Chapter 89 – Preparations
Author's Note: We're getting to the end, slowly but surely! :) A little disappointed, tbh, because it'll be sad when the fic is over. Lol.
To Jayden: I'm glad you've liked Theseus' journey so far. Hopefully you'll like the rest of it too. :D
I kinda wanted Revan to play a larger role, too, but I don't really know that much about him in the end, and I didn't really know how more about him or the Old Republic would really be relevant to the story as a whole. Because at the end of the day, it was always meant to mainly focus on Theseus, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka.
To Nbj: Thanks. :)
I hope y'all are still enjoying the story! :D
~ Amina Gila
Vizma knew this moment was coming, and it fills her with a thrilling rush of excitement when she feels her father's presence again, for the first time in so long. She calls the news to the others, and streaks outside without waiting for a response. The shuttle lands right nearby their hideout, her father and Anastasia walking down the ramp. "Dad!" She runs to him, throwing her arms tightly around him.
He catches her, pulling her into a tight hug. "I've missed you," she mumbles almost inaudibly, into his shoulder. She wants to go with him again, regardless of what's to come, but she knows she has duties here right now that she can't just abandon.
"I missed you too," he murmurs.
"Is it time?" her mother asks from behind them.
Reluctantly, Vizma pulls back, looking up at him. They're closer to the same height now, and she's about as tall as she's ever going to get. "Is it?"
"Yes," her father agrees, a look of determination in his eyes even if she can sense that he's... afraid. Nervous, at least. "It is."
"What? I don't even get a hello?" Anastasia complains.
Vizma rolls her eyes, circling around her parents to let them... do their thing, approaching her aunt. "It's been way too quiet without you."
Anastasia nudges her. "I can say the same. But I noticed that the moment you first left years ago."
"I did, too, but Zeb and Ezra made up for a lot of it," Vizma smirks.
"How have things been here?" she hears her father asking, drawing her attention back to the others.
"We have everything ready," her mother assures, "Boba has gotten the message everywhere."
"I can't believe it's finally time," Vizma breathes. It's exciting, thrilling, that they're finally ready for what she's been waiting for years to do. She's nervous, too, though. She doesn't know how this is going to end, but it's easier to pretend that everything is going to go alright. She knows the seriousness of it, but it's... unreal.
"We don't know how this will end," her mother states, growing grimmer. Vizma knows that, but she doesn't want to think about it. "But we are all prepared to fight to the end, if necessary."
"If we're losing, it's most important to at least survive," her father reminds. She really, really doesn't want to think about it.
He reaches over, laying a hand on her shoulder. "We must be practical." Okay, maybe she's not so ready for this after all. That is one thing she doesn't want to think about. She lost her aunt, and she spent so long away from everyone. She doesn't want to lose anyone else.
"We're all ready for the sacrifice," her mother declares firmly. Vizma wishes she could entirely share the sentiment. She does, but she's still scared.
"How are Ezra and the others?" she asks instead.
"They're fine. Preparing to free Lothal," her father replies. "They have missed you being there."
"I've missed them," she replies, "But I suppose we'll see each other again with a free Mandalore and Lothal." Or so she can hope.
**w**
It's the first evening he's had time to be around Bo in a year, and it may well be the last. Anything he wants to say to her, he needs to say now. The only problem is, he has so much to say. This is his wife. Everything he's done, he's done just as much to be back with her. And now, of course, they both know there's a high chance one of them may not make it out alive.
She's stood by him throughout the entire time he was gone, even when he was far away. She trusted him to do this, to take care of their daughter and come back, even after losing her sister. She was strong throughout this, and she is still now. They will both put Mandalore first, even if it hurts them, but he can sense her fear.
"I want to thank you for everything," Marr says at last. "I know this isn't easy for you."
"We're doing it for Mandalore," she replies, "When Sabine left, we knew the dangers it would bring to get involved and fight the Empire. We knew we could lose everyone."
"Knowing, accepting, and confronting are all very different. We've... had to do all of them." He meets her eyes, swallowing hard. It hurts, to have this discussion with her. He wishes they could have done everything together like they were supposed to. "I hate having to ask you to do this, even if you want to." Being a warrior is who they are, and they've fought apart for years. He's accustomed to it, because not accepting it would distract him. But still, being here, seeing her again, knowing how close they are to victory... not everyone will come out. That's what he's afraid of. He spent so long doing this, knowing she's waiting for him on Mandalore and that Vizma is... their future.
They could easily lose all of it.
"I know how dangerous this will be, but I know you can do it, Marr." That she has faith in him means more than he could ever say. They were once enemies – people from polar opposite societies, from sides that were long sworn enemies, and yet their love for one another transcended through all of that. Perhaps that's why he still has so much faith in Vader, he doesn't know.
"Maybe I can," he replies, "If nothing else, it will damage the Empire irreparably. But I don't know who's going to come out."
"If nothing else, we will inspire others to continue our fight. You said it yourself. The Empire will not rule forever." Bo reaches forwards, taking one of his hands, "And we'll still be together as much as we have been all this time, even if one of us is gone."
Marr swallows hard. "I know. I just wanted us to be together and be a family when we married, but I know Mandalore and the galaxy need us first right now." That doesn't make it easy in this moment, knowing it could be the last time he ever talks to her.
"Mandalore always comes first," she replies. "It's our heritage."
Marr nods. "Of course. I am... concerned for Vizma, though."
"She is strong," Bo replies, "She will be able to pull through, even if we are both lost in this."
That Marr really doesn't want to think about. It's not dying that's the hard part – he's ready for that. He just doesn't want to think about will happen to those left behind. (What would happen to Vizma or Vader, if he were gone? Or even Ahsoka – she's already lost so much. One of the things that helped them both when they were apart was knowing each other were still out there.)
Marr moves forwards, kissing her, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "I love you," he breaths, quietly, "You and Vizma both."
"You say that far too much," she says, though there's a playful note in her voice.
"Maybe." He pulls back, giving her a smile, trying to ignore the tension eating him whole. "So, for the last night of galactic chaos, why don't we just spend it together? Without worrying about when I'll be leaving in the morning?"
"That sounds like a plan," she agrees, "Come on. I'm sure Vizma is still awake."
It could be the last night they're ever together as a family, and he wants to make the most of it one last time. No worries about the galaxy, about the future, about the battle tomorrow, just them.
**w**
The last moments are coming, when everything is finally drawing to a close. He feels a strange tendril of excitement, even if nervousness is consuming him most of all. Everything is coming together, and they will do what they must. If nothing else, this will strike a blow to the Empire it will never recover from.
There's no way the Empire doesn't know about the excessive number of Mandalorians gathering here, but they've been trying to keep how obvious it is to a minimum.
"You're a member of Death Watch," one of the Mandalorians – a female – comments, approaching him. She's a True Mandalorian, a group Marr knows doesn't get along with Death Watch. He can only hope everyone is willing to put aside their differences.
"My father was," he replies, "I am not. I know we still do not have the same beliefs, but we are all Mandalorians, and we must be united if we are to defeat the Empire. It is a threat to all our cultures."
She nods. "That is why we are here."
"And you're the Mand'alor. We stand behind you," one of the others offers.
Marr can only hope that he can hold up the image they expect of him. Everyone – the entire galaxy – is counting on him now, and the stakes have never been higher.
Everything starts tomorrow.
"The Empire wins by making us think we're alone," Marr calls, to those assembled, "We're not alone. There are so many of us here and across the galaxy, and more will come once they know there's hope. Our numbers are far greater than we realize. Warriors – even ordinary people – will fight only if we lead them. Our ancestors never gave up, and neither will we. We're going to show them we're not afraid. What Mandalorians have always fought for, we will not let die. Not today. Today we make our last stand for Mandalore, for the galaxy. For our families. For everyone we've lost. They've taken enough from us. Now we take the war to them."
**w**
They're preparing everything back at the base with Marr gone, and Ahsoka finds herself spending more time around Obi-Wan than she has since the Clone Wars. It may also be the last, and she's well aware of that – with how the tension in the air is practically tangible. No one will come out of this completely unscathed, of that she's certain. It could be the last time she ever has to talk to him. She doesn't even know what to say, but just something.
"It's good to have you back," she says at last, because what else is there to say? "I wondered if you survived for a long time. I knew if anyone could, it would be you and Anakin." And Master Plo, but she doesn't want to think about that, because he is gone. She won't dwell on the possibility of him still being alive, because he probably isn't, and hoping will do no good.
"I hoped if you were still on Mandalore and not officially a Jedi, you would have... made it," Obi-Wan replies.
"I'd thought about coming back to the Order," Ahsoka admits, "I thought when I got back, I would talk to you and Anakin both. I was glad to see you both again, but it had been so long." She didn't know how to act anymore, and everything had been different.
"I understand," Obi-Wan nods. "It was... unexpected. I didn't think you would come back."
"I wasn't sure I would before," she admits, "But then I realized what the Jedi meant to people. I was still trying to sort out what happened with the Council, but I knew where I belonged." Not that she can truly consider herself a Jedi anymore because she isn't, but she still follows their ways. She doesn't want to tie herself down to be affiliated with an Order anymore. People make mistakes, including her, but after what happened, she doesn't want to affiliate herself with a Council anymore.
"Mistakes were made then," Obi-Wan concedes, "And I am relieved that you made it when so few others did."
**w**
"Vizma promises to come pull you out of trouble once she's done freeing Mandalore," Marr says, attempting to keep his tone light.
"I could tell her the opposite," Ezra shoots back, and Zeb snorts his agreement.
"How's she been?" Sabine asks.
"Working hard," Marr replies, "She misses you, of course, but it should not be much longer." Or so he can hope. He won't dwell on how anything could happen to her, too. It's easier to consider the other members of his family, especially since they're far more experienced, but his child... he would do anything to keep her safe. He doesn't know exactly what happened with Anakin or how he Fell, not the details, but it's enough to know that he would have done the same.
"Like we all have been," Hera agrees, "I'm sure you'll have a lot to discuss once this is over."
"And I imagine she'll have a lot of Force training to catch up in," Kanan says.
Ezra smirks. "Then I should definitely be able to beat her, if she doesn't cheat with her armor."
"Is it cheating?" Marr asks dryly, "In battle, who does not use every advantage they have against each other?"
Ezra rolls his eyes. "Still not fair."
"Debatable," Kanan insists.
"Looks like everyone's teaming up on you," Sabine crows, and Ezra elbows her.
"I brought something for you," Marr announces, moving to pull out the jetpack he brought. "I think it could be of use."
Sabine's face lights up instantly. "Thank you," she murmurs, taking it from him, "This – I always wanted one of these. After I left Mandalore, I didn't think it would ever happen."
"I want one of those, too," Ezra says, the tiniest hint of jealousy in his voice.
"Can't you just use the Force to make yourself float?" Zeb asks, waving his fingers dramatically.
"That is not how the Force works."
"Looks like you'll have to stay on the ground," Sabine chirps.
"They can be risky to use, unless you know what you're doing," Hera reminds, giving Ezra a pointed look.
"Hey, has she ever used one before now?!"
"I can't imagine a Mandalorian who hasn't," Kanan says flatly. "Don't they come as one?"
"Pretty much," Marr agrees, smirking, "My first flight didn't end so well."
"Really?" Ezra asks, eagerly.
"I crashed. In front of all of Death Watch." 'Embarrassing' was an understatement, though, at the time, he hadn't much cared for anyone's opinions of him – he was just trying to find a way out of there.
"Wish I could've seen that," Zeb cackles.
"There wasn't much to see." Okay, except for a lot of startled shrieking, but he will not think about that. It does absolutely not matter.
"If we want a demonstration, we can have Ezra practice once I'm used to this," Sabine offers cheerfully.
"Hey! If anyone crashes, it's gonna be you!"
"I don't think there'll be time for frivolous practice right now," Kanan points out.
Hera nods, the atmosphere suddenly growing tense again. "Our time is up. We need to be preparing."
"Be careful, all of you," Marr says, scanning the group, ingraining the image into his mind forever. He doesn't want to consider how this may be the last time he sees them together – or maybe ever. They mean so much to him. He may have been distant and distracted and preoccupied in the last many months, but they're still part of his family. Kanan is his brother, which lays out the rest of them quite clearly. They're clan. They're family. They can trust one another with anything.
"You're the one going to confront the Sith Master," Kanan reminds.
"I know, and you'll be retaking a planet on your own."
"We aren't all on our own."
"No, that's why we're doing it together – whatever the sacrifice."
"We're ready," Ezra says determinedly, and Marr has the sneaking suspicion he's only saying that out of the childish innocence of not wanting to believe anything will happen to his family, even if many others will fall.
"We have hope that things will get better," Hera says, "And we can only hope now is the time."
Marr nods. "One more thing. Sabine?"
She frowns. "What?"
"Vizma told me she talked to your brother and parents." He doesn't miss how she stiffens instantly, but he keeps talking. "They... would like to see you again, once this is over. I know it's not easy for you, but if you want to see them, they may be more welcoming than you're expecting."
Sabine nods slightly, looking down.
"They know you made a mistake, and you risked everything to come tell me about it. I don't know where the Rebellion would even be now, if not for that," he adds. And it's true. If not for that, he doesn't know where any of them would be. It got Satine killed, but it... It's what started everything.
He glances at the chrono on the wall of the ship. "It's time for me to go."
"May the Force be with you," Kanan says, and steps forward suddenly, hugging him. He returns it just as fiercely, not knowing when he'll see his... younger brother again. Or if.
"Good luck," Hera adds.
"You too," Marr replies, "And may the Force be with you."
**w**
Marr can only be grateful that he gets a time to talk to Ahsoka privately while they make the jump to the coordinates where they were planning to steal a Star Destroyer from. That's their last step before the battle of Coruscant begins, and this is quite possibly the final talk they'll have time for. Marr, Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, and Yoda are here – they decided it was best to send the Jedi in. The Mandalorians will be meeting them upon their arrival.
"Ahsoka," he begins, realizing moments later he has no idea what he's trying to say. Just something. This could be their last moments together.
"Thank you for trying to help Anakin," she says suddenly, "I want him back as much as you, but I don't know what I could do to help him."
"I know." And he does. He's grateful for it, too. He understands that Ahsoka doesn't know how to help. He hardly does himself, except he Fell once himself. He understands to a degree what it entails. Maybe, once this is all over, he'll ask Revan more about it.
"After you Fell, it was Anakin who kept us together," she continues, "He kept all of us together."
"Yes, he did." Except this, for once, isn't about Anakin. It's about Ahsoka and himself. They went through so much together. She has always just been there. He doesn't know how he would take it if she died, or how she would if he did. "We all know what this fight may entail," he says finally.
Ahsoka glances at him, something pained in her eyes. "I do," she agrees, "I knew you were alive. I thought you were fighting again, but I was glad to hear you were happy on Mandalore. You deserve that."
"You do as well." And she does. Marr had taken his own break time on Mandalore when everyone else in his family was fighting. Especially Ahsoka. Obi-Wan was on a mission, but he wasn't in the action. Kanan was fighting. Vader was fighting, on the opposite side. Ahsoka had strung together the Rebellion, solely with Rex's help. She's done the most – and she, no doubt, did it all for Anakin.
Because that's what she thought he would have wanted.
It's almost ironic in a tragic sort of way how both Marr and Ahsoka tried so hard to do something they thought would continue their masters' legacies, only to realize the said masters were completely – at least, mostly – opposed to it.
"I don't think I can just settle down and stop fighting," Ahsoka replies, crossing her arms, "That's all I've ever done."
"I know," Marr replies, "And you know if... we fail, or if you are lost, I will take up what you couldn't finish. I want to ask you the same. If... something happens to me, I want you to complete Vizma's training. You have taught her somewhat in the past."
"I will," she answers simply.
It's so weird to think of how he once had feelings for Ahsoka. Not that they were unreasonable, considering how close they were and the fact that they were both teens, but now that he's older, he can see clearly it would never have lasted. Ahsoka was too light, and Theseus was too dark. Ahsoka is a Jedi, and Theseus has always been Marr at heart – he's always been Mandalorian, even if it took him years to see and accept it. It was Bo-Katan who helped him every step of the way as he came to fully accept who his father was, and it was her – and Anastasia – who showed him there was far more to his father than the part that was a terrorist and criminal, more even than what he'd seen himself on Carlac.
But regardless, he and Ahsoka have stuck with each other their entire lives. Marr chose to stay behind on Odessen, but they knew each other would be safe.
Ahsoka was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and Marr knew that, even if it hurt to see her go.
It would hurt more now, if he knew she was gone forever.
Joining the Force is not the end, but it would mean his family would never have a chance to be complete, or even mostly complete, because Ahsoka was so very important to all of them.
**w**
Marr thought he'd prepared for everything before they left for Coruscant. He doesn't know why this one thing – however minor it is – never truly sunk in until this very moment, when the Imperial Star Destroyer they stole comes out of hyperspace above the planet.
The planet he grew up on. The place he once called his home. The place he spent years side-by-side with Ahsoka, and later, where he met Obi-Wan and Anakin. Of where his mother raised him as well as she could, even though it was against the Code. Memories swim through his mind, of a lifetime ago when he dreamed of being a Jedi, even though he just as often felt he never belonged.
He remembers the moment with sudden vivid clarity when he and Obi-Wan had been on the deck of the 212th cruiser, and it felt he wasn't going to see the Temple again for so many years, if ever.
In truth, he will never see it again. The building that looms higher than everything else against the skyline is not the Temple anymore, and even though he's shielding himself as strongly in the Force as he can, he can still feel the sheer darkness on the planet. This is the place where Sidious himself has been living for so many years, and he has very little desire to see what the Sith has done to the place that was once his home.
But he doesn't have time to get lost in his emotions right now. Right now, it's time to fight. They've finally brought the battle to Sidious, and it's their last chance.
"Prepare to engage, once you have the signal," Marr orders. He knows Sidious will already know they're coming, but for now, they can give off the impression to the rest of the Imperials that they're perfectly normal and belong here.
They have all the Imperial codes, so no one questions them.
This is the moment, the moment he's been preparing for all these years. And he'd be lying to say that he's not scared. No, terrified of where this might end.
It could well be his last chance to save Anakin, too. It could doom everything. Maybe the Empire will never recover, but the Rebellion wouldn't, either. The galaxy would descend into total chaos. About that, Vader was right.
Rex, Wolffe, and Gregor are disguised as stormtroopers if it becomes necessary, and he, Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, and Yoda get on one of the shuttles, heading down for the surface. It looks like a perfectly normal transport, and no one will question it. Or so he can hope.
The Mandalorians they're bringing with them are sneaking in another entrance, so they don't cause too much of a disturbance. Anastasia is with them, leading much of that part of the assault.
They land down on the surface, somewhere they can hopefully keep up appearances, though it's near one of the concealed entrances to the former Jedi Temple. Here it's been blocked off, but it's fairly simple for them to break inside, and then, quickly close it over as they enter as silently as they can.
His first steps in the former Jedi Temple in the past seventeen years.
The Dark Side permeates the air down here, but that's expected. It was once a Sith Temple down here before it was closed off, and it probably was turned into one once again. The echoes down here no longer feel as ancient as they once did, but he doesn't let himself focus on it. He needs to shield himself from the Force as much as he can right now.
Still, he can't deny the chill running through him. It's eating at him, swallowing him whole. They're here, they're really here.
The moment to destroy Sidious, or die trying, has arrived.
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