Hello, again everyone!
Welcome to another day on Onderon. Last we left off, Luke and Ahsoka weren't getting along so well. How is that going to effect the rebellion on Onderon? Can Luke effect enough change? Can he change anything at all?
All questions to be answered but first, I'm changing up the review process. I will be answering each one and posting it here before each chapter. I found it was pretty popular when I wrote 'Catalyst' so let's give it a try.
dragonagegirl- Thank you! Indeed Luke cannot hide the extent of his true power sometimes and that will become more frequent as time goes on. As for that heart to heart, it's coming up.
ksecc1- The sequels didn't really do anyone justice unfortunately, but Luke least of all. Key to his character is the idea of faith and seeing the good people, which you rightly point out. Is he above mistakes? Of course not, but then again that's where this story comes again. I'm really glad you're enjoying it thus far!
HaywireEagle- Haha thank you. I hope you continue to like it :)
UnOriginal2Tall- Well, let's see if Luke can't break through to her ;)
Samaritan Prime- Thank you for your reviews thus far. I hope you continue to read. Palpatine doesn't suspect much yet but he's certainly suspicious of Luke which is going to cause problems in the future as the timeline alters.
That's all for now. I'll respond to every review as I usually do. They really keep me motivated!
Onwards!
"Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off."- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Chapter 8. Cooperation
Aside from the unresolved tension among Ahsoka and Luke, the mood back at base was quite jubilant. News of their success had reached Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Rex who joined them on a transmission.
"A victory for the ages! Let's celebrate!" Saw declared to the approving roar of their comrades.
"Slow down there, hot shot, we haven't won anything yet," Steela cautioned. However, she too gave a radiant smile. "But I agree, we should celebrate."
Saw picked her up and spun her around as she laughed. Luke idly wondered what the relationship was between them but could guess they were somehow related because Steela's eyes became evermore drawn to Lux, enveloping him in a massive hug.
"Come here you handsome senator."
His eyes shifted towards Ahsoka which a quick glance confirmed what he already knew: her increasing unhappiness. However, all voices quieted down when Obi-Wan spoke up.
"Well done all of you. We've received news of your triumph."
"Particularly Saw, Lux, and Steela. You're proving yourselves to be natural leaders," Anakin added.
"Steela in particular," Rex weighed in. "She's got the stuff."
From across the room, Luke observed Anakin's hologram say a few choice words to his padawan which he could not discern but might have guessed anyway. He wondered if she might express her own dissatisfaction with their working relationship. But his father did not shoot him any suspectory glances and so their prickly situation remained unspoken...for now.
"This latest development is sure to get Count Dooku's attention. He will respond harshly," Obi-Wan warned, slightly dampening the mood. "They will stop at nothing to find you. You must adapt and continue to confront them if you want to liberate Onderon."
"We will," Saw said confidently.
"And we shall win," Steela affirmed with equal gusto.
"In that, I have no doubt."
"Now you must rally the people," Anakin instructed. "You will need their support. Your ability to influence them will also determine your capacity to represent them. Both on the battlefield and off of it. Against your enemies and even within your own ranks. Padawan Ahsoka? Luke?"
Luke said nothing at first, giving the Togrutan the first word.
"The people appeared much more inspired by our actions today," she said.
"This kind of spark does not come often," Luke said, unable to resist offering his counsel. "It is more than just a rebellion. It is a new hope."
The forty eight year old knew better than anyone what it was like to fight not merely against tyranny but the effort to create a better society from the one prior. The more time he spent with the rebels, the more he found himself rekindling that hope within himself as well.
Anakin beamed at them both. "Well said. Your commitment will inspire others. Your conviction will lead to victory."
Obi-Wan offered some final words of advice.
"After tonight's efforts, the people will be ready to follow. You will need a leader for them to rally behind. Choose wisely."
The ending of the transmission immediately set off a debate among the Onderian rebels.
"We need to build on our momentum," Saw opined. "And continue our attacks to keep them off balance."
Lux struck a more cautious tone.
"But we have to assure the people, first. If we keep disrupting their lives, we risk alienating them. We have to gain their trust."
Trust. That word kept popping up multiple times and Luke wondered if the Force might not be telling him something.
"I agree with both of you," Steela said. "We can balance both. We also need to recruit others to join us."
She turned to address the entire congregation.
"Onderon is ours and we will remind everyone and we will keep reminding them...until we get it back."
As cheers set off, Luke was reminded once more of his sister. Steela lacked the formal political training from the likes of Bail Organa and the Alderaan culture of diplomacy, but the spirit, that inextinguishable spirit of hope and justice, ran strong through her veins. He didn't need the gift of foresight to see who the true leader of these rebels was.
"I nominate Steela as our leader!" one of the female rebels called out.
"Seconded!"
More and more began raising their hands until it became unanimous among those present. No one objected, all save for one.
"Okay, looks like it's been decided. You're the leader."
His tone stayed light but there was no mistaking the disappointed look in Saw's eyes as he walked past, draining the rest of his booze.
"Saw..I-"
"Let him go. He just needs to blow off some steam," Lux said, grabbing her arm lightly.
"I can't."
"Why not?"
Ahsoka asked the question though Luke knew the answer already.
"He's my brother."
As Steela left to have a word with her sibling, Ahsoka moved to rest for the night but not before Luke stopped her with his non biological hand.
"You and I need to have a talk as well."
"About what?" she replied coolly.
"I think you already know. Come on."
She reluctantly acquiesced as they stepped into a private room away from the rest of the rebel force. As soon as the automatic door shut, it didn't take long for the argument to commence.
"Ahsoka I-"
"Don't patronize me!" she yelled. "I've been fighting in this war since the beginning and all of a sudden you come along and make everything look sooo easy."
Luke did not change his expression, doing his best to reason with her.
"Nothing about what we- what I've done- is easy."
She couldn't possibly know the vast collection of experiences he'd amassed, the nature of who he was and the bloodline he stemmed from. Which made the conversation all the more difficult. In a perfect universe, he'd tell her right now the true nature of his presence here. But he couldn't. Not yet. Like the rebels with Onderon, he needed to win her trust unconditionally.
"Are you kidding? I can't do any of the stuff you've done! Blowing up tanks in seconds? crushing Destroyers with one hand? Disabling a whole platoon of tinnies with a single push?!"
She sighed, tears appearing on the rims of her eyes.
"Everyone pretends I'm the commander in charge but it's all a lie. Because it's pretty clear you're so much stronger and so much wiser than I am. Even my Master can see that."
Suddenly it dawned on Luke what she was really getting at.
"You think I'm going to steal Anakin anyway aren't you? And that's not the only thing you're afraid of losing."
Realization turned to empathy as Ahsoka could barely look him in the eye, willing herself not to become more emotional. In a show of sensitivity and understanding he leaned in and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Ahsoka, I've seen and done many things. And I can safely say that in that time you are one of the strongest, most compassionate individuals I've ever met. And I mean that with all my heart."
"You do?" she sniffed.
He nodded sincerely.
"More to the point you don't need to worry about Anakin becoming my master instead of yours. I had a master, multiple actually...they're both dead."
"It seems like you've learned quite a bit."
"You're never too old to learn more about yourself," he said quietly. "One of many lessons imparted on me over the years. Besides, I'm twice Anakin's age, I think having a master twenty six years younger might be a bit awkward, no?"
Ahsoka laughed, wiping away the tears. It then occurred to Luke how long it had been since he'd told a joke or witticism...and how much he enjoyed the company of the young Togrutan in front of him.
"There's something else you need to know, something that the Council may disapprove of so I will ask you to keep it between us for now."
"Of course."
Luke took a deep breath hoping he wasn't taking too much of a risk by going on this tract.
"It's okay to like Lux Bonteri."
"I-"
"There's no purpose or sense in denying it. And no shame either. I too have felt love for members of the opposite sex. It is a natural thing to feel."
"But the Jedi Code forbids attachments," she argued.
"The Code does not forbid love or emotion stemming from that love. And while it is true that Jedi cannot marry except in extremely rare cases I personally believe denying the positive things we feel in our lives is both unreasonable and counterintuitive."
Ahsoka looked at him in amazement as if she couldn't believe someone actually dared to sympathize with her situation.
"You weren't kidding when you said you aren't a Jedi. No master I know has ever spoken that way."
"No, but privately many carry similar sentiments. Including your own master."
"Anakin," she confirmed. "He's...hinted at it before."
"That too must remain secret for now. But I think you knew that already."
He wondered if Ahsoka was truly aware of Anakin and Padme's relationship or like Obi-Wan pretended it didn't exist, turning a blind eye in the process. But from her expression, it appeared she did in some capacity. The girl was certainly a lot cleverer than most believed.
"Celebrate those you care about while also accepting you do not have infinite control over the paths they take in life. In the end, how we deal with adversity also deters away the seduction of the dark side."
Stepping back, he bowed as a sign of respect.
"I also apologize if I stepped out of line in undermining your official capacity as commander. It was wrong."
Ahsoka scanned him up and down in amazement before practically blurting out.
"Who are you?"
Luke supposed that he might have given away a little too much which the padawan only affirmed.
"You said to the Council you had only one master not two. And you knew about Anakin's secret without anyone ever mentioning it or meeting Senator Amidala."
"All good points. But as to your question, I cannot say."
Ahsoka pursed her lips as she eyed him carefully.
"You are by far the most mysterious person I've ever met. You claim not to be a Jedi and yet you're as strong as anyone in the Order including my Master. Why can't you tell me? What's there to hide?"
If only you knew
"Ahsoka, you must be patient with me. There is much I cannot reveal just yet. But when the time is right, I promise, you will be the first person I'll tell. In the meantime, I hope I have earned your trust."
Sixteen year olds and their hormones were terribly difficult to predict. For a second, he saw the natural curiosity and light that once defined Ben Solo, his beloved nephew. But there was no darkness, none of the Skywalker volatility within Ahsoka Tano. It did not hold sway. In compassion and maturity she had surpassed many of her peers. It showed time and time again.
"You have my trust, Luke Ahch-To," she said, now smiling. "And I'd like us to work together to help the people of Onderon regain their freedom."
They bowed respectfully to each other, signaling renewed faith and friendship. It was also a huge relief lifted from Luke's shoulders. Yet the burden of his secret remained. Even now he wondered whether it might not be more prudent to tell the truth. Searching the Force, he sensed that time had not arrived.
"I'm also going to hold you to that promise, by the way," she said with a teasing smirk as they headed back to rejoin the party.
"Of that Miss Tano, I have no doubt."
Once everyone had finally blown off their respective steam the grunt work continued in freeing Onderon from the oppression of Count Dooku and his droid army. After initially being upset, Saw settled into his role as Steela's number two while Luke and Ahsoka's new cooperation sent the rebellion to new heights. Recruitments were steadily rising, their tactics and ambushes more precise, clean, and efficient. Droid patrols were constantly being ripped apart, bolt by bolt with minimal casualties.
But droids weren't their only target. Inspiring the people played an essential role in throwing off the Separatist yoke. Steela may have been the leader of the rebellion, but they needed another symbol, someone far more powerful, popular, and well known. It didn't take long for everyone to come to the same conclusion: the wise king Ramsis Dendup must be restored to his rightful throne.
Transmitters were secretly placed in and around the city and after another in a series of attacks on the droids, Steela's towering hologram delivered a powerful message of hope, that the citizens of the planet did not need to fear or be suspicious of their movement and that Dendup held the true right to rule over his people.
Needless to say, it did not go unnoticed.
"The terrorists are no longer a nuisance but a threat to Onderon," King Rash declared while sampling an assortment of delicacies and wine. But he was not alone, Kalani, Dooku's Super Tactical Droid, had arrived. His top general, Tandin also stood at attention, a stern, thickly built man with a mustache and short, bristled, graying hair.
"It is only a matter of time until they are all eliminated," he spoke in a deep, robotic monotone.
"How much longer until they plunge us into chaos?" Rash asked, concern in his tone not there even weeks prior.
"It seems they're only targeting the droid army," Tandin keenly observed. "If you allow the Royal Onderon militia to assume control of security, the terrorists may stop and discuss terms."
"You will assume nothing, General Tanden," Kalani dismissed as harshly as a droid was capable. "With coordinated attacks and weapons, it is possible they're finding sympathy within your own ranks."
Tandin frowned, disapproving of the machine in front of him.
"The threats are external, and your droids have done little to stop them."
"We will not negotiate with terrorists," Rash interjected. "They fear diplomacy, they embrace mayhem, what do we know about them?"
A cone shaped astro droid pulled up and began showing blue, holographic images.
"We've identified Steela Gerrera, the woman in the hologram. Her brother, Saw, is also part of the group. As well as the fugitive criminal Lux Bonteri," Tanden explained.
"The son of the late Senator Mina Bonteri?"
"Yes, my Lord. There is also more. Rumors are swirling that the Jedi are involved, including Commander Ahsoka Tano, padawan learner of famed General Anakin Skywalker. Alas, we do not have a confirmed facial recognition just yet."
He paused, hesitating ever so slightly.
"What else is there, General?" Rash pressed.
"There is another with her, someone we were able to get a clear image of. A Jedi no doubt. His power is...incredible. He's destroyed droids with a single swipe of his hand and his lightsaber movement is so quick it's practically a blur."
An image popped up of a middle aged, bearded man with dirty blonde hair wielding a green blade.
"Who is he?"
"We don't know. I searched the database for all known Jedi Generals and Knights three times over but as of now, he remains unknown to us. It is a regrettable problem."
"Why was I not told of this?" Kalani asked.
"You just were," came the snappy reply.
Rash held out his hands as the Tactical Droid took a step forward in retaliation.
"Enough. It's clear that Dendup is behind this, as evidenced by the rebels claiming him to be the rightful king. We mustn't allow his followers any momentum. Justice must come swiftly and without mercy. Bring him in."
The automatic doors opened and the elderly former king, arms tied behind his back, was brought forward before them.
"What now?" he asked, sounding a tad exasperated.
"Your supporters have begun to publicly decry my reign," Rash explained. "Am I still to believe you're not behind their attacks?"
"You must order them to surrender," Kalani said, pointing a thick metal finger at him.
"Impossible. I have been isolated in my chamber. Alone without visitors, confined to my prison. Again, the will of the people is theirs, not mine."
Rash laughed cruelly.
"Then we shall see what the will of the people is made of."
It didn't long for the horrendous news to reach the rebels. Steela, Luke, and Ahsoka were supervising a supply drop from the Republic in the midst of a rare downpour when one of the female rebels rounded the corner panting heavily.
"Steela! They're executing King Dendup! Tomorrow at Yulan Square."
That brought immediate shock upon the faces of the two women, though Luke's expression remained neutral underneath his cloak.
"Where did you hear this?"
"The palace announced it today. It was all the merchants could talk about. The Separatists are saying he's behind our attacks."
Steela's green blue eyes hardened.
"More lies. They're making him an example to humiliate us."
"Maybe. But their efforts could work against them. Executing him would only make him a martyr," Ahsoka said as they headed back inside their base. "What do you think Luke?"
Luke appreciated their newfound relationship as partners in this struggle, his counsel no longer offending her.
"It could also be a trap. To draw us out and see what we'll do. Believe me, I've seen it many times before."
Flashes of a lightsaber duel on Bespin came back to him briefly before focusing back on the conversation at hand.
"We can't let him die," Saw growled. "We have to break him out somehow. Now."
"No," Steela countered. "We should wait until he's in public at the execution."
"Did you not hear Luke? That's where they'd expect it."
"This is our moment. We'll save him for all of Iziz to witness. We don't have much time."
But Saw ignored his sister.
"They'll be waiting for us to show up."
He turned back around and exited into the rain once more. But that was not the end of the argument.
"Where are you going?"
"Trust me," was all Saw replied with, but his sister did not accept the answer.
"Stop!" she commanded as a flash of thunder boomed in the background. Luke, watching the entire scene unfold, could sense Saw's anger but when he turned around his voice remained calm.
"Let me take care of this."
"This is not about you."
"We can't afford a reckless move right now," Lux added.
"Yeah? Go write a speech about it."
It became apparent to both Jedi present that Saw would not be deterred from whatever he set out to do. Luke could see the absolutism that would mark him in later life. The steely eyed determination to win at all costs. Not even he and Ahsoka could stop him.
"You have to weigh the risks," the padawan counseled.
"That's why I'm going alone."
Saw didn't waste any more words and set about his path on the soggy, mud ridden streets.
"Follow him," Steela commanded one of the other rebels, who nodded and took off.
Luke possessed wide knowledge of the future, but for the first time, a nagging question formed in the back of his mind. Did his presence jeopardize the existence of those who might have otherwise survived? Could he save not just those fated to die but all who would suffer under the Empire? And if Saw lived well into the future what had happened to Steela in the original timeline?
The unknown was not a comforting thought.
In preparation for a possible rescue, Steela did the only thing a leader could do which was take care of those under her charge and prepare for the worst. She and Luke met privately in the largest room of the building where a holographic map of Yulan square had been pulled up.
"They will bring King Dendup through the east entrance of the square," Steela told him. "Security will be tight. And rescuing him will not be easy."
"But not impossible," Luke said, studying the map. "The square is a large area and can hide many thousands of people anonymously. If we could somehow get past that security, we could grab the king and make our way out of the city back into the jungle."
"There is a chance we might need you to intervene, Master Jedi."
"I'm not a Jedi."
"You look like-"
"Trust me, I get that a lot."
Steela had a funny look on her face as though she couldn't quite make heads or tails of the forty eight year old in front of her.
"But you have so much power. I've seen it. We all have. You could crush the droids and Rash in one fell swoop."
"Power is not defined by the ability to use it but when to use it," Luke spoke sagely. "And while it would be easy for me to cut through metal and jump thirty feet in the air, I recognize now that this fight will depend on you and your rebellion. Not me or Ahsoka."
Steela gave the smallest of smiles.
"I like you, Luke."
"And what did I do to deserve such kindness?" he asked in playful jest.
"You're a powerful man who knows restraint. Unlike my brother," she said, giving a stressful sigh. "He never thinks. Always rushing into everything head first."
Believe me, I know the feeling of watching an uncontrollable family member, he thought with a note of irony.
"Saw is a good man. Obsessive in some aspects perhaps. But I see a bright future for you both when you win back your planet." He made a particular emphasis on the word 'when' to indicate his confidence. "You balance each other out. It's not always a bad thing."
Steela nodded but didn't say anything immediately.
"Is it true the Jedi can see the future?"
It was an odd question, one he didn't know how to properly answer. He supposed that many who knew nothing of the Jedi or their culture would come to all sorts of generalizations about them. But then again, Steela was the farthest thing from stupid so he went with the diplomatic response.
"Jedi cannot see the end of all things. Only shadows, imprints, glimpses. The future is never set in stone. We have the power to shape it."
"If that's the case, then I hope to shape Onderon's future for the better."
Just then the door opened to reveal Lux Boneari standing there looking quite awkward. Luke could already have guessed the reason he was there and thankfully was saved by an alert on his comlink from Ahsoka.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," Lux said nervously.
"Not at all. In fact I'm wanted elsewhere. Senator," he said with a smile. "Miss Gerrera. I bid you all good night."
Luke didn't stay for the fanfare but he could have sworn he heard Steela say something that sounded like "Lux, don't look at me like that," as the door shut. No matter. He could leave their innocent game of back and forth to the two lovebirds. When he arrived in Ahsoka's room Obi-Wan and Anakin were already standing before them over the holonet.
"Ah, there he is," Anakin said with a smile. "Glad you could make it Luke, Obi-Wan wouldn't start without you."
"More like the other way around," his master corrected, rolling his eyes. "But it is good to see you. How are things getting along?"
Ahsoka and Luke gave each a knowing look accompanied by a mutual light hearted smirk.
"I'd say we've made a pretty good pair so far," the female stated knowing full well her masters wouldn't get the hint.
"That's what I like to hear. My two favorite people with green lightsabers."
Obi-Wan couldn't resist giving a smile of his own.
"Yes, indeed. Your cooperation will be essential in the coming days. I hear the Separatists plan to execute King Dendup."
"Yes, Master. Tomorrow morning in one of the city squares."
The redhead spoke slowly, sensing the padawan's apprehension.
"I sense fear in you, Ahsoka. In fact, both of you seem uneasy."
"There is a divide among the rebels," Luke answered truthfully. "Steela and Saw Gerrera have very different views about how the next step of this rebellion should proceed."
"Steela thinks we should wait for the public execution to save the king and Saw wants to break him out of prison now. Frankly, I'm worried we might lose either way," Ahsoka said, sounding conflicted.
"We cannot control their fate," Obi-Wan reminded yet again.
"It's just that...they're risking their lives to save just one."
"Do not underestimate the king's power. He represents hope. It's critical to their success."
Luke resisted the urge to smile at the memory of he, Han, Leia, and Chewy being the beloved symbols of the rebellion. Sometimes, he truly missed that time in his life.
"They're targeting him for that very reason," he said. "And that's why he's important. But that's also why he's on the chopping block. To see what the rebels will do."
"Then be very careful how you go about it," his first master advised. "If you feel he's critical to Onderon's liberation, take what steps you can. But the principle remains the same: it is up to them whether they fail or succeed."
"I can't help but feel responsible for them."
The admission from the Togrutan did not surprise anyone. It was part of what made her such a strong, unique Jedi. It garnered sympathy from Anakin too.
"I know you do, Snips. But remember, purpose must come before feelings."
It felt odd and heavily ironic that statement should come from Anakin Skywalker, the man who would later betray the Jedi Order due to his own said feelings for Padme Amidala. But of course, Luke didn't voice this out loud.
"Yes, Master."
"Step in only if you must," Obi-Wan told them both. "But remember, if this experiment is to become an effective strategy, they must learn to survive on their own. Luke, unfortunately that goes double for you. Though you are under the jurisdiction of the Council for now, anything involving you at this point is still...messy. To have a Force wielder who is neither ranked nor a Jedi involved in a war on the Republic's behalf comes with it's own set of complications."
"By the same token, we both trust you," Anakin stepped in, playing the role of good cop. "And we do authorize any use of defensive force that will help the rebels moving forward. Because you will definitely need it."
To hear such a vote of confidence from his father couldn't help but make Luke's heart flutter. He could sense Obi-Wan felt the same way despite his penchant for being a stickler.
"Understood."
"Yes, Master."
"Good luck. And may the Force be with you."
General Tandin was a man of Onderon. A soldier and someone devoted to duty above all else. Being who he was and what he did required tough sacrifices, sacrifices he would not ask of others and only himself. The rebels of Onderon may have revolted against the crown but there were limits to interrogation.
Witnessing the young man in front of him roast and smoke in an electroshock prison hold didn't sit well with his stomach. The Tactical Droid induced full blown nausea. Despite being intelligently programmed and far superior than the old models, they did not factor in the human element: emotion, suffering, or passion, especially when their lives were at stake. That is why he hoped to reach Saw Gerrera and try to either win him over or convince him to stop the costly Civil War that threatened to engulf their planet.
"No way."
Of course that was easier said than done. Even in the confines of a more comfortable space within prison walls, reasoning with a rebel proved a challenge.
"Do you understand the gravity of the situation you're in?" he said in an effort to make him see the big picture. "The Separatists have very little compassion or patience for things that stand in their way."
Gerrea gave the smallest of huffs.
"We have a duty to protect what's ours, General. A duty once entrusted to you."
Tendon sighed in frustration. Was this boy really stupid enough to back talk him at this point? Or simply naive?
"I thought you depleted your arrogance with Kalani."
Gerrera gave a dark chuckle.
"It replenishes every hour."
Tendin attempted another track. Anything to get this young man to understand.
"King Rash is the crowned head of Onderon. What's yours is his. And he will do with it as he pleases."
"Dendup is the true king," Saw argued emphatically.
And there was the issue. The one Tendin needed to get to the bottom of once and for all.
"Are you following his orders?"
"We take orders from no one."
The General wasn't entirely sure he believed that, but the steely eyed conviction on the boy's face stopped him from pressing the matter.
"The past does not bode well for your future."
"We share the same future," Saw countered back. "We can sit here as free men instead of servants of the Separatists."
Tendin became indignant. Honestly, who was this loudmouth who thought he had the right to speak to anyone as he pleased?
"I am free! For you have chosen to become a terrorist!" he growled.
Gerrera stood up from his prison chair, unable and unwilling to back down.
"I'm not a terrorist, I'm a patriot. And patriotism is not terrorism. King Dendup chose his people instead of choosing a side in the Galactic War. The Separatists have taken over Onderon...because we let them."
Far from expecting a revelation in morality from a rebel, General Tandin didn't say anything after that. He'd never considered that the system might be corrupt or his position contrary to the will of the people.
Soldiers were used to following orders. It was their job after all. But what if their king was wrong?
What if the point was not to find oneself on the winning side, but the side of the people. They were usually the same, were they not?
General Tendin of Onderon had a lot to think about as he went to bed that night.
It didn't take long for the rebels to learn that in addition to the king being executed, Saw had been captured trying to break him out. It was unfortunately predictable and also added to the list of headaches Steela had to deal with. But if there was anything beneficial to a public execution, it was that they had the opportunity to stop it.
The devised plan wasn't a sure thing, nothing about the rebellion had been. Luke and Ahsoka knew that by themselves, they could take on Rash and his forces rather easily. But they had to show as much restraint as possible. To reveal themselves now would only ensure further wrath from Count Dooku and an even larger army arriving to wipe them all out. And so when they reached Yulan square, they remained safely anonymous within the crowd, hoods pulled up.
The execution took place in the evening before the sunset. A massive crowd had gathered and already there was an air of fear, but also a growing one of discontent. Luke had seen it a hundred times before. The Onderians were no fans of King Rash. But would it be enough?
The sky blazed with red and orange, mixing with natural blue to give a beautiful glow but it now felt like a prelude to the blood that would be spilt this day. The square was enormous, and lay at the foot of the palace from a column of stairs. A stone and marble platform ensured that all could see the execution on display, even children.
King Rash wasted no time in bringing forth Dendup with Saw in tow, both guarded by numerous battle droids. There was a particularly smug, pernicious look on his face that made Luke dislike the man almost instantly. He didn't deserve to wear the golden, green robes or the fig leaf crown upon his head.
"As your king, I present to you Ramsis Dendup...not as a former king, but as a criminal! Sponsoring terrorist acts against the people of Onderon!" Rash spoke, his voice naturally echoing within the square.
Luke and Ahsoka moved closer to the platform within the crowd.
"The man loves to hear himself talk," he muttered, causing the padawan to give a light snicker.
"Fear not good citizens!" Rash continued dramatically as though he were reading prose from a suspenseful play. "As your leader and protector, I will see that you are safe from such villainy. He is a traitor. Today he will pay for those treasonous deeds with his life!"
Dendup was brought before an ominous looking device, which looked to be a containment field with bright red lasers stretching across from side to side.
Rash gave a demonstration, taking a bite out of his favorite fruit and then placing it within the containment field. Two Magna Guards then proceeded to strike it simultaneously with their staffs, causing the fruit to split in half.
"Time to die," Rash spoke insidiously.
If he expected Dendup to cower, weep, or beg for mercy he was sorely mistaken. The king held his resolve, bravely accepting the fate held in store for him. Placing his head within the execution device, he closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable.
"Ready your weapons!"
The staffs ignited and lifted into the air.
Rash held his hand up for a dramatic pause before slashing it forward.
But the guards never completed their task as two bullets sizzled through their robotic skulls. Two smoke grenades were tossed creating plumes so thick barely anyone could see. It was the exact moment the rebels needed as they stormed the platform shooting down the droids standing guard. In the confusion, Rash was briefly knocked unconscious with a blow to the head and the plan appeared to be succeeding.
"Come with us!" Steela told the ex-king. He obliged them quickly.
Saw also managed to free himself of his bonds and smashed Kalani over the head. Once all the droids had been pulverized, a female scout attempted to lead them away.
"Follow me!"
They were too late. Within seconds the scout was shot dead by a platoon of Super Battle Droids, who quickly surrounded them on all sides. Meanwhile, Kalani had risen from Saw's assault.
"Surrender now or die," he declared to them.
Ahsoka looked as though she wanted to intervene but Luke held her steady.
"Not yet," he whispered.
The rebels looked as though they would rather perish than surrender but their efforts would be all for naught if Dendup died. The wise king realized this too as he ordered them to put their weapons down.
"It's over. Do as they say."
Within seconds the rebels were rounded up and brought to the platform once more and the number marked for execution increased to a dozen instead of two.
"Calm, yourselves. The threat is over," Rash announced, rubbing the back of his head painfully. "See for yourselves as these traitors all endure the same punishment."
But by now the crowd was beginning to decisively turn against him. Boos and jeers began issuing forth, something the corrupt king chose to remain blissfully unaware of.
"Good try sis," Saw whispered to his sister.
They both smiled at each other knowing it was better to die a patriot than live in an oppressive autocracy.
"The snake shall never again rise!" Rash declared. "Ready weapons! And place his head where it will be severed once and for all!"
It seemed as though the rebels were finally finished, even Luke reached for the hilt of his lightsaber as did Ahsoka, moving towards the platform.
"Stop!" an authoritative, masculine tone yelled out from behind.
General Tendin and about two dozen of his men were running towards the scene. Armed with stun pikes, they quickly surrounded the droid forces, including Kalani.
"Traitor!" Rash growled as the General put a spear to his neck.
"I was. Not anymore," Tendin countered, giving a nod towards Saw. He then reached and put an arm around Rash's neck, spear still delicately close to a vein.
"What are you doing?!"
But the General paid him no mind.
"Go," he told Dendup.
The crowd began cheering loudly in approval as the remaining rebels led him down the steps to freedom. Tendin followed suit, holding the king as a hostage while his men kept the droids at bay. Even more encouraging, shouts of 'Let them through!' and 'Make way!' could be heard as they parted like a sea to allow safe passage. It seemed the resistance had finally won.
Tendin told his men to leave him as they escorted the rebels out. But he willingly stayed to provide cover. Droids, stupid as they were, would not dare to fire on Rash without the approval of Kalani.
"What now, General?" Rash hissed through the chokehold. "As soon as you release me, you'll be shot dead."
Sweat trickled down the Tandin's brow, fully aware he'd be filled with holes in a heartbeat once the rebels were gone. The cock of wrist blasters echoed throughout as the Supers pointed them directly at his head.
Luke and Ahsoka both nodded at each other. They couldn't afford to lose the head of the army. With Steela and company now in possession of Dendup, the time for neutrality had passed.
Leaping through the air, emerald blades hummed as the two created a Force blast so powerful it blew the droids backward like a hurricane, smashing them to bits against the palace walls. If the crowd had been loud before they went positively ballistic at the impressive feat.
"Jedi!" Rash gasped.
"Only one of us is a Jedi, technically. Then again I wouldn't expect you to know the difference," Luke said cheekily. "In the meantime, the General is coming with us."
Ahsoka used the Force to lift the king in the air, plopping him down onto his rear against the very machine that would have executed his predecessor.
"Follow us!" Ahsoka told Tendin, who didn't need to be told twice.
Rash, rageful beyond comprehension, wasted no time in returning to his feet.
"After them!" he frothed. "Kill them! Kill them!"
But aside from Kalani, there were no more droids to send and the crowd by this time had completely turned against him. For the first time in his despotic regime, he finally realized it too.
Meanwhile Luke felt more hopeful than at any previous point in his time on Onderon. Looking at Ahsoka as they blended within the crowd, they gave each other a reassuring smile. Like her, he now felt responsible for their fate. And now a simple rebellion had become a battle, a winnable battle.
By the Force, he would see it through.
Alright. We got one more chapter to go for Onderon. The climax of this particular arc is almost here. Thank you all for being patient with me even as things are a bit slow right now. Trust me, once Luke builds up enough goodwill, he'll get things moving. Next chapter will be up in a week!
~The Wasp