Last Hope

by The Wasp1995

Immediately after the fall of Ben Solo, Luke Skywalker has exiled himself to the planet of Ahch-To to live out the rest of his days in shame and to end the Jedi once and for all. But when offered a chance to undo all of the horrible events of the past, Luke takes it and embarks on one last hero's journey to create a future that never was. Time Travel fic

34. Forgiveness

Okay...

Let me just state for the record that despite not being one of the more actiony chapters, this one took me a LONG time to get right. I probably rewrote certain parts of it at least three times. But in the end, I got it all together. Big shoutout to my beta, Golm_Fersve_Dra for helping me getting the lore and the politics right.

So I'll level with you guys, there is a lot going on in this chapter and it might be difficult to keep track of. I considered splitting in two but you guys have waited quite awhile to reach the climax so I kept it one chapter. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the reviews, or DM me, and I'll answer them. There are a ton of moving parts but I promise after this, it's really going to kick into high gear. There's a lot of action ahead. I'd say we are 75% of the way there.

In any case, I hope you enjoy as always!

"A mother's smile is as radiant as countless awakening suns; without her presence, what is life but a cold, lonely night that never ends?"- Shah Asad Rizvi

Chapter 32. Forgiveness

The Previous Day, Coruscant, 6:24 pm

On most occasions after a meeting with the Chancellor, Mace Windu and Yoda shared a lift together leading down to the entrance. They would often share thoughts, some serious, some mundane, usually pertaining to the never ending war. Their relationship was predicated on respect for the other's strengths while minimizing their flaws. Yoda's lofty, detached way of looking at the universe could be grounded by a younger, down to earth leader while Mace Windu's intensity and bluntness was softened by the Grandmaster's wisdom. It made for one the most dynamic pairs in Jedi history. Master of the Order and Grandmaster of the Order working together as a team to lead ten thousand of their brethren through the most destructive conflict in a millennium.

Every day that partnership grew further and further apart. Mace felt it. Where once existed unspoken, unshakable trust, Yoda now looked at him with wary, green eyes. Like he was a padawan all over again in need of a scolding.

"Master. Shall we discuss the plans for Mandalore?"

Of course, Skywalker was a part of the issue. One of many.

"Yes, of course."

Yoda stepped on the lift alongside Anakin and Ahsoka Tano. All three glanced at him.

"Coming Master?" Anakin called.

"I'll share the next one with Master Mundi. Go on ahead."

Anakin shrugged and Ahsoka's posture was neutral. But Yoda again flashed an eye of suspicion and Mace couldn't resist feeling a shard of annoyance. A crack in an otherwise impenetrable wall of control he'd built over the years. Those cracks had become more frequent in the last six months.

He watched them plunge below into the lower levels of the building.

"You seem troubled, old friend."

Windu released his tension into the Force and took heart at Ki-Adi Mundi's stable presence.

"I doubt there's been a moment I haven't felt troubled since this war began."

An appreciative smile grace the Cerean's face.

"Yes, it is something we all share from the smallest youngling to the eldest master. I am hoping that Mandalore can bring us closer to the end."

Mundi looked back.

"Should we wait for Ahch-To?"

"No." Mace barely concealed his displeasure in the word. "He's perfectly capable of finding his way back."

He knew Mundi detected it too. But the Cerenean chose his words carefully as per standard.

"Are you…concerned, Master Windu?"

"Many things concern me. Including some of what we spoke about after the last Council meeting."

A soft ding announced the arrival of the lift and the two Masters stepped aboard and awaited their journey downward.

"Do you believe Master Yoda to be compromised?"

They could speak more freely like this. Very few settings allowed for it anymore. One of many aspects Mace recognized as unrecognizable. A Republic that didn't seem to make sense to him anymore.

"I don't know. But he has a…different opinion of the danger surrounding us."

"He seemed quite eager to go along with Skywalker and the Chancellor. Most unusual."

It was unusual. Everything about the situation was unusual.

"Skywalker and Palpatine cozying up to each other is nothing new."

"Are you still suspicious of the boy?"

"The boy isn't the problem. Only an extension of it."

That caused Mundi to raise a curious eyebrow. He caught Mace's eye.

"We can't be certain of anything."

Mace said nothing for the moment and continued to look outside into the eye of the super city. It's endless maze of buildings, cloud cutting skyscrapers, and self indulgent extravagance was hiding something. Something important. Something dark they'd missed all this time.

"I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi," he said aloud. "Master Yoda wasn't wrong about that. He's just looking in the wrong place."

"You truly believe Luke Ahch-To to be key to all this?"

"Not just the key. But the entire answer."

Mundi's long, white eyebrows raised in polite surprise.

"You're suggesting he's the Sith Lord we've been looking for?"

"I don't know. But the dark side continues to grow stronger the longer he stays in our halls. And I don't think it's a coincidence he's meeting in private with the Chancellor as we speak."

Mace took a breath and honed in on the shatterpoint before him, its cracks stretching across like a web tying everything together into a single shape. A triangle connecting Palpatine, Anakin Skywalker, and Luke Ahch-To. The Force had not revealed many answers, its light shadowed by a vast fog of darkness. But he could sense a catastrophe waiting in the wings inextricably linked to those three.

"What do you propose we do?"

Mace saw that while Mundi had many questions, his loyalty to Jedi tradition and the Order itself was firmly intact. A like minded sage ready to do whatever it took to save thousands of years of tradition and public service.

"For now, we stay silent. Keep a close eye on things. I sense that the upcoming Senate session will reveal much as will the outcome of Mandalore."

Mundi nodded.

"I can think of several others who we could speak to. Namely Master Tinn and Master Kolar. But what of others such as Kenobi? He's quite loyal to Skywalker."

It raised a fair point. Obi-Wan would play a pivotal role moving forward if they had any chance at succeeding.

"It's best to keep our thoughts limited to a small circle. At present we shall monitor Master Yoda and wait until Mandalore is in Republic hands before deciding the next course of action."

The lift stopped and the same soft *ding signaled the end of their conversation. But not of the work to be done in preparation for the fight to come.

Mace Windu didn't care what the prophecy said. Skywalker's status as the Chosen One was questionable at best. And the mystery surrounding Luke Ahch-To perplexed him more than ever. It was time to unravel it.

At any cost.

---

"I'm glad you told me. But I also understand why you didn't say anything for a long time."

The sun peeked over the horizon in Ahsoka's room, a golden flash that signified a new day had arrived. For the two Jedi, it felt like a lifetime had passed instead of a night.

"I was unwise, arrogant, and made bad decision after bad decision." Luke sat on the edge of the bed in a hunchback position, hands sitting loosely in his lap. "But in truth, I had no idea what I was doing. So much was lost from the Purge."

"You were the last Jedi," Ahsoka said to him sympathetically. She sat on the edge of the mat on the floor gazing up at him. "How could you know?"

"I pieced together what I could salvage from the ruins. Information from the archives Sidious hadn't destroyed or liquified. Artifacts in various Temples and locations across the galaxy. Philosophically, I modeled the New Order after the old one."

Ahsoka's compassionate eyes beckoned for him to continue.

"Obi-Wan and Yoda were my teachers. Therefore, every creed and doctrine about the Jedi was learned from them and I frequently consulted their spirits for advice. I thought things needed to be done a certain way. That the Order had been wiped out because they were betrayed.

"I didn't realize until later on that it was due to their own hubris and hypocrisy. And I perpetuated that same hypocritical legacy through my own teachings. But by then it was too late. Ben had already turned."

He blew out a regretful sigh. Ahsoka had more questions but kept her line of inquiry tame.

"You said he was being corrupted by an outside source?"

"Snoke. A third rate version of Palpatine," Luke said with a snort. "But still powerful. Still manipulative enough to mess with my nephew's head, a boy already saddled with the burden of sharing his lineage with Darth Vader. The son of two famous, squabbling parents trying to tame that mighty Skywalker blood."

Ahsoka gave a low whistle.

"That would be enough to make any kid's head explode. I thought Anakin had it bad."

"You have no idea," Luke grumbled, wishing very much that Han and Leia could have stopped arguing long enough to see how much Ben suffered for it. "As his uncle I was in a position to help with all that. But I didn't. I didn't use what I learned in redeeming Anakin. I became his Master, not someone he could trust. In doing so, I pretty much delivered him on a silver platter to the dark side."

"Luke…" Ahsoka got up from the floor and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't judge yourself too harshly."

"How can I not? How could I have held absolute faith in my father, a man mired in darkness for two decades, and yet be willing to execute an innocent boy who'd committed no crime?"

"You stopped yourself," she pointed out. "You realized it was wrong."

"But not in time," he croaked. "And it cost the galaxy everything. And it's why this prophecy scares the living shit out of me."

"You're afraid of fighting Anakin?"

"I'm afraid of repeating the same mistake…I'm afraid Sidious will corrupt him to the point where he'll leave me no choice."

Ahsoka slid her hand behind his head and pressed her forehead to his.

"There's always a choice," she told him softly. "Prophecies don't dictate fate. Our actions do. You have a chance to make things right."

The sun's full power entered the room, enveloping human and Togruta alike in its iridescent glow.

"We're going to build a better future, Luke. But Master Yoda was right. You have to forgive yourself…"

It was easier said than done. Luke Skywalker hung onto his guilt like a desperate man clings to a rope. He didn't want to absolve himself of blame. He didn't want to pretend like his mistakes could be swept under the cosmic rug as though the Skywalker bloodline wasn't responsible for the state of things.

Jedi philosophy mandated letting go as fundamental. The theme of its holy of holies. Everyone engaged in the practice, but few perfected it. With time and understanding, Luke understood the value but also recognized the folly of relying on the idea for emotional stability. To simply let go was not enough. For one needed to master a much more difficult concept: forgiveness.

Leia came into focus much more often these days. Her dark eyes and beautiful features so reminiscent of their mother in the same way his blue eyes and mop of honey blond hair reflected their father. What would she think of him now? Would she forgive him in the way Ahsoka had told him to do? His sister, though passionate, discerning, and kind hearted, did not grant clemency easily to those who wronged her and those she cared about. Throughout the years, despite his urging, she'd never made peace with Anakin and did everything imaginable to hide her true lineage from the New Republic Senate.

He never found out her reaction upon learning Ben's fall. And for once, he thanked that the barrier of time prevented him from ever finding out. But it provided little comfort.

A gunship transport touched down in the middle of the shipyard where thousands of clones hurried about in such a manner his vision became a sea of white and blue. Even through the hustle and bustle, it didn't take long to find Rex's trademark Jaig eyes.

There's no way to forget what happened. But I can believe in a better future.

At the very least he felt lighter. As though a sizable weight had been lifted from his shoulder blades. Confession did wonders for the soul and now was the time to bring the plan together. Starting with exposing Order 66. But the nervous, crestfallen look on Rex's face spelled trouble. Luke detected that the usual chatter among the men wasn't there. In contrast to the usual brash enthusiasm the 501st liked to portray, the atmosphere felt quite sober.

"Captain, what's the word? How's Tup?"

Rex shifted his eyes and hesitated. Definitely not a good sign.

"We…ran into a complication, sir. I'm sorry, I meant to comm you this morning but we've been quite busy as you can see."

"What kind of complication?"

There was great sadness emanating from Rex's Force signature. His emotions were intense. Luke began to fear the worst as his heart sank lower and lower.

"Tup…well…he's gone."

Luke blinked and then repeated the word as though he hadn't processed it right.

"Gone."

"He died in the early hours of the morning," Rex told him solemnly. "We prepped him for the surgery but then his vitals started to destabilize. Eventually, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Kix tried to revive him but nothing helped."

It was a cruel blow as the bitterness began to settle into Luke's body. He cast a downward glance wanting to curse the Sith into oblivion before remembering as head of the 501st, the men needed strong, compassionate leadership.

Considering all Rex and his brothers had done it was the least he could do.

"Rex, I'm so sorry. I should have been here. I should have stayed with him."

"Don't be, sir." The Captain waved aside any apology. "You did everything you could to save his life."

That wasn't strictly true as guilt inundated the Last Jedi to the point of near paralysis. He'd invoked the chip in Tup. He'd probed his mind in the eventual hope of bringing the inhibitor chip to light. What if his meddling made things worse? A god carelessly toying with another man's life. Tup hadn't died so quickly in the prior timeline and only after his chip had been removed.

"Sir. I can tell you're blaming yourself, but you mustn't. Any one these men know the lengths you'd go to protect them. Tup was no different."

Rex's reminder jolted him back to reality. This latest setback threatened to shatter whatever minor peace of mind gained since having his heart to heart with Ahsoka. But he had a duty to perform to these men and to honor them as well.

"Where is he?"

He didn't have to say Tup.

"The ship has a storage facility for transporting the bodies of the fallen. He's in there for the time being."

"Prepare a casket. Or anything similar. The men deserve a chance to pay their respects."

Rex was so touched his voice came out softer than Luke ever heard before.

"I'll see it done."

A proper ceremony couldn't be conducted under such short notice, but the 501st did their best. The men filed in rows of twenty forming a multi layered square surrounding the casket, keeping a respectful distance but close enough to bear witness to the body. When it was brought out, Tup's eyes were closed as though he were peacefully asleep and not in the next world beyond. Helmets were removed and Luke saw the humanity in each and every one of them. Humanity that would be denied by the very thing that killed their fallen brother. Luke could barely look them in the eye.

"We hereby give our honor and respect to the dead," Rex said in a short speech to the thousands of men assembled. "Corporal Tup was a loyal soldier. A steadfast believer in the Republic and the cause we fight for. A brother to us all."

He walked over and placed a medal of valor on Tup's plastoid armor and stepped backwards.

"Tup's spirit lives in us and he will always be remembered."

First Sergeant Appo culminated the ritual by ordering a presentation of arms, a duty fulfilled by Echo, Fives, Jesse, Hardcase, Kix, and Dogma.

"Ready! Aim! Fire!"

Empty rounds were shot into the air three times. Some kind of instrument was heard playing a soft tune in the background, though Luke had no idea which of the men had been born with an ear for music. Perhaps there were talents the Kaminoans never bothered accounting for. He glanced at the six clone troopers, personal friends of Tup as they stoically marched back into formation, not a step out of place. But he sensed their grief. Fives in particular, had a glassy eyed look not uncommon in those who wished to cry but could not.

It felt like another personal failing for Luke Skywalker, a man hellbent on saving everyone when they simply couldn't be saved. He tried to stay in the moment. He tried with all his might to turn away from the guilt gnawing at his heart but the future beckoned. It demanded. It refused to be ignored. Tup had been the key to stopping Order 66, but now that was as dead as the man in front of him.

Desperation swelled in the Last Jedi wondering why nothing could go right with so much at stake and so little time. Was the Force playing tricks on him? Perhaps a silver lining existed in such a tragedy? What then? He'd passed through the Halls of Time for a singular purpose. Was it then, that evil inevitably triumphed? Could that be the cruel lesson dictated by the fates?

Those thoughts were stowed away for a later date. Luke had to remind himself that a man had died, a man who deserved far better than the lot given to him in life. He mattered. They matter, he thought, as the pain of every single clone registered in the Force like a collective cry of sorrow. He shared in it. Breathed it in as his own.

'Death takes those we care about' came the teachings of Yoda. 'Temporarily are they gone from us. But never alone are we. Luminous beings, are we not? Those that die pass into the Force. Always with us, they are.'

He thanked his Grandmaster, past and present and exhaled that pain, releasing it into the Force. The light gave a soft touch, keeping darkness at bay. Pain was part of life. Pain was, at times, inevitable. But it did not control him. After Ben's fall he'd forgotten that and nearly did so again. And it would not dictate his actions moving forward. That's what separated him from a man like Sidious, no matter how much he insisted they were alike.

'You must unlearn what you have learned. You must forgive.'

Luke had closed his eyes and snapped them open knowing the ceremony must end. He nodded towards Rex, who ordered everyone dismissed. Shortly after, Kix approached, body heavy with sadness but shouldering it well.

"Sir, by medical protocol, I'm required to inform you that Tup passed away this morning at seven standard hours and four minutes. Official cause of death has yet to be determined, but it was likely caused by a hemorrhagic stroke."

"Rex told me," he said kindly. "I thank you for your efforts, especially considering he was your friend."

"With respect, sir, I've seen death so many times as a medic, you tend to get used to it. Just not this way."

Luke sensed Kix had more to say and allowed him to finish his thoughts.

"And that's what bothers me most. You knew something was wrong when no one else did. Something was wrong inside his head. With your permission sir, I'd like to conduct an autopsy."

"Granted."

"I'll get straight to it. Unfortunately, the results won't be known for a few days, especially with Mandalore coming up. But I promise to do my best."

Luke gave a slight smile in appreciation which belied his own internal anxiety. In a few days anything could happen. It wasn't enough to stop the war or the invasion of Mandalore, so what next?

Calming that anxiety once more, the blond called upon the Force, asking for guidance, a sign, a direction, anything. He'd been involved in the turning of political events for so long, meticulously planning, consulting the life energies around him in the moment became a muscle he'd forgotten to flex.

Its message was ambiguous but simultaneously clear and concise. Set aside the future, stay in the present. Follow instincts.

"Kix, inform Rex that I must take my leave. Continue in your preparations." To his amusement, the sudden declaration caught the medic off guard.

"Um…yes, sir. Will you be there for the briefing this afternoon?"

Further confounding the clone, Luke gave a shrug as he began to stroll towards an unmarked speeder.

"No idea."

"Well can I at least tell the Captain where you're going?"

"Jedi business, Kix. Jedi business."

He revved up the engines. The men of the 501st were so used to Anakin's chaotic nature they knew better than to question it. But Luke's thoughts did not lie with his father, but his mother.

He needed to see Padme Amidala.

---

Dooku stared into the black nothingness of space in a rare moment of absentminded serenity. He couldn't remember the last time such a sensation flowed through his spirit.

Mandalore sat in the distance, a yellow and brown dusty rock that housed some of the most dangerous people in the galaxy. From a distance it looked incredibly unremarkable. But its harsh climate belied a successful, if not a volatile, civilization. Now at the heart of the greatest galactic conflict in over one thousand years. How perfectly poignant the fate of so many should take place here.

He breathed softly through his beard as the absentmindedness broke in favor of Qui-Gon Jinn. The apprentice he'd loved above all others, the ally that never was. Sidious had seen to that. Sidious had seen to a lot of things, but he'd done most of the dirty work- Sifo-Dyas, Kamino, the clones, the banks, even pushing Skywalker closer and closer to embracing the dark. All of it without question or hesitation.

What would he think of me?

Dooku relished the power of being at the forefront of a movement that would finally end the shameless, exploitative corruption leeching off the Republic like a malicious parasite. He tired of the endless hypocrisy among his own order, attaching itself to the Senate like a crusty barnacle devoid of any true purpose. He'd protected far too many politicians undeserving of that protection. Compromised his own values in favor of the status quo.

That's what he loved about the dark side. Its philosophy went hand in hand with the noble goals he sought to attain: peace and justice throughout the galaxy. The Jedi taught these two things as mere abstract, lofty concepts, a byproduct of philosophical musings. Sith teachings understood how a person might actually achieve them. And for thirteen years, he believed in those principles. He'd become so powerful, even Yoda was not able to defeat him in single combat.

So why did it suddenly feel so empty? As empty as the dead space in front of him. For once, the dark side and Sith teachings offered nothing for his troubled spirit.

A tactical droid entered the main chamber.

"We are receiving a transmission of unknown origin, my Lord."

That meant Sidious.

"Put it through. I am not to be disturbed."

"Yes, sir."

The mindless obedience of the tactical droid offered a window of truth. He'd compromised one status quo for another.

He knelt as the holonet of Sidious quivered into view. As was typical, the dark shroud of his cloak obscured his face. Dooku noted its dual purpose. Palpatine's reputation would be spared as the benevolent, magnanimous leader of the Republic while secretly perpetuating war. Darth Tyrannus played the part of a villainous monster threatening democracy itself. But he'd done more than just act. Where did the caricature end and the true depth of Count Dooku of Serenno begin?

"Lord Tyrannus."

"My Master."

"Are your troops in position?"

"They are indeed."

Sidious nodded his head indicating approval. Dooku sensed he was pleased in some way unrelated to him.

"Good. Good. The strength of the blockade must appear strong enough to confirm that the current Mandalorian government has allied with the Separatists. One dreadnought and three cruisers should suffice."

"Am I to oversee this battle?"

"No." Sidious gestured with one palm. "This is a stroke intended to break Maul's power, however small. Like a rat, he hides in the dark and must be dragged out."

"The Mandalorian government will not go quietly. What am I to do with them?"

"Skywalker and the Jedi will provide a solution to that problem. Do not fret. I have other plans for you, my apprentice."

Bloody Skywalker. Dooku was half tempted to ask what those plans were, but it would only serve to provoke Sidious's considerable temper. Another part of him felt more than ever that those so called 'plans' did not involve seeing the light of another day. Their collaboration was never one of shared peerage but exploitation.

'There is no partnership. He doesn't share power.'

Luke Ahch-To's words were almost haunting.

"Understood," he said evenly. "Where am I to go next?"

"Move the rest of your fleet to the Banking Clan world of Mygeeto. Ensure that the fronts on Saleucami, Felucia and Yerbana are stable. Press the attack on Kashyyyk."

'Whatever your noble intentions in the beginning, they've been twisted into justifying murder and wholesale slaughter.'

Dooku continued to maintain his mental shields. It would not do to have Sidious suspect even an inkling of his attempted alliance with the maverick Jedi.

"It will be done, my Lord."

"The war is nearly over, my apprentice. Soon everything we've worked for will come to fruition. Soon there will be peace and order in the galaxy."

Sidious disappeared from view. Then the Force showed him faces of those he once considered important in some way; Master Yoda, Sifo-Dyas, Asajj Ventress, Qui-Gon Jinn…the hurt, exhausted face of Master Yaddle moments before her death by his hand.

'Already so many have suffered for what you call order.'

He'd betrayed everything and everyone he loved. How could he go back? Sidious would discard him soon but the Jedi offered no refuge or resource.

The faces faded like a morning mist, leaving Dooku to witness the cold, vast emptiness of space once more. He rose stiffly and pressed a button on his personal comlink that called in the tactical droid.

"Move the fleet away from here. Leave one dreadnought and three cruisers. The rest are going to Mygeeto."

"Sir, I calculate that move would lead to a ninety nine point nine eight percent chance of defeat."

The droid's skepticism and confusion was predictable, considering they were designed to win battles, not lose them on purpose.

"Do as I say and be quick about it."

"Yes, my Lord. But strategically where does such a move put us?"

Dooku stopped just before reaching the entrance to his private chambers, surprised by the potency of the question.

"I don't know," were the only three words he could find among the sea of possibilities. The Force was silent even as he called upon it for some form of clarity. But it offered no answers. Only a reminder of just how alone he truly was.

---

It was lunchtime by the time Luke reached his mother's high rise apartment and his stomach grumbled from lack of nourishment. Eating sometimes fell off the radar. So did sleep among other things.

Truth be told his spontaneous arrival was not the smartest idea he'd ever come up with. Kind and understanding Padme Amidala might be, but she was also a distinguished Senator; an invaluable leader and beloved by her people. The amount of assassination attempts made against her person were too numerous to count. He had a feeling only his father was allowed to show up unexpectedly by the virtue of their marriage. Throughout the last six months of the Clone Wars he and his mother talked extensively, even striking up a minor friendship, but beyond that she had little reason to trust him more than anyone else. Hell, there was every chance no one was home.

Still, he would follow the Force. And it was saying quite strongly that this was the place to be. And he sensed her inside.

As he landed the speeder on the personal platform, Luke debated whether or not he should have entered from the lobby below. Alas, he couldn't take back the decision now. Sure enough, Padme hurried from the confines of her apartment dressed in what passed for casual wear in the wardrobe of a former queen- a floor-length midnight-blue dress that hung just off the shoulder, her hair draped down in a magnificent mane of brunette curls. Most notably, the juniper snippet Anakin made for her stood clearly against fair, satiny skin just above the hem of the neckline.

Naturally, she was a tad bewildered at the sudden arrival of a Jedi not named Anakin landing at her doorstep, and so he sought to state his intentions right away. Luke swung over the side of the speeder and immediately bowed in respect.

"M'lady, I apologize for this intrusion."

"Master Luke, this is something of a surprise. What brings you here?"

She was not upset, only curious. But the blond had always felt a little mesmerized standing in the presence of the woman who birthed him but never met. He scrambled to find any sort of plausible excuse.

Don't hide. Be open, came the answer.

"Senator, I come today because I need your help."

This certainly intrigued Padme enough to invite him in.

"Well then by all means," she said graciously, gesturing towards the flat. "You are more than welcome Master Jedi."

Luke was grateful she didn't press further, willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. He began to see just what Anakin's spirit meant in describing him as having an inborn nature far more similar to Padme. It was no small no wonder that despite having only interacted a handful of times, he felt irresistibly drawn to her.

"Please, make yourself at home," she said. "Would you like something to eat? A refreshment?"

Luke sat down on one of the comfortable, flaxen colored couches and gave a cursory glance around the spacious apartment, a pinnacle of luxury with its open floor plan, grandiose architecture, minimalist furniture and view of the Coruscanti skyline. Before he could decline the generosity, his stomach betrayed his true desire.

"I guess that answers that question," Padme practically giggled at the rumbling. "I'll have Sabe fix something up for you."

"I don't want to be a burden," he protested weakly.

"Nonsense," she nodded towards her trusted handmaiden. "It sounds like you could use the meal."

Luke smiled sheepishly in response, a forty eight year old man encaptivated by someone who possessed motherly instincts even before becoming an actual mother. The Force hummed in delight.

"So I realized I haven't seen you since your reinstatement," Padme said pleasantly, sitting down adjacent to him on the couch. "How are things?"

The blond's uptight position relaxed further. Padme didn't intend to get straight down to business. She wanted to engage in small talk, more interested in his personal well being. And for all the urgency surrounding the state of the galaxy, he allowed himself to have a real conversation with her. For about a solid twenty minutes, they talked about all manner of topics- Naboo, games, sports, hobbies, likes, dislikes. Nothing to do with the war. Sabe returned with a hot meal, which he eagerly consumed. It was purely, simply wonderful.

As they conversed, Luke's eyes occasionally drifted in the direction of her womb. It still showed no signs of obvious pregnancy though he sensed two growing beings inside, their heartbeats much stronger than the last time he'd visited this place two months ago. Women often mistook unexpected pregnancies for other maladies, but if she didn't know by now, it would be impossible to ignore in another week or so. Especially with twins. It was a very disconcerting idea to know a separate version of yourself and younger sister inhabited the same room. He pushed that thought deep into the recesses of his mind.

Through all of this, a pleasant chord struck in the Last Jedi's heart. She didn't just like him or consider their mutual acquaintance a byproduct of Senate/Jedi interaction. She trusted him.

He'd been against telling Padme from the start for her own safety. She was already a target of numerous criminal enterprises, not the least of which included Sidious. The Sith would try to kill her if he caught wind that she knew his true identity. But it made little difference at this stage. That monster would try to kill them all anyway.

He could have tried to assassinate me multiple times, but let me go because supposedly I'm not a true threat. Well now he's going to regret that decision.

"This is fantastic," he said. Whatever the meat had been, it was delicious especially with the brown sauce. He washed the last of his Five Blossomed Bread down with water. "Thank you."

"It's my pleasure." Her expression became more intent. "Five Blossomed Bread is my favorite. I'm glad to see you like it as well. But I also believe you said that you needed my help."

He pushed the tray away, which Sabe took. Leia had told him about their mother's handmaidens. They were unfailingly loyal and devoted their lives to Padme, keeping her secrets and legacy. Betrayal never crossed their minds.

"I do," he said quietly. "But first, I need to tell you something."

Luke had to prepare himself for how to explain this properly. At this stage Padme heavily disliked Palpatine. They'd given her evidence of personal political corruption. But to accuse the Chancellor of being a Sith Lord, well…that took on a significant risk of its own. What if she didn't believe him? How should one dive into a conspiracy so vast, it defied the capacity to explain? An evil so far reaching, it threatened to swallow the galaxy whole?

But the Force did not give warning or any twinge of danger. His mother would want the bare truth no matter how ugly.

'Keep this simple', it seemed to say.

"There's no easy way to say this, Senator. Palpatine is the Sith Lord the Jedi have been looking for."

The revelation plunged like a dagger into her back. Padme's eyes widened as though in septic shock before her gaze shifted to the floor, then back to Luke.

"You-you can't be serious."

"I am." Luke cleared his throat of the gravel blocking it. "He is responsible for the entire war. He oversees both sides of the conflict. It's all been a lie- the Republic, the Separatists…everything."

"How do you know this?" she quickly inquired. Her frightened eyes bore into his, and her expression momentarily tensed up. Now it was accusatory. "How could the Jedi have missed this?"

"He hides it well. I've had my suspicions for quite some time, but the Council has only suspected someone within Palpatine's inner circle. Or some other dark outside influence."

"Don't dodge the question," Padmé's jabbed. She stood up, arms folded across her chest.

Luke recoiled. He almost did not know how to respond. Anguish and shock had gripped everyone else he had told, and Luke had expected a mixture of both from Padmé. But her ire was particularly cutting. "The truth is," Luke finally sighed, "The darkside has blinded them. The High Council has kept it a secret from the Senate for nearly a decade."

Slack-jawed, Padmé sat back on the sofa. He sensed how upset she was. Not with him but at being lied to. That the Jedi could have been ignorant for so long.

"This was…well knew I needed evidence to back up my suspicions. Soon after he appointed Anakin High General, Ahsoka and I began surveilling him. Think about those recordings I sent you. Everything he's done out of the public eye furthers the war and enriches him in the process. The Military Creation Act, Constitutional amendments, the antagonizing of the Jedi Order."

"All of these moves expand his own power," Padmé croaked. "He plans on taking over everything, I know. You told me. But those recordings are not proof he's a Sith Lord or that he controls the Separatists. Unless…" She stopped and scanned his face. "You have more evidence, don't you?"

The conversation was now slipping into more familiar territory. The paralyzing fear. Luke began debating how much to reveal and what would make it more convincing to a person who had little understanding of the Force. He didn't want to lie to his mother any more than he already had. "He recently revealed his true identity to me."

"Why would he do that?"

"Because he believes I'm trying to do the same thing he is right now. Manipulate the Senate and take over the Republic by force….he tried to recruit me."

It wasn't strictly untrue. Sidious had made passes at him twice now. Once in the future, once in the present. Even so, Padme shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"What was your answer?"

Luke looked into those soft, brown eyes as sincerely as he could. The stake of his claim put her on high alert, fearful of being manipulated in the same way Palpatine had done. This mysterious, maverick Jedi so interested in galactic affairs likely raised a red flag or two.

"Pardon my language but I told him to fuck off," he said with as much conviction as possible, using his memory of the second Death Star as fuel for it. "My political ambitions are non-existent, Senator. I wouldn't be here right now telling you if I accepted his offer."

He had to tread carefully with what he said next. Those eyes were still rife with suspicion. Padme Amidala did not suffer fools or those who sought to line their own pockets. She'd seen far too much of that.

"I only seek to protect those I love from a tyranny that seeks to destroy them," he said with complete sincerity. "Nothing more. Nothing less."

Padme's fear lessened though her initial shock had not worn off. When she spoke next, it was in a very small voice.

"Do you know what Palpatine plans to do when he achieves power?"

Luke stood up from the couch and began a slow pace towards the window. A great weight settled in the pit of his stomach.

"As I mentioned to you in our last meeting, the total submission of the entire galaxy and the destruction of those who refuse to submit."

"That's not what I meant."

He saw in her eyes the fear for her colleagues, the Jedi, friends and family and especially Anakin. The stomach weight lurched in excruciating nausea before answering.

"He's going to eliminate anyone deemed a threat to the new regime. The Jedi, lawyers, activists, reporters, defective clone troopers, and any Senator who doesn't go along. Including you."

True to her compassionate, selfless nature, Padme's first concern was for her husband.

"He would kill Anakin?"

"Palpatine has something else in mind for him."

It didn't take long for her to put two and two together, a credit to his mother's intelligence. She clasped a hand to her mouth.

"No," she whispered. "You mean…"

He turned back around.

"Yes. He's been groomed to become Palpatine's apprentice ever since they met in the aftermath of the Naboo crisis. A crisis orchestrated for the purpose of pushing the Trade Federation to blockade your planet and using the subsequent political fallout to become Chancellor."

"That day in the Senate," Padme said, as another wave of horror crashed down on her. "The vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum. He used me."

"He uses everyone." Luke said gently. "It's not your fault. It's what he does."

The Senator regained a bit of lost equilibrium and straightened out her dress, dabbing her eyes before attempting to form proper sentences.

"You said you sought to protect the people you love. That includes us?"

It was presented as a question but sounded more like a statement and Luke at once flushed red in embarrassment at the slip up.

"Forgive me, m'lady. I did not mean-"

"No, it's okay." She stood up and gave him a tender look, moving closer. "I'm aware it's not romantic in nature." Padme placed a soft hand on his cheek, a soothing touch that nearly melted him into the floor.

"It's funny. I said to Anakin once that you reminded me of him. He said that you reminded him of me. We hardly know each other and yet I feel…I feel as if you've been there my entire life."

Keep it together, a stern voice reminded Luke Skywalker. Much as he wanted to break down and cry in her arms, she could not know everything. And she could not know the true nature of their lineage. Not yet. Not with Sidious still prowling the halls of the Rotunda.

"I…I feel the same," he answered, though his tone wobbled just the tiniest bit. "And let me say that you are one of the bravest, kindest, most compassionate people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. If more Senators had a fraction of the courage you possess, beings such as Palpatine would never see the light of day."

In seconds, she embraced him. Not quite as enveloping as Anakin or tight as Ahsoka. But warm. Comforting. The kind a mother gave a child. The kind he'd wanted his entire life.

When they broke apart, the firm resolve in Padme Amidala had returned.

"I'm sorry if I seemed harsh before. You've been onto Palpatine's scheming from the beginning, it's…just a lot to take in. The idea of a Sith Lord being in charge of the entire Republic, fooling everyone, even the Jedi, is just so…"

She shuddered in repugnancy. Luke empathized with the feeling.

"It's enough to make your skin crawl."

"Yes," she confirmed without hesitation. Then she softened. "I'm also sorry for doubting your intentions."

"No need to apologize."

"Luke, I say this sincerely. I've never met a Jedi who cares as much about others as much as you do. Except…" she trailed off before 'Anakin' escaped her lips. "It doesn't matter. We need to stop this from happening before it's too late. What's the plan? What else do you know?"

Luke took a deep breath and calmed his overexcited nerves, still jumping for joy over the hug. He saw the steel glinting in Padme and was reminded why this woman made for such a good leader and politician. Good at getting down to business while making the other party feel heard. Leia was good at the former, not so much at the latter, he noted with dry humor.

"Palpatine means to separate Anakin from those he cares about most. He's likely using Mandalore as a front to keep him on Coruscant while Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and I are away. I-" he stopped, his heart clenching Tup before calmly releasing it into the Force. "I had a plan to stop the war but today it fell through. However, the path to winning is the same. Perception."

He'd said this many times and sensed Padme desired for him to elaborate. "The only way we win is by doing it legally in the eyes of the public. The Jedi can't act without the authorization of the Senate and the Senate can't act without evidence. That's why Ahsoka and I bugged Palpatine's office. That's why we've been sending you recordings of his illicit dealings. To catch him admitting he's a Sith Lord."

Padme gave an impressed look.

"For someone who claims not to be a politician you sure think like one."

"That's more my sister's territory." He stopped and took in his mother's face, one that reminded him so much of Leia. And how he missed her. "You'll pardon me for saying this but…I see a shadow of her face in yours."

The former Queen took no offense and in fact seemed honored.

"That's very kind. You never mentioned her before. Where is she?"

"She's…back home," Luke said, searching for a vague enough explanation. "I think you'd like her."

"I have no doubt about that. What's her name?"

"Leia."

Luke said it before he could stop himself and became thoughtful. He always wondered how their names were chosen given the short time span between their birth and her death. When Obi-Wan's spirit showed him the gut wrenching memory of Padme's passing, it figured she must have had them picked out beforehand.

Fate and time were playing tricks on him again.

"That's lovely," she said with a beaming white smile.

Luke returned it though he veered from the topic before it could go into awkward territory. He'd messed with the past enough as it was.

"Padme, you must be the one to tell Anakin."

"Me? Are you sure?"

"Yes," he stated emphatically. "You're his wife. He trusts you beyond anything."

"Ahsoka said the same thing," she said with a bit of humor. "I'm honestly starting to think our secret marriage wasn't so secret after all."

He gave a short laugh, glad they didn't have to pretend on that subject any longer. Then his laugh lines became beset with worry. "I've said this to you before, but avoid Palpatine at all costs. His power in the Force is strong enough to perceive the feelings and thoughts of others to an extraordinary degree. If he finds out what you know, he'll kill you."

It was a dark, incredibly morbid thing to say but Padme's mettle took it in stride. Her chin sharpened and those round, brown eyes took on a fierce determination.

"I'd like to see him try. The next session reconvenes in two days and our Caucus plans to force a vote to remove Palpatine from power. We have enough Senators to force the issue."

"We can use his status as a Sith Lord to our advantage. I could testify."

"Unfortunately, I don't think that would work. At the very least, we won't convince the Senate to act merely because of Palpatine's religious affiliation, even if we could prove it." Padme said candidly.

Luke privately celebrated at having such a sharp politician on their side. A person who could point out potential holes and cover ground he had little knowledge of. Especially in the arena of cutthroat Senate politics.

"Strictly speaking, freedom of religion is guaranteed in the Republic Constitution. For many in the Senate, you would be just accusing the Supreme Chancellor of subscribing to an opposite view of the Force. Most of them don't even know what the Sith are."

"But Republic intelligence knows that the Separatists are being led by Count Dooku who is a Sith Lord. Palpatine is clearly committing treason by consorting with—"

"And that's the angle we need to approach things from," Padmé interrupted. "If Palpatine is a Sith Lord, this means he is in cahoots with the Separatists."

Luke tried another approach. They'd need multiple potential options.

"What about the Force? Is Force based evidence accepted in Republic law?"

"Not usually," she said with a shake of her head. "It's a legal gray area. And we wouldn't get very far. The majority of the Supreme Court is stacked with Palpatine's appointees who have an expansive view of executive authority."

It was another difficult pill for Padme Amidala to swallow, realizing the system she so vigorously defended had been compromised in such a manner.

"On the other hand, Bail and Mon need to know about this," she said, switching tracks. "I trust them. We'll figure something out."

Luke agreed with that line of thought.

"Yes, but I would keep it to the three of you for the time being."

"And what about the Jedi Council? Shouldn't they be told?"

The crux of the issue: convincing the illustrious Council that Palpatine was the real threat and not him. Mace Windu stood among those doubters. Their obstinance infuriated the last Jedi almost as much as the Sith. All the more reason to dig up the necessary dirt.

"I've already told Master Yoda. He plans to inform the rest of the Council during their next meeting with Senator Organa. By that time we should have proof…and the perfect opportunity to remove Palpatine."

"We'll need to work together," Padme said, her voice becoming strong with that unyielding conviction so familiar to Luke's ears. "I can maneuver procedure in our favor in the Senate. And if you give us that proof, we'll have him arrested on the spot."

Luke's stomach gave an unpleasant lurch. Sidious would never allow himself to be taken alive or be put on trial. A grisly thought best not dwelled on for now.

"I'll make sure you have it."

He shifted in hesitation, knowing full well what the Sith Lord would try to do to both his parents before the end. Kriff, he loved them both.

"Keep Anakin away from the Chancellor as much as you can while I'm on Mandalore. I cannot stress that enough."

Padme's beautiful face turned grave to the point of resembling the pale complexion of an Umbaran.

"He's with him right now, actually. For the final briefing before the invasion…aren't you supposed to be there as well?"

Luke mentally smacked himself. At the time it seemed like a good idea but as the new head of the 501st, to miss a war meeting was grounds for insubordination. And he'd lost track of the day.

"Yes. I should probably get going."

"Probably?"

"No one knows how boring those meetings are unless you go to one."

It was Padme's turn to laugh and it was one of the most harmonious sounds Luke had ever heard. Leia had described their mother as beautiful but sad. A person overly burdened by her position and secret marriage, the latter of which cost their family everything. To see her happy, even for a split second in time, made every minute spent in the past worth the anguish of changing it.

"Thank you, m'lady. Thank you for believing in me."

"And thank you for believing in Anakin," she said back. "I know you think I should be the one to tell him about Palpatine. But he would listen to you too."

Luke, having held back a typhoon of unresolved feelings for as long as possible, quickly nodded and beamed a smile before almost jogging back to the speeder.

Padme didn't see him holding back tears as he sped away into the oncoming traffic.

---

"Mandalore will be one of the tougher challenges we face in this war. But like my master always says, with a little teamwork and coordination, victory will be achieved."

The hologram of Obi-Wan Kenobi gave an amused twitch of his mouth.

"That's paraphrasing it but you have the right idea."

Darth Sidious had little use for these tedious briefings other than to take stock of those around him. Especially his future apprentice. And what he saw did not bode well. He gave the impression of light hearted approval between master and protege while secretly plotting multiple ways to split them apart. Anakin's smile did nothing to improve his mood.

"I'll take it as a compliment."

Oh no, he did care for that at all. High above in the grand halls of the capital, at the literal seat of government, as the most powerful man in the galaxy, the Dark Lord could only focus on what he did not possess. And the lack of darkness in Anakin Skywalker served to increase his own anger. Sidious had long learned to blend himself among the elite while subtly using his powers to detect the thoughts and emotions of others. An art of the dark side learned from Plagueis. One could be invisible by becoming visible. A unified pattern in the Force no different than that of any other ordinary being, taken for granted by the Jedi.

Anakin couldn't sense his murderous irritation, but that did not apply in reverse. The boy stood right next to him. Yes, fear and anger were still lurking about but their grip had significantly lessened. This was not a tired, stressed young man burning with resentment, eager to find alternate ways of power.

"A Confederate fleet currently surrounds the planet."

"How large?" the image of Mace Windu asked.

"According to my scouts, only a dreadnought and three cruisers," Bo Katan reeled off. "Formidable but not enough to prevent you from breaking through. We already have several planned attacks to sabotage them from within."

Obi-Wan rubbed his beard in his usual contemplative manner.

"Have any droids landed on the surface?"

"Negative. Almec refused to allow it. The deal he made was for supplies and naval protection only."

"Then we'll have the numbers this time," Plo Koon said in his usual low rumble.

"Correct," Anakin said. "And in this case, I've assigned the 212th, the 104th, and the 501st."

Sidious switched his eyes to the center of the holoprojector. Something was out of place. Representatives from the Council were there- Yoda and Mace Windu along with Bo-Katan Kryze, Plo Koon, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano. But not Luke Ahch-To. The head of the 501st was mysteriously absent.

"Where is General Ahch-To?"

He posed the question knowing full well the controversy it would bring. The Sith had to resist a smirk as an awkward silence passed over the meeting.

"Has anyone seen him?" Anakin questioned.

"He went over to the navy yard this morning," Ahsoka spoke carefully. "I'm sure of it."

"Well we can't continue this briefing if a representative of the 501st isn't here," Windu said stiffly.

"We can't twiddle our thumbs either," Obi-Wan Kenobi opined. "Perhaps someone can send a copy-"

He was interrupted as a new figure appeared in the holoprojector. But it was not the blond haired rogue. Instead, Captain Rex took center stage.

"Apologies to everyone here. General Luke is attending to an undisclosed emergency and is unable to take part in the meeting. He designated me to take his place."

Sidious immediately detected several half truths and evasions in the clone's tone and body language. It was entirely too vague to be taken at face value. He sensed Yoda and the other Jedi did as well. They weren't stupid. Just vain, arrogant, and stationary.

Anakin, taking pity on his former second in command, did not press the absence.

"It's alright, Rex. No harm done. Let's continue."

Sidious didn't pay much attention after that, instead choosing to spend his valuable thoughts on this new revelation and how he could use it to his advantage. The good Captain had not been totally lying. What constituted such an emergency to miss a mandatory war meeting? Why should it be undisclosed? Where had Luke Ahch-To truly gone? No doubt it had something to do with opposing his plans.

That man is more cunning than he lets on.

He often lied or rather swayed people to his point of view which made it all the more easy to get them to do his bidding, intentional or unintentional. But he had been open and honest with the blond rogue as he had with anyone during their last little get together. He was a worthy rival. Powerful. Deceptive. So very Sith-like in some ways and completely the opposite in others. Someone like that would have to be dealt with personally, not by an assassin or underhanded spot of poison. The sole obstacle between him and the foundation of his new order.

But in the meantime, let's see if I can't drive a wedge in between my apprentice and the saintly Ahch-To.

He'd tried prying him away from Anakin multiple times without success. Every instance the boy dipped a toe into the dark, Ahch-To was there to wash it clean. But this time would be different.

Soon, Sidious gave his full approval to the outline of the invasion plan and the meeting was over. But he had more to say to Anakin. Much more.

"Strange that Master Ahch-To wasn't present. That's very unlike him."

He meant that statement to be thoughtful yet full of doubt at the same time.

"It is unusual," Anakin said with a shrug. "But I'll let it slide. If something else required his attention, I trust him."

Sidious curled his lip ever so slightly in displeasure before releasing it.

"Your trust is admirable, Anakin. And that is needed if we are to win this tiresome, pestilential war. But we also must be on the lookout. Especially for those who would seek to undermine us."

"Luke?" the brunette gave a dismissive wave. "We have nothing to worry about with him. I know he went a little too far in challenging you the other day, but I still have absolute faith in his ability. I'll even talk to him if you want."

"Thank you, my boy. But that is not all that worries me. You must sense what I have come to suspect: he's hiding something."

"Hiding something?"

Force, he really did need to lay it out specifically for the young man at times.

"His past and origin is still unknown to most from what I gather. Not even our clone intelligence units have been able to find a single record of a person from Tatooine or the Unknown Regions with that name. I understand he even broke several rules considered sacred in the Jedi Code."

"He's been cleared by the Council." Again, Anakin signaled massive indifference. "Frankly, they were wrong to suspend him in the first place. And besides, there are lots of names on Tatooine no one's ever heard of."

He should have known the boy would admire Ahch-To's willingness in flaunting Jedi orthodoxy. Time to take a different angle.

"That is not all, Anakin. I have several verified reports of him meeting with numerous Senators since joining the Order. Some of them more than once, including Padme Amidala."

That flicker of fear returned to Anakin's eye and Sidious sought to capitalize on it.

"These Senators are all a part of the opposition," he continued. "It would stand to reason that Luke Ahch-To isn't merely a humble warrior monk, but someone manipulating the good representatives of our democracy for personal gain."

Skywalker steadily grew more and more uncomfortable but there was still more confidence and care he had to break. Piece by piece, he would shatter it into oblivion.

"With respect, sir. I'm also aware of those meetings. It's nothing out of the ordinary."

"Really? Are you sure? Were you given full details on what was discussed?"

Right then he knew that the first piece had been chipped away. He didn't need to say anything more. Anakin's lack of response sufficed for the time being.

Time to push a little further.

"I don't mean to trouble you further, High General." Anakin's heart always swelled at that title. "But there is another matter of a more delicate nature that needs attending to. Something I can only entrust to you."

"Name it, sir."

His blind loyalty truly was admirable.

"I have it from a reliable source that Count Dooku himself is currently in negotiations with Prime Minister Almec to formally join the Separatist Alliance. This is the chance we've been waiting for."

Anakin went still at the implication, stating the obvious.

"We can end this war in one stroke."

"Precisely. If we can surprise the Separatist Mandalorian forces quickly enough. Which is where you come in."

He gave the brunette a look indicative of complete trust. It even warranted a patented grandfatherly hand on the back.

"I want you to lead this mission personally. Find the Mandalorian leadership. Eliminate them."

"Eliminate?"

Sidious picked up that hint of hesitation and sought to quell it.

"It is an unfortunate casualty of war, Anakin. The warrior clans who support Almec are too dangerous to be kept alive. If Duchess Kryze is to be secure on the throne, they cannot be allowed to pose a threat. A civil war on Mandalore is a drain on Republic resources we cannot afford."

Hedging his bets, odds were that Satine Kryze would also be much easier to control. A naive pacifist willing to do anything to protect her people. Everything except fight. Within two or three generations under his thumb, that warrior culture would vanish.

Thankfully, Anakin seemed much more open to that line of reasoning.

"I guess you're right. But what if they try to surrender? I can't kill unarmed prisoners of war."

"They're Mandalorians, Anakin. They give no quarter and fight to the last man. I highly doubt you'll find yourself in such a predicament."

"What about Dooku?"

Ah, yes. The million credit question. Of course, Dooku was not actually on Mandalore or entering negotiations. Regrettably, he still needed his current apprentice like an old boot you could not quite let go of due to one last trek up a mountain. But that time fast ticked away. All of this scheming and manipulation only contained one purpose. Pushing Anakin closer to embracing the Sith Lord he was destined to become.

"You of all people know how dangerous he is. Do as you see fit."

The allusion towards his cybernetic arm set Anakin's jaw working overtime. Yes, he could feel the raw hatred now. A beautiful sight to behold.

"Understood, sir."

"Take good care, my boy. Get a good night's rest. After all, we're so close to the end."

Darth Sidious's lips stretched into an unsavory smile as he watched Anakin depart. He and Luke Ahch-To recognized one thing despite their rivalry: the Chosen one was the key to everything. He'd tried putting Anakin on the Council in hopes that their refusal would raise his ire. He'd hoped the promotion to High General might drive him away from Kenobi and Tano. Both failed due to the maverick's interference. But not this time.

As a wise man once said, you didn't come in between a man and his wife.

---

By the time Luke returned to the Jedi Temple the briefing was long over. But he sent the sequencing protocol to Ahsoka signaling an emergency and that they needed to meet straight away. It didn't take long to garner a reply: Situation Room, second level of the Temple.

Master Yoda was there too. He stood in silence, most likely deep in thought, Ahsoka paced around until she felt his presence. Both looked at him expectedly.

"Where the kriff were you?"

"Tup didn't have his surgery this morning."

He proceeded to explain that the clone trooper had died unexpectedly and that they couldn't expect autopsy results until after Mandalore at the earliest. They held a collective moment of silence for the fallen soldier before the Togruta spoke again.

"So this means-"

"We still have no proof of the inhibitor chips," Luke finished sadly. "And without that crucial piece of information, there's no way to stop the war or trace it back to Palpatine."

Ahsoka uttered a series of Huttese curse words worthy of Anakin. Yoda's face pruned but he said nothing.

"So…what do we do now?"

Luke breathed in deeply and called upon the Force. It pierced the shroud of the dark side but instead of illumination, only a dizzying mirage of images appeared, a kaleidoscope of paths and possibilities, each one as likely as the last. He remembered his past training, giving himself to the power that guided his very mission, closing his eyes and settling the mind, pushing further into the caverns of the future. After half a minute or so, he opened them.

Ahsoka waited with bated breath, on the balls of her feet for Luke to reply.

"Well?"

"I don't know," he finally said.

"But you're the only Jedi who's foresight isn't affected by the dark side," she said, a hint of panic in her voice now more redolent of the fact she was seventeen.

"It's not the dark side," Luke clarified. "The timeline has altered to the point where the future is beyond my sight. What happens next is no longer clear."

That bit of information deflated the Togruta. But strangely, Yoda did not seem concerned. In fact, quite the opposite. He turned and hobbled over on his gimer stick.

"Answer the original question, you did not."

"I was assisting in the arrangement of the funeral," Luke said quickly.

"You went over to the hangar at eight o'clock in the morning. The briefing was at one. The funeral took five hours?"

Ahsoka's question put him on the defensive. The blond's demeanor turned sheepish, his cheeks tinged with pink.

"I…went and saw my mother."

"Padme? What for?"

"Instinct," Luke answered simply. "The Force told me it was the place to be. I ended up telling her the truth."

Ahsoka's eyes bugged out of their sockets.

"Luke, that's dangerous! What if Sidious somehow figures out you're from the future by reading her thoughts and feelings?"

"I didn't tell her everything." He took a brief pause to sense through the Force if anyone was near their location and found no attempt at eavesdropping. "Just that Palpatine was a Sith Lord."

"A wise decision that was," Yoda said, bobbing his head and down slowly. "Time travel is extremely unpredictable. If tell her the truth about your origins, in jeopardy your life could be."

"Master Yoda, I've already told you I don't care what happens to me."

"To be so callous with one's life is foolish, young Skywalker." Yoda's admonishment came swiftly but it was not without a caveat. "But referring to you, I was not. There is another."

Ahsoka looked puzzled at that comment but it dawned on Luke what he meant. The paradox. The version of himself currently situated inside his mother's womb. A blessing and a ticking time bomb all wrapped into one.

It was precisely why he took an indifferent attitude towards his own fate.

"I'm doing this for him," he told Yoda. "I'm creating a world where he doesn't have to end up like me. He'll have a real family. A good life."

He didn't say that in disrespect to his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. He loved them and was eternally grateful for raising him in a stable, loving environment. However, it did not entirely make up for what was lost– Padme dead, Anakin a broken slave to Sidious, separated from Leia, raised as an adopted princess far away on Alderaan, though her upbringing was privileged in ways few experienced (Bail and Breha Organa by all accounts were outstanding guardians). Neither one of them knew much about their biological parents until much later in life. and Leia kept mum about them after the Empire fell, except for occasional references to Padme. They'd never even had a chance to be together.

If things went the right way, it would be different this time. His alternate self could grow up as the child of peace, not war. Of love, not betrayal.

"That's why I saw Padme today," he further explained. "So while we're away on Mandalore, she can tell him the truth about Palpatine and the war. She's the one person he's never doubted."

"So sure of that are you?"

Luke really wasn't in the mood for the esoteric questioning today.

"Yes, I'm quite sure."

"Was it not you, who Vader listened to? Was it not you who brought Skywalker back?"

Ahsoka quietly watched the debate take shape. She knew that Luke had redeemed Vader and that Vader returned to the light just before his death. But little detail other than the basic outline had been provided.

"Do not underestimate your own ability," Yoda counseled. "Act not like a Jedi of the past thousand years. That is how you won in the future."

Kriff, Yoda was right. The little green troll had changed his attitude towards love and companionship completely since being shown those memories.

"It's not that, Master," Luke insisted, not wanting to give the impression he had given up or lazily passed the responsibility of saving his father. "I just don't know if I'll have the opportunity. Tup's death changes everything. Mandalore could last for weeks. Anakin isn't coming with us."

"Well think again," Ahsoka cut in, crossing her arms. "Palpatine assigned him as Commanding General of Republic Forces for this operation. He's going."

And to think he actually missed a war meeting with important information for once. But why would Sidious make such a move?

"One door closes. Another opens," Yoda told him, pointing that gimer stick at him sharply as though reading his thoughts. "Away from Sidious's influence you will be on Mandalore. Perhaps the time has come."

Luke saw where Yoda was going with that suggestion. It resonated strongly through their bond which existed in the Force as an unbreakable chain of light. A powerful link between one Grandmaster and another who both understood the burden of getting things right…and what happened when they went wrong.

Maybe the time truly has come.

"I thought we were going to wait for Obi-Wan?" Ahsoka reminded them.

"He too will be there," the Old Master said, and now his wrinkled face carried a trace of amusement. "The Duchess' protector he is."

"But Master Yoda, even you have to admit Luke has a point." Ahsoka often acted as a necessary mediator in their long term discussions. "What about everything else? We have no way of exposing Order 66. And the war continues without any way to stop it. What if something changed? Sidious could have a completely different plan by now."

"Patience, young Ahsoka," Yoda counseled, and it was not condescending. Luke almost smiled. His second master never stopped preaching the value of patience and wondered with great agitation if any Skywalker would learn it. But Ahsoka was only a teenager after all and far ahead of him at the same age.

Applying those teachings, Luke tried again to see the changes created by the butterfly effect of his time travel.

"His end goal is still the same, but I can't see much more," the Last Jedi announced after carefully exploring the Force. "But I do sense something else. Master." He looked towards Yoda. "Some on the Council no longer trust you due to my presence here at the Temple."

"Noticed I have."

Though it went unsaid, both knew that Mace Windu to be the driving force behind the disunity.

"They could cause a schism if we're not careful," Luke said with a degree of urgency he hoped Yoda shared for once. Thankfully, it seemed he did. A split at the heart of the Jedi Order spelled disaster. The last time it happened was twelve thousand years ago with deadly consequences.

"Agreed."

"Padme told me that she plans on telling Bail Organa and Mon Mothma."

"A meeting with Senator Organa has already been arranged. If aware of Sidious he is, then the perfect time it is to inform the Council."

Luke turned to Ahsoka.

"Don't forget, we still have the Chancellor's office bugged. Keep monitoring it for activity."

"You got it."

It appeared that they had analyzed and planned as much as possible for now. Yoda however, was not finished just yet.

"There is another matter. Regarding the prophecy."

Ahsoka gave a worried glance towards the blond. They'd discussed this the night prior. A half composed prophecy. A vision of two men wielding green and blue lightsabers locked in combat. It was far too coincidental.

"Hasty I was interpreting its meaning. Caused you stress, it did."

Yoda quickly cut off Luke's attempt to stop the apology.

"Disregard long held wisdom, I did. Always in motion, the future is. It is an unreliable method at best."

"Master, I deserved to know."

"But assume the worst, you now do. Stretched by anxiety and fear you have been."

"Luke," Ahsoka said, her mouth pulled a bit inward while giving a sideways glance. "You know he's right."

Luke had scoured many texts and poured through several scrolls on the topic of the future, and how it related to the present and the past. Some philosophers dictated that all three existed within the space time continuum, connected but separate by the laws of physics. Some believed only the present itself could truly be proven, and therefore everything was irrelevant. A more layered, complex viewpoint from some among the light and dark side mystics spoke of a future that contained infinite paths and possibilities- that each future still exists and new ones are forked by virtue of the present. When one went back in time, the original future and the new prospective future coexisted in separate universes altogether unless a paradox rendered that existence impossible.

It was all very complicated but it served as a key reminder: nothing was set in stone. The Force echoed strongly that they had not missed their chance. Not yet. And Ahsoka and Yoda were right. He had been exceedingly worried by what the unfinished prophecy meant for Anakin and the galaxy at large as well as his own tremendous guilt surrounding his personal failings. The spiritual and personal mastery achieved in exile was coming undone.

'Forgive,' came the gentle voice of the Force.

"Misinterpreted a dream your father did," the Grandmaster said wisely. "Led to his downfall. Decisions made from fear, never end well do they. Follow the Force. Adapt."

"I don't intend to make the same mistake. When the battle is over and Mandalore in Republic hands, I'll gather the four of us- you, me, Obi-Wan, and Anakin," Luke said to Ahsoka. "We'll have a long overdue chat."

"It's a chat I look forward to for more than one reason," Ahsoka said cheekily but her eyes sparkled with affection.

Sensing their meeting had concluded Yoda began hobbling up the steps to the mezzanine but offered one last bit of wisdom.

"Though the darkness surrounds us, the darkness itself, surrounded by light it is. We only need to break through."

He'd never heard that saying before. Apparently, neither had Ahsoka and she had the wit to ask.

"Where did you hear that, Master?"

The little troll gave a wizened smile.

"From my own Master, of course."

---

Luke ended his day by doing a quick bit of training followed by a shower, a hot meal in the cafeteria, and trudging up to his room. Anything to keep the mind relaxed, focused, and off potential 'what ifs'.

One of those 'what ifs' found him anyway. Anakin was waiting for him in the hallway by the automatic door.

"There you are. Mr. Popular himself."

He had a grin stretched across his face though something about it did not match the sky blue eyes. Almost as if some measure of conflict strained that good looking Skywalker smile. His posture was equally stiff.

"I think that title is better suited to you," he offered as a rejoinder. This eased the posture but not the strain.

"My detractors are numerous. We share that in common." Lines folded into a more neutral brow and the smile faded a bit. "Listen, about today I'm not going to court martial you or do anything hypocritical. I've skipped briefings too. I just want to know why you missed it."

Fuck.

White lies came easy to Luke Skywalker by now, but he never enjoyed them. Especially not to the man he called 'father' whose expression and tone was very dad-like.

"The emergency Rex referred to was a sensitive one. You remember Corporal Tup?"

"Of course."

It spoke to his father's character that he remembered the name quite fondly.

"He died this morning."

Anakin's eyebrows shot into his hairline. Oddly enough it was the second time he saw a parent deal with resounding shock.

"What? You're kidding!"

"I'm not, unfortunately," Luke responded with genuine sadness. "He died of a hemorrhage related to head trauma suffered at a sparring session the other day. Kix did everything possible to save his life but…"

His father put up a hand, wanting to hear no more. Even now Luke was amazed at just how hard Anakin took loss, even someone like a clone that most people would consider expendable. Anakin was not most people.

"That's terrible. I'm sorry. I wish I'd have been there. Maybe I could have done something."

"I'm going to tell you what Rex told me earlier: it's not your fault. No one could have seen it coming."

Saying that really hurt because he had and it wasn't enough to save the clone's life. A good thing then Anakin couldn't sense the full weight of his own guilt. Just the guilt itself.

"I'm sorry if I doubted your intentions," Anakin said. It felt odd to say that there should be any at all. Luke wondered…no he recognized the roots of mistrust anywhere. Watered and tended to by Darth Sidious.

"You're right to ask where I was. No harm done."

"Like I said, I wasn't going to suspend you like the Jedi Council," the brunette said as a joke. "Besides, we have one more mission to complete together."

The easy, boyish grin came back and Luke returned it.

"I heard you were placed in charge."

"Yup! We'll talk about the details more tomorrow but I have a task to delegate."

"You hate delegating," Luke said humorously.

"I know, but I've already been tasked with a special assignment by the Chancellor. I'll explain that tomorrow as well but I wanted to tell you beforehand."

Luke opened his mouth to ask what that special task was but Anakin pressed ahead.

"The Royal Palace in Sundari will likely be heavily defended and a prize target. We'll need to capture it if we want any chance of holding the city. Think you can take it?"

"Does a wild reek shit in the forest?"

"I knew I could count on you." Anakin's voice was light but something else intermingled within it. Something like relief? What was going on? "In any case, get some rest. We're off at zero six hundred tomorrow."

He stopped and suddenly gazed wistfully around the hallway. The lines marking his still youthful, smooth features became more prominent. Lines only created by war. Luke could empathize.

"You know…I really can't wait for this war to be over. So much will need to be rebuilt. It's going to be really messy. But in the end, I think I just want to sleep."

Luke said nothing, taking in the rare insight to his father's personal feelings and insights, something seldom witnessed by anyone. It came as quickly as it went.

"Well, good night. See you in the morning."

"Good night."

As he entered his room and switched the door lock behind him, an odd feeling crept over Luke Skywalker, his skin covered with goosebumps. Not a good or a bad one, neither light nor dark. Just the Force itself. The feeling that this might be the last bit of peace he'd experience before the end…

He laid down on the bed then sat back up a few seconds later. An immediate burst of inspiration overtook the desire and need for quiet. He'd barely rested in the past few days yet sleep eluded him. The clock only read eight pm. Time moved forwards and also moved backwards as he'd found out first hand. But it never slowed down. And it waited for no one.

Luke rummaged through his drawers and found what he was looking for immediately. One of the pieces of black market Techno Union equipment he bought while suspended. A holorecorder.

He pressed the red button in the center and began speaking.

"Hello there. To those watching this…"

---

Shaved. Showered. A small breakfast. Even a little comb through the hair for good measure. Luke made a point to follow his sister's advice, appearance mattered. How you looked reflected the effort and care a person put into themselves. On Ahch-To, he'd been disheveled, rugged, and had more than a few alcohol infused nights. Whatever fate and the Force had in store, he wanted to be remembered as the hero people looked up to, not a hermit. A real catalyst for change.

Sleep had not come easy, but at least he'd meditated enough to block out most of the nightmares. No fighting Anakin on Mustafar, no Vader threatening to destroy him, no Ben screaming betrayal. Perhaps it was a good omen or maybe Master Yoda's words assuaged enough of his fear.

Walking towards the bridge leading to the entry of the Venator Class Destroyer, Anakin stood in anticipation. Though he too did not look like he garnered enough sleep, Luke sensed no darkness or fear eating at the edges of the soul. A good sign.

"Ready?" was all he said.

"Are you?"

Anakin cracked a smile and then Luke gestured with his mechanical hand.

"I insist, High General."

Those eyes, the same ones he inherited, lingered on Luke's own prosthetic as though it cemented a kind of kinship between them…which it did. Just not in the way he expected. Realizing that was one of many uncomfortable topics he'd have to explain when going over his backstory.

Maybe there are some things better left unsaid, he thought as Anakin boarded.

Anakin would have to know what he'd become in order to prevent the rise of the Empire. But beyond that, It might be best not to dive too deeply into the atrocities committed by Darth Vader. He wanted to save his father, not induce trauma.

Luke gazed upwards and saw Coruscant's sun steadily creeping over the horizon, causing a reddish glow against the backdrop of the morning haze. Another omen, perhaps? Or just a consequence of the planet's controlled weather system moving towards the rainy season?

Just before he could board the ship, a flutter in the Force brought his attention back to the edge of the bridge.

"Padme?"

"Luke!"

She was dressed in standard leggings, brown boots, and a white tunic. It did nothing to reduce her natural elegance.

"Senator, what're you doing here?"

"I wanted a chance to say goodbye to you and Anakin," she said, huffing a bit from her running. "I take it he's already on board?"

"Yeah but I can fetch him if you want."

"No, no." She shook her head. "We talked last night. I'm glad I have the chance to speak to you alone actually. There's something I wanted to say."

"Well you only have about thirty seconds," Luke said with a chuckle. "Otherwise, I think even the 501st might take off without me."

Padme wasted no time, moving inward and placed a light kiss on his cheek.

"You called me the bravest, kindest, most compassionate person you've ever met. But I think that distinction belongs to you."

The function of Luke's heart, brain, and mouth refused to work in tandem as he suddenly forgot how to speak Galactic Basic or move any of his limbs. Padme smiled as though she were the Force user seeing right through him.

"Go and save the galaxy."

It hit all at once. A supernova of warmth so powerful and so indescribable the Last Jedi wondered if he were standing in another plane of existence. He saw his mother wrapped in a halo of light, amplified by the two presences inside her. And Luke Skywalker smiled back, his spirit renewed with purpose. He saw and heard the message clearly now. His own words had once been Padme's.

'There is still good in him.'

Forgiveness of Vader by embodying unconditional love. Forgiveness of himself.

"Thank you, m'lady."

As they parted company Luke didn't see Anakin standing in the doorway watching them very intently.

---

A/N: The scene between Mace Windu and Ki-Adi Mundi takes place right after Luke and Sidious's epic chat in the previous chapter for clarification. Also I have no idea if the GAR has similar rituals to honor fallen soldiers as most modern militaries do but I figured they had to have something. Please don't hate for me what happened to Tup :( it was not something I wanted to do but it had to happen.

A/N#2: I'm using a great deal from the Darth Plagueis novel by James Luceno to describe Sidious's power and ability. It's an amazing book and with the exception of a few things, I consider it to be canon (despite what Disney might say).

Alright, next up, the chapter many have you awaited for quite some time: The Seige of Mandalore! It's already about 80% written so it should be coming out first or second week in February.

Leave those reviews! Rock on!

~The Wasp