Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 125-126 - Anakin's Secret
The short Jedi Master pointed to a tall, resolute-looking woman.

She was dressed from head to toe in pristine white plastic steel armor, identical in style to that of clone soldiers.

Even across the entire galaxy, Ahsoka could hear rumors about this Jedi Knight from casual conversations in the officers' mess.

It is said that the initial "Operation Candlelight" was a limited offensive confined to the colonies and core star systems, until the "Emerald Banner Command" used its influence to expand the operation to the entire Rima trade route.

Most people are not optimistic about this strategy.

Even with the "Emerald Flag Fleet" and the struggling "Night Hammer Fleet," the separatist coalition forces in the Rima region still outnumbered the Republic Fleet by three to one.

Until Jedi Knight Rhys Alex took command, she advanced triumphantly along the Rima trade route, seemingly making victories against overwhelming odds a daily occurrence, repeatedly defeating enemy fleets with superior numbers.

“It’s just a matter of perspective, Master Peer,” Obi-Wan explained. “In the eyes of the people, we have just suffered the worst defeat and the most casualties since the New West War. The Senate and the people are outraged and demanding an explanation.”

Master Peale further argued: "If we—"

“Believe us, the Republic no longer trusts the Jedi,” Master Yoda interrupted him sadly. “Trust has been shaken ever since our defeat at Christophersis.”

“But they put Master Lancisis in command of the combined fleet,” Master Fisto pointed out.

Master Gallia, one of the few committee members still remaining in Coruscant, shook his head: "The Senate is demanding an explanation from the Supreme Command, while the Supreme Command is demanding an explanation from the Jedi Temple. They are blaming the failure on Master Lancisis's poor command."

Anakin slammed his fist on the table: "Those cowards... bastards!"

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan shouted, unusually harshly. "Control yourself! Don't forget you're no longer an apprentice!"

Ahsoka looked away, and she could see that her master was suppressing his raging anger.

“The Jedi Temple is becoming increasingly isolated,” Master Yoda lamented. “Master Ti, Master Kenobi, and Master Windu will return to Coruscant.”

"Master Windu is going back too?" Anakin demanded. "What about the Bosas?"

“I arrived too late,” Master Windu shook his head. “The Bosa people have betrayed the Republic. It’s certain that a separatist-backed coup occurred in Bosawui. They have now sided with the separatists, which allows Count Dooku to bypass the Hut space.”

Bosavoi.

The homeland of the Bosa people is renowned for its legendary intelligence-gathering abilities.

Intelligence is their most valuable asset, and their assistance is crucial in the fight against separatists.

The loss of the Bosa's support made the defeat at the Battle of Kolumex seem insignificant at this moment.

Although that defeat had made headlines in the mainstream media.

However, from a practical strategic perspective, Bosavuy's importance is self-evident.

Without the Bosa spy network, the Republic's intelligence services will face significant challenges.

Ahsoka had heard that some clone intelligence units had great potential, but there were only a handful at the moment.

“I’m afraid Rangnick has already fallen, Master Pierre,” Master Windu added.

Even though the news of his homeland's fall touched Master Evan Peele, this resolute Jedi showed no sign of it.

“Master Yoda, that is true,” Obi-Wan said frankly, “but I don’t understand why I have to go back to Coruscant. I don’t like politics, that’s no secret, and there’s a war going on here.”

“The Strategic Command has ordered all fleets to withdraw to the border between the Middle and Outer Rings to shorten the battle lines,” Master Gallia said. “All captured planets must be evacuated immediately. Skywalker, you must retreat to Lukazek and await further instructions. Our orders are to consolidate the existing gains and prevent the separatists from underestimating the Senate’s proposal.”

“Master Kenobi, you won’t be staying in Coruscant for long,” she continued. “I have chosen you to represent the Jedi at the Peace Summit in Ondron. As for the Senate, leave it to me.”

After the Jedi Master of the Tros race finished speaking, he smiled slightly.

Obi-Wan smiled and exhaled, as if he had been naive to think that anyone other than Master Adi Gallia could handle the complex politics of Coruscant.

It is said that Master Gallia controls an unimaginably vast personal intelligence network, and even has connections with pirate factions in the outer ring.

This also makes her the perfect candidate to handle the Jedi's increasingly entrenched political quagmire.

Master Yoda's choice of Master Gallia to oversee Jedi affairs during the Peace Summit was absolutely perfect.

Obi-Wan asked, "Can I know my mission objective?"

“First and foremost, on behalf of the Jedi Order!” Master Gallia stated bluntly, “Our reputation has been ruined. The word ‘Jedi’ is earning less and less respect in Coruscant. If this continues, we will soon be doomed.”

Upon hearing this, the Jedi present stirred up a commotion, and even Anakin couldn't help but frown.

“Secondly,” she continued, “you will be there to protect the Senate delegation. While there is no indication that Count Dooku or General Tann will be there, we are concerned that this could be a trap set by the separatists.”

"Dooku wouldn't be so blatant."

“That’s right,” Master Gallia nodded, “but I chose you because you have a connection with Senator Padme Amidala, the chief representative and initiator of the Peace Initiative. We can’t afford to create any more unnecessary tension between the Jedi Temple and the Senate, don’t you think?”

"The initiator is... Senator Amidala?" Anakin blurted out, his tone tinged with... surprise.

“That’s right,” Master Gallia confirmed. “Her speech was quite impassioned. I think everyone in the galaxy knows her name now… She called for peace while also denouncing the entire Senate.”

“That must have been quite a sight,” Obi-Wan Kenobi stroked his beard. “This young senator has certainly grown a lot.”

Master Gallia gave a noncommittal snort. "Is there a problem, Skywalker?"

“No!” Anakin answered quickly, almost unnaturally so. “Perfectly fine, Master.”

Ahsoka squinted his eyes.

My master is acting strangely... but what exactly is wrong?
The usually composed Jedi Knight was visibly restless. Out of curiosity, Ahsoka gently nudged his master: "Master, who is Councilor Amidala?"

“She’s not an important person,” Anakin said, his expression slightly stiff. “She’s just a senator from Naboo.”

Ahsoka paused, sensing something was amiss, and Anakin's unnatural expression seemed to be telling her something.

"...Go to Ondron with Master Kenobi." As Asoka refocused, he heard Master Pro Kong say this.

"Do you think this is wise, Pro?" Master Cessie Ting frowned, his brow furrowed.

“I cannot elaborate without absolute certainty,” Kyle Dole emphasized.

Master Kenobi and Master Ting exchanged a meaningful glance, then Kenobi cleared his throat. "I agree with Master Pro's view. If his suspicions are true, then his participation in the summit makes sense."

Master Windu crossed his arms: "Can't these doubts be discussed here?" Master Ting gruffly refused: "When it might affect the outcome of the summit, it cannot be discussed."

Hearing the usually taciturn Master Ting so earnestly support his Jedi colleagues, more than a few people became visibly interested.

“In that case,” Master Gallia said thoughtfully, “you can tell me the details in private later.”

Anakin leaned forward as if he wanted to speak, but then stopped himself.

Maybe he was a little embarrassed?
There were many Jedi Knights around the conference table, but only Anakin would interrupt the masters' conversation.

Even though Rhys Alex was winning many battles on the Southern front, she dared not draw such attention.

But then again, this isn't like Anakin at all.

“If there’s nothing else…” Master Wendu began.

“Wait—!” This call prompted Anakin to act. “If you will allow me, I request permission to go to Ondron with my apprentice and Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

Ahsoka turned his head in surprise.

"What is your reason?" Master Yoda placed his hands, one on top of the other, on the rounded end of his walking stick.

“Uh…” Anakin drawled, “Let’s put it this way, with the fighting in the Peremian region over, I might… not be that useful anymore.”

“If you’d like, we can transfer you to another front, Skywalker,” Master Peel suggested. “Perhaps to the south?”

Alex pursed his lips: "Excuse me for speaking frankly, but I don't need Skywalker to challenge my command. I'd much rather have a hundred more warships."

A flicker of gratitude and a hint of indignation crossed Anakin's face: "Just like... just like Obi-Wan kindly reminded me, I now have an apprentice and a responsibility to teach her, to go to Ondron... for the Ahsoka, it can allow them to temporarily escape the war. Jedi are supposed to be diplomats and peacekeepers, right? This summit can give her an opportunity to transition from a purely military and commander role."

“I must say, very well said, Anakin,” Obi-Wan drawled, a slight smile playing on his lips. “If only all your ideas were this sound.”

“I can be reliable sometimes,” Anakin protested. “Besides, my presence only adds weight to the peace talks, right?”

Fearless heroes support peace negotiations?

Galaxy News Network will definitely make a big deal out of this news.

“Skywalker makes a good point,” Master Kit Fistor pointed out. “Two Jedi Masters plus Anakin Skywalker? That might be enough to bring the Jedi Order back into the spotlight.”

Master Gallia said, “I think we’ll stop here for today… Skywalker, you stay here, I have something to say to you.”

The Jedi who attended the meeting left one by one, the lights in the war room dimmed again, and the blue light of the dozens of holographic images disappeared.

Obi-Wan gave her a look that was half apologetic and half comforting, as if to say, "Thank you for tolerating him," and then left with a clearly excited Scout.

“Skywalker,” Master Gallia said after everyone else had left, “Master Yoda might agree, but I’m not so easily persuaded. I agree to this on two conditions.”

Anakin straightened up: "I'm all ears, Master."

"First, obey the orders of Master Kenobi and Master Pro," Master Gallia commanded in an extremely stern tone. "The eyes of the entire galaxy will be focused on Ondron, and I don't want your reputation for causing trouble to be further damaged. Second..."

Her gaze swept over Ahsoka. "This also applies to you, apprentice. Keep a close eye on our friends and enemies. Never let anyone, not even those who claim to be our allies, disrupt the proceedings of this meeting. If we must eliminate them, do it discreetly."

“Understood, Master Gallia,” Anakin grinned. “You can trust us. If you may, I’d like to ask…”

"Ok?"

"Can this peace initiative really succeed?"

Master Adi Gallia scoffed sarcastically: "Of course not. Were you even listening, Skywalker? Beware of friends and enemies; there are plenty of people on both sides who are desperate to cause trouble."

“I understand,” Anakin said softly. “Thank you, Master.”

He reached out to cut off the communication, his finger hovering over the switch button. At that moment, Master Gallia smiled slightly, but there was no smile in his eyes. "There is one more thing, Skywalker."

Anakin froze, slowly pondering the strange tone of the Jedi Master.

Ahsoka glanced at it and immediately understood the enormous gap between ordinary Jedi and members of the Jedi Council.

She felt the weight of Master Gallia's gaze and sensed the endless ages and unfathomable knowledge hidden behind her cobalt blue eyes.

In Yoda's eyes, one can see the sedimentation of countless years, the history that once flowed in vivid memories but now only remains in dusty scrolls and hidden archives.

That was the knowledge and wisdom he had accumulated over the centuries, witnessing the changes in the Milky Way around him, while he himself was almost eternal.

Master Gallia, on the other hand, was quite different.

Her sharp gaze can see right through you and uncover your most secretive secrets.

"Grandmaster?"

Anakin's voice carried a barely perceptible unease.

“Take good care of our dear councilor, okay?” Master Gallia asked sweetly. “After all, Ondron is a notoriously dangerous planet. Get close to them… but not too close. I trust you can keep things in check.”

Anakin froze, like a boy caught red-handed reaching into a cookie jar.

“I…I understand, Master,” he said, bowing his head. “I will ensure her…their safety. Master Kenobi and Master Pro will also be present, so I believe there will be no danger.”

Master Gallia narrowed his eyes, his hair swaying gently: "This is exactly what I was worried about. Master Kenobi and Master Pro are too lenient and kind."

After saying this, the Jedi Master came and went like a swift whirlwind, leaving behind the master and his disciple.

"...Asoka."

Ahsoka was startled and turned to Anakin, "Yes, Master!"

Anakin whirled around and strode out of the room: "I'll keep your secret, and you keep mine, okay?"

"What secret?"

"That's exactly what I want to hear."

(End of this chapter)