Chapter 28 - Justice

Author's Note: The plot is continuing to crawl along. :) Also, Omega is becoming far more important than I thought she would. She's just so adorable. xD

~ Amina Gila

Ahsoka wakes up to the warmth of Anakin's body at her side. Slowly, she opens her eyes, shifting her head to take in her position. At some point during the night, she'd rolled over, half on top of him. His right arm is pinned underneath her, while his left is thrown loosely over Vader's waist. Omega is on Vader's other side, curled against him, still sleeping.

It seems like she's the only one awake right now, so she settles down, resting her head on Anakin's shoulder, and sinking back into the comfort and warmth of her surroundings. She can't remember the last time she felt so protected, so loved. It's so… mind-blowing, knowing that Vader is actually Anakin, and she can't help but wonder how she didn't see it earlier. Would she have noticed, if she had given him the benefit of the doubt? Or would his mask and armor have fooled her the way it's fooled everyone else?

Probably the latter, no matter how much she wants to say that she would have known him. She doesn't know that she would have, especially since he has been hiding himself from the world. He doesn't even consider himself Anakin anymore, and that sends a pang through her. He should. He's not even close to what a Sith should be. He's Dark, true, but he's not evil, no matter what crimes he's committed in the past. He's doing better, being better, and that means something, no matter that he doesn't seem to want to accept it.

She'll have to take some time to get used to the strangeness of all of this, to find a way to settle into a life where Anakin and Vader both play a prominent role again. She wants to spend time with them, as much time as she can, no matter how Obi-Wan and the rest of the Jedi will feel about it. She can't forget what Vader said, confessing that his condition is because of Obi-Wan. It horrifies her, but she'll try not to dwell on it. This Obi-Wan has done nothing. Yet.

Thankfully, it isn't long before the others awake as well, though none of them seem to be in a hurry to move. "What's the plan for today?" Anakin asks finally. "It is far later than normal."

Vader tilts his head, a sparkle of mischief glinting in his blue eyes. Mischief with an underlying, darker emotion – perhaps smug satisfaction. It's almost unnerving. "Housecleaning," he says simply. "It is time to deal with the Senate."

Ahsoka frowns. "What does that mean?"

"There are many Senators who are corrupt," Anakin answers, "And we mean to make an example of them. You and Omega are welcome to come."

Omega brightens. "Can I bring Fox?" she queries shyly.

A look passes between Anakin and Vader. "Of course," Vader replies. "I am certain that he would enjoy the chance to see the Senate face justice."

Ahsoka smirks, despite herself. "I wholeheartedly approve of whatever murderous tactics you're planning. And yes, I'm definitely coming." Anakin has never hesitated to make clear to her how much he dislikes politicians, except for a select few, and seeing the sheer extent of corruption within the Republic – she saw more of it when she was working with Padme only days ago – Ahsoka has to admit that she won't be too sad, or sad at all really, to see some of Palpatine's supporters face consequences for their choices. For supporting him, for hurting their own people.

Even though she knows what's coming, she still can't quite stop the thrills of excitement racing down her spine as she, Omega, and Fox – apparently, he and Omega are becoming close – stand in a viewing balcony overlooking the Senate. A couple Council members are here too, invited personally by Vader. The security is heightened as well, a telltale sign that Vader is preparing for a possible, violent backlash.

Good.

If it comes down to it, Ahsoka herself will get involved to defend justice, to defend her Emperor – for that is who Vader is. He is her Emperor, and she is willing and happy to accept him, knowing who he is. Despite whatever he claims, he's a good man. He was, once, and just because he strayed in his own time, that doesn't mean he can't fix things. That doesn't mean he can't be better than the person he became.

Ahsoka only half listens to Vader's speech, focusing more on the reactions of the Senators through the Force. Vader speaks of the massive corruption in the Republic, a corruption which has caused the system to become stagnant and fail. He speaks of those who have used the war for their own benefit, gaining profit at the expense of the people. He speaks of those who have no regard for the laws, those who have gone far enough to get involved in slavery, even though it has been illegalized by the Senate.

His speech is… long, and Ahsoka can sense that there are some who think those are mere words, those who are pessimistic, who don't think he'll actually act. And there are those who want to believe that Vader will actually change the Senate and make the Empire a better system than what the Republic has had for decades.

Of course, there are also those who are afraid, for they are guilty of the charges Vader is levying at the body. They fear what Vader might do to them should he expose them. They fear losing their power. And Ahsoka is disgusted by those people.

Silently, she slips out her comm, tapping out a message to Anakin and Vader, telling them what she's sensed through the Force, which Senators are reacting with fear to Vader's words, their emotions betraying their guilt of some sort of illegal act. Undoubtedly, they've already sensed what she has, but she can at least tell them away, if it'll help.

"Try to focus on what you sense," Ahsoka whispers to Omega, "But keep your shielding up so you don't get overwhelmed."

The girl's expression scrunches, and she nods. "It is very… overwhelming," she admits, and Fox's hand falls on her shoulder, though he doesn't say anything.

"I know," Ahsoka agrees, "And that's why shielding is important."

Her comm beeps, and she glances at the reply from Anakin. Good job, Snips. Let us know what else you sense. So, she – and Omega – keep their attention focused on their surroundings, anticipation humming through her veins.

When it happens, it is, predictably, at the most dramatic moment.

"It is time for the corruption that has plagued the Senate to be brought to an end." Vader's voice echoes from the front of the room, and he turns his helmet, gaze sweeping through the Senate. The Dark Side curls, heavy and smothering, promising vengeance. It's deliberate, Ahsoka knows, meant to intimidate and inspire fear. It's effective, too, because she can feel the way the fear rises, especially from certain Senators.

"For too long, politicians have gotten away with actions that would have any lesser individuals executed. Action must be taken now." Vader raises a hand, and the Force ripples with flares of fear and panic as a handful of Senators – including Orn Free Taa – throughout the chamber are lifted in the air, clawing at their throats as they struggle for air that they can't get. It only lasts for a minute before Vader tightens his fist and they drop down to the floors of their pods, dead, lives disappearing into the Force.

There's some panic, and screams. Some try to flee, the guilty ones, no doubt, but they're unable to leave the chamber. But Vader doesn't execute anyone else.

Maybe it's not Jedi of her to feel smug satisfaction at seeing them die, but Ahsoka can't deny feeling it, nevertheless. "About kriffing time," Fox mutters from behind her. "Long live the Emperor." Omega grins, and Ahsoka snorts.

"Let this be a warning to those of you who are involved in corrupt activities," Vader intones, the monotony of his vocoder making his words that much more chilling. "Your actions will be uncovered, and retribution will be handled out. It is time for the Senate to clean house."

There is a moment of pause before the applause begins, and the approval, hope, and even admiration are much stronger than the fear and shock had been moments before.

The Senators practically flee from the chamber when Vader signals an end to the session, and Ahsoka grabs Omega's hand, towing her through the crowd with Fox right behind them, ready to protect them if needed, as she pushes her way towards the halls to the Emperor's office where Vader and Anakin are.

"That was amazing!" squeals Omega once she sees them, launching herself at Vader and hugging him.

Vader catches her easily, resting one hand on her back. "I am pleased you approve, young one." His amusement is obvious, even with his vocoder.

"I don't think the Jedi will be as happy," Ahsoka notes with a frown, remembering the looks of disapproval and wariness that she'd noticed on the Jedi Masters' faces. Yoda, Windu, Plo, and Obi-Wan had been there, and she had ardently avoided meeting any of their gazes; they must have seen her with Omega, must have seen her excitement and approval, and she is dreading the next time she encounters Obi-Wan. It won't be pretty.

"They will not," Vader affirms, "And that is why I have instructed the clones to increase patrols. All Jedi are to be considered as suspect and treated with caution. The clones are to be careful in case of attempted mind-tricking as well."

"Fox, would you mind helping Rex keep an eye on security?" Anakin asks, looking at the commander.

"No, sir," he replies immediately, saluting. "It would be my honor."

"Fox approves," Ahsoka murmurs once he's left the room.

"He sees how we treat him as a person," Anakin supplies, just as quietly, a hint of something – sadness or maybe regret – in his voice. "He sees how we care for the clones as people, not resources. He's seen far too much under Palpatine. I know… a little. I've heard that the Coruscant Guard often faced mistreatment by Senators – and even others. They had… no recourse, no justice. It's one of the things we're fixing."

There's a moment of subdued silence as his words sink in.

"One thing at a time," Vader says after a minute, moving to his desk and sitting down, typing something on a datapad. "I requested a special unit of clones to come here to help ensure stability while we clean out the Senate."

Anakin gives him a speculative look, and that makes Ahsoka's curiosity rise as well. Who could it be, if even Anakin doesn't know? She doesn't know of any special units of clones. The 501st Legion has always been the best of the best. She knows of no one more special than they are, so who…?

But Vader doesn't answer any questions, simply sitting there, amusement curling into the Force. The door to the office finally opens and four clones enter. Ahsoka double takes when she sees them. They don't look anything like normal clones do. Their armor is black, painted with red and white markings and designs. And they… are not the average size or build of clones, either.

They salute, pulling off their helmets, and Omega gasps. "Clone Force 99," she whispers, her emotions fluctuating from surprise to overwhelming relief to affection. It's obvious that these clones mean something to her.

Their eyes flicker between her and Vader. "You… know us?" one of them asks haltingly. He looks like a normal clone, except his hair is long, shoulder-length, and he has a tattoo on the side of his face.

Omega beams. "Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair," she announces, looking between each of them. Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out which one is which. Crosshair is the sniper. Tech is the one with goggles, specially modified ones from the look of it. Wrecker is probably the largest. Hunter must be the one who spoke first.

Ahsoka frowns, looking at Anakin for answers as to why Omega knows of them.

"They're an experimental unit of clones," Anakin explains to her. "Each of them has special enhancements that make them… valuable. Omega remembers when they were created. She worked in Nala Se's lab, and she… took care of them, I guess."

Four pairs of eyes move from Anakin to Omega. "She's a clone?" Crosshair queries, incredulously.

Tech adjusts his goggles, pushing some sort of button. "She is a genetically unmodified clone," he reports. "A generation one."

"I know Omega wanted to meet you," Vader states, looking at them, "And your skillset will be far more useful to me here than if you remain on Kamino. Take time to familiarize yourself with the building and system here. Omega can go with you. I will have Rex accompany you and provide you with the details for your mission here."

"Yes, sir," Hunter replies, speaking for the group.

Omega circles around the desk, and Vader must guess what she's doing, because he turns, catching her when she throws herself into his arms, clinging to him. "Thank you," she whispers, voice trembling with emotion.

"Of course, young one," Vader answers, stroking a hand through her hair. "Now, go spend time with your brothers. I know you have missed them."

Omega doesn't need encouragement, pulling away from Vader and bounding over to the four, beaming up at them. "Come on," she chirps. "I can show you where Rex is."

They exchange looks, varying from amused to disbelieving, but they follow her from the room. Ahsoka waits until the door closes before laughing. "I think it's hilarious that the Jedi think you're an evil dictator when you are actually a big softie."

Vader jerks. "I am not," he retorts flatly.

Ahsoka grins. "Sure, you're not, Skyguy," she singsongs, and Anakin snickers.

**w**

Padme manages to catch up to the Jedi Masters before they leave the Senate. "Might I have a word?" she calls, falling in step next to Obi-Wan.

"Of course, Senator Amidala," Windu answers, and they turn, stepping to the side of the hall, to a semi-private alcove where they can speak, relatively undisturbed. "What do you need?"

"It's about Vader," she replies quietly, double-checking that there aren't any clones nearby; she trusts them to protect her, but she doesn't trust them to keep her confidence anymore. Anakin's clones have always been especially loyal, and she knows that will be true even now. It seems as if all the clones practically worship the ground the self-proclaimed Emperor walks on, but she can't blame them for that. He gave them what the Republic never did: freedom. And he earned their loyalty because of it. Truly, it was a brilliant strategic move.

The tension rises merely from saying the name, and the Jedi press closer, as if trying to forcibly block out any eavesdroppers. "I worry about the path Vader is taking," Padme admits, keeping her voice as soft as she can. "It is undoubtedly good for him to deal with the corruption in the Senate – and there is a lot of it – but the means… the means he is using concern me. Those are the actions of a dictator. Killing Senators in session? Without a court-mandated penalty? It… I don't like it."

She lets out a shaky breath, trying to still the nausea crawling within her. Sure, she hadn't much cared for any of the Senators he killed, but they had still been her colleagues. Or maybe, it's just the fear that he could do more, go further. In name, this has been an Empire, but it has never actually felt like one until now.

"I agree," Windu states quietly. "These actions are… most alarming. He is a dictator, one who has absolute-power. We cannot forget that."

"He's doing this as some sort of publicity stunt," Obi-Wan murmurs, a thread of heat in his voice. "We all must be cautious."

It sinks in, all at once, that they're having a quiet conversation, afraid of being overheard, and it's infuriating. "Maybe he hasn't started suppressing free speech or dissent, but it's only a matter of time," Padme agrees bitterly. "We need to find a way to remove him from office. I am confident that I can reason with Anakin if you remove Vader from the equation." This isn't something she'd ever even thought about admitting to or confessing, but… the Jedi are the last hope of the dying Republic. If anyone can help restore democracy, they can.

"I – Anakin and I are married," she admits. "I know it is against the Code. We both knew that. We knew he would be expelled from the Order if anyone found out, but we took the risk. He cares about me a great deal, and if Vader is not there to influence him, I can convince him to see reason. I know it." She has to have faith in that, have faith that she can make Anakin understand, because she can't imagine losing him forever.

There's a stunned silence in the wake of her revelation.

"Discuss this the Council must," Yoda finally says. "Know this we did not. Suspect the truth we did not. Perhaps help us with young Skywalker you can."

"What about Ahsoka?" Plo asks suddenly.

Padme pauses, recalling how she had seen the Togruta standing in a viewing balcony with Omega and another clone, Fox she thinks it was. She hasn't seen Ahsoka since Anakin took her to talk, but… she didn't seem upset, and if she's hanging out with Omega now… something must have changed. "I haven't spoken to her since she went to talk to Anakin," she reveals.

The Jedi exchange looks. "She was… pleased by Vader's actions," Obi-Wan admits reluctantly, haltingly, a flicker of anger in his blue gray eyes that's gone in a second. "I don't know what he and Vader have said to her, but…"

"She supports them," Windu cuts in. "You can't trust her. I fear there may be more and more people, even among the Jedi, who are supporting Vader as Emperor. And there are those who want nothing more than to remove him by any means necessary. We all must be cautious. See what you can find out about what Vader is planning."

"But be careful," Obi-Wan chimes in. "We don't know how he'd react if he knew you were spying on him."

Spying. Goddesses, it's a terrifying prospect, but it's one Padme is willing to embrace if it means bringing an end to this nightmare. She can find a way to spy on Vader, even if it means reaching out to Anakin and pretending that she's willing to consider supporting a dictator.

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