Disclaimer: Disney owns Star Wars, not me. All the characters and places (except for my OC Analise) belong to them. General trigger warning is in effect.

"aaaa"-talking out loud. "aaaa" (bold and italics)-talking through a holo or com. 'aaaaa'-inner thoughts. "aaaaa"-talking through a Bond or talking during a Force Vision. aaaa-Force Vision. "aaaa" (bold)-talking in another language. ("aaa") (bold, italics, and parenthesis)-talking through a holo or com in another language.

AN: Spring is in the air and Easter is coming really fast. It will be an odd year for those of us who celebrate Easter as many churches will not be holding in person services. The Pastor at my childhood church is not even streaming a new service this year. Instead he will be posting last year's service. But I'm a Michigander and I'm determined to make the best of this and do what I can to brighten everyone's days:)

Which is good because the inside pane in my bedroom window broke late Sunday night. But luckily once they get a new pane it will be an easy fix:)

I'm so glad that everyone enjoyed the last chapter so much. This is the arc I feel the most nervous about. Thank you to BanzEye, sasuhina gal, Jake, SpiritFighter208, and AngelElmarlienHenning for the reviews:)

-I would love to tell you, but that would be giving it away LOL

-From my point of view one of the big themes in Star Wars is family. I mean the main films are now called The Skywalker Saga. So I really wanted to show that with my stories.

-Yes the family knows about Rex and Ahsoka's relationship and the fact that the pair are betrothed. But like Anakin and Padme keeping their marriage secret from the general public, they are trying to keep their betrothal secret for the moment. Rex is a Clone and the Clones currently have no status so their relationship wouldn't be publicly recognized.

Apologies in advance, but because of one thing I changed I'm afraid this episode might seem a little off or odd. And with that being said...

The Skywalker family is heartbroken. Ahsoka is being framed for the Temple bombing, the murder of Letta Turmond, and the murders of Senate Clones. Left with no other option, Ahsoka has escaped and fled to the lower levels in a desperate attempt to prove her innocence. Her family is left with no other choice but to do the same above...

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

~Never become desperate enough to trust the untrustworthy~ To Catch A Jedi, Clone Wars Season Five

Chapter Seventy-Four: Running

"What are you doing?"

Rex barely glanced up at the doorway of his private quarters. Instead he picked up one of his blasters and peered down its barrel. The Clone Captain could feel Anakin standing there, his eyes watching him. "What does it look like I'm doing?" he asked gruffly. "I'm gonna get the hell out of here and go find Ahsoka and keep her safe..." His voice trailed off and his gaze drifted down to shoto that was laying on his bed.

She didn't have her sabers...

"And get yourself declared AWOL!" Anakin jabbed a finger at his loyal friend. "Not to mention doing so could reveal your betrothal. That's a great way to get both of tossed in jail or killed!"

"Yeah?" Rex tossed his blaster to the bed next to the sabers and spun around to face his General. "Well maybe it wouldn't be so bad if the galaxy learned that we're betrothed. I don't want to hide just how much I love her!"

"And you think I do? You don't think that I wouldn't love to be able to show just how much I love Padme? Come on Rex...I want to be out there looking for her too. She's my sister, but I can't. You're thinking with your heart. Now's the time to be thinking with your head."

"Well maybe I don't wanna..."

"Stop!" Analise shoved her way past Anakin and stood between the two men. "This is not how we're going to find Star. Rex, you know Anakin is right. There is already talk about how close the two of your. Until the Clones are granted full rights, we can't risk anything happening to you. But..." she played with the moonstone necklace around her neck, "We do need someone to be out there to helping Ahsoka." She looked back and forth between the pair. "And I already know who we can call."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ventress stared at the new bounty that had flashed across the screen of her datapad. A very familiar face was staring back at her. The client was listed as the Grand Army of the Republic and the bounty was more than enough for any hunter to retire on.

She tapped her fingers on the bar top before throwing back her drink and letting the heat burn its way down her throat. Only a fool, drunk of their rocker and living under a rock hadn't heard the news from the topside. Someone had bombed the Jedi Temple. While most of those fine beings around her had thought the Jedi had gotten what they deserved, she could sense the unrest and anger from them as the news began to break that it was a Padawan behind it all.

A Padawan who was very famous, very popular, and very much a hero.

Her com went off and Ventress tossed her empty cup onto the bar top and rose. She made her way into an empty corridor before answering. "News just reached us down here," her normal sneer and sarcastic tone was gone. "Someone wants your baby sister gone badly. Frame job?"

"That's the thinking. You know Ahsoka."

She snorted. "Not sure if that's a good thing. Kid's got a temper and that lust for fair justice and all. Thought the war would stomped that out of her by now."

"This probably will."

"You wouldn't be calling me unless something came up. You need my help?"

"Yes. We have a Council meeting in just a few minutes and Anakin's going to do the best he can to covince them that he and Rex need to lead the search, but he'll be hampered by them. I know you're busy getting information for us and creating the network, laying the ground for the next steps...but we need you to find Ahsoka and help her. Make sure she finds what she's looking for and keep the GAR off her tail as much as possible."

Not that long ago Ventress would have said no. Not unless she was getting paid a very hefty sum of credits more than the bounty was worth. But she was different now. She had friends who actually cared for her. Even that little Padawan with whom she had fought with many times in the past was now a friend that she trusted.

And the last thing she wanted for her friends was for Ahsoka to be locked up for something she knew that she didn't do.

"Don't worry. I've got this. I'll bring the little kid home."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I am sorry Master Jedi, but the facts remain. After our very intense and deep investigation, we are left with little doubt that the Clone officers that were murdered in the escape were killed by Ahsoka Tano and no else. She used a low Jedi mind trick and ordered a guard to open her cell door before cutting him down. She then proceeded to cut down five more Clones during her escape."

Thunder echoed throughout the Council Chamber as Tarkin issued his findings. Even in the flickering holo they could make out the pleased smirk. Analise latched onto Anakin's arm to keep her twin from charging at the holo even as her own anger simmered in her chest.

But the anger of the Moon was but an ember next to the raging inferno that was the anger of the Sun.

In fact there was anger bubbling in the room. Whether the Council Members personally knew Ahsoka or not, she was a shinning member of the Order. She, along with the twins were proof that young Jedi could be raised in families and remain true to the core values of the Order. Plus the public, even if they distrusted the Jedi, were in awe of the Padawan of the Hero With No Fear.

"I and the rest of the Council find your results hard to believe Admiral," Plo spoke for the Council as he leaned forward in his seat. "Little Soka would never think about, let alone commit such crimes. It goes against her very nature and everything she was taught."

"As well as the fact that Ahsoka has spent the past two to three months away from Coruscant, bouncing around the galaxy." Anakin wanted to cheer as Analise glared at the holo. "And your evidence is flimsy at best. We've seen the holo and there is no sound. How you can believe that is automatic proof of guilt is beyond me."

Tarkin snorted. "In this instance the beliefs and personal viewpoints of the Jedi Council and order are irrelevant. What you believe does not matter. We are soldiers and we deal with facts and evidence. Not superstitions and baseless ideals. We have evidence that like it or not is real. And that evidence we have points directly to the girl being guilty not just of the murders committed at the center, but also the bombing of the Temple itself. She is guilty of sedition and she will be brought to account for it." Tarkin's eyes gazed at each of the Jedi in turn. "Maybe the Togruta isn't the only Jedi whose loyalties aren't true. Tread carefully." The holo vanished without so much as a goodbye.

Anakin could feel Analise's nails digging into his arm even as she tried to help him bleed some of his anger into the Force. He wasn't sure if it working or not.

"Anakin and Analise," the Cerean Master looked up at the twins. "Was letting Ahsoka go really the only way?"

The Knights glanced at each other as they walked into the center of the room. "Yes Master Mundi," Anakin sighed heavily. "If we let Tarkin keep Ahsoka, then that would be it. No chance for us to find any proof or help her."

To his surprise he could feel Analise tense next to him. "Do members of the Council believe Tarkin's lies?" Many of the Masters sat up straighter, more so since it was the quieter of the twins who spoke up. Her eyes narrowed as she searched them.

Yoda sadly shook his head and tapped his gimer stick gently on the floor. "Played a role she might have some Jedi believe. Believe her guilt, the Council does not."

"Seriously?" Anakin was now glowering at the Council. "Ahsoka would never harm an innocent Clone. Heck the vast majority of the vod'e she works with on a regular or semi-regular basis are wrapped around her finger. She abhors murder. So she didn't murder Letta Turmond and she most certainly didn't bomb the Temple."

"But with Tarkin and seemingly even the Chancellor against her, Ahsoka has no choice but to run. This is the only way she could possibly prove she's innocent."

"Calm yourselves you must," Yoda urged the twins' gently. "In Ahsoka's innocence believe we do. Find her thought we must before Tarkin's forces do."

"But she has gone down into the lower depths. With all her skills and training Ahsoka will be hard to find. Even with the bounty on her."

"Then two teams shall we send. Master Skywalker and Master Plo Koon, go you shall with your men. Search for her you must, but time to find proof she must be given. Stay here Master Skywalker-Kenobi will to monitor efforts." The Kel Dor nodded and rose to stand by Anakin.

"Maybe it would be better if Anakin were to stay here. If you were involved it might make things worse," Mace pointed out as gently as he could.

"Master Windu, I say this with all due respect. But Ahsoka is our Padawan and our sister..."

"Which is even more reason for your brother not to go..."

"But we have to play a role and if Anakin were not search, than someone might ask some questions."

"Analise is right. Our every move right now is bring watched. It will be expected to send her Master after her. Besides Anakin is close enough that he will be able to find her as well give her the time to do any search she needs to perform."

"I worry that he is too emotional in this case that he will be able to do what he needs to be done when that time comes."

Anakin narrowed his eyes. "You don't need to worry Master Windu. When the time comes I will be able to do what needs to be done."

"Proves to us your ability to focus you must. Can you do that?" Anakin sighed again before nodding.

"Before coming here, I issued the alert for Coruscant security forces to be on the watch for her."

"Good...then now swiftly go Anakin and bring home the lost child before too late it is."

"Yes Master Yoda." Anakin bowed to the Council. Reaching over he grabbed her hand and squeezed. Let Ventress know. She needs to be prepared.

I will Sun. Just be careful and bring her home soon. Anakin let go of her hand as the thunder rumbled outside. Qui-Gon reached out his hand and Analise nearly ran over to her father, kneeling down by his side as she took his hand.

The young Knight watched the lighting outside and prayed with all her might.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"New alert just came out. Looks like the Jedi are going after her just like the GAR. Consider her armed and dangerous. All units are to be alerted at once."

"On it. You heard him you lot! Get moving!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She didn't know how far she had exactly gone. Just that the sky was the undersides of buildings. That the sounds of the storm were so dimmed that she couldn't really hear them. The rain wasn't falling on her anymore, but she was still cold.

So very cold.

Ahsoka waited for the security forces to leave before coming out from behind the pile of crates she had hidden behind. The Padawan wrapped her arms around herself, trying to stay warm and keep her head down so that no one could recognize her.

She missed Rex. She missed Anakin and Analise. She missed the warmth and love of the Temple.

She hated Tarkin and she hated whoever the real killer was. Ahsoka knew she really shouldn't hate anybody, but she felt that this one time it should be allowed.

Ahsoka waited til she had gone around a corner before turning on her com and tapping in the number. "Barriss? Barriss are you there? It's me, Ahsoka."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Alone in her small and dark room, Barriss answered her com in shock. "Thank goodness Ahsoka. I'm so glad to hear your voice. It means you're safe."

"I'm safe for now Barriss. I'm actually on the run."

"Where are you Ahsoka?"

"I'm sorry Barriss, but it's safer if I don't tell you where I am." The Mirialan Knight frowned, nearly glaring at her wrist com and silently cursed. "But I can say for sure that someone is trying to frame me for all of this."

She let herself relax, but only slightly. "If you're on the run then you shouldn't be using your Jedi communicator to call me. It's not safe. You'll need to find another way to contact me."

"I will Barriss."

"While you stay safe, I'll do some digging around here, see if I can find something to help." She didn't say anything about helping Analise. She knew that Ahsoka would just assume that she had which could help her plans.

"Thank you so much Barriss."

"Stay safe Ahsoka." Barriss watched the light on her com flicker off.

And she let herself smile.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ahsoka watched the light on her com flicker off. And she let herself sigh in relief. Hopefully if Barriss worked with Analise they could help her find some way to prove her innocence and end this whole thing.

A rasping laugh that turned into a hacking cough caught her attention. The Togruta glanced up to see a Gotal lounging on the ground and waving around a bottle as he leered at a pretty woman. What caught her eye more than his disgusting behavior was what he was wearing. He was wearing a worn out cloak with a hood. A hood with two holes already cut into it.

A perfect disguise for a young Togruta on the run.

And she did have something that he would probably want...

Ahsoka wriggled her com free from her bracer then dropped it on the ground and stomped her foot on it. It smashed beneath the heel of her boot. She strolled casually up to the drunk Gotel, half kneeling in front of him as he took a deep swig from his bottle. "Hey there buddy. Are you hungry?"

"You bbbet I am," Spots Podal declared as he waved the bottle around.

"Alright..." Ahsoka reached back into her belt pouch and pulled out a ration bar. "Then let's make a trade."

The Gotel smiled wide as soon as he saw the nearly tasteless, but very healthy ration bar. Podal set the bottle carefully down on the ground and used both hands to gingerly pick up the offered meal. He brought it to his nose to sniff before lowering and glancing at the teenager. "What exactly do you want?"

Ahsoka shrugged. "Just your cloak."

Podal frowned a bit more then quickly nodded. He allowed her to take back the ration bar just long enough for him to strip the cloak off and toss it at her. She caught it easily enough and passed the ration bar back to him. With the cloak safe in her grasp Ahsoka rose and gave Podal a friendly smile.

"Pleasure doing business with you." Podal just waved a little, already focused on inhaling the ration bar as fast as he could.

She walked away a few feet and pulled the cloak on over her head. It was slightly dirty, didn't smell the best, and she was probably going to have to take a very long shower or bath to get clean again. But she couldn't afford to be picky.

So Ahsoka brushed the dirt off and pulled the hood up over her head so that her face was in its shadows. The tips of her montrals poked through the holes. Then she stepped out into the streets and became just another faceless being in a sea of faceless beings.

At least she hoped she did.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The train station was fairly busy.

Ahsoka wasn't too surprised by that. Trains were the easiest and cheapest way to get from Point A to Point B if one didn't have easy access to a speeder or a bike. Jedi didn't travel on Coruscant's train system very often. They had no need to with a wide selection of other vehicles for their use. Had it been any other day and with no threat hanging over her head, Ahsoka would have enjoyed riding the train.

But it wasn't a normal day and there was threat hanging over her head.

She stepped onto the train and opted for grabbing a pole to cling to as her body sagged in exhaustion. She was still cold and every part of her ached. Her stomach growled and Ahsoka reached gingerly back into her pouch and broke off a piece from another ration bar. Force knew when she would be able to get more.

Ahsoka nibbled on the piece until it was gone as the train left the station and picked up speed on the way to the next. It was then that the full weight of everything, the choices she had made began to settle down upon her shoulders. She had fought Clones, run away from everyone and everything she knew. The GAR had labeled her a traitor and a killer. She was no better than Grievous now in their eyes.

All she wanted to do in that moment was go home. Home where Anakin would be waiting to take down any monsters that threatened her. Home where Analise was waiting with cuddles and her favorite treats. Home where her Captain would sneak her away from their families' watchful eyes for a stolen moment.

But she couldn't...she couldn't go back home. She couldn't be the child she wished so very much to be again. She couldn't because she needed to find out the truth. She needed to know who was the bomber, who was the killer, and they felt the need to frame her for everything.

But now that she was here, ready to search and learn; Ahsoka felt so lost and hopeless. She didn't even know where to start.

The Force poked at her in warning as they neared the next station and Ahsoka glanced up at the doors at one end. She flinched. A pair of Coruscent security guards had entered the car. She could hear their requests of "We need to see your passes please. Passes please." In response the passangers were holding out their well-maintained passes to be glanced at and nodded before putting them away.

Ahsoka bit down hard on her lower lip, wincing when she felt and tasted blood. She couldn't show them her pass because she just knew that they were searching for her.

Beneath her feet she could feel the train starting to slow and got the glimmer of an idea. The guards weren't moving too fast. If she was able to get off as soon as the doors to the train opened, they wouldn't bother going after her to see her pass and just assume that another guard or two would catch her later on.

The guards weren't known for being terrible bright.

Ahsoka moved to stand in front of the doors, making sure her hood was pulled forward to hide her face. To anyone watching it would look as though Ahsoka was in a terrible hurry. She could feel and hear the guards getting closer and closer as the train came to a screeching halt at the station.

The doors opened and Ahsoka started to step off the train...

Only to come to a stumbling halt as three more guards were right there to get on the train!

Ahsoka gasped and stepped backwards. The movement caused her hood to slip back, exposing just enough of her face. A guard called out in triumphant "It's her! It's the rogue Jedi!"

She panicked.

Without thinking Ahsoka reached out with the Force and shoved some of the guards back and out of the train. But she could just hear one calling her in.

The doors slid shut before they could get back on as the trains never stayed at a station very long. Ahsoka turned and ran. She ran into the next train car, ignoring the startled shouts and angry calls and even a few encouraging cheers. Instead she focused on the heavy breathing and stomping footfalls of the guards chasing after her.

"Stop her now!"

The Padawan's body was crying out for rest as she shoved past passangers, jumping up and over seats. But the Force urged her on, reminding Ahsoka that it was up to her. She reached up and grabbed a pole in the ceiling to swing forward. She had just enough speed and strength to let go and flip into the next car.

"Hey!" A pair of hands belong to a Siniteen. She pulled, but the man just held her tighter.

"Hey! Hey, I've got her!" he shouted back at the guards. Using all the combat training she had, Ahsoka ducked down and wiggled around so that instead of the Siniteen holding her, she was holding the Siniteen. Ahsoka yanked his arm up and back before shoving the startled man into the guards.

But one of the guards dodged and dove for Ahsoka. She let out a startled cry, using her arms to protect her throat and to keep his weight from falling on her. "Why don't you guards leave the kid alone?" the Rodian in the seat next to her demanded.

She wanted to thank him for being on her side, but thought better of it and settled for slamming her foot hard into the guard's stomach, and sending backwards. She jumped to her feet than jumped up and grabbed onto the pole. She swung out, kicking the remaining two guards in the chest at the same time before dropping down to the ground.

The guards were too dazed to get up.

Ahsoka ran to the doors and used the Force to open them. They had reached a station, but it wasn't a scheduled stop so they weren't slowing down. But she didn't have a choice.

Wrapping the Force around her, Ahsoka leapt from the moving train. Her body screamed as she hit the hard ground and rolled before coming to a stop. Slowly, slowly Ahsoka pushed herself to her feet and stood. "Can't you get off the train like a normal person? You nearly hit me you brat!" She ignored the very angry Aleena.

She had a lot more to worry about than offending someone about how she had opted to get off the train. With a sigh Ahsoka rose to her feet. Those guards were long go and have to back track, but by then she would be well-hidden and...

"Sir, over there! Look!" Ahsoka came to a halt. It took a moment for her to realize that the three guards standing a few feet away were pointing at her. It was then she realized that her hood had fallen off in the fight leaving her face completely exposed.

"Get her!"

Ahsoka wanted to hit herself for being so stupid as to not notice her hood. Instead she forced her body, already pushed so far to go further.

She ran and vaulted over the turnstile, taking some small pleasure that the police wouldn't be able to do as she and be forced to take the long way round. More time for her to get away. She weaved her way through the crowd and made for the bank of lifts that would take her down.

A lift door opened up and Ahsoka easily brushed past the waiting Rodian who was too shocked to say anything about his lift being stolen by someone who was clearly a fugitive. But then again the Rodian had long accepted such acts as a part of life and after a sigh, moved over to another lift, and pressed the call button.

Just in time as the guards arrived and began firing at the lift. Ahsoka gasped and pressed herself aganist the far wall. Their shots missed and the door closed, but the guards kept firing...

Until one wild shot slammed into the lift controls!

'Well that's not good,' Ahsoka darkly joked to herself as the lift chimed and then began to rapidly drop down. She braced herself, reaching for the Force...

Only to stop at the sound of a child whimpering. Ahsoka slowly turned her head to the left to see a young Twi'lek boy. He had braced himself as well, but he looked scared and he whimpered. She smiled and moved away from the wall. "It's okay little guy. No need to be scared. I'll get us out of here in no time..." She looked around, mind working rapidly as her gaze drifted up. "If I cut a hole in the roof that might work..."

The boy didn't seem too impressed by her plan as she leap up and used the Force to stick to the roof as she pulled her blade from her belt and switched it on. In fact he began to yell at her. "Hey! What are ya doing?" He started to carefully inch his way over to the controls as she began to cut into the roof. "You can just press the stop..."

"Don't worry! I've almost got it!" Shaking his head the boy reached out and smacked one of the buttons. Ahsoka squeaked as the lift came to screeching halt and she lost her grip on the roof, dropping to the floor.

She stared at the boy who simply gestured to the buttons. "There's an emergency stop button."

Her skin and lekku darkened in embarrassment. "Oh...I see...Well looks like I'm not on my game these days." The boy stared at her and stepped out of her way as Ahsoka turned her saber back on and began slicing through the door.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rhea Sonla was nervous. She had let her little boy take the lifts up for a quick trip to prove that he could do it on his own. But the lift he had been on had reached the top only to start plunging towards the ground and then stop. She had thought that she had even heard gunfire.

A large circle of clear metal hit the ground, its edges still a burning orange. Rhea jumped back with a gasp, covering her mouth. Then a young Togruta female landed on the ground in a crouch. Her arms holding tight to Mica. Her little boy.

The female let Mica go and she bent down to catch him. To her surprise he wasn't afraid. In fact Mica was laughing and smiling brightly as though what had happened had been a great and wonderful adventure. Carefully Rhea stood with her son in his arms, just barely glancing at her son's savior.

"Thanks for the help kid. I owe you one," Ahsoka called to him with a sad smile. She wished for a hug like the one he was getting, but it just wasn't possible right now.

Instead Ahsoka rose to her feet and glanced around. This level was dirtier, the poverty more noticeable, and the beings a little bit more shifty.

Well that was fine with her. It would be easier to hide who she was and maybe easier to find out what she needed to know.

So once more Ahsoka raised up her hood and step out into the streets.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She watched the Padawan trudge through a part of the lower level that she doubted she had ever been to before. At least on her own.

Although their circumstances were vastly different, she could understand the pain and uncertainty, the worry the young woman was going through. Even though she had made the choice, it had been choice forced upon her by men, beings who felt they knew better and drunk on their own power.

She very much hoped that she would be able to see it when it blew up in their faces.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anakin and Rex glanced at each as they clung to the bars running along the roof of the patrol transport. They had thought it was just going to be members of the 501st and Wolfpack running the search for Ahsoka. But Tarkin had raised a fit about how men who had served under her would be less likely to turn her in. So only a select few from had been allowed onto the search. The rest of the party was made up of Senate Clones.

All of whom would have very little problem with taking out Ahsoka.

"I've hard word General from the security guards on the lower levels," Rex winced as he made his report to Anakin. Not a single one of his vod'e trusted the Senate Clones. They were just different from the rest. "According to them they've spotted Commander Tano. They said that she was heading to level 1312." If any of the Senate Clones stiffened when he called Ahsoka Commander, he didn't care.

She had earned that title and no one was going to take it away from her.

"Alright Rex. Let's head there and bring her home."

And when they did, Rex doubted they would be letting her go off alone by herself for a very long time.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ahsoka leapt over a rickety fence, landing carefully on the other side to avoid the piles of garbage and bottles. There was an old fuel barrel with a fire going it so she stopped to warm herself. But she didn't stay long and her body still felt cold.

But still, she didn't exactly hurry away. The Force had started to nudge her again. As if it didn't want her to leave the area just yet. Like someone was coming, someone who could help...

Ahsoka spun around just in time to see a female in an odd helmet swing around some wires before letting go and slamming her feet into Ahsoka's chest. Ahsoka grunted as she hit the ground, sliding for a few feet before stopping. The being crouched over and a familiar pair of red lightsabers formed an X over her neck.

"You should be more careful brat," the voice still sounded so strange through the helmet's built in vocoder although she had heard it a few times before. "Your pretty little horned head has a rather large bounty riding on it." One of the lightsabers switched off and moved just enough for a finger to tap the side of the helmet, lifting it up to show her face. "And the next bounty hunter who shows up might not be so kind," the Nightsister chuckled.

"Ventress!" Ahsoka wiggled beneath her secret tutor in the ways of dirty fighting. "What do you think you're doing?" She had to force herself to look upset and angry at her former foe even though inside she was cheering and sobbing with relief.

"What do you think? Big sis got on the com to give me a call. Asked me if I could hunt down your sorry butt and help you out as best I can." Ventress winked at Ahsoka as she plucked the Padawan's lightsaber from her belt and hooked it on her own. Just in case they were eyes watching and on Coruscant there usual was. "Lucky for all of you I was between jobs at the moment."

"Guess I should feel grateful that you thought I was worth the time."

"Yes you should," Ventress was blunt as she finally stood and dragged Ahsoka to her feet. "Now play it smart brat." The insult was a nickname at this point. "Play it smart and we can figure this all out." She gently shoved Ahsoka forward, keeping on hand on her.

They both had to play it smart.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Gonna try and claim the bounty on me?" Ahsoka barked as Ventress, a hand wrapped around her upper arm guided their path to the main drag of the level. She was doing her best to keep her mood up and not feel hopeless. It helped that Ventress had given her some painkillers when they dropped by a dingy bar to talk with no one paying attention. But the painkillers were slowly starting to wear off. "Don't think the Senate would be happy to see you there. I mean you're still listed as a war criminal and a Sith."

"All the better to play my part and the Senate makes me sick anyway. Besides I wouldn't need to go all the way there. There are plenty of bondsmen around here. Hand you over to them and I keep my cover and get paid." Ventress squeezed around her arm. "Bounty hunters still get paid whether their prey is alive or not." It was a warning. The little Padawan still lead a sheltered life no matter how many battles she fought in.

So Ventress had taken it upon herself to show Ahsoka the darker side of the galaxy during their rare meetings.

"But I'm still a Jedi. No matter what they say..."

"The Jedi might still see it like that. But do you really think the Senate does? They placed that damn bounty on your head that will have every single hunter on this planet jumping at the chance to get to you."

She watched Ahsoka's shoulders slump. It was one thing to grow up knowing that the only government you knew, that was held up high as a shining beacon was corrupt and horrific. That it was, in fact no better than any other government and if you fought for it, there were going to be beings who hated you. It was another thing for that government that you protected with everything you had to turn its back on you. To declare you a traitor and feed you to the wolves.

"You're right," Ahsoka's voice was so soft that Ventress had to strain to hear it. "You're right Ventress even if I hate to admit it." She shook her head. "I wish...I wish..." The Nightsister could hear the tears in Ahsoka's voice that she was fighting to keep inside. She squeezed Ahsoka's arm again, this time gentle.

Ventress knew what Ahsoka wishing for. And even though she would have gagged not so long ago at the very thought, she wanted more than anything for Ahsoka's wishes to come true.

But the moment past and she watched the Jedi square her shoulders. "Alright then. I can do this and I will be glad of your help." Ventress pressed the button that lifted her helmet up. She bent close over Ahsoka's shoulder.

"You think it's another Jedi?"

"Yes...and I'm wondering if they might be Dooku's newest apprentice. It would explain why I'm getting framed for the bombing of the Temple and the murders after." Ventress frowned. It sounded good, but it wasn't Dooku's style.

"Maybe, but it might be just a rogue Jedi acting out." She shook her head roughly as Ahsoka opened her mouth. "You have to face facts sooner or later that not all Jedi are on the same path as you. Look at my own Master as an example." Her own Master, left by the Jedi on a war torn world and murdered. Ventress pulled Ahsoka's saber from her belt and handed it to the Padawan. "Just remember what I told you."

"I will," but Ahsoka's voice clearly said she didn't agree with Ventress' idea.

The Nightsister shrugged before glancing up and narrowing her eyes. "I suggest we move along. We're going to have company..."

Star! Ahsoka's head jerked up and her eyes went wide at the sound of her brother's voice. A pair of pair transports were descending quickly down the shaft that lead up to the upper levels. To home. "Over there men! Shine a light!" Ventress and Ahsoka both winced, shielding their eyes as the ships' bright lights were suddenly shinning down upon them. I need you and Ventress to run...

"Stay right there girl!" an unfamiliar Clone voice boomed over the ship's loudspeaker. Ahsoka could feel her brother's worry as he leapt from the ship onto the landing pad below. Ventress grabbed Ahsoka's arm, pulling the teen back they way they had come through the archway. The Nightsister reached over and slapped a button on a control panel. A ray shield switched on, blocking off their escape route.

Anakin came to a sliding halt and watched as the pair kept going...but Ahsoka stopped and turned around. Even in the light he could see the fear, the hurt, the determination in her eyes. He could sense that she was fighting hard to keep from running back to him and just giving up because it hurt too much to be away from her family.

No Star, he ordered her over their Bond. We need to see this through. You need to see this through. Stay with Ventress and stay on the run for as long as you can. He saw Ahsoka's eyes close for a minute as he reached out and squeezed her Force Signature with his own. The Force is with you little one and we love you.

Ventress came up behind his baby sister and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. His relationship with Ventress was tense, they had tried a few times to kill each other, but in that moment he was grateful to her. Grateful that Ventress was there for her when neither he nor Analise could be. He trusted that secret Jedi agent would help her navigate the maze she had placed herself in.

Anakin nodded to Ventress who nodded back. The woman urged Ahsoka onward.

Her brother sighed and turned. He still had a part to play. "Send the probe droids after them now! We need to find them."

I love you all too Sun. I'll be home soon. I promise.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The street where the holobooth was located was the dingiest, filthiest, smelliest one that Ahsoka had ever seen. But it was empty, the citizens that lived there opting to spend most of their time at home or at the bars when they weren't earning what living they could.

"Sure is a nice place you've got here," Ahsoka tried to joke as they reached the holobooth which was mostly in one piece which meant that it still worked. Ventress rolled her eyes.

"You should know by now that not everyone is able to live in a beautiful Temple." It was a soft jab, a reminded that Coruscant was not the simmering beacon that Ahsoka childishly still wanted it to be. The further you went down and inside, the more twisted and darker the planet became. Much like the leaders that flocked there to guide the galaxy.

"Guess I should get use to that huh?"

"No more jokes," Ventress tapped the side of the holobooth. "Make your call." She strode a few feet away to act as lookout. Ahsoka ducked down and grinned. The wires were exposed. Ventress watch almost amused as the Padawan dropped down to one knee and began to rearrange the wires making the electricity crackle and pop. "Adding onto your criminal record I see."

"I'm just making it so that they can't track us."

"Yeah...I think Analise might want to take a closer look at what all those men are teaching you."

Ahsoka rolled her eyes as she switched on the holobooth and tapped in the number. "Haha...very funny." The screen flickered and the terminal beeped as the call went through. "Hey Barriss. It's Ahsoka."

"Oh Ahsoka it's so good to see you. I was so worried. Are you alright?"

"As well as can be expected considering there's a bounty on my head and Anakin's been force to come after me with about a hundred Clones."

"What? You were almost caught? Where are you?" There was something off in the second girl's voice. To Ventress it sounded like her concern was fake. That she was almost disappointed that Ahsoka was still on the run.

"Just once or twice, but I was able to get away okay. And I wish I could tell you where I am, but it's not safe."

"That's good. Listen, I think I've found a clue that might help you."

"Really? How? Where?"

"First I need to know where you are?" The Force nudged Ahsoka slightly and she could tell without looking that Ventress' hackles were up. But Ahsoka brushed it to the side. This was Barriss after all.

"Alright...I'm currently on level 1312."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"(Suspect has been found. Currently on level 1312, at holobooth on 12th and G)." Wolffe wanted to curse out loud, but he couldn't because of the Senate Clones he was with. Plus there was no way he could alert the little Commander because they couldn't risk her com being traced if she still had it with her.

Wolffe hated what he had to do, but he had no choice in the matter.

"This is Commander Wolffe. Commander Tano-Skywalker has been located at a holobooth at the the corner of 12th and G."

Wolffe hoped she would be able to get away.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So if you head three levels up it looks like there's an abandoned warehouse. According to the information I found it was used to house munitions and Letta went there at the time she was getting access to the nano-droids that were used in the bombing."

"That's great info Barriss. How were you able to find all that?"

"Just by doing some checking around like I said I would. Just be careful please Ahsoka."

"Don't worry Barriss. I will."

Barriss let the connection and her mask drop. She had figured on the Clones being inept and the Jedi sent to search for Ahsoka being unwilling to do so. But she hadn't exactly counted on Ahsoka's determination to prove her innocence. She had thought for sure that the Padawan would have given up the quest because of how attached she was to her so-called family and that Clone.

Which meant that she now had to give things a little push.

The sacrifice would be worth it in the end. Barriss knew it.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So good news?" Ahsoka nodded.

"Barriss might have found a lead."

Ventress narrowed her eyes. "Did she say how she got the information? If anyone helped her?"

"No," Ahsoka shook her head. "No, I think she's worried about getting caught. But I trust Barriss and I think the info is good. She said she found an munitions warehouse that's been abandoned on 1315. If we head there, I'm pretty sure that we'll be able to find the information I need to prove my innocence there." Ahsoka watched as Ventress narrowed her eyes in thought for a moment. "Wait...you know the place I'm talking about?"

"Yes and I can get you there." Ventress wondered if she should tell Ahsoka what she had felt during the call with Barriss. That she thought that Barriss wasn't the person Ahsoka thought she was, but then she heard it.

Footsteps marching rapidly to their position.

Ahsoka's body went still and Ventress cursed as Senate Clones appeared in front of them, blasters raised. And Ventress doubted that all of them were set to stun. As she passed in front of Ahsoka, she heard the teen gasped and looked to see baby blue eyes fastened on a Clone in white and grey armor.

"Wolffe..." she whispered and went to step forward, but he quickly shook his head. Ventress glared at the Clone as Ahsoka's head dropped and she stepped back, raising her hands up. The Padawan gathered her strength, her courage, her determination. "All of you listen to me. I don't want to fight any of you."

"Well I do," Ventress declared as her helmet flipped back down over her face. "I would love to take a few Senate dogs!" She slipped easily into a fighting stance.

"Sorry, but we're taking you in now Commander. We've got no choice." For a moment Wolffe's words sent Ahsoka's heart plummeting to the ground and shattering into pieces. Had they given up? Had they been forced to leave her behind? Had they...

Ahsoka shook her head as what Wolffe called her sank in. He called her Commander which meant that he believed that she wasn't guilty. That he believed in her. 'And my family does too,' she reminded herself.

"Trust me Wolffe, that's not going to happen. I'm not going to hurt any of you...I mean we're not going to hurt any of you." Beneath her helmet Ventress shook her head, but kept quiet. Ahsoka was so much like Analise sometimes that she wanted to pick up the pair and shake them. "But there is no way you're taking me in!"

At her words every Clone save Wolffe brought their blasters up higher, fingers on the triggers. "We're taking you in now Commander..." Wolffe gave a very slight nod of his head. Ventress laughed and switched on her blades.

"Well then...time to play!" The Nightsister leapt forward, spinning her lightsabers around to push back the Clones who were suddenly shouting. Ahsoka half-turned.

"Don't hurt them Ventress," she pleaded...

Then yelped as a Senate Clone reached out and grabbed her by her shoulder so hard she could feel it bruising.

Ahsoka twisted and slammed her foot into the man's stomach. He fell back with a grunt and she jumped forward. A Clone was barely able to shout "Look out!" before Ahsoka's elbow jammed into his neck. Twisting she punched another Clone in his helmet before spinning and jabbing her elbow into the chest of another. She put so much force into each of her blows that they all went down, gasping for air.

She spun-kicked another Clone in the head and paused to watch Ventress. In the past, in the old days that sometimes now felt like a dream she would have been happily plunging her lightsabers into the Clones' chests or cutting off limbs. But her blood-lust had faded and killing Clones no longer brought her the enjoyment it once had. So now Ventress used her sabers to slice off the ends of the Clones' blasters making them useless. She then threw herself right in the middle of them, switching of her lightsabers as she threw herself at them, punching and kicking and jabbing.

"Wow..." Ahsoka whispered to herself. "I might need to brush up on my street fighting..." The Force cried out in warning and reaching back Ahsoka grabbed a Clone and tossed him over her shoulder. She then started to copy Ventress, adding in what she had been taught. Punching, kicking, knocking legs out.

Ventress growled as Wolffe came up and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the ground. Her legs began to kick...and Wolffe turned them so that her kicks would take out a Senate Clone. He turned again and she took out another. "Listen witch," he pretended to struggle under her weight, setting her down. "I don't trust you, but you're helping Soka so that means something. I need to let the Generals know what's going on so you two need to get going. Now...do it!"

For a moment she was shocked and couldn't think, but then her brain started working again. Ventress threw her head back and slammed it into Wolffe's. She ignored the ringing in her ears as his grip loosened and allowed her to turn to face him. Ventress grabbed him, half turned, and used all her strength to throw him into a pillar. Wolffe grunted and let himself slid to the ground.

She dusted herself up and rose to see Ahsoka finishing the last of her Clones by delivering a sharp chop to his midsection that sent him stumbling back into a speeder. With a smirk she flipped up her helmet and took in the groaning Clones. Some of which were slowly starting to get to their feet. "Look at that. We didn't hurt a single one." The smirk vanished. "Now we need to get going."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

He very deliberately did not look behind him to see where they were running. He knew it wouldn't matter because one of the Senate Clones would be watching them and report it. Instead Wolffe tapped on his com. "General Plo Koon, this is Wolffe. We found Commander Tano-Skywalker. She is with Ventress. The pair were able to escape."

And he hoped they had gotten enough of a head-start.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"That's it," Ventress said as they approached a hulking, dark structure that appeared to glow yellow and orange in the light. It seemed rickety, like one good gust of wind would blow the whole structure over. Though all the buildings around it looked to be the same. Ahsoka glanced over at Ventress and it was clear that the older woman wasn't at all impress. "And this is where you're suppose to find this clue that will help you."

"Yes..." Ahsoka couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. She really did trust Barriss, but something just felt off as they approached the building. "Umm...can you go call Analise?" At Ventress' look Ahsoka shrugged her shoulders. "I just feel like we should probably let someone know about this and Analise can always double-check the info. If you do that I can go and take a look around."

The Nightsister frowned before slowly nodding. "I'll have to find a spot to get a clear signal, but I'll try not to go too far." She gave the teenager a stern look. "You don't leave this building and stay safe."

Ahsoka smirked. "If I didn't know any better, I would say you actually care Ventress." Her old foe smirked.

"You wish." The smirk vanished. "I was being serious Ahsoka. You stay here..." With a slight wave Ventress sauntered off to find a place to make the call.

But then she paused and turned a little to watch as Ahsoka started to head into the warehouse.

And she began to worry.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The worry hadn't left her as she made her way down the streets to a spot that she knew would allow her to make a call to Analise. Ventress wrapped her arms around herself, barely paying attention to her surroundings, deep in thought. She wasn't feeling good about leaving Ahsoka on her own, but knew that she needed to call her friend.

Ventress nearly jumped and cursed as the clattering of cans and bottles startled her from her thoughts. She turned, hand on her saber as a shadow appeared. A shadow with a pair of montrals. Ventress narrowed her eyes. "I thought you were going to stay at the warehouse and look around..." There was no answer and the shadow on the wall grew smaller and smaller. Finally a mewing tooka came around the corner. When it saw her, it let out a hissing yowl before turning and darting away.

She sighed, shaking her head, and relaxing her grip. Maybe after this she would ask Analise for a nice, relaxing, deep cover mission or something. She was getting jumpy staying on Coruscant.

Suddenly the Force shouted in her ear just a fuel barrel flew through the air and slammed into her body! Ventress grunted, not allowing herself more as she hit the ground. Her helmet flew off which allowed her head to hit the ground. She groaned, head ringing as she rubbed it and half set up.

Ventress could hear the footsteps as someone came up behind her. Then the sound of metal scraping on pavement. Shaking her head to clear her vision, Ventress' eyes grew wide as she took in the figure looming over her with a rusty metal pipe. "You..." she hissed.

The pipe came flying downwards and slammed into the side of her head. Ventress cried out and collapsed back onto the ground. Her attacked bent down and took her lightsabers before stepped away. They stooped down and grabbed her helmet.

'Ahsoka...' Everything faded to black.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Force was urging her on as she crept through the warehouse, but it was doing so oddly. It was telling her that she would find what she was looking for, but at the same time it was hinting of danger. Ahsoka shook her head. 'How am I suppose to actually find anything when I don't even know what I'm looking for?' The random piles of crates, containers, and junk certainly were helping as they turned the warehouse into a bigger maze.

She reached out to touch a container...

And the Force screamed!

Ahsoka turned around and brought her lightsaber up just in time to block a very familiar pair of red lightsabers. The glow of the three sabers lit up a very familiar mask. "Ventress?" she gasped. But it wasn't Ventress. It was someone else. Another female that felt familiar but...

The attacker pressed forward and Ahsoka grunted in pain as she bent backwards over a container hard, nearly letting go of her saber. But when the being pulled back she was able to duck down and slide on the ground. The Padawan popped back up on the other side and the being pressed the attack. Ahsoka had not fought in a long time with just one saber. She had grown use to having her shoto in her left hand. She was finding hard to attack and just managed to keep her guard up.

She needing breathing room.

Ahsoka's leg lashed out and she kicked the other female in the stomach. Her kicks had always been strong and her attacker was shoved back a few feet. She rose and glared at the being. "I know you're not Ventress! Who are you? What do you want?" The figure didn't answer. Instead she used the Force to pull down a loose piece of durasteel siding.

Ahsoka jumped back out of the way, coughing as dust filled the air and her lungs. She waved it away from her eyes in time to see her attacker scaling some scaffolding.

Ahsoka darted across the warehouse and began her own scrambling climb. At the top she leapt from the scaffolding to second level. She slowly turned around, but her attacker was no where in sight. Instead all she saw were more crates and containers. Leftover stock from when the warehouse was shut down.

"Why are you here?" she yelled and her voice echoed around her. "How did you find me?" Ahsoka jumped back a little as some old pipes slide across the floor. Every inch of her body was tense and ready to jump, ready to fight. The Force was telling her that here was the attacker, the mastermind.

It shouted and she spun around, again just getting her lightsaber up in time to black the other female's blow. She swung out with her saber, but the woman flipped to the side, swinging her stolen blades with a flourish before being them down in hammering blows. Ahsoka found herself once more on defense, just getting her saber up to protect herself even as she moved back away.

Her attacker felt smug, like they were finally getting a chance to best her in combat which didn't make any sense. At the same time each move was careful, as though she didn't want to hurt or kill Ahsoka.

She spun into a kick and Ahsoka flew backwards into a tower of crates. The teen groaned, her lightsaber switching off as a knee hit the ground.

Her body cried out in protest as she held a hand to her ribs. It felt like one or more had cracked or even been broken. She was choking on dust, just able to catch her breath. As Ahsoka rose up, her knees began to throb and shake. But she couldn't stop...she couldn't quit. So Ahsoka gathered up her pain, her tiredness and shoved it all into the Force. Even as her body still shook, she glared at her attacker...

Who turned and went up more scaffolding!

Ahsoka started to follow and found herself flatting her body as old fuel barrels were dropped down upon her. They hit her her head, her arms, her legs. Ahsoka wanted to scream, to just give up. But she didn't. She pulled more of the Force into her as soon as the last barrels had dropped, and darted up the scaffolding to the next level.

There she launched herself at the female. Her single saber was a blur of silver-gold as she went on the attack. But every one of her blows was easily blocked by her attacker. Ahsoka yelled in frustration and drove her saber forward...only for the other woman to spin out of the way and for her saber to dig deep into a pillar instead.

Ahsoka yanked it free and resumed her attacks on the female who simply spun, jumped, or blocked each of her attacks. Even though she was moving back, Ahsoka knew that she still had control. It was like she was being led...

"ARGH!" she screamed as burning hot steam poured from the fuel barrels the attacker had sliced through. She wiped at her face frantically, clearing her eyes just in time to jump out of the way of more fuel barrels. They slammed into the ones that had been sliced open, the fuel leaking and heated.

Ahsoka's eyes widened in horror as she saw sparks flying from the barrels scraping the floor lighting the growing pool of fuel on fire. She leapt for cover behind a sheet of propped-up metal...

BOOM!

And Ahsoka went flying.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Attention! Attention! Calling all units! Reporting signs of suspicious activity on level 1315. Looks to be an explosion. Calling all units!"

Rex looked at Anakin and knew his General had that same sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach.

'Ka'rta...'

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The first thing she felt was the heat. Then the metal sheet being removed from where it lay on top of her. Then Ahsoka felt a pair of hands that felt familiar to her grabbing her by her shoulders. They lifted her into the air and threw her into the wall.

'Can't...give...up...' Ahsoka told herself as her knee hit the ground. She made herself stand even as her legs could barely hold her weight. Her saber slipped in her grip and she glanced down wondering where the blood had come from as she turned it on. Shaking her head, Ahsoka focused on the future who stalked towards her and threw out her hands.

Ahsoka felt the sharp, stabbing ice of the Force made ill by Darkness as she was shoved back into more barrels. She fell to the floor and her saber rolled out of her hands, switching off, and then rolling off the side of the floor. Ahsoka watched, tears now starting to fall from the pain and fear that she was trying so hard not to give into.

She shoved herself to her feet and slipping into a combat stance. Ahsoka braced herself as she swung her leg around in a kick...

But the attacked dodged. She grabbed Ahsoka's outstretched arm, turned, and elbowed her in the chest. She gasped for air as the attacker let go before jumping up in the air and spinning, her foot slamming into the Padawan's stomach so hard that Ahsoka flew and landed on the unstable floor.

It gave way and Ahsoka cried out as she fell fast, breaking another floor before finally landing hard on the bottom. She half-rose on shaking arms, her whole body screaming at her to stop. Shaking her head, Ahsoka glanced at the crates around and her eye markings rose in shock. "These...they're full of nano-droids!"

Glancing up she saw her attacker peering down at her before turning and running away. The sound of heavy booted feet told her why.

Even as every inch of her body protested, Ahsoka turned. Wolffe was coming towards her with Senate Clones, their blasters pointed at her. Ahsoka raised her bleeding hands, brushing against her face. It was wet and she realized she was crying. Crying because she had found the proof, but knowing now that finding it was only the beginning.

"Wolffe, please!" she pleaded. "Just give a chance to explain and..." Out of the corner of her eye she saw a Clone in red and white fire. As the shot hit her and she fell to the ground, she was grateful that it was just a stun bolt.

Then she let herself go into the peaceful, numbing black.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As soon as they heard the shot, they ran.

But they were too late.

Rex stood back with Plo as Anakin jogged forward to check on his baby sister. She looked as small as she had when she had arrived on Christophsis, laying there so still with her only her chest moving. Her skin was covered with bruises and cuts and burns. Dirt was smeared on her skin, over her markings.

Anakin could see the paths of her tears.

He reached out to touch her so gently because he was afraid that she would break if he put any weight into it. Her forced slumber was in a way a blessing for it meant that she was in no pain. Anakin stroked her wrist, knowing that they had to get her back to the Temple.

"Look at this!" Fox blurted out. Anakin glanced up to see the Clone holding a small, bright orange container. "These are the same explosive nano-droids that were used to blow up the Temple." There was almost a note of satisfaction in his voice.

"Which doesn't prove Ahsoka did it," Plo commented gentle but firm. "Now we need to go."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

On the ship Rex held Ahsoka tight to his chest, choosing to ignore the cuffs that Fox had placed on her already injured wrists. He had wanted to force the still unconscious Padawan to stand, her cuffs attached to the poles overhead, but Anakin had said no and Plo had backed him up. In fact Fox and the other Senate Clones weren't even allowed on the ship with them.

Rex was grateful cause all he wanted to do was punch Fox.

"Returning with Ahsoka you are?"

"Yes Master Yoda." Rex looked up from his Soka to focus on the report being given to Mace and Yoda.

"Fight at all did she?"

"No. Commander Fox was the one who subdued her though there was little need. He reacted because she was found near crates of explosive nano-droids..."

"Which proves nothing as I said," his General cut into the conversation. "Also Ventress wasn't with her. That's troubling because I know Analise sent Ventress to help and we saw her with her." Anakin shook his head. "Masters there is a lot more to this than we think..."

"And it revolves around Ahsoka," Mace pointed out as he leaned forward in his chair. "Whoever did this seems to not only hate us, but also dislikes your sister."

"It will require further investigation."

Anakin nodded. "I agree with Master Plo. We need to dig deeper and see just how far this goes." He glanced back at Ahsoka, releasing his feelings of unease and dislike at how close Rex was holding Ahsoka. He really needed to lighten up on being the protective big brother, but it was hard. "We're on our way back to the Temple with Ahsoka. She's been banged up pretty bad so we're going to head straight to medical."

"We'll hold off on letting Tarkin know that we have her for as long as we can, but Fox and his men will have probably already made their reports. We can only pray now that we will be allowed to keep her with us."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Translations

ka'rta: heart or soul

vod'e: brothers, sisters, comrades