Hello, everyone!
Another update is here! And I must say that you all have been incredibly patient as this story has progressed. It's been a slow burn thus far. But I can safely declare that this chapter officially marks the beginning of some true divergence from the original timeline. And there is so much more to come.
But for now, I hope you enjoy this chapter and big thanks to everyone who has commented, liked, and followed so far!
As a side note, some have noted certain major characters have not made an appearance. Keep your eyes peeled ;)
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Chapter 13. Stirring The Pot
The flight back to Coruscant proved to be one of triumph and immense praise. That became apparent the minute the shuttle doors opened.
Awaiting for them was a cavalcade of Senators, including the Chancellor himself.
"Wow, all this for a rescue mission?" Anakin asked, though his tone indicated he didn't mind the attention.
"Yes, well try not to lose your head, Skywalker," Mace Windu admonished.
"You know me, Master. I have no use for politics."
"Try telling that to the Chancellor."
Luke, ever careful to observe and not interject in matters such as these sensed Windu wasn't actually upset with the young Jedi Knight though the two differed on much. The man from Harun Kuul seemed to be wary of the Chancellor though it extended little more than minor annoyance of interfering in Jedi affairs. But not suspicious enough to warrant any investigation of course.
As they stepped out into the Coruscant sunlight, the greeting was predictable.
"Welcome back, my Jedi friends. We and the rest of the Senate congratulate you on your successful defense of Dantooine," Palpatine said with the usual demeanor of a grandfatherly gentleman.
"Thank you, Chancellor. The Outer Rim will take time to fully liberate but it's an important step nonetheless," Windu said politely yet with the tone of a man who did not believe it warranted such thanks.
"All the same, it is good to have you back. Especially our two young heroes here."
Palpatine gestured towards Anakin and Luke who looked at each other with raised eyebrows.
"I must say, there are rumors that you are as powerful as Master Yoda himself," the Chancellor practically purred at the physically older Skywalker. "Your skill in the air and land are commendable."
A chill crept up the back of Luke's spine. For all his discipline and spiritual mastery, despite Palpatine's appearance being that of a kindly older man, something about that voice unsettled him. Within the sparkling blue eyes of the Chancellor lay an insatiable hunger, even a curiosity that surpassed their first meeting. It gave an odd, dreadful sense of deja vu.
He must sense my power. Could he also be interested in securing my services as well?
Once again he had to feign ignorance. He had to hide from Palpatine the same way the fiend hid from everyone else. The long game was the only way to ensure victory in the end. And so he played that game.
"Thank you, Chancellor. That's high praise coming from you."
The would-be fascist seemed to deem that answer an acceptable one and immediately moved onto Anakin.
"And you, my boy. Another victory in your cap. One cannot speak of your talent and penchant for adventure enough."
Luke resisted the urge to vomit at the gross flattery. Worse yet, his father took it all in, ego practically inflating to the size of the Venator Class Star Destroyer they'd just departed from.
"They exaggerate, sir. The victory belongs to Luke and Master Windu as well."
"Your modesty is endearing, Anakin. Come back to my office. I'm sure we can discuss the battle in more detail."
Master Windu cleared his throat to indicate his disapproval.
"Perhaps another time, Chancellor. The men and all who participated need rest and it has been quite the journey."
No doubt, the old man was probably incensed at Windu's preventing him from spending more time in attaching himself further to his prized pupil.
"Come now, Master Jedi. Surely-"
"Actually, Chancellor, that would be best. The men certainly need their rest as do I."
The soft rebuke from Anakin surprised all present, including Luke.
"Very well, my boy. Another time. Walk with us back to the shuttle. I'm sure the Senators have plenty of questions."
The forty eight year old didn't have to wait long to find out the reason for Anakin's reason for not wanting to spend time with his personal friend.
Most of the Senators there, he didn't recognize nor did he care to recognize. Like his father before him, politics gave no temptation. However, there was one among the group that caught his eye causing his heart to skip a beat. A gorgeous woman with soft, brown eyes, and with a slender, regal looking face. She stood at above average height for a human female and wore a beaded indigo dress, studded with pearls, a low neckline and puffy sleeves. The skirt almost resembled the waves of a dark ocean as it flowed down to the floor. Dark brown hair had been pulled into a cone shaped style with a golden metal headpiece to keep it in place. Light makeup only accentuated her natural beauty, yet did not diminish the powerful presence of who this person was and represented.
Padme Amidala, Senator from Naboo, his mother.
Luke didn't need the Force to see how excited Anakin was to see her and spend time amongst themselves. His body language practically radiated happiness and intense love matched by few in the galaxy.
He could see right away the resemblance, especially with Leia. His sister's face carried a bit more roundness and her nose slightly longer. But the soft eyes, dark brown hair, and natural beauty all stemmed from Padme, this remarkable woman who he'd never met. Suddenly overcome with emotion, he centered himself again, allowing pure joy to flow through his veins without shedding tears.
Leia...if only you were here with me...if only you could see her as I do now
So fixated and mesmerized at seeing his second parent, he almost didn't hear Anakin introduce him.
"Luke, I'd like you to meet the most steafast, principled Senator in the galaxy and a personal friend of mine: Senator Amidala of Naboo. Senator...Luke Ahch-To."
He quickly recovered himself and bowed as low as he could go.
"It's an honor to meet you, m'lady. Anyone Anakin holds in such high esteem must be as they say."
The beautiful woman gave a polite bow of her own and couldn't resist giving a small smile in return.
"To quote my Jedi friend earlier, 'They exaggerate.'"
"Nonsense," Anakin countered. "She's one of the few in the Senate that still cares about the Republic. That alone makes her the best."
There was little mistaking the school girl blush that spread across Padme's cheeks.
"No doubt you've learned by now Luke, Jedi Knight Skywalker is quite incorrigible."
"The thought occurred to me once or twice."
Anakin feigned outrage.
"Hey, you're supposed to be on my side."
Padme couldn't help but laugh, one so sweet Luke thought he might melt.
"Don't let him fool you. He loves being on the front page of the Holonet every week."
"All in a good day's work, Senator. You get plenty of headlines yourself."
Force these two couldn't be more obvious
It was a wonder that Anakin hadn't been expelled from the Jedi Order though his mother appeared to try to be more discreet. But if Ahsoka already knew, surely Obi-Wan did also?
Though I suspected he and Senator Amidala were involved, I turned a blind eye to their romance. Perhaps out of fear of seeing him expelled from the Order, I buried that suspicion deep within myself in hoping somehow it wasn't true. Therein lies my greatest error
Luke shook his head at the memory, knowing he had his work cut out for him on multiple fronts.
"Ahem, by the way Senator. There are some fiscal matters related to war costs and Republic spending I thought you...might want to see in your office."
Their son willed himself not to blush knowing full well what Anakin was insinuating. Padme clearly felt a bit uncomfortable as well as her brown eyes turned sharp.
"Master Jedi, I hardly think now is the time or place-"
"Please. As head of that particular committee, I think these documents would certainly be necessary for you to see."
Luke stopped and pretended he saw something mildly interesting on top of one of the enormous pillars holding up the entrance to the hangar. Seeing his parents flirt? Coming back in time could never prepare anyone for that.
Thankfully, the Senator relented.
"If it's that important I suppose I could squeeze you in for a meeting."
"Thank you, my lady."
By now the entirety of the Senate committee and the Chancellor were well ahead of them, a fact not lost on anyone.
"I am sorry to cut this introduction short, but I must get back to the Senate as I'm sure you two need to return back to the Temple. Luke, it was very nice meeting you."
The blond took her hand and bowed.
"Likewise, m'lady."
She walked back to rejoin her colleagues but Luke could have sworn she gave the smallest of winks as she did so. His father's energy at the moment, in contrast to their skirmish at Garang, radiated pure light and happiness. Padme Amidala really did mean everything to him, a person who brought out the best and simultaneously tempered his worst impulses. Yet also the one he feared losing the most.
A thought occurred to him then and there and he reached out every so subtly in the Force towards Senator Amidala. Using the power of the light and the interconnectedness to the world around him, he searched for any other source of life within her, anything perhaps with an extremely high midi-chlorian count...or two.
But alas, there was nothing.
She's not pregnant
Noting the date of his birth, Luke recalled that the time of his conception would occur sooner rather than later. But that itself only raised more questions. Now that he existed within this timeline, did that make it impossible for him and Leia to be born? Could that still happen even as he worked to change the future? And how much was wise to change all at once? Could he stop Palpatine in time by playing it safe? Would he jeopardize his own knowledge of the past by altering events too quickly?
Sensing a headache, he actually thanked Anakin for pulling him from going too far down the wormhole.
"Luke, I'll be with the Senator for a little while. You can give the progress report without me."
Snapping back to reality, he agreed.
"Sure thing."
Anakin turned around to leave but before he did Luke called out.
"Seventy eight."
"What?"
"That's how many droids I took out. Seventy eight."
Something between surprise and disappointment stretched across Anakin's handsome features before taking the news gracefully.
"Well, I'll be damned. Seventy seven."
"Those last two Magna Guards pushed me over the top."
"And so they did. Congratulations. I'll get you next time."
Anakin saluted with two fingers and gave a good natured smile as he left, one Luke couldn't help but return. His father's attitude was infectious.
And yet he could still sense something darker lurking underneath.
"Commander."
He turned around to see the Captain of the 501st walking towards him.
"Rex?" Luke asked curiously. "Is something the matter? If you're looking to speak to the General he just left."
"Fine, sir. But actually I was hoping to speak with you."
Such an unusual request it was that Rex should seek an audience with the enigmatic Luke Ahch-To. Nevertheless, he shrugged and voiced no objection. Though there was a sense of trepidation from the blond haired clone.
"So how can I help, Captain?" he asked. "I thought you'd be back at barracks resting with your men."
"I was, sir. Until I learned about what you told them around the fireside on Dantooine."
Figures they might still be talking about it. Wouldn't be hard for someone as intelligent as Rex to overhear
"Did you mean it?"
Rex's question did not sound harsh or angry. However, there was a suspicious, even pointed undertone to it. Luke wondered briefly if the clone captain meant to report him.
"Mean what specifically?"
Rex glanced sideways both times, ensuring no one would overhear them before continuing.
"Look, what you said to those boys that night...I need to know how much you plan on following through on that or if it was a cheap way to raise morale."
"I swear to you, I was sincere in every word."
He now knew what Rex was driving at. The idea of autonomous clone soldiers in the Grand Army of the Republic presented a ludicrous scenario to most people. No one bothered to think much about their safety and well being except the clones themselves.
"Commander, I've fought in many battles and seen hundreds of men die. I follow orders and do everything asked of me for the Republic and for my brothers." He paused trying to find the right words. "The last thing I want for them is to get their hopes up over nothing. Not when they sacrifice so much."
Luke didn't think it possible for his respect for Captain Rex to go any higher but it did nonetheless. A purely selfless man who put others above himself as a true leader was supposed to. He and his brothers deserved security and satisfaction.
"Rex, the last thing I would do is break a promise to those men. One way or the other, I'm going to fulfill it."
He pulled out a handful of credits from his pocket and placed it in the Captain's hand.
"Next ones at 79s are on me. Get some rest."
Rex appeared so touched by the gesture, he almost forgot to salute, which Luke found quite humorous. Within another few moments, Rex had hopped on a transport back to barracks leaving him utterly alone.
Suddenly, a determined urge struck him, the same youthful energy once common so many years ago. He'd come back to stop Palpatine and the Empire, who said he had to constantly tip toe around every issue? There was much he could do without majorly disrupting the timeline that could improve people's lives dramatically, including that of his family and the veterans of the Republic military. He'd still play the long game, but being complacent no longer seemed feasible.
He needed to save his parents' relationship regardless of whether he'd continue to exist or not. He needed to guarantee freedom and liberty for the clones and somehow remove the inhibitor chips from their brains, invalidating Order 66. He absolutely had to reform the Jedi Order before it was too late.
Looking over to the Senate building in the distance, a few ideas came to mind. The first of many he was to implement.
The next day
Padme Amidala considered herself to be a disciplined, busy woman. Not too proud like many of her colleagues or regal like when she had been the Queen of Naboo. Just the right mix of sensibility combined with an unquestioned desire to see justice done throughout the galaxy. She wasn't ignorant to the constant chatter behind her back; many such as Bail and Mon spoke of her integrity and commitment to the Republic; others spoke of her naivety, arrogance, and refusal to play the necessary political game in order to achieve something substantial or worse yet, enrich herself at the expense of others. Keeping that line of stoicism was a source of pride but it could also be a lonely existence even in the best of times.
Sighing as she looked over an assortment of papers and documents in her office, the ex-Queen wondered at times if anyone else truly cared about the principles of the Republic. The Jedi might fit the bill, but they distinguished themselves as servants of the institution and did little to actively shape policy. Respecting the separation of powers was a foundational aspect of the government however, much as she'd never openly admit it, there were days where the idea of the Jedi taking a more active role in it seemed quite appealing.
Anakin Skywalker, her husband married in secret three years ago, took an alternate view of decision making and democratic rule. 'One person to sit down and tell everyone what to do' were the words he'd used when they first fell in love. There were days where she wondered if his general philosophy might not work better, but every time banished it from her mind. The Republic was already flirting with autocratic rule in many respects. And Anakin, for all the many attributes she loved about him, at times leaned too close to absolutism with his line of thinking.
Being married to a Jedi, the Chosen One, came with its own set of expectations and boundaries not seen in normal marriages, for Anakin was not an ordinary Jedi. Many defined themselves by austerity, discipline, peace, and unshakeable focus. Her husband took pride in athletic achievement, risk, spontaneousness, and passion, especially the latter. He loved her beyond anything else in his life and though gave off the impression of a strong, cocky, headstrong male, deep down Padme knew he suffered from deep insecurity and the burden of being the one tasked with bringing balance to the Force.
At ages fourteen and nine, there was no way to know just how much they'd fall in love with each other, but now she couldn't imagine life without him. In an ironic way, the requirements of their respective professions helped each bring out the best in the other. Being a Senator meant one had to be stiff, formal, and serious far too often. Ani made sure there were plenty of smiles and adventure. And in return she provided stability, comfort, and tempered impulses that many among the Jedi possessed, but her husband especially.
If only he didn't have to live in fear of being expelled from the Order. If only my status as a Senator wouldn't cause a scandal
Sensing a rare headache coming on, Padme sighed and pushed her papers back for a second. More than once she'd thought about resigning her post, packing her things and going with Anakin to Naboo. Leave the war and all the stress that came with it behind. Perhaps, even start a family. The idea of having a bundle of joy or two yearned ever stronger within her heart.
He would be such a wonderful father
However, they couldn't. Both were too entrenched, too devoted to doing their duty to abandon the cause now. But after the war…
A beep on her machine indicated her private secretary phoning in.
"Yes, what is it, Neela?
"There's a...Jedi here to see you."
Padme rubbed her temples. No, it was too soon for Ani to visit right now. They'd just had sex yesterday and all of a sudden he needed more? Thankfully, Neela had known about their relationship since Naboo and proved trustworthy in being discreet.
"Tell the most distinguished Jedi now is not the best time," she said, emphasizing their code word for Anakin.
"Actually, m'lady it's not him. It's another. Commander Luke Ahch-To."
That was rather unexpected. Only Ahsoka and Obi-Wan ever paid a visit to her office unannounced. And technically, Luke was not a Jedi according to Anakin (though personally he looked like any version of a Jedi she'd ever come across) yet rumored to have powers equaled by only those highest among the Order.
Intrigued, she acquiesced.
"Very well. Send him in."
The automatic doors opened and in strode Luke Ahch-To, dressed in white robes, clean shaven, crew cut to sport a rather handsome middle aged look. Were it not for the lighter shade of hair and age difference, Padme would have said he resembled her husband in some ways, especially with their sparkling blue eyes.
"Senator," he said, bowing respectfully. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
"Oh, not at all. Just more bureaucratic foolishness in trying to govern the galaxy."
"Without a doubt."
If she hadn't known better, Luke almost seemed too excited to see her though not in a crude or romantic way. More like meeting a family member for the first time in ages.
"Please sit down," she said politely. "May I offer you anything to drink?"
"Oh no, thank you. I'm fine. I promise I won't take up too much of your time. There was a subject I felt the need to bring to your attention."
Padme sat back down at her desk.
"And what would that be?"
"Concerning the status of the clone troopers and their service to the Republic."
The unexpected statement had her full attention.
"What about them?"
Luke hesitated as if trying to avoid making some kind of gaffe before continuing.
"Senator, this topic might be delicate among some of your colleagues but I must ask. Under Republic law what are the clones considered to be?"
Padme hadn't really thought about that before, though she knew the technical answer.
"The truth is a bit complicated but I suppose I'll answer the best way I can. Under the emergency authority given to the Supreme Chancellor, the clones are the designated soldiers that comprise the Grand Army of the Republic, commissioned by the Jedi Order and created by the Kaminoans. They serve at its behest and act in a soldierly and security capacity."
Luke's eyes practically studied her and up and down.
"You've just told me what they do, but not what they are."
Padme furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.
"I'm afraid I don't understand what you're getting at."
"Senator, is it not true that slavery is illegal within the borders of the Republic?"
"Yes, that is correct. It was outlawed thousands of years ago."
"And yet it persists in many places. The Outer Rim for one thing but also right in front of us. By definition, the clone troopers serving in the Grand Army of the Republic fall under it."
Padme almost became angry at the statement. Such an assertion was absurd.
"I must protest, Commander Ahch-To. The clones are not as you say."
"Really? Were they not bought and paid for using Republic credits? Do they have a choice to leave the military if they so desire? Is it not true the Kaminoans treat them little more as property to be disposed of or experimented on as they please?"
The questions were meant to be rhetorical which is why they stung at her pride. He was right.
"They are paid a salary under law," she offered weakly.
"But they are not treated as citizens," Luke pointed out. "Only as pure pieces of military hardware. Cannon fodder against the droids who outnumber them on the battlefield in every fight. No one truly cares for their well being, including many in this very building who take their sacrifice and service for granted."
"Is...that not what they are intended for?"
"They do so because they love the Jedi and believe in the Republic as a symbol. But imagine if they got a good look at the governing body now. Would that faith be rewarded? And what happens when the war ends? They don't have homes, families, or jobs to return to. Who will provide these things? If war is the only area of life they were intended for doesn't that make the Republic a full time military occupational government?"
Padme Amidala, the bringer of justice and speaker of the truth to the public, suddenly felt deeply ashamed. Luke was right. About everything. How could she have been so blind? The scenarios he suggested were too nightmarish to imagine, especially that of a permanent military meant to keep others in line by force.
"Believe me, I take no pleasure in being right about any of this," Luke said sadly as though he read her mind (she often wondered if Ani did the same).
"Then why come to me?"
"Because you are the only one person among this elected body who would do anything about it."
Padme eyed him carefully. Jedi usually did not get involved in politics in fact in most cases it was strictly forbidden. But if Luke was suggesting what she thought he was suggesting…
"Commander Luke-"
But he cut her off unexpectedly.
"Senator, I realize we are treading on questionable ground. But the Jedi Order does not technically consider me one of its members and by Republic law, technically I'm not interfering illegally. So it is for that reason I humbly suggest that a bill be brought before the Senate granting the clones full citizenship and declaring their service voluntary."
The proposition did not offend Padme Amidala, not in the slightest. But one always had to balance political ambition with a sense of realism. This would prove to be an extremely difficult task if not impossible.
"Commander, I appreciate your concern for the clones and I happen to agree with your stance. But the likelihood of such a bill passing is unlikely at best. The Senate is so wrapped up in the affairs of the war that any suggestion of potentially weakening the army would be quashed."
Far from giving up, however, the barriers seemed to inspire Luke to push harder.
"That is precisely why you must bring such a bill to a vote," he countered. "You are a leading voice in the galaxy for the livelihoods of those who cannot defend themselves. The people and the other Senators will know of your intentions. Our clone soldiers may carry blasters and fight droids but they have no advocate."
It was then she realized that the man in front of her was something she'd never seen before: a Jedi, or Force wielder as compassionate about justice as she was, active but not dogmatic like Anakin, compassionate but not detached like Obi-Wan or Master Yoda. They were two of a kind.
"I will see what I can do," she responded, respect now rising for this mysterious man. "But I must warn you it will take something beyond the normal process to get this passed."
"This is not a normal time we're in," Luke said almost nonchalantly. "But being the intelligent and capable politician you are, I believe you'll find a solution. Just think about it."
He stood up and bowed respectfully once more.
"Thank you for your time, Senator."
Padme's eyes lingered on him as he left the room, truly amazed by the encounter she'd just experienced.
"Neela, contact Senator Organa and Senator Mothma," she said, pressing the button on her desk. "Tell them this is the most important piece of legislation we'll ever create."
News of the 'Clone Citizenship Act' spread like wildfire across the galaxy. As predicted, many Senators decried it as useless or unnecessary during a critical juncture of the conflict, others went as far as to say it was treasonous and undermined the war effort (the Kaminoans chief among them). But that sentiment turned out not to be universal. The argument that the clones were not truly free to make their own choices by the virtue of the way they had been created slowly won over more hearts and minds of the public who voiced as much. Even pro-war publications began to issue articles questioning the moral fiber of the Republic.
So intense was the debate, it even reached the high halls of the Jedi Temple, kicking off a heated session of the Council, especially by their standards.
"I do not see how logically this concerns us," Ki-Adi Mundi opined during the meeting. "This is for the Senate of the Republic to decide. Not the Jedi."
"Not quite true. After all it was a Jedi who commissioned the clones in the first place," Kit Fisto pointed out.
"And are we not their commanding officers in the field? Their Generals? It is our duty not only to lead them but to care for them as well," Adi Gallia added, now officially recovered from her injuries.
"Officially, their fate is decided by the Republic and Supreme Chancellor," Agen Kolar stated factually. "Given the emergency power declaration, I don't see how we could intervene."
"Perhaps not," Plo Koon said in his deep timber. "But the basic assertions of the bill are correct. The clones serve without choice or any reward for their sacrifice beyond a meager salary."
"Then that is sufficient," Mundi dismissed.
Koon's tone turned sharp, extremely rare for the naturally serene Jedi Master.
"They are living beings. Not expendable property."
"They serve without question. We do not treat them like droids. I have not heard of a soldier complain about their status in the army."
"That is also untrue, Master Mundi," Obi-Wan countered through his hologram. "Though it is rare, there have been desertions among the ranks before. There was even an instance of a clone sergeant on Christophsis giving intel to the Separatists."
"But the point remains," Mundi shot back. "We cannot undermine the progress we've made in this war which continues into its third year. And it is not for us to decide their fate."
Up until this point, Master Windu had said nothing and neither had Master Yoda. Ever wise, patient, and observant the green elder made a contemplating noise.
"Uncomfortable, this bill has made everyone. Including the Jedi. Exposes hypocrisy, it does. Faith in the Order and the Republic are paramount."
He opened his eyes, green orbs swimming with conflict.
"Yet human, the clones are. Rights, they are owed and more. Saved my life and yours, they have many times. Allow slavery, we cannot."
He hopped off his seat indicating the meeting was over.
"Challenged us all, this war has. Our notions of morality, compromised in many ways. Ponder this more, we shall, before arriving at any decision."
All right then. Luke's really kicking into high gear now. But will this bill actually pass? That remains to be seen.
Tune in for the next update soon!
~The Wasp