Chapter 3 - Arrival on Coruscant

DISCLAIMER: We (unfortunately) do not own Star Wars. :P

Author's Note: In which Ahsoka talks to Padme and Jar Jar, and is tested by the Council... There's only one more chapter in The Phantom Menace! ;)

~ Amina Gila

Ahsoka is sitting in the main hold of the ship, leaning back against the wall. She's given up trying to sleep a while ago. It's just not working. The reality of the situation: leaving everything she ever knew behind, is catching up with her.

She hasn't even been gone more than several hours, and she already misses her mother terribly. Her inability to sleep and the dead silence throughout the entire ship isn't helping. It feels so lonely. More than anything, she longs to have her mother here. Why could she have been freed, too? It's not fair. None of this is. She shouldn't have had to leave her behind.

Suddenly, rustling catches Ahsoka's attention. The door opens, and Padme – now dressed in the orange clothing of a handmaiden – enter. She crosses the room, turning on a recording. A small hologram flickers to life in front of her.

Thanks to her enhanced hearing, Ahsoka is able to make out the words. "They have cut off all food supplies until you return. The death toll is catastrophic. We must bow to their wishes, Your Highness. Please tell us what to do. If you can hear us, Your Highness, you must contact me."

That definitely doesn't sound good. Whatever is happening on Padme's home planet, it's clearly extremely serious. No wonder they were in such a hurry to leave.

As the recording ends, Padme turns around, her eyes falling on Ahsoka. She quietly approaches her. "Are you all right?"

Ahsoka hesitates only a moment before answering. She doesn't really want to talk about the real problem, so instead, all she says is, "It's very cold in here."

Padme takes off her jacket, draping it over the Togruta. "You're from a warm planet, Ahsoka. Too warm for my taste. Space is cold."

She nods in understanding, curling up under the makeshift blanket for warmth. "Are you okay?" she asks finally, easily able to see the concern written on the other girl's face. Besides, she doesn't want to think about Tatooine anymore. The memories are too painful.

"The queen is worried," Padme sighs, "Her people are suffering... dying. She must convince the Senate to intervene, or I'm not sure what will happen."

"So that's what the recording was," Ahsoka murmurs.

"I didn't mean to disturb you."

"You didn't. I was still awake." She sighs, still struggling with the situation that so suddenly got dumped on her. She doesn't even know what to do. "I'm not sure what's gonna happen to me."

"You miss your mother?" Padme asks after a long moment. Ahsoka nods, drawing in a shaky breath and trying her best not to cry. She's long since learned not to let anyone see, and even if Padme is her friend, it seems the impression still remains.

Padme pulls her into a tight hug for a moment.

"It'll be a long day tomorrow," Padme says finally, letting go of the Togruta. "You really should get some rest."

Ahsoka nods, disappearing back under the covers. Even so, she knows it will be a long night.

**w**

Ahsoka follows the procession off the ship onto the Coruscant landing dock. The heaviness from the previous night is mostly gone – or rather just pushed away to be dealt with later. Right now, she's excited. This will be the second planet she's ever seen, and it's the Republic's capital. The place of the Jedi Temple. When she becomes a Jedi, she'll be staying here. Plus, the Supreme Chancellor and a Senator are literally standing right there to greet them. She's never got to meet anyone important before. And Jabba most definitely does not count.

The two Jedi go in front, then her and Jar Jar. The rest of the procession stands in the back. After a brief exchange of greetings, Senator Palpatine starts to head away with Jar Jar, the Queen and her security and handmaidens. Ahsoka prepares to follow them, then stops when she realizes that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan aren't coming. She turns and gives them a questioning look.

Qui-Gon motions for her to go, and she nods dutifully, bounding after Padme

"Da Queens – a bein grossly nice, mesa tinks," remarks Jar Jar, before wiping a hand across his head, "Pitty hot!"

"I'm actually kinda cold," mutters Ahsoka. She's not used to the temperature change. The atmosphere here just feels so... different.

"Yousa planet not a place for Gungans," Jar Jar offers.

"I know," Ahsoka laughs. "You're water-creatures, aren't you? There's no water on Tatooine." She still has a hard time imagining a place where you don't have to worry about wasting water or anything, where you don't have to worry about getting blasted to nothing from being stuck outside in a storm. She's still having a hard time comprehending she isn't a slave anymore, that she's free.

"Wesa have underwater cities!" the Gungan answers enthusiastically.

"Underwater cities?!" she echoes, her eyes going wide. She knows there are water planets out there, but it's a bit too much for her to imagine.

"Yesa!"

"Whoa! On Tatooine we barely had enough water to drink!" Somehow, everything seems to lead back to that nightmare of a planet. She doesn't want to think about it at all, but really, there's not a whole lot to say. At least Ahsoka can take comfort in knowing this is Jar Jar's first time off his home planet, too.

The ride to their destination is relatively short, and the Togruta soon finds herself alone with the Gungan. The queen is talking to Senator Palpatine about the goings on, and the entire situation is starting to make Ahsoka feel extremely uncomfortable. She's been through a lot of things being from Tatooine and all, but never anything like this. Everything there was chaotic with everyone looking out for themselves, so she plainly doesn't have a clue how to act around people that are high ranking in a proper government. Ahsoka and Jar Jar stay together for a while, until it's nearing mid-afternoon.

Ahsoka doesn't know what's going to happen now but doubts that she'll be able to see Padme again after this. She's been a good friend to her in the little time they've known each other, and at the very least, she wants a chance to say goodbye. Ahsoka hasn't seen the handmaiden for a while, but her best guess is that she's with the queen. It doesn't take her long to find her way to the room she needs to be at.

"May I help you?" inquires one of the guards standing outside.

"I'm looking for the handmaiden, Padme," Ahsoka replies, fidgeting nervously as the guard repeats her request into a commlink.

"Send her in," a female voice answers from the other end.

The door slides open and Ahsoka hesitantly steps into the room. A couple handmaidens are standing in the room, but not Padme. Where could she be?

"I'd like to speak with Padme, if I could," she requests.

"I'm sorry, Ahsoka, but she's not here right now," one of them replies.

As if on cue, the queen steps in from the next room. "I've sent Padme on an errand," she tells the Togruta.

Well, now she's really feeling shy. No important person has ever actually talked to her before. "I'll be going to the Jedi Temple later today to start my training," she blurts finally, forcing back her awkwardness, "I may not see her again and I wanted to say goodbye."

"We will tell her for you. We're sure her heart goes with you," responds the queen.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm sorry to have disturbed you," Ahsoka says, bowing before she leaves the room. She can't shake the feeling of disappointment inside her, though. She just wishes she could have actually had a chance to talk to Padme one last time.

**w**

All things considered, being tested by the Jedi Council – which consists of some of the strangest creatures Ahsoka has never seen before – went better than she expected. It was surprisingly easy to name the objects that were displayed on the viewing screen. She still doesn't fully understand how all that works, but she knows she'll be finding out soon enough.

Even so, the entire thing has shaken her up. The prying eyes of the Council as they looked her over reminded her painfully of the slave auction one of her closest friends had been sold in. Her and Kitster had been standing along the side, watching as another one of their friends was ripped away into a life that could safely be expected to be far worse. She knows Jedi probably don't do things like that, but she doesn't know what they're like. She's never met one before. She'd tried to be as honest as possible while concealing her weaknesses. Whatever happens, she has to make them think she's strong. If they find a weakness in her, they won't want her. Ahsoka doesn't know what they'll do with her then, and she desperately wishes for her mother. Sharlan would make everything alright.

Nervousness and excitement are coursing through her as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are called back into the room to hear the Council's decision.

"Correct you were, Qui-Gon," murmurs Yoda.

"Her cells contain a high concentrated of midi-chlorians," agrees Windu.

"The Force is strong with her," adds Ki Adi Mundi.

"She is to be trained, then," Qui-Gon deduces, the confidence clear in his tone. The Council members exchange glances and Ahsoka tenses.

"No," Windu replies at last, "She will not be trained."

What?! Ahsoka's head snaps up, staring at them in shock. They're not going to train her? Everything she went through... leaving her mother behind on Tatooine, was it really all for nothing? No, no, it can't be. They can't do this. The Jedi were supposed to be good. They were supposed to be caring. How could they just crush her dreams like they mean nothing? Or does she really mean nothing?

"No?!" exclaims Qui-Gon incredulously as Ahsoka struggles to hold back her tears. There's no way she's going to show a weakness in front of these people. Especially not after they just denied her everything she's ever wanted. This is only thing that's been keeping her going since leaving her mother. Shock, confusion, pain, and betrayal burn through her. She just doesn't understand. She sacrificed everything for this. Why wasn't that good enough?

"She is too old," responds Windu coldly, "There is already too much anger in her."

"There's a strong possibility that she is the Chosen One. You must see it," Qui-Gon insists.

"Know this for certain, we do not. Clouded, the girl's future is. Masked by her youth," declares Yoda.

"Obi-Wan is ready to take the trials," Qui-Gon says after a moment, "I will take Ahsoka as my padawan learner as soon as he is knighted." Ahsoka glances up at him in surprise? He would seriously do that for her? The slightest bit of hope flickers in her, but she forces it back. They'd never agree.

"Ready so early, is he?" Yoda objects.

"He's headstrong, and he has much to learn about the living Force, but he is capable. There is little more he will learn from me."

"Our own Council we will keep on who is ready. More to learn, he has," insists Yoda.

"Now is not the time for this," decides Windu, "The Senate is voting for a new Supreme Chancellor. Queen Amidala is returning home which will put pressure on the Federation and could widen the confrontation."

"Events are moving fasts, too fast," declares Mundi.

"Go with the Queen to Naboo, you shall," Yoda says.

"Protect her, but do not intercede if it comes to war until we have the Senate's approval," cautions Windu.

"Young Tano's fate will be decided later," declares Yoda. Does that mean her fate is still unknown, that she might still become a Jedi? She dares not get her hopes up. Her dream was already crushed once, and their decision certainly sounded final.

"I brought Ahsoka here, she must stay in my charge. She has nowhere else to go," Qui-Gon asserts.

"She is your ward, Qui-Gon. We will not dispute that," replies Windu.

"Train her not. Take her with you, but train her not," warns Yoda, "May the Force be with you."

Qui-Gon doesn't bow as he turns and exits the room. Ahsoka doesn't know a whole lot about the customs here, but she knows that's a blatant sign of disrespect, and it's hard to believe he's willing to do all this for her, but she slowly follows him. She can't seem to bring herself to accept what just happened. Why? Why doesn't the Council want her? The worst part is now knowing that leaving her mother and Kitster behind was all for nothing. There was no reason for it. The Jedi rejected her, anyway, like almost everyone else. Is it because she was a slave? No. No. She can't think like that.

It's not long before Ahsoka finds herself on the landing platform again. The queen, along with all the others that are going with her, are boarding the shuttle. She stands next to Artoo, listening to the conversation – more like argument – between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan a short distance away.

"It is not disrespect, Master. It's the truth," Obi-Wan insists.

"From your point of view," retorts Qui-Gon.

"The girl is dangerous. They all sense it. Why can't you?" he argues. What? Ahsoka can't deny or suppress the boiling resentment growing in her. She gave that gem away for her own freedom, and to get Qui-Gon that hyperdrive. She could easily have saved it for her and her mother's own gain. But she didn't. She made a sacrifice of everything she'd known and could have had, and this is all she's getting in return? Constant rejection? And for what?

"Her fate is uncertain, but she is not dangerous. The Council will decide Ahsoka's future. That should be enough for you. Now get on board!" Qui-Gon orders firmly. Obi-Wan stalks past her, boarding the ship.

Ahsoka remembers the time her mother told her once not to get angry at someone without understanding what they're upset about, but she can't help it right now. Still, she does her best to force her anger back and not glare at him, moving forwards to Qui-Gon. If nothing else, she knows he'll make sure she's taken care of. "Why's he so upset?" she asks finally, trying her best not to glare through the empty doorway.

"The Jedi generally believe that people your age are too old to be trained. They don't always consider that it may be the will of the Force," Qui-Gon explains. So, Obi-Wan agrees with the Council then. She should have guessed. For some reason, she gets the feeling that it's not common for people to disagree with them as much as Qui-Gon does. At least she has someone here who will always watch over her.

"I may not be allowed to train you, Ahsoka," he adds, "But I want you to watch me and be mindful. Always remember, your focus determines your reality. Stay close to me and you will be safe."

**w**

Ahsoka isn't sure exactly what she was expecting Naboo to look like, but certainly nothing like this. There's so much green everywhere she looks. She's never seen so many trees or so much water in her life. If not for the situation, she'd be running around in the forest, taking in all the sights. And she's so, so glad she got to see Padme again. The handmaiden seemed very concerned about where the situation on the planet is heading, which isn't at all surprising. Ahsoka really doesn't know much about it, but it certainly doesn't sound good.

After Jar Jar had left to go check out the city, she'd overheard Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan having a conversation. She can only hope they made up after that argument they'd been having, but she can't help but feel another tinge of anger towards the younger Jedi at the memory of it. He didn't even have the decency to watch what he was saying even though he knew full well she was standing right there. At least she overheard and knows exactly what he thinks of her, she supposes.

When Jar Jar returns, he tells them that no one is there anymore, so they'd probably moved elsewhere. The group heads off through the forest, with him in the lead. At long last, they finally arrive at the place where the rest of the Gungans are gathered.

The huge fat leader in the front scowls down at them. "Jar Jar, yousa payen dis time. Who's da uss-en others?"

The queen steps to the front of the group. "I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo. I come before you in peace."

"Naboo biggen," scowls Boss Nass, "Yousa bringen de mackineeks. Dya busten uss-en omm. Yousa all bombad. Yousa all die'n, mesa tink." Dying? They're considering killing them? Ahsoka glances nervously up at Qui-Gon. He doesn't appear particularly perturbed. She takes that as a good sign. If he's not worried, she has no need to panic.

"We wish to form an alliance –" begins the queen, but is cut off as Padme steps forwards.

"Your Honor," she says. What? What is she doing?!

"Whosa dis?" wonders Boss Nass.

"I am Queen Amidala," Padme replies, "This is my decoy, my protection, my loyal bodyguard." What?! Of all surprises in the world, this was the last thing Ahsoka expected to hear. She was good friends with a queen?

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan exchange glances which the Togurta takes to mean they already knew, or at least were suspicious at to her true identity. How? She wonders, but the thought quickly fades at her own shock.

"I am sorry for the deception, but under the circumstances it has become necessary to protect myself," Padme – the real Queen Amidala apparently – continues, "Although we do not always agree, Your Honor, our two great societies have always lived in peace... until now. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. You are in hiding. My people are in camps. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever. I ask you to help us... no, I beg you to help us."

She slowly gets down on her knees in front of the Gungan leader. Noticing that everyone else is following suit, Ahsoka follows their example with a little reluctance. It's not the kind of thing people do on Tatooine, but it brings back memories of the planet, of being a slave. She forces it away. No, she's not there, there's nothing to worry about. She's here on the peacefulness of Naboo. "Our fate is in your hands," Padme asserts.

For a long moment, there's no response. Then Boss Nass shakes his head and laughs. "Yousa no tinken yousa greater den da Gungans. Mesa like dis. Maybe wesa bein friends," he decides at last. Ahsoka glances up at Qui-Gon and Padme again. It seems like it's going to work out. Maybe Padme will be able to get the assistance she needs to free her planet.