#Windu: “I should really get back to the temple—"

[saphronethaleph]

Snooze Cruise

Anakin’s head was whirling as he got into the speeder.

The Chancellor was a Sith. Chancellor Palpatine was a Sith.

The man had been a close friend for – well, since Anakin had left Tatooine, really.

And he was a Sith.

It was… too big. There was too much to grasp.

Anakin backed his speeder out of the parking spot, turned to fly to the Jedi Temple, and yawned.

This led to him nearly crashing into an air lorry, and he skidded abruptly to a halt in mid-air before shaking his head and groaning.

“I can’t believe it,” he said, out loud.

He needed to speak to someone about this.

He should probably speak to Padme about this.

Turning the speeder, Anakin took the air way to their apartment instead, doing his best to concentrate on flying instead of on the fact that Palpatine was a Sith.

The door opened, and Anakin raised his voice.

“Padme?” he called.

“Ah!” C-3P0 said, coming in from one of the rooms leading off the entrance hall. “Sir, I am afraid that Mistress Padme is not currently in. She is involved in a meeting.”

Anakin almost demanded to know if that meeting was with Obi-Wan, before shaking his head as he remembered that Obi-Wan was on Utapau.

“Should I… let her know you want to see her?” C-3P0 asked.

“No, Threepio,” Anakin waved the offer off. “I’ll just wait for her to get back. It’s… something I need to think about before we talk, anyway.”

“Oh, I see,” C-3P0 decided. “Or, rather, I don’t. But I’m quite used to such things. Do you want something to eat, Sir?”

Anakin waved that offer off as well. “No thanks. I’ll just sit down.”

He divested himself of his cloak, hanging it up on one of the hooks by the door, then went through to the main living area and sat down on the couch.

Within a few minutes, four days of no sleep had caught up with him, and he passed out.

Mace Windu glanced at the time – almost eight in the morning – and then flicked on his comlink.

The first comm code he called produced no reply, even after a wait of several minutes, and he frowned slightly before switching to a new combination.

That one, fortunately, produced a response almost immediately. Senator Padme Amidala answered the call.

“Master Jedi?” she asked. “This is Master Windu, yes?”

“That’s correct, Senator,” Mace confirmed. “I was wondering if you knew where Anakin was. I’ve called his comlink, and he hasn’t answered.”

“I don’t know where he is, no, I’ve been involved in a meeting all night,” Padme replied. “Master Jedi – did you know about the Abolition Act?”

Mace blinked.

“I’d heard of it, yes,” he said. “So far as we’re aware, it’s a legal mechanism to try and dissolve the Jedi… we’d believed it was a scheme by Darth Sidious, an attack against the Jedi.”

He glanced in the direction of the Council chamber. “That’s one reason why Obi-Wan launched his attack on General Grievous on Utapau. We hoped to draw Sidious out.”

“I don’t know if that’s what’s going on, but the Chancellor just announced that the Abolition Act was coming up for a vote,” Padme said. “I didn’t have a clue why, but if Sidious is involved… do you think he managed to get to the Chancellor?”

“It’s possible,” Mace admitted. “When is the vote?”

“It’s outside normal order, so… now,” Padme answered.

Mace turned, striding to the doors of the council chamber, and Kit, Agen, Sasee and Coleman looked up from their seats as he entered.

“Something’s happening,” he said. “Senator, can you keep us updated?”

“I’ll do my best, Master Jedi,” Padme promised.

“How important?” Kit asked.

“As important as it can get,” Mace replied. “The whole Order needs to hear this… I can feel it.”

The vote counts began coming in, and Palpatine tried to suppress a nervous twitch.

He was having to improvise. Improvising in the end game was a difficult thing to do, especially when he had no idea why his gambit had failed.

What should have happened was that he would have his new apprentice, or he would have an open break with the Jedi Order… which would earn him his new apprentice anyway.

But as of now, he had neither. And without his new apprentice, he didn’t have nearly as good an excuse for an open break with the Jedi Order… he could not very well have Anakin give his account of how the Council had been planning to bypass and replace the Chancellor.

If he was going to get his empire out of this, he needed that break. Order 66 could not take place without some kind of reason behind it, something he could point to, and yet it had to take place as soon as possible… the war was entering its final phase, and within days the Jedi would be returning home. Away from their loyal soldiers… away from their hidden assassins.

So be it.

If there was anything that would force a break with the Jedi, it was this. And, as the votes rolled in, Palpatine saw that he had managed it… at a great cost, but he had managed it.

At least four factions in the Senate had been persuaded that they had to vote in favour of the Abolition Act despite Palpatine’s professed wishes to keep the Jedi around. Two of those factions had been persuaded by Palpatine himself arguing that their votes were necessary for political reasons, and that the Act would never pass anyway.

“The motion is carried,” Mos Amedda declared.

“I bow to the wishes of the Senate,” Palpatine announced. “And now that it is law, I am bound to carry it out. The Jedi Order will be dissolved, effective…”

Immediately? No. He needed enough time for them to act rashly, not enough time for them to think.

“...as of ten in the morning, today, Coruscant time,” he decided.

The Senator for Naboo signalled to speak the instant it became possible, and her pod floated out into the central arena.

“I have a reply from Master Windu of the Jedi Council,” she said, without preamble, and Mace Windu’s holographic head appeared in projection from her systems.

“Sure,” Master Windu said. “The war’s basically over anyway.”

Palpatine blinked.

“...what?” he asked.

“The war’s basically over anyway,” Mace repeated. “An hour to pack might be a bit tight, but I think we can fit everything into some of the freighters.”

“Are you saying you’re going to just leave?” Palpatine asked, not quite sure what he was hearing.

“Yes,” Mace confirmed. “We have all been working very hard for years, often without much of a rest, and we would very much like a break. If you don’t want to keep us around, we’ll do it elsewhere.”

The image wavered, and a second hologram appeared next to it.

“We’re with you, Master Windu,” Clone Marshal Commander Bly stated. “Voting’s going on now, but I’m sure of it. All of us are – we quit. We’re your army, not the Republic’s, and that’s how it should be… you won’t waste our lives.”

“You were listening in?” Mace asked, sounding amused.

“If it affects all the Jedi, it affects all of us,” Bly declared. “And speaking for myself, Master Windu… we would very much like a break as well.”

Palpatine was staring at the holograms.

“...you are all listening in?” he said, then decided he was never going to get an opportunity better than this one. “Initiate Order Sixty-Six!”

Commander Bly just looked confused.

“Chancellor?” he said. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’d like to know that myself,” Senator Amidala admitted.

It took all of Palpatine’s immense self-control to avoid reacting to that bit of news.

Hiding Order Sixty-Six in the biochips of the clones forming the Grand Army of the Republic was the greatest bit of deception and complex planning the Sith had managed in-

Palpatine’s train of thought screeched to a halt, backed up, and examined the proper nouns involved.

...the clones weren’t part of the Grand Army of the Republic any more, or of any direct successor organization involved. They’d quit.

Someone, presumably someone Kaminoan, had simplified the programming by using a function definition that didn’t apply in this situation, and he was now buggered sideways with a lightsaber.

Anakin yawned, stretching, and his hands touched metal.

“Mwuh?” he asked, blinking a few times, then rolled over on their couch and fell onto a metal floor.

That got him the rest of the way awake, and he looked around with surprise.

He was on… a starship, with a blanket half-tangled in his legs. There were crates packed and stacked haphazardly around the bed he was on, and the quiet murmur in the Force of sentients elsewhere.

“Ah!” Threepio said, appearing at the door. “Master Anakin, sir. It is good to see you are awake. Shall I inform the rest of the Council?”

“What’s going on?” Anakin asked, touching the hilt of his lightsaber. “Where am I?”

“I’m not an expert at hyperspace navigation, sir,” Threepio replied. “That is more Artoo’s department. But I believe we are about halfway between Coruscant and the Yavin system. A lot has happened since you fell asleep.”

“Including me being moved into a spaceship?” Anakin asked.

“You were very deeply asleep, sir,” Threepio confirmed.

“…you quit?” Anakin asked, ten minutes later, looking between the holographic forms of the other Councillors – and the half-dozen Clone Commanders who were also on the call. “All of you?”

“The Senate voted to disband the Jedi Order,” Mace told him. “The Order’s not part of the Republic, but it could have caused us a lot of problems. So… we left.”

“Our ally, the Force is,” Yoda said, nodding sagely. “Helped with packing, it did.”

“The only thing we’re not sure about yet is why the Chancellor said what he said, during the meeting,” Rex told him. “We’ve been trying to work it out since we hit hyperspace. Politics in the Republic are very confused right now.”

“I could… probably help with that,” Anakin said. “Though I guess first I should say… is Padme okay? We’re – we’re married.”

That resulted in a ripple of laughter through the call.

“We know, sir,” Rex said.

“All of us,” Mace agreed. ���You moved in with her.”

“It was actually causing a problem,” Ki-Adi-Mundi informed him. “Students were asking if marriage was really not allowed or just that we were supposed to pretend it wasn’t.”

“Clearly the second option,” Sasee opined. “Clearly.”

“...do you also know that the Chancellor is a Sith?” Anakin said. “He told me.”

“Okay, that is new,” Obi-Wan admitted. “Perhaps we should tell your wife. She might find it useful to know.”

[anakin-skywalker-always]

I Can Feel It Calling In The Air Tonight:

Pairing: Padawan!Anakin x Vigrin!Padawan!Reader

Requested: Yes | No

(was 💕- “Just…be gentle” 🌹- First time and 🌻- “I love you.”/“say it again” in my emoji requests)

Warnings: Smut. First time cringe? Swear words? Unprotected. P in V. As always, let me know if you think there should be something listed here.

Words: 1.9k

Author’s Notes: Anakin and reader are around 19 in this :) 18+ MDNI sorry this is probably really bad and lame and short. It’s also unedited sorry!!

The air in the Temple felt thick, and muggy, like it clung to your skin. Your little, curly baby hairs stuck to the back of your neck, the humidity causing your padawan braid to come loose. Rebraiding it was on your ever growing list of things to do. It was one of the hotter summer nights on Coruscant, but you couldn’t shake the idea that this burning was simply the anxiety coursing through you. Sticking to the safety of the cool shadows, you made your way through the Jedi temple, after hours.

You and Anakin Skywalker had been…well you didn’t exactly know the word for it. You wish you could say dating, but Jedi don’t really date. It was no secret to anyone though, that the Padawan learners, they had urges. Young adults don’t change, regardless of the context you put them in it’s only natural. In the words of Anakin’s master, the two of you had been ‘fooling around’ for a little bit now. Despite the fact it was no shock to the Masters that the Padawan’s stretched the rules regarding attachment, it was the ‘getting caught’ part that mattered, blind eyes only turned so far.

That’s how you found yourself, in your thin, cotton, standard-issue pyjamas and Jedi robe, sneaking in shadow and slinking past columns of your ancient order. You hadn’t seen Anakin in weeks, himself and Master Kenobi found themselves on missions in the outer rim more often than not. Yourself, being Master Mace Windu’s Padawan, you knew your Master simply didn’t like Anakin, and you couldn’t help but to romanticise the idea of the father figure in your life barring you from seeing the boy you may like. In short, if you and Anakin wanted to see one another, you usually had to make time.

Anakin could sense your nerves as you approached his hallway, his door. Usually he would wait for your four sharp raps against the door frame, but tonight he waited patiently behind the door, ready to pull you in. He couldn’t help it. He felt possessed by you, you consumed nearly every waking thought, and destroyed his subconscious dreams. You kept him tethered to the real world, he often felt like he could disappear into the vastness of the force any minute, but with the promise of you, Anakin’s feet remained firmly planted.

You were dragged into Anakin’s bare chest and strong arms before you even raised your fist to knock. Snaking your arms around his waist, the contact wasn’t doing much for the uncomfortable heat. As Anakin found his metal hand wrapped into your hair, kissing your hairline, dragging his flesh fingers down your spine, he realised just how much he had missed you while he was off-world.

“Hello.” You whispered into the night, mumbled by Anakin’s skin. He heard you, nonetheless.

“Hello.” Anakin always managed to sound sure of himself, you didn’t understand how he was always so even in tone. You knew other padawans called him whiny when you were younger, but you had never seen this whiny, baby side that your lover supposedly had.

War, you supposed, ages people.

You started: “I really missed you this time-” Just as Anakin managed to get out:

“Gods, I missed you, you have no idea-”

His metal hand gently grasps your chin, directing your eyes up to his own. You couldn’t help but giggle, his smirk, the little dimple, his shiny eyes, fresh scars. He was beautiful.

Despite it all, Anakin’s lips were soft, warm, inviting. The humidity has chapped yours, but in the process made them more sensitive. You could’ve sworn that you felt every nerve fire through that kiss.

Never breaking the kiss, Anakin walked you backwards, your knees hitting his bed.

For the first time in a long while, Anakin felt scared. It was in the air tonight, how badly the two of you wanted each other. And now, here you were, laid flat on his bed, looking expectantly up at him, the city lights filtering through his blinds, refracting across your face.

“Why so nervous Skywalker?” You quipped, your voice no louder than a whisper. You quirked an eyebrow, and Anakin’s flesh hand found the back of his neck, scratching nervously. Anakin could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks, branding his nervousness as tangible. “I thought you said you’ve done this before.” Anakin knew you were poking fun at him to try and aid his anxiety, making a serious thing not feel so serious.

And yes, it was true. Padmé, Naboo, guard duty. It was fun, Anakin learnt a lot. But with you it’s just different, there are other emotions in play, more attachment. And of that, he had to admit he was scared.

You could see the apprehension in Anakin’s face, it was kind of hilarious really. You were the virgin in this scenario, already slick with want for him, and an eagerness to boot. Leaning up to capture his lips in a soft, gentle, innocent kiss, you whispered: “Just…be gentle.” And with that, Anakin got to work.

With your legs hanging over his bed, Anakin knelt on the floor, face to face with your clothed core. Gingerly, his fingertips grazed over the waistband of your grey pants, your shirt sneaking further up your chest, displaying the sliver of sensitive, goosebump-riddled skin. Before going any further, Anakin looked up, his brilliant blue eyes of fire meeting your own.

“Are you sure?” This was Anakin’s final probe for consent, he had to know you felt comfortable, felt safe with him. He knew most people his age didn’t really see having sex as a big thing, it wasn’t so serious, it was normal. But not to Anakin. Sex, something so primal, so ancient, with so many intricacies and vulnerabilities, it should be treated with respect.

Anakin couldn’t live with himself if you thought he didn’t respect you.

You loved Anakin- not that you’ve ever said this aloud to him - and his carefulness when it came to you.

“Yes, Anakin.” You huffed, squirming in anticipation.

He needed no further convincing, quickly ridding you of your standard issue pants and plain panties.

Spreading your legs open with a firmness you weren’t unfamiliar with, Anakin kept a strong grip on the inner, tender skin of your thighs as he started devouring your already sopping cunt.

Anakin loved eating you out, it was divine. His tongue launched through your folds, he sucked and nibbled on your throbbing, hot core. The lewd sounds only spurring him on more. This wasn’t Anakin’s first time eating you out, but the soft mewls that sprang from your mouth felt different this time. Anakin’s cold, metal fingers found their way to your clit, you hissed from the contact.

Anakin could feel your orgasm building from the slight tremble reverberating onto his mouth. His own cock was fully hard and painfully constricted by his grey, cotton pants. He knew that his precum was probably leaving a wet patch, a stain, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

“Oh,” you cried, back arching as Anakin’s mouth kept working on your core. “Anakin, Anakin please-“ you begged. You didn’t know what you begged him for. His cock, to let you come, as thanks? It didn’t matter though as your first orgasm tore right through you, flashes of white hot light felt like they were being torn out of you. Anakin happily feasted on your slick, his chest heaving with yours in unison.

Pulling away from your core, the humid air set your body alight, as Anakin quickly rid himself of his pants. Spitting on his hand with some of your leftover orgasm, he pumped himself a few times, his red tip leaky and sensitive. Anakin could’ve easily cum then and there, watching you come to from your fucked out state, hair spread out on the bed like a halo, beautiful strong legs shaking slightly.

You missed his closeness, eagerly propping yourself up onto your elbows to watch Anakin stroking his huge member. You couldn’t help but flush a bright pink at the sight of it. You knew logically it had to fit, but you weren’t quite sure how. And, maybe it was egotistical of you, but you felt ravenous at the idea of the Chosen One’s dick being hard at the sight of yourself. You were the one to get Skywalker the Hero hot and bothered.

It was the greatest victory you had ever scored.

Anakin crawled himself between your outstretched legs, lining his hard member up to your slick and weepy hole. He looked at your shiny, beautiful eyes once more, just once more to confirm that you were happy, comfortable.

The softness in your round eyes, and your genuine smile was enough for him.

He thrusted his tip in gently, just enough for you to adjust. Anakin could’ve cum on the spot, again, from the rolling of your gorgeous eyes back into your pretty little head. Sucking his bottom lip into his mouth, he needed to move.

“Sweetheart can I move?” Anakin asks softly, moving his mouth to the sensitive part of your neck, just under your ear. Nibbling and kissing downwards in a fiery path.

“Oh, please Anakin I need more I need you-“ You were vaguely aware of your rambling but you didn’t care, rolling your hips up to meet his, coercing him and his cock to fill you completely.

Filling you to the hilt, Anakin couldn’t help but moan into your neck. Your velveteen walls were heaven sent. Anakin’s low moaning as he pumped in and out of you at a slow, deep pace was incomprehensible. You couldn’t help but to moan yourself, stringing curses and his name along with it.

“Faster Anakin.” You begged him, your hands finding his muscular back, all sinew and tone. You scratched up and down the length of his spine.

This set Anakin alight, picking up the pace and fucking you like an animal. He could’ve sworn he felt every feathering motion, as you constricted around him.

“Ani- I’m - ah, oh - Anakin I’m going to cum.” Your confession was innocent enough, but Anakin looked away from your contorted, beautiful face and looked to where your bodies joined. He saw your precious cream for the second time that night. But this time it spilt out around the base of his cock, getting caught in his curly, dark hair.

Something snapped in Anakin then, fucking you further, harder, at an unrelenting pace through your orgasm. Until he felt his balls tightening. He knew he was close.

Grunting, he asked: “I’m gonna cum baby, where do you want it Sweetheart?”

The simple question bought tears of pleasure to your eyes, your back arching, one of your hands wrapped around Anakin’s padawan braid, pulling his ear to your mouth.

“Inside, oh please cum inside me Ani.”

That was all Anakin needed to release. Thick ropes of hot come shot through you, as he left his cock inside, slowly fucking his cum into you.

With his cock still inside, Anakin lent over you, face to face. The two of you focusing on each others force signature, calming your erratic breathing.

Maybe it was the thrill of the night, but you felt possessed by a happier version of your normal self.

“I love you.” The admission was so quiet, Anakin wasn’t sure he even heard you. To be fair, you didn’t even know if you spoke it.

“Say it again.” Anakin begged, stroking your stuck hair away from your sweaty face.

“I love you Anakin Skywalker.”

“And I love you.”

[veryace-ficrecs]

Jedi Culture and Customs Fic Recs

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)

In Search of Comfort by BreakfastTea - Rated G

A collection of short stories in which Cal gives and receives comfort, originally posted to Tumblr in 2022 and 2023. Expect hugs, blankets and pancakes!

‘The Temporary Temple Guards’ by RoosjeM - Not Rated

It was a widely known fact within the Temple, that the Temple Guards stationed at the Coruscant Temple were experiencing a ‘shortage’ at the moment. Seeing as Knights were sent out to complete missions and went on protective details, they were also the Corp that was responsible for the Temple Guards. - “I may have an issue.” “What is it?” The boy was alone. No one else was around despite it being the middle of the night. Just the boy who made a bee-line for Obi-Wan. He was way too young to be out at this time let alone out here all alone. It was the boy’s training armour that tipped Obi-wan off that this was more than just a lost child. “I have a youngling in front of me. There is no one else around and I am pretty sure he’s Mandalorian.” Quinlan paused, then asked, “...Come again?” Obi-Wan peered down at the child tugging at his arm. “Aran, ner echoy'la.” Kriff. “Correction, I have a Mandalorian boy in front of me telling me he’s lost.” - Or it’s Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi’s turn to be a Temporary Temple Guard and of course one of his past missions comes back to haunt him.

My head is warm, my feet are cold by themonopolyhat - Rated T

No one knows yet how in the Sith hells Obi-Wan managed to sneak up to his quarters before collapsing, either. The fact that he did so on the morning of his own fucking funeral is so theatrical that Vokara may never forgive him.

Or: Obi-Wan rescues himself, gives a Padawan anxiety, and creates problems for Mace and Vokara.

An AU/remix of Night_Fury's if i don't make it back (from where i've gone).

Knights of the Republic by darkstars12 - Rated G

For too many years the Jedi have been mysterious to us. They have been idolized to the point of legend and today we’re here to set the record straight. The Jedi are not some kind of little gods, but rather a beautiful and unique culture that has yet to be explored within modern media. I’m your host Xiaan Pauk and this is Knights of the Republic: Unfiltered.

carried in your heart by grumpyhedgehogs - Rated G

“I am always with you.” Obi-Wan tells her. Her heart thumps painfully in her chest as her grandmaster rests his palm over it. The organ betrays her, beats away like it can crack her ribs apart and slip between them to leap into Obi-Wan’s chest and stay there with him, always. Slowly, tentatively, Ahsoka lets Obi-Wan guide her to rest her own palm over his heart. It pulses under her fingers, reminding Ahsoka at least one Jedi still lives on. “You are always with me.”

Mace's Headache by Siri_Kenobi12 - Rated G

The Jedi Council is shocked after that fateful meeting with Qui-Gon Jinn in TPM, but should they really be surprised that the ‘Maverick’ of the Order would somehow be the epicenter of the prophesied “Chosen One” and the reemergence of the Sith? Should they really be surprised that the Padawan raised by the defiant Dooku would find a loophole in the code in order to get what he wants? That he’d stubbornly stick to his position even if it meant he inadvertently crushed the future of a promising young man in the process? The question plaguing Mace’s mind now is, does he step in to try and fix it? Or does he just leave things alone? Either way Mace Windu already has a headache.

in the swing over the creek by ash_in_a_burrito - Rated T

Obi-Wan Kenobi was sitting in the corner of the crèche, drawing pictures.

Stardust Showers by ash_in_a_burrito - Rated G

Obi-Wan Kenobi looked to the left. He looked to the right. Now was his chance. Time to escape!

the moon slides down the stairs by ash_in_a_burrito - Rated T

Depa Billaba led her padawan, Caleb Dume, through the halls of the Jedi Temple. The path they took was one that was as familiar to her as the katas of Shii-Cho. or Shatterpoint Lineage Dinner, with a twist

Epistolary Investigations by Knifehawk - Rated T

History is an interesting thing, especially when it involves an organization like the Jedi Order that has records stretching back twenty-five thousand years. One would expect that such an organization would have a relatively clear and accurate understanding of their own history, especially history merely four thousand years in the past, but what happens when a single Jedi, desperately searching for any new knowledge that will quench the ire of his archivist friend, discovers information that calls the entire history, and doctrine, of the Jedi Order into question. Typically, debates would be had, accusations and rumors of heresy and apostacy launched, and the seeker would back down fearing their declaration as "fallen." When that Jedi is Master Yan Dooku, Padawan of Grandmaster Yoda, Jedi Shadow, and close friend of Archivist Jocasta Nu and Seer Syfo-Dias? It turns out that a great many things change. Probably for the best as time is running out, and a Force-gifted confrontation edges closer and closer.

then leaf subsides to leaf by The_Last_Kenobi (orphan_account) - Not Rated

You are a Jedi, and this is what that means.

a stitch in time by ash_in_a_burrito - Rated T

Obi-Wan looked out at his clan of initiates. The Dragon Clan had about ten younglings, all gathered around, looking at him with eager eyes. If he was being honest, he was feeling a little nervous about taking his first class. Quin had told him that it would feel natural, and he’d find it no problem, but Quin had also been practically raising Aayla since she was 4 years old.

Scarab by b1uebear - Rated G

“Master,” she said, “is it wrong for a Jedi to kill?” “It would certainly be wrong for you to kill that poor beetle,” Mace replied. Padawan Bo-Katan gets into a philosophical discussion with her Master. For Jedi June 2024.

Spread Too Thin by owlfeather - Rated G

A Jedi may not be able to help everyone. Elara refuses to accept it.

The Eight Younglings by ThirteenGreen - Rated G

The Jedi fosterer Master Laeus goes on another trip across the galaxy to collect younglings for the order. Her journey takes her to seven different worlds in the Republic, different cultures and peoples offering different receptions and glimpses of the galaxy, but all holding a part of the next generation of Jedi.

Little Muttamok Rescue by Jedi_Joanna - Rated G

“I want to keep her.” “No.” Dacken Harfai is a Jedi Initiate of Clan Dewback. Everyone says the war is coming to a close. This is great; now Dacken can figure out how to find who is meant to be his Jedi Master. And, of course, Amon -a muttamok who now lives with the clan- will help.

[maeve-on-mustafar]

hello!! first of all: I’m so obsessed with your writing especially your anakin and mace dynamics of all kinds and your anakin-obi-wan-ahsoka trio. if you’re still writing for the anakin is mace’s padawan series, could I ask for your thoughts about anakin’s relationships with other padawans in this world?

First of all, thank you so much for your kind words! I love Anakin and Mace so much and have so many ideas about them being friends (or more) or Master and Padawan. It’s always so lovely when another Mace & Anakin (or Mace/Anakin) fan reaches out!

I do plan to update my series about Anakin as Mace’s Padawan one day! It’s slow going as I fight the intrusive thoughts and scramble for free time between school and work, but I have several WIPs and a few more ideas besides that that I’d love to be able to put down.

I’m always really fascinated by Anakin’s relationships with other Padawans in both Legends and canon, and I really like it when he’s introduced as having friends. It’s very popular in fandom to only have Aayla Secura as Anakin’s one friend throughout his entire time at the Temple (if he’s given any friends at all), but I really like to remember Tru, Darra, Jax Pavan, and Zule Xiss and the rest of the Padawan Pack from Jabiim.

I think being Mace’s Padawan changes Anakin’s relationships with other Padawans in that as he gets older, he feels more pressure to step up and try to be a leader/mentor to his peers as a way to honor Mace and all of the Jedi who have helped him. It’s not that Anakin feels like he has to be a model student or a perfect Padawan—he just wants to make it known that he recognizes the kindness he’s been shown and it capable of passing it onto others, whether that means helping some of the Padawans who are struggling to chose that their lightsaber form or going with a particular Padawan who a Senator has been personally inviting to their apartment to make sure it’s all above board.

TBH, I don’t think Anakin is ever entirely comfortable in this role? He’s always aware of the eyes on him and that there are certain expectations for him as the Padawan of the Master of the Order. There’s always a part of him that would rather be in his workshop repairing droids or inventing new starship designs. But he tries to channel that into other actions, like helping new Padawans design their lightsabers, or holding a “Mechanics 101” class for Jedi who aren’t as tech savvy as he is.

But in many ways, Anakin is the same guy. He still clashes with Ferus, because Ferus is still judgmental about Anakin’s hobbies. He still finds a way to swoops race if he thinks he can get away with doing it for a mission. He’s still very talented and he knows it, but I think in the position he’s in as Mace’s Padawan, he feels like he can’t show off as much without it coming across as bragging, so he has to truly chose his moments to shine. But he never resents Mace or any of the other Jedi (beyond Ferus) for it. It’s more of an internal frustration that Anakin has with himself.

I think that might be the biggest difference between who Anakin would be as Mace’s Padawan vs. Obi-Wan’s Padawan. Especially in Legends, a huge insecurity of Anakin���s was that Obi-Wan didn’t actually want Anakin as his Padawan and only is training him out of obligation to Qui-Gon. With as snarky as Obi-Wan could be, and in particular, because Obi-Wan actually said in TPM that Anakin was dangerous and should not be trained when Anakin was standing right next to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, I don’t think Anakin ever overcame this fear. As far as I’m aware, unless I’m forgetting something, Obi-Wan never reassure Anakin that this wasn’t the case.

But with Mace Windu taking Anakin as his Padawan, Anakin knows Mace chose him. There’s never any doubt that Mace wanted to train him or that he loves him, and Anakin loves him back. I see that aspect of their relationship as being very simple; there is never any doubt of their affection for one another. But I think Anakin remains insecure in a different way, especially since he’s thrust into the spotlight much earlier and on a much more regular basis. A part of him is always hyper aware of his background and is wondering if he, as a former slave, is good enough to be trained by the Master of the Order, and I think a lot of his relationships with other Padawans are shaped by him trying to overcome that insecurity and be a person they trust and rely on. But I don’t think this particular doubt of Anakin heals until he reaches Knighthood.

Thank you so much for your kind words, and I’m sorry it took me so long to respond. I want to work on clearing out my ask box, so if anyone has any asks they’re waiting on me to get to, believe me, I’m working on it! ❤️ Thank you so much to anyone who’s read and enjoyed my fics!

[jellyfishsthings]

Warnings: this is going to be a multi part series and it's going to be angsty cause I am in my feels. Female reader, Padmé and Anakin were together but had a healthy break up, Jedi reader so forbidden love

This story takes plays in Clone Wars yet many events have been changed (like the meeting of Ashoka and Anakin... don't worry the sibling energy is still there.)

series masterlist

The meeting ended way faster than it was planned due to… you guessed it, a surprise attack. Both me and Anakin fought with great intensity and when it was over, we had won every Senator over. Our job was done. And so after bidding goodbye, we headed towards our ship. Anakin sat in the driving compartment ready to pilot the ship back to the Temple and I joined him.

A comfortable silence enveloped us, safety and protection radiated from him and sooner than later I felt myself slip into a much-needed slumber.

A set of plain dark grey doors stood tall before me, and as I reached to open them my hand came short several centimetres under the handles. A tall black man called Windu stood beside me, silently assessing me. I stood on my tiptoes and opened the doors. Several pairs of eyes turned towards me and I felt myself shrink back. Master Windu placed his hand on my shoulder and gave me a slight push while whispering "It will be alright".

My feet carried me to the buffet of the cafeteria and my mouth watered at the sight of the plethora of food. I wasn't used to it and my stomach growled as the minutes flew by. In the end, I chose rice with some chicken because I knew that even though I could eat anything on the table my stomach wouldn't be able to handle more than that. I headed towards the far side of the room, where next to no one was sitting.

A blond boy suddenly appears in front of me, startling me. He has a kind face, that is framed by shortcutted hair and a small braid, a padawan. He smiles at me as he examines me.

"Hi, I am Anakin. You can join me and the rest of the padawans if you want to."

"No thank you."

"Are you shy? Or just really stuck up? Because there is this girl Jade…" He says maliciously. "Well let's just say that no one likes Jade."

I snort a small chuckle and he laughs at me.

"Is it okay if I come and sit with you?"

"Sure," I said back to him.

He simply rushes back to his table and grabs his lunch before coming back to the table. He lets his tray down with a thud and he beams at me with a toothy smile, some of his teeth are missing, as he sits down. He must be older than me by a year or so or two.

"I see you chose the chicken. Good choice but it is a bit like a tyre you know, probably overcooked. You should try the roasted beef next time. It is simply great."

The ship rocks side to side being caught in a star storm, a hushed curse sounds as I shift my position trying to get comfortable.

My body is covered in sweat and I pant like crazy. My sides burn like there is no tomorrow.

"Again?" Anakin asks with a smirk.

"I hate you"

"Oh come on, trouble. I am sure you will beat me next time."

I roll my eyes at the nickname. You crash five fighter jets and set only two fires and suddenly you are a pariah. Anakin was the only one who defended me because somehow he had figured out that I wanted to go home or to what was left of it. He stopped me at the last minute and he crashed three out of the five jets.

Training with Anakin late at night when the whole Temple rested. When the nightmares started nothing could calm me down. The sleepless nights started to catch up with me, and the dark circles that adorned my eyes were prominent. After a while, he suggested joining me when trying to fall asleep like we used to do when we were little. And for a time it worked and then they got worse. He believed they were just nightmares but they were memories of the abuse and the destruction.

Then Master Obi-Wan said that we had both fallen back on our training and that we should be focused only on that. That was our priority. And so one late night in the training room turned to hundred and to thousand. We would fight to the brink of exhaustion and then we would turn off like lights.

In the meantime, we have both grown. My body started to turn more feminine, and curves showed up, attracting creepy stares from the boys and glares from the girls. Anakin on the other side gained a lot of height, surpassing me by a full head. His once lean body slowly became more muscular, and his shoulders were broadened.

I examined him as we both tried to gain our breath.

As he was still trying to calm down, I lunged at him. Raising my lightsabers, trying to disarm me. His quick reflexes were his saviour. Our sabers clashed as we attacked and defended ourselves. It was like a dance, a brutal one and we matched each other. No one could know for how long we stayed there until he missed a step and went down like a sack of potatoes.

"That … was not … fair. I was caught off guard." He says breathlessly.

"Say that… to your enemy… next time." I say to him smirking and I grab his outstretched arm, pulling him up.

"I miss the days when I did all the talking. You were less mean." He says with a pout and I laugh at him. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see him for six months.

I feel someone move me from my sitting position and being laid down on the reclined chair. A light duvet covers my body. His familiar scent fills my nostrils and drifts me back to sleep.

Master Windu watches me from the top of the stadium and his encouragement comes to me in waves through the Force. Today I gained my knighthood. And after all of the struggles and challenges, this moment of that day is not my favourite.

I found myself unable to sleep so I took a walk through the Temple. I tried to meditate. Still, I feel on edge, some would say that it is because of my achievement of becoming a Jedi Knight. I wander in the aircraft zone, his favourite place. I need to feel close to him, now more than ever. A few months ago he left for the war front with some other padawans and Jedis, for some reason, I was not approved to follow. At least not yet.

I see a craft landing and I hide behind a pillar, holding tightly one of my lightsabers in my hand, ready to attack.

A deep voice sounds. "I already told you, Master. I didn't not hint that-"

"That is the problem with you you never think." A familiar voice said. Obi-Wan's voice sounds tired and full of panic. "You could have been killed."

"Don't say that Master. I didn't do anything wrong." The deep voice says mischievously, his voice laced with mirth.

"Oh really. Well, I guess there is nothing wrong with jumping off of jets, and completely trusting your life on a droid, no offence Artoo, or challenging your opponents. You are being reckless."

I slowly pull myself out from my hiding space trying to get a better look at the two approaching figures. Obi-Wan is the same, only his robes are more tattered and he looks bone tired as he moves at the pace of a sloth.

The figure next to him wears dark clothes blending in the dark night sky. Yet I am able to make him out. His blond hair has grown from his short spiky haircut. He seems even taller and his body more muscular than it was. It fits snuggly against his armour. Ani, he is here, he is back.

Without a second thought, I sprint towards him and jump on top of him. He staggers back by the force of the sudden impact. His arms shoot out to catch me as he gains his footing.

"Hey, trouble. I missed you." He whispers into the skin of my neck as he buries his head in the crook of my neck, breathing me in. His arms tighten around me and I wrap my legs around his waist. He is solid, covered in hard muscle and almost double in size. His voice is several octaves lower than it used to be. Everything about him makes my stomach roll and coil into a knot. That's when it all started. Since then I could not pull my eyes from him. Since then I could not stop thinking and fantasizing about him.

I am woken up by the rumble of the edges shutting down. I blink the sleepiness away and pull myself up ready to head towards my room. A hand grabs mine, stopping me on the spot.

"You look beautiful, you know. You should wear dresses more often." He says as he looks at me with a loving gaze. I blush harshly as he walks away, only turning his gaze back to me to say "Goodnight, trouble."

My eyesight finds the first reflective surface and I take a long look at my appearance. My hair had fallen from the messy curled bun Padmé had somehow made at the top of my head. The dress truly compliments my figure, making every curve stand out, daunting every man to take a look. Yet my strong arms stand out, in contrast to the soft aspects of my body making me look like a true fighter. Making me look like a Greek goddess.

words: 1.622

[dragon-of-the-soutn]

I love ruining the life of my funky little Jedi oc.

Because really she should have gotten Qui Gon Jinn or someone Qui Gon Jinn adjacent as her Master. Because she is on exactly the same wave length of crazy as he is but in a completely different way.

But she didn’t, she got Mace Windu instead and it’s the funniest thing ever.

Because don’t be fooled, she may seem sweet and kind and she may look like she wouldn’t hurt a fly but really she’s bonkers. This is the same kids whose best friend in the whole world is Anakin Skywalker who shamelessly enables all her actions.

This is the kid who spent her youth sneaking into the restricted section of the Temple library to find books on the Sith. Not because she wanted to go over to the dark side or be evil, but because she firmly believed that if she could just understand what made the Sith tick then she could win them back to the light through the power of friendship. Once she gets a grip on there philosophy it’s over, anyone can be redeemed through the power of being nice.

But this does mean she needs to sneak aboard that Jedi Archeology expedition to the Sith ruins they just found because she’s 100% certain that if she just got a grip on Sith architecture better than her 12 step plan to defeating the sith through the power of hugs could be implemented.

She is also the single worst lightsaber dualist the Jedi Order had possibly ever seen. Through a combination of simply being bad at it and ‘but master I don’t want to hurt people’ her teachers have given up hope.

Which is why Yoda rubbing his hands together and cackling to himself is like: needs to lighten up Windu does, and needs to calm down the youngling does. Excellent plan I have!

Which is how we end up with world’s grumpiest Master and his sunshine but secretly crazy Padawan my beloved.

Mace in the worlds most exhausted tone for the 900th time: Padawan you do know that if you ever met a Sith they would try to kill you? And not feel any remorse because they’re Sith?!

Her beaming like a sun with the most honest and endearing big eyed innocent expression: Yes but that why we need the 12 step plan! Don’t you see Master, we can help them feel remorse and become better people through kindness and compassion! It may take time but it will be worth it in the end and really, isn’t that what being a Jedi is all about?

Mace: oh force.

Yoda is somewhere cackling manically in the background.

Don’t worry, they actually balance one another out really well it just takes them both a little while to figure that out.

[kanerallels]

Today's Spring Fling prompt from @monthly-challenge is Yellow! I wrote it shortly after 3x09 of The Bad Batch, and it was somewhat inspired by this post by @nimata-beroya!

It had been a full year. A year since Order 66, since the Jedi were declared betrayers and were, subsequently, massacred at the hands of their clones.

A year since Quinlan Vos’s life, so recently put back together, was torn to pieces again.

The first time, in all fairness, had been largely his fault. And he’d lost a lot then. But he’d been making things right, working for good again. He’d even been finally allowed back in the field, back fighting the Separatists.

And then. In the blink of an eye, in one order from the Chancellor— or should he say the Emperor— it was all gone. Vos had felt the lives ripped away through the Force, leaving an empty, black hole where they had been.

The Jedi were no more.

He was alive, Force only knew how. A combination of dumb luck— he’d been scouting ahead when the order went through— and skill. His stomach churned at the memory— he’d had to cut his way through too many of his men. Far too many.

And even as he set off an explosive, destroying the remains of his commander and his men, leaving behind the charred shape of his lightsaber— minus the crystal, of course— Vos couldn’t help but think of the others.

He knew Kenobi was alive, obviously. He’d gotten the message to stay away from the Temple while hunkered down in one of his hideouts in the Outer Rim, trying to figure out what the kark to do next. But the rest? Master Yoda, Master Windu? Thousands of other Jedi who he’d known, fought alongside? His own apprentice was among the dead. The painful memory lanced through him— of going to Felucia, finding the place where she fell. And then causing a huge ruckus trying to steal back her lightsaber from the troopers who’d taken it.

And then there were the clones. Vos wasn’t totally sure what had happened. And he hadn’t been with his clone commander for long. But Harrow was a solid guy, and wasn’t the type to just start shooting at you. The clones had been loyal to their generals, so something here wasn’t right. Vos’s current operating theory was that it was something to do with Dark side manipulation. Which meant Cody, Harrow, and thousands of others had been bent to the will of a Sith.

People had been hurt. People had been killed. And the only thing Vos could do about it?

Hide.

He hated it. He really, really hated it. The closest thing he had to family had been massacred, and all he was doing about it was dropping off the radar. Vos should have been fighting back.

But Kenobi had said keep your head down. And Vos tended to trust him. So he was keeping his head down. Besides, the Empire would be a tough nut to crack, even as a Jedi. Not impossible, mind. But tough.

So he’d disappeared— something he already had some practice in. Cut his hair, hid all relics of his former Jedi life, and just… blended in. Suffice to say, it was not the easiest thing he’d ever done. But Vos had picked it up eventually. Now he had a job and a tiny apartment and a grumpy neighbor, and he wasn’t dead. All very important things.

But now it had been a year since his family had been slaughtered. And things were only getting worse, and Vos was getting antsy.

So, he decided, maybe it was time to do something.

It started out when he was heading back to his apartment after work. Usually his neighbor, Traz, got home around the same time, and Vos liked to bother him for a little while. The grumpy Mirialan’s dry sense of humor reminded him a little of Obi-Wan, who he missed. A lot. So it was really hard for Vos to resist teasing him a little.

Today, when he headed up the creaky stairs to his floor, Traz was there at his apartment door, like usual. But he wasn’t unlocking the door. Instead, he was facing two stormtroopers, both carrying blasters.

Vos kept his gait casual as he approached, taking in the situation quickly. One of the troopers was talking, and Vos caught the last few words. “—provide some kind of ID soon, or you’ll be taking a trip with us to our commanding officer.”

Oooh, Vos thought. Terrifying. But when he looked at Traz’s face, it was clear his friend thought it was exactly that terrifying. His green skin was a chalkier shade than usual, and his hands were clenched into fists. “Like— like I said, I left it at work. I’ll have it soon, just—”

“Hey, there, friend,” Vos said, strolling up behind the troopers. Draping his arms around their shoulders, he gave Traz a wink. “Didn’t know it was a party— am I invited?”

Oddly, his presence didn’t seem to bring Traz much comfort. The troopers didn’t appreciate it much either. Shoving him backwards, one of them leveled a blaster at him. “Who are you?” she barked.

Holding his hands up, Vos said, “Easy there, troopers. I’m just heading home from work. The name’s Vos. What’s the problem here?” Snapping his fingers, he said, “Traz! Did you leave your ID at work again?”

A look of confusion crossed Traz’s face, which wasn’t surprising since to Vos’s knowledge, the Mirialan had never done that. He was fastidiously careful about that stuff, like Obi-Wan. Kark, I miss that guy.

“So he claims,” the other trooper said gruffly. “But he’s required to present identification. What’s your chain code?”

Panic flashed across Traz’s face, so quick that Vos only barely caught it. Ohhhhh. He doesn’t have one. Wonder how that happened. “I’m sure that’s not necessary,” he scoffed, keeping his tone cheerful and laid back. “I mean, look at the guy. He’s never broken a rule in his life.”

“This is none of your concern, citizen,” the first trooper snapped. “Go to your apartment.”

Okay, so we’re not playing nice. Time to bend the rules a little, I guess. Stepping forward quickly, Vos slipped between the stormtroopers and Traz. Blocking his friend’s view, he spread his hands. “Hey. There’s no need for all this— you don’t need his identification right now, do you?”

At the same moment, he pushed his intention through the Force. Come on. Work. Don’t let them catch me.

There was a brief pause, then the first trooper said, “There’s no need for all this.”

“We don’t need his ID right now,” the second trooper agreed. And with that, they turned and headed back down the stairs.

Releasing a sigh, Vos rolled his shoulders to release the tension. He hadn’t used the Force in public since… probably since I stole Aayla’s saber back. Oof. But kind of impressive— close to a year, and I still got it. Not bad, Quinlan. Holding back a grin, he glanced at Traz.

The Mirialan was staring at him, eyes wide. “How?” was all he said, confusion bright on his face.

Shooting him a wink, Vos said, “I won’t say anything if you won’t.”

For a minute, Traz didn’t speak. Then, he slowly nodded. “Okay.”

“Good.” And with that, Vos strolled into his apartment, feeling a tiny flicker of success. He’d done something. For the first time in months, he’d done something.

Nothing else happened the next day. But the day after— his day off— someone knocked on the door in the middle of Vos’s meditations. (which he still tried to do, when not absolutely exhausted from work. He couldn’t let go of it, not after a lifetime of being a Jedi. If it put him at risk… well, at least life would be a little more interesting.)

Hopping to his feet, Vos crossed the room and opened the door. Outside stood Traz, and with him was a blue-skinned Twi’lek girl who couldn’t be more than fifteen. 

Technically, she didn’t look like Aayla. But the serious way she studied him when he opened the door almost knocked him off his feet, pain clawing at his chest as he pictured his apprentice in her place. Ow. Nope. She’s gone, and not a kid. She’s gone, Quinlan. Let it go.

Taking a quick breath and trying to pretend that he wasn’t gripping the door frame to keep himself steady, he gave them a quizzical grin. “Hi?”

“This is him?” the Twi’lek girl asked Traz. She sounded deeply skeptical, and Vos held back a laugh. Probably he should be offended, but he really couldn’t blame her. He was currently wearing lounge pants with porgs on them, and an ancient band t-shirt for someone called the Twisted Rancor Trio.

“This is him,” Traz assured her. “He saved me from getting dragged into the Imperial headquarters the other day.”

Uh-oh. “This is true,” Vos agreed. “I am a naturally charming guy like that. How is this relevant, and are you trying to sell me something? Cookies, perhaps? Because I will shell out a couple credits for cookies.”

Rolling his eyes, Traz muttered, “And now you see why I didn’t think he’d be useful.”

The Twi’lek girl, however, was smiling. “I’m not here to sell you something,” she told him. “I’m here to ask you if you want to help more people.”

One of Vos’s eyebrows shot up. “Say what now?”

“We’ve all seen the Empire doing terrible things. And we all know that what they’re doing is wrong,” she said, her voice lowering slightly. “And you acted on that. So… I’m wondering if you’d like to do that a little more often.”

Ooooooh. This was dangerous. It was probably pretty stupid, and the exact opposite of keeping his head down. But… he’d had enough of keeping his head down, and he’d done his fair share of bad. It was time to do something good.

“You better come in,” Vos told them, stepping back from the door. “Let’s talk business— anyone want some snacks?”

They did, in fact, want snacks. As they munched on the snack cakes Vos had bought a few days earlier, the Twi’lek girl— who introduced herself as Tyala— explained the situation. She and Traz knew a lot of people who didn’t have chain codes, or who were fugitives from the Empire in one way or another. Traz himself was among the group without chain codes.

“But I had to stay here,” he explained. “Tyala’s on her own, and—”

“Everyone’s pretty sure I’ll get myself arrested without someone keeping an eye on me,” Tyala said, rolling her eyes as she munched on one of the cakes. Vos noticed her nails were painted a bright shade of orange. “Although I’ve never been arrested before, unlike some people here.”

Ignoring her, Traz said, “Besides, I couldn’t turn my back on the people here.”

“Good for you,” Vos told him. “So what would I be doing?”

The duo exchanged a look. “Well,” Tyala said, “you’re a lot better at talking your way past Imperials than we are. How about escorting refugees off the planet?”

Vos grinned. “That sounds like my style.”

And that was how things began. Every so often, Traz signaled Vos that they were ready for him to sneak a group past the Empire’s eyes. From there, Vos met Tyala at an old abandoned factory and picked up the group. He’d had to scrape together enough credits to buy a ship— a rickety old freighter which just barely ran— but it was worth it to be doing something. To help families to freedom.

The other two in the group never mentioned the circumstances under which Traz had decided to recruit him, which Vos appreciated. The less they knew, the better, and they seemed to recognize that.

(they’d had one talk, he and Traz. Once, where the Mirialan had mentioned his cousin had been taken by the Empire. “My family always thought he might be… different,” he said, significance heavy on the last word. “Jedi different. And then the Empire came in and took him. We haven’t seen him since.”

Vos hadn’t said anything about it, other than a quiet “I’m sorry”. Truth be told, it was probably better they didn’t know what happened to the kid. Force knew what the Empire had cooked up for Force sensitives.)

And so things settled into a new, far more tolerable (if nerve wracking) rhythm of working, then saving people right under the Empire’s nose. A few months in, and Vos was finally getting used to things— when everything was thrown into chaos again.

It started when Traz was arrested. Vos was on his way back from a trip, adrenaline still buzzing under his skin. He was halfway up the staircase when he stopped. Because suddenly, the adrenaline wasn’t just that. It was a warning, humming through the Force.

A crowd of troopers were standing at the top of the staircase, and two more were leading Traz out of his apartment. The Mirialan made eye contact with Vos, and mouthed, Go.

For a moment, Vos hesitated. He couldn’t just leave his friend, couldn’t just let him be taken by the Empire. He knew what would happen. They both did.

But there was more at stake than just him. So Vos spun and darted back down the stairs, past the troop transport he’d completely missed. Someone shouted something at him, and Vos put on a burst of speed. It was time to disappear.

But he couldn’t do that quite yet. His go bag was stashed on his ship, and he carried some of the more important things with him at all times. But there was no way he could leave Tyala. He already hated himself for leaving Traz behind.

I’ll come back for him. But first things first, I get Tyala clear.

While it had never been clearly stated where the Twi’lek girl lived, Vos was pretty sure the abandoned factory where they met was a safe bet. She’d never really hidden the fact that she lived on her own, but without parents or an actual job, she couldn’t have an apartment.

When he made it to the factory, Tyala was waiting for him. “Traz sent a message, said he was— was compromised,” she told him, her voice hitching a little. “Is—”

“The Empire has him,” Vos said quietly, and a flash of pain went across the Twi’lek girl’s face.

Taking a deep breath, she said, “Okay. Then we have to go.”

Vos’s eyebrows went up. “I… yeah, but I expected a lot more arguments about that.”

“I promised him I’d run if he got caught,” Tyala said with a shrug. “And… we’re outnumbered. The two of us couldn’t do it— could we?”

There was the slightest whisper of hope in her last words, and Vos hated himself for crushing it. “No,” he said. “We’d need more back up, and we don’t have that. Yet.”

Nodding, Tyala said, “Okay, then. Let me get my stuff.”

She disappeared into the doorway behind her, then returned a minute later with a satchel slung over her shoulder. “Let’s go.”

Together, the two of them headed to the spaceport, evading Imperial patrols with practiced ease. The attendant at the spaceport knew Vos well enough at this point, so it was just a matter of a few credits under the table, and in no time at all he and Tyala were headed for his ship.

As they boarded, Vos heard voices behind them. The filtered voices of stormtroopers. His heart jumped painfully in his chest, but he didn’t flinch. Casually, he hit the door control, and the ramp started to close.

“Did they spot us?” Tyala asked softly. Clearly she’d heard the troopers, too.

“Don’t think so— but let’s make tracks, just in case. Do you know how to co-pilot?”

“Not really,” Tyala confessed. “I’ve never had to.”

Shrugging, Vos said, “You’re gonna learn on the fly, then— literally. Ha, I’m hilarious.”

Tyala rolled her eyes, but she looked a little less nervous as they hurried into the cockpit. 

The takeoff went fairly smoothly. Sure, halfway through the Empire noticed and tried to tell them to stop, but Vos had chosen his spaceport carefully. By the time they had TIEs in the air, the freighter was through the atmosphere, and Vos was splitting his attention between watching the radar and showing Tyala how to complete calculations for hyperspace.

And then they’d made it, and a weight eased off of Vos’s chest. Sitting back in his chair, he let out a long sigh. “Nice job, kid.”

“Thanks,” Tyala said, her voice quiet. Vos shot a glance at her, watched her fidgeting with the strap of her satchel, yellow painted nails startlingly bright against the dull fabric.

“Hey,” he said. “We’ll go back for him. We just need to find some backup, and come up with a plan.”

“Where are we going to find either of those?” Tyala asked.

“Well, the plan comes from my genius level intellect. The backup… I still have friends out there somewhere.” Hopefully. “Just give it some time,” Vos assured her. “Traz will be out in no time. Now, you want something to eat?”

Tyala, looking slightly less worried, nodded, and Vos headed into the small galley. Their supplies were dwindling, to say the least, and it took a little digging to unearth something edible. But eventually, he came back to the cockpit, an odd assortment of canned fruit and crackers piled in his arms.

When he strolled through the door, Tyala was sitting on the floor, the contents of her satchel spread out in front of her. “Just making sure I have everything,” she explained.

“Smart,” Vos said, dropping down across from her with a grunt. Setting down the food, he glanced at the small array of items. Some he expected— three bottles of nail polish, in varying stages of nearly empty, a vibroblade tucked in a sheath, a spare set of clothing.

There was also a holodisk, a datapad with a cracked screen, something wrapped in pale blue cloth, and a piece of stormtrooper armor. Vos frowned at the last one— the pauldron was cleaved cleanly in half. “What’s that?” he asked, nodding at it.

“Oh— I found it on this Imperial transport on Pantora,” Tyala explained. “Traz and I kind of had to steal it to escape some Imps before you showed up. It was super weird— we thought it would be hard, but all the troopers were gone. This was all that was left.”

“Can I?” Vos asked, and she nodded. “That is weird,” he mused, reaching for the shard of armor. “It’s cleanly cut— almost looks like a—”

His hand closed around the armor, and—

“Stop her!” the panicked shouts of his fellow troopers echoed almost as loud as the blaster fire they directed at their target. Scrambling backwards, he wished— not for the first time— that he’d never signed up for the Imperial Army, that he’d told his girlfriend goodbye properly, that he’d stood up to his commander when she’d ordered them to kill their prisoners, that he hadn’t gone into work this morning—

The two troopers to his left fell, and he had a good look at what was attacking them for the first time. His first thought was that it had to be a ghost, or a creature risen from the depths of the snow around them. Her skin was bone white, but dark gray lines crackled across it in jagged patterns. She was dressed in dark clothing, and the yellow saber she carried glowed against the armor of his companions and the snow.

The saber carved an arc towards him, and he jerked to the side at the last minute. Pain exploded through him, and a chunk of his pauldron clattered to the ground.

“Please,” he gasped. “I didn’t want to—”

“Then you should have grown a spine,” she growled. “Then you should have spoken up against it, and been shot rather than follow an order so vile.”

“I know,” he whispered, and he did. He hated what he’d done, and there was nothing he could do to make it right. So he closed his eyes, and waited for the end to come.

Only it didn’t. And it didn’t. And it didn’t, until finally, he looked up tentatively. The ghost woman was studying him, her expression impassive. Then it twisted with irritation, and she muttered a curse under her breath. “Fine,” she bit out. “You’re going to live.”

“I— I am?”

“Oh, don’t look so excited. You’re going to help me to pay off those debts. And don’t try and thank me, it’s not my first choice. But…” a trace of what looked oddly like sadness crossed her face. “I know someone who’d want me to make this choice.”

“Vos? Vos, are you okay?”

Vos blinked unsteadily. He was on his side, clutching the piece of armor so tightly it dug into his palm. Tyala was crouched over him, concern bright in her eyes. “What happened?” she asked.

Vos opened his mouth to answer, but instead, he started laughing. He couldn’t help it, even with the terror the trooper had felt still buzzing through his bones. Because he knew the woman in the vision.

She’s dead, he thought giddily. There’s no way. I brought her home myself. But it had been very clear to him that he hadn’t understood everything about Dathomir, or their ways.

And the woman carrying the yellow saber had been, unmistakably, Asajj Ventress. The former Sith assassin turned bounty hunter. The woman who had sacrificed her life for him. The woman he’d fallen in love with.

“Vos?” Tyala was watching him with great concern.

Sitting up, Vos grinned at her. “I’m fine.”

“Cool. What the kark was that?”

“Psychometry,” he told her, opening his hand and staring at the piece of armor. “I can sense memories— echoes, really— in inanimate objects. Things the owner left behind, if it’s a personal object. Or, you know, a really strong memory.”

“And… this one was?” Tyala guessed.

Nodding, Vos said, “Oh, yeah. And there’s good news about it, too. I think I know where we can find that backup I mentioned.”

Well. He didn’t know exactly where. But Ventress was alive, against all odds, and he knew where to start looking. Luckily, she made quite an impression, so it might not be too hard.Even if it was? Well, Vos didn’t give up easily. I’m on my way, Ventress, he thought. I promise.

[burnwater13]

Grogu sitting on the 'seeing' stone on Ossus, while he observes several Dark Troopers (not all in frame) approach him. Image from The Mandalorian, Season 2, Episode 6, The Tragedy. Calendar by DateWorks.

Here we go again… Grogu was already tired of the people sending bounty hunters after him. Now they were sending droids after him. Not bounty hunter droids. Been there. Done that. No, these droids were pretty clearly of the ‘bouncer’ variety. The kind of droids they had in high end establishments on Coruscant who’s whole purpose was to ‘escort’ people out of the space when they failed to meet required standards. Most of those standards had something to with having enough credits to pay for whatever damage they did, but sometimes it was just about being too noisy. Uff. 

He’d just have to find a way to deal with them once he got some rest. Yes, he wasn’t just talking about hypothetical bouncers. He’d met real bouncers. Big droids that had excellent grip strength and explicit programming on the their assigned tasks. They couldn’t actually harm you, but they could pick you up by the collar of your coverall and assist you in making a brisk exit of the location with no options for returning using that entrance/exit.

Yes, that was another example of a lived experience that Grogu only regretted in the soft way anyone regretted getting caught at doing something they would gladly do again and under the same circumstances if necessary. He didn’t even regret getting caught. He regretted that the reason he was where he wasn’t welcome was due to why he wasn’t welcome. It just wasn’t fair and he didn’t think that anyone really had to put up with being treated in such an unfair way. Ever.

Of course it wasn’t like fixing the culture of Coruscant was something that one small Jedi could do all by themselves. Grogu hadn’t even realized how many issues required fixing until he was in the middle of the whole situation that brought it all to his attention. It had started innocently enough. Ian had woken him up in the middle of the night complaining that he had a headache. Grogu had offered to heal him, but his friend stated categorically that all he needed fresh air and a good walk and he’d feel better. Grogu, concerned about his friend, who refused to be his patient, insisted on going along with him. What if he collapsed? Or couldn’t find his way back because his head hurt so much?

The two of them went down to the supply area of the temple and were able to slip out an open door while the vehicles that were bringing shipments of goods to the temple swapped positions. The knights who were responsible for the receiving operation hadn’t even noticed the two of them leave, which gave Grogu pause, but since he was on a mission to help his friend, he couldn’t do more. Security around the temple was getting pretty lax in his opinion.  

Once they were outside, Grogu just followed Ian. Not really walking right at his side, but kind of trailing him at a respectful distance. He thought that being right by Ian would only aggravate the headache. Grogu wasn’t trying to be silent while he was walking and he knew that could make a headache worse. Master Windu had commented on that more than once when the two of them ended up traversing the same corridor in the same direction at the same time.

“Youngling Grogu, I will never understand how you make the same amount of noise as a gundark in a fight when all you’re doing is walking. Perhaps Master Yoda should get you a hover chair.”

Grogu shrugged and scuffed along the corridor as softly as was possible. It was the best he could do to appease the obviously cranky Jedi Master.

Now, with Ian, outside on Coruscant in the dead of night, he listened carefully and realized that the sound of his coverall scuffing the pavers wasn’t that bad. He was grateful for that. He didn’t want Ian’s recovery hampered by his presence. 

They had walked for a considerable period of time when Ian decided to go into some sort of store. Grogu hadn’t pay a lot of attention to what it was at the time because again he was just worried about Ian. And being petite in stature, the bouncer droids at the entrance didn’t even notice him. Not even with the scuffing. He should have expected that. They hadn’t noticed Ian either. He only wondered why that was true for a moment. Ian was about to disappear into the crowd and Grogu didn’t want to lose sight of his friend.

Grogu trailed Ian through the noisy store that turned out to be a cross between a food and beverage dispensary and an instructional studio focused on group dance techniques. Grogu was fascinated and wanted to watch the people dancing to see if he could pick up a few tips or tricks, but pulled himself away from that in order to keep an eye on Ian. 

Just as Grogu actually caught up to his friend, he realized that Ian was there for a very specific reason. 

“Hey, buddy. My mom sent me here to collect those credits you owe her. You don’t won’t these fine people here to realize that you’ve been failing to pay our school fees and housing allowance, do you? I don’t really think they’ll like knowing that you fail to pay for your responsibilities that were ordered by a high magistrate, do you? He’ll probably garnish those winnings of yours as soon as I report you…”

That Ian had managed to say that all with a smile and a wink was something Grogu was pretty shocked about. He had no idea that Ian knew who his mom was and that she was on Coruscant. That was amazing and probably explained his friend’s headache. 

Grogu wondered what the person Ian was talking to would say, but his view was suddenly occupied with the metal shin ‘bone’ of one of the bouncer droids. 

“T-G0, this young man is making a nuisance of himself. He should be removed from this establishment.”

“T-G0, this old man owes my mom 150 credits. I can’t leave until he pays the debt.” Ian was stubborn and folded his arms across his chest. 

“T-G0, that is not true. I’ve never seen this child before and I have no idea who his mother is.”

“T-G0, humans lie about stuff like that all the time. I never said he’d seen me before. He saw my mom. He owes her 150 credits. If I have to leave, he should have to leave too. He can’ be trusted.”

Grogu listened to them go back and forth for what seemed like a very long time and didn’t know what to do other than try to get a better view of the proceedings. He climbed on to the top of the table so he could see them both clearly and not the bouncer droid.

Just as their argument was hitting a kind of high note of frustration Grogu noticed that the man’s hand twitched in a way he didn’t like and before he thought to tell Ian to run for cover, Grogu pulled the man out of his chair and held him upside down over the table to stop whatever he’d been up to. And Grogu was very glad that he did, because among other things, like a couple hundred credits, a pack of gum, and an ID, a small blaster pistol fell onto the table. With that, the people who had been sitting there began to scream. The blaster pistol was armed and making a rather annoying buzzing sound.

“Come on kid! We gotta get outta here!”

Ian was correct about that, but a little late. By the time he’d finished his sentence, Grogu had been apprehended by T-G0, as had Ian. The droid lifted them effortlessly and carried them out of the store and dropped them on the pavement like a bag of litter; a strange custom shared by many groups on Coruscant. 

“Do not return. If you return, you will be turned over to the High Magistrate for criminal processing.” T-G0 commented in a rather menacing manner that Grogu took instantly to heart.

“Fine. We won’t. I got my credits. Pleasure doing business with you.”

Ian practically cackled as he replied to the droid and Grogu sighed. Trust Ian to use the chaos to his advantage. Grogu shook his head as he and his friend made their way back to the temple. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his friend, but he kind of wished that Ian would set up a few lines that he wouldn’t cross just so Grogu could get some rest. He didn’t want to go through that again.

[marierg]

Of Light and Darkness: Ch. 28

Pairing: Obi Wan Kenobi X Reader

WARNINGS!: +18 and DO NOT ENGAGE IF THE FOLLOWING WILL CAUSE YOU PAIN OR TRIGGERING! Violence, Anxiety, Language, Angst, death/ near death, anger, delayed stress responses.

A/N: This has been an absolute whirlwind and I'd just like to thanks everyone for sticking with me. As with anything I work on I sincerely hope that these chapters did not cause anyone distress. This should be the last of the angst for a bit and I promise that the chapter after this will be a good fun one to make up.

Song Credit: The Foggy Dew by the Chieftains- Yes I tweaked the lyrics, but this was the song I listened to while writing this chapter.

Picture Credit: Pinterest and Lucas Film

If in Italic communication is mental not verbal

Words: 3600

Masterlist Next

It was hours after daybreak, two hours since the last ship had taken all but eight of you to the awaiting cruisers. Comms were intermittent, but last transmission was that there would be a ship to come get you all, it was just going to take a bit to patch her back together. You looked at the others and shook your head, “I'm sorry for all of this.”

Obi Wan could feel the dread mounting within you, “Y/n you have nothing to be sorry for. The ship will come.”

“Yeah! What Kaboomie said.” Glitch called out while soothing a hand on the babe clutched to Anakin's chest. The Droid who had carried the small one hadn't fared as well, batteries only lasting long enough to relay the child's name and where family could be reached. Somehow in the shuffle this baby had been left at the check point.

“I suppose that I'm stuck with that name now.” Obi Wan and Glitch had since made up, the victory of blowing up a few attacking speeders providing a bonding experience.

“And thou shall be known as Kaboomie, great Jedi and RIC worthy!” Glitch snickered.

The baby was still fussing softly. Anakin wasn't really much for younglings but for some reason this one liked him, screaming at anyone else who tried to take it. “Hey Glitch can you sing something, maybe it'll help.”

“Don't know many songs for babies Speedster... Don't have much heart for singing right now anyway.”

“As I recall your people are known for their voices,” Master Windu glanced over from where he kept watch by the door. “What about the foggy dew?”

“I don't believe I've heard that one.” Obi Wan quirked a brow at the older Jedi.

“Most wouldn't...” Glitch replied flatly, “It's a memorial song.”

“We stand outnumbered yet strong.” Mace looked out sadly from his position. “it can be quite inspiring in dark times.”

The young woman took a deep breath, still keeping a keen eye on her field of fire. Softly the words began to float on the air.

“As down the glen one early morn, to a city fair rode I

There armed lines of marching men, in squadrons passed me by.

No pipe did hum, no battle drum did sound it's loud tattoo

but the temple bell o're the valley's swell rang out through the foggy dew.”

You turned to watch the girl, singing from her very soul it seemed. Eyes traveled across the shot pocked building. Vessia, the Senator's daughter, had indeed come to respect the law of the blaster. Her once beautiful and intricate hair now hung in a short pony tail after she cut it down, her eyes no longer naïve. Anakin was holding the small child a little tighter, murmuring that all would be well. Master Windu, while still observing his sector, had turned ever so slightly to better hear, a set to his jaw that you could only guess at. It was as if his signature flickered in the Force, seeming older and more tired than the one you knew.

“Oh the bravest fell and the requiem bell rang mournfully and clear

For those who died in the early light, at the springing of the year.

While the stars did gaze in deep amaze, those fearless men but few

Who bore the fight that freedom's light might shine through the foggy dew.”

Marru was positioned next to Obi Wan, the Bothan had survived an overhead barrage the night before at the fence line. Dark mud still covered his fur, ears turned down. The poor kid hadn't stopped trembling since, jumping at any loud noise, but fought fiercely none the less. Obi Wan had wrapped his signature around your own like a blanket, even if you had to remain inconspicuous in front of the others. It was one of the only comforts you had as the dread coursed within you. You noticed Glitch pause a moment then continue to the end of the song.

“Back through the glen I rode again, my heart with grief was sore

for I parted with those valiant men, that I'll never see more.

But to and fro in my dreams I go, and I kneel and pray for you

for slavery fled, O' glorious dead, who fell in the foggy dew...”

Obi Wan had a tear in his eye, such a pure voice he thought. “That was beautiful young one.”

“Nice song Glitch.” Anakin had felt the infant's breathing even out halfway through, lulled by the sorrowful tune. “Baby thinks so too.”

You came to stand by Glitch. Both of you were realists, knowing your odds and the likelihood of your fate, but still trying to hold onto hope. Giving her a nudge you tried to keep an up beat, “You should have gone into show biz.”

Glitch shook her head, “The Gods chose my path long ago Boss. I'm right where I should be.”

The peace was disturbed by crackling on the comms. “Angel 12... Angel 12... this is Orion 4. Inbound your 20... prepare for dust off!”

“Copy Orion 4!” you practically shouted into the mic, “Good to hear you!”

“Copy that Angel 12, just be ready.” You could tell it was JC on the comm from the clear syllables.

“Alright you heard the man, grab your packs. Obi Boy and Anakin get the kids on board, Master Windu you take point.”

“You're just placing me there because I'm older.” Mace smirked at his own joke.

You smirked right back at him, “Yeah and harder to kill. Glitch and I will take rear guard.”

“Just be sure you get aboard too Wee One.”

“Always Obi.”

You could hear the little bird approaching, the engines must have been shot to hell and back to be that loud. Anakin handed the baby to Vessia, drawing his lightsaber. As the craft peaked the ridge it did a sharp run along the deck, firing the cannons to clear the way down. The whole group started to run for the tarmac, legs desperately attempting to outrun the blaster bolts being rained down. JC was waiving at you from the cockpit window, “Y/n hurry!”

The Jedi formed an arc around the door while the others jumped on, you counted the heads. Vessia and the baby, Marru, Glitch who was firing from the door, then Anakin. The Hutt mercs started to fire more mortars then, rocking the very air around the craft.

You felt it.... that same eerie feeling from long ago.

Looking at the men you cared for most in this Galaxy your decision was made. With one great push of the Force you sent them into the bird screaming at JC. “TAKE OFF! TAKE OFF!!!!!”

“Y/N!!” Obi Wan looked out the departing craft horrified.

Master Windu was faster in response, getting on the comm. “Y/n get to the roof, we'll pick you up.”

“Read my mind.” Your legs moved on instinct, dodging and zig zagging across the tarmac to the control tower. Just as you dove through the door it came, searing horrible pain in your back and shoulders. You wanted to scream but there was no time. Getting up you forced your body to take the stairs to the roof, blood gushed with every few steps. Repeating the mantra Master Windu taught you over and over, “Not today, not today...”

Using the Force to relock the door you looked all around, where was the bird? Your vision was becoming bleary, limbs heavy. You tried to raise JC, “I'm here...I'm here.”

“Just hang in there a little longer Master, almost there.”

“ANAKIN?”

“Be ready for a cable lift 'kay!” Anakin was flying the wings off the craft with how fast it was going. He had to make it, Master Y/n was counting on him. “Glitch get it ready!”

“ROCK AND ROLL KID!!!” Glitch near had a panic attack when she saw the men flung into the craft and then heard you yelling. Gods help them all. “Kaboomie get ready to catch and patch. Hey Master Windy can ya help Speedster hold it steady?”

As they approached the tower Anakin could see you on the roof deflecting blaster shots that came your way. Master Windu had hopped into the co pilot seat, giving him a nod to keep going. Anakin knew that there would only be one shot at this, “DROP THE LINE!”

Watching as the bird approached you ran with whatever was left in you, jumping and clipping into the line just as the mercenaries breached the door to the roof. You were a sitting duck.

“Hold on sweetling, you're almost here. Just hold on!”

“Obi!” You tried to reach a hand up only to be hit by another blast. Maker it hurt so bad you screamed, only just holding onto the hoist cable.

Obi Wan was done waiting, turning to Glitch he yelled over the din, “Hold my belt!”

The young woman did so without hesitation. Obi Wan leaned out the craft door, focusing all of his will to raise you up into his arms. Your body fell heavily, blood all over your robes. Glitch was calling for them to get the hell outta there while stripping and bandaging. Obi Wan stroked your hair, not trusting himself to speak at that moment. “Please Wee One don't leave me too.”

“I could never leave you dear man.” As hurt as you were you still reached for him. His warmth radiated and comforted, dulling the pain if only a little.

Feeling your fingers intertwine fully with his own caused a weak grin, “There's the wee warrior I know.”

“Headcount?” Pain filled eyes gazed around as Obi Wans other hand continued smoothing your hair. “What's the count?”

Glitch paused her movements over your body as blue gray eyes gazed at yours. There were tears streaming down her cheeks, “Eight.”

“W-who?” you had no strength to look around, but felt with the Force. Your team was all present so then... “Where's JC?”

Glitch gritted her teeth, you forced yourself to follow her gaze as it fell to the small space between the cockpit and the hold. A pair of black flight boots peeked out from a wool blanket. Cold consumed you, as surely as being thrown into a frozen lake. No, not JC! Not your friend! You started to shake wanting to scream, to cry, to throw up. Your mouth fell open in quiet agony, as if all breath had suddenly left your body, but refused to sound your dispair.. Shivering from anger and probably shock you bit the question out. “How?”

“Sniper just as we reached the ridge.” Glitch sniffled. “Speedster saved us from crashing, got us outta the tail spin. Command kept telling us to leave, but he just circled right back... said we don't leave anyone behind.”

Obi Wan looked at the two forlorn women, what he wouldn't give to be able to take their sorrow away. He dug into his robe and offered a handkerchief to Glitch. It was old fashioned, something that you only lightheartedly teased him for. Today though as he took the small cloth back and used it to dry your eyes he was glad that Qui Gon had always insisted he carry one. Glitch finished the bandaging then backed off, giving you space. Obi Wan couldn't bear it any longer, pressing his forehead to yours and cradling you close.

“Don't ever do that to me again Sweetling. Where you go I go, we are sticking together.”

Whimpers escaped from you, worsening as he lovingly stroked your hair and face. “I'm sorry Obi... forgive me please? I won't do it again I promise.”

“I forgave you the minute it happened... I love you.” He could sense they were approaching the main transport ship. Glitch and Marru placed you on a stretcher to go to the med bay. Obi Wan returned to his exterior façade, “Y/n is there anything that needs to be done?”

“Have them call home, their families will be worried.” You were starting to dip in and out, but held on just a little longer, “JC and the others...don't leave them alone.”

Obi Wan nodded, “I promise they will be cared for, Y/n. Now rest.”

“I love you too Obi Boy.”

Anakin and Glitch had finally finished. They had washed, redressed and had laid JC in his casket. It was nothing fancy, none were, but with the Republic Flag laid on it the task was complete. The first of the honor watch came in, taking their positions, finally re leaving the two exhausted responders. Glitch nodded for Anakin to follow to the mess, handing him a Kaf and sandwich. They sat in silence finally allowing the day to catch them.

Anakin could feel the swirl of his emotions, trying to hold them in check as a Jedi should. “I miss them.”

“Me too,” Glitch kept her eyes down.

“Do you think your Gods would welcome JC too, Like Mik-lee and Tau?”

“Yes.” Glitch finally raised her face, heaving a great sigh. She reached into a pocket and produced a flask, raising it. “And so we shall celebrate their lives and brave deeds.”

Anakin watched as she took a deep drink, then offered it to him. After a bit of back and forth he finally took a sip, throat burning from the strong liquor. “What is that?”

“Whiskey.” She raised the flask again solemnly. “May the Gods and my kin guide your steps to the halls of victory. You were brave people, good and strong, fear not how your voice may sound when you sing your tale. For the All Father and Mother know your soul. I shall miss you my friends until my time comes to join you.”

Others came to join the table, cards dealt out and an impromptu debriefing session began among the group, everyone needing to let off steam. Master Windu had wandered down bringing news that you had made it out of surgery and were stable. Anakin felt a great sense of relief at the news. He had asked if Anakin wanted to go see you, but the young man had shaken his head stating that his place was to watch everyone since you couldn't.

Mace had nodded his approval, a rarity in the case of this Padawan. He thought better than to leave, sensing that the young people here could use a steady presence in your absence. It took a few hands of Sabac and a drink from a passed flask for the group to start to relax around him. They were used to your casual tone and manner, while he kept himself as he always did. Stories started to fly around the table, he shared a few from his early years as a knight.

Deek brought him another cup of Kaf. “First mission in a while I can recall having to build a crib outta storage crates. Jay always had a soft spot for kids.”

It occurred to him that if not for Anakin's stubbornness there may well have been a fourth casket setting in the hangar. The boy was headstrong, willful, spoke out of turn... and was most assuredly yours. Melri would have loved him. Mace saw the shadows pass in front of Deek's face. “I am sorry about JC, he was a good man.”

Sniffing then taking a sip of his own mug Deek nodded. “He was, gonna miss that Nerf Herder.”

“He has become one with the Force. In a way they never really leave us,” Mace took a deep drink of the bitter liquid.

Deek knew of course whom the other man referred too. “Yeah, still miss her too.”

You blinked your eyes awake, monitors and droids whirring about outside the door. Someone had managed to snag you a private room, you strongly suspected it was the being whose head lay on the cot next to you. Your dear man looked as though he had aged five years, creases etching the corners of his eyes. You briefly remembered your Master sitting with you earlier, they must have traded off. Raising your hand you threaded your fingers into his now clean hair, stoking gently. It was a peaceful moment after all the terror of the days prior, days that you weren't likely to ever forget. Softly you started to hum a soft tune.

Obi Wan started to sing the words, accompanying your acapella. With the slightest pull you persuaded him to lay with you. Both of you finally crashed down from the mission, holding onto the other and crying. Not great sobs just steady mournful streams. He placed soft kisses upon your head, stroking your hair. Looking up you returned those kisses with some of your own. You held him tighter, trying to reassure your Obi Boy that you would not let him go so easily. Neither of you spoke for a long time nor was there a need to. The two of you were just happy to be alive and in the others arms. For this fraction of time you were both together, alive and whole. It was enough.

There was a large delegation that came to welcome the RRC crew home. Beyond the families there were Brass and Political Delegates. It was a solemn procession off the ship, team mates and crew taking flanking positions on the caskets. Mik-Lee and Tau were escorted by their classmates, each having taken their graduation pin and pounded it onto the lid. Tradition and ceremony were ways to both grieve and honor. The Jedi and crew escorted JC and it was one of the hardest walks of your life.

The Brass approached you giving their customary platitudes. It felt hollow to you, cold and without meaning. JC had practically helped to raise you, a world without him in it was unimaginable. You were so lost it took a moment for you to realize that the Chancellor of all people had come over to offer his condolences. “I'm...I'm sorry sir, forgive me I didn't hear you.”

“No need to apologize Master L/n.” Palpatine stated softly as he studied your face, and more so the uncharacteristic emotions that crossed it. How very interesting, something to note for a later time. Exuding his usual charm he again began to speak. “I was merely saying how sorry I am for the loss of your people and that you should be proud of how your team handled themselves.”

“I am always proud of them sir. I do have a question though, if I may be so bold.” You saw the man nod, if not quirk his lips in amusement at your audacity. “Who was it that ordered the mission cut short?”

“Y/n this may not be the time.” Master Windu placed a hand on your shoulder.

“No, it's quite alright. If I were in your position I would want to know the same,” Palpatine did find this Jedi fascinating, if not somewhat disconcerting. “It was my decision. We received intelligence that reinforcements were being sent by the Hutts, large enough to possibly take out the fleet. As harsh a decision as it was, I could not in good conscience allow the operation to continue. As a Rescue Lieutenant I can only hope that you would understand my position.”

Keeping a steady gaze at the politician you studied his eyes. They didn't flinch, but were still offsetting. There had always been an uneasy acquaintance with this man. Anakin thought highly of and occasionally would visit with him. Outwardly there was nothing that appeared out of place, just a feeling. Sighing, and much too tired to push further, you extended a hand of peace. “I may not agree with the decision, but I do understand. I would like to file a request for Pilot JC Aldrich to be awarded the Nova medal. It's little consolation to his family....”

“It has already been approved.” Palpatine took your hand in both of his, attempting to be empathetic and comforting. “I have also taken the liberty of setting up Funds and scholarships for the families. I hope you do not mind?”

Slightly taken aback you unconsciously gave his hand a squeeze. You still had a feeling about the man, but he offered something no one before had, action. Maybe Anakin did know something you didn't. “Thank you Sir. I...Thank you.”

Palpatine watched as the Jedi departed for their glorious Temple. Initially when he had found out young Skywalker would have two knights training him, it had vexed Palpatine. Even with Kenobi and the Healers' interference the boy's pain lived deep within, just needing the right catalyst As with everything this border dispute had turned into an opportunity. Sending the Hutts to Norte had proved all too easy, but the ensuing pain and chaos that Skywalker encountered added fuel to the fire. His emotions were evident the minute the ship landed. Pain, anger, despair, all engulfing the boy and drawing him closer into the dark side. Oh Yes, this had gone better than even Palpatine could have predicted.

@meshlasolus @nurseytypechick @stanny-uwu @a-rose-of-amber @aquaamethyst96 @just-dreaming-marvel @in-a-mellow-tone @acatalystrising @pickleprickle @songoficecreamandfireworks @iambored24601 @purplepandora666 @misscamptl @obiknights @the-going-merry @ginger-swag-rapunzel @iabrokengirl @annasun13 @foxperifoto @moostresskenobi @lovelyxlily

[novelmonger]

Thoughts on Jedi Apprentice 16: The Call to Vengeance

I don't remember liking this book very much. Partly because it comes on the heels of two books I found relatively boring, partly because I've never really liked vengeance in stories. But other than one single plot point, I have zero memory of this book, so I'm interested to see what actually happens in it!

Jedi Apprentice #16: The Call to Vengeance

Chapter 2

After Tahl's death, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan contact the Temple and wait for someone to come assist them. Obi-Wan is fretting over Qui-Gon, realizing for the first time that his love for Tahl went deeper than simple friendship. Qui-Gon is closed off, hardly saying anything and doing nothing other than sending out another probe droid to look for Balog. The rest of the time, he just sits with Tahl's body.

When the Jedi from the Temple show up, they turn out to be Mace Windu and Bant. Obi-Wan is a little nervous around Mace Windu, especially considering the way they broke the law to use probe droids and didn't immediately contact the Temple when Tahl was kidnapped. Then, the first chance Bant has to talk to Obi-Wan privately, she's cold and angry with him. She's angry that she was left behind and not told about what was going on until it was too late for her to help her Master.

"Tahl was dead. Qui-Gon was like a stranger. And now Obi-Wan's best friend had turned away from him. He had never felt so alone." - T^T

Chapter 4

Mace Windu speaks with Qui-Gon alone first, asking if Qui-Gon wants to take Tahl's body back to the Temple, but Qui-Gon says he wants to stay and finish the mission instead. He doesn't mention that basically the only reason for continuing to exist that he can see right now is finding Balog and getting vengeance, because...that's not a very good look for a Jedi, after all.

"Qui-Gon saw that Mace was trying to be kind. There was deep sympathy in his sober gaze. He felt a rush of relief that Mace did not inquire into his feelings, or ask if there had been something deeper than friendship between Qui-Gon and Tahl. Qui-Gon suspected that Mace already knew these things without words." - I like that we get to see a bit of Mace's softer side in this book, especially because most of what we've seen from him in this series is his more stern Jedi Master side.

Manex comes to tell them that Tahl's involvement with the Absolutes has been leaked, making people suspicious of the Absolutes as well as potentially making it easier for Balog to gain support and power. There will be an emergency election held in three days, and in the meantime Manex is acting as governor. He officially requests the Jedi to stay and ensure the election goes smoothly. Hopefully, they can find Balog before then and prevent him from taking over the government. Doing so will also clear Tahl's name and (hopefully) restore people's trust in the Jedi.

While Mace and Bant go to get a bit of rest after their journey, Yanci (the sole surviving Rock Worker) shows up. She tells them that she heard Balog is chasing Oleg, who was supposed to go into hiding with the Rock Workers when his cover was blown, but he never showed up. She knows that Oleg has a medical condition (which she was preparing to help him treat) as a result of the Absolutes' torture. It's a condition that has to be treated in a specific kind of facility, so Yanci suggests that they might be able to find Oleg by searching such facilities. And if they find Oleg, maybe they'll find Balog too.

Chapter 5

While Obi-Wan sees Yanci out, Qui-Gon goes off on his own without telling anybody, to immediately start looking for Oleg. "Qui-Gon knew he should not have left Manex's residence without telling Obi-Wan or Mace where he was going, but he did not regret it. More talk meant more delay. If he had taken Obi-Wan with him, he would have put his Padawan in a bad position. If Qui-Gon was going to have conflicts with Mace Windu, he did not want Obi-Wan to be involved with them." - Yeeeeaaah, sorry, Qui-Gon, but these all sound like excuses to me :/

Anyway, Qui-Gon goes to all of the clinics in the city that can treat Oleg's condition. For most of them, he bluffs enough to determine that Oleg isn't being treated there, but at the last clinic, the receptionist is a stickler for the rules and refuses to give out any information. A blind lady that Qui-Gon helps (while being painfully reminded of Tahl) deliberately makes a distraction to give him enough time to check the receptionist's screen and find Oleg's address.

Qui-Gon finds Oleg in a cafe close to his address, drinking """"juice"""" (this series is so determined not to depict anyone drinking alcohol, it's hilarious XD). Oleg thinks Qui-Gon is a buyer for his list of Absolute informants. Qui-Gon goes along with it, drawing out the information that Oleg is planning to leave the planet once he sells the list, and one of those potential buyers might be Balog.

Chapter 6

Qui-Gon leaves the cafe and watches it discreetly all day, until at the end of the day Oleg finally leaves. Qui-Gon follows him, eventually spotting Balog following him as well. "He wanted to make him pay for every breath Tahl had struggled to take, every second her life systems slowly failed. He would make each moment of Balog's suffering an eternity.... Where did that thought come from? The ferocity of it shocked him. It had risen from the depths of him. It sounded like vengeance. He did not know such an emotion could exist inside him. The knowledge made him uneasy." - Uh...didn't you end the last book by saying, "All that is left is vengeance"? Really starting to feel like Qui-Gon isn't very self-aware....

Qui-Gon follows Oleg and Balog to a warehouse, where he's ambushed by a bunch of probe droids, probably Balog's. Qui-Gon fights them with some really cool moves I wish we could see in a movie, but by the time he destroys them all, Oleg is dead and Balog is long gone.

Chapter 7

"Obi-Wan missed his Master. It was hard to have to miss his friend, too. Especially when she walked beside him." - ;A;

Ooooh, this chapter is the one thing I remember from this book! Mace goes to check on things in the United Legislature, while he sends Obi-Wan and Bant to find Yanci, get the list of clinics from her again, and try to track down Oleg and find Qui-Gon. They do so, the air between them still strained. They run into the same issue with the receptionist that Qui-Gon did, but they manage a distraction in a different way - Bant pretends that she's been out of water for too long and is about to pass out. Obi-Wan insists on getting her taken to an immersion tank, until the receptionist reluctantly takes her there. This gives Obi-Wan just enough time to find Oleg's address before the receptionist returns. After a while, Bant leaves the immersion tank and they go to the address. Oleg has already left, so they call Mace to figure out what to do next.

"'He's out there somewhere,' [Obi-Wan] said. ... 'And I don't know what he's thinking or planning. He could be walking into danger. He could need me. If anything happens...' Bant turned cool silver eyes on him. 'If anything happens to your Master, you'll feel as I do.'" - I haaaaaaate thiiiiiiiiiissssss... TT__TT

Chapter 9

Qui-Gon finds a pendant lying near Oleg's body, and recognizes it as Irini's, so he hunts her down and confronts her about Oleg. It turns out that Irini was trying to buy the list from Oleg too, but she ran when the probe droids turned up. They discuss the possibility that Oleg was selling the list to multiple buyers, in order to make his fortune and flee. Qui-Gon reasons that, whether Balog has the list or not, he will probably try to use it to leverage control with candidates for the upcoming election.

Mace, Obi-Wan, and Bant go to investigate the site of Oleg's murder and see the signs of lightsaber use. It seems unthinkable, but the suspicion enters their mind that Qui-Gon might have been the one to kill Oleg.

They go to the United Legislature building, where Mace goes in to see what information he can gather. Obi-Wan and Bant wait outside, and Bant finally begins to warm up to him a little. She lets herself cry about Tahl, and Obi-Wan tells her that she and Qui-Gon were in love, which is why Qui-Gon is taking her death so hard. But at least Obi-Wan and Bant are talking again now, and sharing their grief and worry :')

Mace comes out and tells them that he learned that one of the politicians, Legislator Pleni, just announced that she's going to run for governor, and has already gained a surprising amount of support. There's a possibility that she bought the list and is using that as leverage.

They go to Pleni's house to talk to her, but when no one answers the door, they venture inside and find that she is dead. There's a broken probe droid lying next to her and signs of a blaster fight, and when the security officers come to investigate, they discover that the probe droid was purchased by Qui-Gon. Uh-oh!

Chapter 11

Keeping himself disguised and not drawing attention to himself, Qui-Gon hears people talking about how he supposedly killed Legislator Pleni, even though he had no idea who she was. Then he goes to the Legislature building, pretending to be a foreign diplomat, and hears rumors that Manex bought the list of Absolutes. Qui-Gon runs into Alani, who says she's about to learn where Balog is hiding. But then Qui-Gon is spotted and he has to run before the security forces catch him.

Meanwhile, the other Jedi return to Manex's home to rest that night. My heart goes out to Obi-Wan, who's feeling so cut off from Qui-Gon right now. "At times he thought he could feel Qui-Gon, but it was not a strong, clear sensation. It was murky and gray. He knew his effort to reach his Master through the Force would not work. They would not connect. There was too much unresolved emotion swirling around Qui-Gon, too much he was trying to hide."

Manex comes to talk to them and tells them he's considering running in the election, though he doesn't really want to. His brother's death has inspired him to think less about his own comforts and more about what's best for the planet, and he believes that what's best for New Apsolon is to get rid of the Absolutes once and for all. So he tells them about how he started the rumor that he has the list of Absolutes, planning to use himself as bait to draw Balog out. Mace doesn't think it's a good idea, but since the rumors are already going around, there's nothing they can do but keep Manex safe while they carry out his plan.

They set Manex up in his gardens while the Jedi hide, intending to jump out if someone comes for Manex. Someone does...but that someone is Qui-Gon. Balog doesn't show up. But the security forces are hot on his heels, so Qui-Gon has to leave. Obi-Wan offers to go with him, but he refuses.

You know, something I keep thinking about as I read this book is how much more tense and exciting it would be if we didn't get anything from Qui-Gon's POV. If the reader and the characters alike could actually start to wonder if what they're hearing is true, and Qui-Gon has gone completely off the deep end and started killing people to get at Balog. But because we can see Qui-Gon's thoughts and what he's doing on his own, any tension or mystique in that regard is nullified.

Chapter 13

Qui-Gon makes his way through the streets, dodging security patrols, when suddenly he realizes someone is following him. It's Eritha, who tells him that she's been trying to catch up with him, because she overheard Alani and now knows where Balog is.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan is in Manex's house, mulling over everything that's happened and trying to make sense of it. I really like this scene, because I think it shows what a good Jedi Obi-Wan is, even at such a young age. He falls back on his training and Qui-Gon's advice, not letting his worry or frustration rule him, but methodically going through everything that's happened. It also shows just how worried he is about Qui-Gon.

"Obi-Wan was still going over and over what he should have done when he saw his Master. The cloudy aura he felt around Qui-Gon had worried him deeply. He sensed confusion and static, and it prevented him from truly connecting. It had shaken him. Maybe it had prevented him from acting more quickly. Should he have followed Qui-Gon, gone with him no matter what he said?" - :'(

The result of Obi-Wan's ruminations is a growing suspicion of Eritha. In the underground Absolute base, how had she managed to escape? Why had she been heading for the back exit, which she couldn't have known about? Why was she around the speeders the morning they left the Rock Workers' settlement? Was it really to refuel the speeders, or had she been planning on running away? Why did she seem upset when Manex insisted on taking Tahl to his own healers? Obi-Wan goes and wakes up Manex to ask him if he had any suspicion of the sisters, and Manex says that yes, he suspected them and that was why he'd decided to run for office against Alani. But he didn't have any evidence beyond a gut feeling, so he didn't want to say anything. But that's enough to confirm Obi-Wan's own gut feeling.

Obi-Wan goes to confront Alani at the Supreme Governor's residence. He realizes, as they talk, that Alani isn't quite as clever as Eritha, who seems to be the mastermind behind their plot. They both wanted power, but Eritha was content to give advice to Alani and let her take the limelight. Alani confirms their plan to Obi-Wan because she thinks there's no way anyone will believe the Jedi or be able to thwart their plan. Eritha is going to lead Qui-Gon to the security headquarters, and by the time he realizes she's not on his side, it will be too late.

Chapter 15

Obi-Wan rushes to catch up to Qui-Gon at the security headquarters. He gets there just as a bunch of security forces come out to ambush them. Obi-Wan quickly joins Qui-Gon in fighting them off, telling him that Eritha was planning to betray him. They manage to escape and lose the security forces in the nearby park.

As they discuss what Obi-Wan learned, they realize Alani and Eritha must be so confident because they now have the list. They go back to Mota to ask him about who reprogrammed the probe droids so they can get to the bottom of this scheme. He tells them that someone hacked into his system and reprogrammed them. He knew it had happened, but didn't want to bring attention to it because it would draw suspicion on him after everything that happened. After doing a bit of digging, they discover that the hacking came from the address where Irini and Lenz live.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan rush to Irini and Lenz on one of Mota's speeders, Qui-Gon moving so quickly and desperately that Obi-Wan is really starting to worry that all he cares about anymore is vengeance. As serious as the situation is, I had to chuckle at some similarities between Obi-Wan's discomfort at Qui-Gon's flying, and his future discomfort at Anakin's ^^'

"Qui-Gon seemed poised on the brink of losing control. There didn't seem to be anything Obi-Wan could do or say to stop him or get him to slow down. Obi-Wan tried to stifle his own panic. He had to trust his Master. But for the first time in their long partnership, he didn't think he could. That knowledge made fear grasp him by the throat." - :'(

They get to Irini and Lenz's dwelling, only to discover that Irini is in bed, suffering from an infected blaster wound and refuses to get treatment. Lenz tells them that Balog attacked them and stole the list of Absolute informants from them. Legislator Pleni had the list, and so Irini killed Oleg and went to steal it from Pleni because Lenz's name was on the list. He was tortured, but he did end up giving information to the Absolutes. If anyone found out, it would discredit him and his leadership of the Workers, so they kept that knowledge hidden. They didn't want to frame Qui-Gon for Pleni's murder, but couldn't come forward to clear his name without incriminating Lenz. They also tell the Jedi that there is an underground tunnel between the Supreme Governor's residence and the Absolute museum, where the Absolutes used to sneak people they captured in and out. They think Balog must be hiding there, because it's the last place anyone will look.

Chapter 16

As they rush to the Absolute museum to catch Balog, Obi-Wan worries about how close to the edge Qui-Gon is. "Tonight he could lose his Master to the dark path. The impossible had become possible. He could feel it in the dark energy within the Force, swirling and crashing around Qui-Gon. Never had he felt so helpless. Obi-Wan gathered his own connection to the Force. He resolved that no matter what, he would remain by his Master's side. He could not lose hope. He would protect his Master from himself if he had to. He would not lose Qui-Gon on this dark night." - Let's gooooo, Obi-Wan! <3

They break into the Absolute museum through the storage area and head for the tunnel where Lenz thinks Balog must be hiding. Eritha is there, trying to stop them. She taunts Qui-Gon, saying that it's his fault Tahl is dead, and also reveals that the reason she and Alani asked Tahl for help was to keep them even further from suspicion. If they were asking for Jedi protection, surely they wouldn't be trying to make a bid for power. The Jedi would do all their work for them.

Chapter 18

Droids come after the Jedi, and they fight past them to where Balog is, in the tech center. Now that Qui-Gon has finally caught up to the man who killed Tahl, all Qui-Gon wants is revenge. He realizes he's teetering on the very edge of succumbing to the dark side, and worst of all, he doesn't care. Obi-Wan tries to stop him, but he's a moment away from killing Balog anyway. Then he hears Tahl's voice, saying simply, "No, Qui-Gon." And he makes himself stop and put away his lightsaber.

"Then it was as though clouds parted, and clarity came. He saw so much in a moment. In his Padawan's steady glance he saw both fear and compassion. ... He had come close to taking a life out of revenge. Only he would know how close. He would never forget it. He would never allow himself to forget it." - :'( Yet another moment that makes me think of how wonderful it would have been if Qui-Gon had still been around as Anakin grew up....

The book ends with the Jedi preparing to leave for Coruscant, taking Tahl's body with them. Balog, the twins, and Irini are all under arrest for their various crimes, and new candidates are running for office in the upcoming election. Manex is determined to continue helping his planet, regardless of the outcome, even though it will be hard after everything that's happened. The tone of the ending is somber and somewhat ambivalent, as Qui-Gon looks ahead to the years without Tahl, knowing that the pain will never fully go away, and realizing that he doesn't think he will ever truly be able to accept her death - even though that's what's required of him, as a Jedi. But he can't leave the path of the Jedi either, because it's all he knows how to do. Looks like the path to healing will be a long one for Qui-Gon.

[dukeofriven]

After years and years of Baffling Wizened Bullshit Yoda in Clone Wars, not enough people talked about how great it was that The Last Jedi went back to his roots of being a deranged little gremlin. Heck I was putting this in the tags but I'm moving it up to prime time: Yoda should not have been the tedious sage on the Jedi Council who says things that sound wise because he phrases them badly. Yoda should have been the only Jedi ever formally banned from the Temple kitchens. Yoda was once insisted that it was due to the will of the Force that he peed in the air ducts outside Windu's quarters. Yoda was the guy who gained his mastery so long ago that nobody's even sure if he really is a master because he's certainly never acted like it, and rumour says he once bit a youngling. Yoda's the reason the chemistry section of the Jedi library has a weird smell because he lives in a room he hollowed-out of the back of the statue of Master Gel'Incer and he tends to just leave fish there. No one can figure-out where the fish come from. Yoda once crashed a very important political reception at the Temple and called a bunch of young senators 'fascist lackeys and Sith goons' before some padawans managed to herd him out. Qui-Gon should have been considered a maverick by mainstream Jedi because he was known to occasionally listen to Yoda (who gives unattended lectures held at weird hours in the middle of the night or, occasionally, shouted impromptu in the middle of the meditation chambers until somebody gets a broomdroid and shoos him away). Yoda and Windu should have been at odds: Windu a product of the system, more invested in the status quo of the Republic as a polity than in the Jedi's origins as itinerant defenders of the poor and weak, the latest in a long line of Heads of the Order who for whom the prestige and privileges of the Jedi are an end unto themselves. Yoda understands that order is the Order's entire problem: it has become rigid, inflexible, systemic. He is in so in-touch with the force that he understands its harmony accounts for the messiness of life. The Sith are fascistic precisely because their chaos needs the apparatus of statist order that the Jedi have come to embody. Obi-Wan's great sin, for which he goes into the desert as much as in penance as in hiding, was to not have listened to Qui-Gon to heed the warnings of Yoda. The Jedi taking to the battlefield as generals of armies was a moral crime that they blinded themselves to—what could be further from their mission as solitary mendicants of justice? Obi-Wan put his faith in the Order, not his master's teachings. He let himself lead armies and become a general, he let Anakin be swallowed up and utterly consumed by the system. When Obi-wan goes into the desert, he becomes a Jedi again, doing small, local services as a mendicant-hermit (and not pissing off to fight Darth Vader to save baby Leia or whatever). And Yoda should never have pulled out a laser sword and tried to hack Sheev's head off. Yoda's has centuries to watch the Republic go from bad to worse—sure he can kill Sulla now, but Pompey's waiting in the wings, and Cæsar's cooling his heels at the stage door. The Republic is falling: Sheev's just taking advantage of a process begun long before he was born. Yoda should have peaced-out at the end of Attack of the Clones: his attempt to reason with Obi-Wan failed, he turns his back on an Order that no longer remembers what order it is supposed to be upholding. They're all fascist lackeys now: the Chancellor becoming Emperor an empty formality, a change of name tag. Star Wars should have been good, is what I'm saying. Or at least better.

[radiosummons]

@brachiosaurus-on I have never been so happy in my life to wake up a mile's worth of tags. Genuinely smiling like an idiot right now.

Thank you so much for indulging my dumb question and for clarifying "in kind donations." I fuck so hard with everything you've said!!!

Now I'm even more desperate for that oneshot fic with the unfortunate/overwhelmed auditor having to take a trip to the Temple.

I'm just picturing them awkwardly sitting across from Yoda with a cup of swamp tea after spending five minutes trying to explain to the Temple Guards that, yes, they really did have an appointment with the Head of the Jedi Order. And then instead of being led to an office, they're brought to what looks to be the Head of the Order's personal room (which, yeah, weird but they've done their job in weirder places) only to then nearly trip over themselves when they bump into one of Yoda's meditation chairs.

Yoda, for his part, warmly greets the auditor, tells them to sit down, gives them that weird tea, sits down in the meditation seat across from him, and just ... closes his eyes. Two whole minutes pass and the auditor (who is so fucking desperate to not be here anymore because everyone back at the office knows the Order's accounts are fine. It's just that their new boss is an asshole and has some weird dislike towards the Jedi) starts fidgeting cause what are they supposed to do here?

They really really want to fucking leave and get all of this over with. But wouldn't it be rude to wake the Head of the Order up? They've had older people fall asleep on them in the middle of appointments before. But it doesn't seem like that'd be the right thing to do in this situation considering, well, it's Head of the Jedi Order. And who knows? Maybe he's doing that weird Jedi meditation thingy and like hell are they gonna be the person responsible for messing up the Head Jedi's mystic Force balance funk or whatever!

Meanwhile, Mace gets a familiar loud ping on his datapad in the middle of what was a rare but relaxing meal with his padawan and grandpadawn. It's a personal message from Jocasta informing Mace that Yoda has kidnapped the Republic auditor and is making the poor thing drink his vile tea.

Mace sighs, apologizes to Depa and Caleb, and then makes his way over to Yoda's personal room to save the poor auditor. He also makes a mental note to notify the Republic auditing office that Yoda is no longer in charge (and hasn't been for several decades) of overseeing the Order's budget and that in the future, all accounting inquiries should be sent directly to their internal budgeting office or to himself.

The auditor refuses to tell their coworkers how their trip to the weird mystic wizard Temple went other than to say it was a waste of time like they all knew it would be.

Shortly after the auditor's visit, however, the Jedi Order starfighter and astromech acquisition and customization budget does get a notable increase. Whether that was out of pettiness towards their new boss or just appreciation towards Master Windu for helping to dislodge the chunk of algae they were choking on, whose to say?

Real talk: Does the Jedi Order have a tax exempt status?

I know it's somewhat of a meme to make jokes about how the Jedi don't know how to pay taxes, or rather questioning whether they get paid or make any income at all. And, yes, this question is kinda dumb in the sense that whether the Jedi Order has tax exempt status or not, it doesn't effect the over all story or any actual SW lore in any way that actually matters.

I also know that tax exempt status works differently in other countries besides the US (yes, hello, I am American. I hate it here, too). But for the sake of taking this very dumb question at face value, would the Jedi Order:

1) Count as a religious institution in the eyes of Republic law?

2) If so, would their status as a religious institution have any impact on whether they attained tax exempt status from the Republic?

3) What standards and regulations would the Republic IRS have in place regarding tax exemption?

4) Do the Jedi even have an accounting department?

I would peronally argue that, yes, the Jedi Order is in fact a religious institution. On the account of the obvious connection to the Force and heavily coded (if not just downright) religious practices that the Jedi follow.

However, even if the Republic were to grant the Jedi Order the status of a lawfully recognized religious institution, I'm not sure if this would actually lead to them a guaranteed tax exempt status.

According to United States IRS standards and regulations, the Jedi Order could and would also be seen as a religious institution. However, one of the biggest stipulations for retaining tax exempt status is that the religious institution does not attempt to or make any influence on legislative or attempt to influence political campaigns.

(Palpatine voice: Ironic).

Now, if the Republic had similar stipulations, I would argue that, no, the Jedi do not get tax exemption. Mostly because one of the longest known duties associated with the Jedi Order is their role in assisting with galactic diplomacy. It would be literally impossible for them to not get involved in some capacity, especially when their aid is often directly requested (whether by a Republic aligned planet or not).

That being said, this is all going by the standards of the IRS. And at the risk of sounding too jaded, there are hundreds if not outright thousands of religious institutions in the US that should have lost their tax exempt status decades ago. And yet ....

Obviously, this all ultimately depends on what standards the Republic would theoretically have in place for situations like this. And while I would never actually want George Lucas--or any other writer for that matter--to attempt to give us a canon answer, I can't help but wonder.

Even if the Jedi Order was completely self-reliant--which I personally don't think is possible due to them, well, living on Coruscant for thousands of years-just as an example. It just doesn't make sense to me that the Jedi would limit themselves to only what they make in house when they could have easy access to other local businesses, ya know?--whose to say that they wouldn't still be required to pay for taxes like regular citizens?

The Jedi Temple, again, has literally been there for thousands of years. I don't think it's entirely out of the realm of possibility that the Republic wouldn't have sent their own SW IRS agent at least once to audit the Jedi Order.

I honestly wouldn't even be surprised if that Jedi Order would be given a slight form of tax exemption, but only if certain conditions were met. Like, I don't know, what if an official member of the local Coruscantii/Republic government were to make a direct request for the aid of the Jedi. Maybe they'd get a tax write off for all the transportation and housing (or vehicular damage) they'd acrue while on this government sponsored mission?

Or what about this? Business institutions in the US get tax write offs for charitable donations (which the fuckers exploit to hell and back, fuck me). I have to wonder if there was a point in time (maybe the early years of the ye Old Republic) where someone had to bring up the fact that a lot of what the Jedi do could count fall under charitable tax deductions. So if they wanted to continue taxing the Jedi Order, they'd probably have to change up the definition or something.

Idk, man, I'm sort of spit balling random thoughts at this point.

I'd also like to say that I believe the Jedi do, in fact, have an accounting department. Just to keep thing running smoothly in regards to the Temple budget and so on. It would be kinda hard to keep a place that big with that many occupants still around and for that long without having someone keeping a close eye on the Order's spending.

Mostly, though, I just find the idea of the Jedi being audited absolutely hilarious.

[lauransoverthinking]

Currently overthinking: how obsessed some of fandom is with the idea of punishment for the sake of punishment, instead of learning from mistakes, and how the Jedi are very clearly team learn and grow.

The most “punishment” thing I can think of that we see the Jedi do is assigning Ahsoka to archives duty, but that is clearly meant as ‘get you off the front lines and have you reflect on your actions’ time, not so much a true punishment.

Where we see the Jedi go hard on proclaiming their allegiance to team learn and grow is Dark Disciple (if you haven’t read and don’t want to be spoiled, turn back now because I am about to spoil the shit out of that book).

Vos falls.

Not just dabble a little in the dark side falls.

Falls and pledges himself to Dooku and kills Jedi and clones.

Jedi Knight Kav Bayons

Jedi Knight Akar-Deshu

They died because of Vos.

It can be argued it was unintentional (Vos shoved Deshu into Bayons causing Deshu to sting Bayons. Losing his stinger also would have killed Deshu, but Vos killed him first) but that doesn’t change the fact that Vos is responsible for the deaths of two Jedi, as well as the clones killed in his escape with Dooku (catch me being forever salty over the unnamed clones who die).

He goes by Admiral Enigma and terrorizes the GAR for months.

When the story resolves and Vos returns to the light, do we see him thrown in prison? Executed?

No. We don’t see either of those things.

We see the council intentionally obfuscate and hide these facts from the military (because the military does love punishment and executions).

We see Vos confined to the temple while he heals.

We see Master Yoda spend extra time with him to ensure he rehabilitates successfully.

We see a probationary period to determine if he has really came back to the light.

This is extra important because earlier in the story we saw him return to the Jedi and fool them (some of them, Master Windu was so suspicious of him because Master Windu is a smart smart person)!

And yet, they still believed that he could return to the light and should be given that opportunity.

And he does! He comes back. And he resumes his role in the war. And when everything falls apart he continues trying to help.

And he gets that opportunity because the Jedi do not believe in punishment as justice the way some do.

Repentance and growth. That is the Jedi.

And yet, every day, I see people trying to set the Jedi up as enforcers of prison terms and executioners, because they don’t think people got what they ‘deserved’ in canon.

But that is all a gross misrepresentation of the Jedi.

Ahsoka’s trial and possible execution was not the way the Jedi would have proceeded- it was the GAR and the Republic. Which is probably why the GAR ensured the Jedi couldn’t handle it themselves - there would have been no justice theatre and no blood.

It is not pro-Jedi to insist on punishment and retribution as justice. At its heart, punishment is revenge. And revenge is not the Jedi way.

[jasontoddiefor]

A gift for @thenegoteator :D

It took a Temple to raise a child, and Mace Windu was very much aware of this. However, it did not explain what Ahsoka Tano was doing at his door in the middle of the night. Ahsoka had deep bags under her eyes, which wasn’t too much of a surprise considering the current living arrangements of her lineage. While little Luke and Leia were relatively well-behaved newborns, they were still only a few weeks old. If their human caretakers didn’t wake up at every single little whimper, then the togruta with the superior hearing certainly would.

“Do you want to come inside?” Mace asked, not letting his confusion show. He was used to people coming to his door at the oddest hours.

“If—if I can?” Ahsoka replied as if only now becoming aware of her actions. In this, she reminded Mace of her Grandmaster and the many nights Mace had found Obi-Wan coming to his doorstep during the first months of Anakin’s stay at the Temple.

“My door is always open, Padawan,” Mace said – and watched her wince.

Ah.

So there was the problem.

“Caleb is currently sleeping in my bed as Depa is away,” Mace explained. “So please keep your voice down. I don’t want to wake him unnecessarily.”

The boy had already had a hellish enough month behind him, he needed all the rest he could get. Even though the war was officially over, enough planets refused to surrender, drawing out the battles until they had nothing but children left to sacrifice. It weighed on Mace’s shoulders, making him wonder whether he wasn’t too old to carry such burdens still.

Ahsoka nodded and followed Mace inside. He couldn’t recall whether Ahsoka had been in his room before, but from the way she eagerly looked around his quarters, taking in the sight of old instruments, books, and holos, he guessed she hadn’t. Well, at one point in their life, every Jedi had set a foot inside Mace’s quarters, so this was bound to happen sooner or later.

“Do you want a cup of tea?”

Ahsoka tore herself away from the sight and looked at him with surprise. “I—yes? That would be nice.”

“Then I will make a cup. Do you have any preferences? I believe I even have Obi-Wan’s favorite blend here.”

Mace had no idea whether he had bought it or if Obi-Wan had just left it here from himself when he came over. Knowing the other man, it was likely that the latter was the case. For a man claiming to be so very polite, Obi-Wan could be a right brat.

Mace’s kitchen was small, with only a few cabinets and one shelf, two cooking tiles, and an oven. He wasn’t much of a cook himself and preferred to eat in the cafeteria with everyone, frequently taste-tasting what the Initiates had prepared. He selected two uneven cups Depa had made for him when she’d been young from the shelf. Why she had decided to pick up pottery of all hobbies was beside him, but he supposed that she found the motion soothing. Devan did enjoy parkouring through the lower levels and Echuu was quite content playing the guitar to calm himself.

Perhaps Mace should focus less on why all three of his Padawans had decided they wouldn’t follow him into theatre so they could continue to make fun of him. Setting the water to boil, Mace searched through his cabinets until he found Obi-Wan’s favorite blend. The fruity tea was far from the blend he preferred, but Mace prided himself on being a good host. While he waited for the tea to finish steeping, Mace enjoyed the quiet of the night. For all that there were few sounds as dear to him as that of people walking, or in the case of some younglings and few selected Knights, running, down their large hallways, Mace could appreciate the quiet when the world came to rest.

With two finished cups in hand, he returned to the living room, where he found Ahsoka curled up on the sofa, no longer studying his quarters for any hidden secrets.

“Thank you,” she said when she accepted the cup from him. She held it in her hands as if to warm them, letting the steam hit her face. She breathed in once, twice, finding her rhythm again. Mace waited until she’d calmed enough to speak up.

“What brings you to my door, Padawan Tano?”

Ahsoka flinched and appeared to make herself even smaller as if attempting to vanish. When it became apparent that it didn’t work, that silence hadn’t been what she had sought him out for, she let out a sigh. “You keep calling that.”

“Calling you what?” Mace asked, his brow raised, playing oblivious.

“… Padawan.”

“Are you not? I was under the impression that you had returned to the Temple.”

“I did, but I still left,” Ahsoka replied. “I left and I was convinced that I had to leave and that it was good that I did. I still think I had to leave the Temple behind.”

“Then why are you torn?”

Ahsoka’s hold on her cup tightened and so, perhaps in wise anticipation, she set it on the table and buried her hands in her robes instead, hiding their twitching from view. Mace could trace all her mannerisms to her teachers and couldn’t imagine what it must be like to purposefully rip all those pieces from yourself when they had become so ingrained in your very being. Even Dooku, who’d fallen so far from their beliefs, had been unable to fully rid himself of Yoda’s lessons. Maybe it was for the best. Hope had become a scarce commodity during the war, yet Mace considered the possibility that in a decade, they wouldn’t be imprisoning a Sith anymore.

“But am I still a Padawan? A member of this Order?” Ahsoka asked. Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she shook like the leaves on the trees in the courtyard.

“Has your Master told you anything different?”

Ahsoka paused. “…. No.”

Seeing that realization was settling within her, Mace nodded. “Then you should not doubt him. You are a Jedi, Ahsoka Tano, and you will remain one as long as you live by our tenets.”

That teased a startled laugh from her. “Compassion for all except people who cheat at push-n-pull?”

As if transported back ten years, hearing Anakin say the same, Mace snorted. “The similarities between you and your Master astonish me every time. Yes, Padawan Tano, compassion for all.”

This seemed to calm the youth as she reached for her cup again and emptied it slowly. “It’s good.”

Mace smiled into his own cup. “I’d be insulted if it wasn’t. Obi-Wan forced me to memorize all the steps for making it.”

The then young Knight had been frazzled, and Mace honestly couldn’t tell what it had been about and had forced Mace to learn how to make this tea until he’d more or less collapsed on Mace’s sofa, completely knocked out until morning when Anakin had picked him up.

“He does do that,” Ahsoka agreed. “I think this is the only thing anyone can make reliably now.”

“Sleep-deprived much?” Mace inquired.

Ahsoka rolled her eyes. “Like you wouldn’t believe. I love Luke and Leia dearly, but they are demanding and need a lot of attention.”

That was honestly kinder than Mace would have described newborns at her age.

“There is a reason why we usually don’t have children this young in the Temple,” Mace said. “They are very handful. Do you get enlisted to help very often?”

Ahsoka shook her head. “No, Obi-Wan, Skyguy, and Padmé got it covered, and I’m mostly just helping out somewhere else.”

She trailed off a little. This, perhaps, was another issue, but one that could be equally easily dealt with.

“Thank you then for going where you are needed,” Mace told her.

Ahsoka blinked. “Huh?”

“You will grow into a specific role someday, Ahsoka, and that needs time. Do not feel as if you need to earn back your place in the Temple. You don’t need to earn yourself a home you have always had. For now, trust me when I say that everyone you’ve helped is glad that you were there. It is an admirable quality to have a sense of where you are needed. Do not see it as being the odd one out.”

This was the hardest lesson to teach and learn, the fact that there was a path out there for you, but that it took time to see where it would lead. Too many of their Padawans now felt utterly lost without the structure the war had provided them with.

“Oh. I guess if you say so.”

“Yes, I do say so,” Mace agreed. Then, eyeing Ahsoka’s empty cup, he added on, “do you want another?”

“No.” Ahsoka yawned. “I think I might best head back.”

“You can also sleep here if you want, and don’t mind Caleb hogging the blanket. I won’t go to bed tonight anyway.”

Ahsoka squinted at him as if attempting to discern whether he was lying. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Really—”

“Ahsoka, go to bed.”

Clearly feeling better already, she saluted and, after Mace showed her his bedroom, made herself comfortable in it. She took off her shoes and tossed her robe over a chair before climbing into the bed. Ahsoka had barely laid down when Caleb already turned around to curl around her, clinging like a little monkey. After a moment’s apprehension, she relaxed and was fast asleep. Stealing one last glance at the two Padawan, Mace returned to his living room, looking through the incoming reports.

Hectic as the aftermath of the war was, as much effort as caring for their children was, Mace wouldn’t trade it for a single thing in the world.

[phoenixyfriend]

Anakin Assists the Jedi Council While On Medical Leave

AU brainstormed primarily by @atagotiak, @gelpenss, and myself.

Basically, a fix-it based in Anakin getting a peek into the daily life on the Council early, and accidentally Figuring Some Shit Out along the way, mostly because Palps Fucks Up.

So, Anakin gets injured in a way that limits him to Coruscant for a few weeks. He can still walk and talk, but he can't fight. The specific injury doesn't matter, just this:

Anakin runs errands on behalf of the council and sits in on meetings to take minutes as a "you're on medical leave but we need all hands on deck, congrats you get to be the secretary until we can send you on stabbing missions again" thing.

Also, there just aren't a whole lot of people with Anakin's clearance level. They had to send out Stass Allie to handle the mission that was originally next on Anakin's roster, and Anakin's the most convenient person to substitute into her position.

He's not super happy about this but he can more or less understand the point of it. Given that he gets antsy about needing to fight almost immediately, he can acknowledge the worth of having something useful to do, if only as the person who's writing down who says what and making sure everyone has the right file on hand.

(Besides, Obi-Wan jokes in a way that Anakin thinks might be encouraging, this is good practice if Anakin ever wants to be on the High Council himself!)

(This is a very helpful conversation.)

BASICALLY, Anakin is resigned to this but agrees because "Usually we have Master Allie handle this but we need her running that mission that was originally set for the 501st, so you get to fill in for her until you can switch back. Think of it as training for eventual mastery or admin or--listen, we're just really stretched thin."

Here's the key thing, though: Anakin isn't supposed to leave the Temple, for medical reasons, so Palpatine doesn't know Anakin is sitting in on Council meetings. They haven't met up since Anakin's last surgery, and because [muffled hand-wave reason] he didn't find out another way, like Anakin comming him or the Council giving him the heads-up about the change in attendance.

It's fine. He's just taking notes and doing preparatory research, he has the clearance, the Chancellor likes him anyway. Hell, they'd have had someone's Padawan doing this, before the war increased the necessary clearance levels. They'll toss in a quick message in the brief they send to Palps that he never reads anyway, and that's really all they need to do. Skywalker's getting some rounded experience and this way the medics won't be freaking out about him stressing his heart after getting electrocuted by trying to spar too early.

Palpatine doesn't talk directly to the Council, he just sends a recording the first time Anakin is there. It's a bit weird, but nothing goes wrong. Anakin's off-screen from whatever device they use to send a response, since he's not technically a member, just assisting for a bit on the part of Master Allie's duties that he's actually allowed to touch (and not the bits that are getting added to Mace, Plo, and Shaak's stuff).

The first four or so meetings are like that. Anakin starts having a bit of sympathy for the Council as he sees how many things they want to do that are hampered by the need for Senatorial approval, things that he would also want to do and didn't think required this much red tape.

About a week in, still mostly recordings with Anakin just sitting on the side playing paralegal, the wheel of fortune turns a few pegs.

Palpatine hands over a an order on the range of injury that a soldier should be treated for, "to ensure that republic resources aren't being wasted on clones that, while expensive, would actually be cheaper to replace than repair."

Oh, he dresses it up in prettier language than that. Anakin doesn't process it as such first.

The Chancellor manages to couch his phrasing in "prioritizing resources for taxpaying republic citizens and employees of the GAR," which... well.

The natborn commissioned officers pay taxes. The Jedi are employees. The clones are neither, because they're slaves.

Probably he frames it as the employees thing, very much the kinda language that sounds halfway ok unless you’re fluent in political bullshit.

And Anakin is really confused at first about why the council is upset by the order because, okay, he would PREFER to be able to use medical supplies on refugees when possible, but he understands prioritizing the soldiers?

He just looks up, totally lost, when someone groans and goes, "That's the third time this year, is he trying to get us all killed?"

And it vibes as such a genuine, aggrieved, sad reaction that Anakin is completely blindsided because it's not the sarcastic, petty resentment he kind of expected? It's just... desperate depression.

And someone gently has to explain that this is the third time they've had resources restricted to only GAR employees and that it's a polite way of saying "prioritize natborn officers, stop wasting resources on clones, we can replace them easier."

Or maybe he doesn't ask, because he's just there to take notes, not argue, and he can see the masters drawing up a response that amounts to "We would like to remind you that our soldiers do not fall into that classification, and to limit their access to our medical supplies is liable to cause a loss of life that we find unreasonably high. Please see the annotations attached to adjust wording so that the clones may receive the same level of care."

Anakin's internally just like "Yeah, that's phrased nice and addresses the main problem, Palpatine will obviously agree and change it!"

And then he comes in the next day and the response comes in and it's just dripping condescension about considering the clones actual people.

"This is why we can't use the bacta tanks on clones anymore, just the patches. We could use them at first, we had a few of the CCs get through fatal injuries with them, but they cut that off and said we could only use the tanks on Jedi and non-clone officers a few months ago. The Banking Clans keep tightening their belts on the army, and the Chancellor insists we put citizens first, and the clones aren't citizens. We've been arguing back as much as we can, but he keeps going on about the economy and we can't... we just can't, Skywalker. We're trying to save as many of our men as we can, but..."

Something like "Allocation of resources reiterated, the Kaminoans have assured the senate that the Jedi are far from exhausting the resources ordered."

And Anakin's like. He can't blame the council for lying about Palpatine's past or future actions. He just saw Palpatine's actions. Those actions were to order people under his control to throw away lives he saw as replaceable commodities.

These are his friends' lives.

His soldiers are being thrown away by a man in a tower that he trusted.

And then that man has the gall to suggest it's the council's fault.

Palpatine is good at what he does, especially in public, he dresses it up in flowery language and everything, but Anakin's just like "Those are my FRIENDS and also this is??? How slavers talked about their property on Tatooine???? FRIENDPATINE, WHAT THE FUCK."

Anakin can be passive aggressive sometimes as well as outright aggressive. So if he brings up the guidelines and why they make him upset in general terms, and Palpatine says something about how he’s sad the council doesn’t care about the clones...

Anakin, internally, having just watched the council scramble to save as many clones as possible within the guidelines that Palps handed down: Uh-huh.

(Anakin is just the gay horror teeth gif from queer eye.)

Just. “Yeah, funny you say that, Palpatine! Because as I remember, you told the council not to waste more resources than necessary while Mace Windu was arguing to expand the treatment range!”

Palps doesn't even have time to salvage the situation or attack Anakin because Anakin just bulldoze rants for fifteen minutes and then storms out.

Anakin... maybe does a little treason and gets a copy of the orders so he can ask Padme "Hey, can you explain the politics of this?" and doesn't tell her who wrote it so she isn't biased (he tells her that this is why he's not sharing the author's/speaker's name), and just lets Padme pick apart all the 'this is a nice way of saying they don't view the clones as people' details.

Alternately, someone on the Council sees Anakin dithering and manages to get him to admit that he's not great at political language and wants to ask someone to help him understand the full implications. The person--Mace? let's go with Mace--is aware that Anakin is on good terms with Senator Amidala, if not necessarily aware of the depth of said relationship. Mace points out that he's probably going to be seeing her soon just because he usually does and, as a Senator, she can get easy access to these sessions since they're not about specific missions, just allocation of resources, etc. It's not an optimal solution, but she's got a bit more free time than anyone else Anakin knows with the clearance levels, like Order members that are actively involved in the war effort.

Anakin dithers and panics and Mace, trying to be helpful, tells him that plenty of Jedi have made friends among the Senate over the years, didn't you know Qui-Gon Jinn was a personal friend of Former Chancellor Valorum?

At any rate, Anakin goes to Padme and asks her to explain it to him, because she knows how to phrase things so he gets it.

Anakin has to have her pause and he goes outside and destroys some things halfway through.

(Anakin maybe thinks back to the times Padmé or Obi-Wan were really obviously frustrated and when he asked, they said stuff like “I can’t stand Palpatine rn, sorry Anakin I know he’s important to you and you don’t want to talk about politics, let’s just talk about something else.”)

(Obi-Wan: I don’t trust Palpatine Anakin: you just don’t like politicians in general Obi-Wan: yes that is also true)

(Obi-Wan does like Bail and Padme but he does also talk a bit about how politicians generally aren’t to be trusted.)

[tremendouscreationperson]

Obi-Wan x Reader

So this is an Obi-Wan fic based during the events of the Kenobi series, there are obviously flashbacks which you’ll love. I wont lie, I sorta just don’t mention Satine so you can decide whether they had a bad breakup or she doesn’t exist. This is mainly Obi-Wan’s POV, it is also a two parter, if anyone is interested.

To think he’d be on a planet that wasn’t dry or course, to be somewhere where it rained, surely it should be enjoyable. But no, he was on a mission, something he hadn’t done for almost eleven years now. He was rusty. The neon lights burnt his eyes in a different way than the sun usually did, the brilliant greens and reds, even the purples, making him pause to take a calming breath.

He’s safe. It’s not as if he could really be hurt any more. His Master, his brother, his friends, his soldiers, his responsibilities. All gone. Despite them winning the war. They defeated Grievous for Makers sake! That was the goal, defeat him and the droids. Stop the Separatists at any cost. A sarcastic huff escaped him as he eyed the propaganda Holos for the ‘NEW EMPIRE’. They were wearing the same armour his troopers wore, why did they attack? Surely there was a reason, surely, they wouldn’t just turn on the Jedi, not Rex, not Cody. He had hoped that Fives was right, that maybe it was programmed into them, but who knows? The Chancellor had banned talk about Fives and Rex wasn’t meant to tell Ahsoka who told Anakin who told him.

Was he wrong to miss the war? Probably.

Obi-Wan shook his head and hurried along, he was on a mission. He must stick to the mission, then get back and continue his observation on the boy. Luke. His name was Luke. And his mission was Leia. Would they every meet? He hoped so. Maybe one day. When its saf-

“Spare any Credits?” Cody? Obi-Wan stopped in surprise. No, but he was wearing 501st armour, he was one of Anakins men. Obi-Wan stared at the familiar face and remembered a time he would be sitting across from it eating, or creating battle plans, or just watching the democratic debates. It was older than Obi-Wan had ever seen, even the ‘reject clones’ never really got this old, or scraggily but he wasn’t one to judge. “Help a veteran get a warm meal?” He held his helmet a bit higher.

Obi-Wan, despite the initial suspicion of being ratted on, threw what he could spare into it. At least this Trooper wasn’t firing at him. Maybe he knew Obi-Wan was no longer a threat, just a tired old man. The Trooper nodded in thanks before his eyes flickered to an imposing Holo behind Obi-Wan’s shoulder. A frown set on his face and he looked away in shame. Obi-Wan turned, eyebrow raised, before sucking in a shaky breath.

There you were on the screen. It was your Jedi Archives portrait. Your eyes bore into his soul, looking dead on; your lips slightly curved into a smile, he could remember being the cause of; and your hair was lime green. He loved the colourful nature of your species, every few months you’d come into the Temple with a new set of armour and hair, he had even compared you to a Mandalorian a few times. Both so expressive and changing in nature. He and you would have long discussions about the meanings behind certain colours and Obi-Wan could tell that you weren’t being completely honest about a few, you were allowed to like the colours for whatever reasons you wanted, you needed no excuse in his eyes.

You had been trained by a Master called Cjuria but she had died at the hands of Ventress, meaning Yoda took over your final years and after that you did help Qui-Gon and himself before Anakin came along. You were basically a co-parent to the boy but he would never admit what that truly meant. Never accept that fact because you and Anakin were gone. You, Anakin, Ahsoka, Padme, Qui-Gon, Rex, Cody, the 212th, Windu, Billaba, Aalya, Fisto, Plo Koon, Quinlan, Yoda, even Jar Jar. There was nothing where he once could feel everyone. An all-consuming nothingness.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t stay here too long.” The Trooper interrupted his wallowing. “Those Inquisitors are nasty.”

Obi-Wan took one last look at this face, the face of his many friends, his men, and now of an unlikely ally. He had wished that all the Clones would live to look like this and now he had seen it he was bitterly disappointed. If Anakin knew a member of the 501st was suffering he’d be livid. If Anakin-

“Thank you.” Kenobi bowed his head before continuing his path to Leia.

///

“Obi!” You called from the top of the curved stairwell, launching yourself over the banister from the very top to the bottom.

He had been intending to go over strategies with Mace but seeing your wide smile as you bounded up to him halted that. The setting sun peeking through the elongated windows did wonders for your skin, making you almost glow. Your eyes were brighter, but they always got like that when you were excited.

“Are you quite alright?” He chuckled, taking in your bright orange hair. It was the colour of the flora from Lantrien. The very toxic spore producing flowers were a lovely sight once you and he had gotten over the worst of the symptoms.

“Luke.” You whisper, your smile not wavering. “She’s so convinced it’s a boy, she keeps thinking of boys names; that’s the current favourite, though.”

The subject of your mutual friend’s child was taboo amongst most. Obi-Wan wasn’t stupid, nor blind, despite trying to be. Anakin had unashamedly loved the Queen from the moment he met her. He was secretly happy for them, one day he knew it wouldn’t be a secret. He had allowed himself to imagine a scenario where the child called him uncle. He would care for him or her no matter what, Anakin knew it, Padme knew it, you knew it. He would keep their child safe, once the war was over, once he could choose his own path.

‘Jedi weren’t meant to be generals.’ Qui-Gon had spoken, ‘we are peacekeepers’ and that is all Obi-Wan craved. He was getting weary of war, of duty. If only the day could come when the war was just memories.

“And what if it isn’t a boy?” He raised his brow.

“She was thinking Lila.” You shrugged. “Or Leia, I like Leia more. It’s more regal.”

Obi-Wan had to agree with you on that one, despite agreeing with you on practically everything. “A little Prince or Princess.”

“Woul-” You paused before mouthing, “Would he be a king?”

Obi-Wan had no answer to that. How was he to know? Could a Jedi still truly be a Jedi with a wife, and child? If not, he could be king, if so, he could be a king and a Jedi, was that morally correct?

“Kenobi!” Mace’s voice stopped you both as he walked by, “I almost can’t believe you’re not early to our strategy meeting.”

“Sorry, I distracted him.” You pulled a ‘whoopsie’ face, raising your brows and shoulders, your lips pulling inwards .

Mace gave you the very same unimpressed look he gave practically everyone but his eyes were warm with affection. You were friends and had been for years. “Don’t you have a queen to guard?”

“She requested a walk and Skywalker knows the best paths.” You said with such bravado. “I would be useless.”

///

Were all 10-year-olds this annoying or was it just the Skywalkers? Obi-Wan saw so much of Anakin in this feisty girl. She was forthright and observant when she disregarded his orders and claimed he was her father. But his already fragile heart broke when she apprehensively asked: “Are you my real father?”

“I wish I could say I was.” She bent her head in disappointment, the wind whipping at their hair, he’d say that’s why his eyes were glassy if she asked.

“Sometimes I try to imagine what he was like.” She muttered, eyes actively avoiding him.

Obi-Wan felt that pain himself being a Jedi. “I know that feeling.” She glanced in his direction, “as Jedi we were taken from our families when we were very young. I still have glimpses, flashes really, my mother’s shawl. My father’s hands.” He had only ever told you the next part; whispered on cold bunks, during one of the worst battles you’d endured, hands entwined between the empty space. “I-I remember a baby.”

“A baby?” Leia was now fully turned towards him.

“Yes, I think I had a brother. Though I really don’t remember him. I wish I did.” He felt regret for that. Was it possible to miss a life you didn’t live? To want it, yes, but to miss it? He thought not. He didn’t want for anything really, and he had ‘siblings’ so to say but would it have been an equally great life? Would he have been on the Republics side? Yes, he was sure he would. “But then I joined the Jedi and I had a new family. Just like you.”

She was silent then and he allowed her to take in the information he had given her. “Ben?”

“Yes, Leia?”

“Were they happy?”

That question was one of those where you automatically say ‘yes of course’, but he knew deep down. Anakin and Padme were happy. They were in love and didn’t care by the end who knew. They were destined to be together from the start but despite that. They were friends. They-they were happy. “Yes.”

The truck started to slow down then, drawing both passengers’ attention. Freck had said it wouldn’t take long, just a routine checkpoint but the hair on the back of Obi-Wan’s neck stood up. Leia was calm, she had been surrounded by the bucketheads since birth, she didn’t hold the same fear Kenobi did.

Freck exited the truck and spoke with the Troopers before they started walking around the back. Obi-Wan pulled his hood up keeping his gaze down. Leia did no such thing, scanning the watch tower and the red laser gate.

‘I am one with the force’ was the mantra rattling around his head as the Troopers asked who they were and why they were travelling this way. ‘Master’ he basically pleaded as he was no where near strong enough to use any form of Jedi trick. He wished he could, that would’ve been an easier escape than shooting his and Leia’s way out.

///

“Guns are so-” He paused in contemplation. “So uncivilised.”

You looked up at him from your spot lying on the meadow. You both had two days before you were to meet the informant. It wasn’t meant to be that late but there were suspicions and you guys were taking the first opportunity to relax; even for a moment. The trees hung low and smelled like home, although you didn’t know what or where that was. You recognised the smell, and the feeling of contentment. You’d told him that and he revealed the sound of waves reminded him of home.

“But you’ll happily cut someone in half?” You gave him a smirk as he rolled his eyes, leaning back next to you. You put on a posh accent, one hand resting on your chest and the other dramatically thrown across your forehead. “My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi, I cannot bare the thought of shooting a gun, but I will redirect a laser. Much in the same way a gun shoots.”

He shoved your hand away. “I do not sound like that.”

“I do not sound like that.” You tried and failed not to giggle at his expression.

“Well, I wouldn’t have to if you didn’t stop giving away our position.” His hand twiddled a lock of your half blue hair. “This side isn’t as bad but that one is basically a target.” He brushed a few flyaway strands of red from your temple.

“A girls gotta get you to notice her somehow.” You winked.

He just rolled his eyes. “You shouldn’t say that.”

You shrugged, bits of the yellowed grass getting caught on your shoulders.

“The war will be over soon; might as well enjoy the freedom it brings.”

He never quite understood that statement until now. You had meant that once it was over you would be ‘real’ Jedi. No hiding behind the cloak of battle, no missions together because it was needed. You would have to rebuild the galaxy and after that you would have to keep the peace in it. The whole galaxy. There would probably be one Jedi per quadrant.

What you meant by that statement was ‘I know you’re scared; I am too. Why can’t we be scared together?’ You had both had the talk no relationships, no love, love lead to the dark side. But there were Jedi who had wives, who had husbands, who had kids, who had a life outside of the order.

Why couldn’t you?

///

Tala positioned them in an archway, before going to check everything was in order for them to escape through ‘the Pathway’. He made sure to keep a hand on Leia’s shoulder. If Anakin was anything to go by he’d need to tie himself to her.

Once the coast was clear they made their way to the safehouse.

Inside was a mechanics den, the tables littered with tools and exposed wires. There was a droid who seemed intimidating but Tala reassured them he was friendly. Leia was fascinated and showed him her little L0LA.

Tala reached behind what looked to be an electrical cupboard and the walls parted. A woman was behind them packing a bag, “Tala you said a child too? I only have this; I hope it isn’t too flashy.”

That voice.

Surely not.

Obi-Wan walked towards her as she began to turn to face the group and low and behold. It was you. You-you were alive. Your hair was an ashy brown colour, your skin paler and thinner. The chubbiness had vanished in your cheeks, but your eyes and smile were the same. And they shone.

“Ob-h my maker.” You cut yourself off from saying his name. Unsure if it was wise to reveal you knew each other.

He was the same. He had no idea how to react. So, you both just stood there in awe.

“Raya?” Tala’s head was tilted, a clear sign she wanted to know what was happening.

You spared her your gaze for half a second before it landed back onto him.

“I-I’ve got you some supplies.” You stiffly spoke, awkwardly offering him the bag.

He looked down before taking it, “Thank you. Raya?” You gave a minute nod. “I am Ben.”

You chuckled a little then and he did the same. “Ben? That’s a very unique and unusual name.”

He rolled his eyes. How had he not seen you in 10 years and the first thing you do is tease him? “Thank you.”

There was a shuffling behind him, oh yes, a child. She was watching this whole interaction in the same fashion as Tala. But by the Stars she looked familiar. You couldn’t quite place why as she stood with poise and dignity. Her chin pointed upwards and her hair, only slightly out of place. She looked regal next to Kenobi.

“Is this your daughter?” You felt a little indifferent as you voiced the question. She didn’t particularly look like him but it was possible. He may not even tell you the truth because Tala is standing right there almost gawking at this situation.

Obi-Wan brought her forward, to his surprise with no complaint or noise, placing a hand on her shoulder and patting it with his fingers. “Raya. This is Leia.”

Leia? You weren’t sure if you said it or thought it but a thousand memories flashed the moment that name left his mouth. Of course, she was Leia. She had the same hair and eyes as Padme and the same composure. At your visible shock her eyebrows were drawn slightly in a very Anakin way. She had his chubby youngling cheeks too.  

You knelt to shake her small hand. You were meant to help her; you had been devastated when Padme was buried and like everyone else believed her bump was real. Believed her unborn child had become part of the stars with her. “Leia. It’s very nice to meet you.” A tear oozed it’s way down your cheek.

“It is nice to meet you, too.” Even her small voice held such power. She was made to be a ruler, you wished she was, it was the least she deserved. Kriff she deserved the life of a Princess, the life her parents were going to give her.

“I’m sorry to break up whatever this is but we need to get you and you out of here.” Tala pointed at them. “Maybe you’ll follow them?” She asked hopefully, wishing you some peace finally.

You were about to talk when the sensation of grinding teeth settled in your mouth, a shiver made its way up your spine also and settled on the back of your neck. A cold, dead feeling wrapped around like a shawl.

Ob-Ben met your gaze, his hand finding the sabre you hadn’t noticed on his belt. He was a brave man to be carrying that around. Yours was hidden in the mechanics of NED. Figuring that was the safest place for it, in a droid who couldn’t speak. You guys used to hide stuff in R2 all the time.

Ben was at the window, peaking behind the curtain to see an imposing figure. “Get Leia out of here.” He told you. “Get her to Alderaan. To Bail.”

“Bail?” You said in disbelief. “O-Ben! Who is it? It’s familiar, but twisted.”

His eyes pore into yours. “Darth Vader.”

///

You had picked up Leia and ran with Tala trying to formulate a plan. How on earth would you get to Alderaan, the pathway doesn’t go to Alderaan. Kriffing Alderaan?! Maker how long are these tunnels?

You felt a wave through your body and suddenly stopped. That wasn’t good. Or was it? Was that? Was Kenobi using the force? WAS KENOBI FIGHTING DARTH VA- of course he was.

“Tala.” You placed Leia down and connected their hands. “Please. I have to go back. Comm Bail Organa. Find a way. I don’t care how, kriff tell him (y/f/n) wants him.”

“You knew the Organa’s?” Her eyes were wide but she nodded. You had told her some of your history but most was secret so you could live.

You scoffed, “I knew the Queen of Naboo.” Your eyes flickered to Leia. “Now please, go.”

“Wait!” Leia called as you ran towards the current that the Force had created. “You knew my mother?!”

You bit your lip as you ran from her and Tala. Both of whom you wished to know more of but were so fearful they would be hurt in the hunt for you.

//

You sat on the floor of your ship floating adrift in space. Your arms wrapped around your legs as you stared at the body in front of you. Reach. He was your friend, why did he attack you?

You were on your way to help Ahsoka with Maul, despite your orders.

“Ahsoka has asked for help.” You informed Obi-Wan, thinking he was unaware. He was and he told you that he couldn’t let Grievous escape yet again, that you were too close to winning the war. “Obi.. its Maul… It’s Ahsoka.” You took a step back, “I’m going to help her.” He seemed a little take aback by you but nodded.

“Keep safe,” His hand found your wrist. “Only take who you need, this can’t be known. We’ve already given them too many Clones as it is.”

“I’ll take Reach. I think her and I could handle him. At least I’m confident she can.” You tried to joke.

“Promise me you’ll be careful.”

“Only if you say it first.”

“I will be careful.” He vowed.

“I love you, too.” You winked.

You hadn’t made it to Ahsoka. You were halfway to her, before she popped up letting you know she was successful. You were so proud of her, remembering the little scamp she used to be. She may well be the most powerful Jedi, behind the chosen one of course.

“Ahsoka, another message is coming through, I only brought Reach’s Pad to spare resources, uh, send me your coordinates and I’ll be on my way, we’ll meet in the middle.”

She gave you a quick salute before a cloaked figure appeared, you and Reach gave each other a look before he demanded: EXECUTE ORDER 66.

“Order-?” Something hit you so hard in the temple you fell off of your seat. “Kriff!”

You were then being straddled and punched again and again and again. Bringing your arms up to block the attacks, you kicked your legs in the hopes of pushing Reach off balance. It worked and you were able to scramble away, pulling yourself just barely to a standing position. Reach’s face was blank, his hand going to his belt finding it empty.

“You were cleaning it,” You panted, igniting your sabre before he could jump on you again. “Reach, what’s going on?”

“Good soldiers follow orders.” He spoke as though it was obvious.

“Orders? Was that an order?” You tried to piece together, despite your headache. “Who was that?”

He was silent.

“Reach, please.” Your head was pounding now. He took advantage of your dizziness and you didn’t mean to. You didn’t. But he was now laying, bleeding out, still trying to grab at you. You withdrew the sabre before flinging it far from you. You vision was blurred before but now you were crying, kneeling over him. “We don’t have any medical supplies.” There would be a whole hospital wing on Ahsoka’s ship. If only you left earlier.

He muttered something you were too hysterical to hear but he kept repeating it like a mantra. “Kill the Jedi.” His last word was ‘the’.

You had moved so you weren’t kneeling but otherwise you were sitting next to his body. You could tell your head was bleeding, probably turning your purple hair a wet maroon. There wasn’t anything you could do. The comms were down and in the scuffle you had been knocked majorly off course. The stars were almost a good companion in your grief. It wasn’t just you. There were thousands. You felt them. Or actually you ceased feeling them. There was an empty void where previously a small hum had been.

How long had you sat here?

How long until you had to get your shit together?

How did Sidious corrupt the Clones? He must’ve had an inside man.

You sat for quite a while longer in slow contemplation.

But there was a rapping at the air lock. As if someone had knocked. You ignored it until it happened again. Scowling you braced yourself upon the wall before attempting to stand. It wasn’t easy being bruised and numb and stiff and dizzy and just sad. You did it though. You took one step and immediately fell as a myriad of pain shot through your leg like lightning. You hadn’t realised he’d grabbed it in the chaos, but alas you continued leaning heavily on the wall. The airlock had a window and outside floated a small box. Maybe it was a bomb. No, the ship, despite not moving, still worked and it would’ve detected danger. You squinted and could just about make out the symbol of the Republic etched into the metal.

What more could you have to lose? You sealed and opened and resealed and opened the compartment to find an unintimidating box. It was small enough to fit into your palm but had a surprising weight to it as the gravity settled. The top pinged off and you were half expecting a creature to fly out.

Is that? No. A Jedi Beacon was resting in the box. That wasn’t good.

You shakily took the small blue device out and dropped the box as it started playing a message.

“This is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.” He looked his normal, pristine, self. That was good, right? “I regret to report that both our Jedi Order and the Republic have fallen, with the dark shadow of the Empire rising to take their place. This message is a warning and a reminder for any surviving Jedi: trust in the Force. Do not return to the Temple. That time has passed, and our future is uncertain. Avoid Coruscant. Avoid detection. Be secret... but be strong. We will each be challenged: our trust, our faith, our friendships. But we must persevere and, in time, I believe a new hope will emerge. May the Force be with you always.”

You shook your head, tears forming again, “no.” You pressed play again and he appeared again.

“This is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. I regret to report that both our Jedi Order and the Republic have fallen, with the dark shadow of the Empire rising to take their place. This message is a warning and a reminder for any surviving Jedi: trust in the Force. Do not return to the Temple. That time has passed, and our future is uncertain. Avoid Coruscant. Avoid detection. Be secret... but be strong. We will each be challenged: our trust, our faith, our friendships. But we must persevere and, in time, I believe a new hope will emerge. May the Force be with you always.”

“This is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi…”

//

“I’m coming Obi-Wan.”