Chapter 40 - Betrayal
DISCLAIMER: We (unfortunately) do not own Star Wars. :P
Author's Note: Thank you, loldelegate! :)
~ Amina Gila
He has much to do at the Temple on a short leave, but it doesn't feel like it's where he's needed. He works through everything he has to do as fast as he can – he always has, but especially now, because he has to be fast enough, be good enough. Obi-Wan keeps claiming otherwise, but he always acts as though it's what he wants.
It's not the responsibilities he's running from, so much as everything even if he can't define the 'everything' to himself as he slips out of the Temple that evening, disappearing into the Underworld. Technically he's not allowed to do this freely as a padawan, but Obi-Wan isn't here right now to stop him. There's someone he hasn't seen in a long time anyway.
"Asajj?" Anakin greets happily, stopping short in front of her.
She reaches up, opening the visor on her helmet. "Been a long time, Skykid."
"Only Ahsoka calls me that!"
She smirks. "When do I follow the rules, Skywalker?"
He doesn't know her well, but he... can't deny that he's missed her. "What have you been... doing?" he asks.
"Same as always," Ventress replies, "Ahsoka's kept me busy with jobs, too."
"Really?" he asks, "I haven't heard." He knows she uses mercenaries sometimes, but not usually when he's there. The last time was Felucia.
"Is that any wonder, with the attitude your master has?"
"He is doing his best," Anakin argues, frowning. They may have problems, but he's still – he would never want any other master.
She waves a hand, flippantly. "Whatever. Doesn't matter to me, long as I get paid."
"Is that really all that matters to you?"
She shrugs. "More or less. You haven't gone racing in a while."
"You already know why I haven't." And it's something he'd much prefer not to think about. It was the first time he'd seriously disappointed his master, and he can't deny his shame at his own actions. Not to mention everything that happened with Ahsoka, which constantly keeps him uncomfortable. He doesn't want to fight with her, and he can't disagree openly with the Council either.
"It was fun to watch," Asajj replies with a grin, "It doesn't have to be for the Malevolence."
"Then what purpose would it serve?" He tries to ignore the part of him that really wants to.
"To have fun. Come on, you're constantly out on the battlefronts. When do you get to do anything that isn't fighting?" It's a legitimate point, and he wants to. But... "No one will have to know," she reminds, "I won't even tell Ahsoka."
"Why are you so eager for me to do this?"
"No reason. I knew you found it fun, and it's comical watching you disappoint everyone else. You don't have too if you're that... afraid."
"I am not afraid," he retorts, "Fine. But tell no one."
He can't deny being excited as he and Ventress head for one of the places with secret races. He wins the first one as always and goes to a second happening close by. Ventress insisted, and he doesn't have a reason to refuse. He can't say why he doesn't have such a good feeling about this one, but... One more shouldn't hurt, will it?
Something about the money he got from it feels important, though he can't say why. He thinks he should keep it somewhere. Not as if he can give it to Ahsoka, anyway, without directly disobeying Obi-Wan. He doesn't know if he wants too, either – he doesn't know what he thinks of the Malevolence.
The track here is far more treacherous, and it would have been fine, if the racer didn't start malfunctioning, and one of the others rashes right in front of his, damaging it further. It sends a lot of the crowd into a panic too, because with that much smoke and flames, it's sure to catch the attention of the police.
He'd help, except his racer is spiraling out of control, and he can't use the Force openly, so he brings it to a screeching halt, throwing him straight from the seat, landing very unceremoniously on the duracrete ground.
"How underwhelming," Ventress crows, appearing next to him as he drags himself to his feet.
He ignores the remark, looking down at his stinging hand instead. He scraped much of the skin off on one of his palms, and he can feel bruises forming already.
Not good.
Nervousness snakes down his spine. The injuries are hardly anything serious, but nothing he could get from regular training at the Temple. And he can't let anyone find out. He has to admit he feels significantly better about everything, after just being away from it for a little while.
"Next time, I will repair these racers first," he says flatly.
"I'll be looking forwards to the 'next time'," Ventress replies cheerfully, before he heads back for the Temple.
**w**
"Barriss!" he calls, pausing in his tracks, in the halls of the healer's wing. He hasn't seen her in a while now. (And at least with her, he can... explain anything necessary.) But something is wrong, he notices instantly. She feels... dark – upset, depressed. He can feel her pain, despite their weak bond. It's most disturbing that her face has the usual Jedi-blank expression on it, as her moves about her duties.
"Anakin," the Mirialan greets, nodding. "What do you need?"
"Just some bacta patches, if you have any available," he replies, falling in step next to her.
She nods. "I'll get them. We don't have as many as we once did, but – "
He frowns. "The shortages?" He knew they were getting worse, but he didn't realize it would start majorly affecting the Temple, too. As is, most medical resources are being taken from everywhere in the galaxy and directed to the warfront. It's not a good situation.
It's why there's so many protests about the war, after all. The supply chains are being distrubed everywhere, and sometimes it can be very serious. He's seen enough of it himself when the 212th is on a long campaign on a planet, and they don't have access to new resources. They have had to use rations and medical supplies sparingly in the past.
It makes him suddenly feel guilty for even asking for any right now. It's not as if his injuries are serious.
"Yes. I can give you a couple," she offers, moving into one of the rooms to get supplies.
"Just one," he advises instead. It'll be enough to take care of his hand, and that's the most obvious injury he'd rather not be questioned.
Barriss nods, going to collect it. She's still radiating muted pain, and he can't deny being... worried. "Are you alright?" he queries.
"I'm fine," she replies briskly, letting out a soft sigh, "Master Unduli was... lost on our last mission on Sullust. The Council is considering promoting me to Jedi Knight."
... oh. The mind-numbing horror floors him. What in the galaxy is he supposed to say to that? And the Jedi Master in question had been put on the Council in place of Master Windu, and who is supposed to... That's not his concern, but still the rate at which they're losing members is concerning. "Oh," is all he manages to say. He wants to know how, but he's not going to ask her to talk about it. That would be heartless.
"On the... more positive side," she replies, "Savage Opress was lost in the battle. We have heard no word of his survival."
Anakin breathes a quiet sigh of relief, but it still feels like he should have... ended it on Kamino. If he had, Barriss' master may still be alive. And even with Savage gone, there's still Komari who's taking a more active role in fighting against the Republic. He needs to be doing more, and he's hardly sure where to begin.
Anakin takes the bacta from her, preparing to apply it to his hand. It still feels like he's wasting resources unnecessarily, but...
"What happened to you?" Barriss asks, eyeing the injury.
"I..." He could just dodge the question entirely, but he doubts she'd actually report on him. Maybe having a conversation about something so incredibly unimportant would actually help right now. "I may have been outside of restricted limits."
Barriss gives him an almost amused smile. "As a senior padawan, I should probably warn you of how that is against the rules."
"I know. I was just... I needed a distraction, that's all. This war is not easy."
"No," she agrees, "I frequently find myself wondering if fighting is truly what we were meant to do."
"It's... not," Anakin replies, "Not really. We're peacekeepers. We shouldn't be fighting, but there's no other choice, is there?"
"We should be settling the dispute, not continuing it," she argues.
"But how?" he objects, "I spoke to Ahsoka about it before, and she doesn't believe there is any diplomatic solution that will work. The sides... won't agree."
"They won't, or there's a few among them who won't, and the majority just let themselves go along with it?" Barriss objects.
That's actually a good point, now that she mentions it. He wishes there was something he could do – no, there needs to be something he can do, but he doesn't know what that would be. It's not like he has that much knowledge of politics anyway. He could take his questions to Ahsoka, though. "Someone would have to prompt them to talk," Anakin muses.
"Yes," she agrees, "Perhaps that is what the Jedi should be doing."
"Isn't that... out of our jurisdiction?"
"Maybe, but fighting the war is as well. We do it because the Senate asked it of us, not because it's what we ought to be doing. And we do not do anything to bring an end to the war because the Senate doesn't tell us to."
The words are a little unsettling, now that she lays it out so clearly. That's not how it's supposed to be, but the Council should know what they're doing. "I suppose we can only trust the Council in these matters. There's nothing else we can do. If we lose faith in our leaders, it will only spell the end of our unity."
"True," Barriss agrees, though she still doesn't sound completely certain. "If we remain true to our Code, all our questions will be answered."
"That... is what we're doing, isn't it?" Anakin objects. He remembers again, what Obi-Wan was telling him before sending him back to the Temple. That if he doesn't strictly follow all the Jedi principles, there will be nothing left to protect. But there won't be anything to protect either, if they don't do what they need to. It's so confusing. He doesn't understand, and there's not really anyone who can answer his questions.
"Some are," Barriss replies, "I have spoken to other masters, and they often tell me that we are only doing our duty as a Jedi and to the Republic by fighting the war. I know it is not our place to question them, but..."
"You wonder sometimes?" he asks, and she nods.
"It just feels like we're no longer doing what we were made to. We are meant to be peacekeepers, but instead we're leading battles. What does that make us?" She feels more frustrated than normal, as if that's a surprise. She lost her master, and Anakin can't imagine what that must be like for her. (Yes he can, but it was so long ago...) But he knows she's far from okay, even if she's going to deny it. He doesn't understand how she can keep such a mask up given the circumstances. But it's because of the war that Luminara is gone.
"I don't think anyone has an answer to that."
**w**
"I never even agreed to this," Ahsoka rants, pacing back and forth in Palpatine's office. She knows it's not up to her to make the ultimate decision on this, but still. It's Tarkin's attitude, more than anything, that's making her so upset about it.
If she had been left in control of the Malevolence in the first place, she wouldn't be worrying about this right now. Which in the end is the fault of the Council and stupid Senate for making such a commotion about it.
"I would have preferred if you could be left in control of it," Palpatine replies, a note of sympathy in his voice, "But you know the Senate demanded otherwise."
"I know." She scowls. "I don't even see why Tarkin would think we need a biological disintegrator installed." He was supposed to be monitoring the rebuilding of the ship, and while she's glad that's happening, he decided to implement a bunch of new structural designs without saying a word to her about it. Now she can see why he was being so evasive when she discussed it with him.
And this is something they don't need, because at least the ion cannon will only destroy droids. It can't be misused in a massacre. It doesn't literally dinstegate. Maybe she'd be okay with that if she was in control, but she's already not so impressed with Tarkin's methods, especially because he's often not very concerned with the civilians who are caught in the cross-fire, and she can only imagine what that might mean in a situation like this.
"I understand your concerns," Palpatine responds soothingly, "But remember what I have told you about using all your assets. It is possible that this may prove of unexpected benefit."
She stills, frowning. "It's – risky. I don't... feel comfortable with that kind of weapon being in someone else's control."
"Tarkin is skilled at what he does," Palpatine assures, "But if he misuses it, the Senate will undoubtedly take action to have it removed."
It only helps marginally. "But that won't undo the damage he already caused!"
"I understand your concerns, my dear," he murmurs, laying a hand on her shoulder, "I will see if there is anything I can do."
"Thank you, Chancellor," Ahsoka replies gratefully, even if she has to admit she doesn't know if there is anything he'll be able to do. It's not as if the Senate is particularly cooperative.
Something beeps on Palpatine desk, and he steps back over to it, turning it off. "It appears we will have to cut our meeting short," he says regretfully, as the doors open and Senator Orn Free Ta steps in.
It's only years of training that keeps her from outwardly reacting to seeing him. She does not like him one bit. He's one of those Senators who cares for nothing but himself. She saw enough of it from when Ryloth was being invaded. He was acting outwardly alarmed for the fate of his planet, but he didn't really feel concerned for it – only for the profit that he might lose. She finds him despicable.
(Maybe there's some things biological disintegrators would work on, her mind unhelpfully supplies.)
"What is it?" Palpatine asks.
"I think you should see this," he replies, setting a disk on the desk in front of him.
A hologram appears, of Cad Bane. "Bane?" Ahsoka exclaims incredulously, eyes widening. She notices then, how something is twinging in the Force, and suddenly she does not have a good feeling about this.
"Sorry to bother you, Chancellor," the bounty hunter says flippantly, "But I've taken control of the East Wing of your Senate building. The occupants are now my hostages. If you care about them, I'd advise you to free Ziro the Hutt from the detention center."
Oh – oh no. Facing chaos like this on the battlefield or on missions is one thing, but it happening right here on Coruscant, and more importantly, in the Senate building, is definitely unexpected. She gathers herself quickly, though. It's not a severe setback, and it's no worse than what she faces on a daily basis.
"You should know the Republic does not take kindly to such threats," Palpatine warns, "If you have attempted such a foolhardy move as to kidnap a Senator, I assure you it will be met with appropriate force."
Something suddenly twinges in the Force, and suddenly the doors slam shut. "I'm in control," Bane gloats, "I make the rules now."
"This bounty hunter scum isn't going to get away with this," Ahsoka hisses, as the hologram flickers off, "I'll go deal with him."
"Be careful, my dear," he warns, "For him to have attempted something like this, he must be prepared to fight the Senate guards."
"They tend to be arrogant," Ahsoka replies, "But I will be careful. First, I'll get the controls back online. Stay here, and... I'll call for reinforcements."
She ignores whatever it was Orn Free Ta was saying to her – very deliberately, because she has no interest in talking to him – reaching out with the Force instead, and forcibly pulling the doors open, enough for her to scramble through before letting them slam closed again.
The dark emergency lights are on the hall – setting the mood perfectly, oddly enough – as she creeps down it, scanning for any signs of life. She pushes a button on her comm, trying to see if she can reach the clones, but the only response is static.
They're jamming the transmissions. Fine. Then she'll have to deal with it herself.
Ahsoka breaks into a run through the halls, reaching out for any sign of movement. No one's in the halls, so it's easy to get to where Bane is holding the Senators hostage. She crouches near the opening, scanning the room.
Bane, Aurra Sing, a Weequay, and an assassin droid.
This will not be easy. Attacking now would risk everyone, including Padme. Why is she always at the center of danger?
She's about to make a move when she hears a sudden noise from behind her. Ahsoka whips around, to see Kitster making his way through the halls, hand on his concealed blaster. "Kitster?" she hisses, darting away from the opening, "What are you doing here?"
"I was coming to get her after the meeting," he replies, "And... what's happening?"
"Bounty hunters. Four of them. They've taken Padme and others hostage. "
"We need a distraction," Kitster declares.
Ahsoka nods. "I'll distract them, then circle back and we'll go in at once."
He nods, and she takes off, making noise in the hallway right outside the room. Only moments later, the door opens, and the Weequay and assassin droid step out, shining lights around the hall.
She presses against the wall, eyes narrowed in concentration. One wrong move, and it could get Padme killed. Many times, she thinks they aren't as close as they used to be, but that doesn't mean she'd let anyone hurt her.
As soon as they've split into different hallways, she sneaks up behind the assassin droid, igniting her lightsaber, slashing through it before it spins around. A blaster shot barely misses her head, and she whirls around, to see the Weequay shooting at her. She deflects the blasts away, running towards him, right as Kitster runs into view. The Weequay backs off a few steps, but Ahsoka catches him with the Force jerking him into the way of Kitster's blaster shot so he can't avoid it. It hits him through the chest, and she lets him go, letting the body fall to the ground.
Two down, two more to go.
They take off again, back from the area that overlooks where the hostages are. "Aim for Bane," Ahsoka hisses, crouching in the shadows. Aurra was trained a little as a Jedi, she's heard, so her reflexes may be faster.
Kitster fires instantly. Both bounty hunters move on instinct at the sound of the shot, but the bolt burns deeply into Bane's shoulder.
Ahsoka jumps through the opening, landing easily on the ground. Aurra spins, preparing to fire up at Kitster but Ahsoka rips away her blaster with the Force. Bane promptly shoots one of the Senators, turning to fire at the next one as they all scatter.
Kitster fires at Bane, the same moment Ahsoka rips away his blaster. He fires a cord at her, yanking her off the ground. Aurra scrambles for her blaster as Kitster shoots Ahsoka free. She hastily recollects her lightsabers, flipping across the room to land in between the bounty hunters and the escaping Senators, deflecting the shots away when they fire.
They'll never win this round, and they must know it. They finally turn and take off, but Ahsoka gives chase instantly. Bane is faster, thanks to his rocket-boots, and Ahsoka throws Aurra against the wall with the Force, leveling her lightsaber at her neck.
"Did you see where Bane went?" Kitster demands, skidding to a stop behind them. He fights like he has many times; it's so visible now. It's hardly a surprise, given what he's been doing in secret for years. Ahsoka finds herself really wishing she could fight with him more, that they could just be together.
"We won't be able to find him. First, we need to get the power back up."
She waits for the Senate guards to get there and take Aurra into custody – and start searching the perimeter for Bane – before she goes to find Padme.
"Are you alright?" Kitster asks worriedly, hurrying to her.
"I'm fine," Padme assures, "But two of the others were killed."
"I saw," Ahsoka replies, grimacing, "At least they didn't hurt you."
"It wasn't me they were after," Padme points out, "If you weren't here, I'm afraid Palpatine may have given in to their demands." And with so many gangsters around already, the last thing they need is Ziro escaping.
"I don't think any more meetings will be happening today," Kitster says, "I can take you back to our apartment if you're ready."
"I need to finish speaking with Bail," Padme replies, decidedly unhappy, "We were working on an important bill to oppose the Enhanced Privacy Invasion Bill."
"Didn't Palpatine propose that?" Ahsoka asks with a frown. She knows why he's doing it – because there's so many Separatist spies and they need to be able to keep tabs on everything.
"Yes," she responds, gaze sharpening, "I know you may not understand the full severity of it since you've always been part of the Order, but this invasion of privacy is completely unnecessary. The last act was more than enough."
"I think it would only bring a faster end to the war, but... I suppose you're right that I don't understand it," she concedes grudgingly. She doesn't really know what life outside the Order is like, beyond the life as a slave. And really, this is a Senate matter and her opinion isn't really... important. She needs to keep her focus on the war, and trust that Palpatine will do his part, too.
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