, it should be the Jedi with whom they were most familiar. As Kit pointed out, they would listen to them before they would listen to anyone else. He. . . Mace blinked in astonishment as another figure moved through the mass of Jedi, one no one expected to see here today. She took her place at Mace's side and said quietly, Did you really think I would not speak today, Master?
I make no presumptions about you, Depa, Mace answered around the lump in his throat. She merely smiled and Mace continued, You told everyone that you would be remaining with Obi-Wan and the others. What changed your mind? Her smile grew mischievous and Mace could have groaned. Instead, he sighed, You always intended to come, you just wanted to surprise us? It wasn't that he was unhappy to see his padawan. On the contrary. . .the Skywalker allies received another vote. And Depa was always welcome at his side. But he feared she wasn't healed of the wound that eventually took her life.
He once heard it said that during their confrontation on Mustafar, Anakin inflicted a wound that eventually killed his former master. It took nearly twenty years, but the wound did kill him. He thought the same was true of his former padawan. Her physical body lived on, but she had been lost deep inside her mind. Obi-Wan might have followed her, after Mustafar, if not for the twins. As painful as his death had been, as devastating as the moments were leading up to it, Mace knew that he was the lucky one. It was actually over rather quickly for him. Yes, he had to watch all that he knew and loved destroyed within the Force, but Obi-Wan had to live through it.
The Force had gifted them with a way to erase all of that, all of the pain and suffering, the bloodshed and heartbreak of the last several decades. It showed the past to Merit Solo for a reason. It told her that the way to save the present and the future was by saving the past. With that determination born of that understanding, Mace caught Anakin's eyes and smiled grimly. The Chosen One raised an eyebrow, obviously understanding what Mace meant to do, and then he gifted the Korun Master with a feral grin. They would carry the day. The Force had spoken to Merit Solo, had spoken to them all. They were servants of the Force. . .and he would see its will done.
SWSWSWSWSWSW
There was a wild card among them. . .and he alone knew of it. Of her. This was necessary, in order to maintain the delicate balance. If either side learned of her presence, they would try to enlist her aid. And that could not be permitted. She had to make the decision on her own. Yoda, Grandmaster of the Jedi Order during the waning days of the Old Republic, was determined to make certain she would have that opportunity. . .up to and including masking her presence.
Once all were gathered, the Council began. The two sides were intermingled (aside from the Skywalker father and son, who stood together), but it was still easy to tell who sided where. This issue had divided the Jedi, and it saddened him. He supposed he could have pointed to this as reason Jedi were not permitted to have attachments, but here in the Force, he learned better. Besides, not even Qui-Gon Jinn, who was the first Jedi in millennia to achieve this sort of immortality, knew everything about their new home within the Force. . .he was obviously surprised by Padme Amidala's presence here.
For now, in order to serve the Force, he would have to hold his own counsel. As promised, he allowed Qui-Gon to go first, as he was really the leader of the opposition to assisting the living Jedi. Yoda's former student (one of many) was fiercely opposed to the idea that the Council assist the mortal Jedi in any way, shape, or form. He began by reminding all gathered that the purpose of the Purge was to force the Jedi to prove themselves worthy in the galaxy once more. . .at least, that was his belief. Yoda didn't share it. A glance toward the Chosen One revealed that Anakin Skywalker rather strongly disagreed. If Qui-Gon was not one with the Force, there was a good possibility young Skywalker's glare would have completely eradicated him.
As it was, only his son's presence kept Anakin from lunging across the council chambers to do Force-knew what. Qui-Gon continued by pointing out that the Jedi failed again. It was wrong, given those failures, to ask for a third chance of the Force by going back in past. He also found it extremely suspicious that of the four remaining Jedi, it was Anakin Skywalker's great-granddaughter who received the Force-Visions. Why Merit? Why not Thane? Why not Aidan or Amidala? Particularly when they all knew that Merit was Leia's granddaughter and Anakin had been seeking for years to atone for what he had done to his daughter. What better way than to give her beloved granddaughter hope for the future? Yoda noted that Qui-Gon was saying nothing new. . .he had been saying the same thing for the last twenty mortal years, since Jacen Solo's second Fall.
Yoda noticed one other interesting factor in the council chambers. As his former student spoke, outlining everything the Jedi had done wrong over the last two thousand years, those Jedi who had not yet made up their respective minds were developing facial expressions best described as 'mulish.' It seemed as if Master Jinn were pushing fence-sitters into the other camp. Yoda could only shake his head in despair. What became of the rebellious Jedi who turned what little hair he had white? When did Qui-Gon Jinn turn into this. . .this bitter old man?
Before Yoda could pursue that question further, Qui-Gon completed his remarks. . .and Anakin Skywalker took the floor. His voice was cutting as he said, Thank you, Master Jinn, for reading a list of our faults. However, one important thing that your padawan, my Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, taught me was that knowing our faults was necessary, so we knew what to correct. Something that Padme tried to make me see as well, but I refused to listen. Some in this Council have never forgiven me for what I did to them and to people dear to them, and I accept that. In truth, I've never forgiven myself. I certainly can't forgive myself for what I did to my children. . .or for the legacy I left them and their children, and their children's children.
He glowered at Qui-Gon, who shifted uncomfortably. Yoda would have snickered, if it hadn't been such a serious matter. Anakin went on, When I encountered a real Jedi for the first time as a nine year old, I was told that my focus determines my reality. . .and my focus is on the people I love. I grew up outside the Temple, and I make no apology for that. Nor do I apologize for loving my children, or for loving my Master. However, it was not I who sent those Visions to my great-granddaughter Merit. After being used as a pawn myself, I would never do such a thing to her. The Force itself sent those Visions to her, and it is our duty to make sure Merit and the others can make things right.
Kit Fisto was nodding and smiling, as were Siri Tachi and Xanatos Verras. The young Jedi bowed at the waist, then stepped backward to stand beside his son. Asajj Ventress looked to Yoda and the ancient Master nodded. She looked next to Yan Dooku, who smiled at her encouragingly, and the former dark adept stepped forward. She squared her shoulders bravely and said, You all have reason to hate me. I killed so many Jedi during the Clone Wars. . .and I tortured one in particular. Obi-Wan Kenobi. Why did I do these things? I hated the Jedi. . .not just because of what I thought that they had done, but for what they failed to do. She paused and glared at Qui-Gon. He actually cringed. Asajj continued, They failed to save my Master. . .and, I have come to realize, me as well. I blamed them for Master's death, for allowing such people as his murderer to exist. For those crimes, real and imagined, I killed. Not just Knights or Masters, but padawans. . . some not that much older than Amidala Kenobi. Children, esteemed Jedi. Children! There were tears rolling down her face as she detailed her own crimes, but she made no attempt to wipe them away.
Instead, she continued, I know my crimes, and I seek to atone for them. So now, you face a decision. Shall you assist your Jedi descendents, or will you allow them to fall into darkness? We have heard from both Master Jinn and Knight Skywalker. And we have heard what Skywalker did not say, but is true nonetheless. Master Jinn does not wish the Jedi to assist the remaining Jedi because two of them are of Skywalker blood. . .and Master Jinn wishes to punish him for turning against him. Yet, two are also of Kenobi blood. Why, then, would he punish his former padawan by refusing to help his descendents? Master Jinn has implied that Obi-Wan agrees with him and that is why he refused to be part of this council. That is an outright lie. Obi-Wan has no need to debate this issue. He is, in fact, with my best friend even now, meditating to give his strength to his descendents, particularly his grandson.
You. . . Qui-Gon began, taking a step toward her, after what you did to my padawan, you dare to lecture me? However, the young woman stood her ground, bright blue eyes nearly incandescent with fury. Yoda discovered that he was actually proud of the girl. Judging from the smirk currently decorating the face of Xanatos Verras and the broad grin of Yan Dooku, he was not the only one. However, there was another wild card here, someone other than the being whom Yoda was protecting.
Depa Billaba strode forward and put her hand protectively on Asajj's shoulder, stating firmly, Asajj has apologized to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and to everyone gathered here whom she injured in some way. They have all forgiven her. That is not the issue before us. The issue is what we should do to assist the four remaining Jedi. For me, it is not a question of whether or not we should assist them. In the Force or in the mortal world, we are still Jedi. . .and these children need our assistance. They need us. To refuse to do so, whether because of a misguided belief that the Jedi failed a second test set before us by the Galaxy or because of a desire to punish the Chosen One for no longer idolizing particular Jedi Masters. . .that is unworthy of us, my brothers and sisters!
We once traveled to the planet of Geonosis en masse to save Obi-Wan, Master Jinn, losing many Jedi in the process, Kit Fisto said, striding forward to join Asajj and Depa, do you truly think we would or should do any less for his grandson or his great-granddaughter? Or perhaps that's the problem. Asajj accuses you of wishing to punish Anakin for no longer idolizing you by punishing his great-grandson and great-granddaughter. Can it be that you wish to punish Aidan and Amidala Kenobi because of the wrong their grandmother and great-grandmother committed against Obi-Wan?
It was obvious from the Human Jedi's expression that he never even considered the possible that the tables would be turned. . .that his motives for arguing against this assistance would be questioned. However, the debate was not yet finished. . .indeed, it seemed the words spoken by the trio of Asajj, Depa, and Kit ignited the true debate. Yoda spoke not at all. Instead, he listened, trading glances with Mace Windu and with the other person who was remaining quiet during the debate. . .Luke Skywalker, his final padawan. They were the only ones to see the approach of she who would determine the final outcome of this Council. Mace's eyebrows winged up into his nonexistent hairline, while Luke merely smirked in amusement.
Your time to speak, it is, young one, Yoda told the woman who stepped to his side, be wise, you must. . .in your hands, the ultimate fate of the Jedi is. She said nothing, but Yoda sensed her agreement. Satisfied that she understood just how important this was, to everyone, Yoda pounded his gimer stick on the floor, drawing everyone's attention to him, and to his companion. He had the satisfaction of seeing shock in nearly every face, except one. . .Yan Dooku. His former student merely smirked, inclining his head to both Yoda and the newcomer. The ancient Master said, Had your say, you have. Time for someone else, it is.
Master Yoda, please. . .she cannot be objective in this matter! Just as Anakin cannot, just as Leia Organa Skywalker couldn't, just as. . . Qui-Gon began, but found himself unable to speak. Yoda sighed, shaking his head. Qui-Gon couldn't die in the Force, but having Anakin cutting off his voice couldn't be particularly pleasant. Or was it Asajj? Both were glaring at him rather fiercely, though Yoda wasn't certain if it was the insult to Anakin himself or his daughter that annoyed the Chosen One, or the insult to Leia alone that caused Asajj's reaction.
Objective? You must be joking, Master Jinn, as you are the least objective individual here. I, at least, admit my subjectivity. But the fact is, you are discussing what to do about my children. . .my son and my daughter. The two innocents whom I chose to live for. . .and then die for. . .when my husband turned to the darkside. Yes, I would speak to the vaunted Jedi Council. I believe that is the absolute least I have earned, Lisseth Warda Solo said. Yoda shuffled backward, allowing Lisseth to speak her piece.