Strange World • New World by TruView
FanFiction Author's Note: It's been two years since the death of Ahsoka Tano. Like so many of the greatest knights of Jedi lore something of her essence still vibrates out there in the ether. For those she's left behind however, a profound sense of loss is still very palpable. And this pain is most acute in non other than, Omega, the guardian clone of Ahsoka's only legacy: a little girl, whose stubborn cries for attention fortuitously distracted the heartsick caregiver long enough for the agony of grief to subside. Thankfully, the RWT has placed her leadership obligations on hold so that she and her family can heal and plan for whatever comes next...
[On the planet of Mirial, very near the outskirts of hangar base IX] The Present
"Always in motion the future is." –Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back, 1983
The tiny room in which both Omega and Barriss were seated was very similar to one of those private theater boxes at the Grand Opera houses in the administrative district back on Coruscant minus all the accouterments. There, curtained alcoves offered an elevated view on whatever arts festival of lights and music was taking place below. Whereas the ambitions that might be driving local performances were most assuredly of modest designs. For instance, this place did not showcase the elegant gleam of chrome on steal that decorated the galaxy's idyllic concert halls. Instead, it brandished the polish of oak on burnished teak laminate. Reclining on the second level of a mezzanine, Omega thought it was a far cry from those same amphitheater-style luxury boxes anchored stories above one another. Just outside in the foreground beyond base 9 was an open sea of infinite sand dunes. Far off in the distance a handful of ships could be seen teasing the sunset skyline, so dissimilar to the city-planet of the Old Republic with its endless rows of vessels going to and fro like ants marching. There was a landing pad to which her ship, the Osprey, was moored. A craggy walkway zigzagged its way from its location up through rocky environs to their lofty perch. There was a small pool-sized body of water next to it. Only now did she stop to reconsider the austerity of it in contrast to all that sand. It seemed so genuinely natural in these arid conditions...in these... arid... conditions? She thought about it again and again. As beautiful as it was, It shouldn't even exists. It was put there. One could almost miss that fact given its picturesque quality. It's architect was a master in subtly and stealth.
Barriss Offee sat poised in an exquisitely woven semi-formal uniform sporting just two colors. Both the top and bottom halves of her attire were either of the extreme dark of space or a murky beige, highlighting the waist, knees, elbows, and other such trimmings along the fine edges of the sleeves. Her legs were crossed and hands, interlaced at the knuckles, rested neatly atop her thighs. She looked every bit the Jedi Master of a thousand battles. Most prominent was a thin scar bisecting her left eyebrow at an angle –the result of a hidden blade whose owner she had ultimately disemboweled while contending against five other assailants. And although her green-yellow skin was still smooth in appearance, it somehow gave the impression of being as resilient as well-worn leather. This of course, was the natural evolution of all Mirialans. After so much time, it became next to impossible to tell their true age with any degree of certainty. Centuries of inhabiting deserts had gifted the Mirialan people with a lasting durability, an efficiency in regulating body heat, and an enviable knack for conserving moisture… among other things.
Omega was sure there were even more injuries beneath the breathable fabric, but it had been those penetrating blue eyes of her gracious host that belied the graceful beauty judging by what little light there was in the candle-lit room. They seemed to glow brightly from within the consuming dark of her hooded cloak and she was so certain there was a life story of profound depth and meaning behind those deep sea-colored irises. That piercing side-stare of the earthly-colored woman latched onto Omega in its deathly embrace reading bits and pieces of vital information in a way few others could absent the Force. In her youth, Omega was by nature infinitely naive. She however had learned to temper that indomitable upbeat attitude in adulthood and that sometimes meant becoming more guarded with her emotions. Today had to be the exception, she told herself. So, she compelled herself to breathe freely wanting nothing more than to be an open book.
Barriss' gift of foresight by way of the Force wasn't a great necessity in the case of sizing up Omega. For one, she knew that the female clone of the legendary Jango Fett was no longer quite the little girl she remembered. For one, she was much taller. Her once cropped tomboyish hair was now a golden tress stopping just beneath the shoulders. And the water-fat youthful profile had matured into the sharp angular facade of a nubile female coming into the prime of life. Indeed, the contours of her wide hips were hard to miss even under the baggy jean fatigues and the increased size of her bust suggested fertility –something that was hitherto thought to be an impossibility for clones. Was this physical development a set of instructions purposely written into the intricately packed double helix by long-dead cloners or was it an unforeseen consequence of altering the gender in vitro? Barriss couldn't say. Even so, the former Jedi reminded herself not to condescend; after all, Omega was far from being a simpleton. Long before Ahsoka's untimely demise, she had assumed most of the enterprising duties of their transport business of hauling goods from one end of the galaxy to the other. And now she was a full-fledged adult human female of striking beauty.
Likewise, Omega had been assessing the older woman as well. A week before her arrival, she'd done extensive research of whatever records she could lay hold of regarding the Mirialan during her time as a padawan back on Coruscant. This also included her time during the subsequent years as one of the leading tacticians of the nascent Rim World Trifecta (RWT). She noted how the woman's appearance had become the clever synthesis of the pre-clone wars' religious garb and the more modern look of the Mirialan planetary guard –most of whom, were force-wielders. She noticed that everything above the waist was kept as it had always been, a very tight form-fitting body suit of elegant design. And the lower half was now a set of leggings denoting an athletic trim physique against the cozy embrace of a long coat. The threading was of a sturdier material that was very likely antimicrobial. The sartorial splendor hinting at religious extremism or piety distinguishing the Mirialan attire had been done away. And she guessed that this was in part what made the Mirialan participation into the affairs of other members of the RWT that much more popular than the involvement of the breakaway–Jedi factions on either Tython or Dagobah. A strong gust of wind strafed her face with dry hot air causing her to wince at the sudden attack. In response, she raised a hand to shield herself from any further onslaught but the moment had already passed prompting the older woman to speak.
"No one likes a holier-than-thou attitude," Barriss smiled and then proffered more context on the statement for the benefit of her bemused guest. "You noticed the change in apparel, yes? Some of the younger ones suggested modifications in our dress code. Their reasoning had eventually proven correct. Most of us easily adopted the changes, myself included. Not to worry though, despite the topical changes in our décor, we Mirialans still tend to come down on the conservative side of things." Her smile was genuinely delightful. "In any case, I am proud of their initiative. But enough of that. I don't think you came all this way to simply critique and approve of our emerging fashion sense."
A single nod cued Omega for a reply.
"Ahh… yes. Massssster Offee? Or is it General, I'm sorry. How do I… scuse me..." Repositioning the sleepy Togrutan toddler from a numb left arm over to the right muted Omega's words. The older female who had actually never graduated to knighthood by the conventional forms of the Coruscanti-Order of Jedi knew where this was going and followed it up quickly before the clone could resume her train of thought.
"Technically, I was never elevated to the level of Knighthood. However, I had accompanied Ahsoka to Dagobah on two occasions where I had been addressed by their council members as, Master. Anyway, on Mirial we have our own nomenclature which is of course a great deal more important to me." Omega noted how casually the other woman had swept aside these titles. Yet in her mind, Omega felt that this lady was for all intents and purposes, a comparable Jedi Master. Everything from her look and feel, to her measured words, and the precision of her movements said as much –not to mention her long years of experience in warfare. While there was indeed an official title within the Mirialan society, Barriss Offee decided to forgo all of it in exchange for good old fashioned friendship.
"Let's put aside all formalities." Suggested the older woman.
Mimicking an earlier gesture, Omega dipped her chin eliciting yet another of Barriss' approvals. "Very good. For the longest time you were the ward of Ahsoka Tano. Her love for you was somewhere between a daughter and a younger sister I think. So I will regard you as an Aunt would a niece. In return, you may refer to me by the use of my first name. Okay? No titles. No honorifics. This, you will do in private, as well as in public. How does that sound?"
Again, Omega nodded gratefully.
"So, what can I do for you, Omega?"
"I would like," The young adult was pushing through hesitation in search of just the right collection of words, "If at all possible, I would very much like it if you would help teach this one in the ways of the Force as she begins to mature. I don't want her to miss out on what training is usually given in the formative years of life."
"I can most certainly do that." Offee unconsciously made a hand gesture signaling a life debt being paid down. "However, did you not consider the great sage of Dagobah, Yoda or even –"
"I did but you two were the best of friends. She confided in me once that your actions, as foolhardy as they might've been were a catalyst to all the changes we've experienced so far. She also said that as a padawan, you'd shown more courage in a single moment than some Masters do in a whole lifetime."
"Those are very generous words but I do not deserve them I'm afr–"
"If you're talking about your being apprehended at Ahsoka's trial," Omega interrupted, "I've gone over the records a dozen times. Your arguments were sound."
"Well, sound or not," Barriss countered, "I was in a very VERY dark place. To betray a friend in such a manner says something about one's base nature. So please consider carefully. My life partner is Maul, who was once a Sith Lord. He's no longer... Sith but neither of us are Jedi."
"I don't get it. So you want me to NOT consider you for this Jedi Shepherding role…?" Omega wore a baffled expression.
"Jedi?!" The host shot back obviously triggered by the mischaracterization.
"Sorry. I'm sorry. You know what I mean."
Barriss took a deep breath calming herself and then quietly asked, "Omega, do you know what the one definable difference is between us, the Mirialan Guard and the Jedi? And I'm not talking about the obvious."
Omega chew it over for a long moment while rocking the sleeping child in her arms and then conceded an answer in the negative while solemnly shaking her head, "No. I do not."
"Your answer is not surprising to me. Despite their benevolent words, the Jedi are not the balance-seekers they claim to be. That is a lie. They seek the light, yes, but only the light; not a true balance. Even so, it's much better than adhering to the dogma of the Sith. We of the Mirialan Planetary Guard, strive for a true balance in the Force. What does that mean? It means that we too prefer not to take life but it also means that we will not suffer a dedicated combatant a thousand tries to refine their efforts. That fork-in-the-road difference in our philosophy alone will inevitably pit us against the feared Jedi someday. It also means that we are not wont to deny the use of Dark Side Force abilities when absolutely necessary."
Omega's gaze was steady and serious. And then a smile suddenly drew itself across the bottom half of it as easily as it was to breath in oxygen.
"I can think of no better person." Omega said plainly resting a hand on the woman's shoulder. "but there is another matter I need you to help me make sense of. If you don't mind?"
That statement drew a curious look with a slight tilt of the head.
"Okay. Sure."
"Do you know of beings who aren't Force-sensitive being able to… I don't know… commune with the Force?" This question drew a long thoughtful silence from the great master.
"I'm not exactly sure what you mean," She stated slowly, "but the Force has it's practitioners. Those are beings such as me, Ahsoka, and eventually the baby asleep there in your arms, the Jedi and Sith of course. But, it also has its worshipers too. It's believers, if you will. Most of these beings are not force-sensitive to any notable degree –some are– but they mostly study its philosophy and hold to the teachings about how life should be conducted. Such beings include younglings who are yet to be apprenticed; random citizens, some of which have been rescued by Jedi; but also secret cults of the darkside, some of which become sycophants serving as cannon fodder in some unfortunate skirmish or blood ritual out of a lust for power."
"What about… clones?" Omega's face winced at her own use of the ''c'' word. And Barriss likewise felt the sting of self-deprecation even without the use of the mystical Force. Still, she answered.
"I suspect that it is the same. Why? Do you? Can you touch the Force?" Barriss asked. Cuz, I don't sense it in you.She did not say.
"No, not at all but I can call upon it nevertheless…" And Omega went on to explain how as best she could while Barriss listened patiently. Afterward, she sat up and removed the cowl from over her head with both hands revealing five thickly braided plaits equidistant crowning her head reaching back and then fusing into a single short ponytail. The bottom sides were totally clean shaven where the hair had tapered out. It made her look even more youthful than she really was but most of all, passionately warrior-like and resilient. Leaning over into the light toward Omega, brought their faces to within a foot of each other. Omega finally noticed a few gray streaks in her Mohawk.
"Show me." Barriss' words came in hushed tones making her sound as sagacious as Yoda himself but half as benevolent.
"Of course, yes. GLADLY." She sounded too excited and instantly lowered her voice having become self-conscious of her increased volume. She stood slowly and from her seat took a step closer to the windowless balcony looking out at the scenery. And her eyes washed over that same small body of water and thought it would make a fortuitous display of Telekinesis. She looked back at Barriss tempting a smile and said.
"That body of water."
Barriss lifted a chin curiously peering out over the ledge and nodded once even though Omega was no longer looking in her direction. The older woman thought she could hear the younger female whisper a chant or something. Not able to make any sense of the sounds Barriss then decided to reach out with her emotions. She felt nothing emanating from Omega. Her sensitivity to the Force was as vacuous and as empty as the dark void itself, whereas that of the child in her arms was a beacon of light overflowing.
Noticing the water again, Barriss' mouth went agape witnessing the entire surface freeze over.
"Whoa!" Said the older lady standing up suddenly, "Some of our most accomplished acolytes have a hard time pulling off that same trick. You did it with relative ease. This is most impressive."
"Thank you, but it wasn't me. As I said before, I have no Force sensitivity. I asked and it complied."
"How? I've never heard of such an occurrence ever. I don't think anyone has. Have you mentioned this to anyone?"
"No."
"It's probably best you keep it that way. People are already suspicious of clones as it is. Some mad scientist just might get the idea of spiriting you away to conduct secret experiments on." Refocusing her attention back onto the seated clone, "This was most impressive. Can you do everything we can?"
Omega candidly shook her head in the negative and added in a low voice. "I can't Force jump. I can't see things before they happen. And wielding a light-saber is still very dangerous for anyone who isn't Force sensitive. So there."
"I see." Said the master looking back out over the frozen pond. She extended a hand in its direction and through the Force sped up the H2O molecules again converting them back from a solid state into liquid. Taking her seat, she looked over at the young women. "The ways of the living Force never cease to amaze me."
"If you think that's something," said Omega, "Wait till you hear some of the things I have to tell you about the future."
"You have visions?" Her voice went up an octave on the last word.
"I knew you were here alone."
"I had assumed the Planetary Guard, knowing who you were, had given you my location."
"No. I surprised them as well. I told them precisely where you were. They let me through guessing you had personally invited me. I let them go on believing that –sorry for that by the way."
"No, don't apologize. It's a learning experience for all of us." Barriss made a mental note to discipline this day's evening watch-crew for negligence.
"I have visions about this one."
And with that very statement, the baby in her arms started up and Omega quickly untucked her shirt just enough so that her right breast was showing. And then she proceeded to breastfeed. Barriss watched in amazement.
"I thought –sorry," She couldn't think up a better substitution, "clones, were barren. The fact that you lactate would suggest otherwise. Let me guess… this is also by way of the Force?"
"uh huh." Her guest nodded.
"Tell me one of your visions."
"Gladly." Omega's voice was so quiet that Barriss had to draw in closer to make out the word.
She too was mesmerized by the uncanny focus of the child's eyes onto its foster-parent?
"What's her name by the way?"
"Usiku."