From Earth to Star Wars, Part Two
Disclaimer: All characters but Meagan, Sasha and some other minor ones belong to George Lucas and Disney. We are not receiving any profit off this work of fiction.
AN: Here is rest of the Hardeen sequence. We had fun turning it from what it is in the Clone Wars to fit our characters and story. We hope you enjoyed it. We are about a little over halfway through the war and there is a lot more in store! Anyway, thanks again to all our readers and reviewers and anyone who has favorited/altered us recently, we very much appreciate you! Hope everyone has a blessed day.
On other news, we have Rogue One Tickets! We are so looking forward to it! Three more days! Can't wait to see what the first stand-alone movie is like and where they go with it. There was a Ghost sighting in a tv promo! Also heard news about an Obi-Wan movie, that it's not going to be done quite yet as his story is still involved in episodes 8 and/or 9. Of course they could just be saying it or it could mean something pretty big, that he is somehow involved in the events of the new trilogy, maybe related to Rey. We'll have to wait and see!
Chapter Ninety Five
**Obi-Wan's Point of View**
I glanced around at the bounty hunters left around me. Tensions were high, all trying to survive the box, all trying to win the highest honor of executing the plan to kidnap the Chancellor. A plan I had been trying to thwart, a plan that seemed very likely to be carried out, not unless I could do something, not unless I can relay the plans to the other Jedi.
But I didn't dare contact Masters Yoda and Windu now, not when I often felt Dooku's gaze on me. And it wasn't just watching my physical abilities and leadership in the box. No it was more than that. I didn't think he knew it was me, but he was beginning to doubt this was actually Hardeen. I knew I couldn't risk the mission, risk the life of Chancellor Palpatine by using a comlink. But yet I ha d to make contact with the Jedi but how?
Once freed from the ray shield, we walked down yet another hallway and onto another platform. Eval's voice sounded as lasers shooting up fire began to blaze. "The final challenge has arrived."
Eval explained this was a test of sniper skills, leaving us with a rifle. One bounty hunter tried it, made a few shots, then missed one, and fell to his death. Deciding to get this over with, I grabbed another rifle. As the target moved across the room, I made both of them.
"This is not the first time you saved everyone's skins Hardeen." Eval spoke as the platform with the others began to rise, leaving me alone. "Five more hits, let's see how good you really are. "
After making five of them, the charges ran out and after Eval made a threat of a bounty hunter being lucky, the platform began to fall. Tossing away the rifle I wondered if I should use the Force to jump and expose myself but I was dead either way. Just as I started to fall, Cad Bane's cords shot down, giving me something to hold onto.
"If you are going to kill him, do it like a man." He growled after Eval's protest.
Dooku agreed and sent Eval down to me, to test both of us. After destroying the probes he sent flying to me, the fight began. It was difficult, trying to use the Force to help me survive without him seeing my powers. Thankfully I was able to come out the victor and Dooku said it was very disappointing that I didn't kill Eval. Even posing as a bounty hunter, I wasn't going to kill a man nearly in cold blood. Though out loud all I said was I just wanted to get paid.
Within moments, the other platforms were lowered and we all stood on level ground. Dooku, through the monitors, explained the next step. "Tomorrow you will kidnap the Chancellor on Naboo at the Festival." He went onto explain that having him hostage, he would demand all Separatist prisoners would be set free or the Chancellor will be killed. "Once on the transport, Eval will walk you through his plan. However, the operation on Naboo will be run by Cad Bane. You all work for him now."
Eval looked shocked but that was the least of my worries. I was running out of time.
We all left Serrano for Naboo. We still hadn't been given the plan, though Bane and Dooku had closed themselves off from the rest of us. I guessed they were finishing up the details. It would be foolish to make any move now, maybe the moment would be on Naboo, when we were given the plan. But the question remained if I could safely contact the Jedi?
Meagan. Why didn't I think of it before? After this mission, I would be very shocked if my wife wasn't on Naboo. Padme would likely invite her and Sasha to the festival to get away for a while and my wife would go with her for that reason as well as in the chance I would be here. If all went ill and I was killed, I really didn't want my wife and daughter around but I doubted that would change her mind and she would want to be here to see the end of this mission regardless of the outcome. I held back a sigh, feeling Meagan would be on Naboo when we arrived and once the group separated I would be able to contact her with what I would know of the plan.
**Meagan's Point of View**
The next two days passed slowly and uneventfully. Sasha and I kept to ourselves, either in our room or walking through the beautiful grounds surrounding the palace on Naboo. I knew others invited to the Festival were arriving but after everything that occurred I just didn't feel up to seeing anyone. I still hadn't heard from my husband and I felt certain Anakin would have passed it on, if he had contacted the Jedi, leaving me wondering if something had gone wrong. Until that night that is.
"Now look over there." Obi-Wan pointed towards his left and began pointing out a couple sectors.
We were cuddled together on a lounge chair outside the house we were staying in on Naboo, looking across to the lake. I giggled. "You just can't help yourself can you?"
"What do you mean by that?"
I raised my head from his shoulder to look at him, though I could not make much out with the lack of moonlight. "Make everything into a lesson. Why don't we just relax and enjoy it?"
His look was doubtful but seemed to settle. It was quiet for long moments as we watched the stars twinkle above, some shooting across the black expanse.
"See isn't this nice?" I asked sometime later as I placed gentle kisses along his jaw.
"Much nicer." Obi-wan murmured as he leaned down, kissing me softly. We continued to enjoy the stars and each other before going inside.
Later in our bedroom, with the cool mountain air filtering through the slightly open window, we settled into bed, Obi-wan pulling me close. "I think I've changed my mind on star gazing."
I laughed as we began kissing.
"Meagan." I could hear him calling my name as the mood between us slowly changed from relaxing to something more.
I felt my body begin to warm under his tender touches, his roughed fingers gently tugging on my curls. "Meagan." I could feel his presence so strongly, as if he was lying right beside me.
Obi-Wan began tugging on my night clothes, making me whimper as his fingers danced across my bare skin. "Meagan."
The voice grown louder, stronger, not the quiet whisper that graced my ears when he loved me.
I awoke with a start, sitting up in bed, looking around the darkened room. It was only a dream but it was so real, the feeling of Obi-Wan being here was so strong. Shaking my head, thinking it would be good to try to get some more rest, I turned to go back to sleep.
"Meagan." This time I jumped, it sounded like he was in the room but clearly wasn't. I glanced next to me and found Sasha sleeping peacefully, not disturbed at all. But yet his call was no dream.
"Obi-Wan?" I asked tentatively, reaching through the force, hoping I wasn't putting him into any more danger.
"It's me my love." I felt my body relax at his gentle touch that was not from the dream. "I'm on Naboo. I could not risk using a device that may be tracked."
He quickly informed me about the plans to kidnap and ransom the Chancellor, what his part was and what he knew about what else was going on, that Dooku was behind it. "I'll be in touch if I can."
"Be careful." I sent back to him. "I love you."
"I love you too." With that he was gone.
I hoped up from the bed, grabbing a robe hanging over the nearby chair, belting it around me. Another quick glance found Sasha sleeping and I stepped out of the room into the main living area. I pulled out my comlink and entered Anakin's code.
"Meagan what's wrong?" Anakin asked as he answered.
"I heard from Obi-Wan." I quickly passed on my husband's message.
"That's a relief." Anakin said when I finished. "I will pass it onto the others and we can complete our plans. Let me know if you hear anything more from him."
"I will." I assured him as we said our goodbyes. "I will see you when you get here."
"Give Sasha a kiss for me." I could see Anakin smiling. "Hang in there Meagan, Obi-Wan will be back with us soon."
"Thanks." It was something I needed to hear as we disconnected.
I sat there for a long moment before going back to bed to join my daughter.
The following morning, Sasha and I joined the welcome party when the Chancellor arrived. We were standing behind Padme, Queen Neeyutnee and the others. I listened as they greeted him before discussing Palpatine's security for a moment or two. Then the group fell in behind Palpatine as we started moving away from the ship and back towards the palace.
"Have you heard anything?" Anakin whispered as he drew close, slipping an arm around Sasha's shoulders.
I shook my head. "I doubt I will hear anything till tonight when the attack happens. And I don't know if I will even then."
He only nodded before speaking again. "How are you holding up?"
I managed a smile before nodding towards Padme. "You married a very wise woman Anakin. The gardens and waterfalls have been restful and peaceful."
They all looked relieved as Padme asked if Sasha was looking forward to seeing the festival. My daughter as well as Ahsoka said they were excited to see it.
"There is going to be a large crowd tonight." Anakin said as we continued to follow the others. "Ahsoka will be in charge of your security and will see everyone to safety."
"An attack is imminent?" Padme asked in a quiet voice.
Both Anakin and I nodded.
That afternoon there was a light dinner before the festival that I unfortunately could not avoid. Thankfully, no doubt to Padme, but we were seated next to the Organa's with Palpatine, Sly Moore and some others that I was not in the mood to talk with, further down the table.
After the meal, some of us were seated in an area designed for the dignitaries before the start of the festival. Sasha was excited about seeing a light show but no doubt nervous, knowing her disguised father was around though we knew not where. I of course had to act calm and happy to be there, not showing the absolute terror I really felt, knowing what was probably about to happen. We all stood up as the Chancellor, Queen, Padme and Bail Organa with some others walked out to join us. Once everyone was settled, Anakin had the ray shield activated and allowed Palpatine to start his speech.
As the fireworks started, Sasha started to climb around me. As I tried to pull her down into my lap, she whispered in my ear. "Mummy, someone bad is watching me."
I glanced around but saw nothing that immediately grabbed my attention. I held her close, wondering if she was actually sensing Cad Bane or maybe one of the other bounty hunters.
Just then, I heard. "Meagan, east side, the guard."
Wasting no time, I called to Anakin. "The shield generator."
Anakin, knowing I was serious, ran over, but it was too late. The platforms rocked as the shield exploded. The guards took the Chancellor to the ground as Master Windu hurried over. People were running, obviously scared. Ahsoka meanwhile began to get us off the platform. Following my daughter's instincts, I decided to stick around, though sent Sasha with Ahsoka. I stayed hidden behind the risers as the crowd was still running. From the sounds of it, Anakin went after the bounty hunter that took down the shield and Master Windu was with the Chancellor.
"Anakin is down and I don't see Bane anywhere." I quickly relayed the information to the Jedi who said he would find him.
I gingerly peered from my hiding place and saw a guard loading Palpatine onto a nearby speeder but yet something felt wrong. I saw a Neimoidian, calmly walking towards the middle of the platform, toward a guard laying on the ground. What was he doing?
A funny feeling settled into my stomach as Obi-Wan saying they were in disguise and Sasha sensing someone bad, came back to me. I pulled out the blaster I concealed in my clothes and crept closer in. If I could distract him long enough to help arrived.
I could see the man was beginning to drag the unconscious guard away. Why would he do that? "Obi-Wan, Bane is in disguise and taking a guard who I think may be the Chancellor."
"I'm coming. Do not engage him."
Not listening to a word of my husband's advice, I started forward. "What do you think you are doing?"
He quickly turned, dropping the guard's feet I noticed and said rather calmly. "He was injured with the blast, I am taking him to the medical center." I nearly bought it the voice didn't sound quite like Bane's but a slight sneer came over his face. "Out of my way."
"I don't think so." I raised my blaster and shot it towards him. "Windu, Anakin, over here."
Not surprisingly, Bane dodged out of the way, sending shots towards me. Thanks to a shrill warning through the force, I dove out of the way, the laser bolts passing above me, but before a real fight could start both the Jedi arrived, taking on Cad Bane.
I quickly got to my feet, backing away, seeing some of the clones taking the "guards" that were in a speeder into custody. Two speeders also roared into the area. One, I felt was Obi-Wan, the other, my best guess was Eval. I watched as the criminals were disarmed and taken into custody. I sighed with relief, it was nearly over.
A group of Naboo guards and some of our troopers took away the criminals and then another group escorted the Chancellor to the Palace. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Windu turned to another matter.
"Let's go get Dooku." Windu said, turning to Obi-Wan. "Where was he supposed to meet you?"
Obi-Wan told him where and they soon took off in the speeder after telling me to go back to the palace. Sighing I did as I was told. Thankfully everyone was fawning over the Chancellor and completely ignored me. Though as I slipped my hand through Sasha's, Ahsoka came over.
"Are you alright?" She was eying my clothes where they were crumpled and a bit dirty.
"I'm fine." I assured her, then filled her in on what occurred.
Wanting to see my husband, even transformed as Hardeen, Sasha and I stayed with the others in the main rooms of the Palace. The three soon returned, saying Dooku had escaped but at least the Chancellor was safe. After Palpatine publicly thanked the Jedi for everything they had done not only saving himself but the Republic itself, everyone started heading back to their chambers. Windu making sure the Chancellor would be well guarded tonight as well as for the rest of his stay.
Obi-Wan neared us, it felt like him, but certainly didn't look like him.
"Daddy?" Sasha's head cocked to one side, obviously coming to the same conclusion.
"It's me." He wrapped an arm around her and hugged her before leaning towards me.
I pushed against his chest. "I am not kissing you with that ugly mug."
He gave a grin. "Yes, but this face saved the Republic."
I gave him a look but glancing over to Master Windu spoke. "Please tell me you can change him back?"
He only laughed, glad this was over with, like the rest of us. "It should not be any problem."
"Good."
While Anakin and Master Windu went with Ob-Wan, Padme, Ahsoka, Sasha and I headed toward our respective quarters. I could hear Anakin telling Obi-Wan how terrible he looked. Shaking my head, not hearing my husband's response, I felt nothing but relief he survived this horrid mission.
Once returned to normal and to our rooms, Obi-Wan still looked different, didn't quite look like himself yet especially as the transformation chamber couldn't grow all his hair back. But one thing was clear. He was utterly exhausted.
He gave me a tired smile. "Can I get a kiss now?"
I half laughed, half sobbed as I stepped into his arms. How good it felt to see him alive, though I could see in his eyes how much this mission had taken from him. "Are you hungry? Or does a bed sound better first?"
He sighed. "Something very light will do for now. But I think I could sleep till next week."
"Sasha is asleep in the room already. She tried to wait up but crashed not too long ago." I told him as we stepped into the kitchen. I reached for the kettle and began to heat the water, knowing a good cup of tea would work wonders right now. "The bed in there is huge."
"That's fine." He smiled. "How did you figure out that the Neimoidian was Bane?"
I pulled out some fruit along with a hunk of cheese and bread. "Sasha told me she sensed someone bad was watching her. Based on what we already knew about the disguises and what I was seeing, it felt like Bane would be the likely candidate."
He nodded as he nibbled on some fruit. We were quiet as I finished preparing the tea and then poured two cups. I really wanted to know what occurred on his mission, but knew my husband would share it when he felt ready. Once the meal was over, I shooed my husband to bed and I wiped away a few tears as I cleaned up the kitchen. After turning off the lights, I stepped into the bedroom. Obi-Wan had left the door to the refresher cracked slightly with the light on low so I could see. He was already sleeping soundly and Sasha sensing her father was near, was cuddled up close to him and nothing looked more beautiful to me than anything had before.
Swiping at the sudden tears, I quickly readied for bed and joined them.
Obi-Wan awakened the following morning but only long enough to use the refresher, eat a little something and he went right back to sleep. Sasha was disappointed but could sense he needed rest and was patient to spend time with him. I knew I could not keep her locked up all day but didn't want to leave my vulnerable husband alone. Thankfully Anakin, Ahsoka, and Padme stopped by to see how we were doing. Padme and Anakin visited with me while Ahsoka took Sasha to the gardens. It was good to see Sasha actually liking the Padawan.
Master Windu stopped by later in the afternoon to see how Obi-Wan was doing too. He agreed that he would be needing the rest and the council could hear Obi-Wan's completed report later. The Jedi Master said he, the Chancellor, his guards, and the other Senators would soon be leaving. Anakin and Padme were staying and the rest of us could come back in a couple more days. I felt certain they would also be seeing Padme's family.
While I was fixing dinner, Obi-Wan finally emerged, looking much better. He and Sasha read some stories together while sitting in the living area and it eased my tension to hear their two voices together while I worked on dinner.
"Do you need help?" Obi-Wan called as they must have been between stories.
Just keeping my active daughter out from underfoot was enough help, but I only called back. "It's nearly ready."
We had a good dinner and a rather pleasant evening together. Now that she had her father back, Sasha was content to stay inside and the waterfalls were so pretty in the fading light, watching them from the comfortable living room. We put our daughter to bed then enjoyed some time alone, cuddling together on the couch, at times making out like a couple of teenagers. He also shared some of the mission with me, how much of a struggle it was to keep up the façade of being a bounty hunter, of trying to figure out the plan without getting caught. I hoped I comforted him at least a little but it was hard to know what to say as I never experienced anything of that nature before. Eventually we went to bed and the three of us slept soundly to morning.
Three days later, Obi-Wan, Sasha, Anakin, Padme, Ahsoka, and I left Naboo for Coruscant. The trip was thankfully uneventful. Anakin dropped us off at the Temple first before going back to his home. It was still odd to think of him living outside the Jedi Temple but he was married now. Obi-Wan went to report to the Council while Sasha and I got settled back in. With this mission completed it felt good to get things back to normal, but what was normal with a ranging war?
Of course, the war continued on. Anakin, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan were soon sent on to battles and missions, to nearly every corner of the galaxy. Padme and I often spent time together, trying to pass legislation to help in the relief efforts that were often joined by Bail and Mon Mothma as well as a few other Senators. Thankfully some of it did pass and it took my mind off how much danger my husband was still in.
Over the next several months, Obi-Wan and I unfortunately didn't see a lot of each other, though we kept in touch as much as we were able too. We were each being sent on different missions and planets. Padme and I attended several peace conferences together, joined by Ahsoka for protection as it was something both of our husbands insisted upon. Of course they were right as both of us were often nearly accosted by the press and once by bounty hunters. Despite all the efforts, the war seemed to still be growing, with no end in sight. It made my stomach sick that so many were losing their lives, losing their homes, their way of life and there was only so much we do to help them.
Hopefully one day there would be peace again, something I was beginning to dream about. A beautiful planet filled with mountains and valleys, a jagged coast line with waves crashing against the rocks. A peaceful place, a serene place, strong in the Force, amazingly untouched by the war. Obi-Wan and Sasha were there. There were others, some little ones, some looking like teenagers or maybe adults. Jedi of different ages? Was that younger couple Anakin and Padme who were walking down the beach? One Tortuga, that could be Ahsoka, was holding the hands of what might be two children. Two younglings with a young knight? The faces never became clear, but one thing was perfectly clear. There was only peace and tranquility, only the laughter of children, no war. I would often wake up, wishing this was the future I was seeing and not only the fantasies of a dream never to come true. And now that the Force was beginning to grow more and more in darkness, the galaxy wrapped in a deadly war the Republic felt it was sometimes losing, that it felt so hard to see through to the other side, where we lived, where peace reigned. It was hard to see if that future would ever come true.
Now for the quote from the new wizarding/Harry Potter movie: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. There aren't many quotes out there yet since the movie is still in theatres but here is one anyway. Maybe next chapter we will have a Rogue One quote!
Newt Scamander: We're going to recapture my creatures before they get hurt. They're currently in alien terrain surrounded by millions of the most vicious creatures on the planet; humans.