I do not own SWTCW nor do I claim its characters. They all belong to George Lucas who has given us this great universe.

Okay, Season 5 finale... good grief it was epic. We suspected who was behind it and it came to fruition despite many protests that 'It can't possibly be her' well it was. The sadness of it all was that now the series has just said goodbye to two loved Jedi characters which hints that the end is drawing closer... which I hope not.

Well I hope Lux and Ahsoka get together now she's no longer following the Code. Anyway please enjoy. I read into the background of both characters and think I discovered that Barris had more than one reason for what she did.

It was my life. The Order had been everything to me. But now it was nothing.

My best friend did this. She opened my eyes.

I realise now that Barris was looking out for me, even if her methods were extreme. She had seen the corruption in the Jedi and wanted to save me from it. Through her actions I was shown the true side. The slightest hint of my guilt and any pressure from the Senate and the Council threw me aside.

Those cowards only cared about their precious Council, not about the hundreds of devoted Jedi who served them.

Anakin, Obi-Wan, Barris, Padme, Chuchi, and Lux; these were the few people I could depend on. Obi-Wan had stood against the Council about expelling me, Anakin had done everything possible to help me, and even saved my life by finding who really was behind it. Padme represented me, Chuchi came to support me, and Lux...

A tinge of red appears in my cheeks as I walk through the streets of Coruscant. With the Code no longer dictating my life I am free to form attachments, though I may have already done that. I have a sneaking suspicion Anakin may have done the same thing to a certain Senator.

But this freedom was only thanks to Barris. She had been a true friend and shown me that the Council cared about their position more than they did about their Order. I felt a strong sense of regret that there hadn't been another way for us to leave together.

Maybe she would escape. Or maybe...

I froze in mid-step, my mind raced with ideas, and a smile grew on my face.

Time to return the favour.

(REPUBLIC PRISON)

As I was no longer a Jedi it took some time for me to be allowed to visit her. But the clones had been very sympathetic for believing I had been responsible and escorted me to her cell.

She was held behind a ray shield with a Force blocking collar tight around her neck. After the guards left and sealed the door she raised her head.

At first her eyes were filled with surprise, then confusion, and finally warmth.

"I never imagined you would come." She whispered, "You must think I'm a monster."

I shook my head, "I could never think that of you Barris. You are like a sister to me."

"Are?" she stood up and stepped closer to the shield, " I still am?"

"I left the Order Barris." When I said those words a smile grew on her face, "You saw the truth of the Jedi. And after how they treated me I see you were right."

Her eyes started to tear, "I never wanted you to suffer Ahsoka, and I'm sorry for attacking you, but I wanted you to walk away from the Order before they got to you."

"Well you succeeded." I placed my hand against the shield, "I owe you my freedom from the Jedi Order."

Barris placed her hand opposite mine, "You saved my life Ahsoka, twice. I never wanted anything bad to happen to you. Despite what I done to you, I want you to know I was always looking out for you. That's why I was so willing to confess to save you from conviction."

The door slid open and a pair of troopers entered, "Miss Tano, I'm afraid you'll have to leave."

I turned back to Barris, "Stay strong, and remember what you did when I was locked up."

Her tear stained eyes met mine. I winked.

(PRISON COURTYARD)

As I was escorted from the prison another familiar face was arriving.

"Admiral Tarkin" I inclined my head to him.

"Ah, Miss Tano." He raised an eyebrow, "I wasn't aware civilians such as yourself visited such treacherous criminals."

"Barris was my friend long before I met you." I growled, "And I suggest that next time you accuse someone you have all evidence considered."

He glared at me for a minute until, with a sigh, he extended his hand, "I apologise."

That statement stunned me almost as much as Barris's confession, "You what?"

"I am man enough to admit I was wrong." He looked as though he was struggling to do it though, "I accused you of a crime you did not commit, and even asked for your execution. So I am formally apologising for it."

With a polite smile I shook hands with him, "Thank you Admiral."

He nodded curtly and strode away towards the prison.

At that time I didn't realise what he had intended.

(BARRIS CELL/TARKIN POV)

I stared at the young woman until she raised her head, "Admiral."

"Miss Offee," I stepped forward and smiled at her, "Your speech about the Jedi was, interesting. Did you mean it?"

"Yes."

I glanced at the collar, "It is cruel is it not? You denounce the Jedi in favour of the Republic and the Senate where all loyalty should lie and you are imprisoned for it while the Jedi remain comfortable in their Council chamber."

"What do you want Tarkin?" she glared at me with suspicion etched on her face.

"I am here with the authority to release you and offer you a rather unique position."

"You are offering me a job?" she asked incredulously, "Are you serious?"

I nodded, "You see my dear, there are those who, like you, don't trust the Jedi. A powerful army of beings that follow their own laws and not the Senate's democratically voted for ones. We want to ensure that if the Jedi ever decide to take control of the Republic by force that we are ready. I am offering you freedom and the chance to stand against the Order you so rightly moved away from."

Her eyes seemed to grow hopeful as she pondered my offer. What I was extending was genuine, the Chancellor himself had quietly informed me of this idea to begin recruiting Jedi defectors in order to assemble Republic loyalists that could stand against the Jedi if needed.

I could see the wisdom in his idea, and if it worked then his master plan would go more smoothly without the Jedi standing against him.

"Can I think about it?" the prisoner asked, her tone letting slip that she seemed reluctant.

"Of course." I smiled politely, "But remember that your trial is two days away. You don't have a lot of time."

With a nod farewell I left the cell. She would agree to the deal. I could read her like a book; she loved the Republic and despised the Jedi. Now all I had to do was convince her friend and the deal was done...

I originally planned for this to be a one shot and it will probably stay as that, but I have a feeling I could make it into more than that. I'm having conflicts between having Ahsoka free Barris from prison and they run together, but now I'm also thinking of having Barris and Ahsoka accept Tarkin's offer.

What do you think? Please review with your thoughts.