Here I am! As promised.
Though to be frank I didn't know if this update was actually going to be on time due to FF's glitches lately. Couldn't see my stats for two weeks and uploading was out of whack too.
But thankfully, that's all resolved. Here's a 10,000 word chapter as a reward. Enjoy ;)
"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?"- Terry Pratchett
Chapter 35. New Orders
The first thing Luke noticed upon awakening was the heaviness throughout his body. Rubbing his eyes, he felt every bit of forty-eight years when attempting to stretch out his arms. Even that proved challenging as the tendons ached in protest. It didn't take long to figure out that he'd slept in the same battle torn robes worn the day prior.
As the light of the Mandalorian sun pierced the plexiglass window overlooking the smoking city it occurred to the Last Jedi that the morning was already half over, judging by the position alone. On its own, that injected enough urgency for him to begin searching for his comlink.
When it didn't turn up within the interior of the robes or pockets, Luke threw off the comforter and sheets. Frantic searching still yielded no comlink or any indication as to where it might have gone. Then the bothersome knee gave a painful twinge. He grunted in pain before resetting it back into proper position, collapsing back onto the bed.
A trip to the Halls of Healing would be required. He privately cursed Sidious and the soul sucking lightning used against him on the second Death Star. It had taken many years for its full impact to start taking effect, but, by his late thirties, the joints started to grow stiff in the morning. Meditating and more time in healing chambers staved off the worst, but healers confirmed what he already suspected: the lightning had caused permanent nerve damage, early onset arthritis, and other minor ailments an otherwise healthy middle aged Jedi should not have.
That duel with Maul must have really done a number on me.
In an interesting twist, dealing with bodily pain aided in the location of the lost comlink. He spotted it over the side of the bed within his peripheral vision.
"There you are."
Luke nabbed it, though not without difficulty as the body gave another painful reminder of his torture at Palpatine's hands. Upon inspection, he noticed it was not turned on. Further analysis determined it had lost all power and needed a charge. The hour of the day eluded him, which brought back a rush of anxiety. He needed to find Anakin. He needed to find Obi-Wan. He had to inform everyone of Maul's predictions before it was too late.
"Sir."
Rex's voice came through from the other side of the door. Then came a knock.
"Sir, are you alright in there?"
Luke scrambled to his feet as he reattached the comlink to his wrist in a hasty attempt to look somewhat dignified.
"Yes, I'm fine."
The door opened with a woosh. Curiosity lingered on Rex's expression.
"Glad to see you're up and about, General. I've been trying to comm you all morning."
"It's dead." He held it up for the anti-climatic effect. "Forgot to give it a charge. What time is it?"
"Fifteen minutes past the hour of nine. That's partially why I came to rouse you. You're wanted at C-Deck by the order of High General Skywalker."
Luke worked his jaw in annoyance. To miss a summons from your ranking superior due to a funeral was one thing, but to oversleep? He might not be as lucky to avoid a serious demerit or worse.
"Tell him I'll be there straight away."
"Yes, sir. But you may want to change clothes." Rex eyed him up and down. "Did you…sleep in them last night?" he asked with a note of bemusement.
"Anakin doesn't care about attire," Luke said indifferently. "He'll understand."
"Wasn't referring to him, sir. We have an unexpected arrival. Admiral Tarkin's here."
The clone might have laughed at the near comical bulge in his general's eyes were it not for the hard edged concern within them.
"Motherkarking son of a-"
Rex had been in the army all his life but even he had to admire the Jedi's talent for colorful language.
Coruscant
Bail Organa opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again while raising a hand before placing said hand over the mouth and turning sideways.
Learning the Chancellor you supported and served for over a decade was a Sith Lord took some processing. By comparison, Padme thought Bail and Mon were handling the revelation quite well compared to her own reaction when Luke told her the terrible truth. A dizzying, unfortunate truth, but one they needed to hear all the same.
"You're sure about this, Padme?"
Mon Mothma's words were so quiet they were reduced to a hush.
"Yes, without a shadow of a doubt."
"It is the word of one Jedi Knight."
"I trust Luke with every ounce of my spirit," Padme asserted firmly. "And so should you. He's the only one who was able to open our eyes to what we missed this entire time."
"So did the Jedi, if I'm not mistaken. They lied to us."
It was a fair point, one that Padme didn't necessarily disagree with. But as always, Bail's voice of reason put things in proper perspective.
"They may have withheld their diminished capacity to use the Force," he said at last, breaking out his stupor. "But they were fooled just as we all were. And pointing fingers helps no one. It's what Palpatine wants."
"It's a trap," Mon opined, fear and exasperation evident across her normally stoic face. "Any move we make could be our downfall."
Bail continued rubbing his goatee.
"This is true. It makes our choice that much harder. If we, the opposition, move against Palpatine it means certain death for us and the Republic. But if we standby and let the Chancellor consolidate power, everything great and good in this galaxy will be gone. There won't be a Republic to save."
"What are we to do then?"
Padme stared at the red, plush carpet that lined her office floor and that of so many others inside the Senate building. A supposed marker of just how high and mighty they were to live in the upper echelon of Coruscant, entirely out of reach of most of the lower class citizens who inhabited the planet. Now, a mere stomach lining within the belly of the beast, the one that intended to swallow them whole regardless of wealth or class.
"It's time to stop playing nice," she said at last. "Let's gather our members and anyone else sympathetic to democracy. Tell them the truth about who it is that runs our government."
"Padme, we don't yet have any concrete evidence that Palpatine is a Sith Lord," Mon reminded.
"But we do have evidence of his personal corruption and war profiteering."
"I must advise a degree of caution, Senator." Bail's dark brown eyes were beset with worry. "If what Master Luke says is true, this isn't another run of the mill politician we're dealing with. We'll be seen as traitors."
"He already sees us as traitors. You heard the recordings. You know what he plans to do."
Her sense of urgency moved the needle just enough for both to get on board despite their obvious anxiety at being caught between a rock and a hard place.
"So much could go wrong. And yet I agree," Bail said at last after a long pause. "The time to be complacent has passed."
"And what of the Jedi? Do we still involve them despite their lack of transparency?"
Padme would have thought the answer obvious, but given the skepticism from the general public of the Jedi's role in the war, fatigue, and Palpatine's popularity, Mon was asking a necessary question. Bail answered it promptly.
"They are still needed even despite concealing information from us. As it stands, the Jedi Council is the last institution independent from executive oversight. I don't know much about the Sith, but if Palpatine is as you say, he is likely more powerful than we can imagine."
'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.'
Luke's ominous warning rattled the depths of her soul to think such evil had been lurking in the halls of the Rotunda, of her home planet, all this time.
"Master Luke promised to have proof of Palpatine's true identity before the next session begins," she told them.
"But even if such proof is acquired, how then will it improve our cause?" Mon grilled. "For many of our fellow Senators, the Sith are little more than legend, a thousand year old fable to scare children at bedtime. It's also not illegal to be a Sith."
Bail picked up a glass of water from the side table, eyeing it carefully as if to underscore that anything they ate or drank was at risk of being poisoned before draining it in one gulp.
"I might need something stronger after today," he muttered. Threepio, trained as he was, took the cue.
"Might I fix up something alcoholic, sir?"
"Of course, Threepio. Thank you." He turned back to his colleagues earnestly. "As Senator Amidala already pointed out, Republic intelligence has confirmed throughout this war that the Sith control the Separatists. Therefore, they are an enemy and anyone associated with them is guilty of conspiracy and treason. If we can get our hands on irrefutable proof, even the most fervent Palpatine supporters will vote him out of office."
"Exactly. Luke will come through. I know he will," Padme said with unwavering certainty.
"In the meantime, I have a scheduled meeting with the Council tomorrow evening."
"I was told the Council will be informed by then, courtesy of Master Yoda."
Bail nodded before shifting his eyes to Mon, who tilted her towards Padme in an indicative manner.
"Padme, I hate to intrude on something…personal. But much of what happens in these next two days depends on Anakin Skywalker. Can we also count on his support?"
"You have doubted his loyalty in the past," Mon reminded.
Padme stood up from the massive couch she'd sat upon for the better part of two hours. A massive headrush almost disrupted her balance but she held steady.
"He would never betray me." She knew what the implication of her words meant and didn't care. The consequences of a secret marriage were yet to come but staying alive came first. She privately sighed in relief when neither one of her colleagues delved further.
"I'll make sure he knows everything," she finished confidently.
"Good. Start sending copies of that recording to the press but make sure it's reported as an anonymous leak. Get word out to the rest of the Caucus." Bail took the dark maroon concoction made by Threepio offered on a silver platter and took a large swig.
"Let's get to work."
Mygeeto
"Count Dooku, the war is lost."
Listening to San Hill gave the octogenarian a migraine. The thin, reedy, nasal tone drove him up a wall on the best of days. He dearly regretted not finding an excuse to sic Grievous on the Muun while the cyborg was still alive.
"The Confederacy will survive, Chairman."
Hill sat in one of the tall, sleek, support chairs that dotted the private conference room of his personal estate which sat upon the top of a sprawling metropolis at the center of business operations. A harsh world, landlocked by an ice age and subject to freezing temperatures, it had been colonized by the Muuns thousands of years prior. The presence of precious stones and valuable crystals made Mygeeto a crucial client world of the Banking Clan, as well as an ideal tax haven.
But when bankers started to panic, you know things were going in the wrong direction. Or the right one, depending on one's point of view.
"Not from where I sit," Hill continued to argue. "Confederate war bonds are all but worthless."
"There are other sources of funding."
"I have managed to move some of our assets to offworld accounts to avoid regulation. But it's all a moot point. Whoever controls the credits, controls the war. And the Republic has absorbed the Banking Clan under the watchful eye of the Supreme Chancellor."
Dooku only gave the barest indication of listening, and scarcely cared he was obviously lying about their prospects. Hill was greedy, not stupid.
"Diversify our portfolio then. I will raise taxes in the Confederate Parliament."
Hill pressed his long, twiddling fingers together. Already thin lips grew thinner. The Muun hadn't become ICB Chairman by accident. But his obsession with money would be his downfall.
"Count, the number of worlds still under our control won't raise enough revenue to continue paying off the minimum needed to keep the Confederacy from defaulting on its debts." He pulled out a blue screened datapad and showcased the numbers. "It's official. This war is no longer profitable."
"For you, maybe."
Hill visibly bristled at the insult.
"We and the other industry leaders signed your treaty in hopes that it would provide ample opportunity to expand business in contrast to the stifling restrictions imposed by the Republic. Now we are faced with ruin."
Dooku began massaging the sides of his temples.
"What is it you want from me, Chairman?"
"We've spent a great deal of capital in funding this conflict. To emerge from it empty handed would be a grave misfortune."
"So even as the war continues and thousands lose their lives every day, your primary concern is profit. How noble of you," the Count growled menacingly, his eyes turning a temporary yellow.
Hill's fear spiked to the point where he could practically taste it but the Muun had enough nerve (or stupidity) to keep sputtering in protest.
"But, but- my Lord-"
"That will be all, Chairman. Leave me."
"I-"
"OUT!" he thundered and Hill scurried away like the lowest womp rat into a gutter. The relative silence did not assuage the piercing headache which only grew worse with each passing minute. An ailment caused by the screams of the last bit of himself that had any scruples, one he thought destroyed long ago. After all, what right did he have to pass judgment on the wretched hive of scum and villainy summoned under his jurisdiction? Had he not plundered just as they plundered? Had he not personally ordered them to do so on many occasions?
Had he not stolen from his own world of Serenno?
And yet, no matter how hard Count Dooku tried to squash the incessant moral conundrum, eighty two years of living taught him what this emotion was: guilt. Sith were supposed to be above such trivialities, but the guilt protested all the same; it called out loud and clear. Just as the Sith did not deal in ethics, guilt cared nothing for Sith philosophy. Gunray, Hill, Tambor, and the rest were creatures of craven opportunity. Their blatant avarice never bothered him much before.
But the intensity of the bonfire burning inside his conscience was too bright to put out. In fact, he hadn't felt this way since his days as a Jedi Knight. When he and Qui-Gon rescued downtrodden, starving villagers abused by the neglectful Senator Dagonet. He remembered nearly giving into murderous temptation to punish the corrupt politician. That had stemmed from a desire to do good. To protect. How ironic it should be, that the source of his own darkness no longer existed. He'd killed, robbed, lied, kidnapped, and committed countless atrocities. Somewhere along the way, those pernicious acts had replaced the original desire to protect and serve.
Dooku took out a pocket transmitter and dialed in a sequence punched in a hundred times before. Before long, the hooded figure of Darth Sidious appeared.
"My Lord. I have conferred with Chairman Hill. The last of Confederate currency reserves will run dry any day and other sources of funding will not be able to prevent a total collapse of the economy."
"Excellent, Lord Tyrannus. You have done well."
Dooku crooked an eyebrow, but gave no other visible sign of surprise.
"If we cannot sustain the conflict financially, the Jedi will easily discern its true nature."
"The Jedi are far too late to stop what is to come." Dooku wanted to bring up the name 'Luke Ahch-To' but something made him hold his tongue as Sidious continued to monologue. "As it happens, the timing of this hypothetical setback could not be more perfect."
"Then the war is to end."
"The pieces are falling where I need them to be," came the ambiguous response. "This is where you come into play for the final act, my apprentice."
"How may I be of service?"
"There are three elements we must take care of before the new order is to be declared," Sidious drawled. "Padme Amidala, Ahsoka Tano, and Luke Ahch-To."
"Surely Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda must be included as well?"
The Sith Master frowned underneath the dark void of his hood.
"Kenobi and Yoda remain stuck in the throes of their own hypocrisy. Therefore, the threat they pose is minimal. There is only one Jedi who's ideals could challenge our own."
"Tano is just an adolescent," Dooku reasoned, correctly guessing Sidious's first target.
"I have allowed her to remain in the picture for too long. She's far more clever than I previously thought and her influence could keep Skywalker from embracing his destiny."
Dooku's chest tightened at the mention of Skywalker yet again but kept the indignity from rising to the surface.
"Very well. Should I arrange for an assassin?"
"No. I do not wish for her to be killed. Tano's spirit is quite strong. I have another more suitable role in mind."
He really didn't understand where Sidious was going with that line of thought but said nothing and waited patiently to be told more.
"More enforcers will be needed aside from standard clone troopers who make up the bulk of the army. She will make the first of many fine inquisitors in service to the empire."
"You yourself pointed out, Master. She has a strong will and would never bow down willingly."
"A subject does not have to be willing in order to serve a greater purpose," Sidious hissed. Then a sinister smirk became visible underneath the shroud. "Those with such constitutions are that much more useful when they inevitably break."
Dooku chose the wrong moment to stay silent. Disapproval from the dark lord could be felt even light years away.
"Do I detect a flicker of doubt, Lord Tyrannus?"
"No, my Master. She will become a valuable servant. What of Luke Ahch-To? I sense his power growing in the Force."
Sidious made no immediate move but the lack of punishment or closed windpipe indicated no danger. At least not yet.
"One of our assets is in place to deal with Ahch-To and the rest of the Jedi. I have a different task for you."
"What must I do?"
"Padme Amidala is to be the victim of a tragic accident in the coming days. When she falls suddenly ill, you must claim responsibility."
For the first time in a very long while, Dooku could see the road in front of him. Sidious intended to eliminate Ahch-To and the rest of the Jedi using Order 66. Senator Amidala's death, likely by poison or assassination, would serve as a catalyst for Sidious to assume absolute power with Dooku's Separatists cast as the main culprit. The role of apprentice and assassin belonged to Skywalker and Tano respectively after each fell to the dark side. Only one question needed to be answered, but he already knew it.
"A clever ruse, my Lord. Am I to surrender to Republic authorities afterwards?"
"Quite astute, my apprentice. You shall be personally pardoned and assume a new role."
Meaning I'm going to be killed.
Dooku didn't need to hear more, having sussed out the central details of his Master's plan. Would he risk being used as a pawn in order to attain greater power? Did he trust Sidious to keep his word?
"Everything is as exactly as it should be, Lord Tyrannus. We merely have to wait for the opportune moment."
The call ended and he pocketed the transmitter on his robe pocket, deep in thought. His beard soured into such a frown one might be forgiven for believing it to be a permanent fixture on his face.
The Dark Lord of Sith had made his move. How would Count Dooku answer?
By the time Luke reached C-Deck it was a gundark's nest of activity so thick, it reminded him of a Galactic Alliance fire drill on Yavin 4. Blue clad and yellow clad troopers from the 501st and 212th rushed to and fro as though they were preparing for another battle…
He kept a grip on his nerves. Tarkin was the only person besides Darth Sidious with a similar ethos, mentality, and eye for detail that induced a certain degree of fear…and deep rooted loathing. Some people didn't need to be Sith in order to cause enormous damage to people around them.
Why was the cold hearted bastard here? He'd been placed on paid leave by the Senate after multiple errors were found in his investigation of the Temple bombing. Leia told him that Tarkin had been a high ranking officer by the Clone War's end. To have him here, on Mandalore with so much at stake, couldn't be a coincidence.
Taking a breath, he slowed his mind and began scanning the crowd through the Force for familiar signatures. The closest was a face he'd not seen or interacted with in weeks. Obi-Wan stood chatting with another clone not named 'Cody', which made for an odd sight (he hoped the Marshal Commander recovered soon). But if any animosity festered between them, his old master gave no sign of it, greeting him warmly.
"Luke."
"Master."
The redhead waved aside the formality.
"There will be none of that. Not anymore. Just Obi-Wan."
He saw it clearly. The rejuvenation behind a man who looked as though he shed years off stress and turmoil in the tropical waters of Spira. Someone who'd gone on a vacation; a week and a half with a beautiful Duchess by the shores of the sandy beach certainly qualified.
What had changed in Obi-Wan? Perhaps a certain Mandalorian had something to do with it?
"Well then, Obi-Wan," he said slowly. "Rex told me I was needed…and about our 'honored' guest."
He saw Tarkin in the distance, displaying himself like an exotic bird showing off its plumage, strutting about imperiously, directing, pointing, and being a complete sleemo.
"Tarkin is more than just a guest I'm afraid," Obi-Wan said, all vestiges of positivity wiped away in an instant. "For one thing, he's been promoted to Adjutant General."
Luke bit down on his lip to prevent more colorful language escaping the tongue. But he stayed even, releasing tension into the Force, searching for guidance.
"That makes him the third most powerful person in the GAR. Behind Anakin and the Chancellor respectively."
"Correct. And there is an additional twist. New orders have come through. The 501st and 212th are being shipped off again. And he wants to see you personally."
Oh, boy. This wouldn't go well. Tarkin's pompous arrogance aroused the primitive elements of his temper. Sensing the displeasure, Obi-Wan placed a hand on his shoulder. In an instant, any lingering hard feelings between them vanished. Grateful for his master's solidarity and comfort, Luke visibly shed a great deal of tension. Whatever snide remarks the man may throw at him, he could handle it. He was not alone. His family was here.
Might as well see what this militaristic jackboot wants.
He passed by a group of clones from the 104th, all of them saluting which gave further assurance. These men backed him, not a man they barely knew nor trusted.
"Ah, General Ahch-To. You're late."
Yeah, he still hated this pretentious prick.
"Apologies." He forced out the word painfully. "My comlink went dead during the night. I didn't receive the message until much later."
"I'm not interested in excuses," Tarkin sniffed. "Do prevent this tardiness from becoming a habit."
Obi-Wan gave a gentle warning through the Force. 'Don't let him get to you'.
"I was told we have new orders," Luke said evenly, ignoring the barb and deftly side stepping any respect he may have to give to a military superior.
"Yes, precisely. General Kenobi will fill you in in the meantime but we are to depart as soon as possible. The Separatists have pressed their attack on Kashyyyk and General Luminara is losing ground. The 501st and 212th are being assigned there to act as reinforcements. It is a system we cannot afford to lose."
The blond did not show any discernible sign of agitation but internally he was fuming. And there was something different in Tarkin's cold, gray-blue eyes. Something that went beyond rigid ruthlessness of following military command. The now Adjutant General represented a cold mountain in the Force, an unmoving peak of no empathy or regard for those around it. Luke sensed a distinctive malice around that mountain, as though it might unleash an avalanche of death at any moment.
It was unsettling. But before he could probe further, Tarkin continued speaking.
"Have your troops be ready to leave at zero eleven hundred."
"General, this is all incredibly sudden. What about the Siege? We only just finished securing the city yesterday and Maul could escape at any time if not properly supervised."
He meant that question legitimately. This was all happening too fast without there being some ulterior motive. Grilling Tarkin on even the tiniest details might reveal what he had planned.
"Your anxiety is unfounded, Ahch-To. Measures have already been put into place. The 104th will stay here to keep the peace and aid Duchess Bo-Katan in securing her place on the throne. As for Maul, he is being transferred to a secure facility on Coruscant immediately.
But that should not be your main focus," Tarkin said with a small sneer. "Have your troops ready to depart as instructed and do not delay."
Tarkin gave an arrogant *hmph as he stalked by but Luke was too engrossed in thought to notice. He resolved never to miss another briefing again. Not when things were this fluid and outside of the realm of his foresight.
"Such a pleasant fellow, isn't he?" Obi-Wan remarked wryly.
"Where's Anakin?"
"I believe he's assisting the transfer of prisoners- Luke wait!"
Luke knew that the only one person currently held the power to override, or at the very least explain the new orders. But as he pushed through the squads of Mandalorians and clones (their similar armor schemes blurred together) Tarkin's presence became steadily more ominous in the Force. It sounded alarm like an air raid siren.
He moved towards the designated landing platforms where Almec and the few surviving Mandalorian clan heads were being led to a prisoner shuttle transport, wrists encased in binders, all pride and dignity reduced to ash. To be a warrior of Mandalore wrapped in chains was the height of dishonor. Satine Kryze understood this well, even if she opposed that aspect of her people's culture. Anakin and Ahsoka flanked the opposite side, watching them being escorted by crimson marked shock troopers.
Obi-Wan took a place beside Satine, a fact not lost on Luke. He made no romantic movement, but they looked like a natural couple by their mere positioning alone. They gravitated towards each other even without doing anything explicitly romantic.
"I don't like this," the now former Duchess said quietly once the prisoners were loaded up. "Corrupt men they may be, but they deserve to be judged before a panel of their own people. Not paraded as war trophies on Coruscant."
"It isn't safe to leave them here," Obi-Wan reasoned, though his voice was soft. "Not when they could rise up and threaten Mandalore again as Pre Viszla did before."
"They also aligned themselves with the Separatists so by rule they fall under Republic jurisdiction. But we have full plans to extradite them back to you once the trials are over. I promise."
He noticed Luke standing beside him.
"Well, well. Look who decided to show up. You certainly know how to make an entrance."
It was a joke and he knew he had it coming. Anakin wasn't upset which bode well.
"Comlink went fubar," he explained for the third time that day, holding it up. "What's this about new orders?"
"The Chancellor wants Maul in Republic hands as soon as possible. I'm personally escorting him back to the capital. I'm leaving in the next five minutes."
And there it was. The true purpose of Tarkin's sudden interference became clear.
"Obi-Wan and I fight on Kashyyyk, Ahsoka stays here on Mandalore, and you go back to Coruscant."
We become separated, Palpatine is free to turn Anakin, Order 66 comes down…
Armageddon.
Anakin, thankfully didn't pick up that Luke was speaking more to himself than anyone.
"I know it's all kind of sudden but I think it's a pretty sound strategy."
A three way silent conversation ensued, mostly between Luke and Ahsoka with Obi-Wan as a nonplussed observer. Ahsoka pushed hard through their connection with an unmistakable message: do something. Except Luke had no idea what to do. Trapped in between an evil of two options, neither of which really qualified as such. Disobey orders and risk being executed for treason, or do nothing and be executed for treason…whatever Sidious came up with to justify it. It wouldn't be hard.
Obi-Wan, clearly attuned to their mental back and forth through the Force, interjected with a steady dose of calm, settling their nerves.
"Is… everything okay? You guys seem a little weird," Anakin had begun to notice the disquiet permeating throughout the morning air. Even Satine half frowned at the awkwardness on display.
"Anakin, I just had a thought. Why don't you take Ahsoka with you? I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to have some backup in case something goes awry."
"Master, don't you trust me?"
"With all my heart," Obi-Wan replied dryly to the feigned tone of hurt from Anakin. "But knowing our luck in this war, anything can happen."
"Good point." Anakin turned towards Ahsoka. "What do you say, my former padawan? Are you up for transporting a captured Sith Lord?"
"Always, Master," the Togruta answered, failing to hide a grin.
"I'm sure Master Plo won't mind. General Tarkin might though,"
"Tarkin doesn't have to know. I'll tell Master Plo where you've gone."
Luke at once understood what Obi-Wan was doing and played along. But he still searched for an opening, just the smallest opportunity where he could get his father to talk for just one second…
"Are there any other secret orders we should be made aware of?" Obi-Wan teased.
"Actually, that pretty much covered everything on my end. Now all that's left is to figure out how to transport Maul."
"We got it covered."
Bo-Katan appeared now, still dressed in her usual Mandalorian armor, apparently preferring them over the complicated, elaborate wardrobe of her sister. She pointed towards a large looking rectangular object being led by her warriors. It hovered a mere inch off the ground by the design of an anti-magnetic pulse, making it easy to move.
"What's that?" Luke asked.
"A relic of a bygone era," she explained. "A Force proof capsule used back when we Mandalorians had reason to imprison Jedi who stepped onto our territory. Believe me, Maul isn't going anywhere."
"Impressive," Anakin commented, though the Duchess frowned in slight disapproval.
"I banned those devices years ago."
"Yes, you did. This is the last one," Bo told her. "Come on, we need to call an assembly of the people and inform them of your abdication."
She could tell that the four Jedi needed some time for themselves. Obi-Wan gave a nod to his not so secret girlfriend that they would get a proper goodbye before facing back to his companions.
"Well then, I guess it's time for us to part ways again," Anakin announced, beaming.
"And we were just reunited too," Ahsoka muttered.
"It won't be too long until it's over," he said confidently. "Grievous is dead. Maul is in custody and now only Dooku's left. We're going to win this thing."
Luke opened his mouth again to speak. Another untimely beep from a comlink interrupted them yet again.
"Kriff," the brunette muttered. "It's Master Windu. I'm sorry I have to go. Luke, did you want to say something?"
Anakin's realization that the blond wanted to speak came too late. The Last Jedi looked as though he wanted to say a good deal, but time and circumstance did not permit a deeper conversation.
"Nothing," he finally answered, resisting a large sigh. "Just…"
You're going to be manipulated into turning against everyone and everything you love.
"Good luck."
Anakin smiled before turning to Obi-Wan.
"I told you he likes me better," he bragged. (Obi-Wan rolled his eyes) He took Luke's hand in a firm shake. "Make sure you both come back in one piece."
"Is that even a question?" he replied rhetorically.
"The Seps on Kashyyyk won't know what hit them." Anakin gestured towards Ahsoka. "Ready, Snips?"
"Born ready, Master."
They began to part, each pair committed to doing their respective duties, walking away as friends.
For his part, Luke did not like seeing his father depart. In his gut he felt it to be a mistake.
Why do I have the worst feeling about this?
"Anakin," Obi-Wan called out. "May the Force be with you."
He stopped just before he hit the line of shadow that divided the platforms, coming exactly in between the light and dark.
"And may the Force be with you both," he said cheerily. Ahsoka gave him the slightest of nods and Luke could sense her urging through their bond.
Tell Obi-Wan.
The shuttle door closed and in seconds, it had taken off into the air and out of sight.
"Well, let's rally the troops and get going as soon as possible. The new Duchess doesn't want us spending any more time on her planet than we have to." Obi-Wan hesitated as he felt the deep despondency emanating from the man beside him.
"Are you quite alright?"
"No. There was a lot left unsaid. Too much," Luke commented, his eyes fixated on the spot where the shuttle was last visible in the cumulus dominated skyline.
"Yes, I know. I feel the same way. Which is why we're going to have that talk once we're on our way. It's long overdue."
The Last Jedi took some solace in that. Ahsoka had been right all along. They would need the services and trust of the Great Negotiator before the end.
With the rising darkness and the soul of Anakin Skywalker at stake, he wished he'd done it sooner.
Ahsoka Tano had met many extraordinary people and beings across the galaxy in her time during the Clone Wars. The Skywalkers were by far the most talented, strong willed, determined, kind, compassionate, daring, and generally insane group of people to grace the galaxy with their existence. She wouldn't have it any other way.
But she worried about them. Constantly.
Luke did not carry the same degree of recklessness or emotional instability. But he could only be described as a workaholic. The trauma of his past made him extremely reluctant to trust anyone, especially with the obvious dilemma of being from the past. So desperate he was not to fail that he tended to overburden himself unnecessarily. Though he clearly admired and loved his father, Ahsoka believed the blond actually took more after Padme: iron willed, dutiful, with a firm sense of incorruptible justice alongside patience, gentleness, and warmth. Yet there was also a sadness ingrained in Luke Skywalker, fueled by pain and regret.
Anakin on the other hand could only be described as 'act first, ask questions later'. His zest for living knew no bounds and every day was a potential adventure waiting to be explored. No one swung a lightsaber or flew a fighter craft like he did. Though the Council often disagreed with his methods, it had earned the trust, respect, and love of the men who served under him. Despite the portrayal of himself as a fun loving warrior, also carried deep sensitivity. He felt things deeply and loved his friends and family, willing to sacrifice everything for them.
Underlying all of this, however, was the fact that the Chosen One struggled constantly- with his feelings for Padme, guilt over the loss of his mother, jealousy and resentment of those on the Council, and fear...so much fear. A long time ago during the start of the war if someone had told Ahsoka her former master was capable of killing younglings, strangling his own wife, and becoming a murderous Sith Lord, she'd have told them to check for altitude sickness.
Now, with the knowledge and warning of his son, all the things willingly ignored over the years suddenly became apparent. She felt great concern and compassion for the younger and older Skywalker. But her faith remained intact. A faith shared by Luke.
I believe in you, master. And I believe that you and your son are going to save the universe.
"You wanted to speak to me, Master?"
She came back from her deep train of thought. They each stood in the command center of their shuttle observing the sparkling beauty of hyperspace, a blur of white and blue rushing past in a constant motion. Mace Windu appeared on the holo transmitter, as grumpy looking as ever.
"Skywalker, we hear that you're on the way back to Coruscant. I take it then the Siege was successful?"
Ahsoka resisted wincing. All Jedi Masters were supposed to give each other mutual respect conferred by their title. Windu may as well have been wearing a bright, neon saying 'I don't like you' . He still viewed Anakin beneath him despite having the rank of Master. Indeed, she sensed him holding back an unkind retort before replying.
"Entirely successful. Sundari has been captured along with most of the other major cities."
"Excellent. We were told that Maul was also involved."
"He was. He's in my custody as we speak."
"Good work," Windu said to both of them, though he looked more at Ahsoka. "The Chancellor has ordered a new series of offensives designed to break the last Separatist strongholds. This in turn should be able to draw out Count Dooku." Mace eyed them both clearly though again he focused more on her than Anakin. "I sense you have more to share, Ahsoka."
"Yes," she said slowly. "Satine Kryze has stepped down as Duchess of Mandalore."
Windu's stoic eyebrows shot upwards to the edge of his bald temple.
"Stepped down?"
"Her sister Bo-Katan is the new Duchess who in turn has appointed Satine their new representative in the Galactic Senate. She is coming to Coruscant during the next rotation for orientation."
"Mandalore seeks to join the Republic then. That is quite surprising."
"There's been quite a few surprises on this campaign, Master."
Windu made no comment or remark, appearing to contemplate the latest wave of information, but beneath the surface was an uncertain and fearful man lost in the struggle to make sense of a conflict that had never truly made sense. Ahsoka eyed him closely. The Head the Order could be prickly, but never insecure. Never mistrustful or blatantly callous towards fellow Jedi.
The urgency in Windu's voice highlighted that entirely.
"It is all the more crucial that Maul is brought back alive for questioning. You must deliver him to the Temple as soon as you return to Coruscant. Time is of the essence."
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka asked.
They received a defensive, borderline unfriendly reply.
"I'm sorry, Knight Tano. That is a matter for the Council to discuss only."
She saw Anakin's jaw grinding and working itself into a frenzy, a clear cut sign of frustration morphing itself into anger. Ahsoka astutely stepped in.
"We understand, Master."
Mace's hologram disappeared from view, triggering a furious tirade
"Did you see him?! The way he talked to us?!"
"Master Windu was never the warm and fuzzy type," she tried to say as diplomatically as possible.
"He's always hated me!" Anakin spat. "Especially now when I technically outrank him. I could order him to show me some respect if I wanted."
He squeezed his organic fist so tightly the leather audibly tightened.
"I swear, Ahsoka. I'm so karking sick of this! Taking orders, being looked down upon like some backwards sand peasant…never trusting me! Never taking me seriously-"
Ahsoka placed two hands over the fist. Kriff, he was strong. So strong. An absolute physical juggernaut as well as within the Force. But she also knew as well as anyone what could happen if her master lost control. Soothing him through their bond and a series of light touches, she gently and gradually lowered his fist until it opened like a flower in bloom.
"I understand," she told him. "More than anyone, I understand what it's like to be the victim of the Council's poor decisions. Especially Master Windu."
"I know." And by the quiet tenderness in his voice, he was back to the Anakin she loved. "And maybe most Jedi can put up with that. But I won't. Not for much longer at least."
It was all too vague for comfort. Did he really intend to walk away from the Order?
Why not? a voice reminded her. You did in another lifetime.
"It doesn't matter if you decide to stay a Jedi or not. What matters is being a good person. Doing the right thing even when it's hard. That's worth more than all the power in the world."
"You're a lot wiser than most on the Council, Ahsoka," he said with a chuckle. "But seriously, thank you for having my back."
"Always," she said, sharing in a genuine smile she rarely saw out of him. His aura returned to a more peaceful state and the two settled into a comfortable silence.
A few shock troopers passed by with datapads, confirming that Maul and the rest of the prisoners were secure and that all vitals were normal.
"How is Maul going to be tried?" she asked once they left. "He's too dangerous to not be kept in that box at all times."
"Well, I'm sure there's something at the Temple we can use to cut off his access to the Force. Of course, the Chancellor will likely seek the death penalty."
That didn't sit right with Ahsoka. Even for someone as ruthless as Maul. Of course, no doubt Darth Sidious wanted the chance to eliminate a potential rival. There were too many former apprentices running around for the would-be Emperor to leave them all running free.
"That's a bit harsh, don't you think?"
"Are you kidding, Ahsoka? He murdered Master Qui-Gon all those years ago. He's tried to kill Obi-Wan multiple times, as well as myself and Luke! He's getting exactly what he deserves."
"The Republic is supposed to symbolize justice."
"And how is ending Maul's life not justice?"
"It's revenge," Ahsoka put a little more firmly. "An eye for an eye makes everyone blind. It violates our mandate as Jedi. There's no way the Council will allow it."
Anakin gave a derisive scoff she did not like.
"The Council might be better off if they'd listened to the Chancellor more often. We could have ended this war by now."
The loyalty he still displayed toward Palpatine endured at an exceedingly high level. Ahsoka considered telling him about everything right then and there, but thought better of it. Not when they were transporting dangerous criminals on a vulnerable transport ship.
Besides, I can't do that to Luke. With any luck, Padme can get through to him.
"Master, have you ever considered that the Chancellor may not give up his power?"
"You sound like some Senators I know," came the short, stiff answer.
"It's my own observation."
"I don't understand why so many among the Jedi and the Council are so suspicious of him," Anakin ranted, his tone becoming frustrated. "He's a good man who only wants what's best for the Republic. For everyone. The one person willing to do what needs to be done."
Oh, Anakin. If you only knew.
"Consider that those who don't share your admiration may have reasons."
"Like whom? Who entertains that kind of treason?"
"Obi-Wan," Ahsoka cut back. "Master Yoda, Senator Amidala...Luke. Especially Luke. Surely you've noticed he can't stand to be around him. Are they suddenly traitors?"
She kept her voice calm and reasonable. That and mentioning the younger Skywalker, his mentor and wife softened Anakin's stance.
"Of course not," he said. "Luke is one of the most amazing people I've ever met. Obi-Wan is my master and mentor. Senator Amidala…" He skipped over that part, unwilling to say anything more.
"And what about me? Does my opinion count for anything?" Ahsoka asked pointedly.
"Of course, you're one of a kind Snips. I couldn't ask for a better friend...a sister."
The comment resonated deeply and Ahsoka suddenly was overcome with such an intense depth of feeling for her master, brother, and friend she enveloped him in a hug. Their conversation encapsulated the worst and best of her former master, she was afraid to see him slip down that treacherous path. Luke had told her what happened in the aftermath of the original timeline: she'd become something of a Gray Jedi, a loner, constantly on the run, assisting in the formation of the Alliance that would one day oppose and destroy the Empire…dueling Darth Vader alone on Malachor.
For the first time, she understood just a little bit what Luke felt.
I'm not letting go of you, Master. I won't see you become that.
But eventually, of course, Ahsoka did release him from the hug. Anakin appeared to be slightly taken aback, but pleased nonetheless.
"Feeling a little emotional today are we?" he teased her affectionately.
"A wise Jedi once said it isn't wrong to express our feelings for the people we love."
She didn't have to explain who said it, they both knew.
"Anakin, when we get back, we must insist on Palpatine relinquishing his power. And whatever you do, don't trust him unconditionally."
That finally seemed to break through to him who seemed to genuinely take this into account. Ahsoka knew that the main goal was to keep Anakin away from the Sith scum as much as possible, however being High General and directly a part of the Advisory Cell made that impossible. But Padme Amidala firmly supported democratic principles and currently led the charge to restore power to the Senate. And no matter his own personal philosophy, Anakin would never go against his wife.
And he's got me. I won't let him out of my sight if I can help it.
"Luke's told me the same thing…" he said slowly.
"Well, has he ever led you astray before?"
To her dismay, he didn't answer that question, instead pivoting back to Palpatine.
"I have a personal meeting with the Chancellor tomorrow when we return to Coruscant," the Chosen One told her. "I'll mention it and gauge his reaction. But only because you asked so nicely."
"I just know how to give it to you straight."
"For which I am eternally grateful."
They both laughed, the light hearted moment something each cherished over their three years of friendship. Unfortunately, it didn't last long, for only a few seconds later a sense of impending doom washed over Ahsoka. The menace of the Sith practically laughed at them through the Force, its black malice desiring nothing more than to wipe them out.
It's beginning. Just like Luke said it would.
The plot to destroy the Jedi was nigh upon them.
She looked over to Anakin, who apparently felt something horrible as well but not quite the same sensation.
"Can you feel it?"
His reaction practically shattered any sense of peace he'd attained beforehand. The fear aligning within those blue eyes was so palpable they practically turned into a raging storm. Then he began clutching his hand towards his head, groaning and bending over as if he was about dry heave.
"Anakin! Are you alright?"
Painful tears brimmed within the Chosen One. The look he gave his former padawan nearly broke her heart.
"It's Padme. I…I saw her dying."
Ahsoka swallowed as her heart started to race. This wasn't supposed to be happening. Anakin hadn't received any visions in a long time. What had gone wrong?
I have to act fast. Obi-Wan and Luke have to be warned….before it's late.
Aboard the Restitution
Obi-Wan and Luke found a quiet storage room in which to talk after jumping to hyperspace and ducking Tarkin. The former began speaking before the latter could so much as part his lips.
"Luke, I owe you an apology and an explanation."
"So do I-" the blond tried to counter but Obi-Wan insisted.
"Please, let me finish. I was wrong to vote to suspend you from the Jedi Order. I was wrong in my beliefs about attachment and love. I was wrong in the way I taught those two concepts to my former padawan. And I was wrong about not telling you the New Prophecy."
That immediately ceased Luke attempting to interrupt.
"What new prophecy? There's already a prophecy."
"This one you may not have heard."
Obi-Wan proceeded to cite a full version of what Yoda had told him. Of what Maul alluded to during their battle. And it was not the same one in the original timeline.
"Apparently you're the hero it speaks of," the redhead informed after allowing Luke a moment to process it all. "And Anakin, despite his destiny, a possible betrayer."
"Possible?"
"I received a vision last night," Obi-Wan explained. "There isn't time to explain it in full but the short version is this: Anakin is still the Chosen One but that status is not mutually exclusive from an evil outcome. He will bring balance. He might also fall to the dark side."
Luke understood the deeper meaning behind that. After all, it's what occurred the first time around. Then again, there were layers to this prophecy not yet clear. Truth be told, he had wished Obi-Wan told him sooner if only for the purpose of putting the issue to bed and to remove Maul sooner as a potential threat. But, the newfound prophecy did intrigue him in one crucial aspect.
"This is just confusing," Luke murmured. "If Anakin is still destined to bring balance, how could he still fall? What purpose does the Hero serve in relation to the Betrayer? Why is one's survival contingent on the death of the other?"
He began pacing around the room sensing Obi-Wan's empathy and guilt.
"Sun sets, in twilight one must die, a sacrifice, the other destined to survive. That makes it seem like…one of us has to end the other."
"That's just one way of looking at it."
"How else can I interpret it?!" Luke almost shouted. "Obi-Wan please believe me, I don't want to kill Anakin, I'd sooner kill myself."
The shocking admission didn't arouse any suspicion, in fact it only seemed to deepen the redhead's trust in him.
"I have no doubt you do not seek to harm Anakin. Your actions and feelings speak for themselves. Keep in mind that placing too much faith in these kinds of predictions is unreliable at best. Even the most prolific Jedi seers often get things wrong. Best to remain in the present moment and act accordingly as my old master would say."
He reached over and placed a hand on Luke's shoulder.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. When Maul told me of the New Prophecy many months ago I thought he was trying to mislead me."
"But a part of you feared it to be true?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan admitted. "Which was another reason I opted to keep it to myself. Anakin already suffers great stress from being the Chosen One. To have that suddenly shattered would have meant not only potentially damaging him further but the entire Council questioning his place among the Jedi. You see it was for that reason the Order allowed him to begin training at an older age."
He paused and gave an apologetic look.
"I also didn't want to add that burden to you either in addition to the scrutiny you already faced. But I've been a fool for not being honest. Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive," Luke said with an automatic nod, fiddling with a pack of ration bars. An odd numbness swept over his body. He wasn't angry at Obi-Wan but it did nothing to assuage his anxieties about the future either. Not when the inevitable showdown with his father looming over once more. "You didn't see anything else in this vision?"
"I'm afraid not. Many questions were answered but they only lead to more questions."
Obi-Wan sat down on one of the many supply crates, taking on a regretful expression. Some of the weariness left behind on Spira returned to the crow's feet near his eyes.
"We've made so many mistakes raising Anakin. Sometimes I made the worst ones, believing I could change him into a version of myself or Master Yoda."
And here it was. The two sentences that confirmed to the Last Jedi that his first master finally believed in greater things beyond traditional Jedi teachings.
"The Council is largely to blame. They conveniently ignore the fact that Anakin is loyal to people not to principles," Luke said, ironically echoing the man in front of him from another lifetime. "He's driven by friendship, love, and passion. It's what motivates him to do what he does- save people, help the underprivileged, protect those who cannot protect themselves. That's who he is. It will never change. But he's also a former slave who's terrified of losing what he's gained since being emancipated."
The Jedi Master said nothing. He couldn't. Not when every single word spoken was correct. But Luke decided on a different approach. Obi-Wan sounded contrite, full of remorse and clearly cognisant of the errors the Order had made. Now was the time.
"I think it's time we both come clean about ourselves and what the future may hold," he said at last.
"Agreed," Obi-Wan said whole heartedly. "To start off with, I think you know that Satine and I are an item...especially since you encouraged it," he added humorously.
"I'm aware," Luke chuckled. "Just like you're aware that Anakin and Padme Amidala are also an item."
Obi-Wan snorted. "I've known for years they have feelings for each other. And acted on them numerous times."
"But you kept quiet to protect him. And her." It wasn't a question but a confirmation.
"Indeed. You must understand why up until now I pretended nothing was out of the ordinary. For both their sakes. Sometimes, I wasn't very subtle myself, especially the night of Padme's dinner party."
"You like alcohol. Many do," Luke half joked but kept going with the topic. "The point is, the Jedi Order as it stands must change. People like yourself and Anakin cannot be cast aside merely for wanting to be with the women you love."
"Thousands of years of tradition will not be easy to change," Obi-Wan said with a sigh.
"That tradition has caused complacency and arrogance. We both know that. It's what allowed the war to start in the first place. The Republic, the Senate, slavery in the Outer Rim, corporate abuse, it all must change in order for democracy and freedom to survive."
The Jedi Master looked uncomfortable but then again uncomfortable truths were always hard to swallow. He did not deny one charge.
"I've come to realize that this war is not what I thought it was."
"It's all the design of the Sith. Dooku was right on Geonosis."
Obi-Wan's azure eyes gazed at him intently. They were not angry but like Ahsoka before him they burned to know the truth.
"Luke, to be perfectly blunt there are times you seem to have a sixth sense about things; even knowledge that is impossible to have acquired unless one was physically present. How are you aware of all this? And what is your connection to Anakin? You clearly have one…I've never felt anything quite like it."
They were rudely interrupted by the sound of a whooshing door opening to someone unwelcome and unpleasant.
"Are you so negligent you would hide in a storage room to avoid a briefing before a major battle?"
Wilhuff Tarkin did not look pleased. The displeasure on his face contorted his hawkish features enough to give the impression he had just inhaled Bantha manure.
"No, General Tarkin. Just catching up in private," Obi-Wan lied smoothly. "It's been awhile since we've had a proper chat."
"You may chat on your own time. Not the military's" Tarkin huffed. "I expect to see you both in t-minus three minutes on the bridgehead to discuss our strategy."
He walked off without another word. Knowing they'd be most unwise to disobey, the two men caught each other's eye and began following out the door, though the blond was sorely tempted to give the arrogant asshole a swift kick in the ass.
An awful, twisting, squeezing sensation gripped Luke so tightly he dropped to the floor. Obi-Wan felt it almost immediately.
"Luke! Luke, what's wrong?"
A white sterile room blinded everything else within its vicinity. All except for the human woman lying motionless on a medical bed, her face a grayish hue of near-death.
'Stay with us, Padme Amidala,' another voice seemed to say. A humanoid of blue and orange placed a hand on her clammy forehead, soothing her with the Force.
The woman did not respond, as the monitor continued to beep in at a consistent pace and medical droids buzzed around the beside. The only sign she was still alive.
The vision left him and another cry of anguish could be felt throughout the Force.
"Anakin," he breathed out.
"Luke, what happened? What did you see?" Obi-Wan asked urgently, knowing Luke had experienced a vision. Striking blue eyes confirmed it was nothing good.
"Padme. She's in danger."
A/N#1- I expect a massive amount of panic after this chapter. But just know, not everything is as it seems.
A/N#2- Luke and Anakin have a bond that transcends lifetime. Luke and Vader often felt each other's presence and heartfelt emotions. It's the same here.
A/N#3- I headcanon that Luke dealt with some minor physical ailments due to Sidious's lightning on the Death Star given just how deadly it is.
Anyway, I will try to have the next update later this month and then I have a special update in mind in April. As always, if you want sneak previews of my work my instagram is 'thewaspwrites' :) until next time.
Rock on!
~The Wasp