Just Visiting
Back in the Universe and galaxy containing the Galactic Republic, Senator Palpatine, also known to a most very few Darth Sidius, felt a shift in the Force around him. The miasma that he had exuded into the Force was still in place, so much so that it was difficult for even him to discern the exact change, but he could feel the Dark side retreat as though some of its tendrils had been forcibly cut.
Unfortunately, he was not in a position where he could meditate to determine the difference. He was sitting in a meeting of the Senate as they were discussing the current conflict that he himself had engineered. He considered how best to rapidly end it so he could find out what had changed.
The Jedi Council members were very near the end of the break that Yoda had called. Their visitor had said that he would return those he had taken with him in two hours.
While most had run off to try to find some reference in the archives to what they had seen, two had remained where they had been.
Yoda, the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, oldest of the Jedi, and Obi-wan Kenobi had remained in the chairs that had been conjured in the midst of the Council chambers.
At first, both had attempted to meditate on the Force and what had changed, but both had found it almost impossible to deny the pull of taking a nap that had come to them as they sat there.
Obi-Wan had found the lever which caused the chair to recline and showed Yoda how to operate it. Using the Force (Yoda's arms were, after all, quite short) he had also turned the handle on his chair.
As a result, both Obi-Wan and Yoda had taken a nap.
After an hour and forty minutes, just twenty minutes before the visitor and his guests were due to return, a sudden change had jarred them out of their somnolence.
Both looked at each other and saw that the other had felt it. It was curious that only now, when the time was nearly up, did they actually feel the absence of Anakin in the Universe.
Both began to contemplate exactly what that meant.
(Think the announcer voice from Batman or from the Justice League cartoon) Meanwhile, back on Babylon 5 …
Very soon, the entire group was seated.
Delenn asked Harry, "What exactly are you requesting of us?"
Harry sighed. He looked at the two Jedi that he brought with him and spoke to Delenn without turning to her. "These two are warriors of unquestioned skill. They are part of an order even older than the Rangers, which contains many species. But the Order they are a part of, I believe, has lost its way. A change in how they interact with others was forced on them. The 'New Code' as it is called is … it leaves them open to subversion and loss because they don't truly learn to deal with what is normal life." He saw the two contemplating his words.
He turned his head to Delenn. "The Rangers have, from my observation, much more realistic views of the world around them. They learn to deal with pain, terror, grief, and even joy. With Ahsoka having been forcibly let go because of political machinations on the part of someone trying to destroy the Jedi Order, she needs a new path. Her experience in battle and what she could teach would be valuable to the Rangers. In exchange, she will have opportunity to heal and to mature into the woman she can be."
Delenn contemplated the young alien woman. She then looked at the others with her. "And the man, Anakin?"
"He is also a figure of some acclaim where he is from. He is considered one of the best, even if he violated their traditions by secretly marrying. What he does not realize is that it is this very connection, which goes against the 'New Code' which gives him his inordinate drive to protect and to succeed. He also could benefit from learning from the Minbari as they understand the need to follow to calling of one's heart."
Anakin looked a bit embarrassed but defiant as well, all at once.
Delenn contemplated him. "I see." She then said, "And Padme?" She smiled at the woman with that. Padme nodded acknowledgement of the warm consideration.
"Padme is Anakin's wife. She is a former Queen for an entire people on her home planet as well as a member of the Galactic ruling body in her home universe. She is here more for Anakin's benefit than her own but her insights would be valuable if put to proper use. Your Interstellar Alliance is new. She has experience in dealing with representatives of many races and many planets already. She could provide valuable advice."
Delenn and Sheridan looked at each other. Sheridan asked, "And how long will they be here?"
Harry considered that. "In their home universe, I will return them two hours after the time we left their Jedi council – though only twenty minutes will have actually elapsed that they are gone from that Universe. From your standpoint, they will be here for a few years – ten maximum. It depends on how long before the forces that direct me brings me back to return them."
Delenn looked at Harry and asked, "And what forces direct you?"
Harry looked at her with complete seriousness. "Understand that I was born what is on the Human calendar, 31 July 1980." Sheridan was startled at that. "Not this universe – I come from a universe where magic is much more prevalent and can be expressed by those that are born with the ability. My hubris in attempting to use magic to alter the course of history to save my people caused me to become disassociated from having a universal home universe. I later found that there were prime forces that took me and, instead of allowing me to die, caused me to move from universe to universe to help keep the places I visit from destroying themselves. These forces you would call Gods. And the force above them which I ultimately answer to is that force which is the Prime Mover Unmoved, the God of Creation, the Light of Creation, the Prime Cause, Jehovah or YHWH, Allah, the Active Intellect – there are many names and descriptions."
"And does God tell you what to do?" she asked. Sheridan looked skeptical.
Harry considered that. "He – or she as circumstances occur – doesn't order. He makes suggestions. He's asked me to do a few things but has never forced me to do anything." Harry grinned. "He's kind of big on the whole 'Free Will' thing. As someone who works for him, I've never said 'no' but I'm allowed to. I just don't see the point of ignoring directions from a more knowledgeable source."
Sheridan was curious. "What do you mean 'he or she'?"
Harry laughed. "The entity we call God is so far removed from what we can understand that it has to take on a form that its creations can relate to. When speaking formally, he/she has to speak through an Angel or other higher being because if a mortal heard the voice of God directly, their head would explode. I've heard him/her talk formally. Imagine a sound which, when spoken, re-orders creation around you. That is the very sound that he/she speaks with. It's quite an experience." With a smile Harry finished, "It's kind of hilarious. All these religious people who yearn to hear God's voice and they don't get the irony that they won't truly hear it directly until they die."
Delenn looked thoughtful about that but then said, "While I am willing to sponsor them, they must be approved. Their own skills and desires will see if they are accepted." She turned to the two Jedi. "Do you truly desire this? The path of a Ranger is not a lark. It takes drive, and commitment, and sacrifice. You must be willing to follow every order and direction given, even if you don't fully understand the reasons in that moment. I cannot promise you safety should you join. I can only promise purpose."
Ahoska considered that. Anakin, who was here more for her benefit than his own, waited for her to reply. "Harry did not tell us why he was bringing us here. But I have lost much. My whole life's path was stolen from me, first by someone who framed me for murder and then by the Jedi Council who refused to defend me, who gave me up for the sake of political convenience. Save for my former Master here, none defended me, stood with me. What promise is there that this will not be repeated in these 'Rangers'?"
Delenn answered with all the surety of her position. "I am, as he said, Ranger One. As long as I lead the Rangers, I can only promise that I will treat you fairly and without prejudice. If you were accused of committing a crime, you would be judged fairly and you would be given every opportunity to defend yourself. Your fellow Rangers will stand by you, even against those that lead. Should you ever find yourself accused from all sides and you feel that no one is standing with you, you will contact me and I will stand with you to ensure you are treated fairly. This is my most solemn promise."
Ahsoka reached out with the Force and "felt" for the veracity of what she was being told. The Force told her that the being before her spoke complete truth. And with that, Ahsoka made up her mind. "Then I would very much like to come and to learn what it is to be a Ranger."
Anakin said, "And I will come as well, if only to keep her safe. I would also learn where my own order might be flawed by comparing it what I learn here. I cannot promise unthinking obedience. But I can promise true consideration and a willing heart."
Delenn nodded. "Then that is enough."
Harry said, "Good then. I would like to establish them in this Universe. Where can I sell precious metals and gems to finance their presence here?"
Curious, Sheridan asked, "And where do you have these items?"
With that Harry brought out the lockbox/briefcase he had brought from their stop at Gringotts and put it on the table. With a quick tap, he removed the charm that reduced its size and Sheridan and Delenn where shocked to see it return to normal size. Harry opened the case and turned it so that could see inside.
Delenn only raised her eyebrows but Sheridan whistled. "Holy moly. How much is there?"
Harry replied, "5 kilograms of fine gold, 5 kilograms of fine silver, twenty each of the diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, all of them flawless or near flawless, each a minimum of two carats and some as large as 20 carats."
Delenn and John looked at each other. Delenn said, "The Minbari would give the best price for the gems – crystals of all types are valuable to us."
Sheridan nodded. "And probably the Brakiri for the gold and silver – they use them in manufacturing computers."
Delenn considered that. "Or possibly the Yolu. All Yolu love wearing jewelry."
Harry said, "Honestly, I don't really care if it's the best price – I just want to make certain it's enough for them to live as needed for ten years. When they leave, they will most likely deed whatever credits they have left to a charity or to the Rangers, although I'd probably like to leave some for Ahsoka to take back with her. Padme had her own resources and Anakin is her husband. Ahsoka may or may not return to the Jedi Order and if she doesn't, she'll need some resources."
Ahsoka looked at Harry with some gratitude. It was something she had forgotten in the hurt of being abandoned.
Harry nodded at her in acknowledgement. "So, think not of who might give the best price but of who would appreciate it most, find it the most personally valuable."
Delenn said, "If you give me a moment, I can call in an appraiser for the gems and I can then contact my home world and see if my people want to make an immediate offer."
Harry shrugged. "That's fine."
"As this is not political, please follow me back to a meeting room. John can arrange quarters?" she asked her husband.
Sheridan nodded. "How long?"
Harry shrugged. "I will probably be here a day until I am certain they are set. I also have to held them retrieve their items which are in a shrunken trunk. This includes a couple of small fighter craft, their clothes, and some droids."
Sheridan asked, "Droids?"
"Sentient computers, or thereabouts. One is a protocol droid and two are astromech droids, that helps navigate the fighters. They will need to be retrieved in addition to their charging systems. We'll have to arrange for those systems to interface somewhere power is available."
Delenn asked curiously, "What is a protocol droid?"
Padme answered that. "With so many possible languages and societies, and with so many that do not speak Galactic Basic, a protocol droid can translate any of 6 billions languages, including all machine languages, as well as give advice on customs, requirements, and things that should be avoided when dealing with a race or group."
Delenn considered that for a moment. "Interesting. And quite useful."
"Do your people have droids?"
Sheridan said, "No. The concept of an android is part of fiction. Many have tried but no one has perfected the technology. We've got as far as simple AIs but no further."
Anakin looked at Padme. "We've got that technology – the droids have copies of their entire plans and full code for repair purposes. It might be something we can contribute – or use as something for trade."
Sheridan and Delenn looked at each other. "Something to talk about."
The entire group left Sheridan's office and moved to a conference room, one of a few in the areas designated for the Alliance government while it operated out of B5.
It took a couple of days, but when things were done, Padme had control of a couple of million credits, Anakin and Ahsoka were off to the Rangers training camp upon Minbar and Harry was off.
The next ten years of life within the Interstellar Alliance were quite chaotic.
Anakin Skywalker, who had been loaned by the Rangers to Delenn for particular mission, had traveled as a bodyguard, along with G'Kar of Narn, to Centauri Prime for the future Emperor and current Prime Minister of the Centauri Republic, Londo Mollari.
His ability to sense the Force presence of the Drakh that had invaded the Palace led to a surgical strike which had forced them to flee.
Evidence of the Regent being controlled was uncovered. Although this resulted in the Regent's death, he was buries with full honors. It was a lesson for the Interstellar Alliance as to the insidious nature of the Dark forces that the Shadows had left behind.
During the visit to Babylon 5, Anakin had reunited with Padme who was serving as cultural attaché for Delenn. Padme provided sound advice at times and just a neutral sounding board at other times. But her presence was invaluable.
This visit resulted in the conception of two children. At the same time, Delenn was also gotten with child. And through sheer happenstance, Commodore Susan Ivanova of the Rangers also became pregnant with the child of Marcus Cole.
The four children were great friends while growing up. They were raised knowing that they would eventually be separated but learned to enjoy the time they had together.
Due to a warning from Harry, much care was taken to ensure Padme was kept very safe and to ensure she remained very healthy. Although humans had great skill in handling childbirth, Minbari healers were even better. Minbari had long had issues with low birth rates (although that was changing) and so every child and every mother was considered invaluable. And so when Padme experienced placenta previa during birth, the Minbari had techniques to combat it and save her life and her ability to reproduce.
Anakin was very grateful.
During their training, Ahsoka and Anakin received counseling from Minbari counselors who were also telepaths. During the treatment, the subtle influences of Palpatine were found and released from Anakin's mind.
Anakin was immediately enraged when they were found. The presence of his former padawan learner did much to help calm him down, as did contacting his wife (at the healer's suggestion).
The stringent and, at times brutal, nature of Ranger training added to the training the two had received from the Jedi had made formidable warriors with iron control.
The two Jedi-cum-Rangers were also present during the crisis involving the Drakh plague on Earth. While they assisted where possible, their involvement was minimal.
And so it was that following the ten-year anniversary of the formation of the Interstellar Alliance, Harry returned to retrieve the travelers.
Harry looked around at the location he had arrived at. His intent was to arrive close to wherever Anakin and/or Ashoka were. He immediately saw that he was within a large room whose walls seemed to be made of crystal.
He also saw immediately that he had arrived in the middle of a meeting between representatives of many species.
He looked around and said, "Ooops."
He saw John Sheridan and Delenn seated at the head table. Both had stood up. Guards had immediately started moving toward him. Sheridan called out, "It's okay! He's a friend!" The Minbari halted and looked over. At Delenn's nod, they retreated to their posts.
"Hello, Harry Potter. Welcome back," Sheridan said.
"Thank you." He looked at the man and said, "How long have I been gone? While your wife looks lovely as ever – you look old, dude." Harry's humour was evident.
"Just the ten years you said – well, almost ten." He looked out at the Council. "With nothing urgent on the agenda, I would request a recess until tomorrow so that I can handle this visiting dignitary."
There were looks around the room but most looked agreeable. The representatives of the alliance all quickly retreated, though a number looked curious.
Harry walked up to the head table. "I guess we'll be losing our advisor now?" Sheridan asked.
"If you mean Padme, yeah. It's time to take them home."
Delenn and John looked at each other with resignation. They had known this day was coming.
The group withdrew to their quarters. There they found Padme and Anakin watching over and playing with four children.
Anakin looked up at those coming in. His eyes widened. "Harry Potter."
"Anakin Skywalker."
Anakin stood. "Welcome back. You know Padme. I'd like to introduce my children, Luke and Leia Skywalker, as well as their friends, David Sheridan and Anastasia, or Anna, Cole."
The four children looked at him with wide eyes. "Hello, children. I am Harry Potter, an old friend of all of your parents."
The girl who looked like a young Susan Ivanova said, "You've come to take our friends away."
Delenn immediately tried to interrupt but Harry put up his hand. He hunkered down. "In a way, that's true. And I'm sorry." The girl's tears started falling. "While it seems like the end of the world in a way, it's necessary. These two have a destiny in the place their parents come from. While it's true that you will probably never see them again, I am certain that neither of them will ever forget one of their first and best friends – one who is, to them, like a sister."
Anna looked over at Luke and Leia. Luke looked a bit stoic but Leia was crying too. Both nodded in agreement with what Harry said. David was also looking stoic. The four children fell against each other in a group hug. At that, even the boys had tears in their eyes.
Harry looked over at the four parents in the room. All showed some sorrow. Harry sighed. This was the hard part of having done this.
When the children had settled down, Harry said, "I'm not sure how long before we leave. I am certain that there will be at least one night before we do. You should have a sleep over tonight – one more night of togetherness to cement the others in your hearts."
The children looked hopefully at the parents. John sighed. "We'll have to check with Susan, but I'm sure she'll approve."
At that, the children cheered up. Children were quite resilient.
It actually took three days. Ahsoka had been on patrol with her fellow Rangers and she had to be brought back. In the mean time, Harry had met up with Susan again, who had been with the Rangers on his previous visit. She had thanked him for his nudge regarding Marcus.
Anakin had been preparing for the time they would leave. He asked Harry if he would help transport a few more things than they had come with. Harry asked what else Anakin wanted to bring. Anakin smirked.
In a large area that had been set aside for Anakin, Harry was astonished to find quite a bit of things. Four brand new Thunderbolt starfuries were located in the storage area. "Why those?"
Anakin replied, "Unless you are traveling long distances, they are far superior to anything we have in the Republic. Their ability to turn in an instant, allowing a vector in what the Republic would consider impossible directions, makes them valuable. As the pilot is, in effect, in the face, it also allows a much more complete view of the battle one is involved in. For a Jedi, who flies with instinct as directed by the Force in addition to their training, they are superb. I also am bringing plans for their manufacture back with us. We traded our tech which creates artificial gravity for it."
Harry shrugged. It's not like there were weight restrictions. Curious, he asked, "What other tech are you leaving?"
Anakin replied, "We gave the Alliance plans for shield generators – something they didn't have at all. The sale of the tech has allowed the Alliance to reduce the need for funding from the various governments involved with the Alliance. Also, we handed over the tech for making droids as well as a copy of the programming of our droids. In exchange, we have the combined medical technology of the Alliance worlds. Some of our tech is far advanced, but the tech here regarding pregnancy as well as the ability to create synthetic blood for almost any race are things that we don't necessarily have at home. For such a short history of development compared to the Republic, some of the tech these people have is amazing."
Harry nodded. "It seems that there are a very large number of ways of doing things. I've run into different tech paths in different universes." He paused and considered. "If the Jedi Council accepts, I'll provide a working model of a scanning resolver which is thousands of times more powerful than what your people seem to have. They can use this as a way to decrease the need to be funded by the Republic. I've always thought that Government involvement in things like the Jedi Order is counterproductive. The Government seems to feel they can direct how such a group teaches their members which is counter-productive to personal growth."
Anakin considered that for a long moment. "You might be right about that." The two left Anakin's storage to return to his personal quarters. As the two walked together, Anakin asked, "What limits do you have in helping those you involve yourself with?"
Harry considered that. "None really. As a God, however, I find that my decisions regarding involvement are in some ways curtailed. If I, as a God, solved all the problems without involving the Mortals, then the chance for those Mortals present and involved to grow is curtailed. So I work best when I am directly asked. If asked properly, I am – in effect – operating as the agent for those I help. Someone who is too blind to see what they need would be unlikely to learn if I assisted them with problems. I prefer to teach, actually."
"So. Asked properly. Is there some arcane ritual involved? Prayer? Sacrifice of a small animal?" Anakin's tone showed some amusement.
Harry laughed. "No – that's just show. A polite request will usually do."
"When we go back, I'll need help containing Palpatine and locating the evidence to ensure we are not treated like traitors for taking him out. So I'll need personal access codes and thing like that."
"Well, you can bow seven times, twirl yourself around for fifteen minutes, beat your chest ritually, and say a long winded prayer."
Anakin asked, "So that's what it takes to get help?"
Harry chuckled, "No, I'll help anyway. I just want to see you make a fool of yourself."
Anakin gave Harry the stink-eye and Harry just grinned at him.
When he had the chance, Harry had scanned John Sheridan. He noted the accelerated aging – John Sheridan was in effect growing older three times faster than he should have been. Harry heard the explanation of what happened and considered it. He traveled to Universe A1 (First Interdimensional Savings and Trust) and bought many doses of an anti-aging potion and a container to keep the ones not in use in stasis until needed.
He said to Sheridan as he handed these over, "I can't extend your life to what it should have been – I'm a God but this isn't one of my areas. Take one of these every year – there are forty of them. These are, however, almost perfect for what is happening. Most people who would have a temporary effect, but for you each dose will last much longer due to what is aging you. I can't give you back the entire sixty or seventy years you should have lived beyond what happened. I can double your currently expected lifespan – no more. But that will make it around forty years instead of twenty. And you will remain hale until the end."
With that, Delenn (who had been there and witnessing) gave him a fierce hug. She would have given much for what was given so freely: Extra time with her husband.
Soon, the group was gathered: The original four visitors and the two children, along with Harry. All of their belongings were shrunken in a trunk in Harry's pocket.
There were numerous people hugging goodbye – the children hugged the other children as well as the adults they were leaving or who were leaving. Padme hugged the other children as well as John, Susan, Marcus and Delenn. Anakin shook hands with John and Marcus and hugged everyone else. Ahsoka hugged the children and Delenn and Susan.
When Ahsoka made to hug Harry, he was confused. His eyes widened as she seemed to brush herself against him suggestively. "Why the hug? You are coming with me."
Ahsoka grinned. "I've learned to embrace my sexuality. I just wanted to see if I got a response."
Padme blushed a bit, Anakin rolled his eyes, and Susan, who witnessed the exchange, laughed.
Harry grinned back. "I don't know. You're a whole lot of woman – you might be too much for me to handle."
Ahsoka said, "I'm not worried."
Harry chuckled.
Finally, they were ready.
Harry first travelled to Padme's personal quarters to drop her off as well as the two kids. It would be funny when the explanation of where they came from was given to those around her, but Harry would likely miss much of that.
Soon, the two Jedi were ready and Harry concentrated. Next stop: The Jedi Council