Letting Go || Letting Out

shijie coming for jin zixun’s entire life by first respectfully apologizing to him, then raising him up to the height of pure smugness, letting him haughtily soak in his perceived win for a brief victorious moment, before swiftly and cleanly cutting off his balls in front of all these irrelevant ass men who think they can talk shit about her little brother in her presence is literally the greatest takedown of all time. we stan a queen and her name is jiang yanli.

Jedi Padawans have the classic sitcom bag-of-flour baby assignment to ensure they're prepared to look after young ones in emergency situations

this assessment is not one of the many canceled or postponed during the war

which means that when Ahsoka is abruptly deployed dirtside along with her Master, Grandmaster, and the 501st, she had to scramble to find an appropriate babysitter for her sack of flour

desperate, she tossed it to Commander Cody, who was staying aboard the Negotiator to oversee the campaign, with only a frantic list of the required steps to take care of it while she was gone

when she returns several days later, Cody has painted the sack 212th gold and constructed a sling to carry it around on his front while he keeps his hands free for work

judging by the rank pins attached to the front, the sack of flour is now a lieutenant

once Obi-Wan's heart eyes abate enough, though, it becomes clear to him that Cody and the 212th troopers have not understood that the sack of flour is not, in fact, a literal Jedi tubie

and none of the Jedi or their siblings in the 501st have the heart to correct them, so they let them keep the thing, stomping on the feet of anyone who tries to ask too many questions about their new mascot

once the war ends, Obi-Wan discreetly replaces the sack with a Jedi chrecheling in the middle of the night, having resigned himself to raising another too-young-Padawan

Reva, for her part, is all to happy to gleefully coat herself in flour for the occasion

Anyway one of the reasons I’m so mad about Order 66 is the fact that a happy ending would have meant that Clone Culture and Jedi Culture would mix because they basically adopted each other and it would have been beautiful

Jedi are peacekeepers and they are more than happy to return to their role but war still haunts them and leaves its marks. Many are happy to get rid of their armor, others not so much

Padawans who survived and grow into Knights who keep parts of their armor, painted in the color of their battalion

New Padawans who pick up an armor and paint it in colors meaningful to them after their first mission! Imagine excited kids coming back going “Look! My armor has its first scratch!!!” And a clone being so happy for this tiny Shinie

Which also: Language. Okay. So much slang becoming casual in the temple but also Mando’a. Shinie and Padawan becoming pretty synonymous after a few years.

And like, going on missions without clones just feels kinda weird at this point. And they just attach themselves to their Jedi for missions because sure, we’re not fighting A War™️ anymore but Skywalker and Kenobi are still Skywalker-and-Kenobi and We Know Better

Also Force-sensitive clones because canon robbed us of that. Which starts the whole age debate. And then somebody (Anakin who is busy being a Dad and also a Master bc he deserved it after defeating Sidious) goes “I mean. The oldest are actually only 15 and also we should listen to the Force”

And the Council is already so tired, Skywalker has been taking his adorable super strong kids to meetings basically everyday, Plo Koon legally adopted the Wolfpack as soon as Clones were recognized as citizens of the Republic (he had the adoption papers on his person so he could make use of them ASAP) might as well change the code

So Clone Padawans!!! And later Knights!!!! And they’re so proud of it.

On the other hand, a lot of clones adapt Jedi practices! Learn their code to make it through the memories of war because bred soldier or not - it leaves scars

They meditate! Some of them might even actually kinda know how to handle a lightsaber because their Jedi keep losing theirs

They first get Jedi tunics because that’s just what they have at the temple and when you need to supply a lot is people with casual clothes, that’s a good start. Some clones branch out, others don’t. They’re comfortable and the whole cape/robe drop is badass

Tattoos! Not really a thing for the Jedi as a culture before, but they become more and more popular so that Masters legit have to make sure their underaged Padawans won’t get any.

Sharing last names! Like, objectively, them optioning for going by “Fett” is funny for so many reasons, most of them related to Boba having to sit through various “No, not that Fett” talks but also! Jedi offering up their last names! Plo already adopted his batch but I bet Cody introduces himself as “Kenobi” and Obi-Wan doesn’t even blink like “It suits you, Commander”.

Also Ahsoka and Rex coming home because we deserve that and Ahsoka and Anakin nearly throwing hands about Who Gets To Give Rex Their Last Name. (RIP to them because Padmé was quicker and Rex Amidala sounds ten times as cool)

Tiny younglings!!! Being so honored when they can share a name with a Clone. Imagine a small little Twi’lek Initiate being HYPED when a Commander accepts her name. A hero! Thinking you’re very brave!

The Senate maybe goes “but the clones don’t belong to you-“ at the start but are shut up very quickly.

Just give me the Clones and Jedi in the aftermath of the war living together peacefully.

the worst part about having huge autistic fantasy worlds in your head is that it takes like 8 billion years to turn that into something substantial you can show people

Obi-Wan’s mindwipe didn't fail and he was sold away before Jinn was able to find him.

Years later, on Tatooine, Jinn meets Anakin Skywalker, who works part-time in Watto's store, because he wants to help his mother and older brother Ben.

Anankin takes one look at them and goes "Oh, you're finally here! I've been waiting for you all day. C'mon, dinner should be ready soon, mum will be upset if it goes cold."

Jinn and Padmé go all WTF but follow the kid since the sandstorm is coming and they don't have another option. Anakin spents the whole time asking Padmé questions and Jinn only manages to interrupt when they get close to the house.

Jinn: "How did you know we'll come?" Anakin just shrugs.

Anakin: "Ben told me. And he's almost always right." And then he yells something like "Beeeeen, that weird guy in robes is here!"

A head pops out of the house, looks them over and then Ben gestures for them to get inside, while chiding Anakin for his manners.

They have dinner during which Jinn just can't figure out why this Ben's presence bothers him so much. He's met Force-sensitive adults before, it's nothing new. But something is seriously off with this particular guy. Maybe it's his red hair and blue eyes, so painfully familiar...

Meanwhile, Padmé tells Shmi about their problem and she and Ben share a look.

Ben: "We've been saving money to buy tickets to Alderaan. It should be enough to get the parts you need."

And Padmé with her strong morals says "Oh, no, we cannot possibly take your money-" that's all she's able to get out before Ben raises his hand.

"I wasn't done." He says calmly and Jinn shivers at his tone. "We will give you money if you take us with you and compensate us upon the arrival to Coruscant, sans the money for the food and the like."

Padmé agrees, since it's a reasonable request, but Jinn frowns in disapproval.

Later that evening he tries to get a sample of Anakin’s blood to confirm his theory, but cannot get the boy alone. And Ben just stares at Jinn without saying anything until Jinn quietly retreats.

In the morning they get all the parts and fix the ship.

The whole week they spent traveling Jinn tries to get that sample. He fails each time. Ben seems to have an uncanny ability to appear out of thin air, and Jinn would have suspected that he was a trained Force-user, but he can't find enough evidence to prove that.

When they land and Padmé meets Palpatine, Ben goes stiff and steps in front of Anakin and Shmi, shielding them slightly. He smiles politely, but his gaze is sharp.

And just as Ben is about to take their stuff from C3PO Jinn is like "Oh, that's our speeder." Points at the Temple speeder and marches the family into it. "The Temple has the most modern medicine and the best healers, please let them examine you. This is the least I can do to thank you for your help." He claims, but in reality he just really wants to see if he's right about Anakin.

Ben and Shmi agree, since none of them ever been seen by a real doctor and Jedi Healers sound very good.

It all goes to shit when Ben's DNA matches with one Obi-Wan Kenobi, who's been missing for twelve years. The Council is in uproar and demands to see him right away.

Jinn, shocked and confused, stares at his long gone Padawan and wonders, while Master Windu asks Ben to tell them about himself.

Ben shrugs.

"Not much to tell. Woke up one day on a ship, been sold the next day, worked my ass off for several years then ran away and hid on Tatooine. Met Shmi and Ani, freed them and we've been living together ever since."

The Council is devastated by all of this and Mace tells Ben about his life in the Temple and offers him to stay, to help him recover his memories.

Jinn decides to chime in with "I think Skywalker is a Chosen One and I wanna train him."

He immediately gets a a very firm "No" from Ben. He has his arms crossed and glares at Jinn. "I don't care about all this properpcy stuff, Ani is just a kid. You lot have non-Jedi workers here?" Mace nods. "Wonderful, then we'll stay and Anakin can join the Initiates if that's what he wants and then he can decide if he wants to be a Jedi. Now, if you excuse me, I need to talk to my family, have a good day." He walks out, slamming the door behind him.

Every judgmental stare turns to Jinn.

He squirms.

***

Anakin joins Feraliios Clan. Ben works all around the Temple, fixing stuff and Shmi works in the kitchen, which improves the flavors significantly.

Jinn doesn't stop pestering Anakin about the properpcy until one day he gets fed up and bites Jinn in the forearm.

He has to get seventeen stitches.

And when newly selected Chancellor Palpatine starts calling the Temple asking to meet 'the young boy who helped his queen when she was in need' to thank him.

The first few times the Council politely refuses him, because Anakin said 'no', because the man didn't pass Ben’s vibe-check and Ben is always right when it comes to this kind of things. But when Palpatine begins to threaten them, they have no choice but to obey. They inform Anakin about it and he immediately walks into the meeting of the Council, Ben in tow.

He says "Fine, I'll go, but I choose the place and Master Windu comes with me." Mace is surprised, but agrees quickly. He won't let a child to meet an older man all alone.

That's how they all find themselves in the most luxurious and expensive restaurant in Coruscant. After greetings, Palpatine thanks Anakin and begins to question him about his life in the Temple, completely ignoring Mace. Anakin smiles, stands on his chair, pulls a data pad out of his pocket and begins to read aloud a lecture on consent and why it is important in all aspects of the life of a sentient being.

They attract looks, but Anakin doesn't stop until the end of the lecture. Then he bows, jumps down and eats his food like nothing happened. Palpatine is bright red, Mace is amused and low-key terrified and Anakin is happy to taste something new. He can't wait to tell Ben and his mum!

They get back to the Temple and Palpatine never bothers them again.

***

Ben finds out how exactly he lost his memory.

He punches Jinn in the face and then goes to yell at the Council.

He tears them a new one for their blatant disregard of the children's feelings and promptly makes himself the Head of the Crèche, taking Yoda's place.

And it changes things.

He teaches children hand to hand combat, advises them and helps them in general. He suggests certain Master-Padawan pairs and they are always successful. And he absolutely wipes the floor with Rael in the salles. He doesn't even use his new lightsaber much, just throws himself into the battle.

(And he bites. A lot.)

***

When Dooku hears about Ben, he gets back to the Temple as fast as he can.

Anakin takes one look at him and decides that he found Ben a perfect Master.

He doesn't take 'no' for the answer.

Dooku ends up having tea with Shmi and Ben four times a week.

A month later he agrees to train Ben.

***

Feemor literally flies into the room and stares at his lost baby brother.

Ben stares back.

And then they hug the live out of each other, because Ben does tHeRaPy and it helped recover his memories.

Anakin decided to adopt Feemor too.

And then tells the Council that Feemor is his Master. Feemor doesn't object.

***

Ten years later, Ben stares at the endless sea of identically looking men and wonders when exactly his life went to hell.

He blames Yoda.

He shoots down Fett's ship and locks him in one of the rooms, while neatly avoiding being bitten by Fett Junior.

He catches one of the clones and asks him to keep an eye on Fetts and goes to search the place. He can feel that's something is very very wrong here. Well, besides this all decommissioning banthashit.

Two hours of search, one confused ARC trooper CC-2224 later and Ben glares at the mind-controlling chip in his hand. The poor trooper stares at it in horror and swears up and down that he didn't know what it was inside him.

Ben pats his shoulder in reassurance. He has a feeling they'll be seeing each other a lot.

***

Deciphering the commands on the chip leads them to the summer house of the former Chancellor Palpatine. He didn't hold that position for long, there were too many nasty rumors that he was forcing children to do strange things.

Shadows confirm that he is, indeed, a Sith Lord. The Council starts to argue what to do about it.

Anakin and Ben share a look.

They blow up the entire house with an ion cannon, making sure that only Palpatine was inside.

"Oh no," Ben deadpans, watching the fire, "our Chancellor. He's dead."

"The wiring must have been shitty. That is why it is necessary to check the entire system every six months." Anakin said instructively.

***

Anakin is the best man on Ben and Cody’s wedding.

Ben returns the favor a few months later.

***

Clones settle all over the Galaxy, after their accelerated aging was cured. They fight slavers and start families.

Everyone is happy.

***

And deep down in the hell, Palpatine curses Kebobi with all his strength.

QUEER (2024) dir. Luca Guadagnino

Because someone is on the ball, Turner Classic is playing (among other WWII films) The Great Dictator today.

If you haven't seen it, please do. It was produced by Charlie Chaplin in the late 1930s, when it became clear that the war was going to happen, and came out in 1940 after it had started. Essentially, Chaplin realized that his famous mustache was about to be usurped forever by a fascist, and that fascist was going to kill a lot more people in the future than he had already.

It's a parody, made before the worst horrors of the Nazi regime were known to the general public, so there is discomfort here (if you've seen Disney's Der Fuhrer's Face, you'll get the idea), but the movie ends with Chaplin essentially saying "fuck it, no one else seems to be speaking out about this and I'm going to use my platform to do that."

For context, this character is a Jew who has been mistaken for the dictator (for obvious mustache-related reasons), and has been sent onstage at a rally to give a speech. Instead of trying to impersonate Hitler, he says what he really thinks. And keep in mind, Chaplin was coming out of semi-retirement for this. It was the first time most people had ever heard him speak, and this is what he said:

WTF is an NTF? No matter how many times I’ve had it explained to me, it still makes no sense. The best I can figure that it’s a form of cryptocurrency with personalized artwork made on a really environmentally unfriendly material being sold for ridiculous prices just so suckers can get unique furry artz

only together