Jedi Council arc 1

Questions

General Skywalker scowled as he entered Rex's borrowed office in the Coruscant Guards barracks. Commander Fox gave a nod to Rex then left as Skywalker flung himself angrily into one of the two chairs at the side of the desk. "Call Chopper here immediately," he commanded. "I need to talk to him."

Rex noted the anger that seemed to seethe around him; more than the expression of his face or the tense, contained movements. Always – except in battle or when he was piloting – that anger seemed an almost tangible aura around the general. Captain Rex had long ago decided it was an extension of the Force. Skywalker was considered different, a 'Chosen One' of the Jedi. Rex supposed it meant he was more powerful, that the Force swirled around his body in almost-visible waves, like heat waves on hot planets.

Rex nodded and sent a call to the gym pulling Chopper away from sparring with Fives, Echo and Kev along with Sketch and Jester. He'd seen both men from Slick's squad individually. Jester had been flourishing as sergeant of his own squad; his men proud to serve with him. Sketch had been pleased when Rex had asked to see some of his drawings. Both men were doing well in their new positions

Chopper showed up sweaty, a towel around his neck and wearing his soft workout clothes, sweat-stained after time in the gym. He was bare-foot and relaxed.

He saw General Skywalker as he strode into the office. His eyes narrowed and he slowly came to the front of Captain Rex's desk. "Reporting as ordered, sir." He saluted Rex then dropped into parade rest, perfectly balanced on the balls of his feet, his hands behind his back. His mismatched eyes didn't stray from Rex's face. There was no noticeable movement, but suddenly Chopper wasn't relaxed but prepared.

"You're expecting this?" General Skywalker's voice was surprised and that, in turn, shocked Rex. Skywalker was never surprised. "Do you know what it's about, Chopper?" The general's voice was no longer angry, merely resigned. He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes, as if closing his eyes could close him off from whatever tedious task he had to do.

Chopper slowly licked his lower lip and still looking at his captain, nodded. "Is it about attachment, sir?" A hurt looked crossed Chopper's face. "About the commander and me being friends?" He dropped his head for a moment.

Chopper swallowed hard, his throat bobbing up and down, his jaw clenching furiously, and Rex realized his trooper was about to cry. Seeing Rex's expression must have given Chopper time to regroup.

"Am I being reassigned, sir?" He asked in a whisper.

"No, Chopper," Rex was firm in his conviction and he stared at the general. Skywalker shook his head and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and his fingers clasped together.

"The Jedi Council has interviewed my padawan. They want to interview you as well before they make a determination." He looked at the floor, as if he couldn't look Chopper or Rex in the eyes. As though he was ashamed.

Chopper looked at the general for the first time since coming to the office. He glanced back at Rex. "Permission to sit, sir?" Rex nodded his head and Chopper sat in the chair across from General Skywalker.

"What do I need to know, General? What does this mean? What does it entail for Commander Tano? For me? For the 501st?" He straightened. "What do I do to make this come out for the best for Commander Tano? For the 501st? For yourself? For me?"

Skywalker sighed.

Chopper wasn't finished with his questions. "What will, what can, what are they likely to do to the commander? To me? I don't want to go back to Kamino for reconditioning but if it gets the commander back to the 501st…" he left the sentence unspoken and Rex knew Chopper couldn't say it.

Rex suddenly realized these types of questions were always in Chopper's mind. For Chopper, there was no solid, clear path only so many side branches that needed to be dealt with.

Skywalker held up his hand with a weak smile, "Slow down, Chopper. You're making my head spin."

Chopper gave a curt nod as he leaned forward; his arms on his knees and his hands clenched together, his mismatched eyes looking into the general's face. "Tell me, general, what I need to know."

Rex pulled his chair around to join the other two men.

"The very worst thing they can do to Ahsoka, Chopper, is to return her to youngling status for more training in the Temple. The worse thing they can do to you is send you back to Kamino."

Chopper nodded and Rex saw him calculating. Perhaps Skywalker saw into Chopper's mind as well. He put a soft hand on the trooper's arm.

"They won't do that. What they are likely to do – at the very worse – is to reassign her as padawan to another Jedi. A couple of Jedi, including Obi-wan, have said they would be willing to take her. They might send you to another company, and we will fight if they make that decision." Skywalker paused. "I really have no idea what they would or could do to me. Strip me of my knighthood, I suppose, which would remove me from leading any GAR forces as a Jedi general."

"That's what they're likely to do if what?" Chopper glanced at Rex. "What are the charges likely to be?"

"Nothing military, Chopper, and no charges," answered General Skywalker. "They will simply interview you. Ask you questions about the commander and her relationship with you."

Chopper was chewing his lower lip, his face twisted. "Where? Here on the Resolute? Can I have Captain Rex with me? Or Sergeant Echo? Can I have someone speak for me or as witnesses? Who will be there? How soon..."

Anakin answered the last question first. "Three days you're to go to the Jedi Temple." He paused. "Usually it's alone, but…"

"Alone?" Chopper squeezed the word out. Anakin had a hand on Chopper's shoulder.

"... but I'll ask Obi Wan if Rex can go as well. You're not Jedi." He glanced at the captain and Rex gave a soft nod.

"I am responsible for the actions of all my men, General. Furthermore, I knew of the friendship and did not forbid it." He paused then spoke again. "In my judgment, it was good for both my trooper and for the commander."

General Skywalker nodded. "I agree." He glanced at Chopper. "Now, we just have to convince the Council."

Read, review and enjoy. Next chapter - tomorrow.