caster-of-shadows

[caster-of-shadows]

Deciding Skywalkers Fate PM Deleted PT3

Carpathia

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan strode down the hallway, out onto a balcony in the Jedi Temple, deep in heated discussion. Thalia followed closely behind. “The boy will not pass the Council’s tests, Master, and you know it. He is far too old.” Obi-Wan said. Qui-Gon turned to his apprentice.

“Anakin will become a Jedi.” Qui-Gon stated confidently. “I promise you."

Thalia sighed, looking to the sunset for peace. Obi-wan was thinking the same thing “Do not defy the Council, Master Jinn. Not again.” 

Qui-Gon gave a small shrug. “I shall do what I must, Thalia, Obi-Wan.” 

“If you would just follow the Code, you would be on the Council by now.” Obi-Wan couldn’t contain his exasperation. “They will not go along with you this time.” They stopped by the railing, observing the red sun lowering. It was not the first time his Master defied the Council. 

Qui-Gon laid a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. “You still have much to learn, my young apprentice.” Qui-Gon said quietly. The words slapped Obi-Wan’s face. He swallowed hard and looked away. “Things are not always black and white.”

“I know, Master.” Obi-Wan muttered. 

Qui-Gon glanced down at Obi-Wan. “Why are you opposed to the Skywalker coming to the Temple? Tell me truly.” He glanced at Thalia. “Both of you.”

Obi-Wan did not immediately respond, but Qui-Gon waited patiently.

“It’s just a feeling, Master.” Obi-Wan explained reluctantly. He had no desire to anger Qui-Gon.

“A feeling.”

“Nothing good will come of his training.” Obi-Wan finally turned to look at his master. “Only darkness.”

Qui-Gon turns to Thalia. He motions for her to speak. Her eyes go cloudy at the question.  “I see a man haunted by his actions, a woman dead as her lover weeps over her. Strong attachments in a time of war, death, happiness.” She sighs.

[caster-of-shadows]

Death on Naboo PM Deleted PT2

Carpathia

Obi-wan? Obi-wan!

He whipped his head around to look for the voice. It was her’s, where was she?

I’m with Padme, we are in the Palace A pressure was on his shoulder like a hand was resting there. He felt her as though she were next to him.  I am so sorry Obi-wan. I’ll contact the council.

“He’s dead,” Obi-Wan croaked. “The Sith. I killed him.”

The hand on his shoulder tightened. Stay where you are, I'm on my way.

-------

Red and orange flames danced on somber faces, creating light and shadows alike. The night was pitch black and silent except for Qui-Gon Jinn’s crackling funeral pyre. Even the stars had cloaked themselves in darkness. The Jedi’s hoods cloaked their heads, adding to the solemnity and desolation of Qui-Gon’s funeral.

Thalia stood alone, eyes on Obi-Wan and the child beside him.

[caster-of-shadows]

Healing on Kamino AOTC Deleted PT1

Carpathia

Inside the sterile confines of their temporary quarters, the quiet was almost jarring after the chaos of the fight. Rain still drummed steadily against the structure, the occasional flash of lightning illuminating the stark white walls. Thalia sat cross-legged on the bench, rolling her shoulders with a tired sigh.

Obi-Wan stood by the small table, peeling off his outer robe with a wince. The fight with Jango Fett had left its mark—his knuckles were raw, and a dark bruise was forming along his ribs where the bounty hunter had landed a solid kick. Thalia arched a brow. "You’re moving like an old man."

Obi-Wan shot her a dry look. "I just fought a Mandalorian bounty hunter in the middle of a storm, Thalia. Forgive me if I’m not as spry as usual." She smirked but pushed herself up, crossing the room in a few strides. Without a word, she reached for the small medkit on the table. Obi-Wan sighed. "That’s not necessary—"

Thalia cut him off with a pointed look. "Sit." For a moment, he seemed like he might argue, but then he relented with a quiet exhale, lowering himself onto the bench. Thalia knelt in front of him, flipping open the kit and pulling out a salve. "You should know by now," she started, examining the bruised knuckles, "that I’m always going to ignore you when you say that."

Obi-Wan huffed a soft laugh. "I suppose I should stop bothering to protest, then."

"Smart man." She smirked, carefully smoothing the salve over his hand. He barely flinched, but she could feel the tension in him—the way he held himself still, ever composed even in discomfort. She worked in silence, methodical but gentle. The Force hummed between them, their bond carrying unspoken understanding. When she reached for the hem of his tunic, Obi-Wan hesitated, but she only gave him an expectant look. He exhaled through his nose but lifted his tunic enough for her to see the forming bruise along his ribs. Thalia winced. "That’s going to hurt tomorrow."

"Very helpful observation," he muttered.

She rolled her eyes and set to work, dabbing more salve onto the bruised skin with a careful touch. Her fingers ghosted over the injury, light as a whisper, but he still felt the soothing coolness seep into the pain."You really need to stop getting thrown around so much," she commented.

"And you need to stop throwing things through windows," Obi-Wan countered, giving her a pointed look.

Thalia snorted. "I aimed low."

Obi-Wan sighed, shaking his head. "The clones will probably have nightmares about that for weeks."

She smirked. "Maybe it'll make them think twice before picking a fight with a Jedi." He hummed but said nothing else, letting her continue tending to his wounds. There was something oddly domestic about it—not that either of them would ever say that aloud. Once she finished, she sat back on her heels. "There. Good as new. Well, almost."

Obi-Wan rolled his shoulders, testing the soreness. "You missed your calling as a healer."

Thalia scoffed. "You and Anakin have ruined that avenue for me."

He chuckled, shaking his head before checking his tracker. His expression turned more serious. "The signal has stopped."

Thalia wiped her hands on a cloth, standing as she peered over his shoulder. "Geonosis?" She frowned. "What the hell is on Geonosis?"

Obi-Wan’s brow furrowed. "If Fett was hired to create the clone army and he’s returning there, it’s more than a coincidence."

[caster-of-shadows]

Chapter 7

1.7k+ Words

Dust hung in the air, stirred by the low hum of war and the echo of distant artillery fire. Inside the command center, the buzz of holographic displays and clone chatter filled the space. Thalia Monore stepped through the doors, arms crossed as she approached the two familiar figures already deep in conversation—or, more accurately, their latest friendly argument. Anakin and Obi-Wan stood hunched over a battle map, voices raised just enough to attract sidelong glances from nearby troopers. She rolled her eyes. They've been at this for two days straight. Did they ever get tired of bickering?

Anakin looked up first, catching her approach with a boyish grin. “Thalia will agree with me. Take my side, won’t you?”

Obi-Wan turned, already wearing that signature patient-but-smug expression. “Indeed, Anakin. I wonder—whose side is she going to take?”

Thalia came to stand beside Obi-Wan, arms still crossed but lips curved in a smirk. “I don’t even know what this latest debate is about yet.” She did. Of course she did. It was the same thing Obi-Wan had been pestering Anakin about for weeks. “Maybe you should take a padawan,” Thalia offered, feigning deep thought. “Then you’d have someone on your side." Obi-Wan chuckled—an actual laugh, not just the usual amused breath.

“Oh, come on!” Anakin groaned.

“I think it’d be good for you,” Thalia continued, eyes glinting with mischief. “Could help with the whole... maturity thing.” She shot Obi-Wan a sideways grin. “Force knows it helped him.” Obi-Wan arched a brow but didn’t deny it. Thalia’s grin only widened. Anakin stared at her, slack-jawed. “Don’t be so dramatic,” she teased. “It’s not betrayal, it’s called character growth.” Before Anakin could reply with something witty—and he definitely looked like he was brewing something—the command console beeped urgently, signaling an incoming. The clones nearby straightened. The mood shifted in an instant.

Obi-Wan stepped forward, his expression sobering as the hologram flickered to life. “I told you that victory was too easy,” he muttered. “We never should’ve sent the ship back for supplies.”

“It wasn’t my idea,” Anakin said dryly. A new wave of Separatist forces mobilizing across Christophis’s war-torn streets. A second assault—bigger, better armed. 

Obi-Wan straightened. “Alright, men. Second wave incoming.”

“Rex,” Anakin called, “you and your men are with me.”

Obi-wan turned to his Commander. “Cody—battle positions.” The casualties among the clone troopers were already high, they were sprawled among the wrecked droids, "We're going to need reinforcements." Her lightsaber flashed up and down as the first ranging shots from the fresh enemy wave started reaching them, she also spied the dreaded forms of Separatist Armored Assault Tanks in the rear ranks of that wave.

"We haven't been able to get through to the Admiral," Obi-Wan's shouted over the din of battle. He shifted to only using the blade one-handed as he talked into his com. "Commander focus your artillery fire on the front ranks of the AATs, create a blockade with the wreckage and buy us time, we'll handle the rest."

"Yes, General."

The proton projectiles arced overhead and this time burst among the AATs. The initial salvo's results were not as accurate as Obi-Wan hoped but soon enough there was a nice blockage in wide boulevard of smouldering, wrecked tanks that neatly prevented the mid and rear tanks from advancing at all.

This obstruction was clearly enough for the Separatist commander, as while they hardly cared at all for how many droids were destroyed achieving their objectives, even they had logistical issues, a limited inventory and couldn't grind their assets into the teeth of the potent Republic defenses forever. The B1 and 2s in front of the tanks stopped and turned around in perfect synchronization and started a retreat. The Republic clones weren't content to let them go uncontested and poured fire into the backs of the retreating droids.

A loud sonic boom and the hiss of repulsorlifts heralded the arrival of a YT-class cargo shuttle that roared into view from overhead. The clones, seeing it, started to cheer as the shuttle descended expertly among the high buildings heading straight for the rear landing zones.

"Looks like help has arrived."

Obi-wan and Thalia arrived at the landing pad after having organized the shifting of their defenses forward to the new front line. The shuttle with its wings in the upward landing configuration was a bustle of activity as troopers hurried in and out carrying crates of supplies and ammunition. "Fresh troops, new supplies… and perhaps they brought my new Padawan with them." Anakin met them to walk towards the ship.

Anakin couldn't help but feel rather apprehensive at that last part, "Do you really think it's a good idea to bring a Padawan learner into all this?"

"I spoke to Master Yoda about it," Obi-wan deflected, "you should put in a request for one. You'd make a good teacher."

Anakin laughed incredulously at his former master, "No thanks."

"Anakin," his former master's voice immediately shifting into the well practiced lecturing tone, "teaching is a privilege, and it's part of a Jedi Knight's responsibility to train the next generation."

"Then why doesn't Thalia have one?" Anakin shifted to her. Obi-wan and Thalia froze as they try to come up with an explanation that doesn't shit on the council. Force on their side, Anakin easily skips over the silince like he never asked a question. They stopped near the shuttle's open cargo doors, "a Padawan would just slow me down..."

“Greetings, Masters.”

A young voice echoed from the shuttle. Thalia smiled, already recognizing the familiar presence through the Force. A crate floated from the shuttle, gently guided down by the Force, and a young Togruta stepped into view—orange skin, blue and white lekku, light facial markings. Her armor was more military than ceremonial, save for the lightsaber strapped to her thigh and the Jedi insignia on her pauldrons.

“And, uh, who are you supposed to be?” Anakin asked.

Thalia stepped forward, grinning. “Ahsoka Tano,” she introduced warmly. “What are you doing here?”

Ahsoka smiled. “Master Yoda sent me to hand-deliver new orders. Communications have been unstable, and there’s an emergency.”

As she settled the crate on the ground, Thalia gave her a playful nudge. “Showing off already?”

“Just keeping it interesting.”

Ahsoka smiled back at the Jedi Knight. "Master Yoda sent me to hand deliver new orders given the interstellar communication problems we're having with Christophsis at the moment." The crate settled down onto the ground.

"And those orders are?"

"You are both to leave the Christophsis system immediately and contact the Council for new orders, there's an emergency."

"Whoah," Anakin held up his hands, "I don't know if you've noticed, but we're in a bit of an emergency ourselves."

Ahsoka gave him a look. "Yes, which is why I arrived in a cargo shuttle with supplies, instead of just a passenger transport - and you can relay a signal via the Cruiser in orbit. Though you'd better hurry, the Seppies had five cruisers inbound on an intercept when I left. Admiral Yularen won't be able to maintain his position." Anakin and Obi-wan looked at each other and rushed towards the com station.

Thalia and Ahsoka followed at a more relaxed pace. “He’s going to be insufferable about this.”

Ahsoka looked up at her, worried. “Master Skywalker?”

Thalia shakes her head. "Oh no, Obi-Wan. He’s been trying to get Anakin a Padawan for months.”

“So this is his plan coming together?” Ashoka asked.

“Plan, justice, whatever you want to call it.” Thalia grins and flips the tent flap open for them to enter.The clone officer vanished and was replaced by the computer flashing the Aurebesh equivalent of 'On hold' and a rather annoying periodic beeping. It thankfully ended after ten seconds when the holotable lit up with the diminutive form of Master Yoda.

"Master Kenobi. Glad Ahsoka found you, I am."

"Master Yoda, we are trapped here," Obi-wan reported grimly, "and vastly outnumbered. We are in no position to go anywhere or do anything. Our support ships have all been destroyed."

"Send reinforcements to… you…" the image abruptly began to flicker and destabilize, "we...will…"

"Master Yoda…!"

The Lieutenant's face abruptly reappeared, "I'm sorry, General. We lost the transmission, the Seps jamming has found our frequencies as well, and this battle damage isn't helping. We have to leave orbit, more enemy ships have just arrived… we'll get back to you as soon as we can." The holo flickered and vanished.

"Well, I guess we'll have to hold out a little longer," Thalia sighed.

Obi-wan nodded, "the supplies our new Padawan brought should help us last at least until they get back, if all goes well. Speaking of, proper introductions are in order, I am Obi-Wan Kenobi your assigned Master, and this is Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker."

"I think... there's been a miscommunication somewhere with you, Master Kenobi… I was assigned to Master Skywalker."

Anaking immeaditly looked like someone put sand in his bed.  "Oh no, no, there must be some kind of mistake." He pointed a rather childish accusative finger at Obi-wan, "He's the one that wanted a Padawan."

"Master Yoda was very specific. I am to report to Knight Anakin Skywalker, and he is to supervise my further Jedi training," Ashoka explained with a grin. Obi-wan just gave his old student a teasing smile in response. Thalia, on the other hand, was violently laughing at him and had to walk away for a minute.

"But that doesn't make any sense," Anakin shook his head, "I never put my name down on the list…"

Obi-wan raised his hands to stop the impending argument, "we'll have to sort this out later. It won't be long until the enemy commander devises a way to counter our artillery."

Anakin sighed and began walking away, "I'll join Rex at the lookout post."

Obi-wan nodded, "certainly, you'd better take her with you."

"Wouldn't want you to lose your Padawan on the first day." Thalia grinned and gave Anakin a little nudge with the force to be closer to Ahsoka.

Anakin looked back at Thalia, then Obi-wan, then back to Thalia before reluctantly making a come-hither gesture aimed at Ahsoka to follow him. 

"Oh, I cannot wait to tell Plo."

Chapter 6 / Chapter 8

Carpathia Master List

[caster-of-shadows]

Chapter 6

2k+ Words

“I’m not asking for special treatment,” she said firmly. “I’m asking to fight. To be where I’m needed. You have entire divisions forming. Let me lead one.”

“Mace Windu’s expression remained unreadable. “We understand your frustration, Knight Monore. But your unique skill set serves the Republic best when you are not bound by a battalion.”

“With all due respect,” Thalia said, jaw tight, “that’s not your call to make without considering what I am capable of. I don’t want to hide anymore.”

“Your talents are not wasted,” Ki-Adi-Mundi added. “We may need them for missions that require absolute discretion.”

“There are plenty of Jedi capable of discretion,” Thalia said, barely holding back. “I’ve done more than my share. This time, I want to stand beside my fellow Jedi—not sneak through the shadows and watch.”

The Council gave no final word, merely a silent dismissal.

By Force did the council piss her off sometimes, it was hard to keep her cool sometimes.

The sound of troop transports hummed through the air outside the Temple. Thalia stood near the overlook, watching the endless lines of clone battalions deploying into the warfront. The sky above Coruscant was gray with smoke from ships constantly coming and going—symbols of the war that had only just begun but already felt endless. Battalions stood at attention, ready to meet their generals and begin their fight.

Obi-Wan approached, his cloak rustling softly behind him.

“I'm sorry,” he said quietly, coming to stand beside her. "I didn't know until you came in."

Thalia didn’t look at him. She was upset with the Council, and even though she knew he had no part, she was a little upset with him as well. “They said it would be a ‘logistical complication’ if I were called to go undercover again. Better to keep me flexible and easy to redirect.” Her tone was bitter. "They have me as a floater, jumping from Battalion to Battalion."

Obi-Wan offered a sympathetic glance. “You’re more than capable of leading, Thalia. There are so few of us now, they have to keep options open."

"Unbelievable. You agree with them,” she snapped, turning to face him. “There are more Shadows more suited for deep-cover missions. I’ve been undercover for years, and for what? To be shoved aside now when people are dying. On the principle of 'just in case?'"

Obi-Wan exhaled slowly, understanding but clearly frustrated. “You think I didn’t argue the same thing? They believe your adaptability is too valuable to confine you to a single command.”

“It’s a war, Obi-Wan,” she said, voice tight with frustration. “And I’m a Jedi Knight, not some pawn to shift around a board whenever they feel like it. You and I have more experience on the battlefield than most do."

He said nothing, and the silence between them crackled.

After a long moment, Thalia drew a slow breath and nodded toward the staging area. “Let’s go meet your battalion.”

They walked together through the hangar corridors. As they passed rows of gathering clones, Thalia's presence drew more attention than Obi-Wan's. The moment they entered the area where the 212th Attack Battalion assembled, tension sparked in the Force.

Clones turned to look at her. More than a few faces shifted from curiosity to alarm. Whispers passed, barely heard over the rumble of deployment.

A trooper muttered, “Is that… the tray girl?”

Another clone gave a subtle nod, stepping slightly behind his brother.

Thalia didn’t flinch. She kept her chin high, though inside she could feel the weight of recognition. It wasn’t just the blast or the cafeteria incident back on Kamino—it was the story that spread after. The Jedi Knight who launched a food tray like a missile and nearly took out Jango Fett.  She was almost proud that she terrified people just from stories, but at the same time, if she was to work with hem, she wanted them to respect her not because they are scared of her.

She swept her eyes across them, steady. One trooper in the back visibly stiffened when her gaze went over him. A clone Commander approached then, saluting Obi-Wan.

“General Kenobi,” he said. Then his gaze flickered to Thalia. “General Monore. I am CT-2224.”

Obi-Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. “CT-2224?” he repeated, uncertain. “Is that… your name?”

The clone stood a little straighter. “That’s the designation the Kaminoans gave me, sir.”

Thalia blinked, her posture stiffening. “They call you by a number?”

The Commander nodded once, expression neutral. “Yes, ma’am. All of us. It’s how we were identified during training. By our CT numbers.”

There was a short silence, heavy in the air. Obi-Wan and Thalia exchanged a glance, unsettled.

Thalia’s voice was quiet but firm. “What do you want to be called?”

The clone hesitated, then said, “Most of the others just call me Cody.”

“Cody,” Obi-Wan repeated with a nod. “That’s what we’ll call you, then.”

Thalia’s expression softened, but her eyes still shimmered with that deep, distant grief—the same one that had never really left her since Kamino. “No one deserves to be reduced to a number,” she said, barely above a whisper.

Cody gave a respectful nod. “Understood, General.”

Thalia gave a short nod, her voice calm. “We met once, Commander. Sort of. I don’t think I gave the best first impression.”

Cody raised an eyebrow, but his tone was even. “Your landing was certainly memorable, Sir.”

Obi-Wan gave her a side glance, the edge of a smile twitching at his mouth. Thalia groaned under her breath, sending a subtle nudge through their Force bond. Say anything, and I swear I’ll launch the next tray at you. Their bond hummed quietly, an anchor against the sea of uncertainty around them.

Thalia looked out over the 212th and sighed softly. “They’ll follow you,” she said to Obi-Wan.

“They’ll follow us,” he corrected gently.

She didn’t reply, but her eyes lingered on the sea of armor ahead of them, flickers of the past and the war ahead dancing in her thoughts.

She swept her eyes across them, steady. One trooper in the back visibly stiffened when her gaze went over him. A clone Commander approached then, saluting Obi-Wan.

“General Kenobi,” he said. Then his gaze flickered to Thalia. “General Monore. I am CT-2224.”

Obi-Wan’s brows furrowed slightly. “CT-2224?” he repeated, uncertain. “Is that… your name?”

The clone stood a little straighter. “That’s the designation the Kaminoans gave me, sir.”

Thalia blinked, her posture stiffening. “They call you by a number?”

The Commander nodded once, expression neutral. “Yes, ma’am. All of us. It’s how we were identified during training. By our CT numbers.”

There was a short silence, heavy in the air. Obi-Wan and Thalia exchanged a glance, unsettled.

Thalia’s voice was quiet but firm. “What do you want to be called?”

The clone hesitated, then said, “Most of the others just call me Cody.”

“Cody,” Obi-Wan repeated with a nod. “That’s what we’ll call you, then.”

Thalia’s expression softened, but her eyes still shimmered with that deep, distant grief—the same one that had never really left her since Kamino. “No one deserves to be reduced to a number,” she said, barely above a whisper.

Cody gave a respectful nod. “Understood, General.”

Thalia gave a short nod, her voice calm. “We met once, Commander. Sort of. I don’t think I gave the best first impression.”

Cody raised an eyebrow, but his tone was even. “Your landing was certainly memorable, Sir.”

Obi-Wan gave her a side glance, the edge of a smile twitching at his mouth. Thalia groaned under her breath, sending a subtle nudge through their Force bond. Say anything, and I swear I’ll launch the next tray at you. Their bond hummed quietly, an anchor against the sea of uncertainty around them.

Thalia looked out over the 212th and sighed softly. “They’ll follow you,” she said to Obi-Wan.

“They’ll follow us,” he corrected gently.

She didn’t reply, but her eyes lingered on the sea of armor ahead of them, flickers of the past and the war ahead dancing in her thoughts. Obi-Wan stepped forward, raising his voice just enough to carry through the hangar.

“We know you’ve been trained for this your entire lives. But for us—this is not the Jedi way.”

He glanced at Thalia, who stepped up beside him.

“We are one of the few Jedi that have seen battle before,” she said. “We’ve fought. We’ve bled. But for the others… war was never the plan. We were trained to serve peace. To listen to the Force. Not to lead armies.”

Obi-Wan continued, “Yet, here we stand—alongside you. That means we’ll make mistakes. We’ll learn. We’ll grow into this, as you already have. But we don’t want to lead just soldiers. We want to know the men behind the helmets.”

Thalia added, “We don’t want numbers. We want names. Stories. Faces. Because if we’re going into battle together… then we have to trust each other. And trust doesn’t come from ranks or orders—it comes from understanding.”

Obi-Wan looked across the battalion. “You’re more than what the Kaminoans made you to be. You’re not just copies. You’re individuals." There was a long silence. Then, quietly, a few clones straightened. One gave a faint nod. Another shifted his stance, the tension in his shoulders easing.

Cody stepped forward and saluted. “Understood, Generals.”

As the battalion began to disperse to their respective stations, a familiar presence moved swiftly toward them. Anakin’s steps were loud and full of purpose, boots echoing off the durasteel floor. His robe fluttered behind him as he approached, a hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Thought I’d find you two here,” Anakin said, coming to a stop just beside Thalia. “Tried to track you down before the briefing ended, but Master Windu caught me. Again.”

Thalia arched an eyebrow. “Imagine that. You dodging official protocol.”

Obi-Wan gave him a wry smile. “It’s becoming a pattern.”

Anakin shrugged, then looked between them, his smile fading slightly. “You’re really going, huh? Different systems. Different fronts.”

Thalia softened. “Looks like it.”

“You always said the war would change everything,” Anakin said quietly. “But I didn’t expect this part—everyone scattering.”

Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “We’ll see each other again. Often, I imagine. The war might take us to different places, but we’re still fighting the same battle.”

Anakin grins. “Probably.” He hesitated, then lowered his voice. “Before you go… I wanted to say something. To both of you.”

He stepped closer, casting a glance around to ensure no one else was listening.

“I know the Jedi don’t exactly encourage attachments,” he said, keeping his voice low, “but I don’t think it’s wrong to care. We need people we trust. People who bring us back to ourselves.”

Thalia tilted her head, brow furrowed. “Anakin…”

He glanced between them. “You two—there’s something between you. I can feel it in the Force. You don’t have to say anything. I’m not judging. I just… I want you to know that whatever it is, I think it’s good. And you’re lucky to have each other.”

Obi-Wan blinked. For a moment, he was speechless.

Thalia found her voice first. “You’re not wrong.”

There was a beat of silence, then Obi-Wan stepped forward and placed a hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “We’ll watch over each other. And you—you do the same with Padmé.” Anakin’s breath hitched slightly, eyes widening, but Thalia merely smiled.  Obi-Wan gave a quiet, amused sigh. “The Council may not see it. But we do.”

Anakin exhaled, looking both relieved and stunned. “Thank you. Both of you.”

Thalia leaned in and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Stay safe, Anakin." They held the moment for a beat longer—three Jedi, not just comrades, but family. Then Anakin turned and strode away, the weight of war settling back onto his shoulders.

Obi-Wan and Thalia stood in the quiet that followed, watching him go.

“Think he’ll be all right?” Thalia asked softly.

Obi-Wan’s answer was equally quiet. “I hope so.”

Chapter 5 / Chapter 7

Carpathia Master List

[caster-of-shadows]

Cassandra Intro PM Deleted Pt 1

Please check out my main story Carpathia.

The soft hum of the Naboo Royal Starship filled the air, a steady rhythm beneath the rustling of silk and whispered voices. Among the handmaidens, a new face moved with practiced ease—Cassandra. She was quiet, observant, blending in seamlessly as she adjusted the folds of her crimson gown. To anyone watching, she was just another attendant in Queen Amidala’s service, her head bowed in quiet obedience.

But beneath the guise of a handmaiden, Thalia was always watching.

She had trained for months to adopt this role, to move with the grace of the handmaidens, to listen without drawing attention. Every gesture, every breath, was carefully measured. To the Queen and the others, she was simply Cassandra, another young woman devoted to the Queen’s protection. In truth, her mission was far greater—assigned by the Jedi Order to ensure the Queen's safety, whether the Queen realized she needed it or not.

As the ship hurtled through hyperspace, bound for Coruscant, Thalia stole a glance at the Queen, seated in regal stillness. Padmé was strong-willed, intelligent—a leader in every sense of the word. But she was also young, idealistic, and far too willing to put herself at risk. If she knew there was a Jedi among her attendants, she would refuse the extra protection. That was why Thalia remained silent, just another shadow in the Queen’s court.

She had just adjusted the delicate hood of her gown when another handmaiden, Padme, brushed past her with a knowing smile.

“Nervous, Cassandra?” Padme teased in a hushed tone, her voice light but curious.

Thalia met her gaze evenly, allowing a small, practiced smile to form. “Not at all,” she answered smoothly, her voice soft but confident.

Padme chuckled. “Good. You’ll get used to it soon enough. Just remember—stay close to the Queen, listen more than you speak, and never forget that we are all one.”

Thalia nodded, absorbing the words. It was a handmaiden’s creed—unity, anonymity, devotion. All things she had to embody, even as she remained apart in secret.

The ship shuddered slightly as it exited hyperspace, and in the distance, the glowing planet of Coruscant loomed ahead. Thalia inhaled deeply. The mission had only just begun.

[caster-of-shadows]

Chapter 2

The grand doors of the Supreme Chancellor’s office slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the spacious chamber bathed in warm golden light. Towering pillars framed the expansive window overlooking Coruscant’s endless skyline. As Senator Amidala entered, all eyes turned to her. Despite the assassination attempt, she carried herself with poise, her expression composed, though those closest to her could sense the weight pressing on her shoulders.

Yoda was the first to step forward, his wise eyes filled with quiet relief. “Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart.”

Padmé dipped her head respectfully. “Do you have any idea who was behind this attack?”

Mace Windu, his expression grave, answered with certainty. “Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo.”

Padmé, however, wasn’t convinced. “I think that Count Dooku was behind it.”

From his place among the gathered Jedi, Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke up, shaking his head slightly. “He is a political idealist, not a murderer.”

Mace Windu nodded in agreement. “You know, Milady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn’t assassinate anyone. It’s not in his character.”

Yoda, though silent for a moment, studied Padmé carefully before speaking. “But for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are.”

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, standing near his desk, took the moment to interject, his voice smooth, measured. “Master Jedi, may I suggest the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces?”

Captain Typho, standing protectively near Padmé, stole a quick glance at Cassandra, his expression unreadable. Meanwhile, Bail Organa, who had been observing quietly, stepped forward, his deep voice carrying weight. “Do you really think that’s a wise decision under these stressful times?”

Padmé, sensing where this was heading, raised her chin. “Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe that the situation—”

Palpatine smoothly cut her off, his tone almost fatherly. “That the situation is that serious? No, but I do, Senator. I know all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with. An old friend… like Master Kenobi.”

Mace Windu considered the suggestion, then gave a slow nod. “That’s possible. He’s just returned from a border dispute on Ansion.”

Padmé said nothing at first, her expression unreadable, though Thalia, standing just behind her, could sense the shift. Whether it was relief or unease, it was hard to tell.

The conversation continued, but Cassandra remained watchful. The attack was only the beginning, and she had no doubt that whatever was coming next would test them all.

Feeling the gaze of someone made her nauseous after earliers events. Whenever she felt it, it made her think that someone one was here for the Senator. It wasn't that, this time. She met the eyes of the Kel Dor Jedi. A hand signal passed between the two.

ok?

Yes

Some tension that the Kel Dor was held is released.

---

Back at the apartment, the air was thick with tension. Cassandra paced near the balcony, her senses still on high alert. She barely turned when the door slid open and Jar Jar announced their guests. "Lookie... lookie... Oops!... Oh, dear, I'm afraid I've forgotten myself again."

Two figures entered. Obi-Wan Kenobi stepped in first, his sharp gaze sweeping the room. Behind him, Anakin Skywalker followed, his posture stiff but eyes immediately locking onto Padmé. Cassandra exhaled slowly.

Obi-Wan was the first to greet the senator. "It's a great pleasure to see you again, M'Lady."

Padmé smiled. "It has been far too long, Master Kenobi. I'm so glad our paths have crossed again... but I must warn you that I think your presence here is unnecessary."

"I'm sure the Jedi Council has their reasons," Obi-Wan responded evenly.

Cassandra fell back into place, silently observing. It was second nature now—listening without engaging, blending into the background. But standing among them, she felt like a shadow of herself, flickering between what was real and what was required.

Padme moved in front of Anakin. "Ani? My goodness, you have grown." They looked at each other for a long moment.

Anakin, attempting to be smooth, responded, "So have you... grown more beautiful—I mean, and much shorter... for a Senator, I mean."

Obi-Wan sighed, clearly disappointed in his apprentice. Surely, he had taught him better than this. Better than those words, at least.

Padmé laughed and shook her head. "Oh Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine." Anakin looked down, clearly embarrassed. Obi-Wan and Cassandra exchanged amused glances.

"Our presence will be invisible, M'Lady," Obi-Wan assured.

Captain Typho nodded. "I am very grateful you are here, Master Kenobi. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit."

Padmé, her expression firm, countered, "I don't need more security. I need answers. I want to know who is trying to kill me."

Obi-Wan frowned. "We're here to protect you, Senator, not to start an investigation."

Anakin, with conviction, added, "We will find out who is trying to kill you, Padmé, I promise you."

Obi-Wan gave Anakin a sharp look. "We are not going to exceed our mandate, my young Padawan learner."

Anakin, slightly defensive, clarified, "I meant in the interest of protecting her, Master, of course."

Obi-Wan sighed. "We are not going through this exercise again, Anakin. You will pay attention to my lead."

Anakin frowned. "Why?"

Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes. "Why else do you think we were assigned to her, if not to find the killer? Protection is a job for local security, not Jedi. It's overkill, Master. Investigation is implied in our mandate."

Obi-Wan's expression darkened. "We will do as the Council has instructed, and you will learn your place, young one."

Padmé, ever the diplomat, interjected, "Perhaps with merely your presence, the mysteries surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now, if you will excuse me, I will retire." Everyone gave Padmé a slight bow as she and Dormé left the room.

The evening air was crisp, a welcome contrast to the warmth inside the apartment. Coruscant’s skyline stretched in a sea of golden lights, speeders weaving through the city like fireflies in the dark. She let out a quiet sigh, resting her hands on the balcony railing. There was no reaction to Obi-Wan as he stepped beside her, his presence a familiar anchor in the storm.

"You’re supposed to be blending in, not standing dramatically on a balcony," he murmured. She laughed softly, shaking her head. For a moment, they just stood there, the hum of Coruscant filling the silence between them. It was a rare kind of quiet—not the absence of sound, but the absence of urgency. It was like they were just them, Obi-Wan and Thalia.

Obi-Wan’s expression was unreadable when he turned to her. "How have you been? Truly?"

She hesitated. It would be so easy to say she was fine, to brush it off as she always did. But something in Obi-Wan’s voice—gentle, knowing—made her pause. She was allowed to be herself with him.  "Tired," she admitted quietly. "More than I thought I would be. The council thinks I like the movement, the challenge." She begins to struggle getting words out. "I feel so detached, from everything... everyone."

Obi-Wan studied her for a moment before speaking, "You don’t always have to be."

Thalia huffed a quiet laugh. "The council would consider my words as an attachment, and send me off for good." The air shifted—a ripple through the Force, slow and creeping, like a whisper of something unseen. "I hate this part," she whispered. Obi-Wan’s posture stiffened. They moved in unison, slipping back inside just as the tension snapped.

They sprinted towards Padme chambers, bursting through the doors just in time to see Anakin’s blade slice through a pair of writhing creatures near Padmé’s bed. Thalia barely registered the charred remains of the kouhuns before her attention snapped to Obi-Wan. He was standing on the ledge.

No. He was jumping.

"Obi-Wan!" Thalia shouted as he launched himself through the shattered window, disappearing into the Coruscant night like a complete lunatic. Well, It was nice to know not that much changes. Anakin was already moving, giving chase. Thalia exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples.

Padmé, still shaken, looked at her. "Will he be alright?"

Thalia forced a small smile. "He’ll land on something. Eventually." The humor faded quickly, reality settling in. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot. The room felt tense, the shattered window a gaping reminder of how close Padmé had come to death. The city hummed outside, indifferent to the violence that had nearly occurred within these walls. Thalia remained near the bed, arms crossed as she scanned the room with a careful eye.

Padmé sat upright, her hands resting in her lap, but Thalia didn’t miss the way her fingers twitched slightly. “Let’s get you moved to another room,” Thalia said, her voice quieter than usual. “You won’t do yourself any favors by staying up all night replaying what just happened.”

She let out a breath, her gaze still distant. “I know,” she admitted. “But it’s not that simple.”

Thalia nodded, understanding. “It never is.” She hesitated before stepping closer, her voice firm but steady. “You’re safe. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Padmé looked up at her then, searching her expression. After a moment, she nodded.  She let Thalia maneuver her into the guest bedroom, accepting the cup of tea placed in her hands. A calming blend—it would help her sleep, and she would need it that night. Thalia had one as well, though not a sleeping blend. "I'm sorry the Council pushed this upon you, but it was good that they were here." Padmé wasn't going to sleep anytime soon, so she started with questions that had been in her head. "Why would the Council send them? They know you are with me."

Thalia sighed, her fingers tightening around the warm cup. "I’ve been wondering the same thing." She lowered herself into the chair beside the bed, her expression unreadable. Why would they?

"It means they think the threat is greater than we anticipated." Padmé studied her carefully. "Or they don’t trust their own instincts anymore."

Thalia exhaled, rubbing her temples. "It’s possible. The Council has been… different lately. More cautious. More divided. I don’t know if it’s fear or something else, but it doesn’t feel right."

Padmé took a slow sip of tea, watching her over the rim of the cup. "And do you trust them?"

Thalia hesitated, then met her gaze. "I trust Obi-Wan. Beyond that... I don’t know."

A thoughtful silence stretched between them. The quiet hum of Coruscant outside was a stark contrast to the unease lingering in the air. Finally, Padmé set her tea aside. "Whatever their reasoning, I won’t let their doubt dictate how I move forward. And neither should you."

Thalia gave a small, tired smile. "Easier said than done."

Padmé’s lips quirked. "Isn’t it always?"

Thalia chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You sound like Obi-Wan. Always steady, always determined. I don’t know how you manage to keep your resolve when the people who are supposed to guide us seem so lost."

Padmé’s expression softened. "Because I believe in what I’m fighting for. Even when the Senate fails me, even when the Jedi hesitate, I know that justice still matters. And if I stop believing that, then what’s left?"

Thalia considered that, staring down at her tea as the steam curled upward. "I used to think the Jedi were unshakable. That we were above doubt, above politics. But now… it’s like watching something sacred crumble before my eyes, and I can’t stop it."

Padmé reached out, placing a gentle hand over Thalia’s. "Then don’t let it crumble alone. You’re not the only one who sees it. And maybe, together, we can do something about it."

Thalia looked up, meeting her gaze. There was something reassuring in Padmé’s words, something steady amid all the uncertainty. She nodded slowly. "Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s time we stopped waiting for the Council to have the answers."

Padmé smiled knowingly. "Now you’re starting to sound like me."

Thalia huffed a quiet laugh. "Force help us all." Her comm startled them both. She exhaled and pulled it from her belt, already knowing who it was. “Thalia here,” she answered.

Obi-Wan’s voice came through, calm and direct. “The assassin is dead.”

Thalia closed her eyes briefly. She wasn’t surprised—it had been a possibility from the start. But it still meant their only direct lead was gone. “Figures,” she muttered. “Any idea who did it?”

“A dart lace with some kind of poison,” Obi-Wan replied. “Unusual, but I have an idea where to start looking.” A pause. “I will comm you when I have more information.”

Thalia glanced at Padmé, who was watching her carefully. “Understood,” she said. “See you then.” Obi-Wan ended the call, and Thalia lowered the comm, her grip tightening slightly before she took a breath and turned back to Padmé.

“That’s it, then?” Padmé asked, her voice measured.

“For now.” Thalia sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Whoever hired her made sure she wouldn’t talk. But we’ll keep digging.

Chapter 1 / Chapter 3

Carpathia Master List

[caster-of-shadows]

Chapter 3

1k+ Words

Enjoy!

The Jedi Archives were quiet, save for the occasional soft hum of droids and the faint rustle of robes as scholars moved between the towering shelves of holobooks. Golden light filtered through the high windows, illuminating the ancient texts and casting long shadows across the floor.

Thalia found Obi-Wan exactly where she expected—standing at one of the central data terminals, arms crossed, his expression contemplative as he studied a holographic star map.

“You look like you’ve been here for hours,” she noted as she approached, resting a hand on her hip.

Obi-Wan glanced at her, his mouth curving slightly in greeting. “Hello to you too.”

She arched a brow. “I take it you found something?”

He gestured to the hologram. “Dex came through. He identified the weapon used on the bounty hunter—it's a saberdart from Kamino.” Obi-Wan held the small, slender dart between his fingers, turning it so the silver metal gleamed under the archive lights.

Thalia raised a brow. “Kamino?”

“A planet beyond the Outer Rim,” Obi-Wan continued, slipping the dart into a small compartment on his belt. “Twelve parsecs outside of the Rishi Maze. The Kaminoans are known for one thing above all—cloning.”

Thalia crossed her arms, her gaze flicking toward the rows of ancient holobooks and glowing archive displays. “Cloners,” she repeated.

Obi-wan nodded then exhaled through his nose, gaze flicking toward the archive terminal. “Kamino doesn’t appear on any of our star charts.”

That made her pause. “Not at all?”

“No records, no listings. It’s as if it was never there.”

Thalia frowned. “That doesn’t just happen. Someone had to erase it.” A rustle of fabric made them both glance up as Jocasta Nu approached, her usual air of authority as present as ever.

“Master Kenobi, Master Monore, may I be of assistance?” Jocasta Nu, the Archives keeper, someone that Thalia looked up to. Also where she got most of her attitude from.

Obi-Wan gestured toward the map. “I’m looking for Kamino. It should be about here…” He pointed at the empty space. “But it is not in the archives.”

Jocasta Nu gave a small, confused smile. “If an item does not appear in our records, it does not exist.”

Thalia arched a brow. “That’s an interesting way to say ‘I don’t know.’” Jocasta Nu stiffened slightly at the comment, but Thalia was already focused on Obi-Wan. “You know it should be there,” she said, serious now. “The gravity of that system is still affecting the nearby stars, isn’t it?”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes.”

Thalia crossed her arms. “Then Kamino exists. Someone just doesn’t want us to find it.”

Jocasta Nu sniffed, clearly unimpressed with the direction of their conversation. “I assure you, our archives are complete and accurate.” She was a prideful woman, and to say that someone tampered with her library was unacceptable.

Obi-Wan merely inclined his head. “Thank you for your time, Master Nu.��� She gave a sharp nod before sweeping away, leaving them alone once more.

Thalia exhaled, rubbing her temples. “So, our official Jedi database has been tampered with, a lead is dead, and neither one of us has slept yet.”

Obi-Wan hummed in agreement. “An insightful summary.”

Thalia shook her head. “I hate it when things don’t add up.”

“Then you’re going to love this investigation.”

Obi-Wan turned, already heading for the exit. First they had to find Yoda, to get another opinion on their findings. Thalia studied him as they walked. “You are planning on going to that system to search for that missing planet.” It was not a question, she knew what his plan was.

Obi-Wan’s expression was unreadable. “If there’s a chance Kamino holds the answers we need, I have to investigate.”

She didn’t hesitate. “Then I’m coming with you. A planet that was erased from the system makes the force uneasy.”

Obi-Wan didn’t argue. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

It wasn’t long before they found Yoda. He was where he was most of the time The soft glow of the Coruscant skyline filtered through the tall windows of Yoda’s meditation chamber, casting long shadows across the smooth stone floor. The chamber was quiet, save for the distant hum of the city outside and the rhythmic tap of Yoda’s clawed fingers against his cane.

Obi-Wan and Thalia stood before the Grand Master, their expressions solemn as he absorbed the information they had just presented. Yoda’s ears twitched slightly as he let out a thoughtful hum. “Removed from the archives, this planet has been. Troubling, this is.”

Obi-Wan’s arms remained tucked neatly into his robes, his features schooled into careful composure, but Thalia could feel the weight of the revelation pressing down on both of them. She kept her hands clasped in front of her, her posture straight but not rigid. “Master Yoda, if someone went to the trouble of erasing Kamino from the records, then they had a reason. I don’t believe this was a simple oversight.”

Yoda’s wise gaze settled on her. “Trust in the evidence, you do.”

She met his eyes and nodded. “Yes, Master. The records may be compromised, but the truth is still there if we’re willing to look for it.”

A quiet moment passed before Yoda hummed in approval and turned his gaze to Obi-Wan. “To Kamino, you must go.”

Obi-Wan inclined his head. “We will depart immediately.”

Thalia hesitated only a second before speaking again, her tone respectful but firm. “Master Yoda… do you believe this is connected to the Senate?”

Yoda closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if searching the Force for an answer. When he opened them again, his gaze was heavy with something unspoken. “Shrouded, the truth remains. But deception, there is.”

Thalia exchanged a glance with Obi-Wan. That wasn’t exactly a confirmation, but it wasn’t a denial either.

Yoda’s ears twitched slightly as he studied them both. “Cautious, you must be.”

Thalia dipped her head in understanding. “We’ll be careful, Master.”

Chapter 2 / Chapter 4

Carpathia Master List

[caster-of-shadows]

Chapter 4

2.5k+ Words

Enjoy!

The endless rain of Kamino greeted Thalia and Obi-Wan the moment they stepped off their starfighter, the downpour drenching their cloaks in seconds. Sheets of water lashed against the landing platform, the wind carrying the distant rumble of thunder across the stormy expanse. The sky was an unbroken swirl of gray, flickering with lightning that illuminated the sleek, sterile structures of Tipoca City.

Thalia pulled her hood lower, wrinkling her nose. “Do you think Kaminoans evolved to enjoy miserable weather?”

Obi-Wan shot her a knowing glance. “I doubt they spend much time outside.”

A tall, willowy Kaminoan awaited them at the entrance, her pale features smooth and unreadable. The way she moved—graceful, almost gliding—made her seem even taller. She regarded them with cool civility. “Master Jedi,” she greeted smoothly. “The Prime Minister has been expecting you.”

Thalia exchanged a glance with Obi-Wan. “We were expected?”

“Of course,” the Kaminoan replied as she turned, leading them into the facility. “He is quite anxious to meet you. After all these years, we were beginning to think you weren’t coming.” The sterile halls of Tipoca City gleamed under bright, artificial light. The only sounds were the soft hum of machinery and the rhythmic clatter of armored boots echoing from distant corridors. The Kaminoan led them into a grand chamber, pristine and almost unnervingly bright. At its center, a figure waited—tall, elegant, with an air of quiet authority. “This is Lama Su, the Prime Minister of Kamino.” Obi-Wan and Thalia bowed respectfully.

“Master Jedi,” Lama Su greeted, his elongated neck inclining slightly.

“I am Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

“And I am Thalia Monore,” she followed smoothly.

Lama Su offered them both a pleasant, if distant, smile. “I trust you will enjoy your stay.” He waved a long, slender hand, and with fluid precision, two sleek chairs emerged from the floor. “You will be pleased to hear that we are on schedule. Two hundred thousand units are ready, with a million more well on the way.”

Thalia exchanged a glance with Obi-Wan, who remained composed, though she could sense his unease mirroring her own.

“That’s… good news,” Obi-Wan said, his voice carefully neutral.

Lama Su’s expression remained unchanged. “Please inform Master Sifo-Dyas that his order will be met on time.”

Thalia kept her expression neutral, but the words sent a chill through her. Master Sifo-Dyas had been dead for a decade. Yet here was an army—cloned, trained, and fully equipped—supposedly commissioned in his name.

Lama Su gestured toward the expansive training facilities visible through the windows. Below, thousands of troopers in pristine white armor moved with military precision, bred for loyalty, discipline, and war.

“You must be eager to inspect the units for yourself,” the Prime Minister continued.

Thalia forced a small smile. “That’s why we’re here.”

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, though beneath the surface, the mystery only deepened. Beyond the transparisteel, rows upon rows of identical soldiers moved in flawless synchronization, executing training drills with machine-like precision. Cadets—mere children—stood in formation, their movements eerily uniform. Thalia felt a flicker of unease settle in her stomach. There was something deeply unnatural about it all. The efficiency. The obedience. The fact that this army had been bred for them—without their knowledge.

Lama Su gestured toward the vast training facility beyond the transparisteel windows, where rows of identical troopers moved in perfect synchronization. Their steps were precise, their actions calculated—an entire army bred for war. "You will find that they are immensely superior to droids," Lama Su said with quiet confidence. "We take great pride in our combat education and training programs. This group was created about five years ago. They are totally obedient, taking any order without question. We modified their genetic structure to make them less independent than the original host."

Thalia folded her arms, her gaze sharp. "And who was the original host?"

Lama Su barely hesitated. "A bounty hunter called Jango Fett."

Obi-Wan’s expression remained neutral, though Thalia could sense the shift in his focus. "And where is this bounty hunter now?"

"Oh, we keep him here," Lama Su replied smoothly, as if discussing an honored guest rather than the man whose DNA had forged an entire army. "He is quite well compensated for his services."

Thalia exchanged a brief look with Obi-Wan. The pieces were coming together, but the puzzle only grew more unsettling. By the time they were led to the private quarters of the bounty hunter Jango Fett, Thalia’s nerves were taut. The moment they laid eyes on him, seated calmly in his quarters with his young son Boba nearby, every instinct told her the man was lying through his teeth.

"This is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Thalia Monore." Taun We introduced. "They've come to check on our progress."

"That right?" Jango looked coldly at the two Jedi.

"Your Clones are very impressive. You must be very proud." Obi-Wan said calmly.

"I'm just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe." Jango replied coolly.

"Aren't we all?" Thalia remarked, her eyes shifting over Jango's shoulders to the armour in the bedroom.

Obi-Wan had seen the armour too. "Ever made your way as far into the interior as Coruscant?" he asked Jango coolly.

"Once or twice." Jango replied just as coolly.

"Recently?"

"Possibly."

"Then you must know Master Sifo-Dyas." Obi-Wan probed.

Jango didn't answer; he just turned to his son. "Boba, Slanar lo te ashi yamika bal gebbar te Kurshok." he instructed, and Boba went to close the bedroom door. Jango then turned back to the two Jedi. "Master who?" he asked innocently.

"Sifo-Dyas." Thalia pushed. "Wasn't he the Jedi who handpicked you for this job?"

Jango took a step closer to the two Jedi. "Never heard of him." he answered tightly.

"Really?" Thalia raised a brow.

"I was recruited by a man called Tyrannus on one of the moons of Bogden." Jango continued.

"Curious." Obi-Wan remarked smartly.

A tense silence fell on the room until Jango changed the subject. "Do you like your army?"

"We look forward to seeing them in action." Obi-Wan replied coolly.

"They'll do their job well. I'll guarantee that." Jango said with implied threat.

Obi-Wan then decided to bring things to a close before they could get too heated. "Thank you for your time, Jango."

"Always a pleasure to meet Jedi." Jango reciprocated with an undercurrent of threat in his voice.

"I'm sure it is." Thalia replied coolly. "Have a nice day." Then she and Obi-Wan left with Taun We.

As they walked through the halls, their minds reeled.  Thalia glanced at him, concern etched in her features. What if we're walking into something bigger than we expected?

Then we do what we always do—trust in the Force, Obi-Wan reassured her.

She met his gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. Together, she affirmed. Thalia exhaled. Obi-Wan went to send a message back to Master Yoda about their discoveries while Thalia wondered where she could. The Force was very uneasy here. Being alone in these halls amplified that. It just didn’t make sense why a Jedi Master would commission an army of clones. Master Dyas was killed long before the date that Lama Su said that he contacted them.

Obi-Wan nodded, already deep in thought. "He’s preparing to leave."

The explosion happened in an instant. Thalia barely had time to react before the blast sent her hurtling backward through the glass of a suspended catwalk. The sharp shatter of transparisteel filled her ears before she crashed onto a long cafeteria table below. Pain jolted through her back as five clones—fully armored—froze mid-meal, staring at her in pure shock. She groaned, rubbing her head.

One of the clones hesitantly offered, "Sir? Are you okay?"

Ignoring the throbbing in her ribs, Thalia sat up, spotted Jango Fett above, and, without hesitation, grabbed one of the clone’s food trays. With a precise flick of her wrist, she hurled it upward with enough force to send it flying through the shattered catwalk window.

It nearly caught Jango in the leg, slamming into the metal wall beside him and lodging itself deep in the structure. Through their Force bond, Obi-Wan’s exasperated voice rang in her mind. Was that necessary?

Thalia rolled her shoulders, wincing. "I aimed low," she muttered out loud. The clones continued to stare. "Right," she sighed, hopping off the table. "Quickest way to Platform 13?"

One of the clones wordlessly pointed toward the exit, and Thalia sprinted toward the hangar, determination overriding her pain. By the time Thalia reached the landing platform, the deafening roar of Slave I’s engines filled the air, the ship already ascending into the stormy sky. She skidded to a stop beside Obi-Wan, breathing heavily, rain plastering her hair to her face. The sleek silver shape of Slave I shot through hyperspace, vanishing from Kamino’s stormy skies. Without hesitation, Obi-Wan and Thalia returned to their own starfighter, tracking the homing beacon affixed to the bounty hunter’s ship. The coordinates led them to the arid, red world of Geonosis.

Exiting hyperspace, the planet loomed beneath them, its surface a vast, dusty expanse marked by deep canyons and hive-like structures. From their approach vector, they could see the unmistakable glint of a landing craft descending towards an isolated spire.

“There he is,” Thalia murmured, leaning forward in her cockpit.

“I see him,” Obi-Wan confirmed. “I’ll set down a safe distance away. We’ll need to move in quietly.”

Thalia’s lips quirked. “Stealth is your thing, not mine.”

Obi-Wan shot her a look. “Then consider this good practice.”

Their fighters landed in a rocky outcrop, hidden from view of the main Geonosian spire. The air was thick with heat and the distant hum of machinery. They made their way carefully toward the structure, sticking to the shadows of towering rock formations.

As they approached, the sound of voices carried through the open corridors. Thalia crouched beside Obi-Wan, peering into the dimly lit meeting chamber below. A long table stretched across the floor, where figures sat in tense discussion. The Separatist Council.

At the head of the table, Viceroy Nute Gunray’s sharp voice cut through the air. “This war must begin now! The Republic will never approve the use of their clone army if we strike first.” Thalia’s stomach twisted.

A deep voice, laced with authority, responded, “The droid army is nearly complete. Once our forces are mobilized, the Republic will have no choice but to surrender.”

As Obi-Wan activated his wrist communicator, static crackled through the connection. The signal was weak—too weak to reach Coruscant directly. He adjusted the frequency, searching for a relay point. The signal flickered before stabilizing. A familiar voice came through. “Obi-Wan?” Anakin’s voice was slightly distorted but clear enough.

Obi-Wan exhaled in relief. “Anakin, listen carefully. You’re the only one in range.”

Anakin’s tone sharpened. “What’s going on?”

“I need you to send this transmission to the Council immediately. I’ve tracked the bounty hunter to Geonosis and intercepted a meeting of the Separatist leadership. Viceroy Gunray is behind the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala. The Separatists are mass-producing a droid army. War is imminent.”

There was a brief pause. “Understood,” Anakin said. Then, a beat later, with concern creeping into his voice, he added, “Do you need backup?”

Obi-Wan’s expression hardened. “No. Your job is to stay where you are and protect Padmé. Do not do anything reckless.” Silence. “…Anakin?”

A sigh came through the transmission. “Fine,” Anakin muttered. “I’ll contact the Council.”

“Good,” Obi-Wan said. “May the Force be with you.”

As soon as he ended the transmission, Thalia let out a slow breath. “Do you think he’ll listen?”

Obi-Wan gave her a knowing look. “Not at all.” A low buzzing filled the chamber. Thalia turned her head sharply, sensing movement just before the darkened ceiling above them burst to life. Geonosian warriors swarmed from the shadows, clicking and shrieking.

“Damn it,” Thalia muttered, igniting her lightsaber.

“So much for stealth,” Obi-Wan sighed, bringing his own blade to life.

The battle was swift and fierce. Geonosian warriors attacked in droves, their winged forms darting in and out of the dim chamber. Thalia ducked, slicing through the spear of a warrior lunging toward her. Obi-Wan deflected incoming blaster fire, but even as they fought, more enemies arrived.

“We need to move—now!” Obi-Wan called, parrying an incoming strike.

Thalia spun, cutting down another attacker before leaping onto a lower platform. They raced through the winding corridors of the spire, but before they could escape, towering blast doors slammed shut in front of them. Thalia skidded to a halt, breathing heavily.

Obi-Wan turned, only to find Geonosian warriors blocking their retreat. A handful of battle droids stepped forward, blasters raised. And then, from the shadows, a tall figure emerged.

Count Dooku.

“You Jedi are most persistent,” the former Jedi Master mused, his tone calm and almost amused. “It’s unfortunate that your efforts are wasted.”

Obi-Wan tightened his grip on his lightsaber. “We know what you’re planning. The Republic will not stand by and let this war happen.”

Dooku tilted his head. “The Republic is already doomed, Kenobi. The Senate is weak, the Jedi are blind, and soon, all of this will be beyond your control.” Thalia felt a chill crawl up her spine at his words. But before she could respond, the droids stepped forward, their weapons aimed. “You will not leave this place,” Dooku said smoothly. The last thing Thalia saw before the stun bolts hit was Obi-Wan tensing beside her, his expression grim. Then everything went dark.

The dimly lit cell was cold, carved from rough stone, with the only source of illumination coming from the flickering energy field that held Obi-Wan and Thalia in their restraints. The hum of the containment field buzzed in their ears as footsteps echoed down the corridor.

Count Dooku entered with the calm grace of a man who had already won. His rich, dark robes flowed as he approached, his hands clasped behind his back, expression unreadable.

Obi-Wan’s eyes narrowed the moment he stepped inside. "Traitor."

Dooku sighed, shaking his head as though disappointed. "Oh no, my friend. This is a mistake—a terrible mistake. They have gone too far. This is madness."

Obi-Wan scoffed. "I thought you were the leader here, Dooku."

Dooku spread his hands in feigned innocence. "This has nothing to do with me, I assure you. I will petition immediately to have you set free."

Obi-Wan met his gaze evenly. "Well, I hope it doesn’t take too long. I have work to do."

Dooku tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "May I ask why two Jedi Masters have come all this way to Geonosis?"

Obi-Wan remained composed. "We’ve been tracking a bounty hunter named Jango Fett. Do you know him?"

Dooku’s expression didn’t change, but Thalia noted the subtle shift in his posture, a flicker of something behind his eyes—calculation.

"There are no bounty hunters here," Dooku replied smoothly. "The Geonosians don’t trust them." Thalia remained silent, watching him carefully. Dooku could sense that neither one trusted him. “The dark side clouds your judgements." He leave with that.

Chapter 3 / Chapter 5

Carpathia Master List

[caster-of-shadows]

1.5k+ Words

Chapter 5

Enjoy!

The roar of the Geonosian crowd echoes through the cavernous arena, a deafening chorus of excitement and bloodlust. Two guards shove Obi-wan and Thalia onto the chariot, their wrists bound in magnetic cuffs. Thalia keeps her head high, but the weight of the situation presses down on her. Thalia squinted against the harsh sunlight as she and Obi-Wan were led into the massive Geonosian arena, their wrists bound in heavy restraints. Towering sandstone walls enclosed them, rising high above where the stands were packed with thousands of Geonosians, their wings clicking in anticipation. The air was thick with dust and heat, and the scent of blood and sand lingered like a warning.

Thalia didn't know what to do. "So... this is bad." Obi-wan exhales sharply—half a laugh, half a sigh.

"Astute observation, my dear." They ride in silence for a few moments, the distant roar of creatures rattling in their cages making her stomach twist. The pillars loom closer. They are parading them around the arena. "I don’t think we’re getting out of this one, Obi." Obi-wan doesn’t respond immediately. His jaw tightens. He knows. He feels it too—the weight of inevitability. Obi-wan finally exhales, shaking his head slightly. His hand reaches over to grasp hers. Thalia swallows. Silence stretches between them, but in the Force, their bond thrums with unspoken words. If this is it… Thalia reaches out, tentative yet certain. Obi-Wan meets her there, his presence steady, warm, familiar. I never told you— she hesitates, the words caught in the space between their minds. I know, Obi-Wan replies, a quiet certainty in his tone.  A flicker of something deeper, something unspoken for too long, passes between them. If this was the end, they would face it knowing the truth. Thalia lifts her head, meeting Obi-Wan’s gaze across the space between them. 

Before either of them can say more, the crowd erupts into another deafening cheer. The chariot slows, and Thalia turns her head just in time to see another gate opening across the arena. Two more figures are brought out—Anakin and Padmé. Their hands are bound, their expressions grim, but Padmé holds herself with defiance, while Anakin’s face twists with barely contained rage.

Thalia’s stomach tightens. “Of course they’re here.” Their eyes meet again, and for a moment, there is nothing but understanding. They were all in this together now, for better or worse.

"Are you alright?" Obi-Wan called over to Padme. She was being placed next to Obi-wan, and Anakin next to Thalia

Padmé glanced at Obi-Wan and Thalia, then gave a small nod. "I've had worse welcomes."

Thalia exhaled sharply, shifting against her restraints. "Next time, let's not take separate ships."

A roar erupted from the crowd as Poggle the Lesser, Count Dooku, Viceroy Gunray, and the Fetts took their places in the archducal box. "Settle down, settle down," Poggle called to the audience. "The felons before you have been convicted of espionage against the Sovereign System of Geonosis. Their sentence of death is to be carried out in this public arena henceforth." More cheers erupted. "Let the executions begin," Poggle announced.

On cue, four vicious beasts were herded into the arena: a Reek, an Acklay, a Nexu, and a Gundark. The creatures were already furious. The Nexu, in particular, was so enraged that it promptly devoured the Geonosian attempting to herd it.

Anakin cast a sidelong glance at Thalia. "Any last-minute escape plans?"

Thalia flexed her fingers against the chains. "I was hoping you would have one." Meanwhile, Padmé had been using a hidden hairpin to pick the locks on her wrist binders. With her right hand free, she began to climb her pillar, using the chain as a rope.

"Just relax. Concentrate," Obi-Wan advised from his spot.

"What about Padmé?" Anakin asked.

"She seems to be on top of things," Obi-Wan replied nonchalantly as Padmé reached the top of her pillar and worked on her remaining binder.

The Acklay reached Obi-Wan and, with a vicious roar, struck at him with its massive pincers. Obi-Wan ducked just in time, and the Acklay’s claw sliced through his chains instead. Undeterred, the creature continued its assault, forcing Obi-Wan to dodge repeatedly.

The Reek charged at Anakin. Seeing only one option, Anakin jumped onto the beast’s back, wrapping his chain around its horn. As it backed away from the post, the force of the movement pulled the chain free from its mounting.

The Nexu reached Padmé’s post and reared onto its hind legs, attempting to climb up. Padmé snapped her chain at the creature, causing it to roar in fury. It swiped at her, catching her across the back and tearing part of her shirt, leaving deep scratches. She gasped in pain, while Gunray chuckled maliciously.

Thalia stood frozen for a moment as the Gundark advanced toward her. The massive creature raised its fists to strike. Thinking quickly, Thalia ducked at the last moment, and the Gundark’s powerful blow shattered her chains instead. "Thanks, I needed that," she muttered before sprinting away, the beast hot on her heels.

The Acklay continued its relentless attack on Obi-Wan, swiping at him with terrifying precision. Obi-Wan narrowly avoided each strike. The creature then attempted to flatten him by toppling the post he had been chained to, but Obi-Wan rolled away just in time. He spotted one of the Geonosian handlers and quickly snatched a pike from them. Flourishing it, he braced himself as the Acklay advanced, impaling the unfortunate Geonosian in the process. Obi-Wan hurled his pike at the Acklay, landing a solid hit in its shoulder. He smirked in satisfaction, but the moment was fleeting—the Acklay merely ripped out the weapon and snapped it in two with its powerful jaws. Obi-Wan’s expression fell. "Right," he muttered. A tug on his tunic made him glace behind him. Thalia was running in his direction with the Gundark behind her.

She had the hope that the two beasts would ignore them and fight each other. And boy did they ignore the two of them and go at it.

Thalia gritted her teeth, stealing a glance at Obi-Wan. Through the Force, his voice brushed against her mind: Stay close. She met his gaze, responding just as silently, I always do. All around the arena, over a hundred Jedi ignited their lightsabres, ready to do battle. The Geonosian spectators wisely fled the arena. The battle was on as the Jedi and droid forces engaged one another. Master Plo Koon tossed a lightsaber to Thalia from his position on the upper levels.

"Someone's got to shut down these droids!" Obi-Wan shouted.

"Don't worry, it's being taken care of," Windu replied.

Thalia grumbled as they hacked their way through endless waves of enemies. "Are we sure about that?"

"They've got a factory turning out thousands of them," Windu reported. "The Federation's built a whole army. It's gonna take a minute!"

Windu, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padmé, Thalia, and about 20 other Jedi stood in the center of the arena, surrounded by a ring of droids. The bloodied sand around them was strewn with the bodies of fallen Jedi, Geonosians, and the wreckage of battle droids. From the archducal box, Count Dooku gave a hand signal, and the droids lowered their weapons.

"Master Windu!" Dooku called out. "You have fought gallantly—worthy of recognition in the Jedi archives. But now, it is finished." Ki-Adi-Mundi, Plo Koon, and Aayla Secura were herded into the group, having been captured by the droids on the upper levels. "Surrender, and your lives will be spared," Dooku offered.

"Somehow, I doubt that," Thalia muttered, glancing around at the carnage as she clutched her injured shoulder.

"We will not be hostages to be bartered, Dooku!" Windu called up defiantly.

Dooku sighed with false sincerity. "Then... I'm sorry, old friend." The droids raised their weapons, and the Jedi steeled themselves for what they were certain would be a fight to the death.

Padmé suddenly heard a noise from above and looked up. "Look!" she called, and the Jedi all followed her gaze. Descending from the sky were six Low Altitude Assault Transports, each loaded with Clone troopers. Spurred on by their timely arrival, the Jedi resumed the fight with renewed determination as the gunships swooped in, their weapons tearing through the droids.

Aboard the lead gunship, Yoda surveyed the battlefield. "Around the survivors, a perimeter create," he ordered.

The gunships landed in a cluster around the handful of Jedi. Clones spilled out, unleashing blaster fire to cover the Jedi as they scrambled aboard. Once the survivors were secured, the Clones climbed back onto the transports, and the gunships lifted off again, leaving the ruined battlefield behind. Blaster fire and explosions rang through the Geonosian arena as gunships swooped down, kicking up waves of dust and debris. The air was thick with the scent of scorched stone and burning flesh. Obi-Wan barely had time to register the chaos before a clone trooper yanked him up onto the transport. Thalia was lifted up and placed next to him seconds later.

She coughed against the smoke, eyes scanning the battlefield below. Jedi fought and fell. The bodies of their fallen brothers and sisters were left behind in the dirt. Her heart pounded in her chest, breath coming in shallow gasps.

So many…

She turned to Obi-Wan, finding his face set in a grim mask. His eyes, though, gave him away. He was feeling it too—the loss, the helplessness.

Obi-Wan… she reached out through the Force.

I know, his response was heavy, weighted with the same grief pressing on her chest. Thalia barely registered anything but the pain and loss in the force. She and Obi-Wan stood at the edge of the ramp, gripping the railing as the gunship banked sharply.

Chapter 4 / Chapter 6

Carpathia Master List

[caster-of-shadows]

Chapter 1

1.3k+ Words

“- advantages helped the United States achieve victory in World War Two?”

Ashlyn is mid-sentence when she steps off the elevator and into the family apartment. Still looking down at the study guide in hand, Ashlyn toes off her sneakers, ditches her backpack off to the side, and makes a hard right into the kitchen area. She groans when all she finds in the refrigerator are health snacks courtesy of Mom and absently says out loud, “It’s obviously C. The atomic bomb.” It’s then that she spots leftovers that Jason and Alana had for lunch before leaving for wherever they went. Pizza for dinner, hell yeah.

“No, Ashlyn, it’s D. All of the above. We talked about this.” Ashlyn scowls at Will's response before turning towards the counter behind her.

“No, it’s not, Will. Because if it were D, then I would be wrong and that would put me just above the passing grade. If I fail this final then I’ll fail the class, and if I fail the class, then I won't be able to join you and Tony in NYC this summer."

“You’re a solid ‘B’ student, Ash, you're not gonna fail.” You can almost hear Will's eye roll as he talks over Ashlyn.

“- and if I can't go to the city, that means I'm going to have to join Jason at base and kickstart my military career early. He already has a plan, Will! He wants me to fail.” At this point, Will is outright giggling over Ashlyn's theatrics. It was their senior year, and Ashlyn was basically a perfect student. She high ‘B’s on practically everything, volunteered at the elementary school, played sports, anything really to keep her busy.  “Why do I even need to know this stuff?” she continues ranting. “It’s never going to be applicable.”

“Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” Will almost manages to keep the undertone of laughter out of what is supposed to be a deeply serious and philosophical voice. Ashlyn scoffs dramatically as she carries her test back over to the island. She shoves the rest of her half-eaten piece of pizza from earlier into her mouth which frees up her hands to simultaneously open the M&M's and sprinkle a bunch on the new slice of pizza in her hand.

“You know what the takeaway is from World War Two that’ll help us avoid another world war?”

“Make more Captain Americas?” Will supplies helpfully, and though he can’t see, Ashlyn rolls her eyes playfully.

“Yeah, because we need more million-dollar government projects.” He laughs. He laughs like this is a joke! "Will, I’m trying to save the world right now."

“Right, right. Go on, Ash. I’m studiously taking notes. Lay on me those words of wisdom.”

Ashlyn doesn’t answer immediately as she begins to carefully take apart the snack cakes and layer it on the pizza. "You don’t need Captain America to avoid World War Three. It’s simple, my loving boyfriend. Go through the entire world and eliminate everyone named Hitler. It’s also advised for art programs around the world to never deny applications. Now you see? Problem solved. Crisis averted. You’re welcome, America!"

Ashlyn shuts the door behind her and walks further into the living space she was given for her stay. She barely glances at anything as she makes her way straight into the bathroom. She looks down at her shirt, about to unbutton it, when she sees the blood. It was never noticed until now, too focused on the battle and helping the others. Now that there's nothing to distract her, it’s bright and real. There were splotches all over the shirt, a larger stain on her left side where it pooled, where Anthony leaned on her as he bled. She remembers how she and James had struggled in the sand to get Anthony to the helicopter. Sand is shit, why was sand a thing? Such an inconvenience.

it’s so loud, it’s so bright. Why isn't it stopping?

She reaches for the light switch turning it off, then covering her ears as she sits on the ground. She doesn’t know how much time has passed. Her fingernails are digging into her skin. It’s too difficult to move her head, let alone her whole body. Maybe she should call someone? Like who? Natasha? Her parents? She can’t, they’re busy. Will… she can’t call him, she doesn't want to hear his voicemail again. Why is she here again? She wasn't a soldier, she wasn't desensitized to the horror first hand. "Ash? Ashlyn?" The door is slowly opened. “Oh, Ash."

James came through the door and sat down next to her. "He's okay, you know? Cracking jokes and already stressing the doctors out." He sighs when there is no response. He knows what's going through her head. He didn't want to do this, but he had to. "There's a plane taking off to the US in about an hour, I arranged for you to be on it. Then you are getting on a commercial flight to Arizona. Monica set up the spare bedroom for you." Ashlyn wanted to argue. She needed to stay with Anthony to make sure he got back to the US in no worse condition than he is now. She knew that she was no help like this. Will was gone, but Tony was alive. Her job was done, and it was time for her to go. She needed to go home and mourn. "If you won't do it for yourself, do it for Monica and Manny."

The next hour went by slowly. James had to help her undress: the blood in some areas was so saturated to the point that the fabric stuck to her like glue. It took longer than it should have to clean herself once James had left. Everything was a haze, it didn't seem real. Once she was clean, she was allowed to sit with Anthony until she was escorted to the plane. She told him what James told her. His base was leveled in an attack and there were no survivors found. 

"So I was thinking of completely redoing the offices. New everything. Carpet, desk, even the break room will get spruced up a little. Maybe blues and...what?  Blues and bright yellows maybe?”

“Tony, you just got out of surgery.” 

“I know that, but I’m awake, and you’re awake. So what do you think?  Blues and yellows?  Or should I go with more neutral colors?  Beige and cream?” Tony made a face that Ashlyn couldn’t completely read.  He rambled. He always did when there was something else occupying his mind. They had known each other for fifteen years, she knew. Ashlyn stared at him, gaze unwavering as he stared back. He sighs and grabs her hands tightly in his. "When I get back, I'm gonna do something. Something that's gonna piss off a lot of people." Tony grabbed her hands and squeezed as hard as he could. "Please let me have something easy to think about."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath and held it for the count of twenty. “What about red, Tony?  Maybe not with purple or green, but red and –“

“Gold? Too much for an office. Soft yellow maybe. I could sell those colors to everyone else, and well, I mean, I don’t have to sell it.  It’s my company, and if I want to paint all the offices in polka dots, I can do that, and-” The sudden stop of words has Ashlyn shooting up and checking Tony. A panic attack. "Tony? Jesus, I need a nurse!" She shouts towards the door as she checks Tony's vitals. 

Tony yanks her close to him. "You're not gonna leave, now that he's gone, are you?" He looks so broken. If he asked this question when she was younger, she wouldn't have answered. Or she would have lied.

"No, Tony. You're stuck with me." 

Chapter 2

Liberte ou Mort Master list

Parts of this chapter were inspired by a work on Ao3, when I find the name I will put it down

[caster-of-shadows]

Liberté ou mort

Liberté ou mort // Freedom or Death

They brought their war to our world, and they expect us not to fight back? They have another thing coming.

Ashlyn Collins becomes entwined in the Autobot's fate as she is pulled into the madness by the Secretary of Defense after arriving back in the States to mourn with family for the lives that were lost on US SOCCENT Base in Qatar.

Transformers Master list

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

[caster-of-shadows]

Transformers

Main Master list

Liberte ou Mort

Liberté ou mort // Freedom or Death They brought their war to our world, and they expect us not to fight back?

Ashlyn Collins becomes entwined in the Autobot's fate as she is pulled into the madness by the Secretary of Defense after arriving back in the States to mourn with family for the lives that were lost on US SOCCENT Base in Qatar.

TBD

Angela Witwicky has had a relatively calm life. She was a straight 'A' student when it came to school, was friends with everyone, and had a great family. When her cousin brings home a not-so-normal car, that calm goes out the window. "Let's be real, we are all about to die."

[caster-of-shadows]

Chapter One

1.5k + words

I wrote most AOTC from memory with the occasional assistance from looking up scenes from youtube and possible edits on tiktok... so yeah, enjoy

The night air hummed with repulsorlifts as a Naboo-based starship descended onto the Senate landing platform. From her place among the handmaidens, Cassandra kept her hood drawn low, her posture serene despite the unease coiling in her gut. Something wasn’t right. Captain Typho had insisted on increased security, and while the extra personnel stood at attention around them, she knew an attack wouldn't come from an obvious angle.

The ship abruptly landed, jostling the passengers to the side. The pouring rain slid down the windows, the cabin light unsteadily flickering over the glass.

Crap weather?

Cassandra didn't answer, instead leaning back and glancing out of the window. The highway lanes above them were teeming with yellow and red lights.

Yeah, bad weather.

She heard and felt the sigh as if they were next to her.

That makes it the third day in a row. Seriously, we have to consider a different city.

The security's low voices quietly talked amongst each other, the electric lamps fizzing in the background. Head tilting to the side, Cassandra felt herself wander off.

There's no point thinking about it now. This was the best choice.

There was another long, heavy sigh.

I know

Dormé stepped closer, her voice just above a whisper. “Stay close. Once we’re inside, we can breathe easier.” Cassandra gave a small nod but kept her senses stretched wide, feeling the tension in the Force. Cassandra slightly nodded but kept her senses sharp, feeling the tension ripple through the Force. As the ramp began to lower, she and Dormé positioned themselves on either side, prepared to assist Cordé if necessary. Cassandra’s unease deepened as Cordé stepped forward.

Fire erupted from the starship in a blinding flash, a shockwave slamming into Cassandra’s chest as she was thrown back. The world tilted—heat, metal, screaming. She landed hard, rolling instinctively to shield Dormé from the brunt of the explosion. Smoke swallowed the platform, thick and choking. Her ears rang, and the acrid stench of burning metal and oil filled her lungs as she scrambled to her feet, scanning for threats through the haze. Cordé lay crumpled near the wreckage, her breaths shallow and labored. Padmé was already at her side, cradling the dying handmaiden’s face. Cassandra pushed back the knot of grief forming in her chest, focusing instead on the platform’s perimeter. Shouts echoed as security forces fanned out, but the tension in the Force warned her this was only the beginning.

“I’m sorry, my lady…” Cordé gasped, her fingers weakly clutching Padmé’s hand. “I failed you…”

Padmé shook her head, her voice breaking. “No. You did your duty.”

Cordé’s body stilled, her last breath escaping softly. Cassandra clenched her fists, pushing down the surge of guilt and loss. There was no time to grieve. Captain Typho’s urgent voice broke through the chaos.

“We need to move—now!”

Padmé’s face hardened, her anguish pushed aside by determination. Dormé took her arm gently. “My lady, please. We can mourn later.”

“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” she murmured. “It was a mistake coming back”

Dormé gently took Padmé’s other arm, her voice softer but no less firm. “Please.”

Padmé exhaled sharply, nodding as if forcing herself back into motion. “Yes… you’re right.” As they made their way inside, Cassandra’s mind worked fast. This wasn’t a random act of terror. It was calculated. And if the attacker had failed once, they would try again.

The rush to the apartment was quiet, filled only with the distant hum of speeders and the muted footsteps of guards escorting them. Padmé said nothing, her expression unreadable, but she could feel the weight pressing down. Once inside, the silence was thick, heavy with unspoken grief. Padmé stood near the vanity, staring at her reflection in the polished glass. Soot smudged her cheek, and her elaborate travel gown was stained from smoke and ash.

Dormé moved first, unfastening Padmé’s outer robe with practiced efficiency. “You should change before the Senate meeting,” she said softly.

Padmé didn’t respond at first, her fingers curling slightly at her sides. “She shouldn’t have died.”

Dormé’s hands stilled for a moment before continuing. “She knew the risks, my lady.”

“That doesn’t make it easier,” Cassandra interjected gently, stepping forward with a damp cloth. She began wiping the soot from Padmé’s cheek, her movements careful and steady.

Padmé met her gaze through the mirror, dark eyes flickering with emotion. “No,” she admitted quietly. “It doesn’t.” The senator didn’t flinch, only exhaled slowly, grounding herself in the small act.

“We need to focus on what comes next,” Cassandra said after a pause. "Go forward for Corde."

Padmé inhaled sharply, squaring her shoulders as if physically pushing the grief away. “I won’t let this stop me.” Dormé nodded approvingly, selecting a fresh gown and beginning to fasten the delicate clasps. With quiet efficiency, they helped Padmé prepare, ensuring not a single strand of hair was out of place. It was a careful ritual, one that masked the emotions they couldn’t afford to show. Once ready, Padmé turned to them, her composure fully in place. “Let’s go.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The vast rotunda of the Galactic Senate buzzed with urgent voices, each senator clamoring to be heard over the others. The weight of impending war loomed over them, thick as the Coruscant smog. At the center of it all stood Mas Amedda, his voice cutting through the noise.

"Order! We shall have order!" His deep, authoritative tone barely made a dent in the rising chatter. "The motion for the Republic to commission an army takes precedence, and that is what we will vote on at this time."

The chamber quieted, thousands of eyes turning toward the central podium as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine stepped forward. His expression was grim, carefully composed, and when he spoke, his words carried the gravity of a man deeply shaken.

"My esteemed colleagues, excuse me..." He paused, allowing a beat of silence to settle over the Senate. "I have just received some tragic and disturbing news." Another pause—long enough for unease to creep in. "Senator Amidala of the Naboo system… has been assassinated."

A stunned silence fell over the chamber, a collective intake of breath. Whispers followed, rippling through the pods like a rising tide. Palpatine continued, his voice thick with solemnity. "This grievous blow is especially personal to me. Before I became Chancellor, I served Amidala when she was Queen. She was a great leader who fought for justice, not only in this honorable assembly but also on her home planet. She was so beloved she could have been elected queen for life." He let the words hang in the air before adding, "She fervently believed in democracy. Her death is a great loss to us all."

A respectful moment of silence followed, but it was broken swiftly as Senator Ask Aak of Malastare maneuvered his pod forward. His voice rose in frustration.

"How many more Senators will die before this civil strife ends? We must confront these rebels now, and we need an army to do it!"

Another pod glided into place, this time occupied by Ambassador Darsana of Glee Anselm. His expression was troubled. "Why weren't the Jedi able to stop this assassination? We are no longer safe under their protection."

The voices of agreement swelled, and Orn Free Taa, the corpulent Senator from Ryloth, moved his own pod to the forefront. "The Republic needs more security now! Before this comes to war!"

Palpatine lifted a hand, his voice still smooth, still commanding. "Must I remind the Senator from Malastare that negotiations are continuing with the separatists? Peace is our objective here, not war."

The Senate erupted into divided shouts, pro-war and anti-war factions clashing in an uproar of sound. Mas Amedda attempted once more to call for order. Cassandra kept her hood drawn just slightly forward, scanning the room with a keen eye. The Senate’s reaction had been immediate when their pod moved, and not all of it was relief. Some senators were merely surprised, others… unsettled. It made her uneasy. Someone had wanted Padmé dead, and now they knew their attempt had failed.

A murmur of shock and confusion spread through the chamber at the sight of the supposedly deceased senator. Padmé stood tall, her voice steady as she addressed the Senate. "My noble colleagues, I concur with the Supreme Chancellor. At all costs, we do not want war!"

The chamber fell silent once more—then, a wave of relieved cheers and applause rolled through the crowd. Palpatine's expression shifted ever so slightly, a flicker of something unreadable before he spoke. "It is with great surprise and joy that the chair recognizes the Senator from Naboo, Padmé Amidala."

Padmé did not waste time. "Less than an hour ago, an assassination attempt was made against my life. One of my bodyguards and six others were ruthlessly and senselessly murdered. I was the target, but more importantly, I believe this security measure before you was the true target." Cassandra kept her stance relaxed but ready. If there was another attempt on Padmé’s life, it would be here—before the entire Senate, where chaos could be easily manufactured. Her hand lingered near the folds of her robe, where a hidden blade was strapped, and she subtly reached out with the Force, searching for any ripple of hostility among the crowd. "I have led the opposition to this army, and there is someone in this very body who will stop at nothing to ensure its passage," Padmé declared. A wave of outcries followed, many booing and shouting against her accusations. Others remained silent, considering her words carefully. Padmé pressed on. "I warn you, if you vote to create this army, war will follow. I have experienced the misery of war firsthand. I do not wish to experience it again, and I do not wish it upon any of you!"

More murmurs, some in agreement, some in resistance. "Wake up, Senators. You must wake up!" Her voice grew more urgent. "If you offer the separatists violence, they will only return it in kind! Many will lose their lives. All will lose their freedom. This decision could destroy the very foundation of our Republic!"

Cassandra caught a slight movement in one of the upper pods. A senator—one she didn’t recognize—had stiffened. His aide, standing beside him, had subtly touched his ear, as if receiving a message. Thalia tensed, resisting the urge to reach out through the Force. She could feel it—shifting intentions, a ripple of something.

Then, movement from Orn Free Taa’s pod. He maneuvered closer to Padmé’s, his tone matter-of-fact. "My motion to defer the vote must be dealt with first. That is the rule of law." Padmé clenched her jaw, frustration flashing across her face, but she knew there was no arguing against procedure.

Palpatine leaned forward, his expression the picture of sympathy. "Due to the lateness of the hour and the seriousness of this motion, we will take up these matters tomorrow." His gaze flickered briefly to Padmé before he declared, "Until then, the Senate stands adjourned."

As the session ended, Padmé exhaled slowly, her heart still pounding. She had made her case, now all she could do was hope.

Cassandra leaned in just slightly, speaking under her breath. "I think we caught someone’s attention."

Padmé didn't react immediately, but she saw the slight shift of her gaze—the understanding. The senator nodded, voice low. "Then I suppose we should be very careful tonight."

Cassandra’s lips pressed into a thin line. "Agreed." As they departed, her senses remained sharp, tracking every senator, every aide, every movement they encountered on their way out. 

Carpathia Master list

Chapter 2

[caster-of-shadows]

Carpathia

From the day she was born, she was taught to hide who she truly was. Taught to obey the rules and be the poster child in the light, be who she was in the dark. It takes a toll on someone, having to hide who they really are constantly. As the galaxy hurtles toward the Clone Wars, alliances are tested, and hidden dangers come to light, forever altering the fate of the Republic.

Main Master List

Star Wars Master List

Started February 16th. 2025

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 8 May 4th

Chapter 7

Chapter 9 May 4th

Phantom Menace Deleted Scenes

I was going to include Phantom Menace as a main storyline but ultimately decided against it. It doesn't feel right at the moment. Later I might when I need a break from writing Clone Wars

Deleted Scene 1

Deleted Scene 2 April 29th

Deleted Scene 3 May13th

Attack of the Clones Deleted Scenes

Deleted Scene 1

[caster-of-shadows]

Starwars

Carpathia

(Includes Deleted Scenes)

Obi-wan Kenobi/Original Character

From the day she was born, she was taught to hide who she truly was. Taught to obey the rules and be the poster child in the light, be who she was in the dark. It takes a toll on someone, having to hide who they really are constantly. As the galaxy hurtles toward the Clone Wars, alliances are tested, and hidden dangers come to light, forever altering the fate of the Republic.

[caster-of-shadows]

My Fics

Star Wars Main Story Lines

Drabbles/One Shot

Request/Prompts

Transformers Main Story Lines

Drabbles/One Shot

Requests/Prompts