Mr_Toast
Chapter 2: Data Run
Hey there y'all. So as promised here is chapter 2. This story has been the most active story I've had at launch ever when is encouraging, and I wanted to get chapter 2 out somewhat quickly since I want to establish some Riyo x Ahsoka scenes before it was too long and people lose interest. This chapter is going to take place just after the episode of "Liberty of Ryloth" and this should hopefully better establish this story since it's still new. With all that said, Hope y'all enjoy!
(Disclaimer: I don't make any money for publishing this and I don't own star wars or its characters, because if I did I would retire)
Ahsoka was currently in the Jedi Council room, surrounded by Jedi Masters of the High Council, as well as her Master Anakin who was standing next to her, staring at the ground with a heavy feeling in her gut, knowing what was going to come of all this.
"Padawan Ahsoka. Do you feel that if you had obeyed Master Skywalker and Admiral Yularen that you could have reduced the number of casualties sustained in your first attack on the blockade?" Master Windu asked, wanting to hear Ahsoka's side of this incident.
"Yes, my masters," Ahsoka responded, knowing that if she had fallen back to the cruisers, she wouldn't have lost so many of her fighters.
"Then tell us, what drove you to commit this act of insubordination?" Master Windu inquired, wanting to understand the Padawan's reasoning for disobeying a direct order.
"I... I was caught up in the battle, and I let my previous victories make me feel invincible, I thought I could make it... but I didn't stop to think if my squadron could make it as well. It's my fault masters." Ahsoka answered, being honest and admitting that it was her fault that those men died.
"Masters, If I may," Anakin started. "This was Ahsoka's first time in taking command, and while it didn't go as I hoped it would, I believe that she has learned her lesson well and that because of this she will be a better leader in the future." Anakin finished, knowing that because of this incident, Ahsoka had grown stronger as a leader. Anakin watched as the Master's all exchanged looked, before return to them.
"Very well. Although I believe it best that she spend some time on coruscant here at the temple to reflect further on her actions." Master Windu added and watched as the rest of the Masters seemed to be in agreeance. Ahsoka was disheartened to hear that she was going to have to stay here as a punishment, as she knew they would probably have her watching younglings or some other boring job.
"It's settled then." Master Windu said. The doors to the chambered open behind them, and Anakin and Ahsoka stepped out and heard them close as they walked away towards the elevator.
"I'm sorry master..." Ahsoka said, feeling embarrassed that she had put Anakin in the position.
"Learn from your mistakes Ahsoka. That's all that can be done now." Anakin said.
"I know... I just... I don't know." Ahsoka said, feeling confused. Ahsoka looked up at Anakin to see that he busy messing with his comlink. The two stepped into the elevator and waited in silence as they went down until someone called Anakin on his called comlink.
"Skywalker," Anakin said.
"Sorry for the interruption Master Jedi. How'd the meeting go?" The voice on the other side of the comlink said, and Ahsoka immediately recognized it as Padmé's voice.
"She's grounded," Anakin said, looking over at Ahsoka to see that she had a humiliated look on her face.
"Well then, perhaps you could have her run that data I needed over to me sometime this afternoon that you've been meaning to deliver for some time now," Padmé said, and Ahsoka realized that now that she was grounded she would officially become Anakin's messenger and errand girl for the duration of her punishment.
"Sure thing. Perhaps you could even keep an eye on her while Obi-Wan and I conclude business on Ryloth." Anakin said, knowing that leaving his padawan in the temple all by herself was going to brew trouble. Ahsoka felt further humiliated by the fact that a close friend of hers was going to babysit her while Anakin was away.
"For part of the day, but I still do have work to complete," Padmé said.
"Well, I guess some is better than none. I'll send her over right away." Anakin said, and the call ended. "Good news snips, I found you something to do while I'm away," Anakin added and saw that she didn't look to be very convinced.
"Right. I'm stuck here doing your boring errands while you and Master Kenobi are off fighting the separatist." Ahsoka said, disliking the fact that she had to stay behind while her master got to roam free.
"I'm not the one who got my squadron killed in an act of insubordination," Anakin said, and immediately regretted saying it, as he knew it was still a touchy subject for her, and that she cared deeply about that fact that she lost those men. After not hearing anything back from her, Anakin looked down to see that she was hiding her face from him, and he sighed.
"Ahsoka I know you only meant the best for those men, and that you've learned from your mistakes. Personally, I believe that there is no punishment that I or the council can lay on you that could rival what the consciences of your actions are doing to you right now, but you must learn to accept and obey what the council says." Anakin said. Anakin admits that he doesn't always do what the council says, but there are times when they truly do know best and that it would be unwise not to listen to them.
"Yes, Master... I'm sorry I failed you..." Ahsoka said, feeling that horrid feeling she got whenever she thought about it.
"You didn't fail me snips, you showed me you had what it took to go out there it get it right the second time. I'm proud of you for your performance, and I'm hoping you will take the lessons you have learned and apply them in the future as to not make this mistake again." Anakin said, sounding unusually wise and mature compared to his normal demeanor.
"Thank you, master. Thank you for trusting, and believing in me." Ahsoka said, grateful she had someone like Anakin that stood beside her no matter what.
"That's what I'm here for Snips," Anakin said, patting her shoulder.
Ahsoka was currently making her way to the senate building for what seemed like the second time in a relatively short time with the data that Padmé needed. Ahsoka was taking a republic gunship there as it offered the quickest way to get to the senate building and since she was the only one on board, it gave her privacy while she reflected on the events that took place over Ryloth.
Ahsoka couldn't shake the feeling she got in her gut when she thought about it, and wondered how Anakin, or any Jedi Knight or Master, dealt with the feelings over losing men under their command. Ahsoka's train of thought was brought to an end when she felt the ship land and looked out to see that they had arrived at the senate building.
Ahsoka sighed, and looked down to the data chip in her hand, wondering what was on it, and hoped that while she was here, Padmé would be willing to talk to her about what had happened at Ryloth since she was once queen of Naboo and had to have lost people under her leadership. Ahsoka stepped off and saluted the pilot as she left, glad he let her hitch a ride on his way over, before walking towards the door that led to the elevators.
Unfortanley, Ahsoka wasn't able to catch an elevator by herself and was stuck with several other people, all gossiping about the war, which by the sounds of things, they didn't know much of. When the elevator doors open, they all burst out, bumping against one another as they crammed out of the small opening.
Ahsoka was the last one left in the elevator, and was relieved by this, but sighed when she heard quick footsteps approaching the elevator. Ahsoka watched as one of the guys ran into the approaching girl, causing her to stumble and fall over into the elevator, spilling an entire box of datapads and data chips on the floor.
As the elevator started to make its way up, Ahsoka kneeled down and began to help her pick them up, wondering why the other guy didn't acknowledge his mistake and help her as he should have done. Once finished, Ahsoka stood up and began to think back to Ryloth, not having been able to take it off her mind since she left the Temple.
"Thank you." The woman said, and Ahsoka immediately recognized that voice. Ahsoka looked over and saw Riyo standing there with a flustered face and out of breath.
"Senator Chuchi," Ahsoka said, feeling happy for the first time today, not really sure why she was happy to see someone she barely knew, but it probably had to do with the fact that it took her mind off Ryloth.
"A-Ahsoka... You remembered me..." Riyo said with a surprised look, almost in disbelief, not thinking that someone as important as Ahsoka would remember her.
"It's only been a week," Ahsoka said, wondering why Riyo was surprised that she was back.
"I know, I'm just surprised with everything you must be doing in this war that you remembered me," Riyo said, and saw that Ahsoka had a slight smile on her face. "What brings you back to the senate building?" Riyo asked, wondering why Ahsoka wasn't off in the galaxy with her Master, putting a stop to the separatists.
"Data run," Ahsoka replied.
"Same here," Riyo said, motioning towards the box she had just dropped. Riyo was hoping that Ahsoka would say something back as she didn't want to spend the next several minutes in silence in the elevator, and decided to try and strike some conversation herself.
"Do you normally conduct business at the Senate Building?" Riyo asked, wondering if Ahsoka normally operated within the Senate building, as this was the second time she had seen her here.
"No, the only Jedi that comes here that I'm aware of is Master Shaak Ti," Ahsoka said, looking over at Riyo and making eye contact. Ahsoka watched as Riyo broke it and looked down nervously, and was starting to realize that she was shyer than most senators she had met.
"Are you new here?" Ahsoka asked, wondering if she just hadn't built up her confidence yet.
"Yeah, I started three weeks ago," Riyo said, still trying to get used to fitting in around here and not being mistaken for an aide.
"Still much to look forward to then I suppose," Ahsoka said, trying to cheer her up. "How was your mission on Orto Plutonia?" Ahsoka asked, never having. chance to asked Anakin or Obi-Wan about it since they got back.
"Oh... It was... successful." Riyo said, not knowing how else to put it. Truth be told, she was still partly traumatized by the sight of all those dead clones and Talz, but she didn't want to get into her feelings with a Jedi.
"My Master, Anakin Skywalker, Spoke highly of your diplomatic skills. Pantora is lucky to have someone as talented as you representing them." Ahsoka said and saw that Riyo had a grateful smile on her face. The doors to the elevator opened, and Ahsoka and Riyo dodged out as everyone else shot into the small box in an uncivilized manner, pushing and pulling their way past one another as if it was a race.
"No matter how many years I serve as Senator I'm sure I won't ever get used to that," Riyo said, and Ahsoka chuckled.
"At least the Jedi Temple isn't this way," Ahsoka added, glad the Jedi were more civilized.
"Eh, working here isn't too bad, you just have to live with everyone else thinking highly of themselves," Riyo said, knowing that there were plenty of Senators who thought of themselves as gods rather than politicians.
"Sounds fun," Ahsoka said. Ahsoka saw Padmé's door in the distance and knew her talk with Riyo was about to end and was surprised at how much she was enjoying it. Normally, Ahsoka would ignore those around her in a place like this, and focus solely on the task at hand, but for some reason she was allowing herself to enjoy Riyo's company, having only just met her.
"Well, here's my stop," Ahsoka said once she reached Padmé's door. "Thanks for the chat, I enjoyed it." Ahsoka finished, before reaching out for the door handle.
"You're here to see Senator Amidala?" Riyo asked, wondering if she was also trying to speak to her or if Ahsoka was lost again.
"This is her room, right?" Ahsoka asked, hoping that she was in the right place and that Padmé's office didn't move around.
"Yes, I'm also here to see her," Riyo said with a small chuckle, wondering what the chances for something like this to happen were.
"Oh..." Ahsoka said, wondering if she was going to have to come back at some other time since it seemed like Riyo had already made an appointment with her. Ahsoka went to say something but didn't as the door opened and Ahsoka and Riyo were greeted by Padmé.
"Ahsoka. Senator Chuchi. Please, come in." Padmé said, stepping out of the doorway and allowing them to enter. The two of them entered and approached her desk, and Riyo set the box of data pads down on her desk and stretched her arms out.
"Senator Chuchi, I'm so sorry for the short notice. I wasn't informed of the meeting until this morning." Padmé said, glad to see that Riyo had brought everything she had requested.
"Of course, I'm eager to help Naboo in this matter," Riyo said, beginning to rummage through the box looking at something.
"Ahsoka, It's good to see you," Padmé said, walking over to her.
"Thanks. Anakin wanted you to have this." Ahsoka said, handing Padmé the data drive that she was given.
"Yes," Padmé said, taking the drive and quickly making her way over to her desk. Ahsoka wondered why she was in such a hurry, as well as what was on the data drive. Ahsoka was also wondering what Riyo was doing here and she had several data drives and pads. Ahsoka watched as Padmé stuck the drive into her computer and pressed several buttons to access whatever was on it.
"I knew it!" Padmé said with an angered expression on her face, startling Riyo and surprising Ahsoka.
"What is it?" Ahsoka asked, wondering what had caused Padmé's sudden outburst.
"I asked Master Skywalker to gather this data for me. I had suspicions that the separatists were using Naboo hyperspace lanes to smuggle war supplies into the mid rim. These hyperspace logs prove this. Several large ships passed through the system without the proper clearance and there is no commercial shipment signature matching these ships." Padmé said. "With this evidence, I can petition the senate to send a fleet to intercept these trespassers." Padmé finished.
"Terrible," Riyo said, knowing Naboo had rough run-ins with the separatist in the past and hoped her friend's home system wouldn't be plagued by those criminals again.
"Not the first time and probably won't be the last, but I won't let them walk over me as if I'm some helpless little politician," Padmé said with confidence and power in her voice. Ahsoka looked over and saw that Riyo looked to be in awe at how Padmé spoke about the separatists and seemed to be marveling at her bravery. "Unfortunately this data is no good without Master Skywalker to back it up, as anyone could have made it up," Padmé added, knowing that she would have to have Anakin vouch to the senate that it was original and real.
"Master Skywalker will be back on coruscant tomorrow once he finishes negotiations on Ryloth," Ahsoka said.
"Oh, of course..." Padmé said, remember that Anakin had to go back to Ryloth and that Ahsoka wasn't with him due to the incident that occurred there. "Senator Chuchi, thank you for your assistance. I'll run these over and give you my synopsis by the day's end." Padmé said, passively asking Riyo to step out.
"Of course, I must be going now." Riyo said, turning for the door. "Oh, and Ahsoka, if you'd like to stop by to talk some more I'd be happy to have you over," Riyo said, handing Ahsoka a card that had her room number on it. Riyo knew that having a friend who was in the Jedi Order could be a huge advantage when it came to certain things, not that Riyo would use Ahsoka like that, as she genuinely enjoyed the previous talk she had with her, but her friendship could prove useful.
"Certainly," Ahsoka said, bowing, and Riyo stepped out.
"Anakin told me about Ryloth," Padmé said, having a feeling that Ahsoka was still being affected by what had happened. Padmé watched as Ahsoka sighed, before falling into one of the chairs, looking slightly miserable.
"You may mock when ready," Ahsoka murmured, knowing that anyone with half a brain would have just listened to the person with the most experience in the matter rather than trying to prove something that in the long run meant nothing.
"I'm not going to ridicule you Ahsoka, I want to help you understand that these kinds of things happen in war and that you must learn and grow from these things, not let them hold you back," Padmé stated.
"I let them die. I might as well have been the one who shot them down," Ahsoka said, blaming herself entirely for their deaths.
"Ahsoka, if all you're going to do is be miserable and talk yourself down then might I be the first to suggest finding a new occupation," Padmé started, and got Ahsoka's attention. "I'm no Jedi, or general, or great leader of a nation or army, but I'm not naive enough to let myself believe that these kinds of things won't happen. It's a part of war. Anakin has lost men like this before, and while it affected him greatly, he learned to move on for the greater good, rather than ending his career and living a life of sorrow and regret." Padmé added, placing a hand on Ahsokas shoulder.
"You make it sound so easy," Ahsoka said, wondering how Padmé was expecting her to just move on as if it wasn't some big deal. Like she was supposed to forget them and pretend like it never happened.
"It's not easy, but it's necessary," Padmé explained.
"Yeah," Ahsoka whispered, knowing it was necessary, but still found herself unable to come to terms with what had happened. Perhaps it would just take time.
"You should go see Riyo. She needs a visiter and a confidences boost." Padmé said, not wanting to press the matter anymore. Ahsoka would need time to let what she had said sink it, and continuing would not help her anymore.
"She seems nice," Ahsoka said, glad for the subject change.
"Too nice, unfortunately," Padmé replied. "She still has much to learn, and due to her kindness, people will see her as weak and will walk over her," Padmé added, knowing that being nice wasn't good for when it came time to get things done.
"So in the Senate building, do you knock or just enter?" Ahsoka asked, never really sure.
"There's a buzzer." Padme chuckled, finding it funny that Ahsoka hadn't noticed yet.
"Oh... right..." Ahsoka said, standing up. "Thank you for talking to me. Anakin's not the best." Ahsoka added, grateful for Padmé's advice.
"Of course. Please reach out if you need help Ahsoka. I'd never turn you away." Padmé stated, wanting Ahsoka to know she was here to help. Ahsoka bowed to Padmé, before stepping out and making her way to Riyos room.
The elevator was just as crowded as before, and the process of getting on and getting off was the same as well. Ahsoka was able to dodge people as she walked through the hallways, using her small frame to slip between and around those who were in her way, and found herself standing before Riyo's door in no time.
Ahsoka looked down and saw what looked like a doorbell, and pressed it. Ahsoka heard the button make a buzzing noise, and the door opened. Ahsoka stepped in and saw Riyo working at her desk, and upon making eye contact, she jumped out of her chair.
"Ahsoka, you came," Riyo said, almost sounding surprised. Riyo offered Ahsoka to come by but wasn't sure if she would as they still didn't know each other very well.
"Of course," Ahsoka said, not wanting to pass up on the offer and make Riyo think she wasn't interested in her friendship.
"I've been meaning to decorate but haven't as I've been busy, so I apologize for the crudeness of my office," Riyo said, looking around and see empty shelves, open areas, and blank walls.
"No different than my room back at the temple," Ahsoka said, being used to a very basic and bland setup.
"Thanks. Well, I don't have much time, but I just wanted to... well... uh... well basically I'm new around here, and I thought that getting to know more people might help." Riyo said, not sure what to say.
"Absolutely. I'm oftentimes busy too, but if there's ever something you need the Jedi's help for, let me know and I can bump you to the top of the waitlist." Ahsoka offered and watched as Riyo's eye lit up.
"Seriously?" Riyo asked in disbelief, wondering if what Ahsoka had said was true. Riyo knew that it could be a week or months before the Jedi would respond to a senator's request for an intervention, so the fact that Ahsoka had just offered that was a huge deal.
"Sure," Ahsoka said, glad to help her out when she could. "I'll be on coruscant for a while, so if there's anything I can do while I'm here, let me know," Ahsoka added, hoping that she would have something going here so that she could escape the temple, even if it was only for a short time.
"Thank you, Ahsoka, this means so much to me," Riyo said. "Before I forget," Riyo started, reaching into her desk and pulling out her comlink. "Let me give you my frequency so I can call you," Riyo said, holding her comlink next to Ahsokas so that they would sync.
"Good call," Ahsoka said, knowing she would have forgotten to do that herself before she left. Ahsoka looked over at the clock, and saw the time, and felt a small pinch in her stomach. "Well... I should get going before someone at the temples realizes I've been gone this long." Ahsoka said, not wanting her punishment to get any worse than it already was.
"Of course, don't let me keep you here," Riyo said, not wanting to keep Ahsoka any longer than what was convenient for her.
"Thanks. If you need anything just call." Ahsoka said, bowing, and making for the door. Ahsoka stepped out and began to make her way towards the elevator, satisfied with the way that went and glad that she had made a new friend in the senate. With that, Ahsoka began to make her way back to the Temple, where she would have to spend the duration of her punishment.
And Done. Now I know this chapter was shorter than was I usually write, but I got sidetracked with work and the May 4th snuck up and I wanted to be able to post this chapter on the 4th because why not lol. The next chapter will be much longer and will revolve around one of the episodes in the clone wars, and I'm sure some of you have a good idea as to what it is. I'll try to have it out ASAP but I don't know when that will be. Thanks for reading, and May the 4th be with you.