Hello, hello.
Back again with the update as promised. Little late on my end but I had to reread it a few times to ensure I was happy with the results.
The look awaited second round with the Jedi Council will be addressed in this chapter. I wanted that to be the main focus. In happy news, this fic has now received over 200,000 hits! Whoo hoo!
As a quick point to address: I keep getting anonymous reviews and comments about Luke's controversial portrayal in the Disney sequels. Rest assured, I have done my research, I have watched all movies, shows, and read a good portion of the books. The whole point of this story is to take the Luke of Episode VIII and redeem him. That's the idea, the entire premise. So please don't be THAT guy because I've heard it 10,000 times. You don't like Disney Luke, great. I like the OT Luke better too. Trust me as an author that I have a solid plan in place.
In any case, thank you for your patience and be sure to leave those reviews/feedback. They make my day:)
"Loyalty to a country always. Loyalty to a government, when it deserves it."- Mark Twain
Chapter 24 Part 2. Loss of Trust
There was a point in the day, in the evening during the latter hours of the Coruscant that the sky turned a vivid array of dazzling colors. An ocean of red, gold, orange, purple, and pink that shone through the tall, plexiglass windows that hit just the right spot above the painted ceilings and all throughout the mezzanine.
Obi-Wan Kenobi took pains to observe it whenever time allotted for him to partake in such small joys. These days, however, even those pleasures gave little comfort. The war had torn apart the simplicity he once enjoyed in being a Jedi General fighting against the Separatists.
It'd been so easy in those early days. Count Dooku and General Grievous represented a vicious, aggressive threat against the sovereignty of Republic lands. Democracy, and the people in it, were worth fighting for.
Now the very essence of his Jedi identity lay at stake. And not even banter with Anakin Skywalker could lessen the burden.
"Is something wrong, Master?"
Even his best friend detected the conflict within him. Lovely.
"Oh, nothing of concern, Anakin. I appreciate the sentiment all the same."
Obi-Wan felt the tug of a lie or rather lack of truth in the answer. Actually, there were quite a few things Anakin could assist with. One in particular.
Why must women be so complicated?
"How's Satine doing?"
Force, the man had the uncanny knack of reading his mind without meaning to do so.
"She's…managing I suppose. Anxious to get back to Mandalore but her wish is not possible right now."
Anakin gave a small smile as he strode easily in that long gait of his. Almost as though he were thinking of a specific woman himself.
"Senator Amidala still insists on having her stay for as long as necessary."
"She's quite a woman."
"Yes…they both are. I admire their dedication to their jobs."
Here they were dancing around the subject of their respective girlfriends once more. An elaborate tango of masks and misdirection. But that's precisely why Obi-Wan Kenobi needed to make the hard choice. To center himself before a monumental choice was made.
"And how do you find your new job?" he asked, shifting topics. "Is your promotion satisfactory, Master Skywalker?"
That sounded a lot more playful than originally intended but Anakin took it in good humor.
"Honestly? It's not really as glamorous as I thought. Don't get me wrong, I'm honored to be a Master. But I think I was more obsessed with the title than anything else."
"And perhaps now my warnings about unchecked ambition will finally break through."
"I always take your lessons to heart, Master."
"Rigghhtttt." Obi-Wan's voice dripped with his standard cheek. "But don't bother hiding it, Anakin. You were quite upset when denied a spot on the Council. What changed?"
"Just…proper perspective," Anakin answered slowly. "Well, actually I have Luke to thank for that. Being on the Council isn't everything."
"Luke said that?"
"He just reminded me that it's more important to be a good Jedi than to seek power for power's sake."
Oh, kriff. This was veering into a dangerous pool filled with Kararadons waiting to sink their jaws into anything that dared to tread their waters. Anakin couldn't know. Not yet.
"I'm glad there is no lasting grudge."
They stopped just before the entrance to the turbo lift leading up to the high chamber.
"More Council business? You guys have been pretty active lately."
"Well you know how it goes. Lots of busy work and navigating through political minefields. To be frank, I'm quite sure you'd hate it."
"Is that your way of scaring me off from ever wanting to be on the Council?"
"Possibly."
Anakin laughed and Obi-Wan was reminded of just how beautiful, how stunningly heartwarming it was to hear his former padawan gift the galaxy with his happiness. Seldom did anyone bear witness to such a rare event.
It would make their next conversation all the more difficult.
"So what's the topic of conversation tonight?"
"Oh, just the usual. War strategies. Supply estimates. The updated padawan protocols. Nothing out of the ordinary."
He hated lying to Anakin. While not as spiritual or emotionally invested as other Jedi, all powerful Force users could pick out when they were being lied to. Or at least not being given the full truth. From a certain point of view.
Don't look at me like that, Anakin. Don't make me say something I ought not to
The skeptical, inquisitive glance his brother gave him passed and the moment of parting came.
"Alright, then. I'll see you later on."
"Goodbye, old friend."
Obi-Wan tried to ignore that squirming feeling within the confines of his stomach as he ascended the lift. This latest rendition of the Council might prove to be the most controversial yet. The comlink messenger around his wrist buzzed.
Satine
The message asked him if he was coming over for dinner tonight. He didn't answer.
Obi-Wan said nothing as he stepped out upon reaching the top. Everyone else was already there and he could feel the mood the minute he entered the room. Not a happy occasion to say the least. Even those far away at the front such as Plo Koon or Adi Gallia, appeared glum through their blue tinged holograms.
The Great Negotiator took his seat and observed the room. No one spoke. Not even Yoda, whose feelings were a dark mix of solemnity and disquiet. Mace was slumped over, eyes closed, appearing deep in thought. But Obi-Wan knew better. The Head of the Order contended with his own difficult decisions lately. However, he'd set those feelings aside with grim determination in the hopes of achieving a greater good.
They all did. That's what they swore to do as the wisest, most powerful Masters in the Jedi Order. And it's why the issue of Luke Ahch-To needed to be solved.
"We all know why we're here. We've heard the evidence and now the time has come to make a decision."
So it came down to this. The man Obi-Wan once lauded could possibly be ostracized. An offering on a plate. An example of discipline when one violated the code. But he owed it to Luke to hear him out. They all did.
He's been a good friend. Almost like a brother
He has violated tradition
The voice of reason stepped in as a reminder of what was at stake. The one that abided by the Jedi Code all his life…until recently.
This is not justice
It's about an ideal higher than ourselves
Luke had not only convinced him to break the code but committed heresy against it by offering contrary teachings unbecoming of the Jedi Way.
He isn't dangerous
You don't know that for sure
Maul's prophecy practically echoed off the walls. But what if those words were mixed up? What if it was a dark side ploy? Anakin was the Chosen One, destined to bring balance to the Force. What if Luke was the Betrayer destined to stab them in the back? A dark mole seeking to infiltrate their ranks for the sole purpose of corrupting and destroying the galaxy's greatest hope. Just a gigantic lie propped in the form of a middle aged hermit who came into the galaxy out of nowhere to deceive them all.
'He just reminded me that it's more important to be a good Jedi than to seek power for power's sake.'
That advice couldn't be from a deceiver, could it?
No…he'd strayed too far already. His devotion to the Order mattered more than anything else and so did ending this pestilential war.
Mace Windu continued with the proceedings.
"As per tradition, the Knight in question is allowed a defense. We'll hear what he has to say."
He motioned towards the Temple guards.
"It is now time to hand down this judgment. Bring him before us," he told the guards who nodded silently.
It took a matter of minutes to bring in Luke, who had the look of someone who knew he was about to be brought in for a scolding or worse. Those potent blue eyes scanned the room but said nothing as his posture stood firm and proud against an entire room of Jedi Masters. Obi-Wan was reminded again why he respected this man so much. Trusted him even. But not enough to know his true intentions.
"Luke Ahch-To. Know do you, why you are here?"
"I can't say I do, Masters."
Master Yoda started off the proceedings as he usually did. But Obi-Wan sensed an unusual amount of acrimony from Mace Windu.
"Then let's waste no more time. Jedi Knight Luke Ahch-To, you are accused of violating the Code of the Jedi Order."
The blond's face stood passive.
"On what grounds?"
"Heretical teachings and beliefs, military tactics unbefitting that of a Jedi, and disrespect of the Council. How do you answer these charges?"
Luke inhaled and exhaled. Frustration pulsated from the man as he no doubt sought to avoid the same kind of blow up during the last confrontation. Obi-Wan noticed how his wrinkles became more pronounced, the tired glare in his eyes on the verge of exasperation.
"How have I contradicted the teachings of the Jedi?"
"Encouraging negative emotions in younglings is incredibly dangerous," Ki-Adi Mundi lectured. "We received word of your instruction to them, including the scuffle between Caleb Dume and his companion. Did you teach this child to express anger?"
"I did."
The lack of denial visibly jarred more than a few members of the Council.
"Anger is a weapon of the dark side. It demonstrates a lack of control," Shaak Ti recited as though it were a page straight from the archives.
"Anger is a natural occurrence. A human emotion. It is not inherently wrong."
He said it with such conviction Obi-Wan's eyebrows nearly disappeared into his bangs. Mace Windu struggled to keep his own outrage to an appropriate minimum.
"General Luke, your assertion is irrelevant. The fact of that matter is, Jedi cannot and do not make decisions out of anger. If this pattern-"
"I did not say a Jedi should act out of anger. Only that anger itself is not something to fear or suppress. It is the same as any other act of expression."
Again, this rogue had defied the conventional wisdom of the Jedi and interrupted the mighty Mace Windu again. And he did not stop there.
"I taught Caleb Dume and his companion to properly express their feelings as a method of preventing the dark side."
"It was not for you to impose such…questionable views onto impressionable younglings," Saesee Tinn admonished.
"I had permission to be there courtesy of an invitation by Master Drallig. Padawan Dume and Padawan Seemo got into a fight which I put a stop to. I taught them what I thought was best."
"A teacher, you are not," Yoda cut in now, his wizened lips compressed into one of the thinnest lines Obi-Wan had yet seen. "Experience have you with such knowledge? Use them yourself, hm?"
Luke narrowed his own eyes but refrained from speaking with disrespect towards Yoda, the only one on the Council to whom he showed any deference.
"I do not use the dark side of the Force, if that's what you're asking, Master."
"Yet you have a personal philosophy that every emotion is to be embraced, including dark ones," Agen Kolar said skeptically. "Who's to say you have not employed such reckless methods recently?"
"What do you mean?"
Obi-Wan didn't know which was more damning. The silence from the Council or Luke's own hidden anger coming to bear. He watched things unfold without saying a word even as their eyes met.
What's going on? Help me
Luke beseeched him using their bond but Obi-Wan found himself unwilling to provide such assistance as his own questions surrounding this man continued to swirl around. He could ill afford to appear partial.
"General Grievous is dead by your hand," Mace Windu said at last. "We've received information he was…unarmed."
"That's a lie."
Luke's denial almost came across as a hiss. Not a venomous one but one born of a man whose integrity is being unfairly questioned.
"We have a strict code of conduct here at the Temple," Windu continued as though he hadn't listened at all. "Jedi may take life only when there is no other choice. The killing of unarmed prisoners is a serious offense and can warrant expulsion."
Luke bristled and an edge became more noticeable in his tone. "I was defending the Chancellor as part of a mission the Grandmaster of the Order specifically assigned me to. If I failed to act, I would not be here to tell the tale."
"Not out of anger was this action?" Yoda pressed. "Self defense only?"
"Yes."
"Hmmm…"
All eyes were on the Grandmaster now. But for once, the wise nine hundred year old being did not make a judgment. Or perhaps he was unable to.
"Too many Jedi have fallen during the course of this war. Succumbed to greed, ambition, arrogance, fear, and pain, they have. And much fear and pain I sense in you, Luke Ahch-To."
"There is not a person among us who does not suffer from fear and pain."
Luke stared directly at Obi-Wan as he spoke. An echo of his own words were being used against him.
Pain is something we all carry, like it or not. It is not the pain itself but what a person decides to do with it and move forward accordingly.
He'd defended this man from the day they'd met. Even vouched in his favor when others voiced only suspicion. And now he felt the same suspicion despite attempts to deny such feelings. Was this betrayal? No, something worse.
"You have offended this body, Knight Ahch-To," Windu countered. "Directly interfering with the affairs of the Council in a manner unbefitting someone of your rank."
Luke gave the smallest of huffs.
"I agree that I let my temper get the better of me. In that sense, I was wrong. But I was not wrong about your plans for Anakin Skywalker."
"Skywalker has been trained by this Order since he was a boy. Do you really believe you know something about him that we do not?"
The question from Ki-Adi Mundi was a little arrogant, Obi-Wan conceded. But why did it provoke such a strong reaction from Luke? The feelings, the anger…the attachment…
What is the connection between the two?
"I know more about Anakin than you ever will. He's a generous, talented, kind hearted, and brave person."
The vein on top of Mundi's elongated, bald head nearly popped.
"He lacks restraint and always has. Even now, the young man struggles to master himself."
"Ever thought to consider why?"
"Skywalker's past is known to us," Mace Windu snapped, losing a great deal of patience. "Do you think we're fools?"
"No, merely ignorant."
Every time Obi-Wan thought Luke couldn't push things any further, he somehow managed to do so. Not unlike Anakin. Except the former stood firm without flinching while the latter almost always lost his composure. But the blond's words went far beyond any sort of challenge or disrespect Anakin ever uttered.
"I can see now why so many believe the Jedi have lost their way."
"You accuse us of being lost?" Oppo Rancisis almost sputtered with outrage.
"Are you not? You who sit here in a literal ivory tower making arbitrary decisions, disregarding anything that doesn't conform to your rules and ideology. An ideology that has gone over a thousand years without a single change. You are complacent."
Luke's voice rose with each passing breath. His mouth twitched and the gloved hand, again so similar to Anakin's, turned into a tight black ball of anger. Obi-Wan sensed a breaking point. A massive convergence in the Force shimmered around them. Its energy and presence undeniable. Almost…familiar.
"Complacent?" Windu inquired coldly.
"You forbid attachments and yet fail to understand why attachments are formed in the place. It's human nature. The Force is in everything around us. We as beings crave friendship, connection, and acceptance."
"Did your master not teach that a Jedi does not shy away from emotion?" said Depa Billaba, one of the few not rattled by Luke's challenge. "Compassion is taught at every level."
"But you detach yourselves from the people who create that compassion! The never ending well of empathy and love that is essential to everyone who has ever lived in the universe. That's what you don't understand about Anakin. He cares about people. And in remaining static for a Millennia, you have forgotten them. You have forgotten those you claim to fight for!"
He took a breath, released his fist into an open palm, gesturing towards them.
"This war has turned the Jedi into something they claim not to be: soldiers instead of peacekeepers. It has made you blind."
"Blind you say?" Yoda's question dug into the heart of the matter. Obi-Wan could feel the presence hover around Luke as the old master hardened his quizzical stare. "Blind to what? So critical are you of the Jedi, hm? Why tell us these things?"
When Luke didn't answer, Yoda went further.
"Attachments you speak of. What attachment do you have to Skywalker? What interest is he to you?"
Obi-Wan silently asked the same question as well and he sensed that it was about to be answered. Luke opened his mouth wide in preparation to spill a multitude of secrets.
"Because-"
Not yet
Obi-Wan heard it. So did Yoda judging by the twitch in his ears. Luke too, shifted his eyes back and forth as though trying to see some translucent ghost. The presence shifted, floating above and away in an effort to be seen. To be heard. But just as quickly it faded into nothing. And the rest of the Council appeared not to have noticed.
"Because what?" Windu repeated.
Luke closed his mouth and broke eye contact. His defiance shrank into submission.
"Nothing, Masters. I cannot say."
"Can't or won't?"
Obi-Wan found himself asking a question for the first time. But despite the presence of the other Masters both men acknowledged the personal nature of it. What it really meant.
Can I trust you?
"Both."
A loss of that trust.
The seconds of awkward silence ticked away into a full minute before Yoda broke it.
"Nothing more to say, have you, Luke?"
"I do not."
Their bond ached in disappointment. Tension turned into a kind of strange dejection. Obi-Wan looked down knowing the vote to expel him was forthcoming by Mace Windu. He couldn't bear to look Luke in the eye when it happened.
"Very well. If Knight Ahch-To has ceased his blasphemy, it's time for us to come to a resolution."
Luke's stoicness failed to hide his own anxiety. It wasn't the look of a Sith or someone who desired to be expelled. Why the blazes would he not come clean?
"All in favor of expelling Luke Ahch-To from the Order of the Jedi Knights?"
An interruption occurred before anyone could raise their hand.
"Master Windu. An amendment I might make?"
The Master from Haruun Kal nodded.
"Time we need to consider expulsion. For now, suspend General Luke until proper answers can be reached."
That idea seemed repulsive to Windu but he nevertheless deferred to the Grandmaster even as he exhaled a frustrated sigh.
"The motion has been amended. All in favor of suspending Luke Ahch-To?"
One by one every hand went up, including Yoda's distinct claw. It left only Obi-Wan. In matters such as these, a simple majority would not do. Suspending a fellow member of the Jedi Order required a unanimous verdict.
The longer the a virtual tug of war fought inside the Great Negotatior's mind, the more such a decision plagued him into indecision. How could he do such a thing to a man he respected and cared for? The one who showed him a different way of looking at things. The way to open his heart to an amazing woman.
But fear in the shape of Darth Maul returned whispering its fatal warnings.
He is destined to destroy everything you care about and pledge his allegiance to my old master
No, he would not give into such deception. He wiped away any belief that his brother, one of the best people he knew, had been rendered into nothing more than a betrayer at the expense of everything good and decent. And if Luke refused to tell the truth or be forthright aside from insulting the Jedi Way he cherished so much…then there was no choice.
You may be able to abide by attachments, Luke. I cannot
With great reluctance, Obi-Wan raised his hand.
"The motion passes unanimously," Windu announced, lacking any pity. "Luke Ahch-To, you are hereby suspended in your rank and title as a Jedi Knight. By extension this applies to your command in the 501st and will be removed from active service in the Grand Army of the Republic. Until further notice, you are confined to this Temple and are not to go anywhere without strict permission from myself or another Council member. Further violations shall result in an immediate expulsion. Is that understood?"
Luke said nothing. Only the slightest tilt of the head indicated his acknowledgement.
"It's settled then. Council meeting adjourned. May the Force be with us."
Before he'd finished his last sentence the blond immediately spun on his heels and sped off to the lift. Obi-Wan almost jumped out of his red velvet chair to run after him. To apologize. To shout that it didn't have to be this way and suspension was the last thing he wanted.
But it was too much for either of them. The fabric of their bond had torn. And he stayed glued to the spot even after the last of the Masters exited the room. Even after the Coruscanti light faded from the room. Even as his stomach growled in need of nourishment from the dinner he skipped as Anakin no doubt sought to know what happened.
Anakin
He'd made this decision for his brother and best friend. But would he understand? That it was for his protection? That knowledge of the day with Dooku and the new prophecy must never be brought to light?
You deal in lies just as much as anyone else
The self deprecating voice poured salt in an open wound. Salt in the form of knowledge that despite his criticisms, despite carrying the image of the perfect Jedi, he was no better than the man he just voted to suspend. Adding to the general misery he felt, the comlink around his arm buzzed.
'Where are you? Is everything okay?'
Her message went unanswered. This was for the good of everyone. He couldn't live a lie any longer.
Obi-Wan blinked back tears as he finally rose from the chair.
"I'm sorry, Satine."
Sidious never tired of the bait and switch he played on those gullible fools in the Senate. Posing as a mild mannered servant of the common good while adding to his own power piece by piece made the prospect of his new order all that much sweeter. However, much to his dismay there were a few still resistant to the false charm he put on. Senator Amidala being a prime example. Meeting in his official suite as opposed to the private one in the back room, he entertained her delusions.
"Chancellor, you must try to understand our Liberal Caucus's position. This war has already taken the lives of so many and displaced billions more. Is there no room for discussion on peace?"
Her naive belief in honor and integrity was amusing. But the persistence grew ever more irritating.
"Senator, I wholeheartedly respect your commitment to the Republic and in ending a conflict that has reached every corner of our galaxy. But we have tried again and again to engage the Separatist government to no avail. I cannot in good conscience propose peace talks when there is increasing evidence that Count Dooku is planning a new campaign."
"They are weakening with each passing day. The Muunilist and Neimoidian Systems are under our control as well as Dantooine. Perhaps now would be the best time to leverage them. The war will be over soon."
"Unfortunately, my dear surrender will have to be unconditional. They have made it quite clear that they will not accept anything less than full independence. And since that is not possible I must insist we press our military advantage."
Normally, the grandfatherly demeanor and reasonable tone he often used was enough to placate the young Senator. After all, despite disagreements they'd been firm allies since the crisis on Naboo those many years ago. But increasingly, she seemed to resist that foolproof charm.
"Chancellor, all due respect it is not merely the Separatists that concern me but the governing power of our elected body. The Senate has granted you new emergency powers on at least three different occasions in the last three years. But what assurance do I have that these powers will be given back?"
Sidious inwardly restrained himself from snarling. Amidala had been an ideologue but never questioned the authority invested in the Office of the Chancellor or his integrity.
"The same promise I have always said whenever a new position of authority is given to me," he said a bit more softly. "I have never asked for them. But it is my duty to lead our beloved Republic in the greatest crisis in over a thousand years."
"It is not just me who shares these concerns. Two thousand Senators have rallied in support of our movement."
Sidious felt his patience slip like sand through a sieve. But as always, he kept a cool composure.
"I am aware of the Caucus and their proposals," he said evenly. "And as a former Senator myself, I still very much enjoy debating these matters in the spirit of our democracy. But on this issue I must keep my own counsel and that of the Advisory Cell."
Something changed in the way the young woman looked at him and the Sith Lord could perceive Amidala becoming bolder.
"Chancellor, it is not just Senators that feel the balance of power is skewed. Perhaps the Jedi could be used as mediators in this situation. I know of one in particular that could be persuaded to assist."
Black hatred began swirling like a tar pit inside Sidious. Suddenly, he realized that the former daring Queen from his home planet, this once silly girl, now intended to challenge him. Not only that, but use Skywalker, the boy he'd groomed for so long, against his grand design. If the Jedi increased their involvement in politics, a minor annoyance had the potential to morph into a real problem.
Anakin loved his wife and would do anything for her despite differing political philosophies. The young man was nowhere close enough to the dark side to turn yet. Disillusioned perhaps, no fan of the Council but the love he carried for Obi-Wan and for the Senator stood steadfast. Clearly, the seeds he'd planted inside the boy were not having the effect as intended.
She is the key to everything
"Senator Amidala, your passion is incredibly inspiring. But I must say, you look a bit peaky. Are you well?"
Reaching out through the Force he could sense very well she wasn't. Even among the young, the war took its toll. Her constant energy, a trademark of her time as a Senator, seemed to be siphoned off from an unknown source for whatever reason.
Curious
"I have been feeling...tired I must admit."
"My dear you must allow yourself some rest. Your service to the Republic is far too valuable."
"Really, Chancellor, I'm fine. But your concern is appreciated."
Feigning compassion and humanity, Sidious spun his most convincing lie yet.
"I must insist on the health and well being of all my Senators. At the very least, I will have my personal physician give you a checkup. In fact, I can arrange it this week free of charge."
That did the trick as some of the young woman's affection returned.
"Thank you, Chancellor. Even if we don't always agree, your kindness is always welcome. But I do insist we reconvene at a later date to discuss postwar plans."
They both stood up and bowed respectfully.
"Of course, my dear. There will be much that needs to be done after the war is finally over...I assure you."
She did not detect the implication of his words. No one ever did.
Except one. And he's already out of the picture
As soon as Amidala left the office, Sidious reached underneath his desk, pressed a button that led to a secret compartment which contained a shiny, emerald colored bottle full of dark liquid. An old art of dark side alchemy. Undetectable even from the Jedi.
He pressed the silver button which called Mas Amedda.
"Vice Chair, arrange for the doctor to visit Senator Amidala's quarters in three days' time. Have him stop by my office first."
"Very good, sir."
Yes, a very good day for Darth Sidious. The suspension of General Luke Ahch-To from military service with all privileges revoked spread like wildfire after it was announced. Telling the Council that he'd killed Grievous without mercy had been a stroke of genius, but never in a million years did he think the Jedi would suspend arguably their most powerful member. The only one capable of ruining his plans. It had worked out better than he ever dreamed of. It even saved the trouble of hiring someone to assassinate the obstinate rogue.
The Sith Lord smiled to himself, placing both hands together. Senator Amidala was right about one thing. The war would be over soon.
There were just a few more loose ends to take care of.
Padme Amidala came back to an empty apartment. Satine was strangely absent as she almost always desired to know the latest news in Republic politics. Come to think of it, she'd all but disappeared since the previous night.
She would have to try and rectify that and find out what was bothering her. In the meantime, another matter needed to be addressed.
"Threepio?"
The golden protocol droid came tottering into view, always eager to please.
"Yes, Miss Padme? How might I be of service?"
"Please send word to Bail Organa. The time for negotiation has passed."
Shorter chapter today, but I felt it appropriate to let this one stand on its own.
Luke is seemingly stuck in a major pickle. The real question is, can he somehow dig himself out of it?
Two major chapters coming up next. Next update will be late August or early September.
Rock on!
~The Wasp