General Grievous, supreme commander of the droid armies and main enemy to the Republic has just received word that someone from his past is alive. Blinded by the need to save his long lost lover, Ronderu lij Kummar, the general goes to Naboo to gain a hostage so he can get to the planet she is held on...
Ahsoka was completely unaware as she was slightly sulking. The Padawan had argued, and lost, to her Master about coming here. She didn't even understand why she, of all people, had to be sent here. Certainly Anakin could've given her a better reason; not "because he had a good feeling." The Togruta groaned indignantly. "Feeling my behind... He's probably doing something behind my back as always." She shook her head, thinking of all the possible conspiracies her Master would be capable of.
Grievous was watching from the ceiling. He had been stalking the young Jedi. She was perfect for his plan. He released his hands from the ceiling and lowered down right behind her, placing a hand over her mouth as the other split in two. One held on to her while the other took her lightsaber away.
The female immediate struggled, quite violently in fact. Her eyes were glaring down the path she was heading. The cold metal hand that restrained her lips from moving muffled her grunts. Looking up, she glared right up at the General. At the same time, she was mad at herself for being so distracted.
Grievous tossed her lightsaber away and moved back up to the ceiling. He scurried away with her, returning to his shuttle.
Ahsoka continued to struggle, stubborn to then end. But alas, her heart sank. The android captured her without breaking a sweat. It was humiliating. But why the sudden abduction though? Things didn't seem right, not from Grievous at least. she eventually gave up, not wanting to tire herself out.
Grievous tossed her inside the ship and hurried inside. "Take me to Tatooine!" Grievous snapped at the droid pilot.
"Yes sir." The pilot let out fast. The captured Padawan managed to stand up before a couple of droids held her arms behind her. She glared at Grievous. "What in the blue blazes is going on here?" She snapped at the general.
"I'm using you as a way to get in and out easily." Grievous hissed, "If you behave, I'll let you live when I'm done."
"And what exactly do you plan to do?" She hissed right back, her blue eyes were narrowed at him. "What do you want on Tatooine?"
"You will find out soon enough." Grievous snapped, scowling at the girl.
"I will find out now." The Togruta growled her response. "I have the right to know what I'm being used to accomplish!"
"It has nothing to do with the war." Grievous said, glaring at Ahsoka.
This struck Ahsoka with curiosity. "Then... what is this about?"
"You will learn soon." Grievous snapped.
Ahsoka couldn't think of words to say. She just kept her glare, impatient as always
After a while grievous spoke. "Some one I knew could be alive." he said simply.
Ahsoka looked at him quizzically. "Some one as in...?" She prompted.
"That' all you get for now." Grievous said as the ship entered hyperdrive.
She scoffed. "So vague, that's not fun at all. For all I know it's one of your old war buddies or an ex lover." she couldn't help but to snicker at the last comment. She didn't think he had any intimate relationships. Or was even capable of it.
Grievous shifted at the mention of ex-lover.
This made the Padawan's jaw drop. "By the force... Who?" She found herself suddenly interested in her enemy's love life. After all, he was basically getting her help to get in. "What is her name? Or his name? Whoever."
"Silence!" Grievous yelled, "It's not of your-"
"General, we have arrived."
Ahsoka snickered once again, before she forcefully freed herself from the droids. As much as she wanted to slice Grievous' head off, she decided to play along with Grievous' plans. She was confident that in the end this lover of his could see what Grievous had become and reject him any way. But even this Borg deserved the closure.
Grievous stood and pulled Ahsoka out into the dusty, dry air. Grievous covered his mouth with his cloak, coughing.
Ahsoka was watching him. "You can at least tell me what she looks like so I know if I see her or not."
Grievous growled and stalked off, still dragging Ahsoka. He was heading to an abandoned settlement.
Grumbling under her breath, she caught pace with the anxious cyborg. "You know I can walk without your help."
Grievous let her go. She wouldn't last long if she tried to get away after all.
Ahsoka rubbed her arm quietly, frowning. She wished she had he lightsaber. But she didn't. Grievous tossed it aside on Naboo. How grand. She simply groaned at her own thoughts, walking beside Grievous reluctantly
Grievous peaked behind the corner. "Everything is heavily guarded. She must be here..." he said to himself, "My Ronderu..." He fiddled with his cape, trying to look slightly more presentable for his unnamed host.
Ahsoka watched the guards as she heard him. She was surprised by the tone he used as he said his lover's name. She had never expected such concern, such worry and affection, from him. No one would've. Well, maybe Koth would be nonchalant about it... "And is this where I come in?" She asked flatly.
"I'm using you as a bartering tool for when I try to get off the planet." Grievous said, stepping out into plain sight. They were expecting him after all.
"Oh fun..." she drawled. A few guards saw him and immediately aimed their blasters at Grievous.
Grievous put up his hands in a calming motion. "I was contacted about a Ronderu being here." he said.
One guard heard this and lowered his gun, reluctant. "I see... Who contacted you?" He asked, the other guard's blaster was still on the ready.
"I don't know who. But I am General Grievous." he said.
After a wordless conversation between the guards, they all lowered their guns. "Follow me then." He ordered. Ahsoka stepped out, rather surprised how easy this was going. She couldn't' get that thought from her head as she followed Grievous.
"Lets go." Grievous hissed, following them inside.
The padawan was watching the guards closely. She didn't understand why she was so paranoid, but she had a feeling that it was because of the general. Didn't he see anything off? Wasn't he usually the cautious one, even when he got his way? Or was he blinded by the idea of seeing his lover again?
Grievous wrung his hands. He could not wait to see her again. "Is she healthy?" he asked, hoping she was all right.
"She's alive." The guard responded vaguely. It wasn't long until they reached a hall, with a female Kaleesh looking out the window. She was aged from long years, her black hair was long and put in a ponytail, and she wore rags and wrappings. Her face couldn't be seen from the distance between her and the others.
Grievous stayed where he was, unsure of what to do. The Kaleesh looked like her in terms of body structure and her hair was similar. He coughed. "R... Ronderu?"
Ahsoka rose her brows at this. So Grievous was a Kaleesh before his... switch to a cyborg. Hearing the name, the Kaleesh turned to him with amber eyes. She was quizzical at first, expecting something other than an android.
"Is it really you Ronderu?" Grievous asked, taking a few steps forward, "It is I... The dreamer. Your Qymaen."
The female was silent at this, looking at the guards. They nodded when Grievous wasn't paying attention. The woman was shocked at Grievous' state. "Q-Qymaen...?" She let out. "What... happened to you...?"
Grievous stepped closer to the female. "It was the Jedi. The bombed my ship and killed my warriors. Oh Ronderu..." He stopped, suddenly catching her sent. It wasn't Right. "Are you really Ronderu?"
A guard stepped in before she could speak. "General, that is an odd accusation. Perhaps you should speak with the one who has been taking care of her for a proper explanation. She... hasn't been the same since that unfortunate day."
Grievous wrung his hands again, going up to the female and looking at her. He looked to the side, fidgeting. He wanted to believe it was her, but...
The woman simply watched him as Ahsoka watched the two. She herself felt something was off. But she wasn't so sure since she never met Ronderu. But yet, Grievous himself was hesitant. "Maybe we should go see her caretaker." She suggested, already prepared for a snap from the debating cyborg.
"Yes... Lets." Grievous said, taking the females arm, "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure, but even if you are not her, I'll return you to Kalee."
Hearing this, the woman's eyes widened. But she stayed silent as the guards escorted the three of them to an office. "He'll be here within moments of when we let him know you're here." The guard said
Grievous waited for them to arrive, tapping his fingers. He was getting a bit more comfortable and managed to convince himself that the female was in fact Ronderu. He rested a hand on her thy and rubbed it softly.
Ronderu jumped at this, moving away from his hand. "Your hands are very cold." She said.
Ahsoka leaned on the desk boredly until the guards came. But now, their blasters were aimed at all of them.
"Alright, hands where we can see them." One ordered. Ahsoka glared at this. "What?" she asked. She had a feeling this was going to happen.
Grievous turned, and stood, shielding the female with his large form. He was unarmed, not bringing any lightsabers so Ahsoka wouldn't try anything.
"I said hands where I can see them." The guard said as one pulled Ahsoka to them roughly. The last one tried to grab Ronderu. "Step aside, General."
Grievous moved fast, ripping the blaster out of his hand and shooting him. There were not many guards there, so he felt he had a chance. "If you want to live brat, you will use the force to get them out of the way." Grievous snapped, picking Ronderu up.
"Oh now you get the guts to do something." Ahsoka commented, shoving the guard off of her before she force pushed the entrance clear. "Run!"
Grievous sped off, holding Ronderu close. "It's okay. Your safe now." he said.
Her eyes were wide as she clung onto his cape.
Ahsoka ran after Grievous, keeping an eye out. "Master Anakin's going to kill me for this." She groaned halfheartedly.
Ray shields suddenly blocked their path. "I'm afraid you can not leave General." a Trandoshan said, baring his sharp teeth at the group.
Ronderu immediately moved closer to Grievous' metal torso, fearful already. This was definitely unlike her old self.
Grievous held Ronderu closer. "What do you want?" he asked, growling.
Ahsoka glared at the Trandoshan as he spoke. "It's quite simple. We want you dead." He growled.
"Who is this we?" Grievous asked, thinking it may be Gunray's doing.
"There's no need to pretend. You know whom I'm talking about... The very kind you and your 'lover' rebelled against all those years ago." He said.
Ahsoka was surprised at this, looking at Grievous. She never knew he was a rebel against what they called Huk.
"So they're still a little sore about it?" Grievous asked, "The Yam'ril are a pathetic species." He nuzzled Ronderu. "It doesn't mater now. I have my Ronderu back."
This made the second male laughed. "You think that's her still? They were right about how gullible you would be with her." He smirked at the general. "That's nothing but a slave for the Yam'ril. One of their best ones in fact. You should be proud. They give the title Ronderu to their best whores."
Grievous blinked, looking down at the female. He pushed her away quickly, snarling. "Then where is Ronderu?! The real one!"
The woman would've fallen had Ahsoka not caught her. The Trandoshan smirked at him. "She has been dead. For years."
Grievous growled, his metal body shaking. "You filthy lizard." he snapped.
The male only chuckled. "In fact, they told me, in great detail, how they killed her." He walked close to the ray shield, to further mock Grievous. "After the battle they retreated back to their encampment, your love tied up and bound as they threw her into a room. The Yam'ril all crowded around her and cut her ropes off, only to pin her against the wall. A general used his pincer to stab into her stomach, blood and screams rewarding him as he dragged down, tearing her skin and opening her stomach. Oh, that's where everyone began to join in on the fun. And when she started to beg for her life, but it was too late, for they started to tear out her organs and eat her delicious meat." he was nearly giddy as he saw the shock Ahsoka was in. "They kept going, slowly torturing and mocking her until they cut open her uterus. The General saw the fetus growing in there, and quickly snapped it's premature neck before he slurped it up, right in front of her eyes. That shock finally killed her, where they devoured the rest of her body in merriment."
Grievous was wide eyed, making a choking sound. "Y-you lie." he said, "She died on the beaches of the Jenuwaa sea. As a warrior."
The male smirked. "No, they dragged her body to their encampment while the battle was still going on."
"She didn't die that... That way. She couldn't have." He was shaking again, his vision going blurry. He fell to his knees and wheezed, trying not to sob, "My Ronderu... And a child... My child."
Ahsoka was in pure shock and disgust. How could this man laugh about this? How can anyone be so cruel...? She looked to Grievous, actually feeling bad for the general. She glared at the Trandoshan angrily. "How can you be so vile?" she spat.
"Hey, I didn't do it. I'm just helping them with some unfinished business."
Several more guards came in, pointing blasters at Grievous and Ahsoka.
The Trandoshan chuckled. "Any last words?"
Ahsoka glared at the male. "You're a foul man." she spat. "If I had my lightsaber I'd have no trouble striking you down!"
"I'm just relaying the story from my client." he said, "But he should be happy. They left her 'pretty' face alone. They took her head back to prove it was her." He nodded and a guard whacked Grievous hard over the head.
Ahsoka glared at the guard, pushing him back with the force annoyed. She ran over to the cyborg as the slave female stayed close behind her.
More grabbed her as they began to beat on Grievous. A useless endeavor really as he was made of metal, so they focused on his head.
Grievous all the while didn't even move, letting them attack him. He didn't care anymore.
Ahsoka struggled violently, unable to be free. "Leave him alone, he's done nothing to you!" She snapped to the Trandoshan. she found it ironic that she was defending the heartbroken general, but she'll make the exception.
"And yet he has killed many Jedi and innocent Yam'ril." the bounty hunter said, "He's getting what's coming to him."
"I'm a Jedi yet even I'm defending him." She yelled. "Don't you have any sense of morals?"
"I'm being paid for this little lady. Millions of credits." the Trandoshan said, "Besides, I don't see why he's so sad. He's got a perfectly suitable replacement."
Ahsoka frowned at this. "You'll be hearing from us when I get out of here." She hissed
When the rayshields went down, and the guards were taking Ahsoka and the slave away the ground shook. Crashes were heard. Ahsoka sensed them and muttered something under her breath. "Great, it's them... Now it's a reunion."
Pink tendrils poked through the grating of the ventilation system, wrapping around it and literally ripping it open. "Ladies first." a cool voice said.
Given the chivalry, a female Rattataki jumped down. She didn't even pause to take in the situation, she already knew who to attack. She drew her lightsaber, her intention to strike the hunter down. "As always, Durge, you know exactly where to find them." she called.
"I can feel their heart from some ways away." the Gen'Dai said, slipping out after Ventress.
She nodded, now believing him. She looked back to the hunter, and saw the state Grievous was in. She then saw the padawan and the Kaleesh. "Aw, how cute. We get to save the brat too." she said dryly, earning a glare from Ahsoka.
"We could just leave her here, to die a slow painful death." Durge said, approaching the cyborg, "Get up General. You want the humiliation of me saving you?"
"Isn't that what we want?" Ventress asked him. "Just grab him." she was cut off when the guards were shooting at the two intruders. Ventress thought it was child's play, slicing them into pieces.
Durge forced Grievous to his feet, helping him out. "Useless pile of metal." He grumbled.
Ventress turned her attention to the hunter, smirking darkly when all the man had was a blaster. She pinned him to the wall by his neck amused.
"Killing me won't do any good." the reptilian said, "More will come."
"Good, then I'll have a real challenge." She said, stabbing his torso with her lightsaber quickly.
"Lets just go Asajj. Dooku will be furious if we get him back with brain damage."
Ventress humphed at this, slicing the lightsaber out quickly, killing him as she withdrew her weapon. "Fine. Let's go." she said.
Ahsoka was quiet, not wanting to be near the three. She'll have to send a message to her master. The Padawan sighed as she herded the Kaleesh away form the carnage. She was quite hasty about it.
The female was shaking, not at all comfortable about what had happened. "I'm sorry..."
"It's alright." Ahsoka said softly to her. "I'm getting you to your home planet."
"I don't have any family there though." she said.
"So you were born and raised in the Yam'ril's control?"
"We have been slaves for many centuries."
Ahsoka nodded silently. "Do you have a name, or did they really name you Ronderu?"
"My name is Ronderu, yes." She said, looking ashamed.
"What's wrong with that?" she asked. "I think it's a beautiful name."
"It's shameful. It brands you as a whore." she said, frowning.
The younger female took a moment to reply. She wanted to encourage her. "Well... Do you enjoy sex?" She asked.
"No. I don't. Not with those thuggish males the Yam'ril breed."
"Then you're not a whore. A whore is someone who willingly has sex, enjoys it, and gets paid for it. You have nothing to be ashamed of if you ask me."
"You're to young to understand." she said.
"You're starting to sound like my Master." She sighed, looking for a room with a transmitter. "But it doesn't matter. We're taking you to a better place to be taken care of."
"There is one over there." she said, pointing to the corner.
"Thanks." she ran to the transmitter, trying to contact her teacher once she pressed some buttons. "Master Anakin?" She asked. "Ahsoka Tano to the Republic, does anyone hear me?"
"... Ahsoka? Where are you?" Anakin asked, "... How did you get on Tatooine?!"
"It's a long story, Master... Can you please get me out of here? I have a Kaleesh with me that was a slave until now."
"Yeah sure. Keep the transmitter on so I can locate you." Anakin said.
"Of course." Ahsoka sighed, shaking her head. "I'll explain everything once we're away from here."
"You better snips."
Ahsoka gave a grin at this. "Don't I always?"
"I guess so. Over and out." the transmit ion ended.
Ahsoka relaxed at this, looking at the female for a moment. She lead her out of the building silently, waiting for the ship to arrive.
It didn't take long for Anakin to arrive in a Naboo cruiser. "How did you get here?"
Ahsoka spoke with him as she led the female on board. She took a deep breath. "General Grievous captured me and tossed my lightsaber aside so I was unarmed. He took me onto his ship and told me he was just going to use me to get him in and out of Tatooine while he tried to get his former lover back." She wasted no time in the rest of the details, speaking fast to get it over with sooner.
Anakin followed her in. "That doesn't sound like him." he said, frowning, "Did you hit your head?"
Ahsoka frowned. "No, I didn't. He seemed really attached to Ronderu... the one that's dead now." She said. "And I mean attached... he seemed to lose his spark when the Trandoshan explained how they killed her and their unborn child."
"I find this highly improbable." Anakin said, "Maybe some research will shed some light."
The padawan sighed. "It's true." Ahsoka grumbled. "To prove it, I know where to find Ronderu's head."
"I'm not sure snips." Anakin said, "We should speak with Obi Wan first.
Ahsoka looked at her teacher beggingly. "Please, Master. I want to at least give it to the General. Even he doesn't deserve to suffer with the thought her head is in possession of the Yam'ril."
Anakin rolled his eyes. "Snips, you're defending him?"
"... I guess so." Ahsoka said quietly. "I never knew he was a rebel to the Yam'ril before he... became a Borg."
"He was Kaleesh? You do know that they tried to eradicate the Yam'ril right?"
"I'm still against slavery, you should know that."
"Hey, I don't like it either.", Anakin said, "They should have come to us for help then."
"We did." the female said, "But we were not rich enough for your help."
Ahsoka motioned to the female, as if pointing out what she said to Anakin. "Wouldn't you fight if you had no other options?"
"I hardly believe that is the case." Anakin said, "Obi Wan was the padawan of Qui Gon Gin, he should know something about the Kaleesh."
Ahsoka groaned. "Yes, master.." she gave in, frowning nonetheless.
"I'll contact him. Don't worry." Anakin said, "...You really do care about what he's been through."
"He lost his lover. How would you feel if you lost yours forever?" Was what she responded with.
"But I don't have one snips." Anakin said, faening seriousness.
Ahsoka noticed this, but pretended not to. "It was hypothetical Skyguy." She mused.
"I'm going to contact Obi Wan." Anakin said, going to the ship transmitter, "Hello? Master? You there?"
Kenobi answered perplexed. "Yes? What is it Anakin?"
"Are you familiar with the Kaleesh?" Anakin asked.
"...Ah yes." Kenobi nodded. "I remember a thing or two about them. May I ask why?"
"Well... What was his birth name Ahsoka? Did you learn it?" Anakin asked his padawan.
Ahsoka looked to the hologram of Anakin's former master. "What do you know about a female named Ronderu and a male called Qymaen?"
"Not much, I'm afraid." Kenobi sighed. "Ronderu lij Kummar... Her childhood is unknown to most Kaleesh even. She was believed to come from their Gods themselves. She was second in command of Qymaen jai Sheelal. The two were fighters, and lovers..." he nodded, satisisfied he could remember the tales of the planet. "They fought against the power of the Yam'ril, when they invaded their home planet. Master Qui Gon kept tabs on the Kaleesh after he and Dooku left."
"I am to believe that the Republic added the Yam'ril in the end right?" Anakin asked, "... Because that could be the reason why Grievous is after the destruction of the republic, if he is in fact Qymaen."
Kenobi quirked an eyebrow. "...General Grievous? My my, what haven't you been telling me?" He asked.
"He kidnapped Ahsoka on a hunch that 'Ronderu' was still alive. It was a trap, obviously." Anakin said, "Ahsoka want us to find her head and return it to Grievous."
"Hmm... Is that so..?" As he pondered the idea, he watched the two. "And you're sure Grievous is indeed Qymaen?"
Ahsoka nodded. "I'm positive." She said.
"I see... Well, I believe we should give Ahsoka's plan a try."
"I suppose, but is that smart? Grievous lost his spark. It could be beneficial."
"It may not be logical, but I believe it's the right thing to do." Obi Wan lectured. "And that's important in my book if you ask me."
Ahsoka smiled at Kenobi, relieved.
"Do you know who has it Snips?" Anakin asked.
Ahsoka shook her head. "But I believe it's the Yam'ril homeland."
"Some one of High power would probable have it right?"
Ahsoka grinned. "You got it."
"I think we could ask Padmé for some assistance. I think she may know the representative for the planet Huk." Anakin said, rubbing his chin.
"You think she'd be willing to help Master?" Ahsoka asked him.
"She's all about making peace Ahsoka, of course she will help if it means we may get General Grievous off our tail." Anakin said, "Now, time to head back to Naboo." He activated the hyperdrive.
"True." Ahsoka nodded, smiling. "And Skyguy... I need a new lightsaber."
"No you don't Snips." Anakin said, reaching into a pouch and tossing her the lightsaber, "You dropped it when he kidnapped you it seemed."
Ahsoka caught it and smiled to him. "My lightsaber! Thank you, Master."
"No problem." Anakin said, "So, what was he like? I never really met the 'good' General myself."
"Well..." She sighed. "When he saw this Ronderu, he was genuinely... anxious, and worried about her. And when he found out about what really happened to his former lover, he seemed... like he gave up."
"Gave up?" Anakin asked, raising a brow, "I don't quite follow. This is the same person I'm talking about right? Though he does run away a lot."
"He didn't even run... He was practically limp when the guards took him. If it wasn't for the rescue mission from Ventress and her platonic lover, we wouldn't have made it out so soon."
Anakin was frowning somewhat, leaning back in the pilot's chair. "I think it may be best if we didn't return the head. If he goes into battle again soon, he will be easy to bring down. How do we know if he's going to leave us alone if we do return it?"
Ahsoka took a moment to answer. "Master... You're not going to change your mind, are you?"
"No no. I'm just talking." Anakin said.
Ahsoka relaxed. "Well, how do you know he'll go back to fighting if we give him the head?"
"More revenge?" Anakin asked as they exited hyperspace, the planet Naboo in view. Anakin contacted Padmé on the planet surface. "Senator? Think Snipps and I can have a chat with you?"
"Of course, Jedi Knight." replied Padmé, smiling kindly to them. "In fact, I was wondering why I haven't heard much from the Jedi Order."
"Ah well, snipps here got herself Kidnapped right at your front door, almost literally. I told you where I was going didn't I?"
Padmé was surprised, her image looking to Ahsoka. "Is this true?"
She nodded. "General Grievous caught me off guard..." She avoided eye contact, embarrassed by it.
"We're on are way back now. See you in a bit Senator."