Author's Note: Thanks to all who have reviewed, read, favorited, or alerted! The action really starts in the next chapter, now that the major groundwork has been laid. I'm not entirely happy with this chapter, but truth be told, I'm never entirely happy with my chapters. As ever, thank you to my brother and sisters in the Gwethil, who have nudged, pushed, encouraged and critiqued this story along. I love y'all very much and would be completely lost without you. This chapter sees the introduction of two unexpected people in the Force-afterlife. It's only right, as they loved and protected a very special young lady until it was time for her to reunited with her twin brother. You will likely also note that I never refer to Anakin and Padme as Luke and Leia's 'real' parents. . .nor will I ever refer to them that way, but rather as their birth or biological parents. I have entirely too much respect for Breha and Bail Organa (and ALL adoptive parents) to do anything else.
Chapter Three
Across the Veil
It was a strange thing, existing within the Force. . .and very unexpected. Her daughter, however, explained that the afterlife wouldn't be very happy without the people they loved. It was gratifying to hear Leia say such thing, though she wasn't sure why she was so surprised. In any event, according to her daughter, Master Jinn was the one who opened the door, then taught Masters Yoda and Kenobi how to retain their consciousness after death. And it made sense. . .she vaguely remembered Leia coming for her and drawing her into a place that seemed so much brighter.
As time passed, she met many people. . .first among those was Rilla Kenobi, an auburn-haired woman with a habit of speaking bluntly. Breha Organa wasn't entirely certain how many individuals there were named 'Kenobi' in the galaxy, but just judging from her auburn hair and the fact that she was born on Tatooine a short time after the Purges, Breha was fairly certain she was Obi-Wan Kenobi's daughter. There was also a slight, hairless woman with extraordinary tattoos. She was shocked when Bail told her this was Asajj Ventress, the Sith witch who captured and tortured Obi-Wan during the Clone Wars. Even more shocking, she was now Leia's best friend, aside from her husband, twin brother, and Breha's other much-beloved daughter, Winter.
Shocking, because Breha thought Asajj was one of the gentlest people she ever met, though the young woman could be quite ferocious under the right circumstances. She was fiercely protective of Leia and of Rilla, and spent a great deal of time with younglings who died in the first Jedi Purge, when Alderaan was destroyed, and in the Second Jedi Purge. According to Bail, she learned what true gentleness was when she became one with the Force. Breha smiled affectionately, thinking of her husband. She had no doubt that Bail helped with that particular lesson.
Thought to be dead at the end of the Clone Wars, Asajj Ventress actually left the galaxy for a time, returning only after the Empire was destroyed. She had seen what Sidious was, and a fiercely loyal woman herself, realized that Sidious had no concept of loyalty whatsoever. She created a new life for herself, only to die while protecting a group of Jedi younglings in the New Jedi Order. She thought it was fitting. . .the dark adept who killed and orphaned padawans while she was a young woman now died saving the lives of Jedi younglings as an old woman. The Jedi certainly seemed to approve, especially that fierce-looking Quinlan Vos.
Another interesting character was Xanatos Verras. Thought by many to be dead after his former master Qui-Gon Jinn and brother-padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi saw 'him' dive into a pool of acid to avoid capture, Xanatos actually joined the Force many years later. Breha hadn't yet had the opportunity to talk to him, but overheard many arguments with his former master. Apparently, his father Crion knew about the cloners of Kamino long before the Jedi. . .it was, in fact, a clone of Xanatos who dove into that pool. Which made Breha wonder. . .Xanatos still despised his master, but showed only kindness and courtesy to other Jedi. Did that clone carry out the other terrible acts against the Jedi?
Breha didn't ask. . .there were other things that demanded her attention. Including what, exactly, the Jedi would do to assist the Jedi in the mortal world. She thought it was a wonderful idea. . .changing things so that none of this ever happened. According to her daughter, Leia's biological father (Anakin was careful to never call himself Leia's 'real' father, much to Breha's gratification) spoke with Leia's grandson, Thane; her twin Luke spoke with Thane's baby sister Merit; and now, Asajj was preparing to speak to Amidala Kenobi. Rilla, surprisingly enough, wasn't pestering Asajj about that conversation.
Instead, Breha found the auburn-haired woman quietly watching over the mortal Jedi. At first, the queen of Alderaan thought that Rilla either didn't notice her or was ignoring her. However, Rilla said softly, What kind of a mother am I, to agree to a plan which most likely destroy if not eradicate the lives of my son and granddaughter? I'm not so worried about myself. . .but Aidan and Ami have never really had a chance to live. I at least had the opportunity to love and to create a wonderful son, to see him grow up and marry a lovely young woman. But Aidan and Ami? Most of their lives have been spent in battle, and Force take it all, it's not fair! Rilla's voice was almost raw with anguish. Breha tried to find words to comfort the other woman, but Rilla regained her composure quickly. She continued in a soft voice, Not surprisingly, my father provided the answer. He repeated something that his master always used to say to him. . .until the possible becomes actual, it is only a distraction. Even if the children succeed, they may yet exist. Perhaps it was the will of the Force that they exist. . .and perhaps after they have fulfilled this mandate from the Force, they will cease to exist. Always in motion, the future is, as Master Yoda is so fond of saying. And that is what gives Father hope. I must have that hope as well. Even if I think Jinn is a fool. Breha didn't argue with the woman. . .she was nearly as stubborn as her 'uncle,' Anakin.
Rilla turned away from the window into the world of the living, saying softly, I will take that comparison to Anakin as a compliment. I don't know him well, but I have many reasons to be grateful to him. Did you know he was the first to greet Erszebet when she joined us in the Force? Rilla's voice broke when she spoke of her daughter-in-law. Breha lowered her eyes. They all knew how Erzsebet Kenobi died, and it was a source of great shame to both Bail and herself. They hadn't known the boy in question, of course, as it was years after they both died. But. . .an Alderaanian had a hand in a expectant mother's death, and it wasn't something either of them could forgive. Or forget.
And yet. . .her mind returned to Rilla's statement. Anakin was the first to greet Erzsebet? Really, it shouldn't surprise her, and she supposed it didn't. Anakin still felt a need to atone for his actions, and being the first to greet a woman who died while birthing her daughter was exactly the sort of thing he would do to atone. The circumstances were totally different, of course. But when all was said and done, Erzsebet Kenobi had died in childbirth, as his wife had. Rilla said quietly, Yes, he was the first one to meet her, and my father was the second. Typical. Breha looked at the red-haired woman, frowning in confusion, and Rilla added, Anakin wasn't the only one who blamed himself for Padme's death. The irony, of course, was that it was Padme's choice. Anakin choked her, but she chose to die. Erzsebet chose to save her husband, speeding her own death. . .but if she hadn't done that, both she and my granddaughter would have died. We can only be responsible for our own choices, Breha. No one else. I hope Asajj reminds my father of that when she asks him about speaking with Ami. With those words, she inclined her head to Breha and quietly took her leave.
Now alone, the former queen of Alderaan stared down at the mortal Jedi. She was not Force-sensitive, but even she sensed the end approaching. It made her ache, knowing that her great-grandchildren would do the exact opposite of what Rilla just said, and take on the responsibility of the choices of others. I will watch over them, Breha swore to herself, I will watch over them, and I will not leave them! They are not my blood, but they are my great-grandchildren, just as much as they are Padme and Anakin's!
SWSWSWSWSWSWSWSW
It took Asajj Ventress very little time to receive permission from Obi-Wan Kenobi to speak with his great-granddaughter. It actually troubled her a little, though she knew he had spoken to his grandson and great-granddaughter already. Asajj wished he would stop doing these things to himself. There was no longer a need for it, and there was so much guilt to be spread around. He shouldn't take all of it on himself. In the Force, there was supposed to be peace, and yet in his eyes, she saw the same old shadows. . .those placed there by the Sith and others.
In her own eyes, he remained the handsome young Jedi who kept reaching out to her, who mourned what he thought was her death. . .at the same time, whenever someone spoke of his daughter, grandson, and great-granddaughter, he appeared much older. It was, Leia confided once, his grief and shame at failing his daughter. Or rather, his perception that he had failed his daughter. Asajj rightly pointed out that he had no idea that Rilla existed, much less Aidan or Amidala, until after he joined the Force. Leia smiled sadly and replied that he didn't see it that way. Stubborn man.
Then again, he wouldn't. Asajj had only to think of the stories she heard, of Obi-Wan's reaction when her Master knelt before him and kissed his hands. It shocked him, beyond words. When he become one with the Force, Master Windu enveloped him in a bear hug, which shocked the poor man even more. But Asajj still thought Xan's greeting was the biggest surprise of all. Master Windu, while dour in his life, genuinely cared for Obi-Wan and they were on the same side. To the best of Obi-Wan's knowledge, Xan died hating him. Of course, as they all knew now, it wasn't Xan who died in the acid pool. But Obi-Wan hadn't known that, and he hadn't known that Xan never truly hated him.
In Obi-Wan's eyes, he failed to save Xanatos, his former master, Asajj, her best friend's mother, his former padawan, even her own Master. Sometimes, Asajj wondered how he functioned with all that guilt. Leia explained that some of his pain was eased here in the Force. Her birth father had forgiven him (Asajj bristled at that), and they made peace. He was able to look after those he missed in the years following the first purge. And then he learned that he had not just a daughter and a grandson, but a great-granddaughter, who were now experiencing the same things he did during the Purges. It broke his heart. And everything he suffered after seeing his family and home destroyed. . .was for nothing.
Well, she wouldn't allow that. She had a lot of work to do, and it was past time to get started. Asajj materialized in the small storage room Ami chose as her work area. No one asked what she worked on. . .the adults seemed to understand it was a place where the eleven year old could be alone. Every girl needs a place of her own, Merit Solo said when they found this abandoned base. Yes. Every girl needed a place of her own. Ami wasn't in the storage room at the moment. . .most likely checking on Merit again. It was odd. . .children could be so terribly protective. Why did no one ever notice that?
"Who are you. . .and why are you here? I would ask how you got here, but the blue kinda explains that part. Do you know my great-grandfather?" the girl in question asked. She stood framed in the doorway, and if Asajj had a body, she would have gasped. Luke Skywalker once told her that his father's first words to his mother were, 'are you an angel?' Asajj didn't share Skywalker's regard for his former wife, but looking at the innocent little girl before her now, she understood the sentiment. Asajj had never seen an angel, had no idea what one might look like, but based on what Leia told her, they were beings of tremendous goodness and purity. Someone like young Amidala Kenobi, who was even now regarding Asajj with curious bright eyes.
Yes, child. . .I do know your great-grandfather, and your grandmother. My name is Asajj Ventress, she said quietly. Amidala's eyes widened, and Asajj noted with a sad smile, I see you know my name. There is so much I wish to say. But if you wish to berate me for what I did to your great-grandfather, I will accept that. I will tell you, it is nothing I have not heard in the past. Many times, most often from the Chosen One. Although there was a few others, such as the child-Senator. That one went so far as to slap Asajj across the face (and Asajj responded in kind). But Ami didn't need to know that.
Ami muttered, "Chosen for what?" Asajj barely held back a grin. He would likely never forgive her for Jabiim, but she now saw him for what he was. . .not only did he fear that she would hurt Obi-Wan worse than she already had, but he was also jealous of her. His master wanted to save her, and that drew some of his attention from Anakin. The blonde child asked next, "Why are you here? Because of Merit's visions? My great-grandfather already talked to us about that." There was a pause, then the girl said almost sheepishly, "I probably shouldn't say this, because he is my great-grandfather, but he's really cute."
Asajj surprised herself and the girl by laughing outright. Ami was still blinking when the Force-spirit finally chortled, He is indeed quite attractive. I noticed that even when I convinced myself that I hated him. And he turns the most interesting shades of red when someone says so. I'm glad he showed himself as most of us see him. Your great-grandfather doesn't care much how he appears. . .but you and your father deserved to see him as he was when we knew him. Do you have any questions about what must be done? That was the reason she was sent down here, though not the reason Asajj sought out this particular assignment.
"No. . ." the girl said, "My great-grandfather told us everything he knew, I think, and it's pretty clear that we have to go back in time. I mean, I know I'm only eleven, but we really don't have a choice. Things are getting worse, and I don't think it's gonna get better this time. Every time someone really tries to stand against Darth Cadeus, if his troops don't kill them, then someone they're trying to protect does. It's like, they enjoy being slaves. It scares me. It scares me, because sooner or later, my father, Thane, and Merit will have to really move against Darth Cadeus. Going back in time, it's the only way for us to save the galaxy. . .and ourselves."
I wish I could tell you that you're wrong, child, but you are not. Your Merit's older sister has said as much. As has your mother, Asajj told the youngling. Ami's eyes lit up at the mention of Erzsebet, and Asajj continued with a smile, Yes, sweet girl, I do know your mother. I know she loves you, and she's fiercely proud of you. Asajj reached out, wishing to touch the girl's face, but allowed her hand to drop. She smiled a little sadly, adding, In some ways, you look like her. . .and in others, you look like your grandmother.
However, she left out any mention of the girl's great-grandmother, despising her far more than she hated anyone except Palpatine. Yan Dooku she no longer hated, for he had apologized to her for what he had done. She didn't even really hate Anakin any more. But she utterly loathed Rilla Kenobi's mother. And it wasn't even because of the obvious reason. She hated Rilla's mother because she didn't regret taking advantage of Obi-Wan's illness. Didn't regret driving his internal temperature so high, it almost killed him. She was proud of what she had done, crowing about how she had seduced the great Obi-Wan Kenobi. That wasn't a seduction, and if she wasn't smart enough to realize the truth. . . Well, technically, there wasn't anything Asajj could do to her.
"Who else do you know? What else do you know? Do you know why my father and I carry our great-grandfather's name, instead of my grandfather's? Do you even know what my grandfather's name was? If my father knows, he's never told me," Ami admitted. Asajj said nothing, just smiled gently at the girl. It was only when she ran out of steam that Asajj finally felt as if she should try to answer whatever questions she could. She would start with the 'who,' and they would go from there.
Was it possible, for a bond to form between a Force-spirit and a living Jedi? With everything that occurred from that moment on, Asajj would never be entirely certain if anything was impossible. But as she talked with the young girl, told her about the people she encountered within the Force, she only knew that if she were still in the same world as Ami, she would give her life to protect this little girl.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSW
Now there was a team he never would have considered. . .at least, until he remembered his great-grandmaster's assertion that Amidala Kenobi was very much like her great-grandfather. It seemed Ventress had a weakness for the Kenobi family, in general. That was good. Anakin allowed himself to smile at the picture they made, the hairless Force-adept and the golden-haired great-grandchild of one of the greatest Jedi in the galaxy. Speaking of great-grandchildren. . .he had another great-granddaughter to see to. He paused long enough to tell his daughter what he intended to do. . .not to get permission, as such, but to make sure his visit wouldn't shatter the child further. Leia agreed, though her eyes danced with a mischief that made Anakin very suspicious.
However, he would worry about his daughter's impish streak later, and instead, he went to Merit. She was asleep, he discovered, lying on her side. Well, it was about kriffin' time! Stubborn, stubborn girl. Right now, she was curled up to conserve warmth, arms wrapped around a pillow, like a small girl clutching her doll. Anakin swallowed hard. After joined the others in the Force, how many times did he watch his grandchildren or his great-grandchildren sleep? Once again, he realized what he threw away when he chose to serve Palpatine. Luke could say as often as he liked that Anakin thought he had no other choice, but he did have a choice. And he made the wrong one, which he would forever regret. Bail Organa had been kind enough to share his memories of watching Leia sleep as a child. That was a blessing beyond Anakin's imagination. For that gift, and for raising Leia, Anakin knew that he could never repay his former Master's old friend.
Closing his eyes, Anakin willed himself into Merit's mind. . .and shuddered. He should have expected this. Merit was dreaming of the last day of her grandparents and mother's lives, a day that began with such laughter and love. Anakin had no desire to see his daughter die (again), or for Merit to wake up, only barely biting back a scream. So, he changed the setting. One moment, they were in the living room as Han Solo taught his youngest grandchild to throw a punch (and to follow up), and the next, Anakin took the girl to a place he would always associate with happiness and beauty: Naboo.
Not surprisingly, Merit was stunned when the landscape around her shifted and changed to a lush green paradise. Anakin smiled at her expression and asked, Do you like it? This is where everything really began, I think. Her head whipped around so quickly, it made Anakin wince, and he added gently, Careful. I don't want you hurting yourself. Merit just stared at him in absolute shock. . .and, Anakin was dismayed to note, just a little fear. He grazed her cheek with his knuckles, saying, Never be afraid of me, my Merit. I would rather eradicate myself entirely from existence than hurt you or your brother.
Merit's lips worked for several moments, then she finally managed to say, You're Anakin Skywalker. You're my great-grandfather. Anakin thought about rolling his eyes, but in truth, he couldn't blame the girl. . .not when he had never really appeared to her. He wanted to, especially when she was a small girl, but Anakin feared hurting the little one even more. There were just too many parallels between himself and Jacen, and Leia and Merit. This was borne out a moment later when Merit put the lessons of her grandfather to good use and punched Anakin hard in the chest, hissing, You stupid gundark!
OW! What was that for? Anakin demanded, grabbing her wrist with one hand and rubbing his chest with the other. She just glowered at him, making no attempt to punch him again, and Anakin muttered, hearing a delighted giggle in the back of his mind, Stop laughing, Leia, it isn't funny! Merit still wasn't speaking, but her eyes burned with rage. Wisely, Anakin chose not to tell his great-granddaughter that she was just like her grandmother. Luke already mentioned that, and Anakin had seen how Merit reacted when people repeated themselves. She just didn't have the time to deal with repetition.
Besides, he knew the why of it. His beautiful, stubborn great-granddaughter had the insane notion that she wasn't worthy of such comparisons. That, of course, was completely wrong. . .if Merit hadn't accomplished the same things as Leia, it wasn't due to any lack of skill or effort on Merit's part. Leia had a fairly stable life, up until Alderaan was destroyed. But her granddaughter had only the stability provided by her older brother. They were in two totally separate situations. . .and separate women. Something that Leia would tell her granddaughter, if she would listen. However, it was that last part that was the issue. And. . .Merit deserved to be her own woman.
So, Anakin would honor her feelings. He reflected a bit wryly that it took dying for him to truly grow up, and hoped the same wasn't true of his grandson. He said after a moment, I'm not your father, Merit. . .but if it makes you feel better to pretend I am, I won't stop you. There was a flicker of uncertainty in her dark eyes, followed by grim determination. Anakin saw that expression in her eyes entirely too often. The only time he didn't, the only time she behaved like an ordinary young woman of her age was when she was around Amidala Kenobi. Hmm. Interesting thought. . .especially with regards to the Kenobi-Skywalker team during the Clone Wars, and he'd return to that idea later.
Pretend like you're my father? Uhm, no. If that was the case, I wouldn't have stopped at one punch. No, that was for my grandmother and Uncle Luke! Merit snapped. Oh. Well. That was different. And a little amusing. With the hell Jacen put all three of his children through, when confronted with his predecessor, Merit hadn't avenged herself, but her grandmother and great-uncle! She raked a hand through her dark hair, muttering under her breath, and then sighed, What, exactly, do you want?
What, can't I get to know my great-granddaughter? Anakin teased gently. Merit stared at him, and he shifted uncomfortably. He knew he was asking a great deal. But that was why he was here, instead of Leia. They were asking a great deal of them, so he had to do this. He just wished there was more he could do. If Anakin had his way, they would go back a few years before he was born, but the Force had made its Will known. They were to go back to the last decade before the fall of the Republic, when nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker was discovered on Tatooine. Anakin had asked his great-grandson to save Obi-Wan. His youngest great-granddaughter would help with that, but he had to be subtle with her. The trouble was, Anakin didn't do subtle especially well.
Merit answered quietly, You've never been interested in knowing me before. barely held back a wince, wondering how exactly to explain that there was more to it. It was never that he didn't love her. . .but she was so very young when Jacen Fell once more. There had been a time when Anakin, as Darth Vader, hated Obi-Wan for separating Anakin and Darth Vader in the eyes of Anakin's son. But now, after watching Jacen's many sins, Anakin understood exactly why Obi-Wan had done it.
None of which helped him now. He should have brought Obi-Wan with him. . .his Master would have known what to say. Anakin finally settled on, I've always been interested in knowing you, Merit. I've always watched over you, and I've always, always loved you. But you've spun from one trauma to another over the last twenty years, and the last thing I wanted to do was cause you more pain. Your father did that enough, and I hurt both of my children too many times to do the same to you. Anakin shook his head, growling, It was supposed to end with me! My children were supposed to grow old, live happily ever after. . .none of this was supposed to happen! Then again, wasn't that the purpose of this entire mission. . .to make sure this entire miserable mess didn't happen?
He never received an answer from the Force, but he did get one from his great-granddaughter. Merit smiled bitterly, replying, Few things are ever the way they're supposed to be. What is it that you want of me? Uncle Luke and Master Dooku have already told me what they want. We're to save the galaxy. But based on what Gran told me, the few times she talked about you, you want something else. Do you want me to save your wife? Your mother?
No, sweet girl, I want you to save the younglings, Anakin replied, the words appearing in his mind a heartbeat before he said them. There are too many of them, Master Skywalker. . .what do we do? Anakin shuddered and returned his attention to the dark-haired girl at his side. He repeated, I want you to save the younglings. When you are sent back, I want you to make contact with Cin Drallig and with Master Windu. Come up with a plan to evacuate the younglings, in the event that things get kriffed up again. Yoda and Obi-Wan will help you as well. Yoda especially had a soft spot for younglings. He's derived quite a bit of enjoyment, watching over you, Thane, and Ami. Speaking of which, I know Erzsebet somewhat. . .so why was she named Amidala?
Erzsebet grew up on Naboo, or so Aidan mentioned to Thane. She wasn't an admirer of Queen Amidala's, but thought it was a beautiful name, Merit explained. His great-granddaughter paused briefly before adding, She thought it fitting that the daughter of a warrior bear the name of pacifist queen. Erzsebet apparently never had much use for pacifists. I can't argue with her there, either. Yes, by now, Anakin knew exactly what she thought of pacifists, in general. It wasn't that the girl liked to fight. In truth, she really didn't. All she really wanted was to be left alone. The trouble was, and she knew this, that would never happen. There would always be people, beings, who sought to do harm to others. Not everyone was willing to be reasonable, as he had painful reason to know. And so, she fought with every weapon at her disposal. She fought dirty, just as her grandfather Han taught her to do. It was probably one of the reasons she was still alive. . .along with her brother's fiercely protective nature.
Merit asked, steering the conversation away from the Kenobi family, So, I'm to save the younglings. Okay, that's a good place to start. What did she mean by that? Did she suspect that she would be helping to save Obi-Wan as well? Not likely, especially after she added, At the top of the list to help with that, I make sure there are routes for evacuations. . .presumably the less obvious ones? Anakin nodded, and she murmured, I would think a structure as ancient as the Jedi Temple would have many hidden passages. There's also something to be said for creating new exits. What about where to go? Or will I find that out when I go back with the others?
You'll find places on your own, but I can suggest some: Dex's Diner, for one. He's an old friend of Obi-Wan's, Anakin replied, allowing himself a fond smile. He chose not to tell the girl more about Dex. She would have to see him to believe it. In some ways, this new galaxy was so much worse than the one he helped to create. Jacen. . .Darth Cadeus had totally wiped out so many species. Anakin continued, Bail Organa can also help you, especially since he tried to save a young padawan from the clone troopers. He was a good friend to the Jedi, especially to my Master. Anakin didn't bother to keep the affection out of his voice when he spoke of Obi-Wan.
Merit cocked her head to one side, frowning thoughtfully as she murmured, Uncle Luke was right. You actually did love Master Kenobi. Anakin didn't point out that she spoke in the past tense. Besides, she continued after a moment, Bail Organa. . .my other great-grandfather and the man who raised Gran. I sense respect and gratitude when you speak of him. You don't hate him for 'taking your little girl away,' then? Anakin blinked in astonishment, certain that wasn't what was actually troubling her. . .and equally surprised by the question , he decided it was a question she had every right to ask, especially given what some of his fellow Jedi seemed to think. Besides, he did have a reputation for being possessive.
No. . .no, baby angel, I don't. How could I? Bail Organa and his wife raise your grandmother, they taught her, they loved her. They did what I couldn't. I don't hate them. . .I'm grateful to them both, beyond imagination! I had no business, trying to raise a child, even if I had known that your grandmother survived her birth. I'm grateful, both to the Organas and to Owen and Beru. Anakin took a chance and said softly, Just as your father was grateful to Leia and Han, then later to Luke and Ben, for taking care of you and Thane. Merit's eyes flashed and she rose to her feet in one swift motion.
My father is dead, she stated in a cold voice, turning away from Anakin. He didn't answer immediately. He thought about correcting her, but really didn't have the heart to do so. Merit found it easier to separate Darth Cadeus and Jacen Solo than to deal with the grief and horror that came from her father's betrayal. Too many times over the last twenty years, Anakin watched as she cried in her sleep, "Why, Daddy?" Perhaps it was unbefitting of a Jedi, but this wasn't the Old Republic. It wasn't even the New Republic. Something his master reminded other Jedi when necessary.
At last, he said quietly, The man who was your father. . .he's not dead. He's. . .lost, for lack of a better word. But Jacen Solo is alive, and he loves you. He's never stopped loving you, and he never will. Merit merely turned away, folding her arms over her chest. Anakin paused, realizing that she wouldn't listen to him if he continued talking about Jacen, so he switched to a topic of conversation that would hold her attention. He willed himself to stand in front of her, and commented, Your sister has asked me to tell you 'hello,' and she's very proud of you.
Merit looked up at him, her eyes widening, and she choked out, Allana? You've talked to Allana? Anakin thought about pointing out to her that he just said that, but opted not to do so. There were other things he needed to tell her, so instead, he nodded. Merit blinked back tears, whispering, How is she. . .is she all right? Is she happy? Has she forgiven me for getting her killed? Wh. . .what? Anakin stared at his younger great-granddaughter in shock. She actually thought. . .oh kriff, it was just his luck that Merit had the same tendency to blame herself that Obi-Wan did. Kriff, kriff, kriff!
When he was sure he could answer without swearing (or wanting to strangle those two dear, dense ones), Anakin stared hard at Merit, put both hands on her shoulders and stated very clearly, She has not forgiven you, because so far as she's concerned, there's nothing to forgive. She chose to place herself between your father and you. She is your older sister, and that's her job. That's the job of older siblings, period, to protect their younger siblings. If anything, Allana wants your forgiveness. . .she truly believed that your father would never hurt her. That she was wrong, and your dreams have been haunted ever since. . .she hopes you can forgive her.
It occurred to Anakin, as soon as the words were out, that it was also the job of the younger sibling, to protect the older. Hadn't he been very protective of his Master? Wasn't Merit protective of Thane, and Allana as well, before the latter's death? However, his great-granddaughter's sometimes-contrary nature had been overwhelmed by his words about her sister. He squeezed her shoulders gently, adding, Allana loves you very much, baby angel. She wants you to stop blaming yourself.
Merit rubbed at her eyes, looking exhausted, and said softly, I'll try. . .and please don't quote Master Yoda at me. Anakin barely held back a grin. . .as if that would happen! Merit frowned, then added, And you called me 'baby angel.' Why was that? Anakin once again ignored the delighted giggle he heard from his daughter. Leia was deriving entirely too much enjoyment out of this entire situation. Then again, she would. She was her father's daughter, after all (Bail, as well as Anakin himself). He had never known Bail Organa had such a wicked sense of humor.
Merit was still waiting, so he explained, There's actually a story behind that, Merit, and it started. . .well, around the time we're sending you. When I first met her, I called your great-grandmother, 'angel.' Your grandmother is my angel princess, for obvious reasons, and you're my baby angel. Kind of like when your grandfather called you his little duchess, because your great-grandmother was a queen and your grandmother was a princess. He paused, then added with a wink and a broad smile, Trust me, I tease him about that unmercifully. Usually after he starts pestering my Master.
As he hoped, the girl took the bait, asking curiously, Why would Grandpa pester Master Kenobi? Anakin just smiled and Merit's eyes narrowed, More to the point, why would you even bring that up? Are you trying to distract me? Anakin responded with his best 'who, me?' look. However, it didn't seem like she was buying it. . .that was fine, though. Anakin almost couldn't wait to send her back to the past, just so she and the others could start shaking things up.
Am I succeeding? he asked with a mischievous grin. She merely rolled her eyes, and Anakin said more seriously, I don't want you to fear the journey back. I want you to enjoy what you find, I want you to be happy, I want you to become the woman you should have the chance to be. This isn't just about saving the past, present, and future. It's about saving the four of you as well. Merit opened her mouth, a disturbingly familiar expression on her face, but Anakin covered her lips with two fingers, and said firmly, I mean it, Merit Leia. And I know you'll succeed. But just to be on the safe side, I'll have a little grandfather to grandson conversation with Jacen when the timeline is reset, and explain to him exactly what I'll do to him if he kriffs up this second chance.
You really believe that, don't you? That my father still exists, that Jacen Solo. . . Merit began, but her voice trailed off. Anakin swallowed hard, hearing the grief in the question. There were so many ways of answering that, but really, those weren't the things she needed to know. Saving her father from himself wasn't her responsibility. They had to stop the cycle from repeating. Fathers mutilating sons and torturing daughters. . .children growing up, thinking that their father didn't love them. This had to stop. There was no other choice. It had to stop. Anakin caressed her dark hair, saying softly, Darth Cadeus. . .Jacen Solo. . .your father. I know it's hard for you to believe right now, baby angel, but your father loves you very much. Like I said, he's never stopped loving you. He simply has forgotten it. . .has lost track of it. But one day, he'll remember. He better remember, at least.
This was said in an undertone, but Merit wasn't about to let him off that easily. Of course not. Since when had her grandmother (or great-great-grandmother, come to that) let him off so easily? She asked, raising an eyebrow, And what will you do to him if he doesn't remember? The girl was almost smirking at him, and it was such a welcome change from her usual disposition, Anakin could have cheered. Or tickled her, one of the two, but that could wait.
Instead, he slid a companionable arm around her shoulders, giving her a little hug, and said, Well, I could do to him what my mother did to me when I joined the others in the Force. Anakin paused, smiling faintly. Once Luke and Leia were seen to, Anakin turned to Obi-Wan with a hug so tight, he probably would have broken his former Master's ribs if they had bodies of flesh. That was the first thing he did. The second was to hug his mother. He told his great-granddaughter, She hugged me back. . .and then smacked my butt. That surprised a giggle out of his companion, and Anakin continued with a broad grin, I think she must have lectured me for a good thirty minutes for listening to Palpatine at all. Force! I thought Obi-Wan was the only one who could lecture like that!
Anakin brightened as something occurred to him. That was an idea! He could get Obi-Wan to lecture that idiot grandson of his! On the other hand, that was probably letting him off easily. Again, saving Jacen was not his primary concern. He told Jacen's youngest child, Now. I want to tell you how you and the others will make your journey back. I know. Luke told you about the cave on Dagobah, and yes, that is a possible portal. But it isn't the only one. Personally, I don't think you should use that one. . .
SWSWSWSWSWSWSW
There was a curious satisfaction in watching her birth father with her granddaughter. Of course, Anakin and Merit were in a dream world, and it was Leia Organa Skywalker Solo's dearest hope that for once, her beloved grandchild could sleep without dreaming of the end of her childhood. She believed that was why Anakin chose this way to reach her, as he understood too well how dreams could affect things. A soft voice observed, You know, Leia, I won't be offended if you call him your father.
Leia looked up and smiled at her dad. . .Bail Organa. He smiled, resting his hand on her shoulder, and added, You don't have to choose between us, there's not an issue of loyalty. I raised you and he helped to create you. We both love you, we're both proud of you, and now that Anakin is no longer Darth Vader, I can share embarrassing stories of when you were a little girl. Leia actually blushed, knowing that he did just that. Anakin teased her about those stories. . .which led his former Master to share a few embarrassing stories about Anakin in turn. And not the lightsaber-losing incidents, either.
On the morning her physical life came to an end, Leia wished to tell Obi-Wan that she understood. . .understood about raising someone who eventually became a Sith, that she knew he had done his best. Now, here in the Force, she came to know the real Obi-Wan Kenobi, and found that not only did she understand him. . .she liked him very much. He had a wry sense of humor that reminded her very much of her husband and her grandchildren (although far more refined than Han's, obviously). And her birth father obviously adored him. . .just as her brother did.
And then there was her best friend, who was returning from her conversation with Obi-Wan's great-granddaughter. Asajj was here when Leia arrived within the embrace of the Force, but she was mostly alone, aside from the times when she would speak to Obi-Wan or Master Dooku. Leia noticed the quiet young woman, whose eyes held such guilt when she looked at the auburn-haired Jedi Master, and asked Master Dooku who she was. The elder's own eyes darkened with guilt of his own and said softly, Someone whom I wronged, and someone who has not yet forgiven herself, no matter that others have forgiven her. Her name is Asajj Ventress, your Majesty, and if it pleases you, I think she could use a friend like you.
Leia needed only that small nudge. . .she went over to the young woman and introduced herself. The first words out of Asajj's mouth weren't, Pleased to meet you or any other niceties, but rather, Your mother despises me. . .perhaps you should not anger her by trying to be kind to me. Leia, not exactly happy with her birth mother at the moment anyhow, responded by taking Asajj's hands and saying, I am also the daughter of Bail and Breha Organa, and I make my own decisions. I am Leia Organa Skywalker Solo. . . might I have your name?
It's. . .it's Asajj. Asajj Ventress, your Majesty. Once a Dark Jedi adept, now simply a woman trying to make amends, came the reply. That was the beginning, and in the twenty mortal years since that day, their friendship grew and strengthened, not just because of their growing trust in each other, but because of the inclusion of others. . .Han, Luke, Winter, then Allana later , they watched Thane and Merit Solo grow from traumatized orphans into determined Jedi. Once Rilla Kenobi joined them, that vigil extended to Aidan and Amidala Kenobi as well. Surprisingly enough, it was Asajj who wept bitterly in Leia's arms when Allana died while protecting her sister. Leia grieved with Han, until Allana arrived and was reunited with her grandparents.
Leia teased now, Did you enjoy your time with little Ami? Asajj rolled her eyes, smiling at Bail. Leia's adoptive father bowed from his waist, returning Asajj's smile, and Leia continued, Anakin is with Merit now. . .I think he'll be able to help her with her dreams. I want my granddaughter to sleep well for once. Besides. Her father's conversation with Merit was long-overdue. Especially since he had spoken with Thane many times before the boy turned thirteen. It was no wonder Merit simply assumed her great-grandfather considered Thane to be more important. Even if the assumption was incorrect, as Leia well knew, it was also understandable.
Obi-Wan agrees with Anakin, Bail said, about the portal on Dagobah. It's too unstable, for one thing. He hasn't specified which portal they should use instead, but he does want them to use one more secure. He paused, laughing, and added, I forgot how he can be sometimes. He observed to me that the Force might just deposit them in the Hall of A Thousand Fountains, so he'd like their departure to be a little more. . .mundane. At least, as mundane as possible with the Force.
That reminds me, Asajj asked, why can't the Force simply use one of the doorways within the base as a portal into the past? Or does it require a combination of the Force and mortal technology? How, exactly, will this work? Not, how can it, because it has to. But, how do we make it work, how do we help the mortal Jedi go back in time? It was a good question. . .a good series of questions. In truth, Leia didn't know enough about the Force to answer any of them.
I'm going to try to convince Thane to use the simulator they've been testing, Anakin said, rejoining them. He looked over his shoulder to the mortal Jedi, and Leia saw his face soften at the sight of Merit, more relaxed than any of them had ever seen her in sleep. Normally, she slept curled on her side, facing the wall. Asajj questioned that habit. . . shouldn't she face the door, and any threats? Obi-Wan, however, explained that it actually was a protective position. She could sleep with her lightsaber nearby. . .and hidden from the eyes of anyone who would attack her while she slept. As her grandfather had taught her, decades earlier, there were far more ways to protect herself. Merit would use whatever weapon available. . .the Force, her fighting skills, even deception.
Anakin continued, Let's move away from her. . .she's finally sleeping peacefully, and I don't want to run the risk of ruining that. Leia nodded, and the group moved toward the Council Chambers. They acquired Obi-Wan along the way, whom Father snagged with an arm around his shoulders. Her father did that a great deal, Leia noticed. He was forever touching his old friend, even hugging him at times. Her birth mother told her that so far as Anakin was concerned, he had twenty-five years to make up to Obi-Wan, whom he had loved very much. In the beginning, Obi-Wan shyly accepted the hugs, but was still unused to the casual affection that was so much a part of Anakin's personality. He was not raised that way, and it took time for him to become accustomed to it once more. And while the Jedi within the Force were far more affectionate than when they walked among the living, Obi-Wan spent twenty years without real contact.
Well, that will change, this time around, Leia promised herself grimly. Obi-Wan Kenobi would not be permitted to languish on Tatooine for twenty years, his only contact with a Force-spirit and occasional visits from her twin brother. That wouldn't happen this time. Leia really didn't know what her father planned to do, although she knew that he had asked her grandson to look after Obi-Wan once they reached the past. She thought of what her father had said to Merit. . .he wasn't just trying to save himself, her birth mother, or even just the galaxy. He wanted to save Thane and Merit as well. And that was what gave her hope.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSW
Going back in time. Theoretically, he knew it was possible. Theoretically. But there was a huge difference between theory and reality. Theoretically, he knew it was possible for his father to return from the Sith. After all, his great-grandfather did it. . .so why not his father? The reality was, his father reveled in being a Sith. Anakin Skywalker's sins were pale in comparison to Jacen Solo's. In time, his grandmother had forgiven her father. Thane Solo didn't think it was possible for him to ever forgive his own.
Going back in time. Erasing the bloodshed and the evil of the last century. According to his great-grandfather, the Force intended to send them back to about thirty-five years before the Battle of Yavin. Anakin was nine years old when he was discovered on Tatooine and taken to Coruscant. Thane knew his great-grandfather wanted to send them back further. The Force-spirit didn't specify how much further back. . .though Thane received the distinct impression that it was at least thirty years. He wasn't entirely sure what was so special about that time period, but it was nothing Anakin actually said. Which, when all was said and done, par for the course with his family.
Going back in time. He tried to imagine what that would be like. How would they know which things to change and what not to change? Well, yes, all four of them were strong in the Force. . .and that would most likely be the guiding factor. Anakin's instructions were actually a little on the vague side. He wanted them to protect Obi-Wan, to ensure that Anakin didn't break his heart again. And, he also wanted to ensure that goal by placing the nine-year-old Anakin with the man who found him on Tatooine. Thane had thought he knew most of his great-grandfather's story, not just from Uncle Luke, but also from the visits Anakin made to him before the deaths of his grandparents and his mother.
Anakin had always appeared to Thane as a young man, no more than twenty-one or twenty-two standard years old. Thane's assumption was his great-grandfather still saw himself as that very young man. . .that was the persona with which he was most comfortable. It was more than a little odd to speak with Anakin now, at the age of thirty-three standard years. When he was thirteen, Anakin was more like the incredibly wizard older brother than his great-grandfather. And now? Now, he was more like a sad but wise younger brother who had gotten hooked on something stupid and paid a high price. Which, when he thought about it, was pretty much the truth.
Not that Thane needed a younger brother. He had his younger sister, and she was all he really needed. He watched her sleep. . .peacefully, for once. Merit had been Knighted some three years before, but they maintained their bond. After all these years with the training bond, and since there were so few Jedi, it would have been too lonely to lose the warmth and comfort of that bond. Too many times over the years, Thane was awakened from his own sleep by his sister's nightmares. There were times when he almost resented her for it, especially since he had nightmares of his own. . .but they never lasted long.
He ambled into the room, sitting on the bed beside Merit. She mumbled something in her sleep and rolled onto her side, toward him. Thane stroked her hair lightly, and Merit sleepily observed, "You should get some sleep." Thane nearly laughed. . .she was starting to sound like him. However, he didn't say anything for a long time. The times when they had quiet moments were far and few between. . .so those moments they did receive were to be treasured.
"Oh, I think I'll just stay here and guard your sleep. Is that okay?" Thane asked, even as Merit squirmed back on the bed, giving him room to lie down. Once he stretched his legs out and lie back, Merit resumed her previous position, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his chest. There was no doubt in Thane's mind that had someone other than Aidan or Ami seen them, they would have thrown all kinds of a fit, because a grown man and his adult sister were cuddling. There was also no doubt in his mind that he didn't care what such individuals thought.
Merit buried her face against his shirt, opining, "You're broadcasting, Thane. Stop thinking so much. I was dreaming about Naboo. Wonder if it's still so pretty." Thane, who knew the answer to that, said nothing. Not when his sister's dreams were finally peaceful, instead of drenched in blood. He only tightened his arms around her, resting his cheek lightly against her hair. Merit snuggled closer, reminding Thane suddenly and quite powerfully of the little girl who refused to sleep without him nearby.
"Will you guard my dreams, then?" Thane teased gently, remembering the promises he made to a half-asleep girl. There was a soft giggle, and then Merit fell silent. It was a similar promise she made to him, usually when he was ill or injured, and fighting sleep for his own reasons. Especially those few weeks after the Tatooine mission. Thane's arms tightened around his sister again. That had been a nightmare. . .both literal and figuratively. Both he and Merit would have died, if not for Aidan and Ami. Then again, as Aidan observed on more than one occasion, their families seemed to be entwined.
Would that still be true, after the four of them went back in time? Would there still be a Kenobi family? Well, yes, from what Aidan said, there was a Kenobi family. . .his grandfather had to come from somewhere, after all. But would there be a Rilla, or an Aidan, or an Amidala? Would there still be a Luke or a Leia. . .would there still be a Jacen, a Jaina, an Anakin? By extension, would there be an Allana, much less a Thane or a Merit? He wasn't sure what he thought about that. Unlike his sister, he remembered when Jacen Solo was a loving father who mock-wrestled his son and danced his younger daughter around the room. He didn't want to lose that. . .he didn't want Jacen Solo dead.
On the other hand, he was getting ahead of himself. Right now, their mission was to go back in time. Anakin Skywalker wanted him to protect Obi-Wan Kenobi, his former Master, and part of that included ensuring that Qui-Gon Jinn didn't die on Naboo. Thane frowned, wondering what else that would change about the past. In the morning, he would do some research. . .see what else that might change. While much of the history of the Jedi Order was lost in the first set of Purges, his great-uncle had been able to find some things. He would start there.
He. . .twitched, as his sister poked him in the side, mumbling, "You're thinking too loudly, Thane. I'm serious. I can hear you without the use of the bond, and I think even Aidan and Ami can hear you." Thane pet his sister's hair as an apology, reinforcing his shields at the same time. She was probably right. . .he noticed his shields fraying and while he trusted Aidan and his daughter, it was just good manners not to broadcast like that. Especially not when someone was trying to sleep. He ran his hand over Merit's hair again, drawing a contented sigh as she relaxed once more.
He had so much work to do when they went back. He knew from Anakin that Master Yan Dooku and Uncle Luke had spoken with Merit. In addition, he knew that the former was the. . .was Anakin's own great-grandmaster. Yes. He had been master to Qui-Gon Jinn, who was master to Obi-Wan Kenobi, who was in turn master to Anakin Skywalker. (Thane had to wonder how Yan Dooku saw them. Since Anakin was their great-grandfather, and Dooku was Anakin's great-grandmaster, did that make Thane and Merit his great-great-great-great grandchildren? Never mind, that was giving him a headache).
According to his great-grandfather, the story went that Yan Dooku's fall to the Sith was due in large part to the death of his former padawan. This was something which Thane still didn't quite understand. . .how, exactly, did one turn to those who killed someone you loved, ally with someone who killed a member of your family, for all intents and purposes? Why would you do such a thing? He had no doubt that his father would have understood, but Thane wasn't about to ask him.
So. In order to spare Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn could not die on Naboo. Further, it seemed to him that if Qui-Gon survived, it would become easier to keep Yan Dooku in the light. Someone else would likely take his place, but it touched Thane's heart, Dooku's visit to Merit. He would find a way to save Master Jinn, and would try to help Master Dooku as well. The question was how. It never occurred to him, to ask his sister what she thought. Not because he didn't treasure her insight or ideas, but because if he asked Merit, she might end up sacrificing herself on Naboo. And that would not be allowed. He had lost everyone in his life. . .his mother, his grandparents, Uncle Luke and Ben, Allana. He would not lose his baby sister.