Chapter 86 – Preperations

Author's Note: Are things winding down to the climax? Yes, yes they are. :D

To Bvh: Thanks. :)

To Guest: Thanks. ^-^

To Jayden: Would have been but rl happened. ;-; We'll check out the fanart when we can get on Discord. :D

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~ Amina Gila


"We were able to recover several of the poison cannisters used by the Empire against the Geonosians," Hera reports, to a hologram of Bail and Commander Sato.

Bail looks more than a little relieved. "You must get them back to base immediately. If this evidence is presented to the Senate, it should be enough to convince them of the Empire's atrocities. At least, they will launch an investigation."

So, that's what he was planning to do with it?! "Won't Palpatine take action?" Marr asks.

"Perhaps, but if nothing else, it will sway many more to our cause," he replies.

Marr nods. That's definitely true, and they really need it now. Things are coming to a head, and they need all the support they can get. And if they could get so much more...

"Acquisition of a shield core and the rescue of Saw and Steela Gerrera makes this mission even more of a success," Commander Sato declares, before ending the call.

"We still don't know what the Empire was building," Saw objects.

"Maybe not, but they can't keep it hidden forever," Kanan replies.

"We need to see what we can do to find it," Marr declares, "Something far more sinister is at play here." But what,he can't say.

"What could be so secretive they killed a whole planet to hide?" Jyn wonders.

"We'll look into it," Steela asserts firmly.

"Good," Marr replies, "And while you're here, there's something else I'd like to discuss."

"What?" Saw asks.

"We worked together for years, and I think if we did it again, maybe we could end this... a lot quicker."

If the Gerreras joined him, in trying to simultaneously free another planet during the attack on Coruscant... Well, the more who do it, the better.

**w**

Now that they're slowly approaching the coming battle on Coruscant, Marr finds that his nervousness is growing exponentially. When they gather around the holotable, planning their next moves, sometimes he feels as though he's looking into the past. He can see younger Ahsoka with glaring clarity.

He remembers this from the Clone Wars, himself and Ahsoka and Rex and Cody, along with Anakin and Obi-Wan. And on occasion, with his mother and Master Yoda and... so many who are now gone.

He wishes there was a way to bring his mother back. Had he not been a Jedi at the time, Marr may have considered fighting harder to bring her back. He had let her go by the time he started truly learning about the importance of balance. That doesn't mean Marr doesn't still miss her sometimes. It's hard knowing who she's become, and maybe it would be easier to disassociate the two, but he can't and won't.

She was a Jedi Master and on the Council. She was blinded by the Code, too blinded by her beliefs in doing what was right to care for who she hurts, even if it meant going through her own family. Through those who loved her.

It's different with Vader. He doesn't have the same... disloyalty. Marr can see it with more clarity now that the pain isn't so fresh. He knows what would happen if he was captured, and... he can understand why Anakin would rather kill him than do that to him.

Even Death Watch has a certain code of honor, and loyalty means everything to them. Athea lacked that.

Master Yoda is still alive. Sometimes, Marr wishes he could see him again. Then he remembers how blinded by the Code the Jedi Master was, and he wonders. For all that it would be relieving to see him again, it may be better otherwise. Marr has accepted the Dark Side, and that is something Yoda would never stand by. He's not wrong about the dangers of the Dark Side. Controlling it takes great will and practice. If Marr didn't have the family he does, if he didn't have Revan guiding him every step of the way, he would never have succeeded, either. At the same time, he doesn't think he could stand by listening to the Jedi's preaching's about how Sith are evil – because that means Anakin.

Sometimes, as they stand around the table, Marr feels as though it's right before the Siege of Mandalore again. He can still see it vividly. He remembers seeing Bo and Obi-Wan argue, remembers seeing the way Anakin and Anastasia were borderline teasing one another, and he often finds himself thinking, they would have loved each other. Maybe it's not too late for that.

Marr finds himself wondering, frequently, what would have happened if he had gone to Coruscant. Except, even if by whatever off-chance the future could have been avoided, he would have remained a Jedi. He would never have found his own grey path and married Bo. He never would have gotten to know his sister, and Vizma would never have been born. Marr cannot imagine a life without her.

So, with the knowledge of how soon everything could wind down, of how soon he could lose everyone he loves a second time, Marr goes to speak with Ahsoka. Just in case.

"It reminds me of before the Clone Wars ended," Marr confesses. "This is the endgame. It's where the galaxy is supposed to become a better place. After you left, we were back on the Outer Rim, chasing after Dooku and Grievous again."

"I know what you mean," she replies. "Sometimes, it feels like we're only coming together to be taken apart again.

And with a start, as Marr thinks of those days, he finds himself realizing exactly how much Ahsoka missed. She hadn't been there to see how close everyone had grown. Theseus and Anakin may have formed the deepest of their bond after Mortis, but they grew even closer after losing her. She was, mutually, one of the most important people in their lives. And for all the strain that was with Anakin and Obi-Wan, they grew closer, too.

Anakin had less time to spend with Ahsoka, and more to be with Obi-Wan. He... had a choice between Ahsoka and the Council, and he chose the Council. The same way his own master chose the Council over him. It was a topic they never discussed, but they mutually understood it.

"A lot did change after you left," he finds himself saying, "More than I think you realize."

"Really?" she asks.

Talking about it will hurt, but it's best if they get it all laid out – just in case. If there's a chance anyone will die, Marr would much prefer to sort out anything he might have between them. "Yes. Anakin and I... didn't have anyone anymore. My mother went Dark right afterwards. I nearly lost Caleb. We both lost you. Anakin didn't take it well, to say the least."

"I'm sorry," she says. "I shouldn't have left. I was only thinking for myself. When we were in the Temple on Lothal, Anakin talked to me. I had a vision of it, at least."

"It wasn't your fault, Ahsoka," Marr replies, heart clenching painfully. "There was nothing you could have done. Even if you were there, Sidious would have found a way around it."

"I still left him," she replies, "I should have known better. He would never do the same to me."

"He was married," Marr blurts out. "He told me, right after you left. I don't suppose you knew."

Ahsoka barely stops herself from visibly wincing. "Had I known, I would likely have reported him. I wouldn't have been able to handle the guilt of knowing he broke the Code and staying quiet."

"I can understand that," Marr assures. "He knew that, too, or he'd have told you. He would've understood it, too. He and Obi-Wan were... more strained, but they, I think, understood each other. That clearly didn't mean anything for when everything fell apart, though."

"I wish I knew what happened," Ahsoka says softly.

"It was a series of stupid choices on the part of everyone who mattered," Marr points out. "No one person could have changed anything, for as much as we wish we could've. We couldn't have helped Anakin then, but we can now."

"I will," Ahsoka promises. "I've left him twice. I won't do it again." If only it was this easy to make Obi-Wan understand. "Even if it kills me."

Marr can only hope it won't come to that. He can forgive Anakin for hurting him, but if he hurt Ahsoka, he doesn't think anything in the galaxy would be enough for Marr to let it go – and likely, there would be nothing left in the galaxy to bring Anakin back. If he hurt – killed – his own child, Vader would never forgive himself, and Obi-Wan would be right that Anakin is gone.

**w**

They've been preparing on Mandalore for months now. By the time Marr returns, Bo-Katan knows that they'll be ready. It's hard to keep at it while making sure no one from the Empire picks up on anything, but they're doing it. They're Mandalorians. They never kneel to any outsiders. Ever.

She doesn't know when Marr will be back, but she misses her husband so much. She knew his past as a Jedi would become a problem eventually when they married, but she never thought it would mean they must be separated for years.

This is for Mandalore, though. In the long run, it's a small sacrifice, since after this, they'll be able to spend the rest of their time together.

It's good to have Vizma back, though. She knew it was safer for her daughter away for the time being, while she was learning about her the Force – it's still strange to have two of her family members who use it, something long considered to make someone an enemy of Mandalore – but now, she's trained enough to be on her own.

She's going to be a great warrior, once she's old enough. She's already most of the way there, at fourteen.

Bo's only regret is that she missed so much of Vizma's childhood while she was gone with Marr – and that now he's missing this part of her life. But she knows the time when everything comes together is coming closer.

"What if she turns us over?" Vizma objects, following Bo as they head for the speeder, under the cover of darkness.

"I have known Ursa for years. So did your father. It's not likely," Bo replies. Or she can hope as much. There are so many traitors now, and they haven't talked in years. She's still the leader of Clan Wren, though, and if they want to properly make a stand, it'll be best to have her help.

"You knew Saxon, too," Vizma points out.

"Yeah, and we never got along," Bo replies, dryly.

Vizma grins for a moment. "I'm glad I never met him in person. But with the Empire keeping Alrich, it's possible she'll be hesitant – or that they'll kill him before we can break him out. We're a little too popular these days already, and I don't think our presences will go unnoticed."

"Likely not," Bo concedes, "But it's a risk we'll have to take. Does the... Force tell you anything?"

"That's not quite how it works," Vizma replies.

"I lived with your father for over a decade, and I never understood how these feelings work," she says flatly.

Vizma grins again. She's happy here, but Bo can tell she misses Marr. Not like that's a surprise. They all do. "Don't try, Mom. You'll never understand."

"You're probably right," she agrees, mildly amused, "But if you truly sense it too dangerous to proceed, we can wait or try something else."

Vizma frowns, getting that look of focus on her face that Marr so often did. "I don't think so," she says, slowly, "The Force is... being strangely elusive, but I don't think there will be a direct negative outcome from this." Her frown grows. "A least not immediately."

It's a little unsettling to hear, but she knows when they have to take risks. "Then we'll go on with it," Bo decides.

They leave the conversation at that, heading for the main building belonging to Clan Wren.

Guards intercept them immediately, before they reach the compound, but Bo isn't concerned about them. It's only if the Empire hears that she's worried about.

So, she demands a private, and preferably, secretive meeting with Ursa immediately. (Hopefully, none of these guards here are spies.)

"What are you doing here?" Ursa demands. "You're wanted by the Empire!"

"Yes," Bo agrees, "We need to speak with you."

"You're going to bring the Empire down on all of us," she retorts.

"Who rules here? The Empire or Mandalore?" Vizma demands, voice rising as she steps forwards. Bo barely suppresses a smile. She's grown up so much.

Ursa is silent for a moment. "You know we must make peace with the Empire if we are to survive."

"If we stand together now, there may be a chance against the Empire," Bo replies.

"Stand together?" Ursa repeats, "You know what my daughter did. You know how upset the other clans still are, even if she is the one who eventually turned over the information about that weapon. There would be no unity."

"Well, they aren't rallying behind you," Vizma retorts, "They're standing behind my father. You're only joining."

"The Darksaber is nothing but a symbol. It can't protect us," Ursa argues, though there's less steel in her voice now. More uncertainty. "Marr Vizsla fled Mandalore years ago. No one will openly stand behind him."

"We don't need to do it openly," Bo replies, "We have known each other for a long time, Ursa. I know you don't want your people in danger; I know your husband is a captive of the Empire, but we can free him when the time is right."

"We don't need to make a move now," Vizma interjects, "We only need to know where you stand on this. With Mandalore or as a traitor to our people."

Ursa does not look happy, but she actually seems to be considering it. "When would we act?" she demands, "What would we do?"

"First we need your allegiance, before we discuss anything further," Bo replies. She thinks Ursa will agree but being here is still a huge risk. Vizma may be able to sense it if she's planning to betray them, though, and so far, she's said nothing.

Maybe they're almost done with their final step before they're ready for war.

**w**

"Been a long time since I've seen you," Vizma comments, falling in step with Tristan as they move through the building. She expected the negotiations to be a little harder than they were, but when her father is the Mand'alor, that tends to work wonders on people's opinions. She didn't sense any deception from Ursa when she finally expressed her agreement, and she can only hope it stays that way.

"It has been a long time," Tristan agrees. They never knew each other that well, but they were... more than acquaintances. "Where have you been?"

"You know I've been involved in anti-Empire activities," she replies, carefully. Still, she probably shouldn't say too much, just in case someone else overhears.

"I knew that already," Tristan states.

Vizma hesitates a moment, considering. "I knew your sister," she says, finally.

Tristan stops sharply. "You talked to her?!"

"We worked together a lot," Vizma replies, "And I met Ketsu briefly too."

"How's Sabine doing?" he asks, curiously, "What's she been doing?"

"She's okay," Vizma assures, "She fighting the Empire, too."

Tristan is frowning, almost contemplatively.

"What?"

"I still don't see how she could have done what she did before leaving Mandalore."

"It was a mistake," Vizma replies firmly, "And you know she helped us destroy the Duchess in the end. She's – changed a lot."

Tristan nods, turning away to look at their surroundings, though his gaze is far away. He feels... "You miss her, don't you?"

His gaze snaps back to her. "What of it?"

Vizma shrugs a shoulder. "You all do, don't you? You won't be reunited again until the Empire is gone."

"We're going to lose many of our people," Tristan reminds, grimly.

"I know that, but we can't let fear stop us," Vizma replies, "I already lost Aunt Satine, but she's – her memory lives with us. Whoever we lose, it will be in the name of honor."

Tristan nods slightly. "I'm ready to help. Your father is the Mand'alor. That's who we stand with, even in secret."

"Perhaps before long it won't have to be a secret. It's time we do something," Vizma responds, as they come to a stop on a balcony outside of the building.

"Why don't we start with this?" Tristan asks, pulling out one of the metal rods they used to spar with back on Monadalore.

Vizma smirks. "I'll try to go easy on you."

"You know using the Force isn't fair," Tristan retorts, passing her one, slowly circling her.

"Who said I've been training in it?" she shoots back, eyes never leaving his weapon.

"It's hardly a secret what your father was," he deadpans.

"Don't worry, I wasn't planning on cheating," she smirks, and lunges forwards.

(Next time, she'll save the bragging for afterwards. Maybe she won, but she hasn't been this sore in a long time.)

**w**

"How did the meeting go?" Korkie inquires, when Vizma and Bo finally make it back home a couple days later.

He's her cousin technically, but often, he seems more like a much too young uncle. They're too far apart to really see each other as much else. She didn't realize how much she missed him,too, until she'd come back. It's been nice to catch up with all of her old friends. She misses her father, though. And Ezra and Sabine and Zeb and Chopper and BD. Kanan and Hera too, even if not quite as much.

"Better than expected," Vizma says cheerfully.

"When the time comes, they will rally their clan," Bo replies.

"You aren't worried that they might... say something?" Korkie asks. Vizma has heard plenty about the past conflicts between the various members of her families, and she knows that because he was never part of Death Watch, he has little trust for anyone who once was. She supposes she can't entirely blame him for that, not given some of the things he and her father have said about them.

"You know we worked closely in the past," her mother responds, "Ursa may be under pressure now, but she is loyal to Mandalore at heart."

"Hopefully her people share the same view."

"We can hope," Vizma agrees, "If they don't, it's a little late now. Even if the Empire does hear rumors, they'll never know what we have planned."

"What do you have planned?" Kokrie asks dryly.

"I don't know myself. At least not all the details," she answers, "We'll have to talk to my father whenever he comes back."

"Do you know when that will be?" he wonders.

"No, but I think it will be... in less time than we might think."

"Really?" her mother asks, hopefully.

"I think so." The Force is indicating as much, and it fills her with a sudden building excitement, even if she tries not to start dwelling on it too much. If she's wrong, she doesn't want to be disappointed.

"I do wonder how long I'll be overthrowing governments with him," Korkie remarks.

"Hey, it's only the second time," Vizma chirps. She's heard the story before, of how Korkie and her father first met when he and Ahsoka were teaching Mandalorian cadets about government corruption, when Almec was making deals on the black market.

"Three times," Korkie corrects, "What we did with that weapon... counted." His face grows a little more serious again, as he obviously thinks of Satine. She was practically his adopted mother, after all. What happened to her hurt him the most.

"Well, this should be the last time," Vizma offers, a little more solemnly, "And... I think it's long past time that we avenge her." She doesn't have to specify who she means. No matter what, Aunt Satine's death won't have been for nothing. The Empire will fall, whatever it takes. (She wishes she always felt this brave.)

**w**

Everything is only picking up pace now, and Marr has little time to pull all the last loose threads together. He can only be grateful that lately much of the Imperial forces have been focused on fighting Crimson Dawn. (And that includes Vader, from the reports he's heard. He doesn't know why he... was expecting anything else.)

If anything goes wrong, everything could blow up, and they may lose their last chance at taking down Sidious. All these years of planning could be for nothing. He knows in the end that someone will succeed against Sidious, though, and if nothing else, that's what keeps him from backing down, no matter what.

But it's more than a little concerning when they receive intelligence indicating that the Empire may have intercepted the last Fulcrum transmission from their... other source.

Agent Kallus.

Marr still doesn't know what to make of the fact that he's helping them, but if he's an ally, they can't afford to lose him. He's been giving them a lot of information on Lothal, and if the Empire realized how much he knows, it will not be good.

The Alliance command deemed it important enough that they send a few people to get him out of there, in case the Empire traces it to him. Ezra knows Lothal best so they sent him but sending someone so easily recognized in that sector may not have been the best of ideas.

Especially not considering that, of course, in the middle of that Thrawn showed up. The only way for Ezra to get out of there – along with Kanan and Rex's help – was for Kallus to stay behind.

But knowing Thrawn, Marr does not believe that he bought the whole 'some other Lieutenant is guilty of this' thing. There's no way Kallus wouldn't have recognized Ezra and helping him like that was too convenient.

He's almost certain that Thrawn knows, or at least highly suspects, that Kallus is behind it, and he does not have a good feeling about that. It could throw too many of their plans into jeopardy. It would have been so much easier if Kallus had just escaped with Ezra, but it's obviously too late for that now.

Marr can only hope that he'll take extra precautions, given how easily he could be caught now. It's all he can ask for.

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