Chapter 55 - The End of Everything

Author's Note: Things... are changing. For everyone. And that may not always be a good thing...

Did I mean that to sound ominous? Yes. Yes I did. :)

~ Amina Gila

Anakin knows something's wrong, even if he can't place what. He's accustomed to feelings like this, but something about this is stronger, more distinctive.

Alarm bells go off instantly when he sees Ahsoka's unusually tight expression, when she arrives for the celebration. "Anakin, I need to tell you something," she says.

Fear tightens inside him. "What is it?"

"The mission with Ferus," she replies, "Kalifa was killed."

What?!

He feels frozen, like her words came from far aware. Of course, he knows that his friends could die any day constantly, but usually, it's only the clones who are lost. Not that it hurts any less, but there's a part of him that always knows that one day, one of them will probably be... gone.

He's...never been that close with another Jedi before, except for her and her friends, and she's – she's dead. It feels unreal. He doesn't want to believe it. "How?" Anakin asks, faintly.

Ahsoka touches his shoulder, comfortingly, even if it's only a fleeting help. Not that there's much she could do that would help. It wouldn't change that Kalifa is gone. He can't imagine how hard this is going to hit Jinx and O'mer.

"The Council ordered us to leave the slaves we were trying to free, and focus on the Separatists instead – because the people weren't our interest," she replies, anger slipping into her voice, "We split up our forces because they were insistent. She... was lost, when Ferus was leading the attack by himself."

Anakin doesn't know how to feel to that, or what to say. He can't believe she could be gone.

"I'm sorry," she adds, squeezing his shoulder, gently, "But we need to go. There's a celebration to attend."

He still feels faint and mostly out of it, as he follows her to where everyone else is gathered. But he can't enjoy any of this anymore, even if he's obviously glad the people of Onderon have their planet back.

"Anakin? Ahsoka?" a voice asks, sounding surprised, and he looks up to see Lux approaching, followed by Mina.

"You're here?" Ahsoka asks, surprised, "I thought you supported the Separatists."

"Things are different now in the Senate, with Komari in charge," Mina interjects, "I do not believe in the Republic any longer, but Komari is not the legitimate leader of the CIS. We never elected her. Matters are... changing."

Oh.

Anakin should've expected that. Of course, some people on the other side wouldn't be happy with the change, when it's not what they wanted.

"Understandable," Ahsoka replies, "It's good to have you here."

"Nice to see you again, not as enemies," Lux offers, "I never thought we would be on the same side."

"I did not, either," Anakin admits. He doesn't want to talk, or be around anyone right now, except... maybe the other padawans. He needs to talk to them. But he hasn't seen Lux in a long time, and it is nice to see him again.

"I heard the king was considering aligning with the Republic," Ahsoka points out, obviously feeling for where they stand on the issue.

"To avoid an occupation again, it may be necessary, but that doesn't mean I believe in the system," Mina replies, "I don't believe there is hope to save it."

Anakin can't quite read the look that flits across Ahsoka's face. "Well, I suppose only time will tell."

She's not wrong about that, because he knows how far gone it is, but it still takes him slightly by surprise that she's willing to so freely speak of it. He can only hope she isn't right.

**w**

Anakin didn't take it well, not that Ahsoka expected otherwise. She's still angry too, though it's not nearly as personal. She can't help thinking about her conversation with the Bonteris either, though. This... the entire system is falling apart, and something needs to change.

Everything needs to change.

"I'm beginning to understand why you are... how you are," Ferus tells her, pausing in the hallway after leaving Kalifa's funeral. There's so many of them these days. And sometimes, the fallen Jedi don't even get one, if they're lost out in the field.

"Yes," she agrees, grimly, "I only wish it hadn't happened like this." They were never friends before, but she thinks they've become something of that now. He's far... darker than he used to be now, the light faded to something grey, depressed, and angry. He's lost both Siri and his padawan since the start of the war, so it's no surprise.

"It would not have happened, if not for Mundi's insistence that we abandon those people. I can't believe he even insisted that," Ferus replies, angrily.

"No, it wouldn't. The most we can do is fight to make sure something like this doesn't happen again."

"Yes, but that won't bring back who's already been lost." She's never seen this level of bitterness in him before. He's always been respectful of the Council, even when he had questions. Not that she can blame him for that. She lost respect for them a long time ago.

"Nothing can truly do that," Ahsoka replies, and for a moment, she finds herself thinking of her mother. Nothing she ever does can bring her back, even if sometimes, it feels like she's fighting for her, to make sure the same thing won't happen to anyone else. That's why she totally destroyed Zygerria, and she'd gladly do it again.

"No one else will even fight to honor their memories. This isn't going to lead to change," Ferus continues, "Will anything? Even if the war ends?"

The bluntness of the question surprises her, and it's... admittedly a good point. "I don't know that anyone's thought of what will happen after the war," Ahsoka answers, "But nothing will be the same as before. There's no question about that. The galaxy is falling beyond saving."

"What would you do?" he asks, crossing his arms.

Her?

It's almost funny someone's actually asking her opinion on that. "I think more serious steps will have to be taken, to reunite the galaxy." What that means, she doesn't know yet, but the sides seem incapable of working out their problems on their own. She'll do whatever she has to, if it means bringing peace. That's all she's ever done, no matter how much criticism she's gotten for it.

"And what of the Order?"

"I don't know," she replies, "They're too passive, but at the same time, active in military matters in a way they really ought not to be. I suppose it would be up to each of them, what they would want."

"We should be fighting; we should be doing more to actually help the people, but not fighting for a corrupt system," he answers, flatly.

"Exactly," Ahsoka concurs.

But there's really nothing they can do about that, even if it doesn't stop her... fear that at some point, the Jedi will stop being just incompetent, and start being an active problem. What that will mean for her and what actions she's going to take, she has no idea. But either way, what she told Ferus still stands. She'll do whatever she has to, for the galaxy.

**w**

He feels... strangely empty and numb. It'd be almost easier if he didn't have to think about it, but here in the Temple, all Anakin can hyperfocus on is the fact that Kalifa is gone. It's so, so wrong. She's the one who wanted to leave the Order. She wanted to go somewhere that it would feel like she mattered, wanted them all to go somewhere they'd be safe, even if they never felt comfortable leaving.

And now, she's the one that's gone.

The one who looked out for them all when they were captured together. She was their leader.

"I can't believe she's gone," Jinx admits finally, and standing here with Jinx, O'mer, and now, Barriss, it feels even more real to Anakin. Kalifa's loss is weight heavily on all of them.

"She made it the longest," O'mer murmurs. Anakin can't remember the last time he's seen a Jedi this shaken up over the death of a close friend. The bond they formed was... deeper, and different, then those of normal Jedi. They went through things that changed them. "What do we do?"

"Do?" Jinx echoes, "Nothing's changed."

"Actually, it has," Barriss interjects, "This is proof of what I've been fearing for so long, that the Jedi are falling from their way. Perhaps not all of us, but – but those in charge are, at least."

"Yeah," Anakin mutters darkly, and he hates himself for agreeing, but it's the simple truth. Force, he knew the Council was... no longer doing everything he thought they should, but this is proof. And now that Kalifa is dead because of it, Anakin can't even try pretending to be alright with it. She was his friend.

"She wanted to leave," Jinx adds quietly, "Staying feels like... it would be disrespect to her sacrifice, but where would we go? We don't know anywhere."

"I don't want to just walk out," Anakin replies, because he doesn't. He doesn't think he can do that. The Jedi freed him from slavery and leaving of his own feels wrong. He owes them that, even if Ahsoka claims that mentality is wrong. But he doesn't think he can handle being here like this much longer, either. "But somehow, I... don't think we'll be here much longer, anyway." And Anakin has no idea how to feel about that. It's unnerving. He's thought about leaving, but never in actuality.

He doesn't want to abandon Rex and the clones. Leaving Cody was hard enough already. They need him. How can he just leave?

"At least outside, I would feel like we are fighting a battle we could win," Barriss agrees bluntly. He's grateful she's being so open with them. He can't imagine what would've happened if she didn't start opening up, if she just bottled all this in. "Here, I'm not even sure we're fighting for the right thing."

Anakin doesn't like asking questions like that, because it means questioning if everything he's done, everyone he's killed, truly deserved to die. And for all that he tried to avoid it, that doesn't... change anything. And all the clones he's lead to their deaths? If this war was a lie, then everyone who died would've died for nothing. How can he have that on him?

"Likewise," he mutters anyway, sighing and leaning against the windowsill, staring out across the surface of Coruscant. The planet is so vast, but they can only see a tiny fraction of it. They only get to see the parts that aren't totally worn from poverty. Most Jedi don't realize how fortunate they are for living in the Temple, away from all of that.

"So, what should we do?" O'mer queries quietly.

"I think we need some time to meditate on it," Anakin answers, because that's all he can offer right now. "A lot's happened, and we need to think about this again with clear heads. We can't do anything rash. There are still people here who are counting on us, and I don't want to just walk away."

"I agree," Barriss concurs.

"Yeah," Jinx says, glaring out the window beside Anakin. He can sense the Twi'lek's anger and bitterness. Loss always hurts. This still feels different though. More.

He senses O'mer's unasked question of what happens if they don't have time to talk about this again, and Anakin is grateful he doesn't outright ask. As is, they're lucky enough they were able to make it together right after the funeral so they could talk. Most of the time, they're all off Coruscant. Anakin has no doubt he'll be gone soon again.

But it's true – what he said about not thinking they'll be here much longer, and Anakin doesn't know what to think about that, either. He doesn't like it.

**w**

"The Senate is preoccupied," Sidious tells Ahsoka, who, as always, is willing to bring all of her complaints to him.

"No one's raising an issue about it?" she asks, surprised.

"Not of significance. The issue was already dealt with once. They are not interested in hearing about it again. Some are again pushing for it to be dismantled, but with how much it has helped the Republic, as the war grows worse, they are the minority. There are many now accusing those Senators of being traitors as well." The way the Senate plays right into his plans all the time is... frankly amusing.

But he spent years learning how to play them for a reason. "I will ensure the Malevolence is now left in your control."

"Thank you, Your Excellency," Ahsoka replies, gratefully, a nearly satisfied gleam in her eyes, even if it's well concealed.

Sidious still is not pleased that Tarkin was killed. He doesn't know the details of what happened, but the way Ahsoka's acting about it seems almost too flippant. He wouldn't expect her to care regardless, but he can't help wondering if it was intentional on her part, at least to a point.

And that is something he is none too appreciative of. Tarkin was an ideal asset, with both his ruthlessness and skill. He may have been arrogant, but it was backed with a reason to be, because he was useful. He would have had many uses once the Empire formed, but now, Sidious will have to look for replacements, who aren't too taken up with their own gain to do anything for the Empire itself.

"Of course," he replies, smoothly, "You are by far the best option to hold such power. It is... unfortunate that Tarkin was lost, but such losses are only growing more common." Mostly, he's just playing on how she responds.

He doesn't sense any regret. If anything, she seems to be putting on an expression of feigned regret, while she seems more satisfied than anything. "Yes, it is. We had disagreements, but he was a good military leader."

Sidious does not appreciate her trying to lie to him like this, but he has to drop it for now. It's not something he can call her out on until she becomes his apprentice.

But more and more, he doesn't think she's going to work as an apprentice for a long time. She's a good tool like Dooku and Komari, but she's not what he wants in an apprentice. She does not know obedience, and even if he could break her into it, it would... take a long time. Likely, her rebellious spirit would never truly fade.

Anakin would be most ideal, but ever since Zygerria, the boy has been... avoiding him. From what Sidious can tell, being in the Senate at all seems to make him uncomfortable. Perhaps going back there reminded him of things of the past, and since he never knew Sidious long, that includes him as well.

And... it's hard to do much to rectify that, without arousing suspicion. Anakin is just a padawan, and if he doesn't want to talk to Sidious, he can't push for it. That would be too risky.

There is a reason he took his DNA, though. That contingency plan has already been started but it will be years in the making before that project is anywhere close to completion.

For now, he'll have to keep his focus on trying to win Anakin over to his side as well, even if it doesn't work. And look for possible other apprentices in the meantime.

But Sidious doesn't have to look far. A disturbance has been growing in the Force, centered around his first apprentice.

Maul.

He may have been stubborn at times, but he was far more obedient than Ahsoka likely would be. That's probably changed in the time he's been away, but Sidious knows well how to change that, if it becomes necessary. Regardless, Maul is growing in power, and he can't be left to roam freely, should he prove a challenge.

**w**

Pulling a one-day leave is simple enough. No one will know to suspect where Sidious has gone as he leaves his apartment after dark, in his secret shuttle, heading for Mandalore. He's heard the report that Maul's taking over from people he's had keeping an eye on him. Stopping him now before the Jedi intervene – if they will – or Maul's plan goes further would be most ideal.

Sidious has no doubt that Maul intends to use his power as a threat to the future Empire, perhaps even to remove Sidious himself. That, he would not be surprised by, and he cannot let his former apprentice's plans continue to completion.

He lands the shuttle a short distance from the palace, out of sight of questioning, using the Force to snap the neck of the Mandalorian guard who tries to ask about a landing permit, then strides for the palace.

There's few about at this hour, and stalking through the palace, killing anyone who spots him, is easy enough.

He can sense his former apprentice up ahead, and shoves the door to the throne room open.

Maul is already crossing the room when he enters, fear obvious – as well it ought to be – as he hastily kneels on the floor. "Master."

"I am most impressed to see that you have survived your injuries." Which he was, truthfully, only he heard long ago.

"I used your training, Master. And I have built all this in the hope of returning to your side," he insists, eyes on the floor.

It's a lie. Sidious can feel it, and he's even less in the mood to deal with it right now, after Ahsoka. "It is most unfortunate, that you are attempting to deceive me," he hisses.

"Master –" Maul starts to object, but Sidious lashes out, throwing his once apprentice across the room, pinning him and his two brothers against the wall hard enough that it starts cracking behind them for several moments before dropping them to the floor.

Maul drags himself upright, eyes burning with anger, and he lunges at him. The brothers follow suit, and Sidious pulls lightsabers from his sleeves, blocking their blades.

They... are good fighters, he will admit. Maul is, at least, and he knows very well how Sidious fights.

He could kill the other two, but that would not be an ideal way of ensuring his loyalty. Not right now. He only has to wait for an opening, to finish this.

The other two fight far more sloppily, and Sidious throws Maul back with the Force, lifting the other two in a Force-choke for a moment, before unleashing a blast of lightning on them.

He hears Maul yell, scrambling to his feet and lunging for him again. Sidious sends the other two flying, out the glass windows as far away as he can, before spinning to block Maul's blade.

He's furious now, attacking Sidious wildly, but there's no time for this. He throws Maul into the wall again, electrocuting him for a few moments before letting him drop the floor. Sidious steps closer, hands raised, the warning obvious.

Maul pushes himself upright, panic bleeding into his eyes.

"Your... empire is fallen," Sidious says, before he can speak, "You have forgotten your place."

"I always intended to return to you," he objects, even if there's no way he can't know Sidious senses it's a lie.

"So you shall, and perhaps, I will allow your brothers to live." Resisting is pointless, and Maul knows that. With the threat of his brothers' lives over his head, no matter how much he snarls and glares about it, is enough for him to give in.

They will come after Maul, Sidious knows, and such is his intent. They could be useful, too, but only after he guarantees Maul's loyalty.

**w**

It's so different without having Anakin here. Obi-Wan's grown a little more used to it now, with all the months he's spent without him, but he could never forget it either. Anakin was with him almost since the war started. He was... an integral part of everything Obi-Wan did during the war, and now he's... gone.

They haven't really had time to speak to one another, either. With the war getting worse, they're away from the Temple almost constantly, and Ahsoka certainly is never eager about going on the same missions. Besides, with how special her unit is, she's rarely paired up anymore with him.

There's also the fact that he... doesn't know if Anakin wants to talk to him again, either. Obi-Wan can't deny regretting the actions he took, no matter how necessary they were for the Republic, but he can't do anything to change them.

He's still angry at the Council for refusing to let him tell Anakin. And he shouldn't be angry at the Council, but it's not something he can make himself let go of, no matter how much he tries. It feels like it's their fault that things fell this far between them, even if... maybe he could've done something differently. Even if there's also a part of him that thinks Ahsoka is the one who convinced Anakin not to come back, also.

He... wishes Anakin would just come back. Even if he knows that with how much it must've hurt him, it's likely not something he'll be able to do. Obi-Wan remembers well what it was like after Qui-Gon died in front of him, and he can't help thinking, for a moment, how he would feel now if he discovered that that was fake.

He should talk to Anakin about it again, but he doesn't know what to say to him.

And in truth, Obi-Wan knows he shouldn't be thinking about this so much, because he's a Jedi Master. He shouldn't be bothered if his no-longer padawan doesn't want to speak with him, shouldn't even be attached to him at all, but he undeniably is. Perhaps this is a time for him to learn to let go, but his mind keeps jumping back to Anakin, every moment.

He keeps starting to give an order to him, out on the battlefield, only to remember that he's not there.

He can't stop remembering that night after Zygerria, when Anakin had stayed in his bunk with him, even though there definitely wasn't room for two people.

Or that moment during... the Geonosian worm incident.

The emotions he felt then were not something he ought to. But he... misses Anakin. (He doesn't want to think of how much that must've hurt him, knowing how attached Anakin gets to people. Surely, he could've seen something wrong, but that... doesn't change it. Given his emotional involvement, Obi-Wan should've considered that he might not have. He... wishes the guilt of it was something he could forget.)

**w**

Cody does not like how things have changed, he can't deny the part of him that's constantly angry with General Kenobi and the Council for what they did. He totally understands why Anakin wouldn't want to come back, but that doesn't mean his presence isn't missed by the boys every day.

As the commander, Cody can't let himself get attached or close to anyone, but it was different with Anakin. So many more of the boys survived when he was here, too. It's not that General Kenobi isn't a good General, but he's... always focused on the mission. As well he should be. But Anakin always went to lengths even Cody didn't understand to protect them.

And now he's just... gone. He was the one person Cody always knew he wouldn't have to watch fall, no matter how much he occasionally feared it would happen.

It doesn't help either that General Kenobi has been... unusually short and hot-tempered since he left, either. They were never that close so it doesn't really bother Cody, but it can be... stressful at times. There was a certain lightness to him when Anakin was around – at least usually, except the times he was yelling at him, and Cody is admittedly glad Anakin won't have to deal with that anymore – that's certainly not there anymore.

And it's hard when he... misses Anakin so much. He wishes the Commander was still here, even if they still occasionally work together. Cody can't say Anakin actually seems to be doing better where he is now, either. He still often has that worn out expression he did right after everything happened, even if his cheerfulness occasionally shows.

Everything is different, and Cody doesn't like it. But in the end, it doesn't really matter – well, it does, but it will change nothing. He has a duty to the Republic, as does Anakin, and they can only keep fighting for it.

Still, he can't help wondering if one day, something about this is going to change. But that doesn't necessarily mean it will be a change for the better.

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