To say security in the main hangar bay of the Jedi Temple was tight was an understatement. Anakin had never seen any part of the Jedi Temple so heavily fortified, and not just by the Jedi within.
A line of Temple Guards stood on one side of the room, with a line of Coruscant Guard led by Commander Fox standing opposite them, creating a pathway between them for the arrivals to travel down. Several members of the Jedi Council were also present at the head of the two columns, himself included as they waited for the shuttle that was scheduled to arrive.
Suffice to say, it had been a very eventful morning for everyone. Master Windu had requested his presence to help oversee the arrival of their new prisoner and to act as extra security, just in case.
Glancing to the side, his eyes were drawn to the presence of three other figures standing a short distance away at the head of the column of Coruscant Guard.
Chancellor Palpatine was flanked by Admiral Tarkin on one side, and Ahsoka on the other, clad in her armour with her newly repaired lightsaber on display. It was clear she was present as the Chancellor's bodyguard, for which he was grateful.
If, somehow, the prisoner managed to escape, there was no one he trusted more to get Palpatine to safety than his old Padawan.
Hopefully however, that wouldn't be the case. From what little he had been able to piece together from Master Windu's vague description, the prisoner was contained within some kind of mobile jail cell designed to restrain Force Sensitives. It was no surprise to Anakin that the Mandalorians had developed such a technology, and if all went well Maul would remain contained.
The thunderous sounds of the engines of a Nu-Class transport drew Anakin out of his internal thoughts as he raised his head to witness the arrival of said transport into the hangar. Several moments passed by before the shuttle managed to set itself down safely on the landing platform, it's engines powering down moments later. Through the Force Anakin could feel the signatures of Obi-Wan and Padawan Dume, both seemingly no worse for wear.
Maul's signature was also present, but dimmed by whatever he was being contained by. Hopefully that meant that his connection to the Force was too weak for him to do anything. Without proper care, a captured Force user, either Jedi or Sith, was just as dangerous as a free one.
Still, Anakin trusted Obi-Wan. He knew his Master would have taken the proper precautions before even thinking about delivering Maul to the Temple.
The hissing sound of the rear ramp of the shuttle hit Anakin's ears next as it began to descend. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Ahsoka flinch lightly, no doubt remembering her past encounter with the Zabrak Sith Lord.
Anakin still needed to make Maul pay for hurting Ahsoka. Perhaps he'd remove his legs as Obi-Wan once had. That ought to teach him a lesson.
As the ramp reached the ground beneath it, the sounds of boots marching down the ramp followed.
Commander Boil led the party, followed by two other troopers whom Anakin recognized as former members of Depa Billaba's legion.
Behind Grey and Styles came Caleb, who, minus a small bruise on his cheek, seemed no worse for wear. Anakin was pleased to see the Padawan in one piece. Through the Force he felt a rush of relief escape from Ahsoka's own Force signature, indicating that she shared his sentiment.
After Caleb came Obi-Wan, who upon seeing Anakin waiting for him greeted him with a wide smile as he moved to join his Council compatriots.
At Obi-Wan's arrival, the Chancellor and his two companions began to move towards the Jedi. From the way Master Windu's shoulders stiffened suddenly, Anakin could tell that he did not appreciate the Chancellor's appearance.
"Master Kenobi, I trust your mission was successful?" Palpatine spoke as he neared the group, his attention focused solely on Obi-Wan, who turned and bowed before the Chancellor in a sign of respect.
"It was Your Excellency. Darth Maul has been apprehended, and Mandalore has a stable leadership once more."
"As stable as you can get with a culture of warmongers." Admiral Tarkin interrupted, snideness emanating from his tone in a way that surprised Anakin. He had assumed that Tarkin of all people would get along well with the Mandalorians, considering his more aggressive style of command.
"Lady Bo Katan Kryze has agreed to uphold their end of the deal. Mandalore will be returning to its neutrality for the remainder of the war, but they also will not forget what we have done for them today. Lady Kryze will be sending an envoy within the week to discuss opening up new trade deals with the Senate in hopes of building a stable working relationship." Obi-Wan replied, his 'negotiator' persona coming to the forefront.
"That is excellent news Master Kenobi. Trade with Mandalore was always a great boon to the Republic under the Late Duchess. I only hope we can honour her legacy of peace very soon." Palpatine responded, his expression one of contentment at the news.
Before anyone else had the chance to speak however, the sounds of more boots descending the ramp of the shuttle drew everyone's attention once again.
Glancing up, Anakin had to refrain from gasping at the sight before him.
Six heavily armed members of the 212th descended the ramp, a large metallic container decorated with ornate markings that resembled Mandalorian designs. He wasn't sure what the images and markings meant, but they seemed to represent an individual of some kind. Could it perhaps have been an image of the legendary Tarre Vizsla?
As he continued to survey the container, his eyes were drawn upwards to what seemed to resemble a small window to the interior of it, and there, inside of it was…
"Maul."
Despite being inside of what Anakin could only call a sarcophagus, it almost seemed as if the Sith Lord had heard him. At the mere mention of his name, the Zabrak's eyes shot open, burning a horrifying gold.
As the clones led the sarcophagus off of the shuttle and towards the welcoming party, Anakin watched as Maul's expression changed. His golden eyes were surveying his surroundings from within his confinement, as if he was studying for a way out.
If one existed, Anakin didn't know what it was, and if he did escape…
Well… Anakin very much doubted he'd get past all of the assembled Jedi and Clones in the hangar. Maul was powerful for sure, but even he wouldn't survive such odds.
Maul's eyes continued to survey the area before him, moving over the lines of Clones and Temple Guards with little concern.
Upon spotting Obi-Wan, the Zabrak's eyes narrowed harshly, his anger at the man evident before he continued to survey.
Maul's eyes only briefly glanced over Anakin with a contemplative look before moving on to the next people, who just so happened to be the Chancellor and Ahsoka.
This time, Maul's eyes changed dramatically. Gone was the anger, instead replaced by what Anakin would only call fear. His eyes widened in panic, darting away from the Chancellor and Ahsoka and instead returning to surveying the area around him, as if looking for a way out.
'Why is Maul so afraid of the Chancellor? Or was it Ahsoka that scared him? Maybe he's worried that she's going to try and get revenge on him. He should be!' Anakin thought to himself as he allowed a small satisfied smirk to come to his face at Maul's terror.
There was nothing he enjoyed more than seeing those that inflicted terror on others be scared of something else.
The sarcophagus continued to be led past the assembled group and deeper into the hangar, no doubt being taken away to be put into some sort of solitary confinement within the Temple. Anakin could only assume that the Council meant to interrogate Maul themselves for information. The only question was whether or not Maul would be willing to part with any new information.
"Where are you taking him?" Palpatine inquired suddenly as he watched the contained Sith Lord be led out of the hangar and out of sight, a sceptical look on his weary face. Anakin couldn't help but wonder if the Chancellor had been losing sleep like he had.
"A secure room in the heart of the Temple. We do not exactly possess a prison block after all, but he will be out of reach for anyone aside from members of the Jedi Council." Windu replied to Palpatine, an edge to his tone that Anakin didn't like. It almost felt like…
"Surely it would make more sense to house him in a Republic Military Prison? Maul is a threat to the Republic as well." Tarkin spoke the words Anakin knew were coming.
"And that is precisely why we cannot house him in a Republic prison, Admiral. Maul is a powerful Lord of the Sith. If he escaped the death toll would be catastrophic."
"Indeed Master Windu, but the same could be said if he was within the Temple."
"We are better equipped at holding Force Sensitive prisoners, Admiral."
"Are you Master Windu? Then why, pray tell, did you not offer to hold Barriss Offee when we had her apprehended, or Agent Tano when she was falsely accused of sedition? After all, both escaped their cells when we held them. Your assistance in those matters would have been invaluable."
"Need I remind you Admiral Tarkin that it was you who pushed for Tano to be exiled from the Order to face trial before the Senate, not us. We could not hold Tano within our own walls after that judgement was passed."
"And yet you believe you have the right to hold Maul within these walls?"
Anakin could sense the unease coming off of everyone in the room as Windu and Tarkin continued to argue. He could see both points of view regarding where to house Maul. He was a threat to both the Jedi and the Republic, and thus should be tried before both organizations.
That said, as Master Windu had pointed out, he was an incredibly dangerous Force user as well. It made more sense to hold him within the walls of the Temple, at least for the time being.
Anakin noticed Windu about to open his mouth to continue the argument when Palpatine interrupted both of them, holding his hands towards both men, a sign to them both to cool down.
"Gentlemen, please. We do not need to fall out over this disagreement. Darth Maul is a dangerous threat to everyone. Perhaps in this instance he is in safer hands with people who understand the Force, Admiral Tarkin."
"Very well, Supreme Chancellor." Tarkin replied, surrendering his side of the argument.
"To that end however," The Chancellor continued, turning his attention to Windu and the Council Members by his side. "Am I right to assume you intend on interrogating Maul as soon as possible?"
"We do, Your Excellency." Windu replied, his expression stern, as always.
"Very well. Whilst I understand that Maul is an issue of Jedi business first and foremost, I feel the need to remind you that he has threatened both the Republic and democracy as a whole. I would like one of my own representatives to be present for the interrogation as well to ensure no dirty handed tactics such as torture are used."
The sudden way Master Windu's body stiffened in annoyance nearly brought Anakin out in a smirk. He was pleased to see that the Chancellor wasn't giving up on his position easily.
"Who would you send, Supreme Chancellor?" Windu responded through gritted teeth, his signature in the Force flaring slightly before being concealed once more.
The Chancellor was silent for a few moments as he contemplated his thoughts before he turned on his heel to face Ahsoka.
"Agent Tano. You have encountered Maul once before, and thus have a unique viewpoint that any other member of the Republic military lacks. Go with Master Windu and learn what you can of Maul's plans."
"Of course, Your Excellency." Ahsoka responded with a bow, her own signature in the Force flaring with surprise and happiness at being selected.
With that, the Chancellor turned to Master Windu with his head inclined, as if he was waiting for a counter argument from the Jedi Master.
To his credit, Windu showed no resistance and instead nodded his head back at the Chancellor, before gesturing to Ahsoka to follow him.
With that, Palpatine and Tarkin, along with their entourage of Clones, turned and began to head back towards the shuttle they had used to travel to the Temple.
The rest of the Council began to disperse as Windu and Ahsoka moved to follow the path the Mandalorian sarcophagus had taken, with Windu taking the lead. Through the Force Anakin felt Ahsoka throw a nudge goodbye his way, something that he returned with a warm smile.
As the crowd faded away, Anakin turned to face the three people who were left standing beside him.
"Well, that was fun." Anakin quipped to Obi-Wan, who had an odd expression on his face.
"Remind me never to get into politics." Boil was the first to respond of the trio, removing his helmet in the process and bringing a hand to rub against his forehead, as if he had a headache of some kind. "I didn't realize the relationship between the Council and the Chancellor was that bad."
"This war has strained things unfortunately. Hopefully they'll improve once Grievous is dealt with." Anakin replied, surprised at how quickly the Clone Commander had picked up on the tension in the room.
If the Clones could pick up on it, who else could?
"At least we finally found Grievous!" Caleb joined the conversation next, his trademark enthusiasm never failing to make Anakin smirk. In a lot of ways he reminded Anakin of himself when he had been his age. Hopefully Obi-Wan wasn't as stressed out as he had been with him.
"That's very true. If all goes to plan, this war could be over soon." Anakin addressed the Padawan with a smile.
"Here's hoping. I need a vacation!" Boil said before turning to address Obi-Wan directly, who still looked deep in thought. "Sir, I'm going to head back to the Tribunal now. I've got reports to write and Admiral Yularen requests a debrief. Permission to be excused?"
At Boil's words, Obi-Wan snapped out of his internal debate and focused on the Clone Commander. "Huh? Oh, of course Boil. By all means."
"Can I come too?" Caleb chirped up, looking at the trooper with admiration.
"Course you can kid, but I thought you wanted to see your Master?"
"I spoke to her over the holocomm earlier. She's having physiotherapy sessions for most of the morning. I'll catch up with her later one."
"In that case kid, the reports won't write themselves." Boil concluded as he saluted Obi-Wan and Anakin, a gesture that Caleb imitated, before they too departed.
That just left Anakin alone with Obi-Wan, who had once again returned to his far off contemplative stare.
Several moments passed by before Anakin spoke.
"Shall we share tea in your quarters, Master?"
At the mention of tea, Obi-Wan's face brightened.
"I would very much like that old friend."
Windu had yet to say a single word to Ahsoka as he led her through the halls of the Jedi Temple, not that she was surprised by this. As happy as she was to help the Chancellor anyway she could, she honestly did not know what help she would be in an interrogation, much less on Maul of all people.
From the way he practically ignored her, Ahsoka could tell too that Windu was not pleased to be saddled with her as company. His signature in the Force didn't betray any real emotion, but it didn't have to. His body language, accompanied by the way he marched through the halls at the fastest speed he could stride at was a dead giveaway.
He didn't want her here. He didn't appreciate the Chancellor's, or her interference.
She didn't blame him, but she also felt no sympathy for him either. She had her orders after all, and she would follow them.
Continuing through the hallways, Ahsoka suddenly spotted Master Ti standing in the distance by a doorway that was guarded on either side by two Temple Guards, as well as a pair of Coruscant Clone Guards.
Windu turned to face Ahsoka briefly as he made a 'wait here' gesture, before continuing on to approach Shaak and the guards.
Having no choice, and deciding it would be smarter not to incite Master Windu's annoyance, Ahsoka did as asked.
She couldn't make out much of what the discussion before he was about, even with the enhanced hearing her montrals offered. Bits and pieces about 'the Chancellor' and 'Interfering' and 'Representative' hit her hearing, but aside from that she missed most of it.
"The kriff is going on over there?" A familiar voice nearly made Ahsoka jump out of her armour as it hit her from behind.
Spinning round she found herself face to torso with the hulking Dowutin that was Masana Tide. Upon realizing who it was, Ahsoka craned her neck upwards to look at her face.
"For someone so huge, you sure can sneak up on a girl." Ahsoka quipped as she calmed down from the surprise jump scare.
"Heh… sorry. Guess I should stomp my feet next time so you know I'm coming. But really though, what is going on. That's some heavy security for that big slab of metal they hauled in there. What's inside of it?" Masana replied with an apologetic look before she refocused on where Master Windu and Master Ti were talking.
Glancing back over as well, Ahsoka began to consider her options.
Would it be better to tell Masana the truth, or lie? If she knew about Maul, would she go and tell others about it? Would that be wise, or would that spread chaos and confusion within the Temple halls, or perhaps even panic.
But on the flip side, if she didn't tell Masana, no one would know of the danger they were currently housing in the Temple. Younglings lived here after all. Didn't they have a right to know who was held prisoner within the Temple walls?
Ahsoka honestly didn't care for the politics of the Jedi Council, not anymore. They might have wanted to keep Maul's imprisonment under wraps, but she couldn't in good conscience keep it a secret, not when there was a risk of Maul escaping and wreaking havoc inside the Temple.
Ahsoka's goal had been, and always would be, to protect people. She had never hidden that. What better way to protect the innocent people within the Jedi Temple than to warn them of who was now imprisoned within their own walls.
"It's Maul."
"You're kidding me! Darth Maul is in that thing?!"
"Yeah. Master Kenobi found him on Mandalore and captured him. The Chancellor has asked that I be present at the interrogation with Master Windu to see what I can learn."
"Kriff kid! Thanks for the heads up. Hope he doesn't escape. But seriously, you'd have thought the Council would warn us!"
"That's why I told you. Better you know the truth than live in the dark."
"Seems we are all kept in the dark these days Tano. You got out at the right time."
Turning back to face Masana again, Ahsoka raised an eyebrow at her.
"How do you mean?"
"Don't worry about it. Good luck with the interrogation. I'll let our 'mutual associates' know about the little 'surprise' the Council is keeping."
And with that, Masana turned and left as quietly as she had arrived, leaving Ahsoka alone once more.
Should she have told the truth, or kept it a secret?
'They deserved to know who was inside the Temple, just in case. Masana and her friends can be trusted anyways.' The voice in her head that sounded a lot like Anakin whispered, adding confidence to her decision despite her momentary doubt. At least now, they knew what to expect if things went wrong and Maul somehow escaped.
Turning back to Windu, she saw the Jedi Master signal over to her to follow once again, something that she did.
Moving swiftly, Ahsoka followed Windu over the threshold of the heavily armoured doorway and into the chamber that Maul was being kept in.
"So, how was it then? Mandalore, I mean?" Anakin inquired as he handed Obi-Wan a mug of freshly brewed tea. He was never as good at brewing the stuff as his old Master was, but he could tell Obi-Wan appreciated the gesture nonetheless.
"Surprisingly simple, honestly. Lady Kryze apprehended Prime Minister Almec with ease and young Caleb and I were able to corner Maul in the sewers underneath Sundari. If anything it was too easy." Obi-Wan replied as he took a gentle sip of his tea. "Good tea Anakin. Your skills continue to advance."
"I doubt I'll ever be the 'Master of Tea Making'." Anakin replied with a smirk, enjoying the rare moment alone he had with Obi-Wan.
"Speaking of which, congratulations are in order. To sit on the Jedi Council at your age, even as the Chancellor's representative is unheard of. I am so very proud of you Anakin."
'I might have a seat, but what good is that if people don't listen to me, if I can't have access to certain things I need to save everyone!'
"I only got where I am today thanks to your teachings, Master. If anyone deserves the credit, it's you."
"Nonsense." Obi-Wan's reply was instantaneous, surprising Anakin at how quickly he jumped to defend his old Padawan. "Anakin, you are more than just my teachings. You have forged your own path throughout this Order, and whilst I might not have always agreed with your methods, I have always admired your determination to do what is right. Do not be so hard on yourself. Having a seat on the Council was always in your future. Even if you couldn't see it, know that I could."
Shocked at Obi-Wan's staunch defence, Anakin took a few moments to respond.
"I… thank you Master."
"You are very welcome, my old friend." Obi-Wan replied as he took another sip of his tea.
The two sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, simply enjoying the tea and company. It was rare these days that Anakin got the opportunity to just sit down and relax, much less with Obi-Wan of all people. Their duties in the war often kept them from simply socialising, at least off the battlefield. The 501st and 212th were assigned joint missions more commonly than Anakin had ever expected when the war had first begun, not that he was complaining. The 212th were just as formidable as the 501st after all.
"So, how about you then Anakin? How are you coping? I sense there are things on your mind?"
Anakin couldn't stop the sigh that escaped his body, which all but confirmed Obi-Wan's suspicions.
Anakin wanted to lie. To say he was simply tired and needed some sleep.
But he also wanted to tell. He wanted to just stop and reveal everything to Obi-Wan. Damn the judgement that would come! He just wanted to get it all off his chest. Padmé! His marriage! His child! He wanted to tell all!
'But if you do that you'll be expelled from the Order, and then not only will you fail Palpatine but you'll also fail to save Padmé! You have to stay, at least for a little bit longer!'
But he knew he couldn't, as his mind was telling him. If he did, he'd risk everything, and he'd have no way to save Padmé and the others from whatever was coming!
Obi-Wan would never understand. He was lucky that Ahsoka had, but then she had already left the Order by that point. She had no love for the Jedi code anymore!
'But he might understand! He said he'd have left the Order for Satine!'
Anakin tried to ignore the side of his mind that was trying to convince him to tell Obi-Wan. It would do no one any good.
"I'm…" Anakin began to answer. He wanted to talk, but didn't. He couldn't reveal everything… but he could reveal something. Perhaps, just perhaps, Obi-Wan might set his mind at ease.
"You've…?"
"I've been having dreams again Master… bad ones."
The room that contained the Mandalorian sarcophagus was bare, aside from the object that housed Maul. There was no decor, no windows, no guards. Just the sarcophagus and a single light above it, illuminating the room.
If she had been younger, Ahsoka would have been scared by simply entering the room.
But she wasn't a young Padawan anymore. She was a military leader, a soldier, and the Chancellor's personal agent.
A creepy room, let alone the monster inside the sarcophagus would not get her to show fear, much less in front of Master Windu.
Ahsoka watched as the Jedi moved over to the sarcophagus, his hands reaching out to interact with a control panel swiftly before he stepped back, allowing the door to slowly slide open.
As it did, it revealed the full state that Maul was in.
His body seemed intact, as did his cybernetics, but he was heavily restrained. Clamps secured his legs, arms, wrists, ankles, torso and neck to the back wall of the interior of the sarcophagus. There was even a metal band across his face, covering his mouth and preventing him from speaking.
His eyes however, burning a bright gold, were visible, and they widened with surprise as he took in the appearance of the two people before him.
Once the large door had finished fully opening, Master Windu reached forward to another control panel, gently tapping a single button on it in the process.
The sound of metal grinding, followed by the band that had been covering Maul's mouth receding hit Ahsoka's montrals. She supposed it needed to be done, or else how would Maul answer their questions.
If he even would.
"Darth Maul." Windu began standing tall with his hands behind his back. "You are charged with crimes against the Republic and Jedi Order. Your sentence however remains to be decided. If you have any information regarding the identity of Darth Sidious you will tell us immediately."
Maul's eyes narrowed in what Ahsoka would call annoyance as he listened to Windu, before shifting his eyes away from the Jedi Master to focus solely on her.
"How you withstood the Council's endless pontificating I will never know Tano. Even I would leave the Order if I had to deal with this everyday."
"Just answer the question Maul." Ahsoka replied, not having the patience to deal with 'smalltalk' from Maul of all people. He had tried to kill her the last time they met, after all.
'Only after you tried to kill him first!' The Anakin-sounding voice in her head whispered with a laugh. She wasn't going to bring that up to Maul though.
At her words, the Zabrak rolled his eyes before speaking.
"Why should I tell you who Darth Sidious is? Surely it would be more fun for you to try and figure it out yourself?"
"We do not have time for games, Maul. Lives are at stake here." Windu replied, keeping his tone steady in a way that reminded Ahsoka of Obi-Wan.
Maul borderline cackled at the mention of lives being at stake before speaking. "Oh my dear deluded Jedi Master! What makes you think I care for your lives at all?"
"You might not care for our lives, but you care for yours!" Ahsoka interrupted, a satisfied look of smugness dawning on her face as Maul refocused his attention on her with a surprised look on his face.
"How do you mean, Tano?"
"I saw your reaction in the Sith Shrine. That was Sidious down there, wasn't it? You were terrified of him!"
"I was not!"
"You lie. Sidious is just as much a threat to you as he is to the Jedi, isn't he? After all, it is the Sith way to dispose of any possible competition. You didn't live up to his expectations, so he cast you aside. Now he wants to kill you as much as he does us, doesn't he?"
Maul said nothing in reply, his eyes narrowing as he stared into Ahsoka's own eyes, trying to read her emotions from sight alone.
Through the Force, Ahsoka felt a sense of understanding from Windu, as if he knew what she was up to.
"Agent Tano is correct. Sidious is a threat to everyone, so any information you can reveal to us will improve everyone's chances considerably. We will treat you fairly for whatever you can give us." Windu joined in, his tone diplomatic in comparison to her more aggressive confrontational words.
Maul's eyes continued to dart around, as if he was once again looking for an escape route. She couldn't feel his presence in the Force, thanks to the neutralization tech that was built into the sarcophagus, but she didn't need to feel his signature to know he was suffering from heavy internal debate.
A few moments passed by before Ahsoka chose to speak again.
"So? What'll it be, Maul?"
The Zabrak's burning golden eyes shifted to her own blue ones in an instant as a sneer came to his face.
"You had your chance to join me Tano. You refused. I have nothing to share with either of you."
"What sort of dreams?" Obi-Wan asked, placing his mug of tea on the table between them, a concerned expression on his face.
Anakin decided that now was the best time to be honest about some things, but not everything.
"The same sort of dreams I had when… before Geonosis… about my mother."
"I see. Are they nightmares about her passing?"
"No Master… they're… I'm not sure. I see pain, suffering, death. You've been in them. So has Padmé. Ahsoka and Rex too. Hell, even the Chancellor. I'm not sure what it means, but I know it's bad!" Anakin replied, struggling to keep the panic from his voice. Images of his dreams, of the visions within them flashed before his eyes.
His wife, dead, or at the very least dying.
Obi-Wan, sad and alone.
Ahsoka, under attack by… something!
Palpatine, cowering in a corner, terrified for his life.
Rex, fighting… something, in great pain.
He could see them all as clear as day. Everyone he loved, in pain.
And he was helpless to save them. He wanted so desperately to be able to save them all! Padmé especially!
He just needed a way to do it. He needed the secrets within the holocron vault! Surely those held some sort of answers! A holocron that would grant a vision of what to do, or something!
"They are just dreams Anakin."
"No! No they're not Obi-Wan!" Anakin snapped, rage flooding through him at the flippant way Obi-Wan had again dismissed his concerns. "You said that before about my mother, and look what happened! She ended up dead! I can't let that happen again! I won't!"
Obi-Wan's head lowered, a brief rush of shame coming across their more or less dormant Force bond they had created when Anakin had first become his Padawan. They had never fully broken the bond between them after Anakin became a Knight, despite that being a common occurrence with most Masters and Padawans.
Anakin could almost hear the lecture regarding 'attachment' from Master Windu that he would receive if he knew.
"I apologise, Anakin. I know that wasn't easy on you, and perhaps there was some connection between your dreams and reality. However, as a Jedi, you must understand that it is not our way to rush into things blind. We must control our attachments to others and not let it overpower us."
'If that's the case then maybe the Jedi way isn't for me.' Anakin thought, hoping that Obi-Wan didn't overhear his thoughts through the Force.
"Besides," Obi-Wan continued, an edge of humour in his voice, "You know as well as I do that Senator Amidala, Ahsoka and Rex are all very capable of taking care of themselves. They will be more than able to handle anything your dreams can throw at them. As for myself and the Chancellor, well I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned. I am known to face trouble on a daily basis."
"Yeah. I guess I should focus on saving your hide as always, old man." Anakin quipped in response, joining in with the joke, if only for a moment. He could tell that Obi-Wan was trying to lighten his mood.
"Exactly. I'd still be stuck to that pole on Geonosis without you and… oh wait you got captured as well."
"Very funny Master."
"Only you would find humour in disobeying my orders."
"I told you that it was Padmé's idea to come and rescue you!"
"Yes well I really should thank her… again."
Anakin couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his throat in response, something that Obi-Wan joined in on as he picked up his mug of tea once more, taking another gentle sip of it.
As he finished his mouthful, he spoke again.
"Anakin, you can't control everything that happens everywhere at once. Some things are beyond even your reach. I know you wish to save everyone, but sometimes that's not possible."
"But Master, I won't let them…"
"I know, and nor will I. But you must have faith. Trust in the Force and everything will be fine."
He wished he believed it, he really did! But time and time again, the Force had let him down.
His mother. Obi-Wan's fake death. The business with Pong Krell, and later Barriss Offee. The Force had offered him no guidance and no answers. It had been thanks only to his actions, or the actions of others, that he had found the truth.
If he sat back and trusted the 'Will of the Force' with these dreams, who was to say that it would turn out ok? From where he was sitting, all he could see in his head was death.
The death of everyone he loved.
And he wasn't going to let that happen! He had to find a way to stop it from happening, and he had to find it now!
"What is he referring to?" Windu's voice was dark, on edge. Whilst she might not have been able to feel Maul's signature in the Force, she was now able to feel Windu's. His momentarily surprise at Maul's words had caused his mental defenses to wobble, albeit briefly.
Resisting the urge to roll her eyes at Windu's evident paranoia, she replied.
"Back in the Sith Shrine, Maul tried to persuade me to become his apprentice. Something about how we were essentially two sides of the same coin. Whilst it was flattering to be acknowledged as a potential Sith apprentice, I decided to turn him down." Ahsoka explained, adding her trademark sass in the process. As if she'd ever willingly join forces with a Sith Lord! Things would have to be especially dire for that to happen!
Windu's eyes narrowed for a brief moment before he nodded his head, his mental shields fully restored. Ahsoka could only guess he had accepted her explanation without question.
She had a funny feeling however that that was not the case. She wouldn't pressure him for a real answer though. It almost wasn't worth the effort.
"Very well Agent Tano." Windu finally spoke before returning his attention to Maul once again. "We have been patient thus far, Maul. Do not force us to use extreme methods to extract information from you."
Most people would have assumed that Windu's words were an empty threat. After all, Jedi did not make a habit of going around harming defenceless people, much less torturing them.
However, Ahsoka had also seen first hand what powerful Force users could do when they worked together. Witnessing Cad Bane, his mind invaded and probed by the combined might of Windu, Obi-Wan and Anakin at such a young age had changed something in her.
She hadn't felt any real sympathy for Bane. He was a sleemo who got what he deserved, but that didn't mean it was right, and it certainly wasn't the Jedi way.
If the Jedi were willing to resort to mind torture for a bounty hunter such as Bane, what would they be willing to do to Maul?
"I'd listen to him if I were you Maul." Ahsoka commented, choosing to adopt a serious tone once again, hoping that it would serve as a warning to Maul.
The Zabrak however merely laughed.
"I do not believe you. You are no Sidious."
Glancing up at Windu, Ahsoka braced herself for his response.
The Council Member's stern expression lingered on Maul for a few moments before he pivoted on his heels to face the exit.
"I will give you twenty four hours to change your mind."
With that, Windu began to move towards the exit, and Ahsoka made to follow before Maul spoke again.
"Tano! You have no idea how much danger you are in. Free me now, and I will help you end Sidious' reign before it even begins!"
Halting her exit, she turned around and faced Maul once again.
"As I said in the shrine, I think I'll pass."
At her words, Maul let loose a sad sigh.
"Then you have doomed us all, Ahsoka Tano. What happens next is your fault, and yours alone."
"Master Windu asked if I would deploy to Utapau to support Master Fisto."
Obi-Wan's words caught Anakin off guard. Surely Obi-Wan was not thinking about…
"I have chosen to accept his request."
"What? But you just got back Master! You've earned a break!" Anakin replied, knowing it was in vain hope to try and convince Obi-Wan otherwise. His Master had always had an odd obsession with Grievous, as if he was his to take down alone.
Not that Anakin disagreed. If anyone could take down Grievous, it was Obi-Wan.
"I can rest on route to Utapau, but if we don't move now Anakin, as you told the Council, then we stand at risk of losing Grievous' position. If we succeed, and Grievous is destroyed or captured, this war will end, and then everyone can rest. Commander Boil has already agreed with me and is briefing Yularen as we speak."
"Then I'll tell Rex to prepare the boys as well. The 212th won't be alone in this."
"Anakin, you and your legion are needed on Coruscant, not Utapau. There is much damage control to be done after Grievous' invasion."
"I don't like this." Anakin replied, finishing the last of his tea. "I'd rather you be here. I need some guidance regarding the Council honestly."
That wasn't the entire truth of course. He wanted Obi-Wan around so he could keep an eye on him, to ensure no harm came to him as his dreams predicted!
"All in good time my friend. For now, improvise. The Council will listen to you, regardless of what you think otherwise." Obi-Wan finished as he rose from his chair, moving over to the small kitchen area of his apartment to clean his mug.
Sighing in despair, knowing that it was impossible to change his mind, Anakin too rose from his chair and moved to help Obi-Wan with the drying.
The two old friends worked in tandem and silence, both deep in thought.
Anakin had so many things we wanted to say. He wanted to tell the truth, the full truth. About Padmé, about his unborn child, about how he felt about his role in the Jedi and how no one listened to him or helped him.
He needed Obi-Wan to help him find a way to save everyone he loved.
But he couldn't, he knew he couldn't. Obi-Wan wouldn't understand, no matter how much he wanted him to.
That said, he still had something he wanted to get off his chest, after all these years.
"Master, I… I'm sorry."
"Whatever for?"
"I have never been the student you wanted me to be. I was reckless, brash and arrogant. There were times where I purposely went against your teachings because I thought I knew better. I realize now however, after everything, that I was wrong. The war, teaching Ahsoka, everything. It's shown me how right you were about everything, and how wrong I was to hold anything against you. You were just trying to prepare me to the best of your ability, and I did nothing but disrespect you in return. I am truly sorry."
As Anakin finished drying the last of what Obi-Wan had washed, he turned to face his old Master, who was looking at him with a warm smile on his face.
"Anakin, you have grown from a hotheaded Padawan to a wise, powerful and moral Jedi Knight. I have never stopped being proud of how far you have come since the day we met. I am proud of you, and both your mother and Master Qui-Gon would have been too. You are my brother and my closest friend. Once this war is over, I will help you however you need, that I promise."
Obi-Wan's words sent a ripple of happiness through him. Obi-Wan… he was proud of him, despite everything.
'And yet his pride in me won't save him. It won't save anyone! I HAVE to do more! I HAVE to save everyone!'
"I… thank you, Master." Anakin replied as he bowed to his oldest friend, a gesture he returned.
"You are very welcome, my Padawan. Now, it is time for me to depart. Commander Boil and Admiral Yularen await my presence on the Tribunal."
"I understand. May the Force be with you, Obi-Wan."
"And you, my friend."
Ahsoka Tano passed through the entrance to her apartment with a lot on her mind. She had been supposed to visit the Chancellor first, to debrief him on what had happened during Maul's 'interrogation', but she had chosen not to, at least not yet.
Maul's words, about it all being her fault… what had they meant? What was going to be her fault? Was Sidious about to strike again? Was he about to kill someone? How would that be her fault? And how could she prevent it?
Moving through her apartment, she collapsed onto her couch, fiddling with material it was made of in the process.
The Force felt strange. It had never been truly bright, not since the war had begun, not like it had when she had been a fresh faced youngling in the Temple.
Now however, it was different. It felt heavy, like a dark cloud full of rain that was about to burst.
It felt… wrong, but she couldn't place why.
After Dooku's death, she would have thought the Force would have become lighter, what with one less Sith Lord running around.
If anything however, it felt darker, as if something was hiding in the shadows, about to jump out and…
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
The sound of three harsh knocks on her front door made Ahsoka jump. Just how long had she been sitting on her couch contemplating everything?
A glance out of the window answered that for her. Whereas before it had been a sunny morning, now the sky was full of dark ominous clouds that looked like it was about to rain. Judging from the position of the sun, it was well into the afternoon as well.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
Reaching out into the Force, Ahsoka searched for the signature of wherever was outside of her door, and in doing so found two familiar ones, and a third that she swore she knew, somehow.
Rising from her couch she moved over to open the door.
Once open, Ahsoka found herself face to face with three armoured Clones, the lead one who had a very familiar set of blue Jaig Eyes painted on his helmet.
Rex removed his helmet instantly, as did another of the two Clones beside him, revealing Kix's face.
The third clone kept his helmet on, disguising his identity from Ahsoka, which she found strange. Maybe she didn't know who this was and the Force was playing tricks on her.
Turning her attention back to the Clone Captain, she saw a look of deep concern and dread in his eyes, and felt a flood of worry rush through her. If Rex was worried about something, it was bad.
"Rex, what's wrong?"
"Ahsoka. We need to talk to you. It's important."
Author's thoughts
This was a long ass chapter, so I'll keep this brief.
We have entered what would be in canon the last day of the Republic. I'm sure you all know what that means. Brace yourselves people. It's all about to go down.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Things are finally getting into place now. Only a few more chess pieces to set and then it's time!
Once again, thanks to my beta reader, 'ArrinSnyders' for all his help.
Next time round, Rex has something to tell Ahsoka, and Anakin pays a visit to 'Chancellor Palpatine'.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Sep: Hey, glad you are enjoying the story. I hope you enjoy how it all comes to a close.
The Jedi that become the canon Inquisitors are going to be important in the next few chapters. Masana showed up briefly here, so I hope that was enjoyable.
Remnant7: Glad you are enjoying it. It might be a headache to plan and write, but comments like yours make it all worthwhile. :)
Alfredo12StarLegionaire: Honestly, you've pretty much said all I can say. Everything is falling into plan, and it could go any which way from here. I just hope you like the direction I've chosen. :)
As far as I can tell ROTS takes place over a period of 3-5 days. That's what I'm working on anyways. Time has always been weird in Star Wars.
Runereader of the Nightwings: As if I wasn't going to include that scene! It's too iconic to miss out! XD
Zach: Gotta keep up appearances somehow. Plus he loves foreshadowing his rise to oblivious idiots! XD
the Mandalorian terminator: Glad you enjoyed the subtle changes. I wanted to put my own spin on it, but keep it recognizable as well. :)
The whole Anakin and Palpatine stuff is great fun to write, just as the Ahsoka and Palpatine stuff is. Only time will tell what side each of them end up on.
In regards to the Siege of Mandalore, for the sake of this story, Obi-Wan captures Maul during the encounter in the sewers. No throne room scene or reveal for Maul. He got caught extra early. XD
RyanSquad: Eh... sorry. I could just not upload at all.
Besides, you don't have to read it the second it is posted. No need to rush. :)
Palpatine needs to keep his slimy hands off of everyone and everything... aside from his own demise of course. He can welcome that with open arms. XD
loldelegate: That's an interesting bunch of speculation you've got there. I wish I could tell you if you were right or wrong, but you might be on the right track with one or two points you've made. Only time will tell. I just hope you enjoy the reveal. XD
60FPS: Just you wait and see. XD
Hekkasi: Yay! Then I succeeded in what I was aiming to do. Glad you enjoyed the opera scene that much. :)
Its all about to go down... and Maul is doing nothing to help! Idiot! XD
1saaa: I'm glad you are enjoying the visions. I wanted to make them scarier for Anakin, hence why it's not clear who is actually in danger this time around. It could be any one of them. XD
I wasn't writing Plo as being manipulative, but I can see how you'd think that. For the record, he was against sending Anakin to spy on Ahsoka. He just thought he'd warn Anakin about it out of respect for both of them. :)
And I'm pleased you enjoy the small changes as well. I'm trying to keep it fresh, yet recognizable. :)
tf330129: Doing my best. :)
anon123123: That's nice to know. Hope you enjoyed it. :)