Interior: Scipio, banking clan headquarters, office.
Standing across from the charred remains of a caught off-guard Hego Damask the second, whose lightsaber lay in what was left of his right hand with a shattered glass in his left, HK-47's eyes glowed whilst T3-M4 downloaded some files, then they made a discreet exit.
Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, private training room.
Lengthily duelling against extremely advanced training modules of Exar Kun, Malak then Malgus whilst practising deflection against 30 remotes on a high setting, for hours on end to vent his frustration, a shirtless Galen finally finished the simulations and turned off the remotes before Proxy left the room.
As she entered to see him having a drink of water, Barriss admired his subtly muscular yet agile build, "You seem different. Both your aura and presence have changed."
Putting his drink bottle down on a nearby table, he walked over to her, "War does that to people.
Echoes in the Force affect those touched by it whether we realise it or not.
They can turn the best of us into monsters."
"You're no monster. You're a survivor who's been through so many hardships and crucibles."
"At this point, they all blur together."
"They're clearly taking a toll on you.
You feel you're losing your humanity."
"I have made some… not so Jetii-like decisions."
"Speaking of not Jedi-like, where's your creepy protocol droid, HK-47?"
"I sent him and Tee-three on an errand."
She raised a suspicious eyebrow, "An errand?"
"They're making a… deposit at the bank." he carefully answered.
"You didn't!" gasped Barriss with a giggle, "you didn't send him to your meeting with the banking clan leader, did you?"
With a chuckle, he caught her off-guard with a hug.
After gasping in surprise, she returned the embrace, "Why the hug? Not that I don't enjoy them,"
As they gently pulled away from each other, he answered, "To remind you that you are and always will be loved.
And if I can reassure you that you're safe and sound, even for a moment in these dark times, it's worth it.
Plus, I can tell you need it given all the war's putting you through,"
"Thank you so much, Galen." appreciated a grateful Barriss, "Would you like to spar with me?"
"What technique and style shall we practice?"
"Echani, hand-to-hand." answered Barriss who inquired, "I'd like that a lot, do you know their style?"
"I've mastered all their tiers.
It was either learn how the Echani fight, or learn to dance.
Not that there's much difference to people," replied Marek, "and I know it's one of the forms you find relaxing, along with Tai Chi."
As she, to Galen's surprise, stripped down to a set of exotic black lingerie which left little to the imagination, she smiled adorably.
In black boxers after taking off his armor, helmet and undersuit, he perceptively memorised her form.
Barriss had a slim, agile and petite build with soft, smooth, olive green skin, a taut tummy, and firm, perky breasts.
Small diamond shaped tattoos across her nose, and around her navel.
Beautiful cobalt blue eyes, and short black hair.
She mused, "Imagine the gossip if word of this spread.
Rumours would turn simple sparring into quite the scandal."
"Add it to the list," shrugged Galen who complimented, "You truly are one of the most mesh'la women in the universe.
To gaze upon your beauty is an honour."
As her cheeks deeply flushed, she smiled appreciatively, "Your most kind words flatter me greatly."
"Good, you deserve to be flattered and praised, and to know how much we all appreciate and love you." he told her, bringing a blush to her cheeks.
"You know regular one-on-one sparring sessions is how the Echani select their mates, in some cases?"
"Ah, yes, Arren Kae and Yusanis of the Echani, the Council's version of the safe sex talk."
"And what did it teach you about having secret love affairs as a Jedi?" asked Barriss.
"What the Council doesn't know won't hurt you or the people you love, and they should mind their own business," Galen answered, making her nod in agreement.
After a few stretches, they began sparring.
3 hours later.
Parrying a strike, he swept her off her feet, then pinned her down with her arms above her head, and tickled her tummy, making her happily burst into the most innocent laughter she'd let the galaxy hear from her since the first battle of Geonosis, lightening her Force signature.
As he paused, the two of them chuckled and sat up, "Thank you for that, Galen, I haven't laughed like that in some time."
"You're welcome. And you planned the Echani duel, knowing full well about their etiquette and courtship rituals, didn't you?"
"Maybe," said Barriss, giving her most innocent expression, then admitted, "ok, yes, and I may or may not be head over heels for you."
"You're a cheeky one, Ms Offee." he mused, "and I'm flattered to hear that," before they noticed a piece of mistletoe hanging above them.
"Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it." began Galen before her lips pressed against his.
"But a kiss can be even deadlier if you mean it." she finished before kissing him again.
"What in the world, might I ask, are you two up to?" chuckled a surprised Luminara as she walked in to see the two younger Jedis in their underwear, kissing.
The two Padawans quickly parted lips, stood up, got dressed, and stepped away from the mistletoe.
"Spending time with no longer one, but now two Angels from Mirial, Lum'ika." answered Galen.
"Lum'ika? That's a new one, dear."
"You may wanna lighten up, loosen up, and open up a little more." advised Marek, "Don't deny or hide any of your feelings, instincts or emotions.
Trust and embrace them. Follow your heart and your instincts."
"Would you please elaborate a bit more?" asked Offee.
"Connection is essential to understanding and showing trust, compassion and empathy.
Love is our unbreakable shield against the dark side's blade of hate, and our cure to its poison.
We must open our hearts and connect with others.
In the heart of a Jedi lies their strength.
A very wise woman I know, who equates wisdom with beauty, would often tell me 'in the night, find the light,'.
Hope is the light that lifts us out of darkness."
"Well said," praised an impressed Luminara.
Galen mentioned to the Mirialans, "When we get back from the next mission, I'm treating you both to a meal at Dex's Diner."
Offee blurted, "It's a date." before there was a knock on the door.
As he entered with T3, HK-47 said, "Statement: Master, objective complete.
Statement: we have your… receipts."
"Show me." commanded Galen whose tone and posture became serious, which didn't go unnoticed by his fellow Jedi.
2 days later.
Exterior: Space, Geonosis.
Interior: Starhawk, bridge.
As he joined the hologram meeting with Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, SkySnips, Luminara and Galen, Ki-Adi said, "I suggest Mandalore accompany Tano and Skywalker.
He's proven an invaluable asset by their side."
Luminara nodded, "I agree."
"You don't give me orders, Mundi," stated Galen who turned to the Mirialan, "Luminara, I'll rendezvous with them on the surface as soon as I finish some Force-guided objectives."
"Very well."
"And if you're short-handed, I can lend you a battalion of troops from the 107th, an air support squadron, Foxtrot group, and a handful of my finest ARC troopers."
"That would be much appreciated." thanked Luminara.
"We'd better make sure we're not using the same strategy from the last time we were here." said Mereel, the NULL ARC.
"Suggestions?"
"The turbo and repulsor-lift tanks will be more effective as ground transportation and artillery than AT-TEs, and pack just as much of a punch.
We won't need the walkers until phase three.
That's when we bring them in, not before or we risk unnecessary loss of resources."
"An excellent assessment, Mereel." praised Unduli, "I'm glad to have you with us."
"Glad to be here, General Luminara."
"Now's a good time to test our new shielded gunships," added Silas, "Between them and the basilisks, we'll all make a smooth descent to the designated landing zones."
"This is where the fun begins," said Skywalker.
Later.
Exterior: Geonosis, battlefield, daytime.
Exiting Jaster's legacy MKII, alongside the 99th and a platoon of Mandos whilst the 107th joined Kenobi's 212th and Unduli's 41st, Starkiller joined SkySnips and the 501st against heavy Sith forces.
As he precisely deflected blaster bolts, Starkiller fired some darts from his gauntlet that ricocheted off several Sith soldiers and Imperial clankers of various types, destroying them.
Hunter, Pre and Iden, in unison, called, "Show-off!" whilst taking down several stormtroopers.
Reaching a heavily armed and defended fortress wall, Fordo asked, "Ideas, General?"
Pressing a button, Starkiller summoned his Basilisk which obliterated the wall along with 500 clankers and Sith troopers hiding inside it.
"I've gotta get one of those," chuckled Anakin.
"No," rejected Galen, "you are not getting a Basilisk."
"But I could-"
"No!" shouted everyone within earshot.
A while later.
Exterior: Geonosis, Republic outpost.
As Ahsoka gave the briefing, the troops paid full attention to her without Skyguy interrupting even once.
When the briefing finished, the troops saluted her respectfully.
Seeing SkySnips arguing about something and Starkiller breaking it up while some troops chuckled as she disembarked from a gunship, Luminara asked her Padawan, "At it again, are they?"
"Again, Master?" asked Barriss, puzzled.
"Let's just say Anakin and Ahsoka like to play loose with regulations, and rules of command."
"And Galen? How is he with the chain of command?"
"He leads by example and makes it clear he's in charge, even when he wasn't actually assigned to lead the campaign.
He's also the top of one chain of command."
"It's possible the war's changing him for the worse, as all too often happens with Jedi during wartime.
He radiates light for others, but he might not leave much left for himself."
"Perhaps, but he's quite boldly outspoken and confrontational when he has something to say.
The Council can vouch for that."
"Given my own concerns, I have to admit I admire that about him."
Gently holding Barriss's hand, Luminara looked into her eyes with kindness, "You can always come to me about any and all of your concerns."
Offee smiled, "Thank you, Master Luminara."
"You're most welcome, my dear, precious child."
"I love you, Master." admitted Barriss.
Luminara's eyes lit up, "And I love you too, Barriss, with all my heart."
Greeting Unduli and Offee, Anakin said, "It's good to see both of you again."
Luminara replied, "I wish it were under more peaceful circumstances."
"Maybe next time." chimed in Starkiller as he'd donned his helm.
"Here's hoping, and thank you for the additional troops.
They were a miracle."
After being briefed on another task, Starkiller suggested, "I have energy shields and stealth tech we can use.
Hunter and Visas can help too.
Maps can be wrong, but Hunter never is.
As a Miraluka, Visas sees where most people can't because of her Force sight."
Barriss nodded, "Good thinking, Star,"
"The enemy will surely notice Mandalore's absence," noted Bo-Katan.
"We're trying to draw them out, not send them running back inside to fortify their defences," pointed out Snips, "if they mistake him not being in front of them for him being dead, they'll think we're vulnerable, leaderless and demoralised."
"Fair point, Commander Ahsoka." agreed Kryze.
Galen suggested, "We can also send commandos on a stealth two-pronged attack to further divide their forces on the inside, and further sabotage the facility and assets."
"I like that idea, Mandalore," agreed Scorch.
"Keep it covert with silencers and quiet weapons if you can."
"Copy that."
Turning to Pre, Galen said, "Your squad's going in too."
"You trust me with this?"
"I'm cautiously optimistic about you."
"Fair enough, and in case you're wondering, I don't hate you for killing my father.
He deserved it for what he did to you, to me, and my mother… and so many others."
The Padawans, Visas, and several commandos were sent on their way.
Sensing Anakin's concern, Luminara inquired, "Are you alright?"
Skywalker admitted, "I'm worried about Ahsoka."
"I understand perfectly, from my own experiences with Barriss," replied Luminara, "you worry your teachings aren't enough, and you fear losing her?"
"Yes."
"I felt the same way at the start of Barriss's apprenticeship, and now more than ever with the return of the Sith Empire."
"Right, and don't get me wrong, I have complete faith in Ahsoka and her ability to adapt."
"As do I. Her instincts serve her well, and she's far more capable than many will admit or give her credit for."
"You're right, she certainly is… and I'm very proud of her.
I'm proud of my little sister."
"I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but Barriss and I recently met your mother whilst delivering relief supplies for Chancellor Padme.
You'll be pleased to hear Shmi's in perfect health.
She sends you her love and support, and I left a holo-recording from her with Artoo."
With a relieved smile, Ani threw his arms around her, "Thank you, Luminara, that's comforting news."
"You're most welcome."
Shortly thereafter.
Interior: Geonosis, droid factory, main reactor.
Carefully sneaking in, the 4 Force wielders and Hunter made their way to the power core, de-cloaked, and planted some bombs.
When they were done, Hunter chuckled, "Well, this was suspiciously easy,"
"No, it's a poorly set trap." stated Visas.
On cue, a door opened revealing an Imperial super tactical droid with a wrist-mounted cannon, several Sith acolytes, stormtroopers, and a new heavily armoured tank.
"Typical," sighed Ahsoka, then a skirmish began.
While some of the bucket heads took the bombs, the TD said, "Now you die, Jedi."
Deflecting blaster bolts, Starkiller replied, "Not today," pulled the TD towards him and cut it to pieces.
Via comms, Boss said, "Objective complete, and we're clear of the blast radius, ori'vod."
"Jate job, vod'ika." approved Galen.
As they commandeered the super tank, Visas asked, "What course of action do we take now?"
Ahsoka answered, "We can use this tank to destroy the factory."
"And probably us along with it," sadly sighed Barriss.
Gently holding Barriss's hand after taking off his helmet, Galen comforted, "Hey, it'll be ok, Barr'ika. We'll be ok.
You're gonna be ok, I promise." then they activated their energy shields, and fired at the power core.
Exterior: Geonosis, surface.
The explosion destroyed the factory and the nearby mountains, bringing them down upon them and the tank.
Knowing the Padawans were still inside the factory when it blew, a distraught Anakin and Luminara feared the worst.
"Barriss!"
"Ahsoka!"
Suddenly, a shocked collection of troops saw multiple massive mountain's worth of debris, sand, destroyed machinery, parts, crushed and unfinished droids, and artillery.
Rock, dirt, scrap metal, rubble and the remains of the tank being lifted and cleared away.
As they emerged, the Padawans, Miraluka, and the commando sighed in relief.
Barriss threw her arms around Galen in a close embrace, "That was far too close… thank you," then gave him a kiss on the lips.
"Anytime, Barr." replied Galen who turned to Hunter, "Regroup with the others. I want a headcount of those who went inside with us."
Hunter nodded before joining his squad.
Visas turned to Galen, "Thank you, my Master," and kissed him.
As Ani and Lu rushed over, their Padawans told them what happened.
Luminara smiled, "Star, you're full of pleasant surprises."
"I promised Barriss we'd be ok, and I keep my promises,"
"Indeed, yet, as much as I hate to admit it, there was the slightest chance you couldn't keep that one."
"I'll defy those odds like I defy the laws of physics: with style." quipped Galen, making the present company chuckle in amusement, knowing it was true.
Galen observed Luminara's tearful eyes and grew concerned, "Are you alright?"
Unduli fell to her knees whilst tears streamed down her cheeks.
The present Force adepts sensed a mixture of emotions from the usually tranquil Mirialan Jedi Master.
As he knelt down and comfortingly held Luminara's hand as they looked into each other's eyes, Marek softly asked, "Hey, what's going on? What's on your mind?"
"Truthfully, losing Barriss will break and utterly destroy me in every way possible.
I deeply love and treasure her. I'll do anything to protect her.
She's my daughter, and I love my baby girl far beyond how I know how to express or process," confessed Luminara who was helped to her feet by Galen.
Then Unduli threw her arms around her daughter and gave her the warmest and most loving hug possible.
"I love you too, Mum," softly said Barriss as she returned the embrace, "thank you for telling me."
"I should've told you a long time ago, so you could have not only your mother, but also Ben officially as your father."
"We can still have that."
After they took a moment for the revelation to sink in, Ahsoka asked, "So, what now?"
Anakin replied, "You all get some well deserved rest, Snips."
"I will if you join me for some meditation, which I know you've been avoiding since Yavin."
"You drive a hard bargain, Snips."
The next day.
Interior: Geonosis, Progate temple, underground catacombs, throne room.
Starkiller entered alone to find several Sith warriors and Geonosian Queen Karina the Great had Luminara, who'd been stripped down to her black low-cut bra, stockings, and panties, and outfitted with a Force dampening neural disruptor, was suspended beneath the throne.
The present Sith ignited their crimson blades.
"You will release Luminara now, or take your last breath, insect." threatened Starkiller before he cut down the present Sith with their own blades using the Force.
Karina screeched, "You do not dictate to me! Now you will die!"
"You had your chance, aruetii." growled Starkiller who generated electricity around his fist.
"Agh! No! No!" screeched the Queen bug.
With a repulse, Starkiller ruthlessly disintegrated every single one of the present Imperials, Sith, Geonosians, and brain worms.
Then he swiftly freed Luminara who collapsed into his arms, and super sped to the surface while the catacombs caved in behind them.
Exterior: Geonosis, Progate temple.
Interior: Geonosis, Progate temple, entrance.
As the two Jedi got to the surface, Galen found a handful of troops, T3, the HKs, Ahsoka, Barriss, Ani and Obi waiting for them.
Lifting the resting Luminara into his arms, Obi asked her, "My dear, what happened down there? And where's your lightsaber?"
As she awoke to find herself in the safety of Obi-Wan's arms, Unduli softly replied, "I seem to have misplaced it, and my outer clothes were destroyed."
Starkiller said, "Kad's on my belt."
Luminara sighed, "This is a little embarrassing."
"Look on the bright side," said Galen, optimistically.
Unduli laughingly questioned, "What might I ask is the bright side of this?"
"You still have your weapon." answered Kal, "and it was only your outer clothes.
You could've ended up naked."
"Very true, Kal," agreed Luminara who admitted, "and it's fortunate Lord Mandalore arrived when he did.
The Geonosians wanted to take control of my mind using parasites.
And from what I could tell, the Sith accompanying them debated defiling me."
Asajj stated, "That's not happening on my watch, dear."
Bo-Katan added, "I'd snap the neck of whoever tries that kind of osik."
HK-55 chimed in, "Assurance: such a thing wouldn't happen on my watch, nor on my Master's, Mistress Luminara."
HK-47 added, "Statement: I would assist in prevention.
Primary reason: Master's orders.
Secondary reason: any excuse to fry a meatbag."
Feeling especially protective, Obi-Wan threatened, "If anyone dares try doing either of those things to my Luminara, I'll cut them in half like I did to Darth Maul."
"Are we finally openly and publicly embracing our love for each other, Ben?" asked Luminara who smiled at Kenobi, "Because I truly love you with all my heart, Ben."
As his eyes lit up, Kenobi openly admitted, "And I love you with all my heart, Luminara Unduli.
I have since we were first introduced as younglings.
And I'm more than honoured to be loved by you."
"Awwww," thought everyone present.
Anakin and the Padawans smirked, not planning to let Obi-Wan forget this anytime soon.
When everyone was safely outside the temple, Galen used the Force to turn it to rubble, though with Obi-Wan's disapproval.
A few hours later.
Interior: Geonosis, landed Acclamator-class cruiser, mid-evening.
Galen, Barriss and Ahsoka heard some unusual noises and sounds coming from inside Luminara's quarters, so they went to investigate.
They opened the door to find the naked forms of Luminara and Obi-Wan enthralled by their love for one another.
Intimately connected to each other's bodies, kissing whilst he delicately caressed her perky breasts and explored her body.
"Oh, my!" gasped Barriss, who fainted at the sight, with a loud thud, causing both Jedi Masters to freeze and deeply blush in embarrassment.
Blushing, Ahsoka covered her mouth and giggled.
"Um… this- This isn't what it looks like," stammered Obi-Wan.
Blushing, Luminara, whose wrists were neatly tied behind her back, confessed, "Actually, it's precisely what it looks like."
Carefully picking Barriss up, bridal style, off the ground, Marek casually replied, "It looks like you're enjoying yourselves and having fun, so we'll leave you to it.
Goodnight, lovebirds."
The Padawans quickly left the room whilst closing the door behind them, and the blast doors to the whole corridor so no-one else could interrupt the pair of Jedi Masters.
Momentarily thereafter.
Interior: landed Acclamator-class cruiser, med-bay.
Setting Barriss down upon a medical bed, Galen asked, "Kix, Barriss has fainted. Can you please check her for any symptoms?"
"On it," answered the chief medic.
As he and Echo were getting a routine check-up, Fives asked, "What caused her to faint?"
"Seeing your browser history," quipped Ahsoka, making everyone laugh.
"What was in there, Fives?" asked a stern Kal, Rex, Jet, Bacara, Gree and Cody, scaring the trooper.
As Ahsoka winked at the officers, they caught on and chuckled.
Changing the subject, Iden asked, "So, what are Generals Kenobi and Unduli up to?"
With a straight face, Ahsoka innocently answered, "They're meditating together.
They can't be disturbed under any circumstances because they're gonna be at it all night long."
Fives and Echo burst out laughing before Rex shot them a look, shutting them up.
Gree turned to Rex, "Do Echo and Fives know what meditating is?"
"I have no idea."
Bacara grunted, "And this is why they're not suited for the Marines."
"I can live with that." shrugged Fives.
Later.
Exterior: Geonosis.
Interior: Acclamator-class cruiser, quarters.
As she rested with Galen and Ahsoka, Barriss heavily mentioned, "I feel this war is destroying who we are as Jedi."
Turning on a light revealing he was shirtless, Galen empathised, "In some ways, I feel the same.
Can you please give an example, Barr?"
"Only two years ago, maybe longer by now, I was a simple healer.
Even though we must stop the Sith, we're not soldiers.
Some of us are going further than we should be to fight them."
As Galen gently held her hand to comfort her, his psychometry gave him a vision.
"Did you just vibe me?" asked Offee, "what'd you see? Please tell me."
Hesitant but honest, he answered, "I saw the trauma and horrors of war make you disillusioned and vulnerable to manipulation by the Sith.
I saw a Sith Lord break then turn you to the dark side despite you doing your best to resist them.
I won't let that happen."
Ahsoka chimed in, "Neither will I."
"Thank you."
Marek assured, "Barr, if you ever need anything. If you ever need someone to talk to.
Or need to get anything off your chest, I'll be there for you.
I promise you're not alone. You can always come to me."
Sitting up, straightening up and puffing out her chest, Barriss cheekily asked, "And if what I need to get off my chest in front of you is my bra?"
"I did say anything," passively shrugged Marek.
"I think I'll test that," giggled Offee before removing her bra.
"The twin sunsets of Tatooine pale in comparison to your beauty, Barr," complimented Galen who smiled.
"Smooth," commented Tano.
"Thank you, Star," softly said the young Mirialan, "and you're really handsome."
"Anytime," replied Marek.
Barriss admitted, "I confess I feel rather lonely some nights, Galen.
I find myself needing you by my side, and to be by your side.
I can't explain why."
"Then I will be by your side tonight, if you'd like?" offered Galen.
The olive skinned beauty pulled him down next to her onto her bed and closely embraced him.
Ahsoka pouted, "Hey, don't forget me," before joining them.
"We could never forget you," assured Barriss.
"Good."
As they snuggled up to each other, Barriss beamed, "I love you both."
"Love you too."
Several hours later.
Waking up to the sound of a knock at the door, the 3 Padawans got dressed before Galen asked, through the door, "Yes, Juno?"
As she was granted entry, Juno replied, "Firstly: it freaks me out when you do that.
Secondly: I have a priority message from General Secura."
"Proceed," permitted Marek before Juno pulled him into a hug.
Looking into his eyes, Eclipse relayed, "She says 'Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, Star'ika,'."
As they stepped back from each other, Galen smiled, "Thank you for delivering the message." before Eclipse left the room.
With a cute smile, Barriss said, "It's really sweet how Aayla sends you messages like that."
Galen chuckled, "She usually sends them through Proxy if she can't be there in person, but he's getting a software update installed."
"Fair enough."
Ahsoka asked, "Hey, where's the blind seer?"
"Bo-Katan decided to keep an eye on her, so they're sharing a room for the night."
"How's it feel having your own entourage?"
"My own what?"
"Star, pretty girls follow you everywhere.
And I don't just mean the ones in the ranks of your troops."
"Really?" he asked, obliviously, "I hadn't noticed."
"We know you didn't."
A few days later.
Interior: Hoth, Republic outpost, Echo base, early evening.
Whilst trying to find his fellow Padawan after failing to contact her, Galen called, "Deck officer!"
As he approached, Dogma asked, "Yes, Sir?"
"Have you seen Healer Offee?" asked Galen.
"No, Sir. It's possible she came in through the south entrance."
"General Luminara hasn't heard from her since her last report, three hours ago."
"Right." acknowledged Dogma who checked with the other entrance's officer, to no avail.
"Well?"
"She hasn't come in the south entrance.
She might've forgotten to check in."
Donning a white hooded thermal cloak and a poncho, Galen exhaled, "Barriss forgetting to check in? She's never done that in her life.
Something's happened, so I'll go out there and find her myself."
Dogma protested, "Sir, the temperature's dropping too rapidly.
Not to mention there's both a snowstorm and blizzard imminent."
"That's right, and one of cuun aliit cuyir out there.
If I don't make it back before the storm, close the doors.
That's an order, Dogma."
"Understood."
Later.
Interior: Hoth, Sith outpost, cell block, evening.
Marched into a cell at gunpoint wearing cuffs, Barriss advised, "You would be wise to let me go if you value your lives." before she was seated opposite a female Mirialan in an Inquisitor uniform.
One of the guards taunted, "Maybe after we have some fun with you, Jedi."
"Hands to yourself, trooper! There are protocols for prisoner treatment," reprimanded their commanding officer, "Do not bring dishonour to the Empire, else you will be executed."
The Inquisitor said, "Guards, leave us," before the guards vacated the room and the corridor, "now we are going to have a little chat,"
"Now we're alone, what's your name, my pretty?" asked the Inquisitor.
"I- I'm Barriss, Barriss Offee," answered Barriss, as a common courtesy.
"Such a nice name, and you may call me the Seventh Sister, my pretty." self-introduced Seventh Sister who uncuffed her prisoner, "Now, you can either strip, or I can cut those clothes off with my lightsaber."
"Pardon?" asked Barriss, unsure if she'd heard correctly.
"You heard me, Jedi, or do you want me to cut your clothes off of you?
Your choice, my pretty."
"I… alright, I'll strip for you." conceded Offee, "just don't cut them off of me."
"Good girl, now make a show of it." teased Seventh Sister who put on some music.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," thought Barriss who slowly stripped to her thermal underwear and bra whilst lightly blushing, then the music stopped, and she neatly folded her clothes which she lay by the wall.
"Come closer, my pretty." ordered the Inquisitor, "with your arms up,"
Cautious of her captor's motives, Barriss did so before her bra was pulled up over her head, and her panties pulled down, "What the?" then shyly covered herself with her hands, "why?"
The Seventh Sister asked, "My pretty, do you have any idea how many people store things in their bra? And I thought I'd tease you a bit more," then tied Barriss to a torture chair without a struggle, "Also, you look so cute when you're embarrassed." and cut the neatly folded clothes to shreds with her lightsaber.
"Why did you do that?" asked Offee, more annoyed than embarrassed, "I did as you asked, how could you?"
"Villain, remember?" answered Seventh Sister, "would you be more comfortable if I kept it even?" before undressing herself, revealing she had a similar build to hers, "better?"
"I- what is happening right now?" asked a bewildered Barriss as her interrogator now stood naked before her, with a seductive yet imposing posture.
"What are you going to do to me?" nervously asked Offee, caught off-guard by the unorthodox methods of the Inquisitor.
"That depends on your level of cooperation, my pretty." stated the Inquisitor who looked into her captive's eyes, "such lovely blue eyes, mine used to be just like them."
"And what happened to them? How did you fall to the dark side?" asked Barriss before a finger pressed gently against her lips.
"I'll be asking the questions, my pretty little prisoner," dismissed the Seventh Sister, "now let's see what secrets you're hiding."
"Seventh Sister? More like the Wicked Witch of the West." thought Barriss while strengthening her shields as the Inquisitor tried to enter her mind.
"Hmmm, got some fight in you, my pretty?
Good, I like it when I have to work for it."
"You'll get nothing from me."
"I got your name, that's something," countered the Inquisitor, "Barriss Offee, a model student, and quite the healer, I hear."
Resisting the Inquisitor's trespass in her mind, Barriss saw one of their memories, "Kalifa… you killed her."
"Don't look so surprised, killing and breaking Jedi is what we Inquisitors do, my pretty." laughed the Seventh Sister who began, "it was my initiation, and her screams were-" before something distracted her.
Taking advantage of her captor's loss of focus, Barriss forced the Inquisitor out of her mind, "Get out of my head!"
Falling onto her ass in surprise, Seventh Sister smirked, "Oh, breaking you will be so much fun.
The longer it takes, the longer I can play with you, and relish it."
"You sadistic schutta!" blurted Barriss who'd never sworn in her life.
Getting to her feet, the Seventh Sister sat in Offee's lap facing towards her, and looked cheekily into her eyes.
"I- what is happening right now?" asked a bewildered Barriss as her interrogator now stood naked before her, with a seductive yet imposing posture.
"If conventional tactics won't get answers from you, maybe I'll try seducing you." mused the Inquisitor, "after all, Jedi aren't trained to resist that, are they?"
"Seducing me?" asked Offee, "I won't turn to the dark side," making the Inquisitor chuckle.
"You're so cute when you're defiant," mused the Seventh Sister, "when I break you, I think I'll keep you around."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Your file says you're shy, obedient, compliant, well behaved, and quiet. Figure it out, my pretty little Jedi."
"That's not happening, Sister," quipped Offee, using a sarcastic emphasis on the word 'sister,'.
As the Inquisitor tried a second time to sneak into Barriss's mind, she was knocked halfway across the room, "Oh, you're fun."
At the same time.
Exterior: Hoth, Sith outpost, perimeter, evening.
Several Sith troopers and acolytes were discreetly struck down by a white blade which looked like a mirage in the snow.
Grabbing the last perimeter guard by the throat, Starkiller ripped what he wanted to know from their mind, then snapped their neck.
A few moments later.
Interior: Hoth, Sith outpost, cell block.
Ripping open the compound with the Force, Starkiller was quick as lightning in striking down the guards without mercy.
Tearing off the cell door with the Force to see the Inquisitor standing over his friend, Starkiller advised, "You would be wise to surrender."
Trembling in sheer terror as she misidentified his mask, the Seventh Sister backed off, "R- Revan!" making Marek discreetly roll his eyes behind his helmet.
"Kneel before me!" commanded Starkiller, going with it, standing imposingly.
Without a word, the Inquisitor fell to her knees in submission with her head lowered.
After freeing his friend, Galen put the Inquisitor to sleep with a gentle use of the mind-touch while probing her mind before binding her.
Tightly hugging her rescuer, Barriss sighed in relief, "I had a feeling you'd come."
"Let's get you out of here, Barr," Starkiller softly said.
"She ruined my clothes, and I am not wearing hers." stated Offee who cut the Inquisitor's uniform to shreds, "Would you mind if I borrowed your cloak?" then he gave her his poncho, wrapped his cloak around her, and gently picked her up, bridal style.
"Weren't we meant to kiss before you picked me up like a groom does their bride?" asked Offee, trying to take her mind off the antics of the Inquisitor.
"Helmet's on, can I give you a raincheck on the kiss?"
"Very well." accepted Barriss as he carried her outside.
Shortly thereafter.
Interior: Hoth, ice cave, evening.
Having to take cover from the storm and blizzard, Galen and Barriss set up the portable shelter.
Realising his friend was sick after checking for symptoms, Galen informed, "You have hypothermia. You need skin-on-skin contact."
"Will you personally provide it?" inquired Offee, insistent.
"I'm assuming that's rhetorical." shrugged Marek as they undressed.
Admiring his figure, Barriss gasped, "Well, hello, handsome…
Also, we'll need to do something to pass the time, get the blood pumping, and keep me warm."
"Such as?"
As they lay next to each other in the self-heated tent, she snuggled up to him, "Well, we do have adequate privacy so no-one could interrupt us. And we're already disrobed, know where I'm going with this?"
"As long as you're ok with that, because I would never take advantage of you." carefully replied Marek before they closely and intimately kriffed.
Afterwards.
Whilst comfortably cuddling up to the Mando whose body was unusually warm for a human, Offee relaxed in his arms, "Thank you, Star. I needed that."
"You're welcome."
She nodded.
"So, is there something I should know about that Inquisitor?" lightly asked Galen, "When I opened the door, I thought I'd walked onto the set of a dirty movie, not inside an Imperial prison cell." making her giggle.
"The Inquisitor, the Seventh Sister, was rather seductive, playful and cheeky for a Sith."
"Playful?"
"She seemed to like her mind games, and I wasn't sure if she wanted to interrogate me or kiss me."
"Could've been both." he suspected.
"You know how you said about a Sith turning me to the dark side?"
"You want to know if it was that Inquisitor." he stated.
"Well, yes."
"It wasn't."
Later.
Exterior: Hoth, cave, late evening.
Sensing something wrong, Galen donned his armour and stepped outside with his sabers drawn.
A voice ordered, "Kill Galen Marek."
Igniting his blades, he blocked several blaster bolts from dozens of Sith assassins.
As they engaged him in melee combat with red blades, Galen recognised the fighting style, and used reverse gripped Shien to fend them off.
Disarming them all and striking them down, he put them in a pile and removed their armour to make it easier for an approaching Wampa to eat them.
Later.
Interior: Hoth, echo base, infirmary, late morning.
Carrying a sleeping Barriss bridal style, who was wrapped up in his cloak and poncho, Galen entered to see a worried Luminara.
"You're back!" exclaimed Unduli, "Is my baby girl ok?"
"She'll need some food, warmth, a change of clothes, and a medical examination."
"I'll personally assess her condition," said Luminara.
Slowly stirring, Barriss asked, "Galen? Where are we?"
"We're back at Echo base." replied Marek, "How do you feel?"
"I'm in your arms, so I feel nice and warm, relaxed, protected, safe and sound," said Offee, softly, as she met his gaze.
Galen softly asked, "We're in the infirmary for a check-up, ok?"
"Okay, guardian angel," answered Barriss who sweetly kissed him on the lips, "and I deeply love you with all my heart, Galen,"
Gently setting his friend down on a medical bed, he returned, "Love you too, Barr," and kissed her temple before she went back to sleep.
After taking in the adorable moment, Luminara said, "Galen, please get an extra blanket," before there was a gust of wind and he returned with a thermal blanket.
Putting the blanket over Barriss and tucking her in after Luminara dressed her, Marek inquired, "You have something you want to ask me, Lu?"
"When did you and Barriss get this close?"
"I think it started just after Taris, but we've always been good friends."
"After what I'm suspecting you two were up to, you'd best explain right now, Galen."
"Long story short: she had hypothermia, and nothing happened against her will."
"I'd better be the first to know if Barriss gets pregnant, besides her."
Whilst bringing in some meds for Kix, Echo and Fives asked, "What!? Who got Healer Offee pregnant?"
"No-one." assured Luminara who added, "However, thanks to Galen, we'll need her to take a test just to be safe."
Marek countered, "Ditto for you thanks to Ben."
Unduli deeply blushed, "Touché."
"Also, an Imperial Inquisitor, the Seventh Sister, who I ran into when rescuing Barriss, called me 'Revan,'." mentioned Marek, "I know there's a resemblance, but she wouldn't be downright terrified of a dead man."
"You think he may be alive?" asked Unduli, sceptical.
"I have no idea, but a Sith on Ryloth took one look at me and asked how I escaped an Imperial prison.
Sion called me Revan on Korriban, then Sadow on Yavin IV.
Now this Inquisitor."
"Maybe you could consult Meetra the next time you two chat."
"I'll do that."
As her comlink beeped, Luminara asked, "Yes, Ben?"
"Can we please talk in private?
There's some things I'd like to continue discussing with you." requested the Master of Soresu.
Unduli's eyes lit up, "Meet me in my quarters, in an hour or two, I have a most important patient to take care of first."
"See you soon." cheerfully said Obi-Wan before the call ended.
Echo mentioned, "General Luminara, you're more than welcome at 79s, anytime.
It means a lot to us clones to be able to really socialise with people we fight alongside.
Not as soldiers, as friends and aliit."
Unduli nodded with a smile, "I'll think about it." and thoroughly double checked her assessment of Barriss's condition.
A few days later.
Interior: Coruscant, Dexter's Diner.
Taking a seat, Barriss, Luminara and Galen were given some burgers, chips, smoothies and shakes.
"Thank you very much, Dex," appreciated Barriss.
"Anything for you, my friends." said good ole Dexter, "And don't worry about paying, it's on the house."
Turning to the TV, Barriss asked, "Captain Rex, Commander Fox, and Ahsoka being interviewed? This should be interesting."
Interior: Coruscant, talk show studio.
Rex recalled, "My first day as a member of the 501st: it was hot, sandy, chaotic.
Nothing at all like the training drills and simulations on Kamino.
All those hours, years of training. It never really prepared us for all the screaming or the blood."
"And how did you feel after the first battle?" asked a reporter.
"Relieved that the 501st survived the crucible of Geonosis, and saddened that so many had to die.
As anyone would, I kept wondering if I could've done more.
We didn't really understand The Force, but being told it was with us gave some comfort."
"How did you feel the first time with General Skywalker's flying?" asked the reporter, hoping for a laugh.
"Like a kid going on the fastest rollercoaster in the amusement park for the first time, only for it to malfunction." answered Rex who joked, "and now I know why General Kenobi dreads being a passenger on Air Skywalker." making a studio audience erupt into laughter.
Moving on, the reporter asked, "How did you feel when you met your adorable Commander, Ahsoka Tano?"
"Having only grown up with brothers, I never imagined having a sister.
And I was introduced to the best one I could've hoped for.
I'm not Force sensitive, but she gave me this feeling of warmth, like feeling a ray of sunshine for the first time, but there was no harshness to it."
"Awww, thanks, Rexter." appreciated Tano, "you're a great big brother."
Turning to Ahsoka, the reporter smiled, "Padawan Tano, it's been rumoured that there's a bit of romance between you and General Starkiller."
"That's never been a secret,"
"Aren't Jedi forbidden from having romantic relationships?"
"Not exactly, they just have to be careful with them.
Just gotta avoid toxic relationships and possessive attachments."
"Could one of you please give an example of an unhealthy relationship?"
"Law enforcement positions with military personnel," chimed in Fox, "since the Shocktroopers, the Coruscant Guard, are trained as soldiers, not as police and security guards, things can get… complicated."
"Commander Fox, of all the diplomats you and your men have guarded, who's been the most troublesome?"
"I may get in trouble for saying this, but Chancellor Amidala is a nightmare for bodyguard duty, especially with all of her stunt doubles.
She's clearly one of the most qualified and influential people in the Senate if the number of assassination attempts on her is any indication."
"There's a lot of gossip regarding Chancellor Amidala and General Skywalker being very close, since he's so often been her bodyguard."
"They're friends, and friends spend time together, simple as that." dismissed Fox, "And if you're already familiar with someone assigned to watch your back, like an old friend, it won't stand out to an assassin."
"What would stand out more than the Hero with No Fear playing bodyguard for the Chancellor?"
"Master Yoda with an afro." nonchalantly answered Ahsoka, with a straight face, making everyone in the studio erupt into laughter.
Interior: Coruscant, Dexter's diner.
Along with the rest of the patrons, the Jedi were dying of laughter.
Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, Council chambers.
The Grandmaster himself, along with half the Council and Anakin, couldn't stop laughing at Padawan Tano's remark.
Interior: Coruscant: Dexter's diner.
As his comlink beeped, Galen got to his feet, "Excuse me, I'm needed elsewhere."
"May the Force be with you." said the Mirialans.
Mando'a translations.
Mesh'la - beautiful.
Lum'ika - little Luminara.
Jate - good.
Vod'ika - little brother.
Ori-vod - big brother.
Barr'ika - little Barriss.
Osik - crap.
Star'ika - little star.
Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum - I love you.
Cuun - our.
Aliit - family.
Cuyir - is.