Hello, my friends.
Hope you all are well! New chapter up this week as usual. Still very happy to see everyone seems to like it.
This will be a shorter chapter unfortunately but it's a set up to something much bigger. Forgive my slow pacing but the good parts are coming soon.
As usual, I will be responding to reviews personally via DM so don't hesitate to drop one and if I missed you, I do apologize. Busy time of year for me but I will respond.
In any case, enjoy!
"The mind is a disciple. The soul is its master."- Matshona Dhliwayo
Chapter 5. Thoughts
The next week spent at the Temple were some of the most joyous Luke had spent in a good long while. Though the Council did not have any specified role for him as of yet, the last Jedi of his time was more than content to explore the temple and more of Coruscant itself. Most of his hours were spent either scouring the archives for valuable information or using the training facilities to shake off more of the rust from inactivity.
In the case of the former, Luke had learned of many things that occurred in the past through what was left of Jocasta Nu's collection- the existence of temples, holocrons, scrolls, the Jedi Code, and midichlorians as well as the existence of certain dark side users- over the course of many years traveling throughout the galaxy, which took a tremendous amount of time. Now, it was essentially all in one place, free to browse through as he pleased.
As for the latter, getting back into shape and practicing his mediation were two key components every Jedi needed. Despite gaining some semblance of spiritual mastery from the spirit of Yoda, that in itself was not a guarantee of further success. To keep his emotions- even positive ones- in check required a great deal of concentration as well as peace of mind. For the last of the Skywalkers the combination of being around his father, former masters, as well as the knowledge of the heavy burden tasked to him often were often at odds with proper peace of mind. He may have convinced the Council of his vaguely noble intentions for the time being but they were not stupid and could sense anything slightly amiss. There was also the factor of the war, which showed no signs at the current point in time of slowing down.
Practicing his lightsaber forms gave Luke a proper challenge. He'd received little instruction on the subject from Obi-Wan or Yoda and much of his technique was either self taught, coped, or gleaned from the rediscovered holocrons. At a fully realized Jedi Temple at the height of its power, there was every opportunity dedicated to improving technique. He volunteered to take lessons from Cin Drallig, one of the most accomplished swordsmen in the entire order. But the experience was made even better when Ahsoka or Anakin joined him. Indeed, getting to know his father, his apprentice and former master became something he relished day after day. Often the four ate lunch together or trained in some form or fashion.
Careful not to show too much of his natural prowess in the Force, lessons with Drallig improved his skill in a matter of weeks. He sparred with some of the other padawans and knights on a regular basis, including Ahsoka, debating internally about how much power was wise to showcase this early in the game. In the end, he decided on showing off a bit here and there to prove to the Council the merit of his usefulness, though defeating Savage Oppress certainly didn't hurt his reputation either.
Without saying it aloud, Luke Skywalker could sense his bond shared with Anakin and Obi-Wan little by little became stronger and even Ahsoka had begun to show the same signs. One wouldn't have known at times he was there to prevent a full fledged takeover of the dark side culminating in the emergence of a tyrannical intergalactic empire. His father had so many stories and Obi-Wan an equal amount of cutting remarks, the forty-eight year old found himself genuinely content for the first time in years. Memories of Han and Leia would flood him with nostalgia whenever this happened. Kriff, he missed them.
There's not a day goes by I don't think of you, he spoke in his mind when alone in his room. Especially you, nephew...dear Ben...my students
They were necessary reminders in moments where he forgot that this timeline was not his own and that raw attachment a detriment to a Jedi's vision and judgement. Keeping himself honest would be crucial in the upcoming battles to come. The first of which was to come much sooner than expected.
A real mission in the Clone Wars.
"Unfortunately, the only way to reclaim Onderon will be through armed struggle," spoke the hologram of Lux Bonteri. "But we lack sufficient hardware and supplies."
It was yet another blow to the Republic war effort. An inner rim planet aligning with the Separatists and another system lost, especially one so close to home despite headway in other parts of the galaxy. The theme seemed common now: when one world was gained back, another seceded or taken by armed force. But such was not the case on Onderon, as Obi-Wan Kenobi pointed out.
"Onderon is in your king's rule and at the outbreak of the Clone Wars he chose to align it with the Separatists."
The Jedi Council was there to preside over the claim made by Lux and his bands of rebels. Speaking in their favor in the middle of the circle were Anakin Skywalker and padawan Ahsoka Tano. However, a taller hologram figure beside Lux spoke passionately. He wore battle armor as well as being heavily armed.
"Our true king is being silenced! The one you recognize is a traitor and a Separatist minion. We need your help to survive this."
It brought up an interesting legal dilemma. On the one hand, the Jedi were the top generals and commanders in the war for the Republic, defending and liberating worlds overrun by General Grievous and his endless supply of battle droids. On the other, it was against the Jedi Code and the laws of the country itself to try and overthrow a legitimately recognized ruler no matter which side they aligned with. Except in very specific circumstances….which would prove tricky to navigate. Master Yoda seemed to be thinking along these lines.
"Find a way, we shall," he said, scratching his chin.
"We await your answer," Lux replied politely, but not before catching one more look at the Jedi padawan who didn't shy away from his gaze before the transmission ended. It was difficult for Ahsoka to ignore the slight fluttering within her heart.
"There are pockets of rebels on many of these planets that just need guidance. With training and resources they could attack soft targets while the Republic engages them on the battlefield," Anakin proposed.
"That sounds like terrorism, Anakin," Obi-Wan said skeptically.
"Well I think of it as an insurgency," Anakin countered. "To help align these planets with the Republic."
To everyone's surprise, Mace Windu, known for being weary of the Great Hero, actually concurred.
"We can divide the Separatist forces and press them on two fronts."
"A means to an end, fear cannot be," Yoda replied, ever the wiser. "Stop those who spread terror, the Jedi must."
"Indeed," Obi-Wan agreed, turning back towards his former pupil. "What you're suggesting would open up dangerous possibilities. We must not train terrorists."
"Eh..rebels," Anakin offered instead.
"How we conduct war is what distinguishes us from others. Funding rebels to overthrow a legitimate government puts innocent lives at risk."
"We can minimize collateral damage by using arms that mainly affect droids."
The conversation was a microcosm of how the Jedi Order was increasingly split among those who attempted to keep some sort of tether to the old ways, that a Jedi Knight's fundamental role was that of a peacekeeper and not a soldier. On the other hand, there was little avoiding the necessary part they played in the conflict, namely leading soldiers into battle against an enemy with an endless line of lifeless, robotic machines designed to kill and subjugate. Generals who could be seen as gods, wielding power few else possessed. Ideals clashing versus reality. This fact was not lost on Ahsoka as she witnessed the debate. A classic difference in the philosophy of the two great heroes of the Republic.
"The least we can do is help them defend themselves. Test the tactic while we're at it," Mace Windu opined.
This rare endorsement led to Anakin making a small noise in triumph.
"This could be a great new weapon for us."
But not everyone sitting among the Council, physically present or not, contained the same enthusiasm, least of all Obi-Wan who hesitated yet did not give further objection. Even Ahsoka seemed conflicted.
I see both sides of this. I want to help Lux but at what cost?
But as always, Master Yoda gave the last word.
"Hmmm," he mused. "Train...and observe. Send advisors we will."
His tentative approval was all Anakin needed to hear.
"I'll assemble a team."
"I'm going with you," Obi-Wan announced, getting up from his chair.
Anakin gave a soft chuckle. "What? You don't trust me?"
"Too much," the master said, placing an affectionate hand on his former padawan's shoulder. "That's what worries me."
"If I may offer a suggestion masters, perhaps Luke could come along with us?" Ahsoka piped up.
This was an unexpected development among the discussion. It was actually a random occurrence for the Tortrugan, but the idea, however spontaneous, was a sound one in her mind.
"Actually I agree," Anakin said, giving his student an affirming smile. "He's being allowed to stay here. Why not also allow him to be useful in some capacity?"
"It is far too soon to send off someone we don't know into the heat of battle without any proper training," Ki Adi Mundi objected.
"With all due respect, master. What is the point of letting him reside at the Temple if he's to be confined? We can all feel how powerful he is. Master Drallig has said he's the most naturally gifted swordsman he's ever seen."
She gave a wink towards Anakin as if to say 'everyone except you'. A sly smile indicated he understood well enough.
"It is not a simple matter of power, young one," Mace Windu admonished in response to the Tortugan. "It is training and a matter of trust."
"I think Ahsoka has a point. Even if he's never seen a battle droid, what better way to get started by learning from an insurgency?" Anakin said, speaking directly to Yoda and Mace. "From what I've seen, he trains every day. He'll be under Republic supervision. No one's going to do anything rash. I think he has the right to prove himself."
Obi-Wan stayed silent but he did not object which perhaps was the final nudge needed.
"Very well. Allow Luke to go with you, we will," Yoda finally decreed. "But engage the enemy directly, you must not. Least of all, Ahch-To."
The meeting was finally adjourned as it was late and many were looking forward to a good night's rest, but the golden trio hung back for a brief moment.
"I do hope your hunch proves to be right," Obi-Wan told Anakin and to a lesser extent Ahsoka.
"Well I noticed you didn't exactly overrule me," came the witty retort.
"Because as I stated before I trust you, Anakin. And in this case, you've earned the leeway to lead this mission as you see fit. Despite my reservations, I also believe it is an opportunity to see how Luke conducts himself in a proper war situation."
Anakin couldn't help but give a cheeky grin knowing he'd won this particular argument with his former master.
"You could just admit I'm right."
"And where would be the fun in that?"
Ahsoka couldn't help but roll her eyes at the banter even if she enjoyed it too.
Boys will be boys no matter what age
"I guess someone should tell him of the Council's decision," she stated in a suggestive manner. "Given we just decided for him."
"I'll do it," Obi-Wan volunteered. "He deserves to know as soon as possible and without fanfare."
Without wasting another second, he exited the Council chamber in a quick flash leaving Ahsoka and Anakin to admire their friend in admiration.
"Always has to one up me," the brunette chuckled.
"And yet you know very well you couldn't go a day without him" Ahsoka remarked.
"I know."
Even amongst the Jedi Order where attachment was forbidden, Anakin Skywalker transcended such boundaries in more ways one could imagine. For good or ill.
Luke gave slow deliberate breaths as he tried to center his energy and practice mindfulness of his thoughts. His temporary room dark and devoid of light.
Though he'd put a great deal of effort into giving himself to the Force and entering the World Between Worlds, maintaining such balance was another concept entirely. Part of him still didn't quite believe he really made it back to the past and meeting a non corrupted version of his father certainly added to the jitters.
Concentrate...the Force is with me and I am one with the Force
Sometimes it still baffled him that the man currently known as Anakin Skywalker could possibly become the monster later known as Darth Vader. He'd yet to see any sign of the dark side in him.
The Force is with me and I am one with the Force
But he also knew all too well that within the Skywalker bloodline lay not only tremendous power within the force, but an emotional volatility that was borderline untameable.
The Force is with me and I am one with the Force
He had to find a way to ensure there was no viable reason for his father to turn. Eliminate any avenue for Palpatine to further deepen his claws into the Hero With No Fear. Of course the irony was that Anakin Skywalker was full of fear. So much love, but terrified of losing those around him.
The Force is with me and I am one with the Force
It presented the ultimate dilemma: how to keep himself centered and focused on the moment as opposed to planning too far ahead, or off into the horizon as Master Yoda put it so long ago. But tackling that problem only increased his sense of anxiety. His very presence could have already disrupted the original timeline. How could he prevent an age of darkness while keeping his wits about him?
The Force is with me and I am one with the Force
Feeling overwhelmed, Luke gave a deep breath and recentered himself. He concentrated on the faces of his family friends- Leia, Han, Chewie, R2-D2, the little rascal, even Ben…and a wave of peace and happiness surged through as the well of hope purified once more in his mind. He could do this...he would do this.
Just then there was a knock on the door and he could sense who it was.
Speaking of
"Come in."
The doorway automatically slid open to reveal Obi-Wan standing in a slightly bemused expression.
"Why is it so dark in here?"
"Just practicing some meditation is all," Luke replied, pulling himself up off the floor. "Helps with focus and sleep among other things."
"Ah, a spiritualist. I have to admit, meditation was never my strong suit as Qui-Gon's padawan, though I became better at it with time. Predictably, Anakin never showed much interest in the subject as my own student," Obi-Wan said, reminiscing as the lights turned on.
"It comes more naturally to some. Took me a while to get the hang of it actually. Patience is the key."
"Something your old master taught you?"
Luke's reddish, blonde beard twitched upward for a split second before answering.
"Yes. In a way."
Each pair of blue eyes stared at each other curiously before the conversation continued.
"Anyway, I came to inform you that tomorrow you'll be accompanying us on a mission to Onderon. Purely observational, I'm afraid, no direct engagement with the enemy. But the Council agreed that if we're assisting rebels it might also be a good idea to assess your proficiency in killing battle droids."
Luke was temporarily taken aback but didn't let it show as he bowed.
"I would be honored, Master. Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet," Obi-Wan chuckled. "If this truly is your first time getting involved in the war you'll get tired of droidekas rather quickly."
"Droidee what?"
"Put your mind at ease for now. I'm not particularly worried, especially since I've seen you fight Sith Lords. Just be up and ready to go at 0500. We'll head over to the main hangar and brief you from there."
Obi-Wan made for the door but stopped just below the arch and turned his head ever so slightly.
"It helps me too, sometimes. Honestly, it can be the only thing getting me through this war."
Luke, understanding the meaning, nodded, willing himself not to run over and embrace the thirty eight year old right then and there.
"Goodnight, Master."
"Goodnight, Luke."
He didn't waste much time after that, shedding his robes and plopping down onto the comfortable mattress. Eyelids slowly fluttered downward, his final thoughts dwelling on how much two traumatized middle aged men could have in common before drifting into sleep.
Kriff, I've become just like him in some ways haven't I?
The Onderon Arc is about to begin and I will explain more about it next update. Until then, may the Force be with you!
~The Wasp