As it turned out, piloting the crashing remains of a Providence-Class Separatist Dreadnought so that it didn't crush a large civilian sector of Coruscant was not an easy task, even for Anakin Skywalker!
Upon splitting in two, thanks to the constant bombardment the dreadnought had been suffering from Yularen and his ships, the front half, the section containing the bridge, had indeed been slowly pulled towards Coruscant's surface. Without any engines to direct them, there had been nothing anyone could do to prevent the crash.
Luckily for them they had Artoo and Ar-Seven with them.
It had been a trial and a half, involving lots of shouting as things exploded around them, as well as careful positioning of what remained of the ship itself, but somehow, they had done it.
Anakin had, in his own way, 'landed' the burning remains of the front half of the 'Invisible Hand' on the runway on Coruscant's surface, with the only real casualties being a single traffic control tower. Ahsoka hoped that everyone had been able to get out of there in time!
The crash itself had been an experience as well, a painful one at that. Despite her armoured form, upon crashing Ahsoka had found herself flung forward from the seat she had been in, crashing to the floor with considerable force.
Nothing was broken, thankfully, but she was certain she'd feel it in the morning.
Despite both her and Anakin's bruised state however, she still had a rather colossal sized bone to pick with him.
"What the kriff did you do to my lightsaber?!" Ahsoka exclaimed as she saw him turning the hilt around in his hand. The emitter was practically gone, reduced to molten slag, a clear sign of Grievous' success.
"I know I know… I'm sorry. I'll fix it… I swear!"
"You better! Or I'll skewer you with a rusty bit of metal! Oh.. and I'm holding your lightsaber hostage till I get mine back!"
"Hey! You can't do that!"
"Oh yes I can! As the Chancellor's personal agent, I outrank you, Skyguy!"
"You're no fun anymore Snips!"
"Must you two argue like this? I've had a very trying day!"
Palpatine's soft, despondent voice snapped both Anakin and Ahsoka out of their banter. Glancing across the interior of the shuttle that had come to pick the three of them up from the burning wreckage of the 'Invisible Hand', Ahsoka saw the Chancellor with his head in his hands. She could feel slow steady pulses of pain radiating off of the man, a clear sign he had a headache.
Thankfully, that had been the extent of the Chancellor's injuries, for which Ahsoka was grateful. The last thing the Republic needed was Palpatine in a hospital for an extended period of time.
"Sorry, Your Excellency." Ahsoka replied as she lowered her head in shame, displeased that she had upset him. It was hard not to get carried away when Anakin was involved, especially when he had done something as heinous as gotten her lightsaber damaged!
"It's no worry my dear. I think I just need to get back home for a nice nap. Being kidnapped is more strenuous than I thought." The Chancellor replied, adding a touch of humour to the end of his statement, something that earned a huff of laughter from Anakin.
"At least you weren't tortured."
"Very true my boy, very true. And despite the chaos of today some good has come from this. General Grievous will think twice before launching another offensive on Coruscant, especially without Count Dooku to support him. This is truly a great day for the Republic, and we have the both of you to thank for it."
"We were just doing our duty, Chancellor." Anakin replied humbly as he attached the damaged hilt of Ahsoka's lightsaber to his belt. Clearly he was fully intending on repairing it as he had said. Anakin was an expert in machinery after all. If anyone could fix her saber, it was him.
Deciding that it was pointless to hold a grudge, Ahsoka reached down to her own waist and removed Anakin's hilt, before vaulting it through the air to him.
Anakin caught the hilt in his cybernetic hand.
"I thought you were keeping this for the time being?"
"Nah, it's fine. Besides, you might need it if you get in trouble."
Ahsoka didn't miss the playful roll of Anakin's eyes, and stuck her tongue out at him in response. She could be immature too.
The remainder of the shuttle ride was peaceful, despite the way the day had gone thus far. Ahsoka wasn't exactly sure what time it was on that part of Coruscant, but that didn't matter right now. There were plenty of hours in the day after all, hours which she would hopefully get to use to relax.
Glancing out of the window of the shuttle, Ahsoka began to recognize the surrounding towers of Coruscant. Much of the more prestigious sections of the planet seemed to be in fine shape, despite the earlier invasion. Ahsoka knew however that other parts of the planet were not, judging by what she had seen from orbit.
Entire regions had been on fire, and whilst the damage in the current sector looked minimal, even non-existent, Ahsoka knew the same could not be said for elsewhere. No doubt many people had lost either their homes or workplaces today. Ahsoka didn't even want to think about the death toll.
Still, the invasion had been pushed back. That was something. And as Palpatine had said, with Dooku gone, the Separatists were now considerably weaker.
Dooku! The Sith's name reminded her of something.
Reaching into the pouch on her waist, Ahsoka gently extracted the small injector containing the Count's blood sample, as well as his Force sensitivity.
Everything that had ever made up Count Dooku was in her hands, and she knew exactly what to do with it… assuming she was allowed of course.
The gentle feeling of the shuttle settling down on solid ground, as well as the sudden presence of several figures, Jedi included, on the edge of her mind alerted her that they had arrived at the Senate building.
Rising from her seat along with Anakin and Palpatine, she began to follow the two men towards the exit, Artoo and Ar-Seven following behind her, beeping to one another about the day's events.
"Thank you once again for your timely rescue my boy. I have never been more proud to call you my friend."
"Thank you, Your Excellency."
"Come and see me later when you are settled in. I have something I wish to discuss with you."
"Of course Chancellor."
"Good. Ah, a welcoming committee. How 'wonderful'."
Ahsoka hadn't meant to listen in to the discussion between the two men, but it had been hard not to. Still, she wouldn't intrude. After all, Anakin and the Chancellor were good friends, and she trusted both of them implicitly.
Stepping down the exit ramp, Ahsoka basked in the sunshine of Coruscant. It was relaxing on her face, especially after the conflict in orbit.
Glancing towards the assembled crowd that was present to greet the Chancellor, Ahsoka spotted several familiar faces.
Master Windu, along with Master Yoda stood at the front of the crowd, alongside Senator Bail Organa. Behind them was a collection of other Republic Senators, all of whom looked relieved to see the Chancellor back in one piece.
She doubted any of them would thank either her or Anakin for it though.
'Bit bitter of you.' Ahsoka's mind whispered to her.
Ahsoka didn't care. The only person's opinion that mattered was Palpatine's, and he had already thanked her earlier. That was enough for her.
Taking a deep breath, she began to move towards the crowd, providing security for the Chancellor in the process as he greeted Bail and Windu.
"Chancellor Palpatine. I am pleased to see you in one piece." Windu spoke, keeping his tone professional. It was almost as if he had only said what he had said for the sake of pleasantries. Perhaps Windu wasn't actually happy to see Palpatine in one piece?
"Thank you Master Windu. Without the Jedi I would not be standing here today." Palpatine replied as he gestured behind him to both Ahsoka and Anakin, who bowed in response to the Chancellor's complement.
"Indeed Chancellor. Now please, if you will. Allow me to escort you to your apartment."
"I will take you up on that offer, Master Windu. Lead on." The Chancellor replied before turning back to face his two saviours, a warm look on his face. "My friends, once more you have my eternal gratitude. Take the rest of the day off Agent Tano, you have certainly earned it. Likewise to you, Anakin."
And with that, Palpatine pivoted on his heels and began to leave, with Windu and the congregation of Republic Senators following beside him, already deep in conversation.
It was then that Ahsoka realized that one of Windu's party had not left with the rest of them, and was currently staring up at her from his place on the ground.
"In full retreat, the Separatist fleet is. Defended Coruscant, we have." Yoda spoke, his tone grim despite the victory. Through the Force Ahsoka could feel the old Jedi Master lamenting on those that had been lost in the battle.
Something else then occurred to Ahsoka. Dooku.
Dooku was dead… and he had once been Yoda's Padawan. Had the Grand Master felt his death in the Force?
"Master Yoda, there is something I should tell you." Anakin spoke first, his own signature in the Force concerned. Ahsoka could tell he was having similar thoughts to her.
"Hmm? What is that, Skywalker?"
Anakin glanced over at Ahsoka first, as if he was asking for her opinion.
Ahsoka nodded. Yoda would find out sooner or later. No doubt Palpatine had already told Mace.
"We…" Anakin began, trying to choose his words carefully. Ahsoka honestly didn't know if Yoda would be glad to hear about Dooku's demise or not! Would she be glad to hear of Anakin's if the roles had been reversed?
"No reason to fear, Skywalker. Speak your mind, you may."
"Master, onboard Grievous' ship, we encountered Count Dooku. He… he didn't survive."
Ahsoka didn't miss the way Yoda's ears drooped ever so slightly at the revelation, nor the way his usually calm and compassionate face wrinkled ever so slightly in grief.
Yoda's signature in the Force might not have changed, but his body language had, if only for a brief second.
"Know this, I do, Skywalker. Felt his death in the Force, I did. No other option, was there?"
"No Master Yoda. There wasn't."
"Then glad you both are safe I am, and glad that no longer harm anyone else, he can. Enjoy your day."
With that, Yoda turned and began to walk away, hobbling with each step whilst using his cane to maintain his balance. Ahsoka couldn't help the rush of despair that flooded through her at the sight.
Dooku might have been a monster, but even monsters had loved ones. Yoda had known Dooku before his fall, and thus had a right to grieve.
Ahsoka would not begrudge him that.
A sudden shift in the Force brought Ahsoka back to the present. Anakin was standing, facing away from her, glaring into the shadows behind the large stone pillars of the Senate building's entrance.
Following his line of sight, Ahsoka spotted a figure, small in stature, standing in the shadows, and knew instantly who it was.
"Go on, I know you've not seen her in months."
"You sure? What about…"
"I'll be fine. In fact I've got something I need to do. Go be with your wife and be a good husband for once."
"Yes 'Commander Tano'."
"Don't call me that." Ahsoka barely finished saying before Anakin broke off into a stride towards where Padmé was hiding. Ahsoka didn't wait around to interrupt the reunion. That wasn't her place, and right now, as she told Anakin, she had another place to be.
Turning around, she glanced back towards where Yoda had been. The diminutive Jedi Master had progressed, but he was still within eyeshot.
Ahsoka broke into a run towards the Jedi Master, earning a look of surprise from him when she finally caught up.
Taking a second to catch her breath, Ahsoka spoke.
"Hey Master Yoda, it's been a while since we talked. Do you fancy getting some tea? I'll pay."
Yoda's ears perked up at the suggestion.
"Good, that sounds. Been too long it has, young Ahsoka."
If anyone ever asked Anakin Skywalker what his favorite smell in the entire galaxy was, he'd have to lie to them, as much as he didn't like to.
Why? Well… for one very simple reason.
His favourite smell in the entire universe was the one that belonged to Padmé Amidala's hair! If he ever told anyone that, they'd know about his relationship immediately.
And he would never tell Ahsoka either. If she knew, she would never let him live it down.
"Padmé." Anakin whispered softly as he wrapped her up in a tight hug, burying his nose in her hair in the process, a favourite pastime of his.
"Ani… oh god I…."
"Ssshhhh, it's ok…. I'm here now."
"There were reports that you were dead on the holonet! Obi-Wan too… I couldn't…I…"
"It's ok. It takes more than a stupid war to keep me from you. I'm safe, I'm here."
"I know… and I'm so grateful. Anakin…"
Something was different, Anakin knew. The Force was different around Padmé… distorted somehow, but not necessarily in a bad way.
Removing his nose from her hair, he looked down at her face, eyes meeting eyes.
"Padmé… is something wrong?"
Padmé's eyes were watering, on the verge of tears. A spike of anger flooded through Anakin in an instant. If someone had upset his wife he'd…
"Ani… no no.. Ani… they are good tears."
A sigh of relief escaped Anakin, as well as a loving smile. He loved how Padmé always knew what he was thinking.
"Good tears? Good tears for what?"
"Anakin… I… I'm pregnant."
And in that moment, Anakin honestly did not know what to feel.
One major advantage about life on the outside of the Jedi Order was that Ahsoka knew where all the best restaurants and cafés were. In this instance, Ahsoka knew exactly where she would be taking Yoda for tea.
A small quaint tea shop, owned by a married couple, resided amongst the tall buildings of the commercial zone of Coruscant. It wasn't overly busy, but it wasn't deserted either. She recalled her first visit to the shop, having been shown it during a day out playing 'bodyguard' with Lux.
She hadn't really been his bodyguard of course. It had simply been both of their days off and had used it as an excuse to catch up. It had been Lux who had shown her the tea shop, who in turn had learned of it from Padmé.
And now here was Ahsoka, showing it to Yoda. Funny how things worked out.
Moving through the doorway, Ahsoka quickly selected a small two person table in the corner of the café. The table offered a good view of the café as a whole, as well as a view out of the large windows it was positioned by.
Leading the way, Ahsoka chose to take the seat that was in the corner itself, her back being positioned against the wall. Despite not currently being in a combat situation, she couldn't help but mentally be prepared. If she was in the corner, then no one could stab her in the back, and she could see everything.
Yoda hobbled over to join her, vaulting up into the chair opposite her, before using the Force to raise it ever so slightly with a simple adjustment to the height controlling level built into the side of the seat.
When he was comfortable with the height, Yoda hummed and placed his walking stick on the table, before resting his claws against it.
"Nice, this place is. Peaceful. No disturbances."
"Hopefully at least… knowing our luck…"
"Not here, Skywalker is. Go wrong, nothing will."
Ahsoka couldn't help but chuckle at Yoda's words. No doubt if Anakin had been present, something would have exploded by now.
"Very true Master, very true." Ahsoka replied, the smirk never leaving her face.
Yoda released a rare series of chuckles as he reached across the table, his claws gently wrapping round a menu that was placed on the table for customers.
The Jedi Grand Master's eyes scoured the menu for a few brief moments before he made his decision and offered the menu to Ahsoka.
Ahsoka already knew what she was going to order, but she took the menu anyway, just to be polite. Much had changed since she and Yoda had last sat down and talked. She honestly didn't know where their relationship stood, or even if it still existed.
Taking a few moments to feign interest in the menu, Ahsoka finally put it down before turning her attention to Yoda.
"So, what are you having?"
"Shilian Tea for me. Enjoy the spicyness, I do."
"Huh… funnily enough that's what I was going to have as well!"
"Think alike, great minds do."
Again Ahsoka chuckled as she rose from her seat, heading towards the counter to order the drinks.
Within minutes she returned to Yoda, two freshly boiled and brewed mugs of Shilian Tea in her hands. Placing one before Yoda, who nodded in gratitude, she moved to retake her seat whilst taking a gentle sip of her own mug.
The tea was still too hot for her at the moment. It needed some time to cool down to the point where it didn't scorch her tongue.
Judging by the sudden flinch on Yoda's face as he too took a sip, the situation was the same on his end.
Placing her mug on the table, Ahsoka looked at Yoda. It was impossible to tell if he had aged physically over the course of the war, unlike many others. Master Kenobi had a few grey hairs growing, whatever that meant for humans, whilst Anakin's own head mop had become out of control and wavy. Ahsoka was grateful that Togruta didn't have hair. All she had to worry about was the occasional growing pains she got in her montrals and lekku.
With Yoda however, there were no telltale signs, at least on the outside.
On the inside, or more specifically, within the Force, Ahsoka could tell it was a very different story.
Before the war, during her time as a youngling, Master Yoda has always felt so full of joy and happiness. There was a reason practically every youngling in the Temple adored him, herself included.
But now however, as the war dragged on, his presence in the Force had changed. He was still a shining beacon of light, and she could still feel some happiness deep down.
But what was more present was sadness. Sadness at the state of the galaxy, at the state of the Jedi. The once immovable order of monks had been transformed into a supply of military Generals, and Yoda, despite understanding the necessity of it, did not like it.
But there was something more to him as well, as if he was troubled by something as well. Ahsoka could tell that Yoda was keeping secrets, but not out of bitterness or distrust, but for some other reason.
She knew it wasn't her place to ask, or even find out. She wasn't a Jedi anymore.
But that didn't stop her from being concerned for her old friend.
"How have things been in the Temple recently?" Ahsoka asked softly, hoping that striking up some form of conversation would distract the Jedi Master.
"Tension, within the Temple, there is. Unpopular, the Jedi have become. Concerned, I am."
"Yeah, I understand. I'm sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry about, you have. Not your fault, it is."
Yoda was silent for a few moments as he gently stirred his tea before he spoke again, an edge of humour in his voice.
"Played a prank on Master Windu, Master Vos and I did. Funny, it was."
"Really?" Ahsoka replied with surprise. She knew that Quinlan Vos was the type to do such things, having seen the time he had replaced Obi-Wan's beard shampoo for glow in the dark hair dye, but she would never have expected Master Yoda to join in, much less by targeting Windu! "What did you do?"
"A sweet tooth, Master Windu has. Jar of sweets in his quarters, he has. Replaced them with sour sweets, we did." Yoda replied whilst chuckling, something that Ahsoka joined in with. It wasn't an overly complex prank, but the image of Master Windu's face contorting in surprise and disgust as he discovered the prank was something she sorely wished she had been able to see in person.
"Remind me never to get on your bad side Master!" Ahsoka quipped in between her own chuckles, raising her mug of tea to her lips once again. It was still too hot to fully drink, but a small sip wasn't too bad.
"Not do that, anytime soon you will, Ahsoka. Friends, are we?"
Ahsoka honestly had to stop and think for a few moments. Was she still friends with Yoda, after what had happened?
Did she truly trust anyone in the Order aside from Anakin and Obi-Wan anymore?
Yoda had always been kind to her, and to everyone. Not once had she ever heard him raise his voice to shout. Yes, he could be stern, but it was never in a harsh way. Instead, it always felt like he was trying to get you to see something that you could not, that he was teaching you something new.
After near enough 900 years of life, Ahsoka shouldn't have been surprised that Yoda had more to teach everyone around him.
And yet, despite his wisdom and power, even he hadn't been able to see through Barriss' betrayal. She didn't know what Yoda's stance on her trial had been prior to the revelation. He could have been against her for all she knew! She'd liked to believe that he had been on her side, but there was no telling these days.
Taking another sip of her tea, it occurred to Ahsoka that she still hadn't answered Yoda's question.
Instead of doing so however, she asked one of her own.
"Master Yoda… why did you tell the other Padawans that I was taking an 'extended meditation break'?"
"How… how…"
Had he not been so dumbfounded by Padmé's revelation, Anakin would have seen the sarcastic comment coming from his wife. She was known to mercilessly tease him when she could, after all.
"Well you see Ani… when a man and a woman love each other very much they…"
"NO! No, I know that part… kriff… I meant how long have you known?" Anakin interrupted before Padmé could complete her teasing, though it didn't stop her from laughing at his expense, not that he minded. Padmé was allowed to make fun of him, and Anakin could count on one hand the number of people who were allowed to do such a thing.
"A while Ani…. I'm several months along too." Padmé replied, her voice soft, something that was usually only reserved for him.
"Did… did you know the last time we talked… on Anaxes?" Anakin inquired, recalling the last conversation he had with her. It had only been a brief holo transmission in the midst of a chaotic situation. Padmé had encouraged him to support and trust Rex's personal quest to find and rescue Echo, who had been presumed dead, and she had been right to do so. Rex's quest had been a major success, even if Echo had joined the Bad Batch rather than rejoin the 501st.
Still, not being able to actually touch Padmé, to feel her warm embrace and scent that he was so infatuated with had been pure torture.
Still, at least he could do so now.
"I did but… I wanted to wait till I saw you in person to tell you. I wanted to see your reaction firsthand."
"In that case, remind me to send General Grievous a 'thank you' card. Had he not invaded Coruscant, I wouldn't have returned anytime soon to hear this wonderful news!"
"You're… happy?"
"Are you kidding Padmé? This… this is the happiest day of my life!"
At that, Padmé embraced him even tighter, and Anakin returned the gesture with a wide smile on his face.
He couldn't believe it.
He was going to be a father!
Ahsoka didn't miss the way Yoda seemed to deflate in his chair at her question. Hopefully he wasn't insulted, or dismayed at her lack of answer to his own question, but she honestly didn't know how to answer it.
She needed to know why Yoda had said what he said first. She needed to understand.
Then, and only then she could make her decision.
"Malicious, it was not intended to be. Concerned I was, and perhaps, deluded myself, I did."
"I… don't follow?" Ahsoka replied. Yoda had sounded so distraught as he had explained. Clearly there was more to this than face value.
"Convinced myself that someday return, you would. Still saw you as a Jedi, I did. Many Padawans, looked up to you, they did. Look up to you still, they do. A hero, you are to them. Take that away from them, I did not wish to."
Ahsoka's eyes widened at Yoda's words. Yoda, of all people, had been in denial that she had left? Out of anyone, aside from maybe Master Windu, she was certain Yoda would have known the truth from the second she had turned down her Padawan braids.
She had left the Order, and she had no intention of returning.
But he hadn't. Yoda had been wrong, and unlike so many others, he was freely admitting it.
"So… you told them that, to protect them? To encourage them?" Ahsoka inquired, still not completely sure. It was selfish perhaps to wonder if Yoda had said what he said to protect her or the other Padawans. Part of her wanted it to be the former, though she suspected the latter was the more likely explanation.
She wasn't part of the Order anymore after all. He had no reason to protect her.
"Low, morale has become in this war, both in the Order and general public. Lost a rising star, the Order had when chose to leave, you did. Wronged you greatly, we all did, Skywalker excluded. Wanted to retain what little hope left there was. Wrong it was of me to use you like that." Yoda continued, still looking downtrodden. His two claws came together, fidgeting with each other as he explained his reasoning. It was a sign of nervousness and guilt in many sentient species, that much Ahsoka knew. She had done it numerous times in the past under Anakin's tutelage. Rex's too.
"So… you were trying to keep others happy? That's all?" Ahsoka asked.
Yoda nodded. "Wrong I was, to expect you to return. Wished that you had, I did, but understand your reasonings for leaving, I do. Proud of you I am, Ahsoka."
"If all you were trying to do was help others, then I understand Master." Ahsoka replied. Yoda was normally beyond cryptic when it came to his speeches, but this one she understood.
Yes, he had told a lie, but it hadn't been one meant to hurt her. Instead, it had been one constructed out of his own self doubt and his own desires, from before a time when he understood her actions. His words had been meant to heal others, not harm her, and for that she could easily forgive him.
Reaching across the table, Ahsoka gently grasped Yoda's fidgeting claws with her own hands, and squeezed them gently.
"And to that end Master Yoda, I am happy to say we are still friends."
At that, Master Yoda smiled.
Pure unbridled joy was not something that Anakin was used to experiencing. There were of course times where he felt happy, usually when he was around his men, or Ahsoka, or Obi-Wan. But nine times out of ten the reason he was happy then was for his friends sake. They had been happy about something personal to them, and thus he had been happy for them.
Now however, it was different. He wasn't happy for someone else. He was happy for himself, no matter how selfish or un Jedi-like of him it was.
He was going to be a father!
"I can't believe it." Anakin muttered for what felt like the tenth time into Padmé's hair as they continued to embrace. He knew they were running a huge risk of being caught out in the open like this, but he didn't care, not anymore.
He loved Padmé, more than anything.
And he would love his unborn children just as much.
"I know, I couldn't either when I found out but… this is a blessing Ani."
"Yeah, it is. Now come on before we get caught out here 'Senator'. Let me escort you back to your apartment." Anakin spoke, pulling out of the embrace, despite the loneliness it brought him to do so.
Judging by the small despondent look on Padmé's face, she felt the same way, but pushed it down.
"How can I refuse such a generous offer, 'General Skywalker'?" She replied, an undertone hidden in her voice that Anakin knew was reserved just for him.
Holding out his arm for her to take, a gesture that Padmé accepted without hesitation, Anakin turned and led them away from the Senate building.
There would be time for his wife to play politics later on. Right now all he wanted was to spend some time with her. It had been so long since they had even seen each other, and clearly so much had changed since then.
"There's something I think you should know, Master Yoda. About Dooku."
Unlike before, where it was obvious that Yoda had been feeling tremendous guilt about his words and actions in regards to her trial and leaving the Order, upon mention of his former Padawan turned Sith Lord, Yoda's face remained stoic. His signature in the Force seemed to close slightly. Not enough to block off the feel of the light radiating off of him, but enough to hide his true emotions.
"Unfortunate, Dooku's death was. Source of information he could have been, regarding Separatist plans. Not happy to hear of his death, I was, but glad I am. Hurt no one else anymore, he can."
In that moment Ahsoka was reminded that Yoda was, first and foremost, a Jedi Master. Of course he would take the news of Dooku's death in a very different way other people would. He wouldn't let himself be seen as vulnerable and in mourning. Instead he would 'rejoice' in the fact that Dooku was one with the Force.
"Even still, I wish things could have been different, Master." Ahsoka replied, hoping that by showing some compassion she would get Yoda to open up.
The diminutive Jedi Master smiled across at her instead. "Grateful for your words I am Ahsoka, but made his decision, Dooku did. More to say on his final minutes, you have?"
"I… I do Master." Ahsoka answered as she made up her mind.
She had already known what she was going to do with the blood sample taken from Dooku. Now it was just a matter of seeing if Yoda would agree with her.
Reaching into the pouch on her waist, she extracted the syringe and placed it before Yoda, who's eyes widened in surprise.
"This is a sample of Count Dooku's blood, extracted using the same method that was used upon Depa Billaba." Ahsoka began to explain, watching Yoda's eyes as he contemplated what was before him. Ahsoka could already tell that he understood completely what had happened, and more than likely already understood what her plan was.
Despite that, he allowed her to continue.
"I managed to acquire this sample of 'Project Nullify' on Mygeeto, before the lab was destroyed by the 501st and 212th. During the duel with Count Dooku I used it on him to gain an advantage over him for myself and Anakin. Without it we would have lost."
Yoda took a breath as he continued to listen to Ahsoka's words. Once again he gestured for her to continue. Ahsoka was pleased in some ways that he wasn't interrupting.
That said, she couldn't shake the feeling that he disapproved about something she had done.
"Since this vial contains a sample of Dooku's blood, it also in theory contains his entire Force sensitivity. Now, I'm no doctor or scientist, but I reckon that if General Grievous was able to use Depa Billaba's blood to make himself Force sensitive, then in theory we should be able to use Count Dooku's blood to give the Force back to Master Billaba!"
Yoda's eyes were concentrated solely on the syringe that lay before him, his pupils watching the sample of red blood within as it floated around. It was astonishing to think that such a small sample could do something so colossal as give someone Force sensitivity. If she hadn't seen the results up close and personal, she would never have believed it herself.
But she had seen it herself. Grievous, whilst still not fully in control of his powers, was far more powerful than he'd ever been before. There was a good chance he'd even give the likes of Windu and Obi-Wan a run for their credits now. Even without Dooku around to train him further, Grievous was a serious threat, and in time he'd learn to control his abilities himself.
Or worse, if Darth Sidious got to him. Ahsoka didn't even want to think about the consequences that would have!
"A dangerous line of thinking this is. A tool to be manipulated in such a manner, the Force is not."
"It's already been manipulated though." Ahsoka replied, hoping to make Yoda see some sense. "Just not by us. What harm is there in trying? Think of it as using our enemies' own weapons against them!"
Yoda hummed softly as he sipped his tea, his signature in the Force deep in contemplation.
"Discuss it with the Jedi Council, I will, as well as Master Billaba. Like it, I do not, but wise it may be in the long term."
Ahsoka released a breath of air she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She knew it was a risky gambit trying to convince Yoda to go along with her plan, but she owed it to Depa. It had been on Ahsoka's own mission that the Jedi Master had lost her Force sensitivity after all. What better way to repay her than this?
And whilst Yoda hadn't agreed outright to follow her plan, he had at least said he'd consider and discuss it with the Council. That was good enough for her.
"In that case it's probably better if you keep this. Maybe you'll be able to do your own research if nothing else." Ahsoka said as she passed the blood filled syringe across the table, placing it before Yoda, who looked down at it skeptically before reaching a clawed hand out to take it.
Even if nothing came about from it, Ahsoka was at least glad the sample was no longer in her hands. Palpatine might have trusted her with it, but she didn't know if she trusted herself with it.
After all, she was a soldier. What did she know about the sciences?
"Padmé… you need to relax now. It's all going to be ok."
"Anakin… where is Anakin!? I… I need him!"
"He's…. He can't be here right now Padmé."
"No…. no… he promised…"
"Padmé… Padmé no! Hold on Padmé!"
"Ani…"
"NO!"
Anakin couldn't help the scream of terror that escaped him as he shot up in bed, the cold air around him sending shivers across his body.
Eyes wide and alert, her glanced around the room… Padmé's bedroom… scanning for threats.
A few seconds later he realized there weren't any, understanding dawning on him.
Turning his head to the side, he looked down at his wife, peacefully asleep on the bed beside him, a soft smile on her face. Anakin breathed a sigh of relief that he hadn't woken her. In the current state she was in, she needed rest.
It had been a nightmare. That was the only reasonable explanation he could give. A random nightmare about… something. Something to do with Padmé.
Memories came flooding back to him of similar nightmares in the past.
Nightmares about his mother. Nightmares about her…
He refused to think about that day, about what it meant for him as a person.
Slowly pushing himself up and off of the bed, Anakin glanced back at Padmé once again, before leaving the room. It would do neither of them any good for him to be restless in her company. She needed sleep.
Moving out of the bedroom, Anakin slung a robe around his body to shield himself from the cool air as he moved into the central living area of Padmé's apartment. Through the windows, Anakin could see it was still dark out, even if the nearby chronometer was telling him it was early hours of the morning. No doubt Padmé would be up soon regardless, at least once the sun had begun to rise.
Anakin meanwhile was used to getting up at such times, thanks to the war.
Sighing once again, Anakin desperately searched the apartment for something to keep him occupied in the meantime, for something to calm him down.
Anything was better than mulling over the similarities of the nightmare about Padmé and the ones he used to have about his mother.
A small silver glint of metal caught Anakin's eye, and in that moment he knew exactly what he was going to do.
Gently moving back into the bedroom, Anakin removed a small toolkit and box of spare bars from underneath the bed, before creeping back out into the main room.
Reaching down, Anakin picked up the now inoperable hilt of Ahsoka's lightsaber and got to work.
Author's thoughts
A less action packed chapter this time round, but that's the way the story needs to go sometimes. Can't be chaos all the time especially with the chaos that is to come soon!
I hope you enjoyed the conversations within this chapter. The Anakin and Padmé stuff was mostly taken from canon with a few edits added here and there as I felt that scene was alright as it was. The real fun of this chapter was the Ahsoka and Yoda stuff. I was glad yo finally have a chance to have these two sit down and talk things over. Hopefully it was all realistic enough for how both characters are at this point in the story. Despite her trial, I don't think there is any real bad blood between her and Yoda, unlike her and Windu.
On the other side... back luck for Anakin having a weird nightmare huh? I'm sure that's not connected to anything!
Not much else to say regarding this chapter really. I just hope you all enjoyed it.
Thanks once again to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders' for all his hard work.
Next time round, Anakin pays a visit to the Chancellor, and finds himself possibly taking a new position of power. I wonder what that could be?
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Cat-Gods-Of-The-Cat-People: I'm glad you enjoyed the fight. It was a hard one to get right for the reasons you mentioned. I wanted Grievous to be scary, but not Sidious level powerful. Hopefully I succeeded. :)
matthewbarcus31: Thanks! Glad you like it still.
Vohira: That's certainly one possible outcome of the story. You'll have to wait and see what happens next!
Alfredo12StarLegionaire: Yeah Ahsoka really does have a lot to thank Palpatine for, that's for certain. Good thing he's a nice caring man isn't it? :)
The Martez sisters? I imagine they are probably still in debt to Pintu at this point and doing shady jobs in Coruscant's underbelly. I'd say they are alive though.
Glad you enjoyed the duel between Anakin and Grievous. It was about time they got to actually have a face off I thought, so I gave them a big one.
AJ: Heh, that's no worries. If you wanted to be upset by it, that's fine. I'm glad you liked it regardless. :)
SappySoulTaker: With a few million credits worth of collateral damage in the process!
Moonpetal1: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. The duel was a big part that I knew a lot of people might not like, hence my explanation. Glad it made sense though.
I appreciate the concern about my mental health, but there is no need to worry too much. Progress just might be very slow from now on.
1saaa: Ahsoka's mindset is something I have great fun writing. She's got a lot of trauma she tries to keep repressed. How long till that comes out, you'll have to wait and see.
As for your theory, it's a good one that might just have a hint of truth in it! XD
tf330129: Thanks! I'm trying to. :)
the Mandalorian terminator: Glad you enjoyed the duel. It was a long time coming, and I knew people would want it, so here it was. It was a hard one to write, but I think it served it's purpose. XD
RyanSquad: Yep... Anakin totally yet another lightsaber, this time not his own! Minor oops on his part! :)
Yeah Grievous was heavily butchered in the Clone Wars unfortunately, which is why I wanted to make him dangerous again for his appearances in this story. The guy can rival a Council Member in the right situation. Hell he always gives Obi-Wan a tough fight at least.
Anakin teasing is always fun to write as well. Any banter is really, and there is a bit more to come, though considering the timeline, not that much. Things are about to get serious!