Shadows of Tomorrow

Chapter 82 - Betrayal

Marr can only be grateful now, for all those times his mother and Obi-Wan had forced him to meditate when that was the last thing he wanted to do. He has to do it all the time now, to follow any indications from the Force of what to do next. He's using the spare time he has that he's in hyperspace on the next mission for that, when a familiar figure materializes in front of him.

"Revan?" Marr asks. He didn't call for him this time, which generally means he has something to say – although sometimes, he summons him by accident when he's reaching deeply enough into the Force.

"You have been troubled," Revan says.

"Thrawn is causing problems," Marr explains, "I... I'm concerned he might realize what we're planning and then this may all be for nothing."

"The Force needs balance," he replies, "For the universe to exist, it will naturally return to this state in time. The birth of a Chosen One only indicates that the scales are tipping too dangerously, and time is running out."

A small hope flares inside of him. "Does that mean... we're going to succeed?" he asks. He refused to believe they couldn't, but way inside, he knows how high the chance of failure is.

"Only time will tell," he answers cryptically, as always, "The Force has many paths to achieve balance, but we must still work for it."

Many paths to achieve balance... This isn't the only way, but it's the only way he knows of. But it does mean that, one way or another, Sidious will fail. Even if he doesn't fail right now. Whatever they do, it won't be in vain, and that's something. It tells him enough to know he needs to keep pursuing this, no matter what. It won't be for nothing.

"You told me to help Anakin," Marr speaks up, "I didn't know what you meant before, but... could I have stopped this?" He doesn't know if he wants the answer.

"Many paths lead to the same consequence."

Does that mean... he could have or couldn't have? He doesn't know, but it probably really means that he should stop worrying about it, because there's nothing he can do. It's the past. "How do I help him now?"

"What did you need when you Fell?"

"Support, guidance..." he trails off, "I answered my own question, didn't I?" He figured as much, but somehow, it feels so much more difficult than back on Mortis. That is what he needs to give Vader, and it would be so much easier if Obi-Wan would help him. If there's anyone who could especially give that to Anakin, it's him.

"The Force will guide you," Revan replies before fading out again.

It helps, knowing that someone will defeat Sidious, even if this plan fails. The Force is on their side of this – or at least it's against Sidious – and there isn't a better ally they could ask for.

***

Maul had given them the information he found about this base, which Marr is grateful of, though he's... wary about working so closely with the Sith. Maul is not trustable, though he has no reason to betray them. Marr doesn't know why he has a bad feeling about it, as he, Anastasia, Ahsoka, and BD enter the building through a side door. There are cameras, so they will have to be careful.

Something feels off, but he isn't sure what. "I have a bad feeling about this," Marr mumbles.

Ahsoka looks around, eyes narrowed, in that predator stance like she's ready to pounce. "We should make this fast."

Marr nods warily, and they start off down the hallway. There's no stormtroopers right around here, which is good. They're supposed to be getting some Imperial information while they're here, plus the bonus of any weapons they can pick up. It's a pretty normal mission, so why does something feel so wrong?