#but the fact he kept reserve toward other padawans and jedi

[cienie-isengardu]

Hello! I noticed one sad thing - it seems that Anakin wasn't even a hug after his departure from Tatooine? The guy clearly had a strong tactile hunger. I remember Obi-Wan hugging and being hugged, but I don't remember that with Anakin. And becoming Darth Vader... he definitely was touch-starved as hell. All this is unfair... and awful... I really hope that I am wrong and just inattentively read books!

Hi!

Anakin’s approach to touch is kinda complicated thing. On one hand, Shmi and the closest childhood friends were a source of comfort to the boy thus their touch (hugging, holding hands) was welcomed gesture and returned by Anakin. With them, being touched without permission was acceptable, because Skywalker knew they mean no harm to him, that it was a sign of love, friendship, worrying for and a way to reassurance each other in difficult times.

On another hand, Anakin grew up in abusive environment and there is enough sources to give general idea how his life looked then. Including the physical abuse coming from slave masters, like was mentioned in AotC novelization:

[Anakin] wasn’t sure how he would feel about seeing the slaver, even if Watto had nothing to do with bringing any harm to Shmi. Watto had treated him better than most in Mos Espa treated their slaves, and hadn’t beaten him too often […]

Anakin seems to be very open kid in TPM even to strangers, but we must remember that he actually had a chance to observe them in junk shop and talk to Padme (kind, beautiful yet very lost girl) and Jar Jar (clumsy but not dangerous alien) before he decided to be involved with those people for good. The fact that Jinn was Jedi, what Anakin noticed quickly, probably helped a lot too to be open and accepting - and even initiate - touch around them 

Similar like Anakin & Padme’s romance on Naboo, TPM gives us a sense of actually real connection between him and other people - especially Jinn and Padme. They may know each other for a short time, but their relationship was grounded in mutual respect and friendship. Jinn’s touch was consolation for Anakin in uncertain time of his life and main support after leaving Shmi behind.

Growing up in Jedi Order for sure wasn’t the easiest process for Anakin, but as much as Jedi Council (Yoda) made him feel unwelcome, unwanted and different, Jedi Code was strongly against attachment to people and things but did not forbid any physical contact between padawans and Jedi alike. Yet it is easy to see difference between TPM!Anakin and his older version in AotC. Skywalker’s whole body language changed, became more closed off, guarded.He is less likely to physically interact with other people. Obi-Wan (as his long-time master now) and Padme (who he knew before and their familiarity has strengthened again) are understandable exceptions, because both were very important and trusted people in Anakin’s life.

There is no doubt the violence that Anakin experienced in slavery affected him deeply (x). The real question is how much childhood trauma AND the feeling of being different while growing up between Jedi affected Skywalker’s physical isolation and how much he himself cut off from other people:

“Anakin had always been something of an enigma to Jax and the other Padawans. He was nearly the same age as Jax, and they had studied and dueled together often. While it was true that no one could really get close to Anakin - he had always maintained an aloofness, a reserve, that none could penetrate- still, Jax had counted himself as one of the troubled young Jedi’s few confidants.” [Coruscant Night: Jedi Twilight by Michael Reaves]

We may only wonder how much Anakin changed “naturally” and how much it is effect of his loneliness, pressure and difference he felt for years. I personally don’t think Anakin per se needed hugs to feel better. Rather he needed a true friend(s), someone to bond with, someone loyal and accepting. And yes, Obi-Wan is definitely a person that Anakin trusted and respected and whose touch was accepted by him, but his master tried as much as possible to not “touch” Skywalker’s past (and trauma) and the desire “to make Skywalker the best Jedi” often didn’t allow him to act in more affectional way toward his student. To act in a way struggling Anakin needed.

That said, Anakin was always a kind person, willing to show support (physical gestures) when it was possible. He did that for Ahsoka and clone troopers through the war. But it is easy to see how much more guarded he act in AotC and beyond than he did as a kid. That he was less willing to be the one initiating touch, unless he knew well said person (Padme). Frankly, I’m not even sure if he ever hugged Ahsoka, beside the critical moments after some drastic experiences (her dying in Mortis arc, maybe?). Either there were some rules for physical touching between master and padawan or Anakin simply tried to respect Ahsoka’s personal space and allowed himself to touch her (hand on arm usually, if I remember right) when he felt she needed more palpable support.

There was a time when I suspected Anakin may suffer from no physical contact, but now, looking at Anakin from AotC through the whole war, he doesn’t exactly look to me as “touch starved” person. Especially not in the sense of being desperate to have physical contact with others. He just became more private, secretive man, an introvert that always kept in mind showing emotions (attchament) wasn’t wise thing to do around other Jedi. And really, some people (due to trauma or just that type of nature) simply do not like or need that much physical contact with others.

I guess, as introvert myself, I don’t think Anakin wanted that much physical contact, more like needed to hear some recognition from fellow Jedi. Simple you are good enough coming from Council would probably made him feel better than any hug from Yoda or Windu or any Jedi could do.

As for Vader the situation become more complex and much simplier at the same time. To allow someone touch him was unacceptable. Living outside armor was impossible thing at that time - the armor keep him alive and without it, he would die. Without it, the flesh and scars were unprotected, easy to hurt, and as a Sith Lord he can’t allow himself for such weakness. Beside, as much as Anakin missed Padme (and her touch),  what was the point of wishing for any physical contact, if Padme was dead? He loved her and only her, any other person - beside few trusted medics & droids - would never be allowed to touch him ever again.

(Though even as Vader, Anakin was willing to show some support to his troopers and close associates with physical gestures. He wasn’t affraid or beyond attachment to touch people, he just didn’t need any kind gestures from others for himself)

[tachiisms]

He did not have long to wait. In just a few minutes, Adi Gallia slipped out of the Council Room. "We have decided to grant your request. You can join Siri on Nar Shaddaa," Adi Gallia told him. He saw a rare crack in her regal bearing as she hesitantly put out a hand toward him, then withdrew it. "I know you will be careful, Obi-Wan, so I should not say it. But I must. Siri is in great danger. She has risked much. Please..." Adi Gallia was a reserved and careful being. She did not ask for comfort and usually kept herself aloof. But Obi-Wan was moved by her distress and reacted spontaneously. He captured her hand and pressed it between his palms. "I will not fail you," he said. (Jedi Quest: Path to Truth)

consider the fact that this is probably the first time in two years that Adi has actually allowed herself to vocalize fear or worry for her Padawan. 

like, she definitely hasn’t ever been able to tell Siri that she’s worried about her, because she’s gotta be a good mom and keep up a ‘you got this kiddo’ whenever she talks with Siri. (and it seems most likely that there isn’t actually a whole lot of communication with Siri aside from Siri sending them coded messages, though I’m sure they do have a way to let her know they need to talk, and I’m sure they send her messages, since I definitely think that they tipped her off about Obi-Wan and Anakin possibly running into her, especially since as mentioned briefly  here [x], Siri doesn’t miss a beat when she sees Obi-Wan and Anakin -- even though Obi-Wan, who was briefed privately that Zora=Siri, was completely thrown off actually seeing her.) 

and there would be no point in her expressing fear or worry about her Padawan to any of the other Council members, because for one thing they definitely only ever talk about Siri’s mission behind closed and locked doors so it’s not like she can vent over tea or anything, and also they all know what a dangerous position she’s in, and they all know there’s nothing they could do about it if something happened to her. 

and this is probably the most afraid/worried that Adi has been for Siri. while the whole mission is incredibly dangerous, Siri’s been doing fine. but now there’s this total wild card thrown in with Anakin being with her -- a wild card that even Obi-Wan was like ‘idk how Anakin’s going to react or what he’ll do’ (Yoda’s the one who has to cut him off like ‘well obviously we have to assume he’ll act like a Jedi’) and now with Obi-Wan going to Nar Shaddaa as well, there will be two extra Jedi in a place where there’s a kill-on-sight order out on Jedi, and where there’s now going to be triple the possibilities for Siri’s cover to get compromised. like if Siri was already in great danger now she’s really in great danger. 

anyway I have a lot of feelings about Adi right here.

[stellarstarwarsimagines]

One More Night

Pairing - Obi-Wan Kenobi x Reader

Summary - While wandering around town with your partner, you run into an old flame, Obi-Wan Kenobi. He needs your help, and even though you have your reservations about helping the Republic, you agree. But when he lets slip the reason he hasn’t contacted you in so long, you can’t help but question everything you thought you knew about his feelings for you. 

Word Count - 5,806

Warnings - Smut 18+ only! 

It took you a grand total of about two minutes for you to realize that you were being followed. It would have been less time, but you had gotten distracted by a fight breaking out between a Togruta and a Rodian. The dark robes were unmistakable though after you had turned three corners, and they were still behind you. “So how long have they been following us?” You asked the blue Twi’lek walking with you. 

“Oh, around five minutes. I was wondering when you’d catch on.” She said, smirking over at you. 

“You could have told me.” You replied, rolling your eyes at her. 

“What would be the fun in that?” She asked, her fingers tapping at the weapon clipped to her waist. “You take left, I take right?” 

“Have fun.” You replied, winking at her before you darted left and took off at a run. 

Your assailants hadn’t realized that the two of you had noticed them. That much was clear by the momentary panic and destruction they caused at your actions. You didn’t stick around to watch, but you could hear it behind you. You took off down the alley as fast as you could, dodging in and out of store fronts and trying to confuse the attackers. When you managed to get on top of a roof, you glanced down and discovered that the two that had been following had split up when Na’lona and you did. There was now only one that seemed to be tracing your steps. 

You weren’t about to stick around and find out who it was though. Taking off at a run, you kept going, changing up your path every few corners so it was never the same until you were sure you weren’t being followed anymore. You took a deep breath, leaning against the wall of an alleyway. It was clear that you were getting way too old for this running around business. 

That was when you heard it. The hum of a lightsaber. You didn’t even have to open your eyes anymore to know who it was, but you did anyway. After all, who would want to pass up the sight of looking at Obi-Wan Kenobi, breathless and disheveled after chasing you for the past ten minutes? “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” You said, letting your eyes wander his form, from the messy hair and rosy cheeks, all the way down to his heaving chest and powerful stance. 

It was easy to forget about the lightsaber pointed at your chest. “Did you have to run?” He asked, ignoring your taunt and sounding exasperated. 

You cocked an eyebrow at him. “Getting old, Obi-Wan? Last time I saw you, I seem to recall you having plenty of stamina. Of course that was about a year ago.” You took a great deal of pleasure at the sight of his composure faltering for a brief moment as his cheeks, already flushed with pink, darkened. 

The hum of his lightsaber disappeared as he deactivated it, and instead of the usual quip back, you frowned as he took a step away from you. “A lot can happen in a year.” Obi-Wan replied. 

“Ah yes, a War torn Galaxy, droids everywhere and Clones led by the former Peacekeepers now turned soldiers. Should I call you General now?” You teased him,  biting your lower lip. 

It had been so long since you had seen him, you had forgotten how captivating those vivid blue eyes were. You couldn’t take yours off them, not that you wanted to, so you didn’t miss the way they followed your movement. “I’d prefer if you didn’t, but it’s nice to see some things never change.” 

“Master!” 

Torn out of the bubble that the two of you had created for yourselves, you both glanced behind Obi-Wan to find the other brown cloaked figure running towards the two of you. At about that time, you caught sight of Na’lona on the nearby roof, everyone else oblivious to her presence. She sent you a wink, and you watched in amusement as the other Jedi that had been chasing her fell over a box that had not been there moments ago and crashed to the ground. 

You couldn’t help but let out a snort as Obi-Wan shook his head. “Is that your Padawan?” You asked. “The Chosen one you’re always complaining about?” 

“That would be him.” He answered, watching as the boy you remember being called Anakin stood up. 

He looked back and forth between Obi-Wan and you, then at the ground where he had been moments ago. “Master, is she a Jedi? Is that why you didn’t want to tell me about her?” 

A snort left your lips as you looked at Obi-Wan, trying not to laugh even harder. “He thinks I’m a Jedi? Na’lona, did you hear that? He thinks I’m a Jedi.” You called in the direction of your friend, watching as Obi-Wan’s expression changed at the name. 

She appeared a few feet in front of you, landing with a delicate grace that left no doubt as to who was the Jedi here. “He’s not the brightest is he?” She asked, and then turning to the man in front of you. “Master Kenobi. It’s been a while.” 

“It has indeed.” It was hard to describe his tone. There seemed to be many layers to it, regret, disappointment, and even a hint of intrigue. “How, may I ask, did the two of you come to meet?” 

“Well, that’s a long story, Obi, and by the efforts you’ve made to talk to me so far today, I get the feeling you don’t have time for such a thing.” You had to admit, you were curious. It had been a long time since Obi-Wan had sought you out, and in the midst of a war, you couldn’t help but wonder what could be so important that he would have to take time from the battlefield to find you. “So let’s cut to the chase here. What is it that you need?” You asked, raising your eyebrows at him. 

One of the things you liked about Obi-Wan was that he never attempted to beat around the bush with you. He never tried to soften any sort of blow because he knew how much you hated it. This time was no different. “The Republic needs your help, and if you refuse, I’ve been ordered to arrest you.” 

Oh it had to be bad then. The Republic hated you, as they hated all smugglers. If they were in need of one, they must be very desperate indeed. Looking into Obi-Wan’s light eyes, you could see the pleading there, and you knew he was begging you not to make this any more difficult than it already was. If it had been anyone else they sent, you might have fought, attempted to escape, but it was Obi-Wan, and you had never been able to deny him anything. “It doesn’t seem as if I’m being given much of a choice then.” 

The relief in his eyes was palpable, and his whole body seemed to relax somewhat as he turned to Na’lona. “You know, the Order could use someone with your skills again Na’lona. We need Jedi like you -”

“And return to the Order that abandoned my Master? Not a chance.” She replied, her face hard as she looked at Obi-Wan before looking at you once more. “You’re on your own for this.” 

As much as you hated to be without your partner these days, you could understand her reasoning. The Jedi Order and her did not have a good history. In fact, it was so terrible that she had rebelled from the Order all together after her Master had been murdered, and the Jedi had done nothing about it. She wasn’t a Sith by any means, but she no longer believed in the ways of the Jedi, so going back for her would not turn out well. “Keep the ship safe for me?” You told her. 

“You got it,” she agreed, thankfulness in her eyes as she took off down the alley in a sprint. 

Obi-Wan moved to go after her, but you grabbed his wrist. “It’s me, or neither of us.” You told him, your voice hard. While you would do a lot for Obi-Wan, betraying your friend would not be one of those things. 

He stared at you for a moment, and you had that feeling you always got when he was gazing into your eyes, as if he was reading the deepest parts of your soul. After a few moments, he nodded, and you couldn’t help but sigh in relief. Of course that turned into a frown as you heard a clicking noise, and looked down at your now bound hands. 

“Is this necessary?” You asked, rolling your eyes as you held them up. 

Obi-Wan smirked at you, looking more like himself than he had the whole time he had been standing there. “Appearances of course. I’m sure you understand.” 

You scoffed. 

____________________

It was impossible not to stare as you made your way onto what must be the largest ship in the Republic Fleet. As a Smuggler, you had come across your fair share of large transport ships, but this? This was like nothing you had ever seen before. Gleaming silver metals, smaller ships, clones in white armor with various other colorings running around and checking systems . . . it was a whole different world. 

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you speechless.” Obi-Wan’s amused voice said behind you, his hand a soft pressure against the small of your back as he urged you forward. 

His words pulled you out of your trance, and you turned around to grin at him. “Come on now, Obi-Wan, don’t settle yourself short. I seem to recall a few times when I was speechless around you. Most of them involving that talented mouth of yours on my -”

Obi-Wan pulled you against him so fast, you lost your train of thought, the smile vanishing from your lips as his presence took up every one of your senses, his eyes once more locked on yours in an inescapable grasp, his scent of sunshine and linen filling your head, his sturdy body pressing against yours while his voice silenced the rest of the ambience in the room. “I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t be so callous speaking about our history in front of everyone.” 

You attempted to regain control of yourself, but it was hard to do when he was standing so close to you it took over every thought you were having. When he spoke though, it reminded you of why it would never work between Obi-Wan and you in the first place. “Ah, of course, wouldn’t want anyone to know that the great, handsome, General Obi-Wan Kenobi had lowered himself to sleeping in the bed of some Smuggler.” You said, some of the fire being taken out of your tone by the breathless quality of your voice. 

If you hadn’t been so caught up in looking at his eyes, you would have missed the flash of disappointment in them. “You know that’s not the case.” He insisted, but before you could make another response, he had turned you back around and led you along the ship. 

Almost immediately you were rushed into a hologram meeting with Obi-Wan, Anakin, some clones, and several members of the Jedi Order. You didn’t say much, observing instead of butting in with questions to annoy them. Obi-Wan’s words had intrigued you, and you couldn’t get your mind off them and their possible meanings. For the past year, the only conclusion you had been able to draw from Obi-Wan’s lack of contact after your week together was that he had been embarrassed it had occurred in the first place. It had hurt, but you were a strong person and had gotten over it. Now, it was as if your galaxy turned upside down, and you had more than a million questions for the Jedi who stood in front of you, regal and elegant, but with a tenseness in his back that you couldn’t ignore. 

Obi-Wan had said a lot could happen in a year. You couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to him. 

“-you’re responsible if anything happens, Obi-Wan.” The words caught your attention and made you look up to see a hologram of Mace Windu lecturing Obi-Wan. 

His gaze shot over to you, lingering there for a moment as you looked into each other’s eyes for a moment. He then turned back to the hologram with a nod. “Understood,” was all he said. 

“Then the plan begins tomorrow. May the Force be with you.” Obi-Wan nodded, and the hologram ended. He gave a couple more orders to some of the other people in the room, and then he turned to you. “I’m afraid we don’t have much in the way of quarters, but there is a small room we’ve made available for you to sleep for a few hours until we reach our destination.” 

There was a quip on the tip of your tongue, but your mind was still too filled with trying to come up with reasoning for Obi-Wan’s actions for you to say it. Instead you nodded, and let him lead you out of the chambers, and into a small room with a tiny bunk. 

“There’s a refresher through that door.” He pointed out to you. “If you’d like to get cleaned up.” 

You nodded, not saying anything, and your lack of words seemed to confuse him. 

“You’re being uncharacteristically quiet.” Obi-Wan said, raising his eyebrows at you. 

Shrugging your shoulders, you sat down on the cot, frowning at the uncomfortableness you could already sense, “thinking.” 

“Ah,” you expected him to inquire what about, and it seemed as if he wanted to, but then he pulled himself back with a slight shake of his head. “Well, I’ll leave you to it.” He started to back away, but you reached out, grabbing a hold of his hand. 

“What you said earlier, that being embarrassed of me wasn’t the case . . . what was the case?” You asked him, unable to keep the question inside of you any longer. You had to know. It would haunt you until you did. 

For a moment, it almost looked as if he wanted to reach out to you, and your mind flashed back to a memory of him doing that very thing a year ago, the brush of his fingers, the pressure of his body against yours and those blue eyes lighting a path to some of the best pleasure you had ever known to this day. 

But he resisted, and you watched as he took a step back. “Jedis aren’t supposed to form attachments, and I was already far too attached to you.” Obi-Wan told you, and while you had no Force abilities to know otherwise, truth rang in his voice. 

His words rendered you speechless, every word that you had told yourself to get over the time the two of you had together crumbling around you like a ship had blasted right through it. He used your silence as a means to leave, a small, sad smile on his face as he did so, shutting the door behind him and ending the conversation. 

It wasn’t fair, not when you still had so many questions for him. 

You waited about three minutes before you decided to follow him. It took you an embarrassingly long time to discover where he was staying on board, but after a plea to one of the clones, you found yourself knocking on the door. 

He answered, and not only did he answer, but he answered while wearing nothing but what you assumed were his sleeping pants. Seeing him like this once again threw you back into memories that you had such a hard time trying to forget. When he called your name though, it threw you out of your daze, and you shook your head to clear your mind. “What are you doing here?” Obi-Wan asked you. 

“You can’t walk away after saying something like that. Not after spending a year avoiding any and all contact with me.” You told him, crossing your arms over your chest. 

For a moment, it looked as if he wanted to argue, and indeed, that’s what the Obi-Wan you had known would have done, but instead he sighed and moved away from the door, giving you enough room to pass. “Would you like anything to drink?” He said. 

But you didn’t respond. When he had turned away from you, you couldn’t help but glance at his muscled back, and gasped in shock. 

It was covered with scars all in various degrees of healing. It was the type of scars you had seen on the backs of slaves that you had given passage to. It was whip marks. 

“Obi-Wan . . . What the hell happened to you?” You finally managed to speak, hurrying towards him and reaching out to touch the scars, but stopping at the last moment. You didn’t want to hurt him if they were bothering him. 

His tense shoulders dropped somewhat as he turned around to face you. It was clear that he was attempting to reassure you, but nothing he could say could do that after you had seen the marks marring his beautiful skin. A small, insincere smile formed on his lips. “It’s been a long year.” 

“Don’t give me any of that cryptic mess. Those are marks I’ve seen on slaves. Who did this to you?” You found yourself growing a mixture of angry and worried. Obi-Wan had said earlier that a lot could happen in a year, and you were now beginning to realize how much. 

“It’s none of your concern.” He replied, shaking his head at you. 

“Afraid I’ll find them and kill them?” You asked, crossing your arms over your chest. 

Obi-Wan’s answer was quick. “Yes, and I don’t want any bloodshed on my behalf.” 

The two of you stared at each other, stubbornness on both of your faces as your eyes looked into the others. Eventually the resolve in his made you sigh and drop your arms. “Do you have tea?” You asked. 

He seemed a little startled by the change in subject, but nodded. “Yes, I’ll start the kettle -”

But you shook your head. “Not to drink.” You walked over to his cabinets until you found the box and began creating a mixture you had learned years ago. “It’s to help you. Some of those still look irritated.” 

“That’s unnecessary I have -”

“If you won’t tell me who did this to you, it’s the least you can do.” You told him, not leaving him any room for argument. Which he normally wouldn’t care about, but it was a testament to how much he must be hurting that he didn’t. The thought of anyone hurting Obi-Wan made you so angry your hands shook as they stirred the mixture. You knew the man could protect himself, and that he didn’t need you defending him by any means, but the fact that someone had hurt him to this degree made rage boil inside of you. Obi-Wan was such a good and pure man . . . how could someone ever do harm to him?

It was times like these that you were reminded of how you never would have made it as a Jedi. You let your emotions get the best of you way too often. 

Focusing back on the task at hand, you finished the mixture and instructed him to sit down in front of you. “Why haven’t you gone to the Medbay to get these healed? Doesn’t the Republic have enough funds to heal their saviors?” You asked him as you scooped some of the ointment into your hands and warmed it up with your hands. 

You watched as Obi-Wan gripped the chair in front of him, and though you couldn’t see his face, you knew that his jaw was tense. “Some scars are worth remembering.” He answered. 

Almost as if you had no control over it, your eyes drifted down to your arm where a small scar ran across the front of it in a horizontal line. A scar that Obi-Wan had been with you when you got. That was a memory you had no desire to forget any time soon. “I guess you’re right.” You answered in a soft voice as you laid your hands on his back and started working the balm into his skin. 

As soon as your hands touched the top of his shoulders, he tensed, and you froze, wondering if you had done something wrong, and you yanked your hands away. “I’m sorry,” he said, glancing back at you for a moment. “Your hands are cold.” 

Except you knew that they weren’t. You didn’t point that out, nodding instead and as soon as he turned back around you got to work once more. Taking a glance at the scars, you decided to start towards his lower back where the scars had begun to fade and work your way to the top where they were the darkest. Your hands were gentle as you studied the marks, and the more and more you looked at them, the more certain you were that they were from whips. 

What had the Republic been sending him to do? 

“Obi-Wan -” You said, not wanting to break the quiet of the room, but unable to hold it in anymore. 

But he stopped you, and you watched as his hands tightened on the chair in front of him. “I don’t wish to speak about it. Please.” He added on, a pleading to his voice that you couldn’t ignore. 

You wanted to argue. You wanted to make him tell you, but you were no Jedi, and there had been a time when he had respected your wishes of not wanting to tell him something. The least you could do was return the favor now. 

So you got back to work, your hands working the balm into his skin, and you noticed with every passing second Obi-Wan became more relaxed, sinking into the chair in front of him, a soft sigh escaping his lips. 

While you emptied the last of the bowl onto his back, you couldn’t help but notice his reaction, and almost without you noticing, your hands began doing less of spreading the ointment, and more of massaging it into his skin. 

His reaction was immediate. Obi-Wan’s head dropped forward, resting on his hands as his shoulders slumped. You felt his back rise and fall under your fingertips with a shuddering breath as you continued a path from the small of his back up to his shoulders. 

You let your eyes trace the length of his back. Overall, everything looked the same as it had before. He had a few more scars, but mostly, it was as you remembered. Except this time you were seeing it in the light of his room instead of in the moonlight. 

It had been as electrifying then as it felt right now. 

“What do you remember about that night?” You whispered, not wanting to break the moment, but desperate to know if he was feeling the energy, the tension, rising in the room like you were. 

It took him a few moments to respond, and for a brief moment in time you thought he might have fallen asleep under your fingers, but then he spoke. “I remember everything.” He replied, as quietly as you had spoken. “How bright the moon was . . . How hot and humid that planet got . . .” 

Yes, you remembered that too. It had been a full moon lighting up the sky, and you also remembered stripping out of as many layers as you could, hoping for a little relief. Not to mention it had the added benefit of making Obi-Wan blush, which you now knew, wasn’t from the heat alone. 

He hesitated for a moment, and you felt him take a deep breath, as if unsure whether to say the next words. “I remember thinking how, despite the circumstances, I was the luckiest man in the Galaxy to be trapped there with someone as intriguing and beautiful as you.” 

His soft spoken words had your heart pounding. From any other mouth, you wouldn’t have hesitated one moment to believe they were a line, but . . . Obi-Wan didn’t have that ability. You leaned forward, your lips so close to his ear, you saw shivers erupt across his skin. “What are your thoughts now?” You asked him, desperate for his answer. 

“They haven’t changed,” Obi-Wan replied, this time without hesitation. “That’s why I’ve avoided -” 

You distracted him by placing a soft kiss against the spot beside his ear. 

He murmured your name, almost like a plea. “This isn’t a good idea.” 

“Well, I’ve never been a fan of good ideas. Especially when it involves Jedi.” You teased, leaving even more kisses on his neck, all the way down to his shoulder. 

In a move that left you breathless, Obi-Wan spun around, his hands gripping your wrist that were in the air from moments ago when they had been placed on his back. “I’m not supposed to form attachments. You know that.” 

“So don’t,” You said. “We’ve done this already, why can’t we do it again? You didn’t form an attachment last time.” You, on the other hand, were a different story. 

He was shaking his head before you had even finished your sentence. “I was . . . I was naive then. I believed as long as you didn’t have any genuine feelings for me, I could avoid my own.” 

Obi-Wan thought you didn’t . . . How could anyone be with a man like Obi-Wan Kenobi, see the kindness in his eyes, feel the gentle reassurance of his touch, the softness of his lips and not develop feelings for him? “Obi-Wan, I’m afraid if the only reason you didn’t develop an attachment is because you thought I didn’t . . . We’re both doomed.” You whispered, your eyes drifting to those full lips for a moment. 

His head reached out, resting under your jaw and tilting your chin up until you looked him in the eyes. You could see the war raging there in those deep blues as he stared at you. You wished you could be a Jedi in that moment, seeing what was going on in his head. “So be it,” he said, and in a sudden movement, tugged you into his lap by your hand and leaned forward to capture your lips in a deep kiss. 

There was no hesitation in your response. You kissed him back with a year’s worth of tension, memories and dreams that had built up since the moment that the two of you had separated. Never did you think there would be something that would have such a profound impact on you as Obi-Wan Kenobi, but here you were, melting and longing for everything he could give you. 

His lips were as soft as you remembered, though the ferociousness in his kiss would make you think otherwise. He was as talented in his kiss as he was at sweet -talking the most stubborn of politicians, thorough and persistent with the perfect amount of pressure. When he pulled away, you were breathless, chasing his lips for more, but he shook his head. 

“I want to see you,” he whispered, his fingers tugging at the buttons of your loose shirt, his eyes begging for permission which you gave readily. 

Once again you were amazed by the composure he was able to keep while he rid you of the rest of your clothing. You were nothing less than a panting mess under his touch, and his fingers were steady as they could be until he made you stand up so you could remove your pants and underwear with them. You started to move back into his lap, but he stopped you with his hands on your hips. 

You felt heat rushing to your face as you watched him take you in, his eyes moving over every inch of your exposed body, almost as if he was searing the image of you into his memory. Finally, he leaned forward once more, pressing a soft kiss to your stomach. “As beautiful as I remembered.” He whispered against your skin as his lips traveled up your stomach and to your chest where he enclosed your nipple in his mouth dragging his tongue across it. 

Gasping out his name, your head fell back in pleasure because the talents of this man’s mouth could not be overstated. “Obi-Wan . . .” You gasped out, your hands finding his hair and giving it a sharp tug. 

He let out a grunt, and tugged you once more into his arms, this time standing up and depositing you onto his bed as if you were made of glass. You licked your lips as you watched him finish undressing, as gorgeous and . . . large as you remembered, if not more so. 

He didn’t make you wait, climbing on top of you with his lips resuming their previous position on your breast. Maker he was so . . . good. He had ruined you back then, and you had no doubts in your mind that he would do it again tonight. 

You couldn’t wait for it. 

Your whole body began to tingle as you felt one of Obi-Wan’s hands moving from where it had been on your other breast, down your stomach until it slipped inside of you. He looked up when he realized how wet and eager you were for him, sliding up your body once more until the two of you were face to face. “Maker, you’re incredible.” He said, and leaned down to capture your lips in another kiss. 

Wrapping your legs around his waist, you let him set a slow rhythm as he added another finger inside of you, your hips moving in time with him. You couldn’t control the whimpers you left against his lips as he teased you with his pace, never speeding up and leaving his fingers inside of you just long enough to want more. It was the most pleasurable torture that you had ever been through. “Obi, please,” you murmured when he pulled away, your fingers digging into the sheets surrounding you. 

“What do you want, darling?” He whispered, his nose nuzzling against your own, his fingers slipping all the way out of you. 

You groaned at the loss, your hips arching up to try and catch his fingers again, but he kept them right out of your reach. So you decided that two could play at that game. You reached down with one of your hands and took him in your grip, brushing him up and down your wet slit. “I need you inside of me,” You murmured, watching his face as his eyes closed at your manipulation. “I’ve been thinking about how it felt for months, Obi-Wan.” You told him, moving your hips once more so nothing but the tip slipped inside of you, causing him to let out a groan. “Do you remember how amazing it felt? Nothing’s ever felt as good since -” 

Your words ended in a loud moan as Obi-Wan took matters into his own hand once more and sheathed himself inside of you in one smooth motion. “Your fingers?” He murmured, pressing kisses down the side of your neck for a moment before whispering in your ear. “Or someone else?” 

“Either,” you answered without hesitation, letting out a gasp as he began grinding his hips against yours so he could hit that special spot inside of you. “Nothing’s as good as you.” You gasped, nothing but truth in your words as Obi-Wan met your gaze once more. 

“You’re going to get me in trouble.” He murmured, looking down at you with a tender look.

You returned his look with one of your own, your hands slipping back into his soft hair. “From what I know about you, Obi-Wan Kenobi . . . You love trouble.” 

He shook his head at you, that pretty smile on his face, and leaned down to capture your lips once more, silencing your moans somewhat as he began a much faster pace. It was almost relentless, the way that he pounded into you now, as if he had built up so much tension he had been waiting to release it. You weren’t going to complain because with every passing second you felt yourself get closer and closer to the edge, doing your very best to keep up with his pace, and by the tension in his arms and stomach, you could tell he was feeling the same. 

Unlike any other lover that you had, that cared about that of course, he did not have to ask if you were close. It was almost as if he could read your mind, and part of you wondered if he did a little when his finger began rubbing that pleasurable little spot, knowing how much pressure to add to make you topple off the edge into an oblivion of pleasure, shuddering and shaking while he silenced the moan of his name with his lips. 

His hips kept up their relentless pace, though they were much gentler now, chasing his own release. After a few more thrusts, you could feel him to start to pull away from you, but you stopped him. While it wasn’t smart, you wanted to feel him inside of you for as long as you could. You half expected him to deny your wishes, but he was as far gone as you were, and with one last snap of his hips, he buried himself inside of you, groaning against your lips as he let go inside of you. 

Satisfied. Completely and totally satisfied were the only words you could think to describe yourself as Obi-Wan caught his breath and began pressing kisses down your chin as he recovered. You let out a few noises of contentment as he did, enjoying the soft touches as he pulled out of you and headed to the refresher, returning with a wet cloth that he began to clean you up with. His touch was so gentle, as if you were so delicate, much different than a few minutes when he had been pounding into you with a pace you were sure would leave you sore tomorrow. 

Oh tomorrow. 

Obi-Wan tossed the cloth aside, sliding back into bed as you turned on your side and wrapping his arms around you, burying his face in your neck. 

You couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh as his beard tickled your skin. He squeezed you tight for a moment at the sound before pressing a gentle kiss to your skin. “So . . . you haven’t lost your stamina after all.” You teased. 

This time it was his turn to laugh.

[nimsajlove]

an old companion

Ahsoka meets an old friend when they crash in a certain desert.

Just a small piece to connect old characters from the films, since the Empire never rose in this AU. Have fun, and my the 4th be with you!

Brothers-AU  Ao3

*~*

With narrowed eyes, Ahsoka looked around and took a deep breath when she saw Luke and Fives walking towards her. Good, they were okay. "I can no longer stand this sand!", Echo cursed next to her and adjusted the glove again, in the end nobody wanted to have to get the fine grains of sand out of the prosthesis. "Complain to Jabba then.", she grinned, even if she didn't feel like it. Her first mission on Tatooine had had an interesting turnaround and she wished she wouldn’t be forced to face Jabba again. Sweaty and exhausted, her two other companions stopped by them and Fives wiped the damp sand dust from his forehead with a disgusted face. Luke seemed less bothered by the ubiquitous heat and sand, but he didn't look happy either. "We won't get the spare part here.", he reported and Ahsoka was tempted to throw her hands in the air angrily. With a mad twinkle in her eyes she looked sharply at the boy who wasn’t really a boy anymore. "And what do we learn from it?", she growled and her Padawan shrugged guiltily. Fives sighed. "Oh well, I can count his crashes on one hand so far.", he joked and now received a reproachful look himself. Then the Jedi relaxed a little and shook her head wearily. 

"Number 6 doesn't count, so I only got five either.", she huffed with a small smile and turned to get back into the ship. The others followed her and together they began to pack bags and backpacks. "And why not? Your fighter was pretty done after it.", Echo asked and Ahsoka shrugged her shoulders. "R7 flew it at the time." As if on cue, the astromech came complaining from the cockpit, everyone smiled. “It's okay, it wasn't your fault either. Come here.", Ahsoka grinned and tied two bags to the droid, R7 complained again. "There is nothing to be done, we will all have to walk to Mos Eisley.", she explained and then shouldered her backpack herself. Loaded with everything they could carry, the group set off. "Put the hood on.", Ahsoka advised her Padawan, she definitely didn't want to hear the whining like after the last sunburn again. Luke seemed to have a similar opinion and pulled the wide hood over his head down to his face. "He's competing with Kenobi.", Fives hissed grinning next to her and Echo smirked.

 Mos Eisley was busier than Ahsoka had expected. On the other hand, neither the Republic nor the Jedi had interfered here since the war. And she personally knew better than to mess with the underworld now. "What exactly are we looking for?", Luke asked skeptically and his Master grinned, an excellent question! "We, my Padawan, are looking for a cheap ride." Echo sighed in agony and Fives shook his head. "What?! Do you have a better idea?“, Ahsoka grinned. "Yes!", snapped her brothers back, but were deliberately ignored. The two clones shuddered at the thought of the last lifts they'd found in such forgotten holes. But Ahsoka always seemed determinded to get home on her own, without any help from the Order. "This is a good opportunity for you to learn something.", she smiled at Luke and that cleared the subject. "And where do we start?" He still sounded reserved, but was no longer a step behind his Master. "Where would you start?", Echo answered with a counter question, now her brothers finally played along! Where would be the fun, if they just let the other Jedi pick them up? "At the port?", suggested the boy and Ahsoka showed them the way. "As long as we don't run back into Ventress.", Fives muttered and Ahsoka suppressed a giggle, she found it extremely amusing how often their paths crossed those of Ventress as soon as she descended into the underworld. The bounty hunter was an interesting contemporary with a strange interpretation of the law. But she shook her head. "She‘s not here, otherwise we would have run into her by now.", she replied just as quietly and pulled her own hood lower over her face as they stepped into the shadow of the port. Jedi were not popular in a place like this and she preferred, not to meet old acquaintances straight away.

As soon as they had stepped into the large place behind the wall, Ahsoka had a dull feeling in her stomach that someone would still recognize her today. She was sure... "There." Luke pulled her out of her thoughts and she followed his hint, a freighter was standing there. YT-1300, but obviously modified. However, these ships were known to be quite reliable. "A good eye Luke, let's go and see if the pilot can be found.", suggested Ahsoka and went straight to i with R7 ahead of her side. The closer they got to the freighter, the more intense the pulling in her stomach became. Somebody was here. With great strides she circled the ship, she wanted to find this pilot as quickly as possible and then leave. In fact, they were lucky. At the top of the ramp, a young man was kneeling on the floor, his arms buried in a narrow flap up to his elbows. He cursed softly before Ahsoka gently patted the ramp with the hard sole of her boots. His head flew up and he gave her a sharp look before he removed his hands from the tangled cables and got to his feet. He seemed older than Luke, maybe by 8 or 9 years? She had always had a hard time guessing the age of people after spending half of her childhood alongside the clones. "What do you want?" Right, that was good. He was direct, meant that this man knew his business.

"We could use a lift.", Ahsoka replied and the man smirked, then shook his head. "Haven't seen Jedi in a while, you don't go outside that often, right?" With a sigh, Ahsoka pulled the hood off her head and crossed her arms. "Okay, what gave me away?", she asked ironically and the man pointed to her figure, while he bent down and picked up his vest from the floor, it had been lying next to him during the repair. “I ran into the last one a year ago and he pulled off the exact same hood-thing. And I don't think I can help you.” Resolutely, he adjusted the vest and glanced behind Ahsoka's group. “There you are at last! We have to go.” Ahsoka followed his gaze and froze. A Wookiee pushed through the crowd at the entrance and saw them. He saw Ahsoka, hesitated, and seemed to be laughing before raising a huge hand in greeting. Ahsoka remembered, even if she didn't like to think back about it. "Chewbacca..." The Wookiee wrapped a huge arm around her shoulders, heartily squashed her back lekku and then patted her lower back. She was grateful for the reserved greeting. Chewbacca looked at the man, went up and asked a question. Ahsoka politely took a few steps back. "What was that?", Luke asked quietly and Ahsoka shrugged. “We worked together once.“ She smiled and slowly thawed again, she had overcome the first shock. A small argument seemed to have broken out on the ramp and Echo laughed softly. "I think he'll have to take us with him now.", he muttered and was proven right. “All right, up with you. I hope you all can handle a gun.” Fives rolled his eyes next to her, but kept his opinion to himself. Together they climbed the ramp and Ahsoka held out her hand to the pilot. "I'm Ahsoka Tano, we won't be a burden to you.", she grinned and the young man returned her handshake. "Han Solo, you already know Chewie." Oh, she had heard the name before! The flight promised to be interesting...

[prongsisabadger]

TWP Chapter 25

The last few days before a large-scale attack were always the shortest. Everyone on board was busy with last minute preparations and tension was always running high. It was hard not to get anxious with the amount of nervousness going around, especially for a force sensitive. It was times like these that I envied the calm my masters were capable of. We were all having fitful, restless nights, I knew it, but even then, Master Kenobi seemed always composed, put together and ready for anything. To be able to hold everyone together by simply being there, solid, reassuring. I admired Master Kenobi for it, because, right then, it seemed like the only thing keeping the 212th in one piece was his composure.

Not that the entire battalion was running around like headless chickens, they were professional, trained soldiers; but the anticipation before a battle brought to light a lot of their coping mechanisms for their anxiety, and some were very obvious about it. Most of them checked the integrity of their armour multiple times a day, others polished their blasters so much they looked like they were freshly manufactured; some called the person they had been seeing while off duty just in case, and others exercised religiously before sleep so that they could actually rest every night. Master Kenobi told me he meditated three times a day, when he woke up, right after lunch and before sleep. I figured that was the secret to his success. As for me, I meditated as well, but I also made sure to call the Pack and Master Plo every night before lights off.

Master Plo had known me long enough to realize I was getting attached to the people around me, he warned me about the possible consequences of that, but he never chastised me for it. Losing them -and some of them I would lose- would be one of the most if not the most painful experience of my life. I knew that, I told him, but shying away from connections for fear of what might happen seemed cowardly to me. He understood, but made it very clear that I would be the only one to blame for the repercussions of my actions. Still, even after he had made his opinion on the matter clear, he continued to listen to my worries and answer my questions. He was patient like that. Master Plo was what every Jedi Master should be, and I was incredibly lucky to have him. He was a father figure, true, but I wouldn't go as far as to compare him to A'Koba. Master Plo was family, a teacher, a guide, and I was as attached to him as I was to the clones, to Ahsoka, and to Master Kenobi.

I had a lot to lose.

…

When I was still in the Jedi Temple, training to be a Padawan, I learned to manage my anxiety by forcing myself to be present in the moment. To do each action with awareness and purpose, to focus my mind on what I was doing and why, and to perform all of it as carefully and meticulously as possible. That habit had followed me onto the battlefield.

I woke the day of the invasion to the sound of my alarm, blinking the sleep from my eyes and rubbing them a little before sitting on my bunk bed. I took a deep breath in and sighed out any trepidation I might have had for the day. I washed my face and brushed my teeth in the refresher before re-braiding the longer strands of hair on the back of my head that hadn't been cut when I became a Padawan. My pale face was a stark contrast against my short black hair, which made it look almost sickly in the fluorescent light of the refresher, but I knew the shadows underneath my eyes were no trick of the light.

I walked back into my quarters and took a moment to look at my new robes. I had been forced to get new ones after Master Kenobi had pointed out how worn out my previous ones had been. Jedi always needed to look their best, it was good for morale, he said. This new set had three layers: the bottom one was the very same deep maroon Master Plo wore, the middle layer was the sandy color of Tusken traditional wear, and the last one was cream, like Master Kenobi's. They were all tied together by my gray utility belt. Next to them there was the armour the 212th had given me, almost new, with only few scratches here and there. I knew more would be added by the end of the mission.

I started dressing myself, putting on my pants first and then the first layer of linen. I dedicated such time and care to each of them it almost felt reverent. I wanted to honor the meaning behind the decision I'd made when choosing each of them. Where I'd come from, where I'd been, where I was. I wanted everything about my outer appearance to reflect who I was on the inside. Yes, I was a Jedi. I was Plo Koon's and Obi-Wan Kenobi's Padawan. I was a member of both the 104th and 212th battalions. But I was also Tusken. I would always be.

I made sure to put Ahsoka's bracelet and the utility belt on properly before getting started on the armor. First went the breast plate, then the shoulder pads, the rerebraces, the elbow pads and vambraces. Next came the boots. I looked at myself in the mirror and for the first time in years was satisfied with what I saw. Yes, that was me. When I was done psyching myself up, I took my gloves and tucked them into my belt before leaving for the mess hall. I would need a good cup of koff for this one.

The mess hall was crowded with clones breaking fast before their morning shift and, if possible, even rowdier than ever. It was normal for troops -I had come to realize- to try and hide their anxiety by being louder than usual. The more lighthearted ones would joke around and try to raise others' spirits, while the more reserved ones kept silent for the most part, only snapping at others when they became too much for them to handle.

Either way, tensions were high, very high. Everyone wanted to get to Felucia and just get the battle started already. If there was anything worse than the silence after a battle, then that was the silence before. The Force moved sluggishly around people about to run into battle, almost sticky with anxiety and fear, weighing on everything and everyone, constricting the chest and overstimulating the mind while freezing the body in place. At least when one was fighting and moving around and desperate to stay alive, things seemed to flow freely.

I took the tray that was given to me and a cup of koff before heading towards one of the empty tables. I didn't mind eating alone, in fact, I had become used to it. Sometimes T.H. or Waxer or Boil, or even Master Kenobi would join me, but for the most part, our schedules didn't really match up, so eating on my own was not a big deal to me. At least in the 212th. I finished my breakfast quickly and after returning the tray I headed for the bridge.

I watched troopers march by on the corridors, moving supplies and gear, putting teams together, going over the plan one last time before the assault. Their faces might have been the same, but they could not have been more different. To force sensitives, being in a star destroyer filled to the brim with clones felt like walking the streets of Coruscant, every life form was unique. And each reacted differently to the tension of a fast approaching battle. They made sure to try their hardest to differentiate themselves from the next clone as well. You could tell a lot by a trooper's armour, hair and tattoos. They were so wildly different, and interacting with them blew my mind every time.

The doors to the bridge slid open with a smooth, quiet swish. The room was alive with chatter from the crew as well as the commanding officers on deck. Cody and Master Kenobi stood amongst plans and holomaps of Felucia, and were discussing something about the southern and northern hemispheres. But they were not alone, Master Skywalker and Captain Rex were there as well -or their holograms were- listening in on what the other two were saying.

"Good morning, gentlemen." I greeted as I came within range of the holotransmiter.

"Ah, Kriari, good to see at least Obi-Wan's Padawan isn't hopeless." Said Master Skywalker. "Ahsoka could learn a thing or two from you."

I chuckled.

"I doubt it, Master. I grew up with her, if she didn't learn to be on time back then, I don't think she ever will."

As if on cue, Ahsoka came into shot a few seconds later, panting like she had run all the way from her quarters to the bridge. She apologized profusely, only to have her master sass her and Obi-Wan shake his head in exasperation. Cody and Rex said nothing, but I knew they found the whole thing amusing. Or at least Rex did, Cody felt kind of tired of the whole thing already.

"Well, now that we have everyone, I think we can start briefing everyone on the plan. Cody?" Said Master Kenobi as he motioned Commander Cody forward.

"We will split our effort into two. We will approach from the southern hemisphere where we have no reports of anti-aircraft weaponry. Once we secure the landing site, we will send out two patrols into the jungle to try and establish a perimeter. One will go east, and the other west." He explained as he pointed at the holomap of Felucia. "Once we are able to secure a big enough perimeter, we should be able to hold it until the occupation fleet arrives."

I stroked at my chin softly as I watched the holo map turn. There were two big Separatist outposts marked, and I didn't want to imagine the amount of droids each could house.

"I think we should be careful going into this one. Getting through the blockade will be hard enough. Even if we don't lose any gunships trying to get through, we might not have enough troops to take that many droids." I said. "I get why we are avoiding the north, but wouldn't it be wiser to send a patrol there to make sure the enemy won't box us in?"

Obi-Wan looked at me and smirked, he seemed satisfied with something I'd said.

"We thought about that, Commander," answered Cody. "We know something is up north, and we can count on them attacking, but we don't know if there is anything to the east or west. You can expect something you know is there, but never something you don't."

I nodded in understanding. Surprises in the battlefield were never pleasant, it was wise to make sure there weren't any.

"I'm guessing Kriari and I are taking the patrols, then." Smiled Ahsoka. "Don't worry, masters, we'll make sure no tinnie gets past us. Right, Kriari?"

I smirked at her and nodded. Not one.

"Well, since we're all settled and briefed on the plan, we should get going." Said Master Skywalker. "Try not to land too far from the landing site, Master. Wouldn't want me and the boys to have to rescue you."

"Careful now, Master Skywalker. Wouldn't want to have to swallow those words of yours now, would you?" I shot back before Obi-Wan could answer.

I thought it had been funny, Master Kenobi and Cody definitely had thought so as well, but Master Skywalker stayed cold, indifferent to my words; for a moment, I thought he hadn't heard me.

"We'll see about that."

[swtorizz]

Lost Apprentice (Ashara/Sith!OC) Ch. 2

Chapter 1 | AO3

The Sith towered over Nala, his figure looming and intimidating. He was broad-shouldered and had the posture of a well-behaved apprentice, but what really made him stand out was his presence. The Force radiated from him in dark waves, as it did any Sith, and it took all of Ashara’s strength to maintain a civil composure.

She took a few breaths and smoothed her shirt to even herself out before speaking, “Nala. Who is this?”

“Oh!” Nala perked, as if she’d completely forgotten there was a Sith at her side, “this is, er, I’m so sorry, hun, but I didn’t catch your name.”

“My name is not important.” His voice was as deep and menacing as Ashara had envisioned it to be.

But that didn’t stop her from growling at him, “your name is ‘not important’? Who do you think you are?”

He raised a brow, “No need to be so hostile. I’m here to help, after all.”

Dumbfounded, Ashara glanced at her hostess. Nala smiled, “indeed he is! This young man heard about our struggles from some folks in the village and offered his help. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, I just thought since you haven’t, er, had much luck—“

“It’s fine, Nala.” Ashara sighed, “I understand. Would you like me to leave?”

“Oh heavens no!” The woman looked downright shocked, “I couldn’t imagine being without you! And I though maybe the two of you could work together! You could fill him in on all the little details and, together, you could work something…”

As Nala rattled on, Ashara realized the Sith was staring at her. She recalled what she’d put on before bed the night before and suddenly her bare legs under her long shirt felt very bare.

She cleared her throat and interrupted Nala’s rambling, “Nala, I’m going to get dressed.”

“Of course dear,” she smiled, then called after her as the togruta turned and paced down the hall, “sorry for the scare!”

A Sith? Really, Nala, you think it’s not important to tell me about that?

Ashara had to refrain herself from punching the wall of the ‘fresher. She took several deep breaths to calm herself.

“There is passion. There is serenity. There is passion. There is serenity.”

Still wary, she felt out with the Force to assure that she wasn’t going to be ambushed. To her relief, the Sith seemed to be farther away from her now than before. Ashara finished up in the ‘fresher and dressed herself in a simple outfit of brown trousers and a beige tunic. Briefly, she recalled that the Sith had been wearing black and gray, and she couldn’t help but wonder why he wouldn’t even attempt to camouflage to his surroundings. Though she supposed he likely didn’t care enough to do so. Not many Sith would.

She also recalled his skin. That deep orange and those signature ridges of a pureblood reminded her of her master. But she shook that thought away and focused instead on building a mental wall.

After an hour or so of meditation, Ashara made her way to the kitchen and forced down what scraps were left of breakfast. Apparently no one felt it important to invite her after getting to know their new Sith friend.

“I’ve got rations, if you’d like.”

Ashara nearly jumped out of her skin when that deep voice grumbled from behind her. She silently cursed herself for being so focused on her own thoughts that she’d completely ignored the Force around her. Now that she was paying attention, she felt the waves of dark energy emanating from him and she was astounded that she’d missed it in the first place.

Apparently, he was too, “I apologize, I assumed you had sensed me.”

So she told you all about me then, huh?, “I don’t want your food. Nala cooks perfectly fine.”

“Fair enough.” When he raised a hand, palm first, she twitched involuntarily toward her side where she kept her lightsaber, well-hidden beneath her clothes.

His eyes narrowed, but the corner of his mouth turned upward, “So it’s true, then? You were trained as a Jedi?”

Ashara recalled the many conversations she’d had with Nala about her Force sensitivity. She’d been extremely hesitant to say much, for fear of word getting out about her location, but she supposed with bits and pieces put together it may have alluded to her Jedi padawan past.

But Ashara didn’t say a word of this to the Sith. In fact, she said nothing. Heart beating fast, she put her senses on high alert and forced her way past the spot where he leaned in the doorway, nearly touching him in the process.

As she passed, Ashara realized something. The Force energy emanating from him wasn’t entirely dark. Somewhere, deep down, there was a spark. It was small, but bright enough that she’d noticed it only in passing. Her curiosity was peaked. However she knew she would never get the chance to find out more. Because she’d decided that she’d be gone by the next sunrise.

It was mid-afternoon before Ashara had the displeasure of running into the Sith again. This time she was prepared. She sensed him long before he approached her in the fields, his dark cloak standing out disgracefully.

“I know you’re planning to leave.”

She sighed and tossed the rake to the side, allowing it to thud against the dirt. She knew there was no use in lying, but she had no idea how this Sith could possibly know that. She’d been very careful to keep the secret a secret.

“How?”

“When you walk past her,” he nodded at Nala, far off in the field opposite the one they were standing, delicately pulling weeds, “you radiate guilt. I’m surprised she hasn’t noticed it, honestly.”

“Okay.” Ashara crossed her arms, prepared for some sort of Sith trick. Blackmail, maybe, “so?”

“So,” when he looked back at her she felt self conscious and suddenly felt the need to check and see if she was wearing pants, but she resisted the urge, “you must have learned some things in the, what, weeks you’ve been staying here? I would appreciate it if you would at least give me some clues.”

No, she wanted to bite, but she held her tongue and forced her anger down, “I’ll think about it.”

With that, Ashara abandoned her work and decided to take a meditation break. This time she purposefully stepped closer to the Sith than she needed to when she passed, which unfortunately caused him to tense and his presence to shift and be more reserved. After the fact, she felt incredibly stupid for doing something so impulsive, and made sure to remind herself that he was not an ally. He needed to be treated as an active threat.

After a few hours of meditation, Ashara felt it again. His presence. It was the first time she’d opened her eyes in hours and she realized it was nearly sunset. She felt ashamed for leaving Nala to do all the work herself, especially with a Sith lurking around. But now her focus was on the shifting Force outside her door. It took a few moments of listening for her to realize that Nala was there with him, having a conversation. She concentrated in an attempt to eavesdrop, but just as she did so they said their parting words and a knock sounded at her door.

Softly, Ashara answered, “come in.”

Nala’s smile was just as sweet as always. She honestly looked more content than she had for a while, probably due to the least bit of hope after days and days of bad news. But the way Nala was twiddling her thumbs had Ashara worried.

“What is it, Nala?”

The woman took a breath, “I know you aren’t exactly, um, getting along with our newest guest. But he would appreciate it if you could, maybe, fill him in? I promise he’s just a sweetheart once you get to know him—“

“Okay, okay.” Ashara stopped her so that she wouldn’t have to throw up in her mouth, “I’ll tell him, Nala. For you.”

She beamed, “thank you so much, Ashara! I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

When her hostess began to tear up, Ashara hurriedly said her goodnight. Nala promised to send the Sith to see her, to which Ashara had to stop herself from giving a snarky response.

It seemed like an eternity before another knock sounded, this time heavier and more commanding than the last.

Ashara braced herself, “come in.”

The Sith stepped into her room and immediately surveyed his surroundings. Suddenly she was self-conscious of what little of her own possessions she had laying about.

“I’m surprised you aren’t packed yet.” He commented, almost idly.

“Quiet.” She snapped, already annoyed. Stars, did she really have to do this?

“My apologies.” He offered as he sat down on the single chair against the far wall.

“That’s the second time you’ve apologized to me. I didn’t know Sith knew how to do that.”

He ignored her tone and kept his cool composure, as usual, “Perhaps I’m not Sith.”

A few things sparked in Ashara: confusion, anger, but most importantly, curiosity.

The Sith (if he could still be referred to as such), of course, sensed all this, and smiled. She found herself taken aback by how genuine it looked, and had to stop her thoughts from wandering into how it affected the sweat on her palms.

“Anyhow,” he moved on, toying with her, “what can you share with me before two?”

The togruta took a deep breath, steadying both her emotions and her body, and pressed her back against the wall where she sat on the cot. Hesitantly, she explained what little she’d learned to the man in front of her.

Mostly she knew that something happened on the farm once a month, but for some reason this time was different every month, however, it was always two in the morning. At two in the morning, as she’d been told, every member of the household woke suddenly and felt a dreadful uneasiness; only to look out their windows and see a lone, dark figure standing motionless in the fields. The figure, as it had been described to her, was always there until Nala looked away to make a call, and then it disappeared. This terrified Nala, which was why she’d put out a desperate ad on the holonet with what little savings a single mother could have, and hoped. Ashara was the first to respond, and had assumed it’d been taken down once she arrived, but apparently had been left up for others to find just in case.

While telling this part of the story Ashara let slip that she’d been searching the holonet for something to do, some way to help someone. The Sith shifted in his chair when she said this, but had no remark. She continued.

She recalled every night for the past two weeks: stay up until two, wait, and watch. But nothing ever came.

With that she wrapped up her story and glanced at the clock. Three hours left.

Finally, the Sith said something, “Interesting. I suppose it’s greatly disappointing to you that you cannot help the way you truly desire to.”

It’d been digging at her that she’d been trying and trying to help, but no opportunity ever presented itself. She felt like a failure and a fraud, even though she’d been doing this all free of charge.

“Maybe a little bit.” She shrugged, “so what?”

He shrugged in return, “how noble.”

When Ashara narrowed her eyes in hostility, the Sith took that as an invitation to leave. He told her that he’d be back in a few hours and disappeared to who knows where.

Grateful to be alone, Ashara let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. That Sith had been eating away at the barrier she’d been implementing for weeks. This greatly bothered Ashara, because no matter how often the children got on her nerves or how many nightmares she had, the barrier had remained full and in-tact. But the passing presence of one random Sith was enough to deteriorate it.

In an attempt to clear her thoughts, Ashara found her way to the ‘fresher and took her time bathing to re-align her thoughts and scattered emotions.

“There is emotion. There is peace. There is emotion. There is peace…”

She repeated her chant under her breath until she did feel at peace. At least, as at peace as one could feel while still being on guard for the worst.

She dressed herself in her camouflage once again and waited. Soon enough there was an hour until two. And then a half hour. And then fifteen minutes.

A soft knock at her door startled her, and broke the reverie of her meditation. Instead of welcoming the Sith in, Ashara made her way to the door and had it open seconds after he’d knocked.

The Sith blinked in surprise, and Ashara realized she was closer to him than she’d ever been before. She noticed that his irises were a light gray, nearly light enough to match the whites of his eyes. His hair was as black as the void of space and his skin more of a burnt umber than a true orange.

When a second or two passed longer than it should have, and Ashara realized he was surveying her as closely as she was him, she cleared her throat and pushed past to step into the hallway.

Careful to be quiet enough as to not wake anyone else in the house, Ashara spoke softly, “we are going to hide silently among the crops and wait. Nothing is going to happen, and then I am going to gather my things and leave before Nala wakes at sunrise, and you won’t breathe a word about it, understood?”

He nodded once, softly, his deep voice just above a whisper, “understood.”

Glad to have no objections, Ashara led him to the side door and pointed out the small path she’d made herself through the field closest there. Silently, the Sith followed her to her hiding spot among the tallest of the crops, tall enough to just almost hide the tips of her horns while standing. The Sith, being as tall as her horns standing, sat down next to her in the crop field.

Silently still, the two reached out with the Force to sense the approach of anything nearby. Ashara did her best to ignore the large presence of power at her side.

After several minutes of this, Ashara opened her eyes. She could see very little between the meters of tall crops in front of her. When she tilted her head upward she could see the stars that made up Dantooine’s atmosphere and could just make out the full moon.

When the Sith at her side stiffened, Ashara was sent into full alert. She sensed it moving quickly from the west: the unwavering, unmistakable presence of a Sith.

Great.

Without hesitation, Ashara stood, prepared to chase down the intruder before he could do something horrible to the family he’d been stalking. But the moment she stood, an arm grabbed her around the waist and another flew over her mouth so she couldn’t make a noise.

Every alarm bell went off in her head. This is a trap, they’re working together, you idiot, how could you have trusted a Sith? This is where you die.

But quickly Ashara realized, through the overwhelming Force energy of two Sith, she still had her lightsaber carefully hidden on her hip. Palms sweaty, she went to grab it — only to realize she’d left in sitting on her bed where she’d been meditating. Her heart pumped so fast she was sure it would fly out of her chest.

“Listen.” The Sith hissed into her ear, his breath warm against her skin, “that is Lord Andarus, Darth Iratius’ son. You attack him and we’re both dead. Nod if you understand.”

The gears turned in Ashara’s head. It wasn’t a trap. They weren’t working together, or she’d already be dead.

She nodded.

Slowly, the Sith silently moved his hand from her face, but hesitated. She supposed it was because he was waiting to see if she’d scream, but all she could focus on was the figure across the fields and the arm around her midsection.

She struggled to concentrate on the intruder, just in case he did something stupid, but it was difficult when a Sith was clinging to her. His breathing in her ear was steady and his grip on her strong, aided by the Force, surely. After a few more grueling seconds, he let go.

But Ashara knew she couldn’t allow Nala’s family to be hurt, and she knew Nala would be watching from inside the house.

She had to do something.

Before the Sith could react, Ashara concentrated and pushed outward with the Force, sending a gust of wind toward Lord whatshisface. The cloaked figure stumbled, but turned immediately in the direction of the Force push.

Too little too late, Ashara ducked down to where the Sith already crouched. With the Force she felt as the man darted in the direction he came and Ashara jumped to follow before she could be stopped.

Immediately he was out of sight, hidden somewhere in the shadows, but Ashara had the Force on her side. She used it to find a trail—the ghost of a path, and sprinted in that direction. The further she went, though, the more she felt the trail disappear until finally…

“Kriff.” She growled to herself, snapping her head in every direction. She found herself at the village center, calm and peaceful in the moonlit night. Neither Sith was anywhere to be seen.

In a last ditch effort, Ashara considered the one place she would go to if she was being chased.

The spaceport.

As soon as she arrived she felt the Sith Lord’s Force energy wafting at her from the entrance. Before she could even take a step inside, however, the familiar sound of a ship beginning its takeoff caught her attention, and she cursed again under her breath.

She looked up to see a small shuttle outlined by the moon, it’s only discernible markings that could be made out being its painted red tail. And like that, it jumped to hyperspace.

It was gone.

Ashara arrived at Nala’s house at sunrise, broken and defeated. For her weeks of work she had nothing to show for it. She was disheveled, tired, and empty.

“It’s about time.”

Ashara scowled, but otherwise completely ignored the Sith. As she went to pass him to get into the house, he grabbed her by the arm to stop her.

Ashara ripped her arm from his grasp, “Do not touch me. You ruined this. You ruined everything.”

The Sith allowed his hand to fall back down to his side. His eyes narrowed, “that’s a lot of anger for a former Jedi.”

Ashara bit her tongue and stomped past him, only to be greeted by Nala the moment she stepped into the door. By the look on her face Ashara could tell that Nala had already heard the news—that he’d gotten away.

“I’m so sorry, Nala.”

“Don’t be.” The short woman shook her head and placed her hand on Ashara’s arm. This time, Ashara did not pull away.

All Ashara could think about was sleep. She’d been awake since the sunrise of the day before at this point and was too tired to think. She was about to brush past Nala when she noticed the bag on her arm.

Ashara hesitated, “what’s that?”

“Oh!” Nala smiled her sweet smile, holding out the bag for Ashara to take, “He told me all about the plans you two made to track down this stranger. I hope you don’t mind, I took the liberty of collecting your things for you.”

Ashara blinked a few times, attempting to process what she’d just heard. The plans we made, huh?

“That was very sweet of you, Nala.” The Sith appeared in the doorway behind Ashara. She went to step away, but he caught her wrist behind her back and slid something into her palm.

Her lightsaber. Ashara felt like a complete idiot for having forgotten where she’d left it. She winced at the thought of what might’ve happened had she caught that Sith without a weapon to defend herself.

There were many things Ashara wanted to say. Most of all, that she wanted nothing to do with this man who seemed to have taken a morbid curiosity to her.

But she could barely keep her eyes open, much less argue, so instead she settled for words of kindness, “thank you for everything, Nala.”

Tears streamed down Nala’s face, but she quickly wiped them away when she caught the kids staring from the other end of the room.

“Thank you, dear.”

Through her haze, Ashara felt herself began to tear up and decided it was time to leave. Carefully, she hid her lightsaber in her sleeve and took the bag from her hostess.

As she followed the Sith outside, she prepared herself for another walk into town, but she was amazed to see a taxi waiting there for them. In her sleepy state the thought hadn’t even occurred to her.

After climbing into the taxi himself, the Sith leaned over and offered her his hand to the togruta. There were a lot of rude comments that flew through her head, but she was far too tired to realize any of them. Instead, she sighed and took his hand, allowing herself to get comfortable on the opposite end of the taxi seat.

[dalekofchaos]

The First Order:Incompetence and Overconfidence

The First Order (EST 5-21 ABY [After Battle of Yavin]/1-17 Post-Return of the Jedi) was formed in the wake of the collapse of the Empire following the defeat of their fleet at the Battle of Jakku (5ABY, 1AE [After Endor]). Various imperial hardliners and diehards fled into the Unknown Regions of space to establish a new Empire, fix the mistakes of the old, and one day return to defeat the New Republic that had displaced them. For 30 years the First Order grew and developed into a formidable force, yet was not seen as a threat to the New Republic. The true size and scale of their power was kept hidden intentionally, lest the Republic be provoked into acting against them in any meaningful way, the Resistance was seen as an allowable way of keeping them in check, but it was more like a plug in a dam, when the dam is cracked all to hell and back. It is heavily implied that the New Republic was already addled by corruption and bureaucratic bloat in just the 33 years it had been established, so the fact that they had no real idea that the First Order had an Ultra Star Destroyer and that they were hollowing out a planet to build a super-weapon can be forgiven through this conceit. The “Resistance” is funded by a few small contributors, has few ships (one capital ship and three support vessels), and relies on being small so as to be easily hidden. To contrast the Rebel Alliance was funded by former Republic senators, armed by resistance groups, and provided ships of even capital scale by races such as the Mon Calamari; it was, by in large, a popular movement. Yet the Rebellion and the Resistance face threats of similar scale.

So how does the First Order fuck up so badly in killing such a small number of “rebels?” Simple answer? Mass incompetence. Complicated answer? Incompetence combined with overconfidence.

Who Makes up the First Order?

Take whats been discussed already, the officers of the former Empire retreat into the unknown regions to rebuild, who will these officers be? Its very likely that they fall into a small number of categories; first among them your hardliners, dyed in the wool Imperials who needed to escape the end of the war, we can count these people as among likely the best trained and the most realistic believers in the Empire of old; second are those who weren’t good enough to be part of the main fight and werent bad off enough to let it be over; and third, your dregs, men scoured from the old Empire, people who had been assigned to punishment posts and back-water details, but they have training, and they can be useful. These people make up your base, and they can be built upon as time goes by, but in the beginning this is what you have. Impressment, population growth, and recruitment can be another driving factor towards establishing a force. For the next 25 years the First Order would grow and develop out of the shadows of the Empire, establishing their own officer corps, their own ships, and their own designs but still heavily influenced by their forebears.

Lack of Experience

But none of those new troops would have the same level of training, they wouldn’t have the foundational schools, the true pedigree needed. No active wars to train officers in, or soldiers for that matter, everything would be war game and simulation, they wouldn’t face the same scale of consistent internal threats the Republic would go on to face for the 29 years in between such as piracy, warlords, and civil conflicts; with an Iron Fist those kinds of threats could be stamped out in short order before they could flourish. So their new officers have no idea how to fight a war properly, or even badly, they just have theory and the experience of their older officers to draw from. Indeed many of the more senior officers in the First Order had many reservations about the new generation and their capabilities, as seen with Captain Canady of the First Order Dreadnought Fulminatrix, the man knew he was dead, and he knew it was the incompetence and inexperience of the fleets leader, General Armitage Hux that was to blame for his demise.

Starfigher Corps Incompetence

This deficiency can even be seen in their starfighter corps. Take for example the battle in the skies above Takodana in the Force Awakens, yes, sure, Poe Dameron is an ace pilot, but in a single maneuver around the combat area he shoots down no less than 11 enemy fighters in under a minute, that puts him above and beyond any fighter pilot ever seen in Star Wars media and in the real world makes him an ace twice over. There is luck, and then there is improbable incompetence. Its no wonder that the Resistance was able to continue fighting over Starkiller base after losing more than half of their X-Wings when their kill ratio can be as high as 11:1.

Incompetent Leadership

On to the First Order’s leadership in general, General Hux, Kylo Ren, and Captain Phasma.

General Hux -Military Leader of the First Order.  Hux is only 34 years old, he literally aged with the First Order, he was five when the Empire fell, turned 18 roughly 13 years after the establishment of the Order, and is somehow the highest ranking member of their military, yes he betrayed his father, who had been high ranking before him, but that hardly warrants him becoming the military leader of the entire First Order. He has no military experience, his formal training is much in the same sense as British dilettante generals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his emotional outbursts while in command betray this whole-cloth inexperience and lack of maturity. Hux is a caricature.

Kylo Ren -Enforcer of the Dark Side. Kylo Ren is doing his best Darth Vader impression… while also doing a fair whiny Anakin impression only without a sympathetic backstory. Also prone to emotional outbursts and destroys expensive and important equipment for the ship. I’m surprised he hasn’t destroyed The Finalizer by his outbursts. Kylo Ren isn’t a leader, he’s an enforcer, there to be the voice of Supreme Leader Snoke, and he’s genuinely menacing… up until he takes off his mask in the Force Awakens. He was the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, nephew and Padawan to Luke Skywalker. Snoke chose Ben Solo because of his powerful light and dark side. And.....he turned to the dark side, killed The Jedi, betrayed his family and joined The First Order because his family was trying to build a better galaxy for him...... Because Han and Leia chose to put their life into the rebellion and not enough time into him, that’s why he fell. “My loving parents who doted on me and gave me the best in life also wanted to help other people and rebuild a wartorn galaxy. It makes me so mad just thinking of it!” The lesson apparently is spend more time with your child instead of building a better world for him otherwise he’ll shoot up a school, join a fascist organization and blame his every action on his family and constantly harass and gaslight the one girl who peaks his interest. 

Captain Phasma -Stormtrooper Command Captain Phasma is an odd bird, she would’ve been ten when the Empire fell, but we already know she wasn’t born into imperial service, or into the First Order, she joined, willingly, as an outsider. She has genuine martial capabilities and informal training, having been a clan military leader on her planet where combat was a part of daily life. After joining the Order she gained actual training which only helped to develop the skills she had developed naturally and its suggested she went on to train much of the First Order’s stormtrooper corps. Shes almost better for NOT being in the First Order from its inception because it gave her access to real experience. And yet she is entirely underwhelming on screen, being taken by surprise, suffering from total overconfidence, and seemingly being more flash than substance. As the triumvirate of the First Order its no wonder their military victories are… lacking.

It's the economics of the thing

So how does the First Order do anything at all? Money. Money is how they are successful, money is how they stay competitive. And Supreme Leader Snoke is the source of those funds. The Supreme Leader isn’t wise, hes just an incredibly rich old darksider who has chosen to invest in the First Order because he has a fetish for opulence and military parades. Infinite money can buy you a great many things, an actually experienced military seemingly isn’t one of those things! Imagine if you will a group of guys who think they are the worlds hottest shit at Call of Duty, now give them the newest in military hardware, heartbeat sensors, night vision, body armor, the works, yeah they’re a lot more deadly than your bog standard guy without that gear, but against an actual military unit? They get the floor wiped with their corpses. All the fanciest hardware in the galaxy doesn’t mean shit if you don’t have the experience to know how to use it to its capabilities. So yes, they have an Ultra Star Destroyer, and they have Stormtrooper legions, and they have planet bombarding dreadnaughts, but what they don’t have is the experience to use all those things effectively. The TIE fighter still sucks, still doesn’t have reasonable shielding, and while there is a special version with a turret and rear gunners seat, doesn’t seem to count for much unless Poe Dameron is flying it.

So we’ve established overconfidence in their capabilities and equipment, they’re the best equipped force, they have super weapons, they have a fleet, and yes, they could destroy the Resistance with ease… makes random whack-a-mole motions if they would JUST. SIT. STILL.

Incompetence in Escort Tactics

Let talk about their incompetence. Hux is goaded into allowing a Starfighter into point blank range with one of their fleet’s more valuable assets, he doesn’t launch a fighter screen to keep that fighter at bay, and when a real danger is detected, still does nothing. Captain Canady is left to launch his own fighters from Fulminatrix, and gets no support from Hux or the rest of the First Order fleet. Hux doesn’t launch support fighters, direct their batteries to put up defensive fire covering the dreadnought, nothing, no he’s too busy massaging his bruised ego because some flyboy put him on tilt with what amounts to a practical joke, and an 8km long warship pays the price for their incompetence.

Conflict with the Force Awakens

Now, to note, the First Order doesn’t seem all that incompetent in the Force Awakens, or at least not nearly as much as in the Last Jedi. They deploy a reasonable number of fighters, put a serious hurting on the Resistance X-Wings, and lose because base security wasn’t tight enough because they didn’t think an aging freighter with a crew of 3-4 would be enough to cripple their super weapon. Realistically if Han, Chewie, Finn and Rey hadn’t bombed the facility the Resistance would have lost. And if Phasma was a die hard FO loyalist, if Phasma chose to activate the security alarm instead of lowering the shields. The Resistance would’ve lost if JJ Abrams cared about making Phasma a character instead of a toy.

Incompetence when Pursuing the Resistance Fleet

And now onto the chase, or as I like to call it “the dumbest bit of military nonsense since the Emu war.” You have the First Order Fleet chasing the Resistance flotilla, supposedly the Resistance fleet is “faster” but they aren’t opening the gap between them and the First Order because… it would burn more fuel (because inertia isn’t a thing in Star Wars Space)? So they stay just at the extreme range of the First Order’s guns, and the Raddus has to be on the receiving end of a potshot every once in a while. Meanwhile said Resistance ships are flying in a straight line, direct away from the First Order fleet, so why not just set course past them and Hyperspace in front of them and catch them in the middle? Are interdictors at play here? Are they content to just think the fleet will run out of fuel and they can just catch them? It bothers me to understand that the heroes are only alive because of the gross incompetence of the First Order, because it doesn’t speak well to the capabilities of the heroes.

Incompetence in Ground Invasion

So now the Resistance is stuck on Crait, the First Order knows they are there, we know implicitly that the First Order has more than one dreadnought in their fleet, we also know the Resistance is fresh out of bombers. Maybe instead of calling for a costly ground invasion just call in another dreadnought and finish the job once and for all. This isn’t next level thinking, this isn’t superior tactics. This is using a rock to smash a bug levels of thinking. But they don’t, they land a ground invasion bigger than Hoth and bring a mini Death Star with them. Note again, that while Hoth was defended by more men with better equipment, Crait is defended by a quarter as many with rusting, dilapidated equipment… but it was enough to keep the Order stalled for Luke Skywalker to video-conference in.

Leadership in said Invasion

Which brings us to the a point concerning leadership and the ground invasion, it takes a screaming General Hux to get guns to stop, I guess because everyone is scared shitless of Kylo Ren, and then he’s treated like a rag doll in front of his men, again. Hux isn’t a true leader, Hux is a moron.

Failure to Blockade and Control the Theater of Operations

But more on the invasion, there is apparently no fleet around Crait, no blockade, no nothing, because the Millenium Falcon is allowed to escape completely unhindered and unchased by the First Order with the remaining resistance fighters aboard. Yeah, you read that right, the resistance can now fit on the Falcon, but no, they didn’t lose, they live to fight another day, by the grace of the Order’s incompetence.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, you have a raw officer corps that has no idea what its doing yet has displaced and replaced many of its senior experienced officers. A leadership that is wholly unsuited to be such. All the equipment in the galaxy but none of the experience. And a total lack of understanding of tactics. They are a group that desperately wants to be seen as the Empire, complete with angry triangles, white armored soldiers, and poorly armored flying death boxes. Maybe they should be the ones following Kylo Ren’s advice and allowing the past to die. I mean, if they can’t win even when the odds are ridiculously stacked in their favor, do they deserve to win?

[protectxthem]

V: HALF THE SIZE OF A NORMAL JEDI (Padawan! Javic)

Javic Jack’s misadventures of becoming Obi-Wan’s (Could be someone else’s Padawan too) Padawan during the Clone War up until Order-66 is put into effect. Look I paraphrased some of this and will work with my partners in this verse. Not all of the backstory is set in stone.

JAVIC JANSON

Name: Javic Janson

Nicknames || Aliases: Jack, Janson

DOB || Age: 30 BBY || Eight - Eleven

Species: Immortal Colonist/Tatooine

Force Powers: Telekinesis, Mind trick, Force vision, Mind Probe, Power to sedate, Power to put others to sleep and render people unconscious.

Alliance: Jedi Council, Jedi Order, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Yoda, (Force Ghost) Qui-Gon Jinn, Cody, Rex, Wolffe, Fives, Echo, Plo Koon, The Wolffe Pack

Rank: Padawan

Jedi Master(s): Yoda, Plo Koon, Ky'lar, Obi-Wan Kenobi

Crystal || Lightsaber Color: Permafrost Crystal || Icy Blue

Fighting Styles: Form VI: Niman, Tràkata, and Trispzest

STORY

Javic Janson was born in 30 BBY on Naboo to Franklin and Lucy Janson. His father Franklin is a retired pilot who use to work for the Queen of Naboo, his wife Lucy was a resident of Naboo and the two met when Franklin was out patrolling one evening. Javic was taken from his parents when he was about five months old, once it was discovered that the young boy was Force Sensitive. Lucy protested about them taking her son but Franklin calmed her down with the help of the Jedi Ky'lar. Lucy eventually gave Javic up, crying the whole time. Javic waved goodbye confused as to why his mother was crying but later found out why.

His first couple of months at the Temple was horrible. The boy would cry late at night for his mother before he was lulled to sleep by the force. He started Jedi training the day after he arrived, though it proved to be difficult for him at first, the Jedi worked with him. Once Javic was strong enough to stand on his own and even hold himself up, he started lightsaber training. As a Jedi Initiate, Javic trained under Grand Master Yoda alongside other Jedis older than him; later he would be placed into a clan under the tutelage of Master Plo Koon. Caleb Dume, Sammo Quid, and Tai Uzuma became Javic’s friends. Others would become rivals and even enemies. His lightsaber instructors included Obi-Wan and Mace Windu.

As a youngling, Janson had been fascinated by machines and even dreaming of becoming a pilot. His ability to repair machinery, reprogram computers and to even fly like the best would prove to serve him well in the future, but because of his ability to learn quickly, Janson became impatient and easily emotional attached to things. Under the careful guidance of Master Plo Koon, however, Janson became better reserved.

When it came time for Master Jedis to pick their padawan, Javic, five at the time, was paired up against an older boy who had a lot of anger problems. Janson managed to keep his cool and show off the skills he learned with his lightsaber. Using the Force before the older boy could deliver a deadly blow, Javic pushed him back before throwing his lightsaber at the other. After the sparring match, he managed to catch the attention of many Jedis especially Obi-Wan and Ky'lar.

Ky'lar took Javic on as his apprentice, since Obi had Anakin still, and thus started the young boy on his journey to becoming a Jedi. The two started off doing little missions before Ky'lar took Javic on a special secret mission to Hoth, or so the Jedi Master said. Javic being young and about six at the time, followed Ky'lar anywhere without question. So when Ky'lar sent Javic out on a spiritual mission, the boy didn’t question his actions. Javic died when he fell into a hole, not able to get out of it after breaking his leg, he froze to death.

However, the Force had a bigger plan for the boy. The Force had turned the young boy Immortal. Javic awoke the next day, the tips of his hair and some of his clothes, frozen. Janson got to his feet and began to look for a way out before he could get very far he found a bright blue Kyber crystal floating towards him. Grabbing it, Javic was sent up to the surface. Later he was found by Ky'lar and the two went back to the temple.

Ky'lar threatened Javic that if he ever said anything to the others, that Ky'lar would kill his [Javic’s] parents and friends. Afraid to say anything, Javic kept quiet until Yoda approached him, asking if something was wrong. It didn’t take long for Janson to break down crying and to tell Yoda what Ky'lar had done to him. Javic even showed him the proof with his new lightsaber crystal. Days later it came out that Ky'lar was actual a Sith Lord and was trying to persuade Javic to the dark side.

For the next year, Javic was trained by Plo Koon. Javic was skittish around any of the Jedi Masters no matter who they were. The others didn’t blame him due to the fact that his original master tried to turn him to the dark side. Soon Javic began to trust Plo Koon as well as Obi-Wan and Anakin when the four went on missions together. When Javic turned eight Plo Koon and he was just finishing up their mission, both getting ready to sit down and eat when an announcement was sent out. War had broken out and everyone was to return to the Jedi Temple.

Javic was sent to the library and there he met with the other padawans who were waiting to hear what was happening. Hours passed and soon the other Padawans were retrieved by their masters, leaving Javic to sit in the library by himself. While waiting for Plo Koon to return, Janson fell asleep. He was awoken twenty minutes later by Plo Koon’s hand touching the boy’s hair. Javic jumped up with wide and curious eyes. Plo Koon explained to him what was going on as the two left the temple.

Once outside of the temple, the two boarded a ship and were taken to the battlefield. Javic stood close to Plo Koon and fidgeted the whole ride, only settling down once he felt his master’s hand in his hair. Once the ship landed Javic was lightly nudged down the ramp. He stiffened up a bit once he saw a group of men who all looked alike, staring at him. Plo Koon stood behind the padawan and introduced them both.

The meanest looking man stepped forward and introduced himself as Commander Wolffe, before introducing the men in his company. Once everyone was introduced Javic was told to keep himself busy with Sinker and Boost while Wolffe and Plo Koon met with the other Generals and Commanders. It didn’t take long for Javic to get acquainted with the others. They exchanged stories about their past and laughed while sitting around a fire.

Months later Javic, who had just turned eight, was almost shot down in the ship he was riding in with Plo Koon. When the ship was shot at, Plo Koon landed and had the boy looked over. Fearing the young boy would end up dead, Plo Koon asked Yoda if it was alright if the boy was to be mentored by another Jedi. Once the padawan was cleared for duty, Plo Koon broke the news to him. Javic was a bit sad but understanding. He bid goodbye to the Wolffe pack, knowing he’d see them again soon.

The next day Javic was shipped back out to a different location. He was told that once he landed he’d be greeted by a Clone Commander named Cody, who would then take the boy to his new Jedi Master. Javic greeted Cody once he was off of the ship. He had to run to keep up with the older man, who soon just put the boy on his shoulders. Javic was put on the ground before they met up with Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan at first is a little reluctant about getting a new Padawan but soon puts his emotions aside, after talking to Yoda, and soon takes Javic on as his new padawan. The clones of the 212th and 501st pull together pieces of old armor, patch it up and give it to the Padawan. It’s a little big for him, but Javic is very appreciative of the gift and still wears it.

He tends to forget to wear the helmet and that often results in him getting head injuries, which ends up with him getting scolded by many of the clones.