Hello again, everyone!
A September update is here! We continue with our long aftermath. I confess, there are still about 8-9 chapters to go, but these largely deal with post-climax issues. No one needs to worry too much. In fact, this chapter is sort of emblematic of what's to come.
There's a lot of comedy in this one but also quite a lot of emotional damage. It sort of fluctuates back and forth.
As always, leave those reviews and let me know what you think!
"What is history? An echo of the past in the future; a reflex from the future on the past."- Victor Hugo
Chapter 47. The Final Message
Jedi Funerals were usually brief affairs without much in the way of pomp or sentiment. A few words would be spoken by one the Order's higher ranking members, usually a council member, about some vague drivel regarding their connection with the Force. It's why Anakin never cared for them. They were so…impersonal.
Today's ceremony was different. Anyone with the slightest bit of Force sensitivity felt it.
An enormous crowd of people had gathered for this occasion. Not just Jedi, but clones, prominent citizens, and multiple politicians, some of whom definitely belonged in jail or six feet under. A few earned his respect, including Mon Mothma, Garm Bel Iblis, Satine Kryze, Giddean Danu, Lux Bonteri, Tendau Bendon, and Riyo Chuchi. Senator Organa was unfortunately preoccupied with the business of governing.
Outsiders were not normally allowed to attend private Jedi events such as this, but for one man, they allowed an exception.
A soft hand slipped through his. Padme's touch was the only thing soothing him at the moment. She still hadn't been cleared by medical staff just yet but no one was going to stop her from attending this.
"Do you need to sit down?" he whispered. A single determined look from his wife answered that question. Thin, peaky, and still recovering from the effects of the poison, Padme would stand. Nevertheless, she nestled against his body.
The caskets were moved into place. Master Yoda and other members of the Council stepped back into the crowd, leaving a brown robed Obi-Wan Kenobi as the sole officiary of the proceedings.
Anakin had no idea what he might say. What could you say when your own son had died to save you from a fate worse than death?
Obi-Wan caught his eye and the tenderness in them settled him just enough not to shout in anguish. The Force surrounded Anakin Skywalker, it always had, but he was never 'one' with this power, never quite able to harness the tranquility most of his peers spoke of.
It proved to be as unattainable as ever.
"Welcome all and thank you for being here," Obi-Wan began, his tone deep and rich with emotion but steady. A current of calm in a sea of sorrow. Anakin had never envied his master's ability to let go of his feelings more than right now. "I think it goes without saying that this particular occasion is not only unique, it transcends the boundaries that would normally keep us apart. I thank the Jedi Council for allowing citizens, civil leaders, and clone troopers to be a part of these proceedings."
Anakin resisted the urge to snort. Leave it to the Council to give themselves a pat on the back for something that should have been obvious in the first place. His bitterness fled when Padme squeezed his hand.
She had a sixth sense that woman. Or were the babies making her more attuned to the Force? Either way, the message she conveyed brought light back into his heart.
'We're here. We're alive. Our children are on the way. That we can be together in public is a miracle by itself.'
"Master Mundi and Master Tiin were two of the Order's best. Committed to its ideals in every way- peace, harmony, discipline, and steadfast in their defense of them. Especially during a bloody and contrived war."
Obi-Wan took a pause. Anakin thought for a moment he might cry. The number of Jedi dead from the Clone Wars was too high to provide a number. But then again, had they listened to Master Qui-Gon years ago, had they not been so arrogant…couldn't have this been avoided?
Taking a glance at the third casket, the hole in his heart throbbed. The mere presence of Luke in the past confirmed that he alone bore responsibility for how things turned out. He was the monster that caused the death of millions. His choices led to this. No amount of bitterness towards the Council changed that.
"They were strong with the Force and never hesitated to confront injustice wherever it may have been in the galaxy. And though both of these esteemed masters are no longer with us, they shall be remembered eternally as Knights of the Order who died to ensure the defeat of a great evil."
Obi-Wan nodded towards the left and middle caskets, bowing in respect. The fabled halls of the Temple were silent as the grave. A sad note of music passed through the Force, as if to give a final rite of passage to the Jedi Masters before being welcomed home in eternal peace.
Then the music changed in its tone.
"It is said that we are all equal in the Force," Obi-Wan said quietly, as his attention shifted to the casket furthest to the right. "And though some are more naturally attuned to its presence, there are some- no matter their midichlorian count- who seem destined to make an impact in our lives more than others. Luke Ahch-To was one such person."
An understatement. Almost none of them would ever know just who it was that saved the galaxy.
"What can be said about Luke Ahch-To that has not already been said?"
A beautiful soul.
"Kind…"
Just like his mother.
"Thoughtful."
Didn't get that part from me.
"Immensely powerful."
Ok, he did get that from me.
"And yet, he was gentle with that power."
Definitely not from me.
"Above everything else, he was someone who put others above himself. He understood the meaning of true sacrifice and embodied that concept every day."
My gentle son.
"He perceived the danger in a way that no one, not even the wisest Jedi or the most astute Senator, could understand. He showed us not only the enemy from without but within. Palpatine was only a symptom of the disease rotting at the core of our Republic. I think the greatest gift Luke Ahch-To gave was to remind us that love is stronger than hatred. That trust in ourselves and each other is the key to a peaceful, prosperous galaxy. He opened our eyes to the fact that we were not upholding these ideals."
Anakin refused to take his eyes off the casket, the only one with the viewing window closed. Of course, Luke wasn't in there. No one other than himself, Obi-Wan, Master Yoda Bail Organa, Padme Amidala, a handful of clones, and a select few Jedi knew of Luke's true origin and fate. Obi-Wan especially emphasized this. Even if some part of him recognized that decision to be practical and good for public relations, it also felt insulting, cruel.
Everyone should learn about the full depth of Luke's story. Instead, he'd just be another anonymous Jedi martyr.
"Luke was a shining example of the way that people should live their lives. A beacon amidst one of the darkest hours we've ever faced."
Obi-Wan took another pause, and this time he really did look like he might cry. And when he resumed the speech, his voice cracked a little.
"I was told recently the meaning of his name. 'Light giver'. A Jedi Knight he will always be, but I think the best way to honor his memory is simply as a good man who wanted to do the right thing. A light for the lost to follow. I think I speak for all of us in saying that we owe him a debt. And were he here, Luke would tell us that it need not be repaid."
The speech, much shorter and eloquent than Anakin expected, ended in dead silence. As Obi-Wan took his place among the crowd, the Force's song hummed as the caskets were lowered into their respective chambers. Three dazzling beams of white light shot up from the center, a symbol of the time honored cremation that defined their culture.
And then it was over leaving the Chosen One feeling just as drained yet conflicted as before as the massive crowd began to filter out of the room.
Obi-Wan and Ahsoka both gave him glances but allowed husband and wife to converse in private before saying anything.
"Are you alright?"
Padme's question wasn't a real attempt to know the answer but instead an effort to persuade him to open up. She hated it when he refused to be honest about his own feelings.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he lied. She knew it was a lie by the way her penetrating brown eyes locked onto his own. Today, they lacked the energy to press further.
"Come on, let's get you back to the healers," he said, pressing a kiss on top of her head.
"Skywalker."
That deep, no-nonsense voice might have induced irritation in the past. But the shock of hearing it distracted Anakin from his emotional turmoil to elicit faint surprise.
"Master Windu."
He looked stable enough. Anakin had heard about his temporary insanity and attempted murder of Master Yoda. Of course, the Grandmaster was quick to forgive in the interest of harmony, and Jedi mind healers nursed him back to health. But the damage to Windu's once impeccable prestige had been done. Nothing about the man exuded any of the same stern cool or confidence.
Anakin didn't know what to say. This was the Jedi Master who'd spoken against him at almost every opportunity. The one who advocated against his training in the first place.
"Do you have a minute?"
Instinctively and defensively, he reached for Padme's hand.
Just try and take her from me, came the defiant thought in his overworked brain. But if he expected disapproval or a lecture, it never came. Windu's intentions in the Force were resigned, remorseful even.
"Whatever you think of me, I have no desire to pick a fight with you, Skywalker."
"Is that right?"
Padme gave the slightest squeeze back. 'Calm down' was its message. He listened.
"I only came to tell you that I'm sorry for your loss."
Anakin wanted to bite back with 'liar' or 'you don't care'. He'd hated Luke and barely concealed that contempt. Was it fate for Mace Windu to despise the Skywalker clan? Ahsoka came up behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Obi-Wan followed suit.
The anger subsided. It finally occurred to him that Mace must have been told the truth about Luke. The meaning of 'your loss' hit like a train.
"I…appreciate that."
"I also wanted to apologize for my actions and my behavior towards you, your wife and your family."
Anakin's jaw opened slightly. Windu's deadened look only served to underscore that the galaxy had officially turned upside down.
"The Jedi Order and the Republic need new leadership in the years to come. It is my hope that the four of you will lead this charge."
Ever the diplomat, Padme spoke next.
"Thank you, Master Windu."
It was as ringing an endorsement as Anakin would ever receive. The unsolicited kindness softened his initial hostility.
"We'll need your leadership as well, Master."
"Alas, Skywalker, you'll have to continue on without me."
"What do you mean?"
Obi-Wan's eyes caught his own. He tilted his head upward back to Mace.
"I have resigned from the Jedi Council and plan to leave the Temple."
Oh.
Even two weeks ago, that admission might have been a moment of triumph. But Anakin didn't revel in the man's moral defeat. On the contrary, it felt like kicking a dog while it was down.
"Where will you go?"
It sounded like an insensitive question but Anakin couldn't find sympathy to vocalize.
"I've decided, with Master Yoda's approval, to lead the AgriCorps on Ossus. Given the events of the past week, it is best to reflect on my actions so that I might better myself and others around me."
He bowed deeply. "May the Force be with you all."
"And the same to you. Best of luck, old friend," Obi-Wan said. There was real affection in those words. Mace always liked Obi-Wan even when they disagreed.
The four stared as the powerful Jedi Master walked away in utter humility. Anakin voiced aloud their collective bemusement.
"I don't think I've ever seen him like that."
Obi-Wan gave a small, cautious smile.
"He's a proud man. Always has been. The Order means everything to him."
"Too much, apparently," Ahsoka muttered. The disapproval was evident in her eyes, having been on the receiving end of Windu's zealous wrath.
"We were all manipulated by darker impulses," Obi-Wan said, careful to straddle the line between too lenient and too harsh. "Mace recognizes what he did was wrong and that change is needed to prevent another Palpatine."
"I always thought he'd be the one to expel me. When Padme and I first got married, I used to have nightmares about Master Windu finding out and kicking me out of the Order." Anakin's voice was quiet, and she nestled her head into his chest.
I killed him in a past life once.
"I've known Mace for years. He just paid you the highest compliment possible, I promise you that."
Obi-Wan brightened as Satine came into view, sliding her hand into his. He kissed her on the cheek in full view of every Jedi present. Standards were already beginning to change.
"And I can also promise you that under no circumstance will you be expelled from the Jedi Order. Not if I have anything to say about it."
"It would certainly be hypocritical if you didn't offer your support, darling," Satine teased.
"I can speak for both of us when I say that we are incredibly grateful, Obi-Wan," Padme said, giving a weak smile. "It means everything."
Anakin kept inner joy at bay. He too, was eternally grateful for Obi-Wan's backing. But it all seemed too good to be true. Would the Council really let a married man, one who struggled to follow the basic tenets of the code, keep on being a Jedi? Did he even still want to be a Jedi?
He found that there were no answers to these questions, which only confused him more.
"Senator Amidala?"
A blue Twi'lek and two assistants approached with kind eyes, a hover chair in tow. Vokara Che had a reputation for being a stickler when it came to her patients, but there was no one better at giving top-quality care.
"Time to rest, my dear."
Padme, for once, did not fight the urge to resist being taken care of. She carefully placed herself on the hover chair, while Anakin steered her downward.
"I'll escort you," he said quickly.
"Master Skywalker, she is perfectly safe in our hands."
"I'm her husband. I'll decide when I get to be with my wife."
"Master Skywalker, please."
"I'm going with her."
Ahsoka wrapped her hand around his newly constructed right one. Obi-Wan gave him a penetrating but soothing glance. Both had the effect of calming him down.
"I'll be alright, Ani," Padme assured him. "I promise."
It was enough for Anakin to relent, but he couldn't ignore the knot twisting in his stomach as she was led away to the Halls of Healing, loathing every second Padme wasn't within sight.
"There is a reception at 79s in half an hour, courtesy of Cody and Rex. They've invited all three of us," Obi-Wan informed gently, wisely avoiding the nagging issue of Anakin's attachments. "I think it would mean a great deal to them if we were to attend."
"I'd like to go," Ahsoka said brightly.
Though his inclination was to go nowhere without Padme, Anakin conceded that a drink or two might help get things off his mind. At the very least, he didn't want to disappoint Rex.
"Sure."
Mugs of beer sloshed about as they slid into the waiting arms of clones at the end of the bar. Bartenders worked around the clock to provide alcohol for two full battalions. Normally, clone trooper parties were fairly rowdy, lax occasions. But the low hum of chatter and light conversation was comparatively quiet for a pub. No loud music or colorful lights flashed about during daylight hours.
A mix of blue and yellow troopers dominated the demographics of 79s, but there were others: off-duty naval officers, individual clones from other battalions such as the 104th, 41st, 187th, 13th, and 327th, and several commanders all saw fit to make an appearance. Even Clone Force 99 saw fit to pay their respects.
Ahsoka almost couldn't believe just how many GAR soldiers had shown up for the wake of one man most of them had never met. But then again, word traveled fast. Luke had been the one to discover the chips and shared the information freely. Every man in sight without a helmet sported a scar just above the right temple.
It's because of him they're free.
She caught the scarred visage of Commander Wolffe, drinking from a large tankard the size of his own head. It had been nearly a week since they spoke, the 104th having just left Mandalore two rotations ago. He too sported that same familiar scar.
"General," he said gruffly as she squeezed her way to the front of the bar.
"Commander. How are you?"
"As well as any of these other guys."
To say Wolffe was a man of few words would be putting it mildly. Ahsoka's relationship with him was not as close as Rex, but she appreciated his candor and unshakeable bravery. What he lacked in personal warmth he more than made up for in loyalty to those who treated him well, Master Plo being chief among them.
"Is everyone in the 104th dechipped?"
"Yup." Wolffe took another sip of beer. "Got the last one out a few rotations ago on Kamino. That's why it took us so long to get back."
"I assume Master Plo had a hand in that."
"He wouldn't think of doing anything else until those chips were out of every single one of us. Went straight to Kamino and practically held those longnecks at blaster point until they did it."
Ahsoka smiled to herself. Master Plo was the furthest thing from a violent person, kindness and compassion being his cardinal virtues. But when roused by injustice, he could make the galaxy shake.
"That sounds like him."
"It was beautiful."
Wolffe's expression didn't change, but she heard the immense gratitude behind that gruff exterior. The men of the 104th had a special bond with their leader. They loved him.
Just like the 501st loves Anakin and Luke.
"Want a drink?"
"Technically, I'm not of legal age yet."
Wolffe snorted.
"In this joint, who's going to care?"
He waved down one of the bartenders and asked for a regular but in a smaller size. In minutes, a mug of the same beer was put in front of her. Ahsoka eyed the beverage and gave a sniff, sending tingles up her growing lekku. Togruta senses were a bit more sensitive than human ones. She felt unsure about the bubbling, golden-brown liquid.
"It won't kill ya," Wolffe said with a salty chuckle.
"I just hope Obi-Wan doesn't catch me."
"General, with all due respect to Master Kenobi, you've been fighting in this war since the beginning. You're a soldier like the rest of us. You've earned it."
You're a soldier, like the rest of us.
For some reason, that remark prompted her to take the plunge. One sip resulted in an explosion of unfamiliar flavors. Beer was…well, she didn't know how to describe it. Bitter certainly. But not to the point of being intolerable. Smooth and light enhanced with the intensity of the carbonated water.
"How is it?"
Wolffe had actually cracked a semblance of a smile now.
"You guys drink this stuff all night long?"
"Yup."
"Why?"
As if to emphasize the point, Wolffe took a massive swig and drained the rest of the tankard.
"Takes the edge off. Clones were bred for combat, but war is war. You can only witness so many brothers die before you need something to numb that pain."
Ahsoka stared down at the beer before she looked up at the burly clone.
"What did you think of General Luke?"
"Only met him in passing," Wolffe said with a shrug. "I don't form opinions on people I don't know. But I can tell you this: every single brother in the damn army is aware of what he did for us. That's why we're here."
Ahsoka took another sip of her drink. She spotted Anakin sharing a conversation alongside Cody, Bly, and Jesse, the latter of whom had made some sarcastic quip that made the other two clones chuckle, Anakin's face stood expressionless as he sipped his own beer.
She was worried about him. Anakin didn't hide emotions well, but whenever he became that quiet and sullen, it spelled trouble. The entire room was subdued, the Force awashed in a sea of solemn feelings. But there was also hope from the ashes of Luke's passing. The clones each held that spark inside them, their futures unshackled from becoming mindless servants. Obi-Wan was likely on a short list of candidates to replace Mace Windu as Head of the Order.
Anakin felt depressingly empty.
"Wolffe, next one's on me. I'll be right back."
"You got it, ma'am."
Careful not to spill the beer (she oddly wanted more), Ahsoka made her way to Anakin, fielding several 'hellos' from various 501st troopers. She gave a playful bump against his backside.
"Whoa. Ahsoka, I almost spilled my drink."
Fourteen-year-old Ahsoka might have giggled or offered a rejoinder of 'suck it up, Skyguy.' She'd matured a great deal since then.
"Cheers, Master."
He gave a small smile, one that didn't quite meet his eyes, but there was still warmth behind those baby blues. Their glasses clinked.
"And cheers to you all."
Jesse, Cody, and Bly too raised their glasses and added clinks of their own.
"Wouldn't be here without you, sir."
Jesse's comment was meant to be fully complimentary, but Anakin looked as though someone had told him he was being served worms for lunch (though he'd eaten several kinds of insects in times when supplies were running low).
"I have to admit, this isn't what I expected," Ahsoka remarked, glancing around the room. "I know we just came from a funeral, but this almost seems like…a party."
"We clones have our own way of remembering the dead," Bly explained. "Rex, myself, and a lot of the Gen one clones were trained by Jango and Mandalorian mercenaries. In their culture, when a warrior dies after facing impossible odds, they're placed on a pyre and set aflame. Afterwards there's a celebration of his life."
"Given the context of everything that happened, we didn't want to go too far in the 'partying' direction," Cody said, taking a moderate sip of his drink. "But what General Luke did for us, for the galaxy, deserves to be celebrated."
Ahsoka couldn't argue with that. Soon, they were all going in a circle, trading a variety of stories ranging from stark to humorous.
"He saved my regiment on Dantooine," Jesse said, rehashing the chaos of that battle. "Took out a whole company of droids to buy us time to fix the right tank leg. It was incredible."
Bly was next to recall memories.
"I'll never forget he nearly single-handedly resupplied the entire 327th by blasting through a Federation blockade on one of the Bangor moons. Best flying I've ever seen…no offense General, you can be a little on the wild side."
There was good natured chuckling all around. Anakin gave a brief smile at the ribbing before it disappeared into a neutral line around his lips.
"He never seemed to have much humor, did he?" Anakin said, staring into his beer.
"Oh, I don't know about that," Ahsoka countered in a sing-song voice. "He splattered a whole lunch tray in my face when I teased him about being invited to Senator Amidala's dinner party."
"That's nothing," Jesse boasted. "He told us stories about blowing up huge space stations around the fire. …oh!" His face lit up, and he began laughing. "I'll never forget that time he walked in on Fives and I putting speeder bike oil into Dogma's shampoo."
Even Cody began snickering as Ahsoka stole a side glance at Anakin. He didn't look angry, yet there was no mischievous twinkle dancing about that handsome face.
"Ah, there you all are."
Obi-Wan Kenobi had arrived, as had a whole gaggle of Senators and Jedi. The low murmur of a subdued affair raised several notches, but then dropped when Master Yoda entered the bar, parting a sea of clones who let him through.
"Heard of a party, I did."
"Uh...yes, Master," Anakin stumbled, unsure of whether those wizened, toad-like features approved or disapproved (Ahsoka not so subtly hid her drink behind her back). Then, they broke out into a wrinkled smirk.
"Wish to partake, I do."
A chorus of cheers rang out. Obi-Wan laughed as Boil handed him a beer, and the festivities resumed. The mood brightened considerably.
"Having a drink, are we?"
Ahsoka raised her brow and gave a sheepish grin, dearly hoping that she was not about to receive a lecture. Jesse, Cody, and Bly politely excused themselves.
"No need to fret," Obi-Wan said with an easy smile. "I don't intend to report you."
"Report? Report her to who?"
"'Whom', Anakin."
Ahsoka just laughed at their antics. Honestly, those two really were brothers with the way they bickered. She expected a clever retort, but Anakin deferred in a flat voice.
"Still a stickler for grammar, Master. As always."
Ahsoka caught Obi-Wan's eye for a half second. The message through the Force came as a question: Is he alright?
Breaking the awkward silence, Obi-Wan took the opportunity to raise his glass over the dull roar of the massive crowd.
"I propose a toast. In celebration of our dear friend." Ahsoka and Anakin followed suit. "To Luke."
"To Luke."
"To Luke."
It was not lost on the Togruta that rather than a small swig, Anakin chose to drain the full contents of his glass.
"Excuse me. I need another beer."
Anakin inched away towards the counter, ashen and slightly hunched over.
"Sooo do you want to talk to him, or should I?" Ahsoka asked, crossing her arms.
Obi-Wan took a cursory glance after his protege.
"He's been through a lot."
"Too much for one person."
He caught the implication behind her words immediately.
"Anakin has his own way of processing grief. He needs time."
"I know the signs, Obi-Wan. So do you. He's not well."
Sighing, Obi-Wan took another drink of his beer.
"I don't want to push him to talk about anything until he's ready. If we force the issue, it will only backfire. Take it from someone who was his master."
"And I was his apprentice. When Anakin bottles everything up, he just explodes. You've seen it firsthand…it's what Luke warned us about."
Tatooine. Mustafar. Coruscant. Vader. Haunted memories for a troubled young man who had no semblance of stability or how to attain it. A man who'd witnessed the death of three family members in various lifetimes. Obi-Wan took the cue.
"Then let's find him, shall we?"
They squeezed through the crowd, dodging several well wishers, clones, and Senators; along the way, they witnessed Rex take three shots in a row, Echo and Fives assisting each other in chugging massive tankards of beer, and Ahsoka could have sworn she saw Yoda assisting Hardcase doing a kegstand by lifting several containers at once. But there was no Anakin Skywalker to be found. Amongst several powerful Force users, both Jedi failed to sense his distinctive presence.
"He's gone," Ahsoka said after fifteen minutes, her anxiety rising as well as an unfamiliar buzz in the center of her head. She'd moved onto a second beverage.
Must be the booze.
Satine swooped in out of nowhere, planting a kiss on Obi-Wan's cheek.
"Come mingle, darling," she said, pulling him towards her gaggle of Senators.
"One moment, dear."
Obi-Wan, at a loss between his girlfriend and finding his brother, gave Ahsoka a pointed look.
"I'll be right along. Make sure he's not planning something reckless."
The Togruta made to leave, but he held up a hand.
"After, you sober up."
Tipsy, Ahsoka got what Anakin liked to call 'snippy.'
"Why don't you have to sober up?" she challenged.
"Because I have to talk to politicians that are not Senator Amidala or my girlfriend." And he chugged the rest of the beer in one gulp.
It took exactly five minutes for Anakin to realize he wanted to be alone.
The crowd, the alcohol, the atmosphere laced with all sorts of feelings and nostalgia- it was enough to overwhelm him. Acting on autopilot, Anakin hopped on a bike and broke several speeding laws before coming to a screeching halt outside of the Temple.
As tended to happen when fixated on a particular task of emotion, he blocked out all stares, whispers, and turned heads that swiveled in his direction. It was not unfamiliar. When he was a padawan, everyone in the Order talked about the 'Chosen One' and whether or not Anakin Skywalker would bring balance to the Force. Most were wary and kept their distance.
Now, those same doubters sang praises and called him a hero. They thought the slaying of Sidious had been a matter of moral fiber. An independent choice. None of them realized how close it had been. That they all died the first time by the point of his blade.
Anakin did not forgive easily and never forgot. They could stick a hand wrench where twin suns refused to shine. He remembered their whispers, their skepticism, their knee-jerk suspicion. Killing Sidious was not an act done in their favor.
Only one man deserved their praise, and he was no longer alive to receive it.
He felt like his heart weighed a hundred pounds as he power walked through the mezzanine and up the steps into the second level- usually bedrooms provided for guests- coming to an abrupt stop at the fifth door on the left. His eyes glazed over the gray durasteel before punching in the numbers on the pad.
Once upon a time, Luke had given him the code to his room in case he ever needed to talk or reveal something in confidence.
Crossing the threshold, Anakin saw the room to be entirely empty. Not even a piece of stray clothing or clean sheets on the bed. Nothing gave any evidence that a human being once inhabited here.
Did he leave anything behind?
A lump pushed forward at the end of his throat, but the tears did not come. He didn't want to cry, he wanted his son back!
Anakin clenched both fists, the titanium alloy tight against the gloved encasing over the right arm. He hated this feeling. Of being so…helpless. Everyone called him the Chosen One, a figure of legendary power able to do the impossible, even bring balance to the Force itself. Yet, for all that strength, he wasn't strong enough to save the people he loved most.
Why didn't I listen? Why couldn't I have trusted what Luke was telling me?
For the fact remained if he hadn't fallen prey to Sidious's toxic manipulation, Luke might still be here. If he hadn't screwed up so many times, would any of this have happened?
Anakin wanted something to kick, punch, or destroy, but the vast emptiness of the room denied him the satisfaction, so he used the wall instead.
"AGHHHH!"
Screaming, he punched a hole in the wall with his non-organic hand in the wall before plopping down on the lumpy cot, burying his head in his hands.
I wish you were here, my son.
And there Anakin sat for an unknown length of time. His mind wasn't processing anything properly. Like flood water, pain rushed into the empty hole left by Luke's absence. It throbbed as if it were a knife placed directly into the heart. Nothing, not the Force nor the numbing of alcohol, assuaged the bleeding.
Utterly disgusted with everyone and everything, including himself, he almost didn't notice the familiar shift in the Force.
"Master."
Anakin caught a glimpse of a familiar pair of black boots through his shagging hair.
"Hey Snips."
Dejected and emotionally spent, he didn't even bother asking how she found him.
"May I come in?"
"Be my guest."
She didn't sit down. Not right away, at least. Instead, she gave him space and began walking around the edges of the room.
"He was never one for decorating, was he?"
Anakin gave the smallest of shrugs.
"Whatever he had in here, the cleaning crews moved out already. The Council took his lightsaber and robes…" he sighed, eyes still staring at the floor. "I just wish there was something left."
Anything to remember Luke. Those kindly blue eyes, that mop of dirty blond hair, a face so reminiscent of his own.
"You miss him," Ahsoka said, turning around, sadness in her cyan orbs. "So do I."
"It's not the same."
"Grief isn't a competition, Anakin."
"Look, if I wanted a lecture, I'd hang out with Obi-Wan."
He snapped and immediately pulled back.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright. The connection you shared was special, unique even."
Bitterness overtook sorrow, if only for a second.
"And yet I feel like I hardly knew him."
"That's not necessarily true," Ahsoka said, trying to be diplomatic.
"Don't sugarcoat this, okay? He had to keep me at an arm's length because of who I was, what I am. The monster lurking inside..."
Ahsoka pursed her lips, though not in the pert manner for which she was famous. Talking to Anakin about anything this delicate was like navigating an asteroid field laced with mines.
"I was in this room with him many times. I can tell you for a fact Luke never wanted to distance himself from you."
"Mhm."
"Anakin, you're his father."
"A karking shitty one based on what I saw," Anakin spat.
"He loved you," Ahsoka's voice was still soft but became more insistent. "He…" she paused, debating the best way to explain. "He carried around a lot of his own trauma and was terrified of putting that burden on other people. That had nothing to do with you."
He was familiar with the concept. Hiding feelings away due to perceived failings or judgments. Afraid of driving loved ones away.
"Whatever mistakes he made, they can't be anywhere near as bad as mine."
"That's not-"
"He's my son!" Anakin cried, voice cracking. "A result of the future based on my decisions in the past. I saw it!"
'A result of what happened when Darth Sidious ruined our family…and you fell into evil.'
Despite the outburst, Ahsoka decided this was the proper juncture to sit down and scooch closer. Sensing his need for a friend, she placed an orange hand on his back.
"Luke did what he did, fully aware of what might happen. He sacrificed himself for us. That was the point of the journey. For his sake, we must honor that. And I can safely say no part of him ever desired for you to feel guilty for how his life turned out."
She pulled him closer despite his immense size and strength.
"I'm going to tell you one of the last things he said to me: no one is ever truly gone."
Anakin wished he could believe that, but turning to look into the face of his beloved padawan, healing warmth began to stem the tide of pain, allowing himself to sink into her embrace. He'd never been more thankful for Ahsoka Tano.
"You're all grown up, Snips," he said with a watery chuckle. "And I owe you an apology too."
"What for?"
"I feel like after you were knighted, I wasn't around enough. The war took me halfway across the galaxy, I got promoted and-."
Ahsoka kindly cut him off.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later."
"I know, but…it was all wrong." Anakin leaned back into the bed, gazing up at the ceiling as though it were a fascinating piece of art. "I just feel like our time as Master and Apprentice was cut short. And then you almost left."
"I came back, didn't I?" she teased.
"Because Luke asked you to. But you were my student. It was my responsibility to provide an example, to pass on all of my knowledge and skill. To protect you. I didn't exactly do a great job of that."
That bastard almost got to you too, he thought angrily. When he found out what the man tried to do to his padawan, he almost broke into the morgue to reanimate Palpatine's corpse to kill him again.
Ahsoka sat back with him on the cot, side-glancing at him as a rush of affection surged through their bond.
"Anakin, no master is perfect, but you were the perfect master for me."
She reached over and grabbed his hand, he took it and squeezed. A sure 'thank you' if there ever was one.
"It'll be okay, Skyguy."
Anakin's lips twitched upwards, but then grimaced as he fidgeted around the mattress.
"Something the matter?"
"There's a weird bump inside this thing, and it's digging into my neck. Karking, kriffing, motherf-
Ahsoka rolled her eyes as Anakin kept digging and prodding around the cot, before plunging into it with his fist.
"Anakin-"
Emerging from the fluff with an audible rip, she saw him gripping a small, gray, circular device of some kind.
"What the hell is this?"
Ahsoka didn't know, but something in the Force told her it wasn't a coincidence. Then Anakin's thumb hit a switch on the device.
Both their respective jaws dropped.
"I think we should comm Obi-Wan."
Bail Organa swore to Breha that he'd lost more hair in two weeks as Acting Chancellor than a dozen years in the Senate. Secret evil madman or not, how in the blazes did Palpatine actually enjoy being Chancellor?
He remembered one of his last conversations with Finis Valorum, whose political career had ended right as his own began.
'The Chancellorship is a thankless job, Bail. Everybody tries to steal your credit when things go right and assign to you sole blame when things go south. At the end of the day, you're completely alone with it all.'
Valorum had never married despite being linked to a number of high profile mistresses, which is why Bail thanked his lucky stars for Breha, as well as genuine friendships made along the way, such as Padme Amidala and Mon Mothma. But he'd begun to understand the full impact of Valorum's words. It was easier to point fingers at a singular figure of power than the inner workings of the system itself.
Perhaps that's where the Republic had gone wrong.
"Gentleman, ladies, everyone. Welcome, please have a seat."
It still felt wrong to use the Chancellor's suite. A place of honor that Palpatine had dirtied by the mere act of the man's shoes hitting the floor. Most of his business was conducted in his private office. But occasions such as this called for decorum, even amongst friends and allies.
"Help yourself to any refreshments. TC-70 will be happy to assist," he said, gesturing to the silver protocol droid who fussed about.
Today's cohort consisted of politicians and Jedi- Mon Mothma, Lux Bonteri, Garm Bel Iblis, Satine Kryze, Giddean Danu, and Riyo Chuchi, all Liberal Caucus members. Padme Amidala, though still not fully recovered, had also been invited to come, much to the consternation of her doctors. From the Temple were Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Master Yoda. A noticeable absence was Mace Windu, usually a regular at these kinds of meetings. The Jedi announced his intention to lead the Agricorps days prior to his resignation, but were tight-lipped as to the reasons why.
Bail decided not to push on that subject. Some things were better left out of the public view.
"How are you, Chancellor?" Obi-Wan asked, ever the upholder of polite decorum.
"On the verge of needing my fourth aspirin in as many days." The comment came off as more depressing than humorous. "I'm afraid you've caught me at a time where my schedule is extremely tight."
"Perhaps it might be useful to inform the Jedi of the current situation," Mothma said, planting the suggestion as she usually did. Garm Bel Ilbis did not approve.
"Senator, everyone's time is limited and given Senator Amidala's health-"
"Don't hold back or cut anything short on my account," came Padme's predictable response. She looked peaky but not frail, though her elaborate wardrobe and makeup hid some of the damage. Jedi healers and independent physicians both approved a gradual return to work. "I was told by Master Skywalker and Master Kenobi that this requires my presence and I intend to stay."
He'd not been aware that the Jedi, a notoriously detached, fickle bunch when it came to politics, had insisted Padme be here. Then again, given the state of her husband…
Anakin does not look well…
"Senator Amidala is right. We don't want to distract you from more important matters, but we would not have requested this meeting were it not for a good reason," Kenobi added.
Yoda said nothing, being the usual authority on the Jedi side of things, he seemed content to defer to Kenobi. He simply gave a nod of approval. Only then did everyone else in the room take their seats, a sign of respect.
"Very well, let me share what I can in the most succinct manner possible," Bail said, wondering just how in the gods he would keep that promise (unlike most politicians, he gave a damn about keeping most of them).
He proceeded to launch into a basic summary: the ceasefire negotiated with Count Dooku had been made more complicated by the fact that no official democratic Separatist body was around to sign the terms. Its Ruling Council had not only refused to surrender, but refused orders from Dooku (Sidious had likely told them of his betrayal). Nute Gunray, Wat Tambor, Shu Mai, San Hill, and the rest were demanding conditional terms for their cooperation, terms far too lenient to accept.
The Trade Federation, Commerce Guild, Techno Union, Corporate Alliance and the other guilds were no longer united, but each hoped to carve out their own sphere of influence and could present a major thorn in the Republic's side. Especially since they still controlled multitudes of worlds in the middle and outer rims, with millions of battle droids at their disposal.
Compounding all of this was trouble in the military. 90% of the army had been dechipped, but the Kaminoans had sued in Galactic court, claiming that the emancipation law passed months prior was unconstitutional and the clones were their property. The judge, a Palpatine appointee, approved a preliminary hearing. Upon hearing this news, multiple divisions called upon the Acting Chancellor to remove Kamino from the Republic, and keep his promise to reward them…or else.
"My," Obi-Wan muttered, after hearing all of this. "That is quite a lot."
"We've heard of no threats of defection from anyone in our legions," Anakin told him.
"Yes, but you have formed strong bonds with your clones. Not every battalion can say the same," Bail pointed out. "Many of these men have been fighting for months with little or no relief."
He stood from his desk and called over TC-70, taking a series of holo documents and propping them on the wide, black polished desk. Blue-colored documents dotted in Galactic Basic rotated around the room for all to see. These were followed by multi-colored graphs.
"Since it was revealed that Palpatine was the most crooked leader the Republic has ever elected, public support for the war has plummeted."
"It was never strong to begin with," Satine muttered.
"Most were willing to place their trust in a strong figure," Bail said, well aware by now of the game the dead Sith Lord played. "People despised the Senate and loved the Chancellor. Now they don't trust anything."
The law of unintended consequences was in full effect. Studying the Jedi's grim but introspective expressions, Bail didn't blame them one bit for eliminating Palpatine. The man left them no choice. As a final middle finger to his enemies, he'd left a mess more complicated than the one he'd created.
"We're ready to do whatever it takes to bring the remaining Separatists to justice," Anakin said immediately.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple," Danu said, adjusting his turban. "Senator Amidala and I were both on the finance committee during the war. We are currently running a deficit far too high to continue indefinitely by raising our borrowing limit or lowering interest rates."
"Those rates are already at near zero," Padme noted with significance.
"Even with the banks under Republic control, we could not fund the government at current levels without reducing entitlement programs and public education. That or we'd have to hike taxes, " Bail said to emphasize how unpopular both options would be. "Palpatine likely would have absorbed them to create an unlimited source of credit, but long term such a strategy would lead to ruin…"
It did not go unnoticed that Obi-Wan and Anakin caught each other's eye after saying this. If the story of Luke Ahch-To was true, perhaps that's exactly what Palpatine had done.
"There is another option," Lux Bonteri floated.
"No."
Mon immediately shot down the subtle hint. Bail quickly explained.
"Under the Emergency Relief Act passed three years ago, the authority still rests in me to make unilateral decisions without the consent of the Senate."
"It would only be temporary," Lux said quickly.
"Palpatine said the same thing." Padme's rebuke was sharp. "We cannot undermine what little legitimacy we have left by behaving the same way he did."
"But if he gives in to the Separatist's demands, it would put us in a weak position," Bel Ilba argued. "The Republic cannot accept the surrender of slime such as Gunray without consequences or asking for financial restitution."
"And yet, if they are allowed to run wild, the corporate guilds could become modern-day warlords," Satine argued back. "They hold enormous assets, and entire systems are under their control."
"We can use the army to protect vital trade routes and the Core Worlds."
"It is the greed of the Core Worlds that led to this conflict in the first place-"
Bail raised a hand in a demonstration of his newfound authority, and everyone obeyed. The Jedi said nothing, allowing the politics to play out. Organa cleared his throat before continuing.
"As you can see, we're in a moral, legal, and political bind. It seems, in a grand stroke of irony, that we are right back where we started three years ago. I cannot call for new elections without compromising public safety, and I cannot gain the trust of our people unless democratic reforms are implemented."
"Maybe there's a shutdown mechanism for the droids?" Ahsoka suggested. "Dooku might know."
"If there is, he's been unwilling to share."
These words spread a silence across the suite, and Bail's instincts saw they were getting to the heart of why this meeting had been called. Yoda perked up, ever so slightly, but said nothing.
"We might have a solution. Or rather a series of solutions," said Ahsoka.
"Oh?"
Ahsoka unclipped her utility belt and floated over a gray circular device to the edge of the desk. Bail recognized it as a personal recording beacon. He raised an eyebrow at the Jedi.
"We will leave you to the contents," was all Obi-Wan said before the recording began to play.
The blue visage of Luke Skywalker popped into view. He gave a small smile, one that matched his light blue eyes, though the hologram could not hide how watery they were. For the Senators, having been briefed on the man's supposed death, it was quite the shock. Padme's face lost what little color had returned to it.
'Hello there.'
"Son of a Hutt, he stole my line," Obi-Wan muttered. Anakin simply gazed longingly at his offspring.
'To those watching this, I've departed from this world by now. I'm sorry it had to be this way but…to be quite honest, I had a hunch something like this was coming. The nature of my mission depended on secrecy, and I couldn't risk that being compromised before certain 'loose ends' were taken care of.
This recording was only designed to last a month before I programmed it to erase itself. If anyone other than the Jedi Order were to try to access the device, it would have self-destructed.'
That raised a few eyebrows. But Luke only smiled, implying his unbreakable faith that the right people would find his last testimony.
'The good news is, by the extension of this message being discovered, it means you've won. Sidious is gone, and the Sith's plan has been foiled. That being said, I also imagine that his death has also caused other, unforeseen problems. After all, Sidious merely took advantage of the greed and corruption that already existed. A symptom, not the disease itself.
I know that after my passing, which is coming sooner rather than later, that whatever knowledge of the future I have will die with me. Therefore, now is the time for me to divulge this knowledge in order to aid you in building a better galaxy and avoid a repeat of the events that led to my decision to travel the halls of time.'
Several Senators who were not privy to Luke's true nature, raised their eyebrows so high they disappeared into their hats as he spoke.
'I was born two rotations after Empire Day, a totalitarian state created from the ashes of the Republic by Sheev Palpatine, who reigned as Emperor for over two decades. He was able to frame the Jedi for attempted assassination after they discovered his true identity as a Sith Lord. By use of the inhibitor chips built into the clone army and protocol 66, 99% of the Jedi were wiped out in a single hour.'
Yoda hung his head sadly. Anakin's head drifted downwards, refusing to look at anyone.
'As a result, Palpatine, who at this point had amassed total power, had no one to oppose him. His empire came to dominate the entire galaxy, establishing a so-called 'peace' after three years of bloody war. But this was a lie, of course. 'Peace' came only at the barrel end of a blaster. And it didn't take long for the Empire's true, soulless nature to take shape.
In the twenty-three years that followed, freedom of speech, the press, and assembly were abolished. The Senate acted as little more than a proxy for Palpatine's whims, a mirage designed to convince people that democracy still existed. The Core Worlds were able to profit from favorable conditions, but businesses and planets who refused or couldn't pay crushing taxes, were absorbed and liquidated. Most of these were in the Middle and Outer Rim.'
Bail took note of that (Satine gave a side glance to Bel Iblis). A majority of the Confederate strongholds were from systems in those areas. That they fought so hard for independence only for their leader to exploit them even worse than before. There was a sad cruelty to it.
'Worst of all, slavery was legalized again.'
Anakin's hands balled into such tight fists the furniture began to crack. Obi-Wan quickly had to reach out to comfort his brother. Slowly, they unclenched, and the temperature of the room cooled.
'This is the first lesson I wish to impart. Slavery is officially outlawed by the Republic, but this practice is allowed to fester in sectors farthest from the reach of Coruscant. The Hutt clans cannot have free reign in exchange for political convenience. The prohibition of slavery should be enforced everywhere in the galaxy. I predict you all know this by now, but this also includes the clone troopers and their inhibitor chips. The Kaminoans too, must be held accountable.'
'The second…the Republic must be reformed to regain the trust of the people. In my time, after the Empire fell, the new government did not take proper steps to prevent the same bureaucratic rot that plagued the Old Republic. There was mass disarmament and integration of ex-Imperials, but this left us vulnerable and defenseless for when new threats arrived. I cannot emphasize enough that whatever government follows after I'm gone, it must project peace and strength. Otherwise, another war is likely. We defeated fascism but only stuck bandages on open wounds. Citizens must see a real attempt at change before they can believe in their representatives once more.'
Luke shifted uncomfortably.
'There's also something else that the Republic, specifically Bail Organa, should be aware of. In the future that I come from, Alderaan was destroyed.'
Now that, he had not expected. He turned towards Mon and Padme, who wore expressions of the gravest kind. Chuchi even gasped.
'It was destroyed through the use of a super weapon known as the Death Star. The plans for this weapon were created by the Geonosians, later given to Count Dooku. If he is still alive, he might know where to find them. If not, it's urgent that they're found before anyone can attempt to build this monstrosity.'
Bail debated just how much of this he would tell Breha. How much did he want to? Palpatine had gone so far as to build something that could destroy a planet to keep dissidents in line? Such implications were too horrifying to comprehend…
But Luke was not done delivering his monologue. It was here he took a deep breath as a flicker of fear filtered through the hologram. A chill went down Bail Organa's spine and back up.
'In my time, I have come to suspect that Sidious found a way to cheat death. At first, I thought this was impossible, but the New Republic found evidence that he'd poured huge sums of money into various cloning projects. It was assumed he failed but…the darkness came back…stronger and more powerful than before.
'I was complicit in this as much as anyone. Instead of taking the opportunity to take the Order in a different direction, I relied too much on old texts and tradition. Befuddled by growing evil, limited by my own knowledge, my nephew fell to the dark side. The Jedi Order that I led was wiped out, and the galaxy plunged into its third civil war in thirty years.'
Though Luke's message was addressed to no one in particular, everyone in the room knew that the Jedi Order was the recipient of his next warning.
'Master Yoda, Obi-Wan and others- take this opportunity to grow and redefine what it means to be a knight of our order. A Jedi must have the deepest commitment. A Jedi must be a keeper of the peace, as opposed to a soldier. A Jedi must also be allowed to form healthy attachments; they should not seek to ignore their dark side but acknowledge and control it...Stagnation and wishful thinking destroyed us…twice. If we do not learn from our mistakes, the Sith will rise again.
'We must also never underestimate or assume that our enemy is gone forever. Though the line of Bane is defeated, the dark side will always ensnare certain individuals. To prevent the return of our ancient enemy, we need to address the root cause of why so many join them.
'Lastly, if you haven't already, search Palpatine's office, his suite on 500 Republica, and other hideouts he stashed across the galaxy. I know where most of them are, though some may not be exactly the same in this timeline. I've attached a database on this device. All traces of Darth Sidious must be wiped out for the galaxy to be safe.'
Bail saw Master Yoda's ears flicker. His species didn't have many tells, but he was almost certain the Grandmaster would follow Luke's advice. He felt a spark of hope for the first time since voting out Palpatine from office.
Nothing prepared his heart for the massive emotional swan song.
'I'd like to use the last few minutes to address my mom and dad.'
Anakin and Padme went still, paying rapt attention to the hologram. The latter's hand instinctively went towards her belly.
'I was born on an asteroid field and raised on Tatooine by my Uncle Lars and Aunt Beru. I grew up in a moisture farm, loved and cared for. But I never knew my birth parents. Just vague stories about my father fighting in the Clone Wars. My mother was a complete mystery. I was told both of you were dead.
At age 19, I was accidentally dragged into the Galactic Civil War by Obi-Wan Kenobi….
(It was here that Obi-Wan looked a bit sheepish from Padme's glare)
'…and joined the rebellion. My adventures were…unbelievable,' Luke said with a nostalgic smile. The room proceeded to hear stories about rescuing a princess, befriending a smuggler and his wookie companion, piloting ships, leading battles, and destroying a space station. Yoda and Obi-Wan were captivated by tales about two eccentric wizards, the Jedi Masters who trained Luke to bring freedom back to a galaxy in such desperate need of it. To restore balance. Bail was personally thankful that Luke had the tact not to mention Anakin's connection to 'Darth Vader.'
'I redeemed my family, and later rebuilt the Jedi. In doing so, I became a legend. The son of two people that I never met, yet were regarded as icons. Great things were expected. But for all my accomplishments and the blood in my veins, I was not able to avoid making fatal mistakes of my own. The hole, left by absent parents and mentors, went deep as time passed.
This is not to make anyone feel guilty. For all the horrible things that happened, my time in this universe is something I cherish. That's the greatest gift life can give: to spend it among the people you love. I only ask that you give my counterpart the life he deserves. Raised and loved by his mother and father.'
A youthful smirk played on Luke's lips.
'Actually, I have to request something else. Whatever you do, don't let him open mouth kiss his sister.'
Ahsoka barked out a laugh. Obi-Wan barely held in a snort. Even Yoda couldn't suppress a frog-like giggle.
'I know that you're going to be amazing parents.'
Luke's face, even through the blue staticness of the hologram, was stained with tears.
'The Siege of Mandalore is tomorrow, and I sense I won't have another opportunity to create another message afterwards. I love you both more than the stars themselves. May the Force be with you.'
The message shut off, leaving a weight heavier than the combined sum of the people occupying the room. Anakin and Padme could not hold back their own tears, consoled by each of their respective institutions (this being Obi-Wan and Satine). Instinctually, Bail let several minutes pass before Master Yoda spoke for the first time.
"Perhaps, now the time is for a respite."
He could not have agreed more.
"I concur, Master Yoda," he said quietly. "I think it also goes without saying that what we heard stays in this room."
Giving an empathetic smile to a puffy-eyed Padme, who joined hands with her husband, Bail nodded at Obi-Wan and Satine as a gesture of good faith that they would see to the well-being of their friends. No Senator said anything as they exited, not even the fiery Bel Iblis (though he did try to catch his attention). Bail needed time to ponder the full potency of what he'd just heard.
"TC-70, fetch me a glass of water and pain relief."
"Yes, sir."
It turned out he would need that fourth aspirin in as many days.
Kudos to anyone who remembers that Luke was about to leave a final message about 17 chapters ago.
Yeah, Anakin still has a lot to work through. So does everyone really. But the good news is that they're alive and have each other. And maybe, just maybe, they won't screw things up.
Lots of fluff to come in upcoming chapters. I hope to have two updates in October, as the next chapter will be shorter compared to this one.
Stay tuned and rock on!
~The Wasp