Work Text:
From: LtCmdRook3942
To: CmdSkywalker9483
RE: Requested Brief on City and Environs of GluGuau Prime
Commander Skywalker,
Please see the attached brief, drawn from available archives and interviews with agents.
(Including myself during my own time there. However, I found the near-constant rain a marvel, instead of off-putting and dull as every other operative stationed there did, so I have restricted my own observations to footnotes, as I am clearly not a reliable witness. You should probably trust Commander Andor, K-2SO, and Agent Erso's read on the situation far more than my own)
Climate:
GluGuau Prime is located inside a persistent storm-cell, which leads to a 95 percent chance of rain every day. Days when it does not rain are immediately declared a holiday, customarily celebrated by outdoor activities…
From: CmdSkywalker9483
To: LtCmdRook3942
Re: Requested Brief on City and Environs of GluGuau Prime
To Lieutenant Commander Rook,
I know that intelligence briefs don't really require a response, but I felt compelled to let you know that while your brief was detailed and easy to read, it had one major inaccuracy—your own assessment of your bias. I'm from Tatooine, and the way you said it was like living in a sandstorm that brought life instead of death was something I thought about the whole time I was there. I found your perspective invaluable and highly accurate.
Since I'm already veering into the informal, may I ask another rude question? I noticed from the briefing that your full name was Bodhi Rook. I have a bit of an interest in the destruction of the first Death Star, and I noticed you shared your name with the pilot of that team. Combined with your companions names…
Forgive me, I was led to believe that the team who brought the Death Star plans had died. If this is a massive coincidence that you've already heard about a thousand times, feel free to disregard this. If, however, you are the team that stole the Death Star plans, I'd very much be interested in speaking more, if you're comfortable doing so.
Sincerely,
Commander Luke Skywalker
From: LtCmdRook3942
To: CmdSkywalker9483
Re: Names and History
Dear Commander Skywalker,
You know, it's been three months since I started going by Bodhi Rook again, and you are the first one to notice. Congratulations! I don't know what sort of a prize you've won, but I guess you've won it.
I know what prize I've lost, though. Jyn bet me twenty creds that I'd get identified before she would. After reading your letter, I tried to convince her that you identified us both at the same time, but she insists that you mentioned me first, and Cassian cast the tiebreaker, so the twenty creds are hers.
Thanks for that.
I'm kidding. Ah, you're probably hoping for something a lot more polished than this. But truth be told, it's so late it should be morning, and I can't sleep. Told myself I'd reply to you after a good night's rest, but that's not happening, so I figured I'd just write it now. So you get the informality of the insomniac.
For a little more context, there was a massive bounty on my head, and Jyn's, after Scarif. We were the only two the Empire could really confirm were a part of the mission. Still, after our miraculous survival and much more painful recovery, we all talked and decided it was better as a team to play dead. We've been doing…stuff. I don't know if you have the clearance level for it.
Anway, Empire surrendered three months back. And I missed being Bodhi Rook. So I changed it back. And you're the first to notice.
Guess it's fitting. Pilot that got the message to pilot that blew the whole thing to bits.
Right, Commander I-have-a-bit-of-an-interest Skywalker. You're not the only one who knows their history.
As for talking more…if anyone deserves the story, figure it's you. So sure, I'll tell you. But it's not an easy story to tell. Any chance you'll be on Chandrilla, near Hanna City? I'm there for the next few months, due to…stuff.
It's the sort of chat I'd prefer to have in person. If you're willing. Let me know.
Take care,
Bodhi
From: CmdSkywalker9483
To: LtCmdRook3942
Re: Names and History
Hello Bodhi,
I think I should probably be the one apologizing. It was, in retrospect, silly to imagine you wouldn't know my name.
I genuinely don't want to ask you to dig up anything painful, but I am going to be in Hanna City three weeks from now. If you're serious, I'd love to talk.
Sincerely,
Luke
From: LtCmdRook3942
To: CmdSkywalker9483
Re: Yeah, let's meet
Hey Luke,
I am serious. And yeah, some of it might be painful but we'll muddle through. That's why we're meeting at a place with alcohol. Maybe manage to knock some of that formality off you.
I've attached my personal comm code, here. No need to keep sending me mail on my work address. Give me a call when you get close. I'll be here.
Bodhi
P.S. Cassian picked out the comm code. It's his idea of a joke. He's completely deadpan about it, but I know he's fucking with me. You just have to know how to read the cagy bastard.
From: Luke.S.8210
To: Pilot.4.Life.4509
Re: Thanks for the drinks
Hi Bodhi,
I have to admit, I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I agreed to drinks. I do have to admit the sheer quantity of purple in liquid form was a surprise. But that was…I don't even know what to say. Fun seems so inadequate. Healing seems way too dramatic.
Thank you for sharing your story. And wringing more of mine out of me than I'd expected.
You know, it's stuck with me, what you said before we met about my formality and trying to knock it off me. I think if I showed it to anyone who knew me…even two years ago? They'd laugh themselves sick. It took a long, long time for any sort of polish to settle on me. I—I look back at myself and I think, he was just a kid? How could I have ever been so young?
Have I really been so quick to forget the person I used to be?
Well, you and your lethal purple cocktail drinks have entirely broken through my formality, but I'm not sure how I'd describe what's on the other side. Maudlin? Morose?
I used to be really cheerful. I'm not sure what happened.
I've gotten entirely off-track. My point is, thank you. And I enjoyed the evening, both for itself, and for the chance to know a little better the story of what came before me.
Luke
From: Pilot.4.Life.4509
To: Luke.S.8210
Re: Big Questions
Hey Luke,
Okay, so you're a guy I've known from a few messages and one very enjoyable night of sugary alcohol, but you're laying some tough questions on me and I'm dumb enough to think I might know the answer.
The Jedi thing is pretty heavy, isn't it?
I'm mostly basing this on the fact that you were three drinks in before you even mentioned it. There's not many of you left. And now the universe is all filled with hope and rebuilding and the Jedi legacy doesn't have that many shoulders to fall on.
Hell of a legacy.
So, yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if it was easier to be light and easygoing when you didn't have all that.
And, hell, how old are you, twenty-seven, twenty-eight? No way you're thirty. Either way, we were young when we got thrown into war. It does a number on you, you know?
Bodhi.
From: Luke.S.8210
To: Pilot.4.Life.4509
Re: I'm sorry HOW old do you think I am?
I'm twenty-four!
From: Pilot.4.Life.4509
To: Luke.S.8210
Re: BABY
You should take it as a complement! You're clearly trying to present as a wise Jedi Master. Some people think you're pushing forty. You do the whole solemn thing well (you know, before you're three drinks in).
From: Luke.S.8210
To: Pilot.4.Life.4509
Re: You're horrible
Fine. I see your point.
I think you're right, about the Jedi thing. It's…it's hard. It's pretty much just all on me. If you're aware of anyone else, I think it's clear they don't want to be involved. So. Just me.
The New Republic is trying to rebuild, and the last thing people need is believing that a few figures out of legend are going to step in and solve all their problems. So we're keeping everything quiet. I'm really enjoying talking with you, but I need to make that clear.
Sorry for getting all heavy-handed. I've had a lot of briefings with press staff lately and it's been drilled into my head. I know you do…stuff. So I'm sure you understand.
Luke
From: Pilot.4.Life.4509
To: Luke.S.8210
Re: Why didn't the intel guy think of OPSEC?
Luke,
You're right. Shit, you don't even know what my classification level is, do you? Just a sec, respond to the next encrypted channel request you get with your Command countersign. It'll be a private channel still, but it'll have military-grade encryption on it.
Chat soon,
Bodhi
From: 1111.LQPS.0459
To: 0000.BCJR.9518
Re: Not needed
Bodhi,
This isn't necessary. I apologize if my sharing placed an unnecessary burden on you. The Force is a gift and I'm honored to use it to help others how I can. Really.
Luke
From: 0000.BCJR.9518
To: 1111.LQPS.0459
Re: Oh no you don't get to crawl back into fucking formality now
Attach: Command Clearance Alpha: Agent Olstlo Mertiman
Attach: Identity Processing| Name Change | OM to BR
Luke,
Nice try. I've spent the last four years hanging out with people far more emotionally repressed than you, I'm not going to let you retreat after one uncomfortably vulnerable conversation.
Or maybe it wasn't the vulnerability, maybe it was the worry that you were endangering someone else. That I can do something about. I've attached my command clearance here—still tied to my old name, but you can see from the picture it's me, and I've also attached my name change.
So, my clearance is just about higher than Mothma's, I know how to keep secrets.
I already know about Ahsoka, okay? And while I didn't get to know Jarrus before he died, I was briefed on both him and Bridger, though I also know Bridger remains AWOL. Are you helping with that?
I also know about both Kestis and Junda, who I'm sure you're working with.
You don't need to share. But I just wanted to let you know this isn't my first time talking to someone Force-Sensitive who feels alone. You don't need to hide that from me, if you don't want to.
Bodhi Rook.
From: 1111.LQPS.0459
To: 0000.BCJR.9518
Re: What?
Bodhi,
I really want to lead with "Your name was Ostlo Mertiman? You don't look anything like an Ostlo Mertiman, no wonder you changed it back," but the rest of your letter…
I don't know who any of those people are. None of them were the person I was talking about. Ahsoka I've heard of, but she died in the Jedi purge, along with everyone else.
But you're talking like she's still alive. Bridger? AWOL? I'm not working with Kestis and Junda, whoever they are. What...what is all this?
It sounds to me like you're making up names. I'd appreciate some context. Please. Before I have a breakdown or something.
Luke
From: 0000.BCJR.9518
To: 1111.LQPS.0459
Re: Thank the Force we switched to a secured line
Well, Luke, either you're the best fucking operative I've ever met or there's something seriously wrong with the information flow.
I'll say this: if you don't know these people, you should, and it shouldn't have been me to tell you. This can't have been a coincidence.
Excuse me, I'm going to go yell at Cassian for a bit, and then…we'll figure it out from there.
From: 1111.LQPS.0459
To: 0000.BCJR.9518
Re: Not really helping my looming breakdown, here
Please get back to me soon
Luke
From: 0000.BCJR.9518
To: 1111.LQPS.0459
Re: Just when you think you can't get any more fucking surprised
Attach: Brief: Known Force Sensitive and Jedi-Aligned individuals in the New Republic and Surrounding Space
Okay,
I have news.
It's not good news.
It's actually thank fuck Jyn and Cassian and I are so fucking codependent or else I might have been disappeared before I could tell you anything else. Cassian clearly actually had to debate whether or not to throw me in a little black cell with no windows to keep me from writing to you again, and he hasn't had to do that in years.
You're blacklisted. The New Republic, as I'm sure you're aware from your many briefings with NR press, is trying to keep the Jedi involvement in the end of the Empire quiet, to help build faith in stable democracy, et cetera, et cetera. I think it's messed up that they're trying to get you to hide who you are, but okay, what that's between you and them.
What I didn't know is that they're also restricting information flow to you. You are not to be informed about any New Republic intelligence on known Force Sensitive and Jedi-Aligned individuals. It was deemed too dangerous for the developing system of governance.
As you can see from my attached brief, I disagree, strenuously.
So, here are the options as I see them:
One, you take this info and go, I don't share that I ever spoke with you, and we hope we didn't make anyone nervous enough to actually check our correspondence and realized we spent time chatting on an encrypted line. I can't give you any more information, but it's probably safest for both of us.
Two, we keep talking but we go back to official comms for the non-Jedi stuff, and talk very quietly about the Jedi stuff. Ongoing information leak. It'll last until I get caught and thrown in jail, probably, and it should give you some good info while I do.
Three, you make a big public fuss, I'll back you up as your source, and maybe things change now that the damage is done. Probably the highest risk for you.
I hope this is useful. Let me know what you'd like to do.
Bodhi
From: 1111.LQPS.0459
To: 0000.BCJR.9518
Re: Thank you
Bodhi,
I've spent the last eighteen hours reading and re-reading this. I can't believe—how did nobody tell me this? How? I don't—
I don't even know what to say. Thank you seems so inadequate.
I hate all the options you gave me. I can't stand the idea of not talking to you again, not when you just drop this on me and turn my world upside down. I don't want to turn you into a double agent against the New Republic either, and I don't want to turn around and make a media storm and be that destabilizing influence they were always so concerned I'd be.
So I can't give you an answer right now, but I will, soon. I need to talk to—
Actually, you know what I can do? I can give you a secret in return. My sister's name is Leia Organa, and she's Force-Sensitive too. I'm going to go talk to her, and see if she was aware of any of this. She'll have a better idea how to play things.
Luke
From: 0000.BCJR.9518
To: 1111.LQPS.0459
Re: You mean the Princess?
Princess Leia is your biological sister??? What the FUCK. She's—
This is so messed up either way. Either she was blacklisting you, or they were blacklisting her too, and I hate BOTH of those options.
From: 1111.LQPS.0459
To: 0000.BCJR.9518
Re: Well now we've got an angry princess on our side
They were blacklisting her too.
Did you mean what you said about being willing to back us into going public? I don't think it's going to be a whole media thing, but Leia knows people, and I think she's going to make a very official fuss about information flow. She promised to protect you.
From: 0000.BCJR.9518
To: 1111.LQPS.0459
Re: I meant it
Of course I meant it.
I've already defected from one impossibly powerful organization for a hopeless ragtag group because I thought it was the right thing to do. Turns out this is the sort of thing that gets easier as time goes on.
And, hey, with Leia on-side…if anyone can keep me safe, she can.
I've been talking too. Jyn's going to back me, and we've presented our case and brought K-2SO around, which probably means Cassian's going to back me too. He's tricky, he was Seperatist before he was Rebellion, and the word Jedi leaves a bad taste in his mouth. But power centralization tastes even worse, and Cassian's loyal to causes, not people. I think we'll get him, in the end.
Chirrut wants to meet you, too. Says he's got some things to teach you. He's with the Jedhan refugees. I wanted to pass that on now, in case this doesn't go well.
If it does, hey, maybe we can go together. I would like to see you again after all this.
May the Force be with you,
Bodhi.
From: 1111.LQPS.0459
To: 0000.BCJR.9518
Re: That went better than I expected, actually
I'm fired!
I think it's a good thing.
So, Leia did her political magic, and we wound up working out a deal. I will no longer be a part of the New Republic's military forces, which is a good thing actually if I'm pursuing being a Jedi Knight. Looking at the history, so much went wrong when the Jedi became the military force.
I will continue to not publicize how the Force impacted my role as a part of the Rebellion, which is fine, especially considering that in exchange they have declassified information on Force Sensitive individuals, and I am free to, as an entity separate from the New Republic, promote and build the Jedi Order.
I finally feel like I'm on the right track.
Oh! And you're safe too. The declassification was made retroactive, so no fallout should come your way.
Thank you, so much. I'm going to find Ahsoka and Kestis and Junda, I'm going to read through Kanan's notes, which they just gave to me. I—Bodhi, I feel so much lighter. And it's all thanks to you.
Thank you, a million times thank you. I'd love to meet Chirrut, and you again, with the Jedhan refugees. Just let me know when.
Luke
From: B.Rook.4509
To: Luke.S.8210
Re: I guess we don't need to use encrypted channels anymore
Luke!
That sounds like a great outcome.
I do need to slightly correct you, while what I did was retroactively declared not illegal it is still considered by the upper echelons of the New Republic Military extremely a very big problem. You don't really want the guy with the security clearance higher than Mothma to go leaking state secrets because he's got a bad case of the ethics.
Basically, I'm fired too!
And Jyn and Cassian quit. I knew we'd talk Cassian around. K-2SO isn't formally employed by the New Republic because droid rights are atrocious, but Cassian hacked his command module a long time ago, so he's coming with us. Sort of like stealing very expensive office supplies on the way out. If they were sapient. And also wanted to leave. Enslaved office supplies.
Anyway, I'm getting off track.
We will be, conveniently, heading to go see the Jedhan refugees as our first act of freedom. So, maybe I'll see you there?
Bodhi
From: Luke.S.8210
To: B.Rook.4509
Re: Changed your commsname, I see
Hey Bodhi,
Look at you with the grown up commsname.
I'm sorry you got fired! I was really hoping that wouldn't happen. You seem, okay about it, though? Tone is hard to read through text.
But I guess I'll be seeing you soon, and we can talk about it then. I'm looking forward to it.
Speaking of seeing you, if you're there, and Jyn and Cassian are coming too…Jyn who I sort of got fired too and Cassian who notoriously doesn't like Jedi… Should I be worried??
I'm joking. Mostly. But I am excited to see you again. Even if I am still scared of your friends.
Bodhi
From: B.Rook.4509
To: Luke.S.8210
Re: You probably should be scared
Hey Luke,
It's probably sensible that you're scared of them, truth be told. I mean, I have some really scary friends. But they're not going to do anything to you, they get that you're important to me.
Also you are a Jedi. I feel like you could probably give them a run for their money.
As for the commsname, I realized if I'm not going to be able to use my NR official channel anymore, I needed at least one routing code I wasn't embarrassed by. We're in the refugee colony now. Settling in and and getting fed way too much food by Baze and Chirrut. Good times.
When can we expect you?
From: Luke.S.8210
To: B.Rook.4509
Re: Probably a good call with the name change
Hey Bodhi,
I will remain scared but optimistic, then.
I'm actually beginning transit that way now! ETA is four days to arrival. And speaking of scary friends, I'm bringing Leia. She knows you know about the us being siblings thing. She's not interested in chasing down the Jedi path the same way I am, she also wants to say thank you for making sure we weren't left in the dark.
So, can I ask a question? You said I was important to you. Why?
I mean, why do all of this? Why do you care? Obviously, I care, it's my legacy and central to who I am and something that's defined my entire life. But why do you care? I'm so glad you did, but you sacrificed so much and it just drives me crazy that I don't know why, sometimes.
Luke
From: B.Rook.4509
To: Luke.S.8210
Re: Back to the big questions
Luke,
Well, that's a tough one. But I've spent some time thinking about it, and I'll tell you what I know.
I grew up on Jedha. It was a holy place and a crossroads. I wasn't religious, but I was raised around reverence.
And then I left to join the Empire. I felt like I didn't have a choice, but I still left, and I let the Empire strip out of me all that reverence that had soaked into my bones like radiation. I helped mine Jedha of its most sacred crystals to help build the Death Star.
And then, well, you know this story, this is what I shared over drinks. Galen found my conscience and lit it on fire, I somehow lived through everything that should have killed me, and changed my name to start a new life. And then I took my old name back.
I guess I've been thinking these past five years, but especially the last three months, about legacy. Heritage. Jedha's gone, but the holiness, the reverence? Those don't have to be. I've been trying to find my way back.
So yeah, it resonated with me. The way the New Republic was keeping you away from your legacy. It's what the Empire did to me.
I'm done being complacent for the greater good.
Speaking of which…when we meet, I'd like to talk to you. I can still help you find the others. And beyond that—there are trillions upon trillions of people out there. I know there are more. It seems like, depending on what you're doing next, you could use an intel guy. Maybe an intel team?
I can't rebuild Jedha. I think helping rebuild the Jedi is a decent enough substitute. Think about it, we'll talk.
Bodhi
From: Luke.S.8210
To: B.Rook.4509
Re: Yes
Bodhi,
Yes. I don't need to think, we can work out the details of payment and living and all that, but yes. I need someone exactly like you. And your team, if they're willing.
And not just because of the intel knowledge.
I need people who are done being complacent. I know the old Jedi had problems, but they had beautiful things too, things that made the galaxy better. I want to keep the good, while not giving into the grey slide into corruption.
I want you on board because I want to be around people that do what's right, not what's legal. Even when that's telling me I've got things wrong. Especially then.
Luke
From: B.Rook.4509
To: Luke.S.8210
Re: Yes
Luke,
Well then, consider me officially on board.
See you soon,
Bodhi