Chapter 5 - Order

Author's Note: The beginning of the end. ;)

~ Amina Gila

"When I mentioned coming to Naboo again together, I was hoping it wouldn't be for something like this," Padme says.

"We should have expected," Anakin points out, watching the passing trees and waterfalls far below as he flies the shuttle from Theed out to where Jar Jar is waiting, so they can go to Gungan City. Predictably, he's here because of war again. This time, because the Gungans are considering marching on Theed, obviously due to some prompting from the Separatists. They can only hope they'll be able to calm down the new Gungan leader before things go that far.

Padme looks none too happy as she nods. "How's Ahsoka been doing?" she queries, "You mentioned that she... left to explore the galaxy on her own."

Anakin couldn't really explain the details of what Ahsoka was really doing, after all. No one can know the details. He told Obi-Wan and the boys, of course, but other than that they've been... vague about it. There's no point talking about it unless they find something, anyway. "She's trying to find a path beyond the Order," he answers, after a pause, "She's been searching for remnants of what Force users used to be like, before organized orders were created."

"You think there's still traces of that?" she asks, surprised, "It was so many millennia ago."

"She found a lead in the Archives. She went to that planet and found ancient writings in the Jedi Temple there, about Force users who once roamed far deeper in Wild Space. She's been searching for any other such evidence for some time."

"Has she found anything?"

"Not that I have heard." Ahsoka hasn't called him in a while, but he can still feel their bond pulsing with life, so he knows she's alright. That doesn't mean he doesn't wish she was still with them sometimes. Taking care of Ahsoka has been a constant part of his life – and Rex's and the others – since almost the beginning of the war. It's strange to not have her right next to him, to have to constantly worry that she might run into something she can't overcome alone, even if nothing's happened yet.

He misses her, but what she's doing is important too, and he knows it's not forever. Even if it's been dragging on for several months now.

Sometimes it's hard to believe it has been months since they crashed on the machine planet. Everything has changed since then. The bond he's formed with the clones since then is even deeper than it was before.

"Must be different having her gone," Padme comments.

"Yes," he agrees, "But this is her choice." Sometimes, he wonders how many of the clones who still fall too fast for him to save could still be alive if Ahsoka were here, but she never should've had to fight on the front lines in the first place. None of the padawans should have.

He'd had to grow used to the very real fear that something could happen to her out here, and in that way, it's almost relieving that she's not still fighting.

"I'll be curious to know what you find," she remarks, "History from that long ago is something occasionally depicted in art on Naboo – probably inaccurately."

"If she finds something, I will tell you." Or at least whatever he can.

The lake that leads into Gungan city is right up ahead, so for now, they have a planet to save.

... Typical day.

**w**

Anakin knows something's wrong from the moment he got into Gungan city, though he can't say he fully anticipated what it was. When Padme told him that there were rumors the Gungans were planning to attack their human neighbors, he suspected from the start it had something to do with Mon Cala.

No doubt, retaliation by the Separatists for the Gungans going to help.

That doesn't mean he really expected a Separatists infiltrator mind-controlling the temporary Gungan leader, because apparently, that's possible. He definitely didn't expect to track the traitor up to the surface, or to track him to... what must be a secret base of some sort, hidden right on Naboo.

He'd felt the Dark Side in faint wisps since he came, and when he follows Rish Loo into the darkness of the underground cavern, he knows why.

Dooku turns towards him after extinguishing his lightsaber – the one he just used to stab the Gungan traitor, and it makes Anakin sick to see, even if he knows Separatists are horrible to their allies as well. "Skywalker," he greets pleasantly, cape swishing as he walks forwards, "You are nothing if not persistent."

"Why," Anakin replies evenly, lightsaber in hand, but he hesitates to ignite it. "Have you brought the war to Naboo?" Dooku will attack him, no doubt, and for now, he'll wait for the Sith to make the first move. Once, he would've jumped right into it, because as a Jedi, that's what he's been told to do, but now? Things have... changed. He has changed, because he no longer sees the Sith and the Dark Side the same way he once did.

"The war started here, many years ago," Dooku muses. The lamps lighting the room make it look ominous, but Anakin isn't deterred.

Dooku might just be misguided, maybe, but he's still chosen to bring untold damage to the galaxy. "Were you a part of that?" Anakin asks, because he needs to know. If Dooku was involved in Qui-Gon's death, then there's no question of how lost he is. Qui-Gon was his padawan. They had to have cared about each other.

Dooku ignites his lightsaber, and Anakin stands across from him, igniting his own. "You still have much to learn, young Skywalker," he chides, "The Sith control everything."

"So, you've said," Anakin answers, lightsaber raised now. The Dark Side can twist people to hurt those closest to them. He... understands that now. He's tasted its power himself, and it's... it's a part of the Force, but he knows exactly how dangerous it can be. "Did you kill Qui-Gon?" Indirectly, obviously, but he needs to know.

That's the first crack in his calm façade, and Anakin senses a flare of pain and grief and loathing. "Yes," he says, and it feels true, though if it's because it's the truth, or because Dooku thinks it is, to a point, Anakin doesn't know.

Nor does he know what to think about it.

Their blades clash with a shower of sparks, blue on red. Just like the previous times, it's a match of speed and strength and agility against skill and gracefulness. But things have changed, Anakin has changed, and he needs to find a way to end this war.

"You can stop this," Anakin says as their blades lock together. "You know it's what he would have wanted."

"The Council knew it was a trap," Dooku throws back, and Anakin suspects the only reason he's getting this... emotional about it is because they're here on Naboo, where it all started. He has felt Qui-Gon from time to time, despite the Jedi Master being dead, a constant and steady presence beside him. It's firm and grounding, and Anakin can swear he can feel him now, too. "They sent him here to his death."

"It's not too late," Anakin argues, stubbornly, because even if this is pointless, he can't let this go on. And for all that he thinks Dooku deserves to die, that isn't something Anakin can decide. It's something the Force itself will judge, not him, not anyone else. "You're destroying everything he stood for. Everything he wanted."

The Sith throws him across the room, and Anakin catches himself, pushing himself up as a group of MagnaGuards come at him. He lashes out instantly, catching them with the Force, feeling for weak points in their metal structures and circuitry, crushing them as one.

"Impressive," Dooku says neutrally, approaching.

"What isn't, is your continual insistence in burning the entire galaxy over some perceived wrongs," Anakin throws back. He breathes in and out deeply, struggling to stay calm, but Qui-Gon is always an emotional topic for him. He never couldn't be – he's the one who freed Anakin, who gave him a chance at life when no one else did.

"You know, more than anyone, of the failings of the Republic," Dooku asserts.

"I'm not going to join you," he replies flatly before the Count can get any funny ideas – oh, wait, he already has.

The duel carries on longer, much longer. Anakin isn't tiring, and he senses Dooku is, but not enough to stop. Dooku's skill and experience pays off well. It's not enough that Anakin can't beat, though.

The Count seems to realize that, too, because he finally falls back and runs away. Anakin gives chase, but he isn't able to stop him in time before his shuttle takes off. He can't help wondering, for a fleeting moment, as he stands, what... happened with Dooku and Qui-Gon, that led to that. It's obvious his once padawan still matters to him. But clearly not enough to do something to stop this senseless destruction.

Anakin heads back for the city. Jar Jar and Padme were trying to stop the fight before it broke out, and Padme is there to greet him when he arrives.

"We captured Grievous, but the droids launched an attack," she tells him, "They caught us off-guard. Only a few were lost, but Grievous escaped."

Anakin sighs. He isn't surprised, really, but it still is less than ideal. Somehow, it feels like nothing ever changes. "Well," he offers instead because it's the truth, "Naboo is safe. That's what matters."

She nods, and Anakin feels the tension drain out of her. "Yes," Padme agrees, smiling, "It is."

**w**

Anakin was expecting a call soon, but he didn't anticipate it being only days after leaving Naboo. "You won't believe this," Ahsoka announces excitedly, as he picks up her call. She's hitting a growth spurt now and sometimes, he could swear every time she calls, she looks just slightly taller. He can't help idly wondering how tall she'll be when they reunite. One day, she'll probably outgrow him and that's a more disturbing thought than he cares to admit. He always remembers her being so small.

"Another lead?" he asks, hopefully.

"Better than that," she replies, grinning, "I found another Temple that didn't seem so abandoned, like people go there from time to time. I was asking around a bit, and I got directions to... another planet that's apparently rarely visited, but sometimes, people visit from there. Strange, old wizards, they're called. Some of the natives worship them as gods or something. I think that's the planet we're looking for."

Did they really find this place? It sounds almost unbelievable, but she would've thoroughly searched before reaching such a conclusion. "I'll see if I can get a couple weeks off," Anakin says. They aren't in the middle of a battle right now, so the timing is almost too good to be real. It makes him wonder if this is the Force's way of indicating that they really are right. "Send me your coordinates."

Ahsoka grins. "See you soon, Master."

"You too, Snips." He can't believe they might've found this place – or that he's going to be with her again shortly.

Explaining to Obi-Wan where he's going is easy, and he offers to deal with any crises that arise in his absence. Though he doesn't let him go without a very stern warning not to do anything stupid or trust these people because what if they're nothing like this Order was meant to be anymore, either. Which is... a fair point, so Anakin gets why he's worried.

He owes Palpatine an explanation before simply disappearing indefinitely too, though.

"Since Ahsoka left, she's been researching ancient Force users. We may have found the remnants of one," Anakin explains, "I will likely be gone for some time."

"Remnants of a civilization or people who still practice their ways?" Palpatine clarifies, clearly surprised.

"We won't know until we go there, but I believe some people may be left."

"Are sure this is... wise?" Palpatine objects, frowning, "You don't know what these Force users could believe in. And I must say, the galaxy more than has its hands full with Dooku. We don't need more like him."

Anakin hesitates, reaching to the Force for an indication of what to do. Palpatine's not wrong. They don't know what they're getting into it. There's something... dark and chaotic in the very near future. What could that be? It's unsettling because he has no idea. And yet, he still thinks pursuing this is the path he's supposed to take. "I don't think they're anything like the Sith, but we'll be careful," he promises, then adds as an afterthought, "Perhaps they could even help bring the war to a faster end."

Palpatine seems to contemplate that for a few moments. "Perhaps," he muses, "Or it could only lengthen it. I am concerned about where this path may take, but if there is a threat, neutralizing them now would be ideal."

Anakin can't really explain why he doesn't believe it's something to worry about, so he just offers genuine thanks for his concern.

**w**

Rex doesn't know what to think about everything that's happened. That's been true from the start. Nothing is... the way he thought it was, and that's a difficult thing for any of the clones to accept. Granted, Fives seems to be taking it fine, as do some of the others who were already very chaotic and not rule-abiding from the start, but Rex has always done everything by the book.

He's gotten accustomed to twisting rules after working with his General so closely, but it's still hard to keep fighting when he keeps wondering.

He keeps thinking about Cut, and about everything their brother was telling him. Some of them do question the war, and always have. It isn't that he doesn't believe in what they're fighting for. It's just a question of who they're fighting for.

Their General has stayed with them through it, though, no matter how hard it is for all of them sometimes.

Ahsoka is gone, and Rex... misses her. She's been off for a while, searching for the alleged Gray Force Order that none of them are entirely certain exists anymore. It isn't that it's not something they can adapt to, also – it's just... strange. She's been with them since Teth, and she's very much become the center of their legion, of everything Rex has done. She might be their commander, but she's just as much their responsibility.

It would be easier to keep fighting, anyway, if Rex didn't find himself questioning everything. He trusts their General, though – trusts him with anything, and he knows Anakin does everything possible to protect them.

He can't say how much he appreciates that when no one else has ever done the same.

They've grown closer in some ways since everything happened, reaching a point where they confide with each other in things that are far more personal. More than anything Rex is used to, but he finds himself growing increasingly comfortable with it.

So, he's not surprised when Anakin comes to talk to him one day. "It's about Ahsoka," his General explains, "She found a lead, and she thinks it's a real one this time. She wants me to go there. I don't know how long I'll be away."

It's always when Anakin isn't here that Rex worries the most, because he never knows what will happen without their General. This is important, though, and he understands that. "I understand, sir," Rex replies immediately, "We'll be fine."

Anakin offers him a smile. "I know," he answers, "But I'll try not to be gone long, either way. I have the feeling something's about to change."

His General has those... feelings a lot, and that's something else about him Rex has long ceased questioning. Anakin is special in ways more than even normal Jedi.

"Change as in... how?" Rex queries.

"I don't know," Anakin confesses, "But can feel something coming. Something both good and bad. I don't know how much, but I don't like it."

And that, by default, means Rex immediately doesn't like it, either. "We'll be careful," he promises.

Anakin nods. "Yeah," he says, "Call me if something happens. I'll leave if I have to, if you need me."

Of course, he will. Rex just hopes that isn't something they'll have to worry about, but when do they ever get that fortunate?

**w**

Ahsoka is waiting impatiently as Anakin's shuttle lands. She darts to his side the moment he steps off the shuttle, throwing her arms around him. Anakin returns it just as fiercely.

It hasn't been that long, all things considered, but it certainly feels like it. They've never been apart very long before. "Hey, Skyguy," she greets, grinning.

He squeezes her tightly, stroking a hand down her back lekku, and she snuggles closer. "Hey, Snips."

"Feels like I've been away for forever," she says. It was lonely sometimes. She'd forgotten what it was like before she met Anakin, when she never constantly worked with someone she was close to.

"It's been a while," he agrees, resting his chin on her montrals. "I've missed you."

"I missed you, too," she murmurs, "How's Rex?"

"He's alright," Anakin assures, "The boys said they'd be fine for a little while."

Not that she thinks they'd ever say otherwise – if it was even a question, Anakin wouldn't've left immediately. "It's been kinda boring without you," Ahsoka tells him honestly. She misses him, and all the crazy adventures they're used to going on. "Everything's so quiet out here." The war hasn't even reached the edges of the galaxy here, though that's mostly because some of these systems don't have much outside interaction.

"It would likely be best if it stayed that way," Anakin points out.

"True," she agrees. Even if she'll admit that she's itching for some action. Ahsoka has... gotten used to that, even if it's probably not the best sign. She's adapted to war, and she misses its absence. "Are we ready to go?"

"We don't know what we're walking into," he cautions, as they lead for the shuttle. It could be anything, Ahsoka knows. And they're coming unannounced. She has no idea if they'll be welcome or not.

**w**

The planet has little sign of habitation, except in one small area. There's a large Temple-like structure rising near the center of it, and the surrounding area is home to a small civilization. Ahsoka can tell from the farms and occasional buildings, though nothing looks too technologically advanced. It almost feels like they're flying into something of millennia ago, as Anakin lands the shuttle a short distance away. She doesn't know why she almost expected something more... spectacular.

A Rodian approaches them as they step off the ramp. "We've been expecting you," she greets.

Anakin and Ahsoka exchange wary and uncertain glances. "We never told anyone we were coming," Anakin replies.

She waves him off. "The Force tells us that which others don't."

Ahsoka just looks at her former master and shrugs, having no idea what to make of this. Then again, these people are very, very different from what she's known, and Ahsoka knew from the start that this would show her things that she never knew before. That was literally the point of coming.

"My name is Haisana," the Rodian introduces, "Come. Master Chesta is waiting to speak with you."

"This place is weird," Ahsoka states flatly as they start walking. Silently, she just hopes this doesn't become another Mortis, because it already feels so similar. Far too similar for her to be comfortable with.

Haisana leads them into the Temple itself. People of many species are moving through the halls. She opens a door in a nearby hall – apparently, doors don't open by themselves – gesturing for them to enter.

"Welcome to Lytho," Chesta greets. He is a near human Arkanian, with white hair and eyes, and light skin. "What brings you here?"

How should they answer this? Can they even mention the machine?

"We heard of your existence," Anakin replies, and Ahsoka is grateful to let him do the talking just this once. "We came here to learn more of the Force."

"You are Jedi?" Chesta asks.

"Yes," Ahsoka volunteers, "Or I was, but I... left. My master still is."

"I can sense your intentions are genuine," Chesta muses, "You may remain as long as you desire, but I must caution you against letting many know of our whereabouts. We have lived in seclusion from the galaxy this long to... protect it."

"We won't tell anyone else, except maybe my own master if he wants to know more," Anakin says. "I understand why you've been living in hiding, but the galaxy needs help now."

"The war," he replies. "We have felt it. We can sense the chaos and destruction. We have considered intervening, but there are far greater threats beyond the galaxy that we must remain here to protect it from. But if you desire to learn and take this knowledge back to help your galaxy, you may."

Hopefully, this will help. She genuinely has no idea what they're about to be taught. "We won't let any of this fall into the wrong hands," she promises, anyway.

"Haisana can instruct you further." Chasta turns to the Rodian hovering in the doorway. "Help them settle in."

The Rodian motions for them to follow, stepping out of the room. "Your names?" she asks, curiously as she leads them to what looks like a garden of some kind.

"Anakin Skywalker."

"Ahsoka Tano," she offers, "What's your... rank here? Or how does that work?"

"We have the masters and the learners," Haishana replies, "I became a master years ago, but in the end, we're always learning more. Even we don't know everything about the mysteries of the Force."

Ahsoka never doubted that.

"How do we begin?" Anakin queries, glancing around the clearing they're standing in.

"Master Chesta would say the most important step is to unlearn what you think you already know."

"Master Yoda says that, too," Ahsoka interjects.

"From what I've heard of the Jedi, even they believe in limitations," Haishana replies, "The truth is, there is little you can't do with the Force, so long as you have the energy and knowledge to do so. It's your own physical limitations that prevent you from going that far. You need to stop letting your mind be the first limit."

Ahsoka immediately finds herself remembering Mortis, and what Anakin did there. "What does that mean?" she queries.

"Come," Haishana replies, moving towards a massive courtyard. "I will show you."

**w**

Haishana teaches them for a while before saying they can return to their ship if they'd like, or that they can come to her home if they want. Anakin opts for going back to their ship so they can have some space alone, to just reflect on everything.

He does understand what the Rodian is saying – that there's really nothing he can't do, and he's already been opening himself up to the Force far more than he once did, but he can tell there's still far more they could do if they had enough training.

Ahsoka's having a harder time with it because she's been taught the Jedi way her entire life.

"That was fun," Ahsoka says, dropping next to him on the ramp of the shuttle.

For all that he's exhausted from how much they were practicing with the Force, he entirely agrees. "Yes."

He feels free and open here, in a way that he never did at the Temple. Here, Anakin feels like he can be himself. These people have families. Close-knit ones, to the point of which Anakin has never seen before, but he wants that.

They've become accustomed to using the Force more, which is what they're being taught. Here, everyone uses it, even for small, simple things. The more they use it, the less tiring it becomes. It just takes practice, practice that, for some reason, the Jedi were discouraged from having.

It's then that Anakin suddenly senses something wrong. He doesn't know what it is, but danger is rapidly coming closer – it feels like it's about to lead to whatever darkness he sensed in the very near future.

He can see the people in the village beyond them running around now, looking up at the sky, and Anakin withdraws a pair of macrobinoculars to scan the skyline. Way up above them, he can just make out several Separatists ships.

What?! How did they get here?!

"What's happening?" Ahsoka demands, urgently.

"The Separatists are here."

"How?!" she yelps, jolting to her feet.

"I don't know, but we have to warn them –"

Except, he doesn't even have time to finish, before the first barrage of laser shots flash through the sky, violently striking the ground nearby, kicking up a cloud of smoke and ash. This – this is very bad.

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