OH LORDY. I am so sorry for the long wait y'all. We had a storm at my house last Wednesday, with lightning striking out house and knocking the wifi out. Don't worry, we are okay, the house is fine. It was just annoying to not have wifi for a couple days. Anyway, I'll stop talking and let y'all enjoy part 2 of the retreat in Takodana.
Chapter 22: Boba's Path to Forgiveness Part 2.
February 6th 2023. 21BBY
Takodana Castle, Takodana
0800 hours
Normal POV
It's been a couple days since Thomas, Myles, Boba, and the Jedi had arrived to the remote planet of Takodana, and in that time, Thomas told the story of Louis Zamperini, which everyone loved, and he began working with Boba. Some of the things he worked on included simple things like hunting, skinning, cooking, and other things like martial arts.
At first Boba struggled with these tasks because of his patience and short temper. But with encouragement from Thomas, he was able to get it the hang of it. They weren't using plasma-based firearms rather good ol' fashioned bullets. The fauna was very similar to the white-tail deer Thomas would hunt back in the Smokies in Tennessee.
So, for a good starter rifle for the clone, Thomas had recreated a .243 Winchester rifle specifically for this type of application. When Boba saw this for the first time, he was shocked that Thomas still used slug-throwers, but was even more shocked when he saw the potential for such weapons. Thomas taught Boba how to load it, get his sights in, and how be mindful of the recoil from such weaponry.
While Thomas was giving Boba lessons on target practice, Myles was spending some more time with Aayla. The pair would go for good long walks in the forest and enjoy the views. It was at this time that Aayla realized she liked spending time with the captain. Of course, they were together on the battlefield, but they hadn't really got time to get to know one another. Here, they got that chance.
Aayla was really interested about Myles' life back on earth. Myles told her about the hunts, working on a 1970 Plymouth Superbird with Poppy, wrestling with Thomas when they were younger, cooking meals with Grammy, riding dirt-bikes with his dad, and other happy memories.
Aayla on the other hand, had only her memories at the temple to share. When Myles asked about her parents, she said she didn't remember them, which surprised the captain. Myles asked about when she was brought to the temple, she said around 3 or 4 years of age. This had troubled the captain a bit. He had known about the code and not allowing relationships from Thomas and Aayla, but this was a whole other level of messed up to him.
He didn't wanna cause a scene since this was supposed to be a retreat to clear the mind, but it was something that deeply concerned him. Nevertheless, he tried not to let it bring him down. He pushed it to the back of his mind and just wanted to enjoy the company of Aayla right now.
Yoda was in the castle in another room meditating on the matter that Jesus had told him about: attachments within the order. The Christian deity made a good point in how attachments can make others stronger, but can also drive them to the darkside. He was conflicted on his decisions, something he never felt before. On top of that, he was also worrying about Count Dooku and the Sith lord who presides in the galaxy. He hopes this retreat can help him find his answers.
As for Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi-Wan, they were all practicing their lightsaber techniques. With Anakin and Ahsoka working on their designated forms, Ahsoka with Jar Kai and Anakin with Shien. The two dueled for a good while with Obi-Wan watching carefully. Ahsoka decides to take a break and go see what Thomas is up to.
"Hey Master, I'm going to see what Thomas is doing with Boba," Ahsoka said.
"Sounds good snips," Anakin said.
She smiled and went off to find Thomas while Anakin and Obi-Wan practiced together.
Soon she found Thomas and Boba packing some sort deer-like animal. Thomas was patting Boba's shoulder as he was impressed with how Boba killed such a beefy animal.
"You got one hell of a good one Boba," Thomas said, "This buck will make good eatin tonight."
"Thanks Thomas," Boba beamed at the soldier.
"No problem kid, let's get it back and Maz can show you how to skin it," Thomas said before he noticed Ahsoka standing in the tree line with a smile on her face.
"Y'know what, go on ahead, I'll catch up with you later kid," Thomas said.
Boba was confused, as he and the other clones had no clue about romantic relationships. He just shrugged and headed back to the castle with the game he scored. When he left, Ahsoka approached Thomas.
"Hey there handsome," Ahsoka said wrapping her arms around her lover's neck.
"Hey there beautiful," Thomas said wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her.
Ahsoka giggled and returned the kiss and just embraced the man she loved. She felt like this was one of the few times that she and him had some alone time together. Of course, they had night time where they slept together thanks to Maz giving them their own room without the knowledge of the others.
They soon broke apart and smiled at each other. The pair held their hands and started to walk through the forest hand in hand.
"So, how's it going with Boba," She asked.
"Really good, he's changed for the better," Thomas said, "He seems happier, much more energetic. He's been picking up everything I taught him, but he's been really adamant about reading the bible."
"He is, isn't he?" Ahsoka asked to which Thomas nodded.
"Yeah, the story about Louis really touched him," Thomas started, "He told me that if my religion can make someone feel happy, he wants to be a part of it."
Ahsoka smiled at this. She could feel Boba's emotions were much more positive and fulfilling than previously. Thomas must have really impacted him in the last couple of days if he was to change this fast. This made her really happy knowing that Thomas would try to help those that he can. She leaned on him as they walked.
After walking for a while, they decided to stop and sit down by a tree overlooking the lake.
"This is a beautiful view Thomas," Ahsoka said, "You picked the right planet to come to."
"I was considering Naboo, but it's too busy with the people buzzling around," Thomas said, "For a retreat, you need a sense of isolation."
"Not to isolated I hope," Ahsoka said with a coy smile.
Thomas chuckled, "With you, it's just right."
Ahsoka giggled at this and kissed him and laid on him. She then noticed he had just a t-shirt and jeans on. The togruta teen couldn't get enough of how toned and built her lover really was. His arms with muscle on them, his six pack abs, well kept goatee, long dirty blonde hair, and those beautiful eyes of his.
The padawan couldn't help herself and just found herself moving her hands all over the Country boy's arms and chest. Thomas noticed this and chuckled. He knew she was wanting to love on him today from the way she was all over him. His eyes couldn't help but admire her figure as well. She was athletic to the point where she looked like she took care of herself, which she did. It was hard not to find her attractive in Thomas' eyes.
The two continued to lay with each other facing the lake when Thomas spoke up.
"This planet reminds me a lot of home," Thomas said.
"How so?" Ahsoka asked curious.
"The forests, the lake, clear blue sky," Thomas told his lover, "It takes me back to the mountains where I called home."
"I would love to see your planet one day," Ahsoka said, "It sounds like paradise."
Thomas sighed sadly as she was unaware of what had plagued the world, he called home.
"Well, it does, but in reality, it can be a complete hellhole," the country boy soldier spoke, "we're divided, constantly fighting. Basically, what's going on in the Republic but on a much smaller scale."
"How come your planet hasn't been united yet?" the togruta asked.
"Because us as humans are inherently selfish," Thomas explained, "We take things for granted, do things for our own personal greed."
Ahsoka looked up at Thomas in sadness. She had no idea that this was the kind of world that he lived in along with his cousin. She felt conflicted on whether or not she'd wanna visit earth. Luckily, Thomas decided to ease her worries.
"But there are some good parts about earth," the teen went on, "the nature it has, the food, the places to see. The good outweighs the bad in lots of ways."
"Well, if you're on it, then that's all I need," Ahsoka giggled and pecked Thomas' cheek making the Country Boy chuckle.
"Oh, same here, my wizard of a girlfriend," he said getting into a tickling contest with her.
"No, Thomas stop," the Togruta said through laughs.
The couple continued to tease each other and lay with each other in the spot by the lake. Elsewhere, a Marine and a Jedi Knight were doing some sparring.
Myles side-stepped a punch coming from Aayla and proceeded to trap her arm and put her in a position to where she can't get out. This got a smirk from the Marine, knowing he had his general beat.
"Do you yield?" Myles asked the Twi'lek.
Aayla grunted as she tried to get out of the Marine's iron grip. She sighed as she knew there was no way she was going to get out of it.
"I yield," she sighed with the Marine releasing her.
Aayla nursed her arm as Myles released her. She knew she was getting into, but she had no idea that Myles was this good at martial arts. And if that iron grip of his didn't tell her that he was strong, she didn't know what did.
"Well, that was fun," Myles said.
"You weren't the one put into a position you couldn't get out of," Aayla retorted in faux annoyance smacking the Marine's chest while getting water.
"I know," Myles grinned, "That's what made it fun."
The two chuckled for a bit. In that time, Aayla's temptations got the better of her and she took a peek at Myles. That's when she realized that the Sullivan men were not only good looking, but also fit, and Myles was no different.
She stared at his shirtless self while he was wiping the sweat from his face. He took a swig and when she looked away quickly, he noticed and it didn't take him long to figure out that she was staring at him.
Aayla was currently blushing up a storm. The thoughts she was having were not Jedi-like in any way shape or form. She wondered why Myles was making her have these thoughts, but then she realized she was attracted to the man from earth.
"Something wrong Aayla?" Myles asked her when he already knew the answer.
"N-No, everything's fine," the Jedi said quickly making the Man chuckle in amusement.
"Eh, don't worry about it," Myles said shrugging, "I get it, I mean, I got the same feelings."
"You do?" she asked curious.
"Yeah," the marine responded, "I mean, you're smart, skilled, kind, and very attractive. Any guy would be stupid to not be attracted to you."
This made her blush even more. What was going on with her? Why was Myles making her act half her age? This got another laugh from the Marine. She then smacked the Marine in faux annoyance again.
"I mean, it does suck that the code you live buy doesn't allow relationships," Myles said, "Which I think is a load of crap."
"It's there so we don't be tempted by the darkside," Aayla responded.
"But it can be more harmful than good to be emotionally dead inside," the marine replied, "If anything, being in a relationship can be helpful. I mean, I see it with Thomas now with Ahsoka."
Aayla had her mouth open in shock. Padawan Tano was in a relationship with Sargent Sullivan? This was something that caught her by surprise.
"How long has their relationship been going on for?" Aayla asked.
"About a week I think," Myles said, "And he's been happier than I ever seen him because of her. She's been a big impact on his life from what he told me, I mean, she helped save him for God's sake."
"But forming attachments is not the jedi way," Aayla said.
"Yeah, but have you seen Ahsoka doing bad in anyway," asked Myles, "In fact, I think she's more focused and at the ready with Thomas around. It's like they were made for each other."
This made the Twi'lek think. Why would the code prohibit something that could be beneficial to their members? If forming relationships would push someone to the darkside, why hadn't Ahsoka fallen? Then she realized that Thomas was keeping her in check, like she was doing for him. Maybe the order was wrong about relationships.
Myles was indifferent about the whole thing. He knew that his general couldn't form relationships because of her Jedi status. Even if she could, it would be difficult to keep that relationship out in the battlefield. He understood if she didn't wanna try out a relationship with him, and didn't hold it against her in any way.
Then out of the blue, pun intended, she did something he didn't expect. She took his hand and looked at him.
"Myles," she said, "I…want to try this relationship out."
This surprised him. He never knew she could decide so quickly, but there were several things he didn't know about his general.
"You sure?" he asked her, "This could mean a lot of bad things for the both of us. You getting expelled and me kicked out."
She shrugged, "I realize that there are many things that the order was wrong about, including relationships. Also, how can I resist a man like you." She added the last part with a flirty tone and smile.
"Aayla Secura, are you flirting with me," Myles said while raising an eyebrow.
"Perhaps," she responded in the same tone.
The captain chuckled, "Gram is gonna freak out when she sees you and Ahsoka."
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there, captain," Aayla said, "for now, it's just us here in the forest. Alone"
Myles shook his head, knowing what she was referring to.
"Now while I'd be honored Aayla, I'd rather take this relationship one step at a time," Myles said.
Aayla was expecting him to be like every other man who flirted with her, but seeing him be reserved and collected surprised her. She genuinely thought he was going to be thinking about sex. It seems she chose the right person to be in a relationship with.
"That's what I was hoping for, Myles," she said.
The new couple then decided to go for a walk through the forest. While they were doing that, Thomas and Ahsoka were making their way back that way Thomas can prepare dinner with Boba. The animal they caught had enough meat on it to feed everyone there tonight.
As the two were walking, Ahsoka was leaning on her lover in happiness. She felt like they needed quality time like this after the whole incident involving finding Boba. Even though he's being reformed, she still had her doubts about whether or not Boba can forgive Master Windu, even with the story of Louis Zamperini. Despite her doubts though, she had faith that Thomas can help Boba through his grief. After all, he went through the same as the young clone in terms of losing loved ones.
Thomas knew of Ahsoka's doubts regarding Boba, but rest assured, he knew what he was doing. He knew he couldn't force Boba to forgive Windu, because that wouldn't do him any good. He instead had to hope that after the end of the trip, Boba would be able to find it in his heart to forgive Windu.
After a while, the couple got back and found the only ones in the castle were Maz and Boba. The two occupants were currently preparing the cuts of meat from the animal to be cooked. Boba popped up his head and had a smile when Thomas walked through the door.
"You're back," Boba said.
"I'm not going to leave you that easily, kid," the country boy chuckled.
Ahsoka released Thomas and he went over to the kitchen area where he found a lot of spices and seasonings surrounding the cuts of meat. He knew this wasn't going to be easy to replicate the flavor back on earth, but hey, gotta experiment.
"How's it coming along with preparing the deer?" He asked the young clone.
"I'm not sure to be honest," Boba said sheepishly, "Mrs. Maz has been trying to help me."
Thomas turned to the older alien woman and smiled.
"Thanks Mrs. Kanata, but I think I can take over from here," he told her.
"Oh, please do," Maz said, "I'm completely out of my element on this one."
This made the sergeant laugh a bit. He stepped into the kitchen area, cleaned himself up, put on an apron and gloves, tied his hair up in a ponytail, and got to work.
Thomas started with picking out seasonings that he thought would go good with the meat. Once he got them picked out, he sprinkled it all over the meat. He then found some oil similar to olive oil, and he rubbed that all over the meat.
While Thomas was handling the meat, he had asked Maz if she had any vegetables around and she said she did. When she shown him what she had, he picked out ones that looked like ones from earth. He had Boba do all the vegetable slice and dicing.
After Thomas was done with that, he let the meat marinate for a little while, to soak up the seasonings and oil. He also told Boba to use some of the same oils and seasonings on the veggies and let them sit for a while.
While Maz and the two men were prepping, Ahsoka was watching the whole thing. She never knew that Thomas was a cook, and it made her smile for her boyfriend to take charge in the kitchen. She wondered how she got so lucky with Thomas.
The Togruta padawan was daydreaming so much she didn't sense Aayla and Myles coming back. The two surprised her for a second.
"Master Secura, Captain Sullivan," she greeted with a bow.
"Please no need for formalities, Ahsoka," Myles said, "On this trip, we're all equals."
This made her smile, then she noticed something she didn't before. Aayla and Myles were holding hands. This shocked her as she wouldn't have expected someone like Aayla to break the code. Then again, Ahsoka didn't expect herself to be doing the same thing, but here she was.
Aayla noticed the padawan's surprised glance and chuckled.
"Yes, me and Myles are in a relationship now," the twi'lek chuckled.
"Yep, she couldn't resist my charm," Myles said with a grin.
"I call bullshit," Thomas called from the kitchen, "If anything, she was the one who had you hooked."
This made Aayla and Ahsoka laugh with a shocked look on Myles face. How the hell did Thomas hear his comment? The captain rolled his eyes. Aayla then leaned up against his side a bit with a smile on her face. The captain looked at Twi'lek lover and simply grinned back at her. He sighed and the three sat down and started talking. Aayla telling Ahsoka about how they got into their new relationship, Ahsoka telling Aayla about hers with Thomas, and other things they found on their trip.
After a while, Anakin and Obi-Wan came back, and when they walked in, Aayla released her grip on Myles and gestured to the two newcomers. They greeted one another, with Anakin asking about dinner, Thomas informing them, with Thomas continuing to work on cooking the meal.
Later, Thomas had finished cooking the meat, and helped Boba with cooking the veggies. When they were done, they got everything ready for dinner. Maz got the beverages put out, and Boba got the meat and veggies ready for everyone to fix their plates.
By this time, Yoda had come down from his room from meditating. He had never smelled something so good in all his year.
"Mmm, a wonderful smell, that is," he said, "Dinner, is it?"
Thomas nodded as everyone got ready to eat. Once everything was set, everyone got started to fix their plates. When everyone sat back down, plates loaded down with food, they began eating.
"Oh Force," Ahsoka said in delight, "this is so good Thomas."
"I agree Thomas," Obi-wan spoke, "this is truly one of the best meals I have eaten."
This put a smile on Thomas' face.
"Glad you like it," he said, "Boba actually did the hunting for this animal, so you really have him to thank."
Boba smiled at the praise he got from Thomas, and everyone else. He felt like he was appreciated, and here he felt like he finally had something he longed for: a Family. He had found that in Thomas, Myles, and Ahsoka. This made him feel like he was really cared for and loved.
The group continued to eat and converse amongst each other until they were done with their meal. Thomas had thought about potentially putting on a movie for everyone tonight. He decided to put on Unbroken, and then Unbroken: Path to Redemption.
After everyone had cleaned up, they gathered around a holoprojector Thomas had brought with them. Thomas with Ahsoka on his left, Boba on his right. Myles with Aayla by his side, Anakin and Obi-Wan with Yoda and Maz. Thomas hooked up his phone and pulled up Unbroken and began playing it.
After a while, they got to the most famous scene of the movie, the Plank scene. Louis was working on a Japanese coal barge carrying a basket full of coal. When he had stopped to take a break, a Japanese soldier took him to some wood planks where the bird was waiting. Watanabe gestured to the planks, commanding Louis to pick one up.
"PICK UP," he shouted, after him not budging twice from his commands.
Louis then picked up the plank slowly due to being malnourished and abused. He dragged it to a spot where he was told to.
"Lift it," the Bird commanded.
Louis complied holding the plank on his shoulder.
"Over your head," the Bird said after sneering at him.
Louis struggled but got the plank above his head.
"If he drops it, shoot him," the bird commanded one of the Japanese soldiers.
The soldier proceeds to aim his rifle at Louis. The American runner stumbled as he held the plank above him. The other POWs simply watched in anger but knew they couldn't do anything about it. Louie continued to hold the plank there, for almost an hour.
Later, with all the other prisoners watching in anticipation, Louis was still holding the plank. Louis was beginning to tire from holding the plank. The fellow POWs were quietly encouraging him to not give in.
"Come on Louis," one of the POW's muttered.
Then something overcame Louis. He began to look up, into the eyes of the Bird, the man who dealt him beatings for years. The bird saw this and was unfazed. Louis continued to stare at the bird, thinking about what his next move was.
Gathering up the strength he had left, with a mighty grunt and shove, he hefted the plank into the air.
"GYAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH," he screamed in pain and exertion.
The other prisoners smiling and chuckling at their friend standing up to his abuser.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAH," the runner screamed again.
His breathing was heavy and slow. Seeing this, Watanabe was shocked. A little scared actually.
"Don't look at me," he told Louis.
Louis ignored him.
"Don't look at me," he repeated, "Don't look at me."
Louis continued to deny his demands. The bird continued to command him in Japanese. He then screamed the command in Japanese for the last time and proceeded to rush towards Louis, hitting him with his Bamboo stick. This caused Louis to fall to the ground. In a fit of rage, the bird hit Louis with the stick while the runner tried to shield himself from the beatings. Watanabe eventually resulted in punching Louis multiple times to take his anger out on him.
The other prisoners turned away because they couldn't bear their fellow POW being beaten like that.
When the scene ended, everyone, aside from Thomas and Myles, were shocked at how despite the conditions Louis was in, he was able to find strength and persevere. Thomas telling the story didn't do the scene justice, this film however, did.
The movie continued until the end when Louis finally returned to California with his family waiting for him. He looked a lot better than before and was finally happy. Little did he know at the time, the fight wasn't ending anytime soon.
Everyone had loved the movie. When it ended, it gave everyone an idea of how bad the wars from earth were. Now, they were going to see how it affected the ones who fought the battles.
Thomas started playing the sequel where Louis battles with PTSD. The movie shown how the PTSD worsens throughout the movie to the point where Louis' wife wants to divorce him. She changed her mind and instead brought him to the Billy Graham Crusade happening in their town.
The scene started with Graham talking about his homily. Louis started to have flashbacks about him on the raft. Louis was doubtful as he didn't feel like God was with him. When Graham told everyone in the crowd to bow their heads. Louis couldn't take it and headed for the entrance.
"Don't leave," Graham said with Louis stopping in his tracks.
"You can leave when I'm preaching, but not now," he told the troubled veteran.
Louis was breathing heavily as he almost had another panic attack from his ptsd. He then had another flashback when he was back on the raft making a promise to God.
"If you save me," he began but then was cut off from a hallucination of Watanabe.
"Look at me," the bird told Louis, "Look at me."
"No," Louis said, when he felt a sort of pull back inside, and had turned his back on the bird.
"LOOK AT ME!" the bird yelled at Louis walking away.
Louis slowly made his way back inside as he looked up at his wife, who stood up with a smile forming on her face. He then turned back to Graham who was speaking.
"This is it," he said to Louis, "God has spoken to you."
Louis continued to walk forward. With everyone standing up to witness the man who had been troubled for years finally be healed.
"It is time, come on," Billy told Louis.
"If you save me," Flashback Louis said, "I'll serve you forever."
Feeling healed of his troubles, Louis fell to his knees overwhelmed. His wife was so happy her husband was healed. Louis had a smile on his face as he felt true happiness, something he hadn't felt in years.
After the scene had ended, Thomas, Boba, Ahsoka, and Aayla were in tears at how beautiful the scene was. To see a man struggling with his toll on the war, to be finally relieved of that struggle was touching to everyone. The Jedi present could feel the warmth through the force as the scene brought them something not a lot of them had felt: Love. Love was present in this scene.
The next scene was even better. Louis had visited the prison that was housing some of the men who had abused Louis throughout the war. When Louis came to meet them, he was looking for Watanabe. When they couldn't find him, Louis handed the warden his Bible with a message for the Bird.
Then, Louis had began to forgive all the inmates of the prison, with the prisoners bursting into tears. This scene had ended the movie on a positive note. When the holoprojector was shut off, everyone felt a new sense of relief wash over them. The story had touched them even more so when Thomas and Myles told them about it.
After that, everyone had begun to wash up and head to their respective rooms in different parts of the castle, only this time, Aayla decided to sleep with Myles. After the two had washed up, the new couple got themselves situated on Myles' bed. Aayla rested her head on her new boyfriend's chest while Myles wrapped his arms around her blue-skinned self.
This was the first time Myles felt at peace when sleeping in a long time. It's like with Aayla being there, she washed away his worries and cares, just focusing on her. He then fell asleep with a smile on his face, resting up for the rest of the retreat.
Man, writers block was hitting me hard as well from these past days. Anyways, I hope you guys had enjoyed that and had a great Easter Sunday as well. I'll see y'all in the next one. Take care and God Bless.