#tcws3e10

[ten-buttallformyage]

Concept art of Lux and Ahsoka on Raxus.

[ten-buttallformyage]

The first time I saw “Heroes on Both Sides” and “Pursuit of Peace” I felt like it just made sense. There were some people who thought the Republic was corrupt (and they weren’t wrong) so they decided to leave. I keep saying, if you removed all Jedi and Sith involvement in the Clone Wars it would have been resolved with good old politics, but of course not!

From “Pursuit of Peace” of The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark (2020), based on the episode “Heroes on Both Sides” from The Clone Wars (2008).

When they got to the Bonteri house, they were greeted by Mina’s son, Lux, who had been just a boy when Padmé saw him last. Mina did not look that much older than she had—a little grayer, and something else, too, maybe a little sadder—but Lux was like an entirely different person. “He’s grown so much, Mina,” Padmé breathed when she and Ahsoka were inside the house. It was a foolish thing to say—of course he had—but right now she felt foolish. “Time won’t stop,” Mina said gently, “even if we are at war. I’m afraid these events are shaping his young life.” “With all due respect,” Ahsoka said, “as a Separatist, didn’t you create this war?” Padmé turned to her. “Ahsoka!” “It’s all right,” Mina reassured, and then turned her gaze to the young Jedi. “That’s a very polarized point of view, my dear. Would it surprise you to know that many of the people you call Separatists feel the same way about the Republic? And the Jedi? Lux’s father was like that.” Ahsoka straightened. “Maybe I could speak with him.” “If only you could,” she said. Padmé heard the unsaid words in her old friend’s voice and looked at the rug, face burning. She hadn’t known. “A year ago next week,” Mina added. “He was setting up base on Aargonar when the clones attacked. My husband fought bravely in self-defense but was killed.” Ahsoka looked how Padmé felt; she made an excuse and stepped outside, leaving Padmé alone with Mina. “I’m so sorry,” Padmé said after a moment. “I know,” Mina said. “I didn’t…” Padmé began. “Of course you didn’t,” Mina said. “Let me get us something to drink.”

Padmé straightened, gathered herself, put on her diplomat mask. “That is why it was so urgent that I speak with you. The Republic Senate is holding a critical vote on whether or not to escalate the war effort. However, many of the delegates are undecided as to what to do.” Mina nodded slowly. “How interesting. You would find the Separatist Parliament in a similar dilemma.” That was what Padmé wanted to hear. “I am certain if you could convince your representatives to extend an olive branch toward the Republic, there might be enough sympathy in the Senate to finally open negotiations.” “I admire your spirit, Padmé. I can at least put the motion on the floor.” “Thank you, Mina. That’s all I ask.” “To peace then,” Mina said, raising her glass. “To hope.”