Author's note #1: Welcome back; this is the start of season 2, I hope you all enjoy.
Author's note #2: I recently got a PS4 and downloaded Star Wars: Bounty Hunter and have been playing through it.
In memory of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…
Money is Everything
Corruption in the galactic economy! Bothan spies have detected Imperial transmissions originating from the planet Muunilinst; with the InterGalactic Banking Clan's involvement with the Separatists, suspicions have arisen that they becoming involved with the Empire despite claiming neutrality in the war.
Since control of the economy could turn the tide of the war, Chief-of-State Mon Mothma plans to send Princess Leia Organa to investigate this mystery. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano have spent the last week on the planet Shili, but time has finally come for them to return…
1 ABY, Shili
"Hey Skyguy, mind if I join you?" said Ahsoka. Luke was lying on the grass near a stream underneath a large tree.
"Huh; oh, sure" said Luke. Ahsoka sat down and lay next to him.
"You've been out here for a long time" said Ahsoka "Aren't you worried about getting sunburned or something?"
"I grew up on a desert planet that had two suns; trust me, I'm used to it" said Luke. Ahsoka smiled at the sound of that.
"You know; you couldn't have picked a better holiday destination" said Ahsoka "It's been nice getting to know my family better and just get to unwind for a change. I know 3PO certainly enjoys that aspect"
"You know him; he gets flustered by almost anything" smirked Luke. Ahsoka chuckled and turned towards Luke. It was then that the two were caught in each other's blue eyes. Ahsoka slowly moved her hands onto his chest where she could feel his heartrate increasing. The two slowly moved closer to each other.
"Master Luke, you and Miss Ahsoka are requested to return to the village" said C-3PO who just entered "Miss Ahsoka's parents wish to say goodbye to us"
"Uh…thanks, 3PO" said Luke whilst getting himself up. Ahsoka sighed.
"Yeah…thanks" said Ahsoka whilst getting herself up. The three of them walked back to her parents' village, which was further down the stream and just outside the forest. Walking through the bustling village filled with Togrutas, welpuks, and nerfs, they reached Ahsoka's parents' hut near the center of the village. R2 sat out the front and beeped happily at their arrival. Mathren and Arlas walked out of the hut with Ahsoka walking up to them and giving them a hug. "Mom, dad, I just want you to know that we've really enjoyed our stay. Thanks a lot for having us"
"It was our pleasure, Ahsoka" said Mathren.
"We'd love to stay a little longer, but the Alliance still needs us" said Ahsoka.
"We understand entirely" said Arlas "I only wish you'd get to meet your brother and sister, but they're off on relief missions across the planet"
"What the Empire did to us cost us dearly, and we're still recovering from it" said Mathren.
"I'd love to meet them someday" said Ahsoka "After all; I doubt many people have a little brother and sister who's older than them" Arlas reached into a satchel she held around herself and got out a white and red necklace.
"We made this for you" said Arlas whilst handing it to Ahsoka "No matter where you are, you will always carry something from home with you"
"It's amazing" said Ahsoka "Thanks for everything" She gave the two of them a big hug. "I'll come back again, I promise"
A few minutes later
Luke entered the Rogue Shadow.
"Hello master" said PROXY "Come back for some training? It's been about a week since you last trained"
"Not right now, PROXY" said Luke "But I'll promise to do some eventually" He walked into the lounge room and walked up to a shelf. On the shelf lay the mysterious mask he had found during the Battle of Shili. He picked it up to have a look at it further. However; as he made eye contact with visor, something strange happened. For a split second, he saw a mysterious figure wearing the exact same mask. The figure was hooded and cloaked with signs of armor and had a red lightsaber drawn. The sight came as such a surprise that Luke dropped the mask. But the strangest part came afterwards; as he slowly reached down to pick up the mask again, he heard the chilling yet wise voice of an old woman:
"It is such a quiet thing to fall. But far more terrible to admit it"
"Luke?" said a voice. Luke turned his head around to see Ahsoka standing in the doorway. "What's going on?" It didn't take long for her to see what he was holding in his hands. "What are you doing with that?"
"Nothing" said Luke "Just having a look at it"
"I thought you handed that over to the Jedi" said Ahsoka.
"It's not causing any problems" said Luke.
"Are you so sure of that?" said Ahsoka "Because I saw you drop it then, and it looked serious. What did you see?"
"Nothing" said Luke.
"Luke, tell me" said Ahsoka. Luke heaved a sigh; he knew all too well that Ahsoka would not give up so easily.
"It was…someone wearing this mask" said Luke "He wore a hood. And he had a lightsaber"
"What color was it?" asked Ahsoka.
"It was…it was red" replied Luke. Ahsoka was horrified by this. She grabbed the mask and placed it back on the shelf.
"Why are you keeping this here; for all we know, it could be a Sith artefact" said Ahsoka.
"I don't think it's dangerous" said Luke "I mean; it doesn't feel dangerous"
"Doesn't feel dangerous!" said Ahsoka "Are you sure it's not seducing you?"
"Seducing me; no, of course not" replied Luke.
"You're not touching it again" said Ahsoka "Please, Luke; I'm worried about you" Luke sighed again.
"Alright" said Luke. He grabbed the mask, opened up a compartment underneath the couch, and placed it in there. "We'll keep it hidden and never speak of it again"
"Thanks" said Ahsoka "Now let's get going"
Meanwhile on Corellia
Leia entered Mon Mothma's office.
"You called for me, Mon Mothma" said Leia.
"I did" said Mon Mothma "Please, take a seat" Leia walked over to her desk and sat at a seat in front of it. Her eyes were soon drawn to who was standing next to Mon Mothma. He was a Human man with tan skin and short brown hair which was cleanly groomed. He wore a dark blue coat and had brown eyes.
"Excuse me; I don't believe we've met" said Leia.
"I believe we haven't either" said the man. He extended out his hand. "Lei Sarke; I'm Mon Mothma's new aide"
"A pleasure to meet you" said Leia whilst shaking his hand.
"You must be Leia Organa" said Sarke "I am sorry for what happened to Alderaan. From what I've heard of him, your father was a good man"
"He was" said Leia "So what is it you wanted to speak to me about?"
"We have a mission for you" said Mon Mothma "The Bothan spynet has picked up Imperial transmissions coming from the city of Harnaidan on the planet Muunilinst, the capital of the Banking Clan. We suspect that an alliance between them and the Empire may be forming"
"That's not possible" said Leia "The Banking Clan swore neutrality at the start of the war"
"How are we supposed to be certain about that?" said a Bothan who was sitting next to her "The Banking Clan collaborated with the Separatists during the Clone Wars, which means that they're not above taking sides. They already print the Empire's economy; why not start aiding them and bring themselves back to their former glory?"
"We should not jump to conclusions" said Rahm Kota's hologram "The Banking Clan may not officially be our allies, but we should not see them as enemies either. Besides; if they really did hold spit over what happened to them at the endo of the war, they would've joined the Separatist holdouts"
"We are sending you there to investigate" said Mon Mothma "We were able to pull some strings and scheduled a meeting with you and the Banking Clan's council. You leave in about an hour" It was then that her Bothan aide entered.
"Princess Leia, I have received word that Commander Skywalker is on his way" said the Bothan aide.
Meanwhile
The Rogue Shadow went through hyperspace before pulling out at Corellia. They flew down to a landing platform in Coronet City and landed. Luke, Ahsoka, R2, and C-3PO exited the ship and were greeted by Princess Leia.
"It's so good to see you again, Luke" said Leia whilst approaching him "I hope you're well rested" She gave him a small kiss on the cheek; the very sight of which made Ahsoka clench her fists subtlety. "And it's great to see you too, Ahsoka"
"Yeah…likewise" said Ahsoka. Leia felt a little upset at the sound of that.
"And you too, 3PO" said Leia.
"Oh; thank you, princess" said C-3PO. R2 beeped.
"And of course you as well, R2" said Leia with a smile and petting R2 on the head. The Bothan who sat next to Leia stepped forward.
"So you're the renowned Luke Skywalker" said the Bothan "I am Borsk Fey'lya, head of the Bothan spynet"
"A pleasure to meet you" said Luke.
"Admiral Ackbar heard about your arrival and apparently wishes to speak with you" said Fey'lya "His hologram is waiting for you in Mon Mothma's office"
"Did he say any reason why?" asked Luke.
"Only that he wishes to speak with you" replied Fey'lya "I presume it is something of military importance"
"Oh, okay" said Luke "I'll go to him now" He turned to go inside the building. Ahsoka started following him but Fey'lya stepped in her way.
"I'm sorry, but Admiral Ackbar specifically said he wanted to talk with Skywalker" said Fey'lya "If he wanted to talk with you, he would have specified it"
"Luke and I are partners" said Ahsoka "I'll come with him nonetheless"
"It's okay, Ahsoka" said Luke "If Ackbar wishes to speak with me alone, it's fine. I'll come back"
A few minutes later
Ahsoka stood in the Rogue Shadow's lounge room. She looked on the shelf where the mask had lay before and picked up her old padawan braid which she had placed there. She looked at it for a few seconds before placing it back. She then sat down. She looked down at the compartment under her, where the mask was placed. She slowly began to open it before shutting it abruptly. She took a deep breath in.
"Just open it and pull it out quickly" said Ahsoka to herself "Then take it to the Jedi and tell them about it. They'll understand…they'll understand…" It was around that moment that she began remembering how the Jedi Council trialed her and disowned her; could history possibly repeat itself if she handed the mask in, even if she explained everything? She slowly opened the compartment without even looking at it and slowly reached in. As she touched the mask, she began to hear a word being repeated over and over again. However, it was so quiet that she could barely hear it properly. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind in an attempt to hear it properly.
"Ahsoka" said a voice. Upon hearing and recognizing it, she instantly pulled her hand out and shut the compartment. She turned to the doorway to see Leia standing there.
"Leia…I wasn't expecting you" said Ahsoka.
"Mon Mothma has given me a task" said Leia "I was wondering if you could accompany me there"
"Oh…okay; I mean, it's not like I've got anything better to do" said Ahsoka. The two of them walked out of the Rogue Shadow. "So what's your mission?"
"The Bothan spynet has picked up Imperial transmissions coming from the planet Muunilinst" said Leia "Suspicions have arisen that the Banking Clan may be conspiring with the Empire"
"I could use some catching up; I thought the Empire dissolved all of the Separatist factions" said Ahsoka.
"Not all of them" said Leia "The Banking Clan had dug so far in the Galactic economy that the Empire was fearful of dissolving them. They were granted amnesty and took up the job of printing the Empire's economy. When the war began however, they claimed they would stay neutral in the conflict. But with suspicions of the contrary, I have been sent to investigate" They reached a platform which had the Sundered Heart with C-3PO and R2-D2 waiting for them outside.
"Princess Leia" said Fey'lya whilst walking up to them "I have decided to accompany you"
"Just out of question, any particular reason why?" asked Leia.
"I just wished to witness the meeting myself" replied Fey'lya "And to provide assistance if need be"
"Very well; you can come aboard" said Leia.
A few minutes later
Ahsoka entered the bridge of the Sundered Heart and sat down next to Leia.
"We're almost there" said Leia. Ahsoka nodded. "I was just thinking we could talk"
"About what exactly?" asked Ahsoka.
"Well…just about yourself" said Leia "Ahsoka, I invited you to come along because I wanted to get to know you better. Luke's told me so much about you; he looks up to you, you know. I mean; with Obi-Wan gone, you're the only link to his father he has left" Ahsoka sighed.
"I'm sorry if I've been a little rough to you" said Ahsoka "I guess this war's just been getting me down a little bit. Yes; I would like to get to know you better as well. You know; Luke's actually told me a lot about you too"
"Really?" smirked Leia "Anything in particular?"
"Just about how surprised he was when he first saw you wield a blaster, how influential and feisty you are, and how you insulted Chewie, several times" said Ahsoka "I mean; you have to be real brave to stand up to a Wookiee like that"
"He was in the way at the time" smirked Leia "And we were trying to get off the damn space station" Ahsoka thought about the mask for a second and began wondering if Leia could help her out. She seemed reasonable yet compassionate as well as understanding. She opened her mouth to speak but it was then that Fey'lya entered.
"Are we almost there?" asked Fey'lya.
"Should be coming up very shortly" replied Leia. They pulled out of hyperspace and came up upon Muunilinst. "Well; here we are" They flew down to the city of Harnaidan and landed on a landing pad and got out. It was about twilight and the sun was going down.
"You know; Obi-Wan once told me that he fought on Muunilinst during the Clone Wars" said Ahsoka "Hard to believe this whole city was once a battlefield" Her eyes were soon drawn to a male Sy Myrthian who stood a few meters away from them. He held a walking stick in his hand and was smoking a cigar.
"Akela Astar!" snarled Fey'lya quietly.
"I'm sorry?" said Ahsoka.
"That's Akela Astar" said Fey'lya "A crimelord; he's the kingpin of Corellia's underworld with strong ties to the black market" Astar took a look at Ahsoka and smirked. Standing by his side were his two henchmen; Ganmor (a male Houk) and Ramali (a male Phindian with a switchblade knife, which he constantly flicked on and off).
"What's he doing here then?" asked Ahsoka.
"Whatever it is; he'll go down for it" said Fey'lya. At that moment, Leia stopped in her tracks.
"On second thoughts, it may not be a good idea to bring in" said Leia "I'm sorry, Ahsoka; I don't want the chairman to think of us as a threat"
"Don't worry, I understand" said Ahsoka "I'll wait with the ship" She turned and walked back to the ship. A Muun aide walked up to Leia.
"Greetings, Princess Leia" said the Muun "The chairman is waiting for inside"
"Thank you" said Leia "Lead us there" They followed the Muun inside the building in front of them. He led them through hallways until bringing them into a large room where lay the Banking Clan council. Sitting at their front was Chairman Targo Huus, a tall male Muun. "Greetings, chairman; I am Leia Organa of Alderaan, daughter of Bail and Breha Organa"
"And for what purpose do you visit us?" asked Huus "We are but humble bankers who do not take part in your war"
"I'm not here to deny that claim" said Leia "Nor do I wish to bring the war to your planet; I have merely been sent here to—"
"Our spy network has picked up Imperial transmissions from your planet" said Fey'lya whilst stepping forward "We know that you claim to be neutral; but if rumors of you collaborating with the Empire are true, then it certainly contradicts the former"
"Nonsense" said a councilman "We have no involvement with the Empire beyond printing their currency. We would not become part of this war"
"Like I said before; we're not here to threaten you, we've just come here to be certain" said Leia "Believe me; the last thing I want is more enemies"
"The last time the Clan became involved with a full-scale war, the Empire murdered our chairman" said another councilman.
"We were fortunate that the Empire spared the rest of us" said another councilman.
"We may not necessarily be your friends, but neither are we your enemies" said another councilman.
"And I am perfectly fine with that" said Leia "But if you've got nothing to hide, you shouldn't have to worry. I'm sure there's an explanation for all of this; just give us time to find it, and you won't have to worry about this ever again"
"Let us hope so" said Huus "Escort Princess Leia to a suitable accommodation" Leia turned around to head to the door, but realized something odd.
"Wait; where's Fey'lya?" said Leia
Meanwhile
Ahsoka sat at the Sundered Heart's conference table.
"So; interested in playing Dejarik?" said Ahsoka.
"I don't think we have it on this ship" said C-3PO. Ahsoka sighed. It was that they heard footsteps. Ahsoka got herself up and walked through the door and crept down the corridor silently. She peered out from a corner and noticed Fey'lya creeping down the corridor, dressed in a long cloak with a hood.
"Oh my; isn't that Borsk Fey'lya?" said C-3PO. Ahsoka immediately placed her hand over his mouth and gave him a "shush" mark. Fey'lya's ears pricked up and he turned in their direction. He crept over to the corner to have a look, but found no sign of them.
"Hmmm…" groaned Fey'lya before turning and leaving. It was then that Ahsoka and C-3PO emerged from a closet in the hallway.
"Whatever could he be up to?" said C-3PO.
"That's what I intend to find out" said Ahsoka "Stay here; I'll be back" She started moving down the corridor but soon realized that R2 was following her and stopped. "Sorry, R2; but I have to do this alone" R2 beeped. "I need to do this as subtly as possible, that's why I'm going alone. If he finds out I'm following him, I won't find what he's doing" R2 beeped disappointedly. "I'm sorry, little buddy; maybe another. Just stay here with 3PO" She walked out of the ship. She picked her lightsaber from her belt and hid it inside her boot, so that no one would know she was a Jedi. She followed Fey'lya down from the platform and into the streets. She kept a safe distance and made sure she was out of sight so Fey'lya wouldn't notice her.
"Hey gorgeous!" said a voice. Ahsoka turned around to see a Human thug with a small knife approaching her with a slimy grin across his face. "Quite a hot night, isn't it?" He wrapped his arm around her and softly prodded her on the breast with his knife. "Maybe I could help you cool off" Ahsoka shoved him off.
"I don't have time for this" said Ahsoka . She started walking away, only to bump into a Twi'lek thug who stood in front of her.
"Oh come on, baby!" smirked the Twi'lek thug "Don't you want to dance with us?" Ahsoka smirked.
"If it'll make you happy, let's dance!" said Ahsoka. She grabbed the Twi'lek thug by the wrist and spun him around, throwing him into the Human thug.
"Oh shoot!" exclaimed the Human thug "This girl's really into it!" The two thugs ran off down an alleyway and Ahsoka continued following after Fey'lya. He eventually came to a cantina down an alleyway and entered, with Ahsoka following silently behind. The interior of the cantina was crowded and she almost lost sight of him whilst pulling herself through the crowds. During this time, she accidently bumped into an Ithorian, who furiously started growling at her in Ithorese.
"Oh; sorry!" said Ahsoka. The Ithorian groaned and stomped off. Ahsoka eventually pulled herself into a clearing just in front of the bar, where Fey'lya had walked up to. The bartender was a Human woman with brown eyes and brown hair, and she appeared to be pregnant.
"What'll it be for you, sir?" asked the bartender. Fey'lya grabbed her wrist.
"Information" replied Fey'lya "Got any?"
"I'm sorry, sir; I'm not sure what you—" said the bartender.
"I've heard rumors about you and your little spies" said Fey'lya "Nothing happens on Muunilinst without you knowing; a bird wouldn't land without you knowing. You even know of the Banking Clan's biggest secrets, I've heard" The bartender looked around cautiously.
"I'll take you to the back" said the bartender quietly. She and Fey'lya exited through a doorway at the back of the bar. Ahsoka quietly followed them and peered out from the doorway. "What is it you want to know? Whatever it is, it can't be something that can trace back to me"
"Just something simple" replied Fey'lya "Where is Akela Astar hiding?"
"I don't know what you're talking about" said the bartender "What would a crime lord like him be doing in this particular part of the Outer Rim?"
"Lots of reasons" replied Fey'lya "I just need to know which one; so tell me where he is and I'll leave you be"
"I'm sorry; but I haven't seen him on this planet" said the bartender.
"Wrong!" snarled Fey'lya "I saw him earlier; a crime lord never ventures outside his territory unless there's something important. This means only one thing; you're lying"
"Look; I wish I could help you, but I honestly don't know where he is" said the bartender.
"Maybe I should add a little incentive" said Fey'lya. He pulled out a deactivator hold-out pistol from his coat.
"What are you doing?" said the bartender.
"I thought you knew everything" said Fey'lya "I see you're expecting; no father, I presume"
"What's it to you?" snapped the bartender.
"I wouldn't use that tone" said Fey'lya whilst pointing the pistol at her stomach.
"You wouldn't dare!" said the bartender.
"You've wasted enough of my time already" said Fey'lya "Now I'll say again; tell me where Astar is hiding, or I'll shoot"
"I swear; I don't know!" said the bartender. Fey'lya began pulling the trigger back.
"No!" snarled Fey'lya "He's on this planet. He's close, isn't here? I bet he's using you cantina as his base of operations. So that's you're not telling; you're hiding him because he'll kill you if you told anyone"
"Just leave, please!" begged the bartender "I don't know anything!" Ahsoka just couldn't stand by any longer. She stepped out, ignited her lightsaber, and held it towards Fey'lya's neck.
"Drop the gun and step away!" said Ahsoka. Fey'lya complied and stepped away. The bartender ran away. Ahsoka turned her lightsaber off and placed it back on her belt. "What were you doing?" Suddenly, Fey'lya pushed her forward aggressively, slamming her into the wall. "What was that for?"
"Why did you follow me here?" snarled Fey'lya.
"You threatened a civilian!" said Ahsoka.
"She's a lowlife; it's the only way to communicate with them" said Fey'lya "Besides; she was my only reachable link to finding Astar!"
"What's he got to do with this?" asked Ahsoka.
"Akela Astar has dealt with the Empire in the past" said Fey'lya "If the Empire is truly involved, he's a viable suspect. Whilst Organa may spend her time with diplomacy and endless meetings, I came here to find answers. I was on the verge of finding him, but you stepped in and ruined everything!" Ahsoka got herself up. She found herself very shocked at his switch in behavior; only a few minutes ago he seemed respectable and well-mannered, perhaps not extremely warm but still trustworthy nonetheless. Now, however, he seemed to be very arrogant and had no regard for the lives of others.
"That's not the Alliance way" said Ahsoka.
"Ha; your so-called "Alliance way" has only weakened us" said Fey'lya "The Empire's willing to go the extra mile yet we are not; no wonder they're winning. But hopefully that will change; it's my dream that one day the Alliance leader's will open their eyes and realize that in the long run, the ends will always justify the means"
"You're despicable" said Ahsoka.
"In the end, that's how you survive" said Fey'lya.
"There they are!" said a voice. Ahsoka turned to see Akela Astar and his henchmen standing in the doorway with the bartender at their side.
"Well, well, well; what have we here?" said Astar "Let's get'em, boys!" Ganmor and Ramali pulled out blasters and began shooting; Astar pointed his walking stick upwards and began shooting as well, revealing it to have blaster capabilities. Ahsoka ignited her lightsaber and began deflecting the shots. "Hold it; set to stun!" He and his henchmen briefly stopped, set their blasters to stun, and began shooting again.
"Fey'lya, get behind me!" said Ahsoka. There was no response. "Fey'lya?" She turned her head to see that Fey'lya had vanished (as well as his hold-out pistol). "Fey'lya!" Suddenly, a stun shot got her in the leg and was followed by one to the chest, rendering her unconscious.
Meanwhile
Fey'lya snuck out into the streets. He snuck down an alleyway and sat himself down on a crate. He got out his hold-out blaster and had a look at it. He slowly reached it up and placed it on his arm. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes before pulling the trigger.
"AHHHH!" screamed Fey'lya in pain.
Meanwhile
"Get her to the back" said Astar.
"Why did we have to use stun, boss?" said Ganmor.
"Yeah; we could've finished her off then and there" said Ramali "A dead Jedi's a good Jedi"
"But our paymaster has requesting that should we fins a Jedi, we are to hand them over to him" said Astar "This is too perfect!" Across the cantina, R2 watched in the corner and wailed nervously.
Meanwhile
Whiphid Jedi Master K'Kruhk sat outside the Alderaanian palace cross-legged and deep in meditation.
"There is no emotion, there is peace" said K'Kruhk "There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no death, there is—" He received a vision. It came up so fast that he could not see it properly; all he could remember was a flash of black, white, and red. "Hmmm; ancient evil, powerful evil, the likes of which haven't been seen since the Old Republic…" He stood himself up. "I must get myself to higher grounds" He pulled his large conical hat up onto his head and started walking up a hillside. Once he had gotten to the top, he sat cross-legged and began meditating again "I must see what that was"
Meanwhile
Leia, Huus, and the Muun aide walked out to the landing platform.
"We'll check my ship next" said Leia "Perhaps he's on there" At that moment, Fey'lya walked up to them, holding his arm in pain and appearing to be tired out. "Fey'lya, what happened to you?" Fey'lya sat himself down on a crate.
"I went back to the ship when I found Commander Tano walking out of it" replied Fey'lya "I wondered what she was doing so I followed her down the streets. When I finally caught up to her, I found her interrogating civilians"
"What would she do that for?" asked Leia.
"I presume she was trying to find leads for your investigation" said Fey'lya "I confronted her about it, but she attacked me. But we were suddenly attacked by Akela Astar and his gang. I only just got out of there with my life; I last saw her holding her ground against them"
"Ahsoka is a Jedi, she wouldn't do anything like that" said Leia.
"That's what I saw" said Fey'lya.
"A Jedi!" said Huus "You brought a Jedi here?"
"It's a long story" said Leia "But I tell you, she's not dangerous"
"Whatever the matter is, we should assume that Astar is involved somehow" said Fey'lya. He got himself up. "I'll contact Corellia for a fleet; if we could make a blockade to prevent them from getting offworld—"
"We cannot allow an armed occupation on our planet" said Huus.
"Given the circumstances, I would suggest we make an exception" said Fey'lya.
"He's right, Fey'lya" said Leia "We're on their grounds so we must obey their rules. But I will inform the Alliance High Command on our progress" She walked into the Sundered Heart and sat down at the conference table.
"Oh; Princess Leia, you're back" said C-3PO whilst walking up to Leia "How did the meeting go?"
"I'm still no closer to finding the cause of the Imperial transmissions since I started" said Leia.
"That is most unfortunate" said C-3PO "Say; has Miss Ahsoka returned yet?"
"Excuse me?" asked Leia.
"Borsk Fey'lya was sneaking through the ship so Miss Ahsoka decided to follow him" said C-3PO "She told R2 and I to stay here and said she would be back, but she hasn't returned yet" Leia sighed.
"I knew he wasn't telling the truth" said Leia.
"Who wasn't?" asked C-3PO.
"Fey'lya just came back with a shot in the arm and said that Ahsoka was interrogating civilians and attacked him" said Leia.
"Why would he lie?" asked C-3PO.
"Clearly he's hiding something that Ahsoka found out" said Leia "Wait a second, where's R2?" C-3PO looked around.
"Oh dear!" said C-3PO "He's gone off after her after she specifically told us to stay here. Oh that little bucket of bolts; one of these days he's going to get into so much trou—" At that moment, a hologram projector that Leia had in her pocket began to beep. She got it out and it projected a hologram of R2 who beeped. "R2, what are you doing down the streets? Miss Ahsoka said she was handling it herself; why did you—" R2 beeped. "What; she's been kidnapped? By who?" R2 beeped. "Who is this Akela Astar you're talking about?"
"R2, can you give us your coordinates?" asked Leia. R2 beeped positively. "Stay put; we're coming for you"
Meanwhile
Ahsoka awoke and found herself in a containment field.
"Ah; you're awake at last" said Astar.
"Where am I?" asked Ahsoka.
"That's for us to know and you to worry about!" snapped Ramali "And secondly, do not speak to the boss without permission first!"
'Hold it, Ramali" said Ganmor "My apologizes; what he's trying to say is, we can't tell you where you are and that it would be more respectful to ask for permission to speak first"
"It's alright, she can talk as much as she wants" said Astar "Bartender did inform of your heroism, and look where that got you. It just goes to show how naive you are. You Jedi may go around doing these "good" things for the sake of justice with no rewards; but in the underworld, money is everything"
"You know; it's not a particularly wise idea to taunt a Jedi" smirked Ahsoka.
"Really?" smirked Astar whilst picking her lightsaber from his belt "Even when I have your lightsaber?"
"What if I told you that I'm with the Alliance; and any moment now, they'll realize I'm gone and come for me?" said Ahsoka.
"I have no doubt your with the Alliance, only safe place for a Jedi these days" said Astar "But I assume your Bothan friend was the only "Alliance" member present; and the last I saw him, he left you to save his own skin after you held a lightsaber to his throat. I don't think he'll be rescuing you anytime soon. You're lucky that my paymaster wants you alive; if I had my way, I would sell you on the slave market. There's a high demand for colorful species at the moment…especially female ones"
"Who's your paymaster?" asked Ahsoka.
"You'll find out very shortly" said Astar "I've inform him of your presence and he's on his way" A door at the corner began to open. "And that should be him" Out of the shadows, IWAI stepped through. "Leave us, this is business" Ganmor and Ramali left the room. "Welcome back; I have some—"
"Are they in place?" asked IWAI.
"Well; yes, they are" replied Astar.
"Good; you have done your job well" said IWAI.
"I have something else for you" said Astar whilst pointing his walking stick at Ahsoka "We found a Jedi and decided to bring her before you" IWAI turned to Ahsoka.
"Where is her lightsaber?" asked IWAI.
"Right here" replied Astar whilst handing him Ahsoka's lightsaber.
"You have done your job well" said IWAI "You can leave now"
"Hold on just a minute!" snapped Astar "I did all this for you; I even spent time subduing this Jedi. You can't just make me do your work and expect it to free; what do I get in return?" Suddenly, IWAI grabbed him by the throat and threw him into the wall. Astar got himself up and quickly ran out of the room. IWAI turned back to Ahsoka.
Meanwhile
Leia and C-3PO followed R2 into the cantina. R2 went behind the bar.
"Hey; what are you doing?" said the bartender whilst blocking R2 off. R2 beeped impatiently.
"What's he doing?" said Leia.
"He seems convinced that Miss Ahsoka is at the back" said C-3PO. Leia stepped forward.
"Hey lady, is this your droid?" said the bartender.
"In a way, yes" said Leia "And he thinks he thinks you're holding one of our friends at the back"
"What are you talking about?" said the bartender. R2 bumped the bartender forward and went through the doorway. Leia and C-3PO followed him into the back. "Hold on; you can't just go back there without authorization!"
"We have a friend in need" said Leia.
"And your droid thinks they're back there?" said the bartender.
"He's never been wrong before" said Leia.
"And that's reason enough to come barging in here without permission and accusing me of such things?" said the bartender.
"I wasn't accusing you of anything" said Leia. R2 found a small terminal and activated it, causing a hidden door between two shelves to open up. "Well; now that's something, isn't it?" She, C-3PO, and R2 entered through the door.
"Hey, don't go back there!" snapped the bartender.
Meanwhile
"You're IWAI, aren't you?" said Ahsoka.
"That is correct" said IWAI.
"Why's Akela Astar working for you?" said Ahsoka "I thought you wanted to destroy all organic lifeforms"
"Without my legion, I will temporally have to use unconventional means to get my tasks done" said IWAI "It is fascinating what some lifeforms will do for money" He scanned Ahsoka. "Name: Ahsoka Tano. Homeworld: Shili. Species: Togruta. Gender: Female. Age…unusual; according to files, you should be 38 yet you are physically 21"
"Believe me, it's a long story" said Ahsoka.
"That part is insignificant" said IWAI "You are coming with me nonetheless"
"What do you want with me?" said Ahsoka.
"I have studied the history of this galaxy over and over, and I have realized an important factor" said IWAI "What organic lifeforms possess that droids have never is the Force. Whether they are Jedi or Sith, the Force has always given organic lifeforms an advantage. I intend to even out the playing field. Once at a secure location, I will dissect you over and over again to discover how it works, how to cancel it out, and perhaps even how to replicate it. Then I shall have the edge in this conflict"
"The Force is more than you could ever imagine" said Ahsoka.
"We shall see soon enough" said IWAI. At that moment, the door behind him opened up with Leia, C-3PO, and R2 standing in the hallway.
"Oh by the maker!" exclaimed C-3PO "What is that?" Leia pointed her blaster at IWAI.
"Let my friend go!" said Leia. IWAI turned around and scanned Leia.
"Name: Leia Organa" said IWAI "Homeworld—" Leia shot him several times to little effect. IWAI walked up to her and grabbed her by the neck.
"Oh dear!" exclaimed C-3PO. R2 quickly went over to the containment field's controls and switched it off, dropping Ahsoka down.
"You have no purpose to me" said IWAI. He charged up power in his other hand. "So you shall perish quickly" Ahsoka summoned her lightsaber from him, ignited it, and swiftly cut off the arm that was holding Leia. Leia tore herself free and got up. IWAI picked up his arm. "Even though I could destroy you in combat, I cannot afford more damage to my body at this stage" He activated a pair of jets on his back and began hovering.
"What are you planning?" said Ahsoka
"You shall see soon enough" said IWAI. He flew out of flew off out of the room. Ahsoka and Leia followed him outside and the last they saw was him flying off into the stars.
"We've got our work cut out for us" said Ahsoka.
A few minutes later
Ahsoka and Leia sat in the cockpit of the Sundered Heart in front of a hologram of Mon Mothma and Rahm Kota.
"So IWAI could have an involvement in all of this?" said Mon Mothma.
"There's no way he could've been just there at the time" said Leia "My investigation just got more complex, it seems"
"If IWAI is indeed involved, the situation could turn dangerous extremely fast" said Kota "You may need reinforcements"
"We're not allowed to bring troops in because we're on neutral ground" said Leia "However; I was able to negotiate with the chairman and we were able to come to an agreement. He will allow one starship to enter space, but only one"
"We'll make the most of it" said Mon Mothma. The hologram turned off.
"Hey; I just wanted to say thank you" said Ahsoka "I mean, I don't know many people who would stand up to IWAI like that. I certainly owe you one"
"It was nothing" said Leia with a smile "You know, it's been a long night; and from the looks of it, we'll our strength in the morning. The Clan was able to make accommodations for me, but I'm afraid it's only single. I don't think they expecting anyone else"
"It's okay" said Ahsoka "I'll sleep on the ship. Besides, someone's got to keep an eye on those two"
"Well, goodnight" said Leia.
"Goodnight" said Ahsoka. Leia turned to leave. "Hey Leia, do you mind if I ask you something?"
"What exactly?" asked Leia.
"Well…there's…there's something that Luke and I are hiding…" said Ahsoka. Leia raised an eyebrow. "Something we have to tell the Jedi about; and I kind of entrusted Luke to it but he couldn't. So then I tried telling them; but I found it difficult as well, and I didn't tell them. What should we do?" Leia walked over Ahsoka, kneeled down to eye level, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Ahsoka; whatever it is, give it time" said Leia "You just need to relax and think about calmly. When you're ready to go forward about it, you'll know" She stood up and exited. Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief, lay back in her chair, and looked up at the stars.
Author's note: If anyone is interested, I have started a poll. Should Leia know that she's adopted or not; make sure to place your votes if you wish. Anyways, till' next time.
