Disclaimer: I Don't own anything you recognize from elsewhere
Wow a week flew by fast! I'm thrilled to see the people who actually liked it, and thank you for the reviews, you guys, it's the fuel that keeps me going. :) Speaking of, I usually reply to my reviewers up here in the intro stuff. So let's get that out of the way.
Veor Hrdenda: I'm actually really aware of who Tahiri is, and I'll let you in on the fact that she's actually gonna be in the story quite a bit. Given I have Anakin in, it would be hard to avoid bringing in Tahiri as well-though, I'll warn you, I'm a bit of an angst queen, and where Tahiri is now, is not the best of places. Just saying that now, so you don't get disappointed later. However, thank you very much both for the follow and for the review. I hope you can enjoy the story either way. :)
Totally Not Zoe: New phone who dis? I totally love you too bby. thanks vermillion for helping beta this. and oh look something to read while ill! 33.
Elenastarkiller: Gosh thank you! I hope I can only improve on your already good opinion, and that you'll like it even more as I go along. If not, then please let me know :D
Alright, now that's out of the way here we go. Preparation stuff. Now one thing to again remind: I have changed a lot of stuff with the timeline. So I've moved when Leia gets out of office, to 33ABY instead of 28 for a lot of reasons. Apologies for any confusion that that might cause.
Please enjoy!
Five years later
Sentences upon sentences were wasted on the Senate floor, as yet another speech prepared by one of the various politicians seemed without need of air in all his superfluous words. Winter Celchu had long since forgotten the point of his tedious words, the trivialities of whatever bill he was trying to pass something which she was rather sure –and it had been early that she'd realized this— that it would get vetoed anyway. And so, she allowed herself to look over other information with which she hoped to, yet again, present information pertaining to a growing threat.
Politics had always come naturally to Winter, an affinity which lent her to often act on behalf of both herself and that of her adopted sister, Leia Organa—something which was the case in this moment. Leia was busy, a meeting which was imperative to establishing resources should the Republic find itself in the hands of another war... which, by the looks of things, was shaping to become the case.
Leia had, as Winter was currently updating herself on, a young informer on the outer rim. The identity of them was something of a secret to anyone who asked, though reports came in regularly, and with growing gravity concerning the situation. The latest report came with a name, and the information that while the Senate droned on about idiotic bills, there was a threat that was beginning to make its move—and already had quite the arsenal at its disposal.
Careful not to be seen, Winter examined the holo which the contact had sent, a recording of a fleet of TIE fighters being held in a hangar. She blinked, mouth agape as she began counting them, a following message from Leia confirming that she too had received the footage. Before this moment, they had not had documented proof save for what one lone intelligence officer was giving...but now? Winter glanced upward for a moment as the speaker finally finished in his speech and sat down.
Leia messaged once more, informing Winter the meeting was adjourned, and that she needed to see her. Winter hummed to herself, sending back a message that she would go as soon as possible. This development was something which they had not expected yet, but now that it was in existence the Senate had no excuses, and at last they would be able to move in defense of the Galaxy. That was, as long as senators like the one speaking today didn't drag the time through to boredom.
The apartment of Leia Organa was elegant, to say the least, a princess turned senator, turned hero—it still held a simplicity about it which made it just enough of home for anyone who knew her to feel comfortable. Leia, now over sixty, still retained that regal air by which she had been known for many years, her position which had been absolutely required in winning the Galactic Civil War being borne upon her shoulders with such grace that she seemed an everlasting marvel to all that met her. Her mind was as sharp as it had been in those days, if not sharper, for time had smoothed whatever rougher edges existed to make her as finely tipped as a diamond. Anyone who underestimate her often found themselves very sternly reminded of just who Leia Organa was.
And as such, when she reviewed the report over and over again, she was finding that she had quite underestimated the force which was about to descend on the Republic itself. Until now, Leia's connection had only sent letters, written reports which explained things she found out—but this was something which even in the wording of the report, Leia could tell she was shaken and concerned.
'...The holo is rather self-explanatory' Leia read. 'but there is no doubt in my mind that what the Order is creating is that of an invasion force. I saw some blueprints earlier which could confirm this, they're building ships with long enough ranges to outgun any of the Republic's cruisers, and enough firepower to possibly decimate entire portions of planets. The fullness I do not yet know, but I can give you the name of the commander who keeps checking up on things: Armitage Hux. I could be mistaken, but from what research I was able to dig up, he's the son of one of the Empire's commanders, who disappeared before he could be caught. Clearly someone who would have a base in this kind of thing. I have to keep this short, I'm afraid, but I'll check in a little later for some more data.'
The door to her home opened, and in strode Winter, blue eyes like ice still in a face which showed her inner anxiety. It wasn't easy to see, but sixty years of knowing the other woman had tuned Leia into how to read Winter long ago.
"That was fast." Leia said with a smile. "I didn't expect you for a little while yet."
Winter sighed, approaching Leia and sitting down beside her. "I already knew how I planned on voting, I left Amilyn to cover for me and should something come up she'll contact us." Winter answered simply, looking over Leia's holopad. "So... we finally have definitive proof."
Leia nodded. "It should get the Senate into action, or at least have more prepared for whatever will come from it. We've barely recovered from the Yuuzhan Vong war, I don't know how we'll be able to manage this—especially if the Senate itself does not take our warning seriously this time." She closed the holopad, sighing heavily as she went to the window, looking out over the skyline of Coruscant. "We don't have the numbers anymore, Winter, and more than that we don't have the backing of the Jedi. Our resources are limited, as are our allies... I'm not even sure another war that was undertaken could be won."
"Well we can't stand by." Winter replied, echoing the final part of Leia's thoughts. "We only need a name to bring forward to the Senate as a final evidence, after which they have no more excuses."
"...the First Order." Leia abruptly answered. "Lando sent a holo last night which I hadn't sent over to you yet."
Winter stared at her friend's back. "Well that answers that. I suppose you'll be making a proposition to activate the Republic's defenses again?"
Leia sighed and turned toward her. "I have no other choice, do I?"
"Well there's always me." Winter replied. "Since the Chancellor thinks you're a 'warmongering alarmist who has yet to understand that we all want peace'." She quoted, causing Leia to sigh once more. "You might be needed to sit back this time, as much as I hate to say it."
A hand waved in Winter's direction as Leia motioned that she understood completely.
"...have you heard from Jaina concerning Luke's location?" Winter changed topics, earning a scoff from Leia as the Princess came back to sit down.
"Jaina put him into hiding from what I've been able to put together. Luke doesn't want to be found, and for some reason my children are humoring him." Leia replied, clearly frowning. "Anakin said she's not someone even he can find in the Force you know. She's been silent for so many years in all ways other than the occasional check-in that I grow ever frustrated with her. I expected this from a seventeen year old daughter, not a thirty-one year old one."
Winter chuckled. "At least she gives you regular information as to where she is." she retorted. "Where is she now?"
Leia looked down at her holopad, once more reviewing the data sent. "...last I heard she was on Balmorra but was leaving it. Where now? I haven't the faintest idea."
Above the ruins of the Jedi Praxeum, rain poured down in excess, drenching all which lived below. Yet, the three shadows which moved ever closer to the broken stones seemed unperturbed, pausing only when they came across a tree which guarded the former entrance—its presence almost imposing upon the shadows below who gazed at it. Its leaves emanated a light of themselves, and the shadowed figures took a step back, as if the plant would harm them in some manner by merely existing, and exchanging a look between them, they headed into the ruins quickly.
Beneath the broken roof they split up, searching in different directions in a darkness which seemed deeper than a starless night. To the outside observer there seemed no real pattern to their movements, though behind them traveled yet another shadow, keeping close to the walls as they watched just what they were doing.
At length, they converged upon one location, finding a room which seemed untouched by any of the elements. Various communication equipment was set up, a cot to the side which was clearly used recently, and a set of belongings which drew the attention of one of the intruders who went to it, his smooth gait nearly something to be admired as it added to his intimidation.
"This seems to be it." One of the black-clad figures said, his voice distorted greatly by the helmet which covered his face.
"But he's not here." The second replied with a growl. "Well? Do we wait here, or do we go looking for him?"
"Wait." The first answered. "Is there anything you found there, Valdi?"
The one identified as 'Valdi' shook his head. "Nothing distinguishable. Just a holopad which is protected, along with some clothes..." he replied as they began rifling through said objects to deeper inquiry. "Though I don't think it's who we're looking for, Afkarr. It was a male that was reported in, but these seem to be the belongings of a woman."
"...A woman?"
The shadow that had followed them into the room stepped a little closer and into the light. "Well well, I don't seem to remember inviting visitors. You should've knocked, or at leas informed me, I like making my guests comfortable." The newcomer said, her voice deep and full of amusement. The intruders turned toward her, unable to see the smirk set upon her face beneath her hood's shadow. "Though perhaps you should start with introductions."
Rosha and the other looked at Afkarr, surprise in their air as he stared straight at the woman without speaking.
"...well this isn't going to get anywhere." The woman's response came, and with a sigh she shrugged. "Should I begin making assumptions? Your Force signatures are rather dark, it seems. I'd wager you're here to find out who I am and what I'm doing here—"
"We know why you're here. Your identity is of little consequence or interest at the moment." Afkarr finally said. "The question is whether you'll come quietly or not"
"How boring." Her head tilted. "And here I thought you were looking for something more fun. Anyway, I'm hardly interested in becoming prisoner, so it's not really worth your wile."
"We'll see about that." Afkarr replied, in his hand reaching toward her, her figure crumpling to the floor in seeming agony. His posture changed in a moment, and he leaned forward, whatever information he found surprising him under his mask. She looked up toward Afkarr with a smirk, the light of the room finally evident on her face as her hood dropped back enough to show her features to him. His hand dropped, though not of his own accord, a flinch going through him as if he were a band that had been forcibly snapped.
"I said I'm not interested. Perhaps another time." Was all she replied with before a bright light flashed like a sun in the room, blinding the dark figures for a minute. The moment they composed themselves, the woman was gone, and with her the bag of belongings and the communication device, leaving the room without any personal artifacts.
The second sprung into action, heading down the corridor a few steps before being yanked back by Afkarr. "No, Ralen!" He said as Ralen spun around in a huff. "She'll be long gone before you can get to her. It won't be of any use. She has friends in the forest, no doubt, and it's too dark to go after her."
"I'm surprised she was here." Valdi said thoughtfully. "I was under the impression she was in the Outer Rim in search of Luke Skywalker."
Afkarr stepped toward the entrance and began heading out. "You're not alone in that belief. Supreme Leader Snoke said that her signature had vanished entirely from the galaxy. Apparently he was mistaken."
"Do you intend to tell Kylo?" Valdi inquired smoothly. "Now that we know that she's the one in communication with Organa?"
Silence came from Afkarr for a moment before he answered. "Most likely. But keep Snoke out of this for now, she's not a threat yet."
"'Not a threat—' Are you nuts?" Ralen argued. "If she's severed herself from the Force then she's perfectly capable of reestablishing that connection if she wants to."
Afkarr turned toward him but said nothing, leaving the room the way they came much to the bewilderment of Ralen. Valdi merely chuckled, the sound quite odd when breathed through his mask. "One of these days you'll understand him, Ralen. Until then, I suggest not arguing."
Then following Afkarr, Valdi left Ralen alone, who—with a huff—finally trailed behind with clear annoyance in his posture.
"So tell me again just what you have me here for?" Poe Dameron asked of his friend as they waited patiently in the elevator of the enormous complex of the Hosnian Apartments. Anakin Solo stood beside him with a smile, his amusement rolling off him in waves.
"I thought you should finally meet my mother in a less militaristic situation, is that so hard to believe?" the former Jedi replied, blue eyes sparkling as he looked down at his smaller friend. Anakin had always been a tall boy, but over the years, through training he'd managed to fill out his limbs in a way that made him an imposing figure... but not to the much-older Poe, who still referred to Anakin as a 'kid', much to the younger's amused annoyance. But it was all in fun, and Anakin took enough time to playfully poke at Poe's age and height for fun.
Poe smirked. "Well, I'll not deny that this was a surprise." He answered, running his hand through his hair to smooth it yet again. "I won't say that I'm letting my guard down yet, though. You've been far too abrupt for usual behavior, my instincts say there's more to this than meets the eye."
Anakin sighed. "So suspicious, Commander." he teased. "Just try to act normally around my mother, will you. I know you admire her immensely."
"Hey, she's an amazing woman. I have great respect for women like her." Poe defended.
"Sure. It's just normal, I know." Anakin tried to pacify. "She's a legend to most people—just don't look strangely at me when I just call her 'mom' or Amelia calls her 'grandma'."
Poe's dark eyes narrowed at the taller Anakin, his mouth opening to retort when the doors opened to the entrance way of the apartment, and every word he might have spoken froze on his tongue as Anakin easily slid out of the apartment and toward the door of his mother's home. Poe followed, trying to calm his excited nerves, looking much like a pup about to receive something exciting.
"You okay?" Anakin asked, though the smile he tried to hide showed that he was a millisecond from teasing but was holding it back. Poe merely nodded, the door opening to a little ebony-haired girl, her grey eyes alight with excitement as she launched herself at Anakin with a loud 'Daddy!' exclaimed.
Large arms caught the nine year old, Anakin's laughter filling the corridor as he carried the girl into the apartment with kisses on her cheeks, her giggles filling the air which eased Poe slightly. Anakin's statement about 'more casual situation' seemed to ring true as he entered the apartment, Anakin still very preoccupied with his daughter before he set her down and stood straight again, clearing his throat.
"Amelia, allow me to introduce Poe Dameron. Pilot commander of the Republic's fleet, and rather charming friend of mine." Anakin finally announced. "Poe, this is Amelia Solo. Child who basically runs this family based on batting her long eyelashes at everyone."
"Daddy!" Amelia protested with a laugh as she held out a hand to Poe. "It's nice to meet you Poe Dameron. Daddy speaks about you often, he says you're a good pilot."
Poe chuckled and grinned roguishly, leaning a little closer to the little girl. "Well, I certainly think so." he said with a wink, Amelia giggling in return.
"I never said he was humble." Anakin teased, looking around the apartment, the absence of his mother evident in his mind. "Amelia, where's your grandmother?"
Amelia peered up at him, her head craning back in order to do it as she leaned back against Anakin. "She's holo-ing someone.' Amelia replied. "She should be done soon though, she was telling them you'd arrived when I went to answer the door."
Anakin hummed to himself as he ruffled Amelia's hair. "I suppose I'll have to find out later." He replied, a serious tone in his voice before he recovered and looked at Poe with a bright smile. "But c'mon, why don't we get comfortable. I'll take your jacket."
"I'll take his jacket." A new voice entered, the familiar face of Winter's daughter entering the room. Though she was in nothing of great extravagance, she cut a figure in the room, surprising Poe with her very presence. He had expected to see the Senator, but the picture beginning to be painted was quite different.
"And yours, Anakin. Amelia, I do believe you were going to finish your schoolwork, did you?"
"...no, I didn't..." came Amelia's answer, receiving a raised brow in challenge which she whined and looked up at Anakin. "Must I, daddy?"
The blonde beside Anakin huffed and looked at him with expectation, grey eyes making it evident that if he countered her he might find himself in trouble. "Why don't you bring it out here? That would be alright, wouldn't it, Hesta?"
Hesta pondered his words a moment, then with a sigh and half a smile she nodded. "Very well." She replied to Anakin, then looked down at Amelia. "Go get your work while I get your father's coat—" It was in that moment that Hesta finally was reminded Poe who stood a few feet off, a faint blush on her face as she realized she'd quite forgotten he was there. "Oh, right. I'm sorry, you're Anakin's friend." She finally greeted with a smile. "Poe is it?"
Poe gave a charming smile in return, taking the hand she extended in greeting. "A pleasure, miss. Though I'm disappointed to say Anakin never mentioned there would be a rather charming host along with the Senator—Miss?"
"Hesta Celchu." Anakin answered for her, with a look which showed mild disapproval at Poe. "She's mom's personal aide. And I'm pretty sure I've mentioned her at least once."
Hesta chuckled, and after giving Anakin a look which only he seemed to interpret she turned to Poe with a playful look. "Well, I suppose I'll forgive him just a little for all that he's told me of you. Though he never mentioned your being charming... shame on you, Anakin."
Anakin merely rolled his eyes with a playful huff, smiling as fully aware that they were only teasing him. "I am glad to see you like each other." They laughed in return, Hesta taking the coats before disappearing into another room—Amelia returning half a second later with the remainder of her schoolwork.
Though Poe might have felt awkward in that moment, it was then that the Senator entered the room, a smile on her face which was welcoming as she crossed the room with an outstretched hand toward her son, greeting him with a kiss to the cheek. "I'm sorry for making you wait, but it was a communication that was of top priority." she said with a look to both of them before Anakin pulled her into a small query of whom it was she had spoken to. Poe stared at Leia with awe at how different she seemed in a different atmosphere, the politician seeming to fade away into the concerned mother inquiring of how Anakin was and sharing whatever familial messages came from her recent communication.
"Commander, I'm honored you'd join us." She finally addressed to Poe, leaving him a touch awestruck as he recovered his voice.
"It's an honor to be here, Senator." He replied, the smoothness of his voice from before beginning to return, though it covered –only barely— his raw excitement. Leia smiled at him, and he found his voice continuing on. "Anakin had surprised me when he said you wished to meet me on a more casual level, I only hope I don't disappoint you outside of a military position."
Leia chuckled and shook her head. "On the contrary, I invited you here to know more about you is all. You're well regarded by the Republic as an excellent military man, and I am fond of getting to know such men. Though... I will say Anakin had more to do with it." She turned to her son with a knowing look, Anakin laughing nervously before he nodded. Poe looked at the Solo, brows furrowed before he began putting it together right when Anakin spoke.
"I'm afraid I did tell her a little of your...admiration." Anakin said, and for the first time Poe blushed, a strain of nerves beginning to take hold of him. "Don't worry though, it was only with the best of light."
Before Poe could say another word, Leia laid a hand on his arm and leaned a little closer. "Don't worry, when I was young I was a great admirer of Mon Mothma, and you're handling yourself much better than I did in those days." She confided, finishing with a wink which made Poe relax a little, looking at Anakin like a child who had just been given a wondrous gift.
"Food is ready!" Amelia exclaimed right in the middle of it all, bounding off her chair and heading to the table with no restraint, earning a light tap on her shoulder by Hesta who was putting things on the table.
Taking his arm, Leia motioned toward the table. "Shall we, Commander?" Poe nodded and smiled, heading toward the dining room all but beaming in excitement, despite how Anakin kept chuckling behind his hand.
A few pleasant hours later, and Anakin and Poe had returned to headquarters, a little more tired, but no less in a state of contentment. But for all the evening's conversation, Poe still felt as if there was something more which was being kept from him, something which he couldn't help but bring up the moment he and Anakin were safely behind the doors of their barracks quarters.
"Did you have a pleasant evening?" Anakin had opened the line of conversation, allowing Poe to figure out how to continue it with his own questions.
"Yes. Your mother is quite... different in a few ways I noticed. In her own place she's more relaxed, somehow even more admirable in that I wondered how she does it. Mother, grandmother, senator..." Poe said sincerely, laughing half a moment, though he quickly formed his next question. "Why did you take me there?"
Anakin's brows furrowed, his half removed jacket completing how he looked confused. "I told you earlier—"
"The real reason, Anakin." Poe insisted, giving his friend a very pointed look. "Your mother was very interested in talking to me, and it was more than a benevolent person who wishes to get to know some random admirer." It was clear to Anakin that he was not going to be moved, and so with a sigh, Anakin sat down on his bed with a heavy sigh.
"Fine. Though this is to stay between us." Anakin began, pausing for a moment to check whether he could sense anyone outside of the door before he went on. "Mom has a reason to believe we're about to go to war. She's not alone in this, but she has been trying to convince the Senate of a threat that's possibly as big as the Empire." Poe's interest was piqued, and he sat on his own bed, staring intensely at Anakin, this information more than he expected to hear. "She asked me to find someone who we could trust should it come to actual war, someone who would be a good leader." Anakin finished, gesturing to Poe.
Silence came from the pilot, and he leaned back against the wall as he processed exactly what had just been divulged. "...Well that's not what I was expecting. Not that I expected something precisely—just..."
"War was not something you'd expect." Anakin finished. "If it helps, she wanted to tell you outright, but I thought you might want to get to know her a little better first." There was a sheepish look in his face, realizing that maybe his mother's decision to tell Poe exactly what she wanted from him might have been a better idea. Thankfully, Poe merely chuckled and laughed.
"Well, I certainly enjoyed myself, kid." Poe replied. "Maybe we can do that again but with a little difference in explanation?"
Anakin grinned and laughed, nodding as he laid down. "Sure. She liked you, you know. It wouldn't hurt to be more acquainted, certainly."
Poe smiled, his boyish excitement returning as he prepared himself for sleep as well. "You think so?"
"Definitely. I think you remind her a bit of my dad, if I'm honest."
"That's not weird."
The Solo merely gave his friend a fond look. "She holds him in the highest of regards, it's the greatest compliment she could give you." He confided before his head hitting the pillow, leaving Poe to his inward dancing—"OW!" A pillow was thrown across his face and he threw it off to glare at Poe who was heading toward the fresher. "What was that for?!"
"That didn't hurt. And that for telling your mother I had a poster of her as a kid!" Came the reply as Poe disappeared into the fresher, the pillow thrown at the door just as it shut.
"YOU STILL DO!" Came Anakin's final reply before he turned over and went to sleep.
How was it? I know it was a little trivial in some places, but I want to set a semi-normal stage before all hell breaks loose-if that makes sense.