Another day, another chapter!
It's been a while since my last upload. Apologies for the wait, here's a nice long and action-packed chapter for you. Hope you enjoy it!
We're getting into really fun and interesting territory, and I've got some interesting ideas for how this whole encounter at Jabba's palace will unfold, so stay tuned.
I DO HAVE AN IMPORTANT QUESTION I WOULD LIKE TO ASK (WHICH IS WHY I AM PUTTING IT IN BOLD, IN THE HOPES THAT MORE PEOPLE WILL READ IT): WHICH PARTS OF THE CLONE WARS ARE YOUR FAVORITE? AS IN WHICH EPISODES FROM THE ANIMATED SERIES DO YOU PREFER AND WOULD HYPOTHETICALLY LIKE TO SEE IN THIS FANFIC (ASKING FOR A FRIEND ;)
THANKS!
Now, without further ado, let's answer your reviews on the last chapter:
- TheEmeraldMage: Very happy to hear it and thank you so much for your kind feedback! :) Tell you friend I completely agree about Thrawn's portrayal, it's something I'm always nervous about since he's such a tricky character to get right in terms of tone and how he thinks. I hope he feels true to his nature in this chapter and I will do my best to give him his time to shine in the future. Look forward to hearing what you and your friend think about this chapter, and I hope it gets you excited for what's to follow. Take care and stay safe!
- RKF22: Indeed it is! I'm really excited to have reached the final chapter of the original trilogy. We're in the endgame now! May the Force be with you.
- Jeda31: Thank you, thank you sooo much! I'm always happy to hear my chapters engage you even when it's not overflowing with action. I think Vader is starting to realize that there is someone else of significance to him, and Anakin Skywalker, out there in the galaxy other than Luke. I'm trying to make sure I set up the threads of future revelations now so that they don't appear out of nowhere later. Let me know what you think of the intercutting action in this chapter and if you think it'll work for the next chapters. Curious to hear your opinion.
- princesselsaamidala22: thank you! :)
- Luise: Happy to hear you enjoyed it! Hope this chapter lives up at least partly to your expectations, I had a lot of fun writing it.
- TheDragon2000: Thank you! What will he do indeed… ;) It's coming, I promise it is. There will be epic Yoda moments in this fic.
- MrToasterMan: Thanks a lot. Sorry to have kept you waiting, and hope you enjoy this chapter.
Those are all the reviews answered! Time to start the chapter!
Enjoy! And please favorite, follow and review!
"Deploy all fighters immediately," Thrawn ordered, letting his underlings scurry around to carry out his commands. "And bring our other Star Destroyer into the lower atmosphere. Let's see if they take the bait…"
Thrawn observed his battle plan unfolding before him from the bridge's observation window. He could not hold back a small chuckle and grin of satisfaction, which he was careful to disguise, lest it traumatized anyone who had the misfortune of seeing him.
Oh, how I've missed this…
Everyone praised Thrawn's stoic and pragmatic nature; how, no matter how unglamorous or boring an assignment may be, he still carried it out perfectly and seriously. Even Sidious was impressed by this side of Thrawn's character, not realizing that in reality, the Chiss only found true satisfaction in one situation: combat.
Being able to visualize and control the chess game of war before him gave Thrawn a rush like no other. Of course he always enjoyed putting his analytical and strategic mind to good use, but combat brought out a different beast inside of him. It was here that he felt truly comfortable: an army at his command, fighting against a worthy opponent, with everything on the line.
"Thrawn."
He quickly turned around, bowing slightly to Vader, who's voice he had easily recognized. The Dark Lord surveyed the emerging battlefield, and let out a displeased grunt when he saw the Star Destroyer breaking formation to descend closer to Tatooine's surface.
"What are you doing?" the Sith Lord asked.
"Breaking up the Rebel's forces, Lord Vader," Thrawn explained calmly. "In all likelihood they will feel the need to send some of their own ships down to handle that Destroyer, allowing us to break up their fighting force. And if they do not, well, we will be able to attack them from two different angles."
Vader was impressed with Thrawn's strategy, though he obviously did not voice that sentiment. He could sense something was different about the Chiss somehow, he seemed more focused and energized, but Vader did not pay it much mind.
"I will join the space battle," Vader announced. "Once I have determined you can achieve victory, I will take care of capturing Leia and Solo."
"I would rather you focused on getting those we came here for first," Thrawn said, staring unflinchingly at Vader as he rebuked his decision. "We are perfectly capable of handling the space battle without you."
Vader narrowed his gaze at Thrawn, letting seep out his dark menace to dissuade the Grand Moff from challenging him any further. Unfortunately, Thrawn was keenly aware of his rank and value to the Emperor. Despite all his power, Vader could not lay a hand on him.
The Dark Lord was eventually forced to justify his decision:
"There is a powerful Jedi aboard that ship. He is one of the most gifted pilots the Rebels have. If I do not face him, he will tear your fighters to shreds. And after that, he'll be aiming his guns straight for THIS bridge. I will face him in space, and once he is dealt with, I will finish this mission."
Thrawn reflected over his answer. Ultimately, Vader's presence on the battlefield was not something worth arguing about. His main function was to get Solo and the princess quickly and deal with any Force users that appeared. Thrawn only had to focus on wiping out the Rebels for now.
"Very well, Lord Vader," Thrawn conceded with an overly meek smile. "If you believe that's what is best, so be it."
Vader walked away from Thrawn without another word, while the Grand Moff turned back to face the battlefield, where he could spot the approaching Rebel fighters.
"ALL FLIGHT CREWS, MAN YOUR STATIONS! ALL FLIGHT CREWS, MAN YOUR STATIONS!"
The order was being repeated over the P.A incessantly as Yoda, Luke, Mara, and Chewbacca made their way back towards the bridge with their assembled lightsabers. Thankfully they had been able to find all the necessary parts to build themselves functional weapons. There was no time to personalize them or properly test them. For the moment, all three lightsabers worked and that would have to do.
"Stop!"
Chewbacca came to a halt, following Yoda's orders. Luke and Mara did the same, looking at the old master confusedly.
"At this junction, separate we must," Yoda spoke gravely. "Luke, lead the battle in space you must. And Mara, go rescue Han and Leia on the ground you will."
"Wait a second, master," Luke spoke up quickly. "Han and Leia are my friends. I should be the one who rescues them."
"Exactly why stay away from them you must," Yoda replied with an intensity and focus that caught Luke off guard. "Your greatest flaw that is, Skywalker. When your friends are involved, conflicted you become, quick to anger, blinded by aggression. Your father was like this too."
"I am NOT like him," Luke replied angrily, clenching his fists in frustration.
He HAD to save them. He had failed Han and Leia on Cloud City, this was his time to redeem himself... Why could Yoda not understand that? He had to find that bounty hunter, Boba Fett, who had escaped him on Bespin and finish their duel. He knew the path of the Jedi meant he had to think and act a certain way, but he was no longer a Jedi, he COULD think and act differently…
How do I act differently?
A soft hand rubbing against his cheek brought his attention back to the present. As he stared into Mara's eyes, he saw confidence, reassurance, and… something else… With a quick smile and nod, she reassured him that everything would be alright.
"I'll bring them back safely, Luke," she spoke kindly. "I swear to you that you'll see them soon. Do you trust me?"
"Of course."
The answer escaped his lips without Luke even thinking about it. It seemed obvious… he could not solve all the galaxy's problems himself. Obi-Wan had tried and it might have cost him his life. He needed to be the leader so many people wanted him to be and accept to delegate important duties to others.
I can trust her. If there's one thing I'm certain of; I CAN trust her.
"I'll lead the attack on Thrawn's Star Destroyer," Luke's voice was assured and steady as he looked over to Yoda. "If I feel the battle is won, I'll immediately come to the surface to assist you."
"I'll be done by the time you get there," Mara replied with a playful smirk.
"Remain here and advise our strategy I will," Yoda said. "Hidden from Vader and Sidious I must remain. Preserve the element of surprise we must."
"Very well, master," Mara and Luke replied.
"May the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you."
Once master and students had exchanged these final parting words, they both split off in different directions. Yoda and Chewbacca departed towards the bridge; the Wookie letting out a thunderous battle roar, while Luke and Mara headed for the hangars.
In less than a minute the two Jedi were at hangar 3, where most of the starfighters were preparing for takeoff. In hangar 4, right next door, Crix Madine was busy planning the ground assault with the gathered platoon leaders.
"They'll need you," Luke said with a soft smile. "You're the one who's going to decide how this whole mission goes."
"Yeah, I'm sure no one is at all anxious about the former Hand of the Emperor being the linchpin for this whole operation," Mara said, bitterly looking away from Luke. "Even if I advise them on what the Empire's strategy might be, they won't listen. I'm just here—"
Everything in Mara's mind ground to a halt when Luke kissed her. It was a brief kiss; their lips touched for barely a second, but in her mind, she felt it stretch out for minutes. Her initial surprise was immediately followed by jubilance. That one kiss felt like part of her identity had finally been returned; a piece of her that she had lost long ago.
When they broke away and gazed into each other's eyes, an unspoken vow was uttered at that moment: I will always be with you. Now and always… I love you.
"Mara, I—"
She did not want to hear it. Mara grabbed both of his cheeks and delivered her own passionate kiss, this one lasting several seconds. She could feel Luke's cheeks flushing as she snaked her arms behind his head. It was likely the first time a woman had kissed him like this, and the very idea made Mara smile.
When she pulled away, the stunned look on Luke's face was priceless.
"Somehow, I knew what you were thinking on Cloud City and I know what you're thinking now," Mara whispered mischievously. "And my answer is still yes."
"You're the only one who can leave me speechless like this," Luke muttered shily, trying to hide his growing smile. "I'll see you when this is all over… Be careful."
"Always."
They could sense everyone staring at their little display, so they walked away without any other displays of affection. All the soldiers and pilots in both hangars were whispering and nudging each other, pointing at the two Jedi with knowing smirks. Even if unintentionally, Mara and Luke had just lifted everyone's spirits considerably before this all-important battle.
As Luke was about to join the other pilots, he felt a slight tug through the Force that brought his eyes back towards Mara who was about to enter the other hangar.
"May the Force be with you."
They were words Luke had heard many, many times, but when Mara spoke them they rang differently. It felt like more than just a good luck blessing before a fight; it was spoken with love and affection.
Luke tried to settle the butterflies in his stomach as he smiled back at Mara. The voices and stares from everyone around them seemed to flitter away; it was just them.
"May the Force be with you," Luke replied with equal passion and sincerity.
They held each other's gaze for a few more seconds before breaking away to join their groups. Their feelings for each other were strong, but they now had to focus on their jobs, and trust that they will be reunited at the end.
Luke jogged over to his fellow pilots, a slight anxiousness building up in his gut since he was not sure how they had taken his sudden departure from the Alliance. All his worries disappeared when his old friend, Wedge Antilles, ran up to him and gave him a strong hug, which Luke gladly returned.
"It's good to see you again, Luke," Wedge said with a wide grin, as the other members of Rogue Squadron greeted their former leader. "Rogue Squadron just wasn't the same without you."
"It's good to see you too, Wedge," Luke replied happily. "Sorry for being away so long."
"So who's your girlfriend, sir?" asked Rogue Two with a mischievous smirk as everyone else tried to contain their chuckles. "I thought you left us to train?"
"I have been training," Luke replied awkwardly, trying not to let his embarrassment show. "Her name's Mara, I met her during my training. She'll help us win today."
"Bold prediction," Rogue Four said with a chuckle. "Rumor is that Vader will be joining the fray."
"Well, that's why I'm here isn't it," Luke said confidently, trying not to think too much about what he was implying. "I'll draw his attention towards me while you continue pushing towards those Star Destroyers."
"Are you Rogue Leader again, sir?"
Luke was not sure how to answer that but Wedge did not miss a beat:
"Of course he is. I'm giving you back the Rogue Leader callsign, Luke. It's too much pressure for me anyway."
"Thanks, Wedge," Luke said, genuinely touched by his friend's selflessness and generosity. "I'll make sure to earn it back. We don't have much time left; let's all get to our fighters and get this battle started. Any questions?"
All his pilots shook their heads. They all had resolution and determination in their eyes which fed Luke's confidence. They all looked up to him to make a difference in this fight, and he was not going to let them down.
"May the Force be with you."
With that final sendoff, all of Rogue Squadron broke away towards their X-Wings. All across the hangar, the other squadrons were doing the same.
Luke was unsure where he was supposed to go. Since he had not received any sort of mission briefing he had no idea if there even was a starfighter meant for him. A sharp and familiar whistle immediately caught his attention and a broad smile appeared on his face when he saw where it had come from.
His old astromech, R2-D2, was sitting in the cradle of his X-Wing he had left on Cloud City. He recognized all the minute wear and tear he had put it through during his months in the Rebellion, even the green water marks from when it took a dip in a swamp on Dagobah.
"R2!" Luke ran excitedly over to his X-Wing and jumped into the cockpit, feeling a rush at being back behind those familiar controls. "Man, I sure missed you, buddy. How the heck did you manage to get it back?"
"I used the long-range emitter to bring it back by remote control," R2 beeped proudly. "Not like anyone else was going to use it."
"You're a lifesaver R2," Luke said as he slipped into his flight suit and put on his helmet. "I should have listened to you back on Cloud City and not gone after Vader. I acted completely impulsively back then. I'm sorry."
"I just didn't want you to get hurt," R2 whistled compassionately. "I didn't want you to find out who Anakin was like this, but I'd promised Obi-Wan not to say anything until he felt you were ready."
"I understand why you did it," Luke said, gripping the controls and lifting his X-Wing off from the hangar floor. "And I'm glad to have you back. Now let's show the Empire what Rogue Squadron is made of."
"They won't be ready for what's coming."
Luke pressed down on the accelerator, letting his X-Wing rocket out into space, followed closely by the rest of Rogue Squadron, as well as Red, Gold, and Blue Squadron.
They headed straight for Thrawn's Star Destroyer, anxiously awaiting the swarm of TIE Fighters that would bear down on them at any second. The other Star Destroyer was still positioned below them, but it appeared that Rebel command had decided not to engage it yet. At this stage in the battle, it was safer for them to consolidate their forces and aim to take out the enemy commander's ship. If they destroyed Thrawn, the battle would be as good as won.
"All wings, report in," Luke called out over the comms.
"Rogue Two, standing by."
"Rogue Five, standing by."
"Rogue Six, standing by."
"Rogue Eight, standing by."
"Rogue Eleven, standing by."
"Rogue Seven, standing by."
"Rogue Four, standing by."
"Rogue Nine, standing by."
"Rogue Ten, standing by."
"Rogue Three, standing by."
As all of his pilots reported present, Luke could now spot the TIE Fighters fast approaching. However, something else caught his attention through the Force. A familiar presence which made his skin feel cold and made his body tense up; one he had not sensed since… Bespin.
Vader!
The Dark Lord was not trying to disguise his Force signature, and Luke made no attempt to hide his either. He needed to keep Vader's attention away from the other fighters. Luke took a deep breath and released his anxiety into the Force as he tightened his grip on the controls. Luke knew in the back of his mind that he was fighting his father, but did his best to put his ambivalence aside: he HAD to do this; no one else could.
"Alright everyone, this is it," Luke spoke decisively as he activated his shields and readied his weapons. "Lock S-foils in attack position!"
"ETA to landing: two minutes!"
The pilot's voice echoed through the interior of the U-Wing that Mara had boarded. She sat across from Crix Madine, and all around her Rebel Comandos were performing final checks on their weapons and gears.
"Pay attention, gentlemen; and lady," Madine said, looking pointedly at Mara with a less than congenial eye. "This platoon is running point on the rescue operation, so let's make sure we're all clear on what we're doing."
Crix pulled out a small holoprojector from his satchel and used it to display a 3D topographic map of the encounter area. Jabba's palace was clearly visible, outlined by a blinking red icon. Their landing zone was several clicks away in the middle of the desert. They could already hear and feel the heavy artillery flack being fired at their dropship which prevented them from landing any closer.
"It doesn't look like Jabba is taking any sides here," Crix explained. "Therefore, consider anyone that isn't one of ours a potential enemy. The 6th, 8th and 10th platoons led by Ezra Bridger will be engaging the Empire on this ridge, here, trying to hold the Empire away from the palace for as long as possible. We can't count on any air support at this time, nor for any armored vehicles or speeders. It'll have to be the old fashion way: hauling ass as fast as possible until we can find suitable cover. Any questions?"
"You should let me take point," all the soldiers looked at Mara incredulously and disdainfully when she spoke up, but the Jedi held their gazes unflinchingly. "I can deflect blaster bolts. Wouldn't you rather have me leading the charge rather than supplying the enemy with blaster fodder?"
She knew that her choice of words was not very tactful, but at this point, she did not care about how they all felt. Mara knew what she could do, and she had to make these soldiers understand that.
Thankfully, Crix Madine had enough common sense to see her point and could relate to the stigma that one endured due to being an Imperial deserter.
"Alright, listen up men!" he shouted to be heard over the increasing cannon fire that jostled their U-Wing. "Mara Jade is now a member of this platoon and I am granting her lieutenant operational powers. I know that you have your reservations about her past, but I ask that you trust her as I do, and as does the rest of the High Council."
"ETA to landing: 30 seconds!"
The commandos all nodded and grunted their consent. They were not at all ecstatic about having to take orders from a woman who used to be the Emperor's hand, but most of them judged her based on instincts and appearance; and by these measures, Mara looked and acted like a warrior.
"Good. Stand by for green light!" Crix Madine called out, prompting the platoon to stand up and switch their blaster safeties off.
The harsh red light made all the soldiers look ominous and menacing, which gave them added confidence and determination for what they would meet when the blast-doors opened.
Mara readied her lightsaber in her hand, clearing her mind; loosening her joints. She was back in familiar territory, albeit on a different side. She kept Obi-Wan and Yoda's teachings at the front of her mind, remembering that she was now fighting as a Jedi for a cause which she believed in, and to rescue the friends of a man she loved.
That simple idea brought Mara great serenity. She was worried for Luke's safety, no doubt he was worried about hers too, but right now all she could do was perform her duty at the highest possible level; and that was exactly what she was going to do.
I'm no longer afraid!
"Greenlight!"
When the blast doors opened, Mara was the first one out of the dropship, igniting her blue lightsaber and charging straight into the oncoming fire.
"I tell you Cody, these moments never change," Rex said to his old friend as he double-checked that his twin blaster pistols were loaded and their safeties were turned off. "That calmness and stillness before a battle, where it seems like even the elements are holding their breath…"
"I like to think that's intentional on the part of whatever supernatural entity manages all of this," Cody replied humorously. He was in the middle of refueling his jetpack, which bore orange highlights like the rest of his equipment. "A small break to allow both sides to collect themselves, reflect on what's about to happen, and come to terms with their responsibilities."
"Looks like it's working," Rex said, looking over at the Rebel commandos lined up on either side of them.
All three platoons that had joined them and Ezra were also fully decked out in sand-colored clothes. They had taken up position along the top of a sand dune, which created a natural ridge that they could use as cover. Jabba's palace was directly behind them, though it appeared that the Hutt was not planning on sending any of his men to engage them, which made sense: better to let the Empire and Rebels fight it out amongst themselves and deal with any survivors after.
To their right was an expansive mountain range which was way too uneven and hostile to mount an attack from. And on their left was the endless expanse of the Dune Sea, home to some of Tatooine's deadliest creatures such as "living sand traps" and Tusken Raiders; some rumors even spoke of a greater krayt dragon that could swallow up entire towns.
Taking all of this into account, Rebel Command had determined that the area where they had set up their defensive line was the likeliest route the Empire would take to reach Jabba's palace.
Ezra Bridger, who had just finished walking up and down the line, meeting with each platoon commander, now returned beside Cody and Rex, deep in thought.
"Do you think they'll use walkers?" the young Jedi asked the Clone veterans.
"Unlikely," Cody replied. "The ground's too uneven because of those dunes. There're probably also pitfalls and hidden crevasses that could tip the walkers over. By all metrics, we should be facing them on equal footing."
"Well, not exactly equal," Rex said with a knowing smirk. "We do have the high ground."
"That we do, Rex. That we do," Ezra replied with a chuckle. "Let's hope it'll be enough."
As he spoke, one of the commandos signaled that he'd spotted Imperial dropships landing several clicks in front of them. This spurred everyone's combat sense; all the soldiers went prone and set their weapon sights on the edge of the sand dune in front of them, waiting for the enemy to climb over it.
"Steady," Ezra said reassuringly and calmingly, reaching out through the Force to strengthen the resolve of his men. "Wait for my signal. We need as many of them as possible to cross the dune before opening fire."
Everyone waited for several gut-wrenching minutes, listening to the whistling wind and watching single grains of sand dance across the dune as they were swept away. The beauty of this silence was oddly soothing, Ezra had to agree with Rex and Cody on that one.
Finally, the white domes of the Sandtroopers' helmets peaked over the ridge. Everyone held their breath as the first line of Imperials descended the dune, heading right towards them.
BAM!
In an instant, the silence was shattered. But it was not a shot by the Rebellion or the Empire.
Cody was the first one to make the realization:
"SNIPER!"
As the commandos quickly looked around to find where the shot had come from, the Sandtroopers in front of them opened fire.
When Cody looked over to Rex, he realized with horror where the sniper's bolt had hit. The upper right side of Rex's helmet was charred and smoking; a giant gash ran straight across the top of his skull. Already, Cody saw blood leaking from underneath his helmet, onto his neck.
"Get me a medpac! Now!"
Ezra quickly kneeled beside Rex as Cody caught the medpac that one of the commandos threw his way. The young Jedi stamped down on his rising panic and quickly sprayed antiseptic on the wound while Cody scooped bacta into his hand.
"Stay with me, Rex! Stay awake, soldier!" Cody demanded decisively, applying a thick coat of bacta to the wound and covering it with a compress to keep it in place.
Rex mumbled something that neither of them could understand and raised his hand up limply, which Cody gripped firmly.
"Ezra, give him a stim-shot," Cody told the young Jedi. He looked into his friend's eyes, hidden under his helmet. "Don't you dare die on me, Rex! Not now. You're making it through this, just stay awake!"
Rex tried to answer but his mental faculties were quickly diminishing, he could barely hold on to consciousness, let alone speak.
BLAM!
Another sniper shot rang out, hitting a commando in the back of the head, killing him instantly. This time, Cody could focus on where the shot had come from and realized it was coming from behind them. He pulled out a pair of binoculars to look towards Jabba's palace, and sure enough, he spotted some of the Hutt's bounty hunters and mercenaries on the ramparts with sniper rifles.
"The shots are coming from the palace," Cody told Ezra who was trying to soothe Rex's pain through the Force as best he could. "Looks like Jabba picked a side after all. We're not going to last long boxed in like this."
"We have to lead a charge over the dune to get away from that sniper fire," Ezra said eagerly. "Better for us to risk it against the Imperials on an even footing than getting cut to pieces by those snipers."
"This all feels strange, Ezra," Cody pondered slowly, listening to his well-honed instincts that told him something was not right. "The way this ideal position that Rebel Command picked out for us suddenly turns into a two-pronged sneak attack… It can't be random, someone planned this, maybe even contacted Jabba to win his allegiance. If we go over that dune, we'll be doing exactly what they expect us to do…"
"Then what can we do?" Ezra could see Cody's logic but he did not believe they had much of a choice. "If we stay here, those snipers will tear us apart."
Cody carefully ran through his options, drawing upon his years of experience to find an idea that might be useful. He reflected back on all the plans he or someone else had come up with, trying to figure out if any of them would work here. He thought back to all the times during the Clone Wars where general Kenobi's tactics and plans had saved their skins… and that's when Cody realized:
We have a Jedi on our side! That's what general Kenobi never took into account since he was the one making the plans, but some of those ideas only worked because he was there…
"All platoons, tighten up around me!" Cody shouted over the comms. "Shuffle along the dune and regroup towards us!"
"Cody, that'll just create a bigger target for those snipers," Ezra said, not at all grasping what he was planning.
"And it'll also make an easier target for YOU to defend," Cody replied confidently. "I've seen general Kenobi do it dozens of times. Deflect those blaster bolts and keep them from hitting our men. Then we just have to pray that general Madine and his platoon can take out those snipers."
Ezra was completely stunned by Cody's strategy. He wasn't Obi-Wan Kenobi! Deflecting blaster bolts from such a distance was not just a walk in the park, especially when they weren't aimed at him but at people whose lives were in his hands.
The young Jedi wanted to tell Cody that it was impossible, but he could not bring himself to say that; something in him would not allow it. If something was deemed impossible, that was when a Jedi made it possible. This was life or death; he could either shrink away from the impossible and perish, or surpass himself, go beyond his limits, and live.
"Leave it to me, Cody. I'll keep them safe, you have my word."
DOOOOOOOOOONE!
What did you think? Like where this is going or getting triggered by how much I've messed up everything so far? As long as it's respectful and constructive, please tell me your thoughts in a review.
ALSO, IF ANYONE HASN'T SEEN THE QUESTION I ASKED IN ALL CAPS AT THE START OF THE CHAPTER, COULD YOU PLEASE SCROLL UP AND GIVE ME AN ANSWER. IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO DIRECTLY INFLUENCE THIS FANFIC AND SEE PARTS OF THE CLONE WARS YOU'RE INTERESTED IN. THANKS SO MUCH!