Chapter 15 - Palpatine

DISCLAIMER: We (unfortunately) do not own Star Wars. :P

Author's Note: In which Sheevy is being skeevy, as a friend put it once. ;)

I hope I didn't offend anyone in the last chapter by my response to Ahsoka/Padme. In canon, they had a mother-daughter relationship, and the thought of twisting that into something romantic, even if it's in another universe is repulsive to us. Besides, both of them are extremely independent women, and the chances of either one of them actually being able to think about the other person instead of herself is... not high. It would cause an enormous amount of strive, and it would end in tears and heartbreak for both of them. I wanted to give Ahsoka someone who could understand and relate to her. Kitster is that person. They both grew up in slavery, and as an added plus, they were close friends when young. Kitster protected Ahsoka from many horrible things which could have happened, given that she's a Togruta. Ahsoka and Padme both need someone who is passive, who will give in to them. Kitster will for Ahsoka in this fic, and Anakin was that way for Padme in canon. I hope that makes sense to y'all! :)

Many thanks to loldelegate here on ff. net who has been giving us advice and suggestions for this fic! We never could have made so many unique plans without you! :D

~ Amina Gila

Ahsoka would be lying if she said she wasn't eager to meet with the Chancellor again. It's been awhile since they've been able to properly converse, and it's far easier for her to share her grievances with him than with anyone else. "Ahsoka, my dear, it is so good to see you," Palpatine greets her as she enters the antechamber of his office for their meeting over lunch. "It feels like it's been so long since we've been able to talk."

"Yes, it's been a very busy and stressful month," Ahsoka replies with a quiet laugh as she sits down opposite Palpatine at a window table. Their food has already been brought, so they're left to speak relatively undisturbed.

"So, tell me, Ahsoka, how have you been?" The Chancellor's voice holds nothing but concern, and Ahsoka can't quite help the little thrill of pleasure, knowing that he actually cares. He cares about her, even though she doesn't know how she can possibly be important enough. It doesn't really matter though, does it? She'll use all of the resources at her disposal to try and achieve her ultimate end goal: ending the war.

"It has been... hard to lead as a general," she admits, preferring to look down at her food than at the elder man across from her. "There is so much death all the time, and I've lost so many men, so many friends." She tries to hide the bitterness, hide how lost and helpless she feels, but she's quite certain that he hears all of it.

"I'm sorry," Palpatine says quietly. "I suppose that is the price the Jedi must pay being as they're leading the army. Do the other Jedi feel as you do?"

Ahsoka bites her lip and gives a helpless shrug. "I don't think so," she replies at last. "They dislike the war and the role they have to play in it, but they don't feel the loss as I do." She thinks briefly about Anakin, about the stricken look on his face when the clones were dying around him and feels as if she's not quite as alone as she'd initially thought. "I -" Her voice trails off, and she hesitates, wondering if she should voice her thoughts about Anakin as well. She doesn't want to take up too much of Palpatine's time, and Anakin isn't really relevant anyways, is he?

"Go on, my dear," Palpatine prompts after a moment of silence. "You can tell me anything, you know. I want to know what's on your mind."

She caves in. "The Council wanted me to take a Padawan," she tells him with an incredulous laugh. "They didn't even ask; they simply sent him with the instructions that I was to train him."

The Chancellor looks vaguely horrified. "That's horrible," he exclaims. "Surely they must understand how stressful it is for you to be leading an army? They push you too hard, I'm afraid. I don't think anyone in your place would be able to fight as well as teach a child."

"Yes, exactly," Ahsoka agrees, shaking her head, finally looking up at him for a moment. Their eyes meet. "I told Obi-Wan that I'm still adjusting to being a Knight and that I wanted to wait longer before training a Padawan, especially with the war going on. I told him that I didn't want to have a funeral for a child I am responsible for, simply because I was unable to protect him properly during the battle. Anakin, that's the Padawan's name. Anakin Skywalker. He's -" she pauses, searching for the right words to express her thoughts on the boy. It's hardly been any time, and she finds herself drawn to him, to his inner light.

"He's different," she settles on at last. "He's incredibly gifted, more so than any other Jedi I've seen. He handled himself admirably when we returned Rotta to Tatooine. I watched him when he was in his fighter, and he's the best pilot I have ever seen. He could outfly me any day, and it really took me by surprise."

"He sounds like an interesting child," the Chancellor replies thoughtfully. "I don't suppose you took him as your Padawan though?"

"No," Ahsoka says with a chuckle, "I didn't. I don't have ability to train someone so powerful, at least not yet. Maybe in the future I might. Obi-Wan took him. I asked him to."

Palpatine hums quietly, and they lapse into a short silence while they eat. "You're more powerful than he is, Ahsoka," he tells her. "I have said many times that you are the most powerful Jedi. I can understand why you might strive to control your own power, but surely you will be able to understand this child's struggles better than your former master?"

Ahsoka finds herself floundering momentarily. She'd never thought about it like that before, and she tells him as much. "I never considered that I might be able to understand him better than Obi-Wan," she admits, "But I'm sure I'll be giving him some guidance if Obi-Wan ever sends him with me on a mission, like I expect he will. Anakin is reckless - there's no doubt about that - but I'm... it's surprising how well he's able to handle himself, given his young age."

"So, he's very gifted," Palpatine surmises, tapping on the side of his glass with a finger. "If you ever find the opportunity, I should very much like to meet him myself."

She brightens. "Of course, Chancellor. It would be my pleasure to arrange a meeting. Perhaps the next time I come speak with you, I might bring Anakin with me, if he wishes to come."

"Yes, of course," he agrees, "I would hardly wish to meet him against his will." They are both silent for another few minutes before Palpatine speaks up once more. "When I think about this Padawan you are speaking of, I find myself thinking that you would make the best teacher for someone so obviously skilled."

Ahsoka winces, a pang of guilt spearing through her. Did she make a wrong decision when she chose to ask Obi-Wan to train Anakin? "Perhaps I should have thought about it more carefully," she confesses, turning one of her utensils over in her fingers.

"I'm not saying you made a bad decision," the Chancellor calms her. "I agree that you would not be ready to instruct and care for a child in these times; I am only remarking that the child might do better under your care than under someone else's." He leans back in his chair, and Ahsoka looks up at him again. "For his skills to fully develop and make him a true asset on the battlefield, he could probably benefit from the guidance of someone who understands the kind of power he might be dealing with."

Oh. Is that what he means? He's trying to teach her how to value a person's skills and abilities, so she can use them effectively? Normally, it might make her uncomfortable, but this is war. Strategy means everything. "I think I understand."

Palpatine smiles. "I knew you would."

They eat in silence for a few minutes before Ahsoka looks up, clearing her throat and tapping lightly on the table with her fingers as she gathers her thoughts. "I've thought a lot about the war and how it will impact the galaxy," she admits. "I'm not a politician, and nor do I have the knowledge to make a proper deduction, but I don't see how it will do anything other than completely ruin the Republic and Confederacy."

The Chancellor's expression is both curious and indulgent. "Please, explain your reasoning to me," he urges. "I, too, have considered the long-lasting effects of the war, and I agree that the damage will be extensive."

Pleased and emboldened by the support, Ahsoka dives ahead. "The Republic is paying Kamino for the clones, of course, and I don't know how much the cost is, but the longer the war goes on, the costlier it will be. The same is true for the Separatist Alliance," she points out. "Both sides will be losing a lot of money, money which could have been better spent on the many suffering worlds on both sides. Economically, it could ruin both sides. I've never studied economy, at least not in depth, but the banks are the only ones who I can see making a profit. Everyone else will lose. It's - I think it's imperative that we try to find a resolution as fast as possible."

"Very insightful, my dear," Palpatine complements, a look of mild surprise on his face. "For one so young, you have an excellent grasp on the politics of the war. You are absolutely right. The banks will be winning the most during this conflict, and when the war is brought to a close, the banks will be the ones to loan money for the recovery period."

Ahsoka nods, looking down as a wave of sadness washes over her. She's fought in many battles, and she's seen firsthand how worlds are devastated by the war. It needs to end. Someone has to do something. "There is so much devastation," she agrees, sighing. "So many lives have been lost on the worlds, not to mention the complete demolition of entire cities... The Republic does what it can to minimize damage, but the Separatists have so such compulsion." She hesitates. "I actually cannot say that about the Republic. I know that I do my best, and the few Jedi I have worked with try as well, but they do not seem to be nearly as concerned about the monetary damage which is caused."

"That is surprising," comments Palpatine with a frown. "The Jedi have long been called peacekeepers. I thought them to care about everyone and everything."

She barely refrains from snorting. "Ideally, yes, but practically, no." She might be a Jedi, but she is not blind to the Order's flaws. "There are many worlds in the Outer Rim which have slavery, and the Jedi have done nothing to free them. During all my years at the Temple, I didn't once hear about a campaign to fight slavery anywhere." It's long been a source of great bitterness to her, seeing how the Jedi aren't even close to the saviors and heroes she had always imagined. "And perhaps they do care, but they care for 'the greater good.' They don't care for individuals, not the way I do."

"This has clearly been troubling you for a while," notes the Chancellor, and she gives him a wan smile in response.

"Yes, it has. The Jedi are nothing like what I had thought they would be. They're not bad people, not at all. They just aren't seeing things the way they should be. The Force is... unrested." Her brow furrows as she reaches out with her senses, trying to put into words what she's been sensing for years. "It's in a turmoil, but I feel like I'm the only one who listens to it. I - I think it is upset with how the Jedi are currently acting."

"Have you spoken to anyone about this? I would assume not. They would never listen to you, would they?"

She shakes her head. "No to both questions." Leaning back against her chair, Ahsoka glances sideways out the window for a moment. "Obi-Wan would never listen to me. He hardly even listens to me as it is, and about something like that, no. Never."

"How do you feel about the Jedi leading the war?" Palpatine asks curiously.

"I'm not sure," she confesses. "I don't mind personally, because I'm actually making a difference. I've heard - though I do not know firsthand - that many Jedi are struggling to adjust to military leadership. We were not meant to be warriors, after all. It's not a job for us, if I'm being honest."

"So, you don't think the Jedi should be involved?"

"Not really... The clones are trained soldiers while many Jedi are not. It's difficult for them to become accustomed to working with one another, and many Jedi are falling to the war as a result. Clones too." She looks at Palpatine again, noting that while his expression is thoughtful, there's a hint of something dark in his eyes. It's unsettling, so she shakes it off, turning her mind back to thoughts of the war.

"I think we need to try and find an alternate way to end the Clone Wars," Ahsoka says to him. "Do you think there's a chance that the Republic could try to work out a peace treaty with the Separatist Alliance?" She doesn't trust many politicians, but Palpatine is one who she definitely does. She's known him from the time she was young, and she trusts that he'll be able to work towards whatever is best. The Republic is corrupt - she can see that - and the Senate will do nothing. Palpatine can, and she thinks that he will. He has the necessary power to make changes; it's simply a matter of playing the game just right.

"It... is a possibility, I suppose, but perhaps that would not be in the galaxy's best interests?" Palpatine suggests mildly.

Ahsoka jerks, shocked by his words. "Why would you think that?"

"I, and many others, are seeing the corruption within the Republic," the Chancellor confesses. "The war is horrible, and I would very much like for it to end, but what if it's not what the galaxy needs? I have thought about it sometimes. Because of the corruption, many systems grew discontent and left the Republic under the leadership of Count Dooku. However, the Separatist Alliance also has much corruption; the Trade Federation is a part of it, and you well know what they did to Naboo when you were but a child."

"Are you saying that you're not exactly against the Separatist movement?" she inquires, surprised.

"No, but they're not really any less corrupt than we are. They could have been, but they are not." Palpatine pauses for a moment, looking contemplative. "Have I ever told you that I knew Dooku before he left the Order?"

"Really?" She can barely hide her shock. "No, I didn't know that."

Palpatine smiles slightly, the smile a bit melancholy. "We had lengthy discussions about politics. He was always very outspoken to me about the corruption he could see in the Senate. He told me that the Republic would fail. I didn't believe him, and I still don't, but I do believe that we need to make some drastic changes. When Dooku left the Order, I thought he was planning to get involved in politics to make the changes he was always speaking about." He chuckles mirthlessly. "Then, he became the leader of the Confederacy."

Ahsoka is soaking in all of the information like a sponge does water. She's never heard any of this in the past, but it gives her a totally different opinion about everything. It's clear to her that the war does need to end, though she has no idea how to go about achieving that goal. "Do you think Dooku still wants to fix the corruption, or do you think he's been blinded by power?"

Palpatine shrugs. "I couldn't answer that, but when I knew him, the Count never seemed like the kind of man who would let the power at his disposal influence how he behaves."

She's long thought of Dooku as evil, but she supposes she could be wrong. An idea forms in her mind; it's unthinkable and outrageous, but it's still... a possibility. "What if we could talk to him?" she suggests, leaning forwards, her meal all but forgotten. "What if we could find a way to contact him and see if he really wants to restore peace to the galaxy, or if he only wants power?"

If the Chancellor is surprised by her words, he doesn't show it. She doesn't feel a flicker of it in the Force. "It is a possibility, I suppose," he says at last, eyes distant as he thinks. "If you ever have a chance to speak with him, it wouldn't hurt. Use your Jedi senses and see if you can determine his end goals. The war will go on unless both sides manage to fight for peace together. Both Senates are corrupt; too many are seeking power and money instead of looking out for the galaxy. You know this."

Ahsoka takes a deep breath. More and more the war is shaking her beliefs, making her question everything which she thought she'd stood for. If she can't fight for the Republic - or the Separatists - what does she have left? "I don't want to believe that the war is necessary," she admits, voice barely audible. "I've lost so many of my men, and I don't think I can ever accept that it's a necessary evil. They're sapient beings, just like you and me, and I can't just... let them die because their sacrifices are needed."

"No, my dear," Palpatine smiles faintly. "I could never expect you to accept it. I am doing everything I can, but it will take something of monumental proportions to actually result in the necessary changes."

"I trust you," she states with conviction. "If you need my assistance, you know I'll be more than willing to help."

"I know," he replies. "Perhaps you had best start by watching for opportunities to speak with Dooku. If you even suspect that he has been compromised and will not help end the war and restore peace, you should try to kill him. He's far too dangerous to remain alive. And, of course, it goes without saying that you cannot reveal this to anyone."

"I'll take care of it," Ahsoka promises adamantly; she has no reason to object. "Is there anything else which you want me to do?"

Palpatine smiles again, and this time, it's not the caring smile he gives her, but one of a crafty politician who has just gained leverage over his opponents. If it was directed at her, she'd be unsettled, but it's not. They're working together. "Would you have any objections to speaking on the holonews regarding your beliefs about the war and how the Republic should end it?"