Hey, guys!
New update. Suffice to say this is a big chapter. Can't say much more than that but it is has pretty big implications. Goddamn, do I love the clone troopers though. I suppose that will do for a hint XD
As a side note, a couple of you asked about the Bad Batch and this story. I honestly don't know if it's possible to fit them in or not given their very specific circumstances but I'll try to find a way. I personally have liked the series thus far. Can't wait for Season 2!
Anyway, onwards!
"From every mountainside, let freedom ring."- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Chapter 14. Citizens
A sea of blankets, satiny skin soft to the touch, the most beautiful woman in existence pressed up against him.
Anakin Skywalker didn't know love could reach such elevated passion but he wanted more. He could sense his wife did too. Something about the way the strands of shiny, smooth brown hair fell into her face just made her that much more beautiful. And those eyes, mesmerizing chocolate orbs that could peer into a man's very soul...he didn't want this to end. If the Jedi Order ever caught him in this compromising position, he'd pretty much tell them to fuck off in Huttese, toss them his lightsaber and fly back to Naboo.
Sad part was, he almost hoped that would happen. Almost.
"Ani," Padme giggled.
"What? Why are you laughing? I thought we were making love," he responded, kissing her neck and making his way down.
"We are but we've been at it all morning."
Anakin reacted with fake offense looking deep into her eyes.
"Do my ears deceive me? Or does my wife not find me attractive anymore?"
The Senator laughed.
"You know as well as I do that's impossible."
"Only teasing, sweetheart. I'll fetch us some drinks."
He grabbed a silky robe off the bedpost (one entirely too small for his broad frame) and went over to the cooling unit, bringing out some Daruvvian Champagne.
"Isn't it a little early to start drinking?" Padme asked though her tone indicated she was not at all opposed to the idea.
"Only the best for you m'lady," Anakin bowed in jest.
He came back over to the bed with two full glasses in his hands, rejoining his wife in the king sized bed.
"Happy anniversary, my love."
"And to you, my beloved."
Their classes clinked and Anakin gave her another affectionate kiss on the cheek. God he was so lucky. Not a day went by when he wasn't reminded of that. And she felt the same way. However, Padme's face took on a pondering expression.
"What're you thinking about?"
He could sense her mind at work as she answered.
"This clone citizenship bill in the Senate."
"Do we really have to think about work right now?" he asked in a way that harkened back to his nine year old self. "You know how hard it is to spend any kind of time alone together. I told the Council I was spot checking the 501st's gear today."
"Smooth as ever," she teased, tapping him on the nose. "But the issue is still bothering me, I'm afraid. As my husband, I expect moral support."
"As opposed to suggestions that would actually help?"
"It's a good thing you're already married, Ani. You're not very good at reading women much of the time."
"Good thing there's only one woman for me then," he replied, putting his partially cybernetic arm around her. "But...I do see your point. I'm all ears."
In truth, Padme did appreciate Anakin's simple logic sometimes. Perhaps that could be useful here.
"This bill is causing more trouble than I originally thought. I knew it would be difficult to pass but it's taken the front page of the Holonet by storm."
"What did you expect?" Anakin put lightly but honestly. "We're in the middle of a war. No one is thinking of clone emancipation."
"Don't be so casually dismissive. Think of your friend Rex and the rest of the men you've served with. Do you think it's fair that they should essentially have no rights of their own?"
"Of course not," he said, easing her outrage with a gentle touch of his natural hand. "You know I'm one hundred percent with you on this. Rex isn't just a soldier to me, he's a friend. I care about him, Jesse, Fives, Echo, and everyone under my command."
He furrowed his brow for half a second as a thought occurred to him.
"That would explain why Rex has been acting so strange lately. Almost confused, like if he's unsure of himself and his place in the galaxy. Ever since the mission to Dantooine with Luke, he and the men have all been like that."
"Interestingly enough, it was Luke who gave me the idea to create this legislation in the first place."
"He did?" Anakin said with some surprise. "Actually, now that I think about it, that all makes sense. He must have said something to them one of the nights we were there."
"I must confess I am beginning to like him even though we've just met," Padme admitted. "And I get the feeling you do as well."
There were moments where his wife certainly didn't need the Force to read his feelings.
"I do. He's strong, compassionate, and constantly looking out for others." He gave a soft chuckle. "You know, he sometimes reminds me of you in a way."
"Funny, I was about to say he reminded me of you a bit. He's not like most Jedi I've met."
Anakin nodded his head, draining his glass.
"It's always struck me how much he's like a Jedi and yet unlike one. He has Obi-Wan's patience and the power of Mace Windu, but at the same time some of his beliefs are unorthodox. According to Ahsoka at least. She likes him too, by the way."
"Well perhaps he could figure out an unorthodox method of passing this bill," Padme said with a sigh. "Just getting it out of committee was difficult but it's nowhere close to receiving a majority of support in the Senate, never mind a two thirds majority to override a potential veto."
"The Chancellor would never veto the bill if it came to his desk," Anakin insisted.
"You don't know that. Officially, he hasn't come out for or against it."
"It's not his job. He's just doing the right thing and remaining neutral by not getting involved. But I'm sure he'd sign it."
"You have much more faith in him than I do personally," Padme muttered. "But I wish there was some way of drawing more support. Something I'm missing. Luke said I'd find the answer."
Anakin's eyes suddenly lit up in excitement.
"Wait, of course. Why didn't I think of it before?!" he exclaimed as he sat up.
"What, Ani?"
"The Jedi can't be involved in creating legislation but they can offer an official letter of support. Combine that with your political skills, it might be enough to pass."
"Can you really muster up enough support from the Jedi Council to issue such an edict?"
"I don't know," Anakin answered honestly, pushing a hand through his almost shoulder length brown hair. "But I do know this: I'm not going to rest until I do."
"Well I suppose you'd best get on that Master Jedi," she said to him in an unusually sultry, sexy voice.
"Oh, I will. But there's something else I need to do first."
Giggling and laughing, the loving couple resumed their dance in between the sheets for the rest of that morning.
It really was amazing what a month or two at the Jedi temple could do for a person's lightsaber skills.
Luke had continued his lessons with Master Drallig, improving on his preferred Form V while incorporating elements of Form IV. Now, he sought to master Form III to better his defenses. And what better way to do that than with a sparring partner?
"Keep your knees in place," Ahsoka told him while she struck out with her two green sabers.
Luke steadily back tracked, parrying each blow, side to side in a tight formation.
"Good. Make sure your eyes are always up front on the attacker."
She leapt up in the air and landed behind him which Luke deftly blocked. She proceeded to attack again but this time he spun around giving his wrist a little flick, sending one of her sabers aside. With the Force he took the other one from her hand ending the match.
"You're a fast learner," Ahsoka said with a smile. "I don't know much about Form III but Obi-Wan did teach me the basics."
"Sometimes, a Master can learn as much from a padawan as a padawan can from a Master."
He tossed her weapons back to her, bowing respectfully.
"If nothing else, you're a great workout partner," Ahsoka laughed but her blue eyes indicated respect and admiration. Their relationship really had come a long way.
"At my age, keeping yourself in shape is essential," Luke groaned while he cracked his back.
"You're not that old," she told him bluntly. "Especially with the new look."
"Well looks can be deceiving."
The comment had intended to be in jest but Ahsoka crossed her arms and scrunched up her looks.
"You do realize how strong you are in the Force, right? Seriously."
"I-uh…"
"And you basically just called yourself a Master."
Luke cursed himself for the minor slip up. The Togrutan was too clever for her own good. Really, in some ways she carried an insight and intelligence greater than that of some of the Masters on the Council.
No wonder she survived so long. She could see the hubris of the Jedi...of course only after they betrayed her
He recognized he would not be able to keep his secret for much longer but in this instance he was saved by the timely arrival of his father.
"Oh, good," he said entering through the automatic doors. "I found you both."
"Master. What's going on?"
Anakin wasted no time in explaining.
"This bill about the clones is really stirring up a Gundark's nest. It's passage in the Senate is unlikely but I believe we, the Jedi, have an opportunity to change that."
Luke raised his eyebrows. So his mother had figured it out after all.
"Don't look so surprised," Anakin said with a knowing smirk. "After all this was your idea, Luke."
Ahsoka turned on him.
"You? You're the one who started this controversy?"
Luke raised his hands in the air defensively.
"All I did was give Senator Amidala a little nudge."
"Right, a little 'nudge'," Ahsoka put in quotations.
"But that's not the important thing here. Anakin is right. We have to find support from the Jedi Council if there's any chance of it passing."
"And how can we help?" the padawan asked. "I thought the Jedi didn't get involved in political affairs."
"We don't usually," Anakin affirmed. "But this is an exception. How many times have we fought side by side with Rex and the men not even knowing they had no rights of their own? It's the least we can do."
"We have to talk to the Council then. It's the only way we'll get approval for something like this."
"The fact we have to convince them at all is extremely disappointing," Luke muttered.
"And are they even going to listen to us?" Ahsoka added. "Given our reputations. We're not exactly rule followers."
"All the more reason for them to listen," Anakin said optimistically. "Which is why I've already requested an audience today."
"You what?!"
"Calm down, Ahsoka. They were going to have a meeting about it anyway. I figured we might as well make our case."
"A little preparation would have been nice, just saying," she sassed.
"Well let's put our best foot forward then."
Ahsoka rolled her eyes but Luke couldn't help but give a smile. His father truly was something else.
"Should we decide then who's going to be doing most of the talking?" he asked.
"We can decide on the way."
"That should be fun."
The three walked out together back into the main high arching hallway unprepared to give an eloquent speech but fully prepared to help their comrades in arms in any way possible.
Anakin suddenly leaned in and said to Luke in a low voice.
"Thank you, by the way. Rex, the men, Senator Amidala, Ahsoka...you've given them all hope again."
That line struck him so deeply, Luke felt his body tingle.
"Well that's what a Jedi does after all, right? Help people."
Anakin's smile was the warmest and most genuine he'd seen yet.
"I couldn't agree more."
Predictably, convincing the Council to make a decision in the name of basic cut and dry decency proved to be a tall order.
"Knight Skywalker, what you ask puts us in a difficult position," Mace Windu said in his usual even tone.
"The clone troopers are well taken care of," Ki-Adi Mundi added. "To suggest 'liberating' them makes it sound like we have actually enslaved them."
Luke could feel his blood boiling over with frustration. He stood in the center of the Council alongside Anakin and Ahsoka. Thus far he'd remained silent but he could sense his father's growing anger. The time to intervene fast approached.
"Have we not already?" Anakin countered trying to keep his voice steady.
"That is insulting," Mundi cut back. "To support this bill would be a stain on our honor."
"And you think the Jedi haven't already stained their honor?" came the heated reply. "How many plots and lies have we been involved with already in this war? Including you."
"You are out of line, young Skywalker," Agen Kolar admonished.
"I only acknowledge what this Council refuses to!"
The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. Ahsoka tried to soothe Anakin by placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Master…"
"No, Ahsoka. If we don't support this bill we are just as complicit in war crimes as the worst of the Separatists!"
Those words cut deep. Very deep. For a split second Luke wondered if Anakin might be kicked out of the room. The topic was a sore spot for the Chosen One considering his origins as a slave himself. But thankfully, Obi-Wan came to the rescue, his presence naturally pacifying even though he wasn't physically there.
"Let's all calm down," he said through the hologram. "Anakin, please don't lose your temper, it does nothing to solve the problem. Master Mundi, we at least need to give the proposition a fair hearing. After all, we ourselves are still divided on the issue. A consensus must be formed."
That was the in Luke needed.
"If I may interject, Masters, I'd like to clarify some of Master Skywalker's points."
Yoda and Mace looked at each other, the former nodding towards the latter.
"You may speak, Commander Ahch-To."
He bowed to defuse some of the tension before continuing.
"Thank you, Masters. Before starting I'd like to take a moment to properly acknowledge the clones and their service to the Republic and the Jedi Order. They are brave, incredibly loyal and are not just soldiers, but friends."
He began addressing the Council at large, looking at each and every one of them as he spoke.
"And while the Jedi Order might forbid attachments, is it not true that friendship and camaraderie are positive aspects of life? Throughout this war, every one of us, even myself, have come to know them and know them well. Many names stand out. Commander Cody for example," he said, indicating Obi-Wan who gave a smile. "Or Commander Wolffe," he added, giving a nod towards Master Koon.
"And we're all familiar with Captain Rex and the men under his command. Lieutenant Jesse, ARC Troopers Echo and Fives, Kix, Hardcase, Tup, Dogma, and more. I can say with full confidence that these men would die for anyone in this room. But the circumstances of their creation deserves a second look.
"Under Republic law, slavery is outlawed. Yet the clones are considered property by the Kaminoans and by the very contract the Chancellor signed with them, renders their services compulsory and without freedom of choice. And though they are paid, they cannot leave the army. No accommodations for their future education or prosperity have been made."
He gave a breath. Luke wanted desperately to tell the Jedi that the clones were designed to be the primary engineers of their own destruction. That they were to be used just like they all were but it was too soon. He couldn't raise the specter of that haunting prospect yet.
"Lastly, if the clones are truly only bred for war then the Republic, by definition, have become occupiers instead of liberators. And while the Separatists align themselves with many unsavory elements during this conflict including slavers," he quickly gave a nod to Anakin. "We cannot perpetuate the same. I therefore recommend we support this bill wholeheartedly and give it our endorsement in the Senate."
He finished with one last plea.
"They have done everything we've asked of them and more. Is it too much to give them what is properly owed in return?"
Dead silence permeated throughout the room for moments which seemed like eternity. Luke held his breath and he could sense the same from Anakin and Ahsoka wondering just how the Council would react.
"Well said," Obi-Wan said at long last. "Well said, indeed."
"If my opinion counts for anything, I too dislike the way the Kaminoans treat the clones. It is questionable at best and reprehensible at worst. As the leading Jedi envoy on Kamino, it would be wise to take that power out of their hands," Shaak Ti added.
"We shall take this under advisement," Ki-Adi Mundi cut in. "Thank you-"
"No."
Master Yoda finally spoke, the Grandmaster finally making his presence felt.
"Right, Commander Ahch-To is. Horribly blind and corrupt in this instance, we have been. The clones must be free."
That the eldest and wisest among the Jedi spoke so forcefully and with such emotion spoke volumes. Right then and there, Luke knew they had won. The Council wouldn't oppose his stance.
"A grave mistake we can rectify. With great haste we must act. All in favor of sending a resolution to the Senate?"
All raised their hands, even Mundi despite his reluctance.
"The motion passes unanimously. I will have Master Jocasta Nu draft an edict of endorsement to be given to the Senate immediately," Mace Windu stated. "May the Force be with us."
"Indeed," Yoda agreed, his eyes twinkling as he turned back towards Luke, Anakin, and Ahsoka. "Very fortunate the Republic and Jedi are to have you among us."
The trio couldn't help but give each other wide grins.
"What did I tell you?" Anakin said cheekily. "We knew what we were doing."
Ahsoka shook her head and Luke saw Obi-Wan do the same but both smiled as they did so.
Take that, Sidious, he couldn't help but think to himself.
"Order! Order! We shall have order!"
Mas Amedda's commands could barely be heard among the constant roar of various language, grunts, and bellowing that currently reverbed across the Senate chamber. Senator Amidala sighed, resisting the urge to scream at them all. This was not going well.
"The floor still belongs to Senator Orn Free Ta. He must be allowed to finish."
"Yes, thank you, Vice Chair. As I was saying the matter at hand boils down to one thing…"
Great. More time wasted listening to a fat corrupt, bureaucrat
Padme recognized her thoughts sounded a lot like Anakin and sought to temper that for now. She didn't mind her husband rubbing off on her a bit though for proceedings such as these, all grace and dignity had to be maintained. So instead, she sat back in her seat willing not to fall asleep.
"Yousa okay, Senator Amidala?"
The Gungan looked at her with the same innocence and care one might find in a child, even if it came with bouts of clumsiness.
"Yes, Jar-Jar. I'm just not sure what else we can do at this point. We've been debating for hours. And without the Jedi Council's support, there's little chance of this bill becoming law."
"Have faith, Senator. Yousa never know. There coulda be a miracle from dee Jedi afta all."
But the miracle never came. Five more minutes passed and Free Ta finally finished his inane bumbling. No word from the Jedi, Luke, Ani, or anyone.
"The debate concluded we now have clearance for a vote."
"I say now is the time to vote!"
"There is a motion on the floor, do I hear a second motion?"
"Seconded!"
"Very good. Are there any objections?"
When none came, an automated pad rose from the control panel which contained two buttons, a white one to indicate 'yay' and a red one for 'nay'.
Suddenly, her comlink lit up and Senator Organa came online.
"Padme!" came his urgent voice. "The Jedi have come through. I'm sending you a copy of their resolution."
An orange file suddenly came onto her screen and without delay Senator Amidala stood up.
"I object!" she announced, causing the rest of the Senate to begin murmuring again.
"Order!" Amedda called out. "Senator Amidala, all the debate time has been allocated. What more do you have to say?"
"Just this. An edict from the Jedi Council endorsing the Clone Citizenship Act."
The murmurings turned into full blown chatter as Amedda and Palpatine looked at each other.
"I second the motion to hear this edict," Organa spoke.
More followed suit. The endorsement would have to be heard.
"Very well, Senator. You may proceed."
Taking a deep breath, Padme Amidala did what she was born to do.
"We amongst the Jedi Council and the Order itself have debated this matter seriously and with great concern for both sides of the question: are the clones legally citizens of the Republic? To which we have come to the conclusion that they are not. It is the right of every living being in the galaxy to freedom, prosperity, education, and choice. As we see, the clone troopers who valiantly serve our institutions and defend them in battle time and time again, do not fit this criteria.
They fight but have no option but to fight. They are symbols of the Republic, helping and assisting, becoming the face of our war against the Separatist threat. No provision has been made for their fate beyond the conflict and are treated little more than chattel to be discarded and cast aside. As an Order dedicated to the sanctity of life, the clones are not just foot soldiers. They are living beings who are unique in their own way despite being physically the same. We consider them to be our friends, brothers in arms to the end.
The contract made with the Kaminoans is illegal under these circumstances. And though we do not usually engage in the political affairs of the Senate, we felt an exception had to be made in this instance. Therefore, it is with great honor that we endorse the Clone Citizenship Act. And we urge all who care about our democracy and its principles to do so as well."
The Senate erupted with such applause it was a wonder the building didn't come crashing down.
Padme wiped tears from her eyes. It was one of the happiest moments of her life.
Hours later
Fives drummed his fingers against the bar. His leg shook up and down in great anticipation.
"Will you stop doing that?" Dogma snapped at him.
79s was packed, but the scene was quieter than it had ever been. Multiple units, including the 501st had gone there awaiting the outcome of the Senate bill. No one wanted to miss the moment where it passed...or failed.
"I'm sorry, Dogma," he snarled back. "Forgive me for being a bit nervous about whether or not the Senate gives us our freedom."
"Either way, at least we have plenty of booze at our disposal," Jesse joked. But for once, Fives did not share in the humor.
"This isn't funny, Jesse. Not one bit."
"Relax, just trying to use a little levity to reduce the tension."
"Well don't."
Captain Rex intervened before that tension boiled over.
"Easy now. Regardless of what happens, we will all do our duty as required."
"Required. There's that word again," Fives sighed. "You may be able to, Rex. But I won't."
"You can't seriously suggest going awol," Echo almost whispered.
"No...maybe...I don't know," came the uncertain response.
"Fives," Rex said firmly. "We still serve the Republic. You still believe in that don't you?"
"Of course."
"Then have faith. I'm sure the Senate will come through."
Fives looked at Jesse and motioned for the bartender.
"Two more over here, will ya."
"So you haven't lost your sense of humor," Jesse remarked.
"Shut up."
Rex looked around. While he still retained his faith in the government he served, the mood of most of his brothers aligned more with Fives. The prospect of citizenship, the idea that they were not free in the first place, rocked the army to its core. Privately, he agreed with his longtime friend and ARC Trooper. They did deserve their freedom and be properly recognized as such. But the situation, ironically, was out of their hands.
"Fives," he said with a sigh. "I know you don't believe much in politicians."
The ARC Trooper belched after taking a swig of beer.
"More like I don't at all."
"But do you believe in Commander Luke? And General Skywalker?"
Fives's defensive expression softened.
"More than anyone in my life."
"Then put whatever faith you have in them."
Fives didn't answer, taking his beer and draining it in one gulp. But he did nod to affirm that was the case.
"Rex."
A soldier wearing white and yellow armor approached, helmet tucked under his arm.
"Cody. How are you?"
"Well, alright considering the circumstances. Still nervous though."
Rex's longtime friend always remained cool even under fire. Even with his livelihood on the line. He always envied that.
"Any news?"
"General Kenobi said he'd contact me once the vote was finished. Haven't heard anything. In the meantime all we can do is wait."
"Seems like that's all we've been doing lately."
Cody gave a rare chuckle.
"And everyone forgets there's still a war going on. Care for a drink? I'm buying."
Rex, usually not one for alcohol, gave into temptation this time around.
"Why not? Fives, order a couple more. It's on the Commander."
While three glasses were filled, Cody suddenly pressed a finger to his ear, drowning out what little noise there was to hear his earpiece. Rex realized the moment had arrived.
It's the General his friend mouthed.
"Everyone quiet down!" he yelled out. "Cody's just received word from General Kenobi."
A hush fell over the men. No one dared say anything.
"Yes, sir? Of course…I understand."
Cody's expression was annoyingly unreadable. Fives gripped the edge of the table as thought he might fall into a black hole if he let go. Jesse and Echo looked at each other as if to say 'this is it.'
The Commander turned to face the crowd, his face still neutral.
Until it broke out into a wide smile.
"The bill passed almost unanimously. Gentleman, we're officially citizens of the Republic."
The deafening roar almost defied the laws of physics. Helmets and hats flew into the air, drinks were either tossed or swung back into waiting mouths. Men hugged, laughed, cried; even the normally uptight Dogma shed tears. Fives pulled his best friend, Echo, in an embrace. Tup whooped and hollered himself hoarse, while Kix alongside Hardcase began dancing on top of the table.
Rex, for his part, felt numb, hardly daring to believe what had just happened, the real implication not quite hitting him just yet.
He came through. Just like he promised
"Rex old boy, have a drink," Cody said with a grin, giving him a beer.
But instead of chugging it right away, he instead raised it in the air.
"A toast!" he called out and the crowd quieted down. "To the Jedi. Our leaders and more importantly our brothers and sisters. In particular, General Kenobi, General Skywalker, Commander Tano, and Commander Luke."
The clones roared with approval and raised their glasses but before they could finish a familiar voice rang out.
"Surely, you're not having a drink without us?"
In the doorway stood Obi-Wan Kenobi, apparently having just returned from his business with the Hutts, flanked by Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and Luke Ahch-To.
"Attention!"
"At ease, my friends, at ease," Obi-Wan said, waving his hand aside. "No orders tonight. We've come to celebrate this truly incredible moment."
The foursome walked to where Cody, Rex, and the 501st currently stood.
"General, sir," Rex said, slightly embarrassed. "We were just toasting you."
"On the contrary, I'd like to toast every man in this room," Obi-Wan smiled, taking a beer handed to him by one of the other clones.
"You all deserve it," Anakin added.
"And we couldn't resist stopping by and taking in the scene," Ahsoka chimed.
Luke said nothing, preferring to revel in the joy as opposed to being the center of attention. That in itself was its own reward.
Tears welled in Rex's eyes as Obi-Wan raised his glass (Anakin, Ahsoka, and Luke all had glasses of their own as well by now). Even Cody had difficulty in holding back his feelings.
"To you, clone troopers of the Republic, now officially citizens. Valiant soldiers, but more so than that, friends and companions. You belong to no one."
"Here, here," Anakin said, now sporting a full blown grin.
Glasses clinked and were drained in a moment of celebratory silence. But afterwards, Rex could no longer hold back the wild ride of emotions surging through him. Setting down his glass, he suddenly pulled Anakin into a hug.
"Thank you, sir….thank you."
Anakin embraced him, giving a couple pats on the back.
"That's kind of you Rex. But it's Luke that you should be thanking. Without him, none of this would have been possible."
The Last Jedi supposed he wouldn't be able to hide forever as all eyes turned towards him. Rex, Fives, Echo, Jesse, Hardcase, Tup, Dogma, and Kix all gathered around him, their faces a mix of relief, joy, and utter emotional elation.
"I still can't believe you did all of this sir," Echo spoke softly, still hardly daring to believe what just transpired.
"That night around the fire on Dantooine…it changed everything," Jesse added.
"We...we don't know how to ever properly thank you," Fives said, his voice breaking.
Luke looked at Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka, all of them beaming at him waiting for what he would say next.
He placed a hand on the shoulder of Fives and gripped it tight.
"You'll never have to."
The affectionate gesture turned into a full blown hug as Fives began openly weeping. Far from such emotion being a burden, it was a beautiful sight to behold.
The bond, the trust between the Jedi and Clones had now been renewed in the name of freedom. Never would it be broken.
Master Yoda had trained thousands of Jedi over the course of almost nine hundred years of living. Mace Windu was perhaps the most powerful and most unflappable. His power capable of rivaling the Grandmaster, calm in the face of almost any adversity. In a sense, despite being only fifty years old he carried the wisdom of someone who'd lived much longer. An equal in almost every sense of the word.
So when something bothered him it wasn't hard to sense.
"Troubled your mind is, Master Windu."
They stood in the private war room going over some details of fronts currently going on in the Middle Rim. The ebony skinned Jedi appeared deep in thought, hand resting underneath his chin.
"Much concerns me as of late."
Being that it was just the two of them, the two most powerful Jedi could speak a bit more freely than they otherwise would. He could also guess the source of the trouble.
"Oh? Perhaps not something, but someone."
"Ahch-To."
Yoda nodded.
"Hmmm, yes. An enigma, Luke Ahch-To is."
"I'm still not entirely sure letting him stay here was a good idea."
The grandmaster gave a curious glance.
"What concerns, have you?"
"His power for one thing. It's becoming increasingly apparent that his skill and connection to the Force surpass even some of the Masters on the Council. Something I haven't seen since-"
"Skywalker, yes."
"Exactly. I've seen his blade work and reports of his combat ability. He's raw, uneven sometimes. But Master Drallig tells me he's getting better with each passing day. He even managed to duel Skywalker to a draw."
Yoda began pacing in a circle, moving slowly with his walk stick. It helped him to think.
"But that is not the only thing you have to say, is it not?"
Mace shook his head and continued.
"No. He seems to have a particularly vested interest in Obi-Wan, Skywalker, and Padawan Tano. Almost as if he knows them already."
"Close, they have become in a short span of time, yes. But troubling to me it is not."
"Someone that powerful who's intentions we don't know getting close to the Chosen One doesn't trouble you?" Mace asked in the most incredulous tone he could muster.
"Believe Skywalker to be the Chosen One, you do?" Yoda countered. "Skepticism you have expressed in the past."
"Yes, I have. But that doesn't mean he isn't powerful or capable of consequential deeds. If he is the Chosen One, he has to be led down the right path."
"Hmmm, led astray many Jedi have been."
"And there's more besides that. I still don't understand his background. Nothing about it adds up. How is he that skilled in the Force? Who is this Master Ben he speaks of? And these stories he tells about blowing up space stations in the Unknown Regions. How come we've never heard of them? Ever since he arrived out of nowhere, things have changed. I am sure that the ripple we felt a month back is related to him."
Yoda hadn't seen Mace this frustrated in a good long while. He needed to be assuaged.
"All good questions. Many theories. But answers we do not have at this moment. In time, revealed they will be."
"You seem so certain that there is nothing sinister going on from Ahch-To. How can we be sure of his intentions?"
The ancient Master paused his circling and thought to himself for a moment. While Luke Ahch-To remained a somewhat mysterious figure, his actions thus far were not the ones of a dark side user or someone secretly plotting to murder or steal. Far from it, he'd actually found a seed of affection within himself for the young man. After all, everyone was young compared to him.
"Certain, none of us are. But seen him with Skywalker and others I have. Kind, considerate, thoughtful, powerful...all of these things he is and more. The freedom of the clones, one example it is."
"And his relationship with Skywalker?"
"Another test. A strong bond already, they share. Unwise it would be to break it. A good influence Luke is on young Skywalker. The right path he is on, Master Windu."
Judging from Mace's expression he clearly remained skeptical about that. But Yoda trusted the Force. He couldn't place his claw on it, but somehow he sensed just how much the non-Jedi cared about others and the effect had on those close to him. Though the Force was still clouded and murky from the dark side, he felt little choice but to trust Luke Ahch-To.
He just hoped that trust would be rewarded.
Darth Sidious was not pleased. Not pleased at all.
Sitting within the confines of his luxurious office, the Sith Lord had been contemplating for a couple of hours. He'd sent away all advisors, even his most trusted ones like Amedda, ordering that he was not to be disturbed unless absolutely necessary.
The plan, the grand plan that had been in motion for a thousand years, carefully crafted by generations of Sith before him, suddenly no longer seemed assured. Intact, yes but infallible? Certainly not.
Granting citizenship to the clones was essentially the equivalent of emancipation. Though not droids or slaves technically speaking, his hold on them weakened considerably with the passage of Senator Amidala's bill. And with so many voting yes, he as Chancellor held no authority to veto it. One of many pesky structural separation powers he'd yet to rid himself of.
The good news was, the biochips remained intact and unknown. When it came time for Order 66 there would be no way for the Jedi to stop it. And the clones would be rendered completely obedient to his will once more. He retained all of his emergency powers and would soon have more, cementing one step closer to transforming the Republic into his own vision: a Sith Empire that would last a thousand years.
Breathing in and out, he called upon the Force for guidance once more allowing the darkness to grow stronger within him. The rage, malice, and hatred fueled the ever burning desire to finally wipe the Jedi from the face of existence. Love was a fool's errand but if Sidious loved anything, the illuminating, seductive power of the dark side fit the bill. It's tendrils filled his nostrils, flowing through the body like a raging river of fire.
But much to the Sith Lord's disappointment, the power of the Force offered no answers. It irked him to no end that there remained one aspect of the war he could not control. That aspect came in the form of a person known as Luke Ahch-To.
By now Sidious was sure that the large ripple through the fabric of the Force somehow could be traced back to this meddlesome so-called 'non-Jedi'. Unlike most Jedi who either ignored or simply put up with him, Anakin being the exception, this middle aged menace seemed to go out of his way to avoid him at all costs. Polite yes, even deferring. But he could sense fear, trepidation as well.
Then there was Skywalker. He'd spent years subtly grooming him, pushing the boy ever closer to the dark side, towards the destiny that awaited. Obi-Wan Kenobi would not be enough to prevent his fall. And while the prospect of eliminating Padme Amidala proved to be daunting, he had a contingency plan for that as well.
But Luke Ahch-To was, if nothing else, unpredictable. In the course of a month, he'd managed to integrate himself with Anakin's inner circle, saved a Jedi Master from certain death, commanded a resounding victory on Onderon against Dooku's droid forces, and apparently had been the driving force behind the recent clone legislation. His name was beginning to pop up in publications. Even more problematic, Anakin not only liked this man but their bond through the Force grew with each passing day.
And he is powerful. Almost equal in strength to Skywalker. Such as I have never seen
All of that paled in comparison to what made Luke Ahch-To truly dangerous: though he fought for the Republic and under the direction of the Jedi he himself was not part of the Order. His methods, movements, and personality all differed from the bloated, arrogant, dullard ways of that confounded cult. Yet, he stood firmly in the light, and appeared to resist the dark side better than anyone he'd observed.
The last Jedi who'd carried these traits was Qui-Gon Jinn, the only one he'd ever truly feared. A maverick who could have reformed the Order in ways that would've made them that much more difficult to defeat.
But Qui Gon was dead and the Jedi nowhere near discovering the true machinations surrounding them. Luke Ahch-To could change that.
Clasping his long fingers together, Sidious wrestled with the decision, angered at his own lack of resolve, unused to these kinds of complications.
No, he would not kill this stranger...for now. There was still no evidence as of yet that he knew anything about the true nature of the war or the future to come. His position hadn't been compromised. Luke Ahch-To was likely a naive dreamer, a laughable do-gooder who would crumple in the face of the growing power of the dark side.
By the same token, Darth Sidious was not a man who left anything to chance.
Slowly and surely, like the twisting of a cold, jagged knife, the wheels of his mind formed a new plan.
Luke has struck the first blow, but this will not be unanswered by the secret Sith Lord. And is Luke already changing too much without realizing it?
Find out next time!
~The Wasp