Chapter 19 – Shocking a Galaxy

Well, I had planned to finish this earlier. Then came Destiny 2 The Final Shape, Dragon's Dogma 2 and the Elden Ring dlc (yet to play, need to complete my new character first). Always was a big fan of Dragon's Dogma 1, the sequel was also pretty great. Long time Destiny fan, loved the conclusion to the 10-year story they've created. And I'm certain I'll enjoy and rage at the Elden Ring dlc soon.

It did mean that more time passed quickly and this chapter was pushed to the side. But now it's finished.

Hope you enjoy.

;-

Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Council Chamber

"So, let's summarize the reports received so far," Mace Windu began. "All of us felt it. Hours ago, there was a strange surge in the Force. Yet, for once, it felt the exact opposite compared to the tragedies we've been feeling during this war. It felt like a brightening in the Force, freeing and wonderful. We find we can all agree on this development being a positive one, yet we have still to find out what caused it."

It was such a strange occurrence, but all members of the Council couldn't help but feel strangely relieved. There had been so many horrors occurring during this war. So much death. So much suffering. Mass slaughter as monsters like Grievous went on murderous rampages. All of that echoed through the Force, spreading darkness and pain everywhere. They had all felt it every time. It weighed heavy on every Jedi. The horror of it slowly suffocating the Light more and more with every nightmare that happened.

This event, whatever it was, truly felt like the opposite of the tragedies that previously occurred. Every Master of the Council had experienced the unusual surge at the same time. Shortly after, Master Yoda had called for an emergency Council session. As the Council members physically present on Coruscant had made their way to the Council chamber, multiple other Jedi, ranging from Masters to younglings, all of them had asked if they too had felt whatever happened in the Force. Everyone was puzzled, but the bright feeling that accompanied it had thankfully prevented any panic, especially amongst the initiates. They had seemed happy and cheerful. It was a welcome change.

Even though it was a welcome feeling, it still left them with quite the puzzle. Someone or something caused this event, but so far, they had no answers.

"Perhaps our old friend Dooku simply choked on his glass of wine?" Kit Fisto supplied helpfully, trademark smile on his face. His comment earned him a few looks from his fellow Councilors.

"Wishful thinking I'm afraid," Obi-Wan replied. "The good count was seen attending some Separatist event after the disturbance happened. He seemed in good health."

"We have already asked the Archivists and the Shadows if they have come across anything unusual that might explain the event, but none of them had any answers either," Adi Gallia added.

"I asked several others to check reports from Republic Intelligence, but there was nothing noteworthy amongst it," Ki-Adi Mundi said. "We have alerts out for any new reports, but so far, nothing."

A few more ideas were exchanged, but nothing much came of it. "I don't think we'll find the answers like this. I propose we adjourn this meeting for now. Perhaps after some time to reflect we'll come across new information," Mace Windu proposed.

Before anyone else could reply, they got a notification that Knight Skywalker was requesting entry to the Council Chamber. After a short moment's discussion, they allowed him in.

"Masters," Anakin greeted the Council with a slight now. A few Masters raised an eyebrow at how distracted he seemed.

"Hello Anakin," Obi-Wan greeted him. "By chance, are you here to discuss the odd sensation felt through the Force?"

Anakin nodded. "Yeah, at first I thought it was just me, but I had a few chances to speak with other Jedi. I think pretty much everyone felt it. Whatever it was, it was much bigger than I originally thought."

"And what do you make of it, Anakin?" Kit Fisto asked, curious for his input.

"It's… really strange actually," Anakin admitted. "It was a weird sensation, but not like a bad weird, you know? Nothing like some of the horrible things we've felt on the battlefield. If anything, it was more of a good weird. Still, I have no idea what caused it. To make it even stranger… I think I feel somewhat… lighter now? I guess?"

"You're feeling lighter now?" Obi-Wan asked incredulously. He shared a look with his fellow Councilors. There was a clear mix of emotions amongst them.

"Yeah," Anakin replied. "I can't really explain it. It's almost like something suffocating that was pressing on me is just slowly dissolving. It's odd, but I have to say that it's rather pleasant."

"Hmm, multiple other Jedi we've spoken to before all agreed that it was a positive sensation," Plo Koon agreed.

Another entry notification sounded before one of the Temple Guards entered the room. "Apologies for the interruption Masters, but we've just received word: Queen Tano of Shili will soon arrive on Coruscant and has called to meet with the Senate tomorrow afternoon. She has also requested the Masters of the Council be present."

The report brought quite the pulse of surprise through the chamber. "Ahsoka is coming here?" Anakin asked between confused and happy. "I'm pretty sure that she wouldn't have anything to do with the Republic until the Senate made a bunch of changes, so I don't know what she's doing here so soon. As far as I know, the Senate hasn't done anything but try and annoy her."

"Perhaps she too experienced the sensation in the Force, just as we did," Plo Koon suggested. "You did report that she seemed much stronger in the Force than before. It is possible that she has more information than us. Perhaps it's best we adjourn this Council session for now and wait to see what news she brings."

"I agree," Mace Windu replied. "We have yet to make any progress ourselves. We'll ask the Jedi in communications to keep monitoring all reports just in case new intelligence is received. Any objections?"

Everyone voiced their agreement and they adjourned the meeting. The members of the Council, plus Anakin, all filed out of the room, either to rest or meditate and prepare to see what they next day will bring.

;-

Coruscant, Senate chamber

Following the announcement that the queen of Shili was returning to Coruscant to meet with the Senate, the mood of many senators was strangely upbeat. They were convinced that this meant that the young queen had come to her senses and that they were joining the Republic. They were already fantasizing about the new flow of wealth and allies that would bring them.

Meanwhile, a group of other senators were discussing their concerns about what this development could mean. Padmé Amidala looked over and met Senator Organa's gaze. They had both been 'invited' to join the Republic's visit to Shili. Ahsoka had made her stance on the Republic quite clear. She was certain that the young queen hadn't just changed her mind all of a sudden. Which begged the question, what is the purpose of her visit here?

Looking to the other side of the room, she spotted several members of the Jedi Council in their own pod. She wondered if they had more information, but there was something about their stance that told her that they didn't know more either.

She let her gaze wander across the other pods in the large chamber. Many of her colleagues all seemed to have dressed to impress. No doubt hoping to demonstrate the wealth of the Republic that Shili could share in if they just joined. The thought annoyed her. The Republic should be about more than just wealth, but unfortunately it seemed like a lot of her fellow senators didn't share her ideals.

Surprisingly enough, this news about Shili did result in the overwhelming majority of the senators actually physically attending this session. Quite a few of them only bothered to show up in person if the session could benefit them in some way. She didn't put it past them that they hoped for some kind of personal gain from this session. After all, she had already overheard a few of them plan some kind of victory celebrations.

The Chancellor's pod however, was not seeing its normal occupant. Vice-Chancellor Mas Amedda was present and he was flanked by Republic admiral Wilhuff Tarkin. She wasn't sure where Chancellor Palpatine himself was. This seemed like an important enough event for him to attend. She wondered where he was.

A signal coming from the guest entrance made the murmuring in the hall die down quickly. All the eyes turned in that direction as the door opened. Four of Shili's royal guards walked through, two of them taking up a stance next to the door, the other two taking up positions on the senate pod. Queen Ahsoka Tano and Senator T'Rani Corso walked in next and joined the two guards on the pod, after which it moved from its dock to the middle of the chamber.

"Queen Tano, welcome back to Coruscant," Vice-Chancellor Amedda greeted her with a warm smile. "We are honored you have returned. It is our hope that this meeting will be a productive one for both Shili and the Republic. We…"

"Vice-Chancellor Amedda," Ahsoka cut him off, "Where is Chancellor Palpatine?" she asked him in a too neutral tone.

"Ah, yes, Chancellor Palpatine sends his deepest apologies," Mas Amedda said with a tone of regret. "Unfortunately the Chancellor will not be able to join us today."

Ahsoka gave him an unimpressed look. "I asked you for Chancellor Palpatine's whereabouts, but it seems that you cannot answer me. Do you not know?"

"Of course we know the Chancellor's whereabouts," Tarkin replied indignantly. "We are always informed of the Chancellor's plans."

Ahsoka gave him another look that to several others in the chamber seemed little too neutral. "So you are fully aware of all of Palpatine's plans and movements?" she asked in an equally too neutral tone.

"Of course we do! The Chancellor always informs us. We always support him in his endeavors. Unlike certain other individuals we might mention," Tarkin replied, taking a nastier tone with his last words.

"I see," Ahsoka replied coolly. "Then, for your crimes against Shili, I hereby sentence you to death." Before anyone had a chance to process her words and reply, she gave a hand signal. The two guards on the senate pod with her didn't hesitate a moment. They pulled out blasters and shot down both Tarkin and Amedda.

Collective gasps and screams echoed throughout the Senate chamber as their bodies collapsed to the floor of the Chancellor's pod. Quickly after that, a shocked silence overtook the chamber. No one seemed to know what to say in the face of such a blatant execution. It changed when Senator Organa braved to move his pod closer to the young queen. "Queen Tano, may I ask why you would do this?" he asked cautiously.

Ahsoka turned to him. "The answer to that is simple, Senator Organa. Their crimes against Shili demand immediate execution. No doubt their crimes against the galaxy demand the same."

"Crimes against Shili and the galaxy?" Senator Organa asked shocked. "What… What crimes are you speaking of?"

Ahsoka looked at him a moment, before she turned to address Padmé. "Tell me, Senator Amidala, do you remember the invasion of Naboo that occurred while you were still queen?" she asked, confusing many in the chamber.

Padmé too was confused by the sudden chance of topic. With a glace to the bodies in the Chancellor's pod, she too moved her pod closer to Ahsoka's. "Yes, I remember that tragedy and the vile actions of the Trade Federation all too well. Then senator Palpatine becoming Chancellor helped Naboo, but the Trade Federation got away with far too much in my opinion."

Ahsoka let out a little huff. "Yes, that doesn't surprise me," she replied. She cast a quick death glare to the Trade Federation representatives that wanted to comment, but they quickly crawled back at her glare. "Then I am sure that you also remember that the Jedi Council mentioned that there were always two Sith? A Master and an Apprentice? The Apprentice, Maul, was killed on Naboo. Well… Everyone thought he was. Stubborn monster. Regardless, the identity of the Master was still a mystery. The Jedi Council has been searching for him for years now. This same Sith is the one responsible for this horrible war. Always hiding in the shadows, causing misery in the galaxy." She looked around the chamber. "That Sith came to Shili, seeking to threaten me and my people. The Sith Master, revealed himself to be none other than Sheev Palpatine himself."

As soon as the words left her mouth, the chamber exploded in noise. Many of the senators that always hung on to Palpatine's every word were shouting and raging in denial. Accusing her of all sorts of nasty things, demanding that the Coruscant Guard remove her, arrest her, shoot her, kill her, etc…

Ahsoka looked at Commander Fox and his fellow Commanders standing by at another entrance to the room. Her guards were watching them as well. A little probe with the Force revealed his feelings to her. There was a very distinct sense of 'not my kriffing problem', as well as relief and gratitude. Not too surprising, she had seen how Tarkin felt about the clones. With Palpatine's real identity revealed, she wouldn't be shocked at all if they abused the members of the guard. For now though, it thankfully looked like Fox had no intention of doing anything against her.

She looked around the chamber. A handful of Senators, including Padmé and Bail Organa, looked horrified. She knew that they were disagreeing with Palpatine more often than not recently. This reveal of his identity probably shocked them immensely. The members of the Jedi Council also looked shocked and worried, despite their Jedi masks. Having experienced the war on the front lines first hand, finding out that the person who was supposed to be in charge of the army was instead the greatest traitor probably put a lot of questions in a very painful perspective.

All around her, the senate chamber was still erupting in noise, just screaming and other incoherent noises of protest. Ahsoka let out a sigh. This was the state of the 'great' Republic Senate? No wonder an ambitious Sith like Palpatine could get away with his plans so easily. The younglings she had watched over both at the Temple and on Shili were so much better behaved than these supposed adults. They were all here as representatives of their homes, their people, yet they were so poorly behaved it made her wonder how they ever managed to graduate kindergarten.

She had enough. If this yelling kept up, she was going to get a headache. She called on the Force. Focusing her energy, she swept her hand, unleashing two torrents of while flame that burst through the Senate chamber like two snakes twisting around each other. With outburst of fright and shock, the chamber fell silent.

"This display is pathetic." Ahsoka simply said, her tone filled with disappointment. "You are supposed to be the chosen representatives of your people, here to help lead and guide the Republic. Yet all you seem to do is scream and argue. No wonder this war is still going. No wonder so little ever gets done. It's no surprise that someone like Palpatine was able to get away with everything and manipulate the galaxy into war. It's shameful." She shook her head.

"You do not believe my words, so will you believe the words spoken by Sheev Palpatine?" She looked around the room, keeping her expression neutral yet judgmental at the same time." I had already expected this reaction from all of you, which is why I made sure to have my guards record the entire event. So, witness for yourselves, the true nature of Sheev Palpatine." With those words, she gestured for T'Rani to start the recording. Everyone in the chamber watched in muted horror as her encounter with Palpatine played out. She felt the same shocked horror emanate from all over the planet. That is why she had made sure this session would be broadcasted live, to everyone everywhere. There would be no possible way for anyone to cover this up. It was out there for everyone to witness.

After the video ended, she spoke up again. "That is the man you voted into office. That is the man you kept in office. The man you kept on giving more and more power. The man you have helped destroy this galaxy bit by bit by bit, while you stood by and cheered for him or argued with each other." She cast another look of pure judgement and disdain around the room, very aware of all of the cameras focusing on her. "Palpatine certainly did put a lot of work into making himself seem like some kind of holy savior, didn't he? Yes, he played up his role of kind grandfather while he was systematically destroying the Republic from the inside out. I strongly recommend that all of you take some time to thoroughly go over every single bill that he has pushed through over the years. See for yourself just how much power and influence he's stripped from this Senate and given to himself. See for yourself how many social services have been reduced to almost non-existence. Go out there and see the state of this Republic with your own eyes, ask the people directly for their opinions, then rethink your own opinions."

She paused a moment, before looking directly into one of the cameras floating in front of her. "To the people of the galaxy, if your representatives do not care to listen, then have them voted out of office. They'll have had their chance and wasted it. It is their duty and responsibility to listen and do right by all of you. If they refuse their duty, they should not have their position. Cast them out and elect someone that will do right by you." She felt the ripples in the chamber. Multiple senators had definitely not been elected democratically and many knew it.

She focused back on the senators. "This war, Palpatine's war, has set the galaxy on a path of damnation. Yes, I will call it his war. Let me reiterate for you, the Sith have survived in the shadows following what they call 'the Rule of Two'. To simplify, it means there is always a Master and an Apprentice. Palpatine or Sidious, was the Master. His apprentice? Count Dooku of Serenno, leader of the Separatist Alliance." She felt the waves of shock and horror as many people came to a realization. "This war has been nothing more than Palpatine's puppet show. His game of Dejarik in which all the pieces dance to his bidding or are simply removed. The end goal? Himself as supreme ruler of the galaxy, all enslaved to his bidding. That is the true nature of the man you so lovingly supported for years."

"Palpatine may be dead now, but the damage his schemes have brought to the galaxy will not simply disappear. You have an immense amount of work ahead of you. You will have even more to prove to the people. Show everyone that you care. The time to end this pointless war is now. You must begin to uncover all of Palpatine's schemes. Heal the corruption he has ensured would seep into the very foundations of this Republic. Start to repair all of the damage that has been done. See to it that the Republic emerges from this stronger and healthier than before, that is your duty. Your responsibility. Do right by the people of the galaxy." She gave one last look around the room. "You have a lot of work ahead of you. I wish you all the best. May the Force be with you." With those words, she signaled her guards. They directed her pod back to its station. The Senate remained in shocked silence as she left the chamber.

;-

Ahsoka and her companions walked out of the Senate chamber. She wanted to say she was surprised or disappointed by the behavior of the senators, but in all honestly, she wasn't. While still being a part of the Jedi Order, she had seen a few sessions of the Senate, either recordings of in person. This was pretty much how it always went. It started civil enough, but pretty much always devolved into screaming matches.

"You know," Senator T'Rani said as she walked next to Ahsoka, "There are moments when I do regret my chosen career path. Watching that… 'display' makes me glad that Shili is not currently a part of the Republic. I don't think I would be able to keep my calm if I had to deal with such idiocy every day."

Ahsoka smiled. "That makes you and me both," she replied in an amused tone. "Hopefully the state of the Senate will improve in the near future now that that Sith monster is dealt with. Although I strongly doubt that it will change anytime soon, but I'm open to being pleasantly surprised."

T'Rani smiled too. "We will just continue as we have, Shili is flourishing. We have restored our relations with our old allies and have made great new friends. I pray we'll see this continue in the future."

Ahsoka nodded in agreement before her attention was drawn to the presences close by. It was a group of Force presences that she instantly recognized. After all, how couldn't she? "Hello Masters," she greeted the Councilors, keeping her voice neutral. There was still hurt, but they too were manipulated and used by Palpatine. The thought briefly made her wonder how many Jedi deaths over the years were caused by the Sith's schemes. After all, during the war it too often felt like their intelligence was wrong or incomplete. Palpatine has likely been interfering with that for years even before the war.

"Queen Tano," Mace Windu said respectfully as he bowed, the other Jedi Masters doing the same. "It would appear that we owe you immensely. You have our sincerest gratitude. Master Unduli informed Master Yoda and I about your suspicions regarding Palpatine. To hear it was confirmed was terrifying, but we are also relieved that you were able to take him down."

"Yes indeed," Adi Gallia added. "The implications of Palpatine being the Sith Master that we have been searching for ever since the Naboo invasion are horrifying. We are in your debt. How fare your people? Are they well?"

"Thank you for your concern, Master Gallia," Ahsoka replied. "Thankfully all of my guards are still alive, which I consider a great blessing. We did suffer quite a number of wounds, but we have a few excellent healers. It will take a while, but everyone is expected to make a full recovery."

"That is a relief to hear," Kit Fisto said with his trademark grin. "Horrifying as the reveal of Palpatine's true nature was and what it means for everything that has happened in the galaxy for the past who knows how many years, we can at least take solace in the fact that he has been defeated. Along with likely 2 of his fellow conspirators. No doubt we still have a lot of work ahead of us, but we can all feel that the Force has certainly brightened over the last days."

Ahsoka regarded them with some curiosity. "You were able to feel the effects of it so soon already?" she asked. "I must admit to some surprise."

"Yes, we could indeed." Plo Koon replied. "The effects were very noticeable by everyone in the Temple. We all felt it, your former Master felt it, the Knights, Padawans and younglings. All described it as a brightening in the Force. We all knew that the Force had been darkening over the years, but to now feel just how severely… It is rather shameful to admit how blind we have truly been. We have made many mistakes because of it." He projected his own guilt, shame and remorse towards his foundling.

Ahsoka felt the feelings her finder sent towards her. She responded in kind with acceptance and forgiveness. His face didn't betray it, but she felt his gratitude. She turned to the other Council members again. "Well, I am glad that you now realize it too. The difference between Shili and Coruscant was staggering for me. Coruscant just felt so polluted and corrupted compared to my home. I fear it will take a lot of work both here and in the galaxy to fully clear the webs of Darkness that the schemes of the Sith have spun over the Force, but I can feel confident that you will work towards that goal."

Obi-Wan smiled at her. "You can rest assured, we certainly will. We will do everything in our power to make sure this Darkness dissipates." The other Jedi voiced their agreement. "But I do wish to ask, how did you figure out Palpatine's true nature?"

"Like I said, Shili is strongly imbued with the Light Side of the Force. I have become very attuned to the energies on Shili, so it has become rather easy for me to notice disturbances," Ahsoka explained. "Palpatine got a little overconfident in his own abilities. He was capable of hiding here on Coruscant by masking himself in the Darkness that the Sith have spread, but on Shili, those same actions caused obvious ripples that revealed it to me." She paused and shrugged. "He was too arrogant and foolish to return to Shili. It was clear that he underestimated me and so he walked right into my trap. As soon as I felt his presence approach Shili, I knew he would come for me. The Force had warned me in time, so with the aid of my royal guards, we were able to prepare ahead of time. You've seen how it played out."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, we clearly saw it. Your skills are impressive. Despite the way we failed you, you have found your own path in the Force and your presence is one of the brightest I've seen. You have clearly learned much."

Ahsoka smiled and studied him a moment, same for the other Jedi present. "Perhaps in the future I can share what I've learned, share my understanding of the Light. It will depend on if you're willing to learn," she told them. "I believe that over the many years of Sith scheming, the Order has lost pieces of itself. The belief that the Sith were extinct and would never return allowed complacency and overconfidence to take root. It left you vulnerable to their manipulations and the price has been paid. You have quite some work ahead of you and changes to make, to ensure that the Order not only recovers, but improves."

"Wise words, they are. Ring true, they unfortunately do," Master Yoda replied. "Blind, we have been. Excuses, we must not make. Yes, take actions, we must. Not easy, change is. Take time, I know it will, but worth it, it will be."

"I'm glad you agree," Ahsoka replied with a nod to the elder Jedi, then she smirked. "For the near future though, I fear you will have your hands full in babysitting the Senate. I will wish you all the best with that. They are worse than the younglings I've supervised in the Temple Crèche." Despite all of the Jedi training, there were some groans and exasperated expressions. Amused, she continued. "I fear that the Jedi might have to take control over the Senate for a little while. At least until we're certain that all of Palpatine's allies have been dealt with. There's no real way for us to know just how many people knew of his real identity and were fully supporting him. It's an unbelievable mess."

Obi-Wan sighed. "it's not exactly something that we want to do, but I fear you might be right. We must move carefully and find out who are friends and enemies are. I don't think that it's only the Order that needs to make changes. The Senate could do with some restructuring as well." He gave Ahsoka a teasing glance. "I don't suppose that your majesty would like to aid us in this endeavor?"

"Oh no," Ahsoka replied with a laugh. "That honor is all yours, Master Jedi. I certainly don't envy you for such a wondrous opportunity." The sarcasm was clear in her voice. "I will soon be returning to Shili. My duties and responsibilities lie with my people. If possible, then I would like to be in contact with you soon about clearing up some unfortunate misunderstandings regarding a certain Healer in my court."

"Yes, Master Unduli informed us of this situation," Plo Koon answered. "You were not the only one to suffer from that injustice. We will do our best to see this matter resolved. We will send the official inquiries soon. If we follow the official paths, the Senate will not be able to interfere."

"Thank you, Master Plo," Ahsoka replied. "I greatly appreciate it and so will she. But now I must take my leave. I must see to my people first, but I do hope that this is not the last time we meet."

She exchanged her goodbyes with the Jedi and left them to their own duties. No doubt everything would cause a great mess. She could only hope that the work would be worth it in the end.

For now, Shili called her back. Perhaps a little celebration was in order? Her guards had certainly earned it. Maybe a more private ceremony now and then a large celebration when the war ended officially? She would discuss it with T'Rani and the others later. The future was looking ever brighter.

;-

That will be the end for this story. I can probably continue it easily, go into how the galaxy changes and the corruption is cleared, Palpatine's schemes exposed and taken down, but I always meant for this to be a shorter story. So I will leave it here for now.

As for the future. My two main stories, Tale of a Togruta and A Mirialan's Story. Looking back, I'm a little unhappy now at certain parts. Also I find I'm not that interested anymore in one of the main pairings used, namely Lux and Ahsoka.

I've been toying with the idea of ending the 2 separate stories and starting anew. Rewrite it in just 1 story, alternating between Ahsoka and Barriss. The storyline would be mostly the same, just minus the relationship things I added then. I can bring the focus more to the story itself that way. This is still an idea in the making though, but it does feel like a good idea.

Besides that, from all of my ideas and random notes I have 2 completely different story ideas I'm considering writing out. Those will be quite canon diverging and I'm taking quite a bit of creative freedom with it, but I do like the ideas quite a bit.

Regardless, If I decide to work out any of these ideas, I will probably try to finish a large part of the story first, instead of looking at it chapter by chapter like I've done in the past. That will probably help me keep things more organized and better overall.

I will give it more thought and see if I keep on writing little bits of chapters on the side.

Until next time.