-Chapter 87: Two Truths and a Lie-
Location: Coruscant
"The wise man is kind to his enemies, the fool harbours bitterness."
On Serenno...
Sitting alone in his private study, Count Dooku was deep in meditation, sinking into the Force to renew his strength and to grow his insight. It was momentarily interrupted by an incoming communication alert, which, upon triggering the holoprojector, proved to be from none other than Darth Sidious.
"I trust you have heard of The Wraith's capture, my apprentice." The Sith Lord began.
"I have, my Master." The Count respectfully replied. "My spies have kept me well informed of his state."
"What is to be done about it?" Sidious asked him, wondering what Dooku planned to do.
"I have already put a plan in place that will ensure his safe retrieval and return to our side. He will not die, as their Chancellor claims he will." Dooku responded.
"See to it he does not, Darth Tyranus." Sidious ordered. "While not perfect, the super-soldier is still of benefit to our cause. However, this recent event has proven that his usefulness has its limits. Therefore, I am ordering the activation of Project Nightscream immediately." Dooku understood and offered a brief nod of acceptance.
"It shall be done, Master," the Count promised, "The Wraith shall be returned to us in no time at all."
A thick smoke filled the air, stemming from the mighty flames that consumed the entire roof and spires. It raged on uncontrollably, threatening to destroy the entire place.
The Jedi Temple was burning.
Wraith stood before it in full armor, wondering how this had come to pass. He hadn't started it, he hadn't been here to cause this. Around him, he could see the dead, bodies of Clones and Jedi alike splayed across the ground, and the further into the Temple he ventured the more he found.
"What the hell happened here?" He wondered aloud, thoroughly confused and wondering who else would have the strength to destroy the Jedi in such a fashion. That's when he heard it, a voice echoing down the halls, a distant yet desperate cry for help.
"Help! Please! Somebody help!" Wraith was electrified, knowing the feminine tone very well.
"Ahsoka?" He wondered turning and starting to move. His brain slowly kicked into gear, a jog turning into a run then turning into a dead sprint as he realized Ahsoka was in trouble. "Ahsoka! Hold on!" He shouted, attempting to trace the origin of her cries. Wraith kept moving, driven to find her and help her. Only two short cries for help followed, but they were enough for Wraith to track them to an open sitting area, where he slid to a halt and looked around, not seeing an immediate sign of her presence.
But then he did... and it was the stuff of nightmares.
Her body lay prone on the floor, next to a seat... a single scorch wound in her exposed back. Wraith let out a quiet gasp as he knelt by her side, gingerly rolling her over, only to find her eyes closed and her body limp, completely unresponsive. "No... no..." he choked out, cradling her lifeless form in his arms. Lost for words, Wraith held Ahsoka with trembling hands, shaking as sorrow and fury overwhelmed him. Her expression was neutral, calm and peaceful in her death. Based on the scorch wound in her front, parallel to the one behind, Wraith could only assume her death had been quick.
But someone, bearing a lightsaber, had done this.
That notion forced the anguish to the side, replacing his agony with a furious hate and an unstoppable desire for revenge. "WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?!" He roared with his head thrown back. His limbs continued to shake as a quaking anger consumed every fibre of his being.
And then, from the darkness, he heard a sound. Like raspy mechanical breathing... coming from behind him.
It was constant and continuous, steady and unwavering, growing louder with each passing second. Wraith turned at the sound of a lightsaber igniting to see a tall figure dressed in armor. It was black as night, deep and consuming. A single red lightsaber in his hand, his face obscured behind a helmeted mask, all Wraith could hear was his breathing, the sound torturing him as the being wordlessly gaze at him through red-tinted optics.
Laying Ahsoka down, the super-soldier rose and brandished Tyth from behind him, the fiery blade turning blue as a reflection of his frothing anger. "You. Will. Pay!" Wraith growled, surging ahead and swinging his blade. With one hand, the being easily deflected each attack with swift, calculated motions, as if this fight were beneath him and Wraith too simple an opponent. He made Wraith look like nothing compared to his skillful power, parrying and deflecting each strike with minimal hesitation or thought. The being finally lashed out with one hand and flung Wraith into a distant wall with the Force. Another gesture slammed Wraith into the ground and then bounced him back and forth between the walls. With Tyth having fallen from his grasp, Wraith was helplessly as his foe's mercy as he slowly made a fist and began to crush Wraith with his own armor. Plating buckled and crumpled under invisible hands, metal groaning as it was contorted and twisted, the crushing weight of his own armor bruising his body and tearing deeply into his flesh. Wraith cried out, powerless to fight back.
Then he felt his throat constrict as he was lifted off his feet and pulled towards the dark figure, the unseen grip on his neck growing tighter and tighter as Wraith struggled to breathe. He flailed his warms both towards his neck and the source of his suffering, vainly attempting to alleviate the pain in some manner.
"You cannot save her Wraith." The figure stated in the deepest synthesized voice Wraith had ever heard. "You cannot save Ahsoka from what's coming." His outstretched hand closed even further, Wraith casting a final look at Ahsoka's body before he felt his neck snap...
Awake with a loud gasp, Wraith bolted upright on his 'bed', soaked with sweat and breathing heavily. His eyes wide with fright, the super-soldier looked around his empty cell. Fleeting, ghostly reminders of his nightmare passed through his mind, and Wraith could not help but feel stark fear flood him. Pushing past the stiffness and soreness in his limbs, the super-soldier was suddenly overcome by anxiety and panic and an urge to escape.
He had to find Ahsoka. He had to make sure she was okay.
He started pounding on the door. "Let me out!" He cried, desperately forcing strength into his arms. "Let me out!" He cried again, anxiety increasing with each passing second. Suddenly, his cuffs started to hum and his right hand was forcibly drawn towards the nearest wall, pinned against it with a metallic clang. His left arm soon followed and Wraith was soon stuck with his back to the wall, the powerful magnetic energies keeping him pinned. "Oh come the kriff on!" He growled, struggling against his new bonds. "Let me out! Please!" He begged whoever was clearly listening. "I have to go! I have to... I have to..." A sudden sense of calm washed over Wraith and he realized that Ahsoka would be fine. Nothing had changed, she was not dead by alive.
It was all just a dream and nothing more.
His muscles relaxed and he slumped against his restraints, suddenly feeling very tired as the soreness returned in full. Wraith groaned as he slid down the fall as far as he could, his hands still trapped above him by the magnets. Struck by the rather hopeless nature of his situation, Wraith sunk deep into a depressed state. He longed to see Ahsoka again, the depth of his feelings for her increasingly evident to him in this moment. He couldn't bear to spend the rest of his days in this bleak cell... he wanted to spend them with her.
But that simply seemed impossible now.
He lost track of time, not bothering to count how long it was until the magnets released his arms.
His armor was cracked and shattered, blood trickling down between the broken plating. He staggered forward on barely-steady feet, his body clinging to life and in desperate need of medical attention. She rushed over to him, desiring to help.
"Those rifles... sure do pack a punch..." He groaned, feeling a particularly deep wound in his side.
"You need to get out of here, hide from them." She urged.
"I'm fine. Really." He promised, managing a smile. Ahsoka returned it, knowing he needed medical attention but also knew that Wraith would alleviate her fears anyway possible.
But then she heard the loud CRACK of the EM rifle firing. And a second later, a bloody hole exploded in the middle of Wraith's chest.
Ahsoka gasped in shock, frozen in place by horror as blood streamed from the open wound, Wraith losing his steady footing and collapsing to his knees. Ahsoka held him, falling to the ground alongside him. She could feel his strength slipping away through the Force.
"Wraith...? Wraith, h-hold on!" She begged. Deep down she knew the damage to be fatal, but held on to the hope that his enhanced physiology might save him.
"I'm... sorry..." he rasped, blood streaming between his fingers.
"Don't! Don't leave me!" Ahsoka cried. This couldn't be happening! Who would want to kill him?
"I... I love you." He whispered with his dying breath. Ahsoka felt his body sag uncontrollably and felt the last vestiges of his life slip away. She caught him in her grip, holding the lifeless body of the man she was trying to save... the man she loved. A myriad of emotions overwhelmed her; shock and horror, deep sorrow, vain denial, she was caught in a storm of thoughts and feelings with nowhere to turn.
Ahsoka gave a loud gasp as she awoke and just about fell out of her bed, covered in a sheen of sweat and panting for air. Eyes wide, limbs shaking, Ahsoka slowly picked herself up as the remnants of the nightmare faded from her mind. This was as bad as some of the others she'd had, if not made worse by ongoing circumstances. That could very well be Wraith's fate one day if the Clones kept using these EM rifles, and she knew Anakin would give them a glowing recommendation in front of the Chancellor.
Surely such unchecked actions would result in his eventual death.
That nightmare alone had been horrific, she couldn't imagine the actual event taking place.
"Let me guess: nightmare?" Ahsoka eyes darted up at the sound of the familiar voice. Wraith sat in his cell, propped up against a wall just like the other day. He looked haggard and worn out... but he was still alive.
She scampered over to him, practically throwing herself into his arms as hers encircled his body, hugging him tightly as she trapped him in a tight embrace. Wraith returned the embrace and simply held her as he basked in her presence, grateful and thankful he got to see her again. Ahsoka's grip on him was tight, almost painfully so. She'd buried her face into the crook of his neck, her breathing coming in deep, shuddering gasps that almost sounded like sobbing. "I'm okay." He whispered, treating the words like a promise. "I'm here. It's alright."
"I thought you were dead."
"I thought so too." He admitted, gently rubbing her back through her loose tank top. After a few minutes of silent care and concern, Ahsoka looked up and rubbed her eyes with one hand.
"What was yours about?" She asked, sounding tired after such an emotional venting.
"It was terrible." Wraith sighed with a shake of his head, not wanting to remember the darkened figure any more. "Yours?" He wondered.
"It was terrible." She repeated. They both couldn't help but smile and chuckle after that.
"Then let's not dwell on them anymore." Wraith suggested, his thumb brushing Ahsoka's cheek. "They were not real, simply spectres trying to torment us."
"I hope so..." Ahsoka sniffed. "The Force sometimes offers glimpses into the future in the form of visions."
"Those were not visions. Those were our worst fears come to life." Wraith assured her, despite having some misgivings of his own. "We just need to remember our fears are small compared to us." Ahsoka chuckled at his words.
"You're starting to sound like a Jedi." She noted.
"What can I say, I've been around one long enough." Wraith replied with a grin, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Elsewhere...
A trio of Jedi consisting of Anakin, Obi-Wan and Mace Windu approached the Senate building with a pair of goals in mind. With the The Wraith imprisoned, they hoped that the Chancellor might allow them to use their Force abilities to learn some Separatist secrets, something they intended to ask after they personally delivered the helmet footage from the Clones on Stassia, with evidence of the new EM rifle at work. Since Wraith was a highly regarded member of the cause, it seemed likely to the Jedi that the super-soldier would be entrusted with sensitive intel. Information that the Republic could learn and put to use against the Separatists.
"Like maybe the location of those Subjugator cruisers? We really could stand to blow up the rest of those." Anakin suggested.
"Indeed. Though at this point, any new intel we could learn from The Wraith would go a long way in helping us win the war effort." Obi-Wan agreed.
"Yeah... good thing he's not going anywhere. The thing is though... I hope we're the only ones to see him."
"What do you mean, Anakin?" Obi-Wan inquired, rather puzzled by his friend's words.
"I did a lot of thinking last night, after Ahsoka and I were dismissed, and I still don't like the idea of her trying to redeem him." The Knight replied. "I mean, that's what started this whole 'accidental attachment' in the first place, right? So she really shouldn't even try to engage him." He reasoned. "I get that she's going through a lot of mental and physical change right now, but that's something I simply can't overlook." Obi-Wan and Mace exchanged glances, their thoughts drifting back to the prolonged conversation Master Yoda had started concerning a vision he'd had.
It had been a long discussion over the notion that Wraith and Ahsoka might compliment each other in ways that were beyond the Jedi. Someway, somehow, the two of them (at least according to Master Yoda) had the potential to be a form of balance, a balance so intricate and unique the loss of either of them would result in catastrophic consequences for the survivor. Ultimately, the Council was left not knowing what to do, simply stuck without an answer to this ever-evolving riddle, and opted to retire for the evening.
"Your... forward-thinking is to be commended, Anakin." Mace finally replied, not wanting to divulge any of Master Yoda's suggestions until a more proper time. "It's a notion we'll have to take up another time."
"After we pass off these data tapes, obviously." Anakin agreed. "Let's make sure the Chancellor knows the EM rifles were a complete success." His compatriots nodded in agreement and continued towards the Senate building. As they did, they spied a person who seemed out of place among the crisp and pristine upperclass nature of the district. He was short, broad-shouldered, rugged, scarred, wearing a black vest and signature dark bandana, as well as smoking a cigarra. It was none other than
"Corsair?" Obi-Wan wondered aloud. The Titan leader turned at the mention of his voice and started to saunter over to the Jedi.
"And here I thought we were rid of him." Anakin muttered under his breath. Obi-Wan waved him off as Corsair drew closer.
"We weren't expecting to see you again." He greeted. "What brings you to Corusca-"
"Yor Chancellah kriffin' ripped us off!" The clearly irritated merc stated, interrupting the Jedi. His brow creased, his one good eye had something of a wildly disgusted look in it. "There was a set price, yet 'e goes off an' gives us half, callin' it a 'fiftay-fiftay split'. Well I ain't havin' it, so I'm 'ere ta hash it out with 'im." He explained. Mace eyed his fellow Jedi with a puzzled look.
"My understanding is that a team of specialized Clones took down-"
"I don' give a kriffin' damn what ya think!" Corsair interrupted again. "I was tha one pinnin' 'im down so yor duplicates could finish tha job!" He declared, jabbing a finger at the Jedi. "If it weren't fo' me, Wraith wouldn't be rottin' in prison right now." Anakin rolled his eyes.
"Is that the only reason you're on Coruscant?" He asked, sounding annoyed by the mercenary's carrying on.
"'Course not! Ya earn a reputation like 'tha boys that took down tha Wraith' an' ev'rybody wants yor business!" Corsair loudly replied, grinning like a madman. "Lookin' ta shor up some new oppahtunities, get a few mor' jobs rollin'. We got one right now that's set ta be a real bangah!" He revealed. "I'll settle this sithspit wit' tha Chancellah then be outta yor hair, Skywalkah."
"Thank the Force." Anakin responded with an exaggerated eyeroll.
"That's enough Anakin," Mace chided, "would you like us to put in a word for you?"
"I know what I'm doin' Jedi. I don't need ya ta hold my hand." Corsair scoffed.
"Fair enough. We'll get to our own meeting then." Mace replied, gesturing for his fellow Jedi to follow him.
"Hurry tha kriff up, would ya?" Corsair called after them. "Yor prolly tha one's Palpatine's so damn busy wit'!"
"We'll try." Obi-Wan responded, not promising anything.
Entering the Senate building, the trio made a beeline for Palpatine's office, where they were ushered inside and Anakin passed over the data tapes, the transaction a brief and quick one.
"I've included the names of the Clones directly involved, Chancellor. Just in case you deem them worthy of deserving some merit." Anakin informed him.
"For such a prestigious accomplishment, they certainly should be honored in some regard." Palpatine agreed.
"We've included all footage from the troopers using the new EM rifles, them being Clone troopers Jolt and Backlog." Obi-Wan added. "It should provide a fairly comprehensive review of its abilities so that you can make a decision as to its future, Chancellor."
"Then we should review it straightaway." Palpatine agreed. "Before we do, though, I have a favor to ask of Master Skywalker."
"What do you need, Chancellor?"
"To simply deliver this datapad to Doctor Sionver Boll. It contains details about further study of the chemical compound within The Wraith." Palpatine explained. "I would've done otherwise, but with everything going on I simply haven't had time."
"I understand." Anakin nodded as he accepted the datapad. "Before I go, though, I would like to offer my complete endorsement for these EM rifles. We need those in the field." He added.
"Your recommendation has been noted, Master Skywalker." Palpatine replied. Anakin gave a quick nod and then turned to leave. As he exited, Palpatine "Master Kenobi, Master Windu, perhaps you should review this with me, as more eyes can spot various differences."
"Agreed, Chancellor. I would like to see these weapons for myself." Mace nodded in approval of the suggestion, as did Obi-Wan. Loading the first datatape into a holoprojector, the first soundless recording was of The Wraith's unconscious body being moved by a trio of Clones and the extent of his damage could be plainly seen.
"It appears he is missing entire sections of plating. You can see how even the fabric of his jacket is torn." Obi-Wan observed.
"So the density of the projectile coupled with its speed appears to be enough to ruin the very foundation of his armor." Mace continued. "That's promising."
"Indeed. You see how mangled it all looks," Palpatine chimed in. They continued to watch as Anakin directed the Clones to drag Wraith's body aboard the Acclamator cruiser, the Clones not being particularly careful as they hauled the Separatist up the boarding ramp, dragging him by his arms. "They're not being very careful with him now are they?" Palpatine observed.
"That may be excusable. They had no clear directive apart from simply moving him to the cellblock." Obi-Wan defended.
"Perhaps. Unless Skywalker permitted them to be so lenient." Mace suggested, his tone low and grave. They continued to watch as the Clones proceeded to remove Wraith's armor and tools, cutting away at straps and fabric with vibroblades as the body beneath the armor was slowly exposed. What they saw was his light gray shirt, bloodstained from where portions of his armor had pierced his body. They had seen the remnants of the damage, but had missed the Clones checking him over for concealed weapons, revealing deep, painful bruises all across his skin. Each one was the result of an impact from the EM rifles, a concussive burst following each salvo, bypassing his armor's protective nature entirely. Some of his skin featured drying blood that dripped from wounds scattered everywhere, the viewers able to see his injuries plainly.
"My word..." Obi-Wan breathed. "I saw Wraith be shot myself, but I didn't think the damage would be that... total." The three kept watching as Anakin had metal bindings clasped around Wraith's hands before ordering the Clones to drag him into the cell and the containment field, where the super-soldier was forced to his knees and his arms pulled above his head where cords of energy held them in place as the null-field was activated. Wraith's body was frozen, held rigidly in place by the field. Only his head sagged, primarily due to his unconscious state. Anakin entered the frame again and ordered a trooper to use a stun baton to prod Wraith in the neck, forcibly restoring his consciousness. Unfortauntely, before any conversation could be observed, the Clone left the scene and the recording ended.
Palpatine, Obi-Wan and Mace were left speechless for a moment, Kenobi realizing that perhaps Ahsoka had good reason to be mad at Anakin after all. "My understanding is that he has yet to receive medical treatment of any kind."
"I thought he had some sort of healing factor." Palpatine wondered.
"If he does, it's very subtle." Mace responded. "And based upon what we see here, he clearly was not treated like any other prisoner we've had."
"Yes... it would seem as though Anakin completely discarded POW protocol altogether." Obi-Wan mused. "Chancellor, I would like to apologize on behalf of the Jedi for this. If any ramifications come against the Republic for this rather 'inhumane' treatment, the blame should fall on us."
"Such means are not necessary, Master Kenobi. None of us were ready for his capture." Palpatine excused him. "I'm having a specialized cell retrofitted for him in the Military Detention Centre as we speak. In the meanwhile, we could get a proper holding cell at the Judiciary Centre ready in less time."
"That would explain a few things." Mace observed. "Regardless, I think we need to have yet another meeting, Master Obi-Wan."
"Agreed. And this time, I think we should hear from Ahsoka first." Obi-Wan concluded.
For the strangest of reasons, the link between them suddenly vanished and Wraith was no longer accessible to her only a few moments after they'd successfully comforted one another post-nightmares.
A befuddled Ahsoka had no idea what to make of these connections and their randomness, so she opted to meditate for a bit and, hopefully, gain some insights. So far she found plenty of serenity by immersing herself in the Force, but no answers... well, nothing concrete as it is.
She could feel something the more she focused on this connection they shared. There was something wafting around her, like some type of scattered energy that was waiting for an unknown command before it could gather and strengthen. There was something about him, something that seemed to draw them closer together... but a heavy fog in the Force prevented her from understanding it clearly.
She felt a wave wash over her senses, another presence suddenly very close to her. Opening her eyes, she was startled by a familiar sight... one she hadn't seen since Mortis.
"It's you again!" She exclaimed, reacognizing her so-called 'future self'. Rising to her feet, Ahsoka confronted the translucent spectre with a firm, concerned look. "What do you want now?"
"I am here once again to caution you, child."
"What about? My Master?" Ahsoka asked. "I get it, he's not perfect, but I still-"
"No." Her vision spoke plainly, taking a quieter tone. "I have already warned you about him. I come now concerning your love."
"My... love?" Ahsoka questioned, slowly realizing she was referring to Wraith.
"Be careful around the super-soldier." The vision warned. "Your relationship with him dances upon a very thin line. Either it will consume you entirely... or it will break you beyond repair." That didn't sound good. It sounded way too despondent for her liking.
"What do you mean, 'break me'?" Ahsoka demanded. "Wraith cares about me! He would never do anything to hurt me, he loves me!" She emphatically replied. Her vision simply tilted its head, regarding her with a soft, prying look.
"Does he?" It asked.
Suddenly, images flashed through Ahsoka's mind, overwhelming her and forcing the Togruta to her knees. Images of fire and devastation, of torment and despair. She sensed a darkness stronger than any Sith, like the Dark Side itself had come. Within the fiery ruin, a terrifying form of gleaming iron arose, spread its wings and threw back its horned head to unleash a beastial cry of rage and fury. Ahsoka clutched her head and cried out, feeling something tugging within her, like there was a portion of her that did not belong, that wanted to be free, like her very soul was at war with something beyond her...
And then it was over.
Shaken back to her senses, Ahsoka looked around her empty quarters to find herself alone once more. The vision was over.
"What was that...?" She wondered aloud, genuinely puzzled by both the spectre of her future and the vision she'd just had. That thing... surrounded by fire... it looked like a... demon. But of what? And how was it tied to the spectre's warning concerning Wraith? A notion clearly beyond her suddenly flashed through her mind, and she wondered if this was the Force testing her. Was it questioning her loyalty? Did it deem her divided? Or was it trying to sow seeds of doubt in her mind? "No... I will not doubt him." She solemnly vowed. If this was a test of their relationship, she'd made up her mind months ago about the subject. She knew exactly where she stood on this issue, having pondered it many times herself.
She loved Wraith. And there was no force in the universe that could pull her from him.
A soft knock at her door stirred her back to reality and moments later it slid open to reveal another Togruta, one with red skin and long headtails.
"Ahsoka?" She inquired.
"Master Ti," Ahsoka greeted, straightening herself out, "Hi... sorry, I wasn't expecting you." She apologized, sitting back on her bed and noticing her lack of readiness.
"You appear shaken. Are you well?" The Togruta Master asked as she entered the room.
"Yeah... I was just meditating." Ahsoka half-truthed. "Pretty deeply, too."
"That is good to hear." Shaak applauded as she sat across from her. "Have you eaten yet today?"
"I had a spare ration bar in my belt. Tastes like plastoid, but better than nothing." Ahsoka responded. She hadn't been too interested in eating as of yet, concerned with other things. But now that Shaak had mentioned it, her stomach was starting to rumble.
"We'll be sure to get you something proper today," Shaak assured her, "for now, tell me how you're feeling." The question caught Ahsoka off-guard.
"I'm... feeling? Uh, well..." She stammered, groping for an answer. "I guess I'm a little... foggy right now." She finally answered. "Yesterday was a real whirlwind, and I'm still reeling I guess."
"That is understandable. And how is the Urge?" Shaak continued. Ahsoka laughed nervously.
"It's there." She replied. "Sometimes that kicks in at the worst possible times. Honestly, there are days when I just feel horny for hours on end and it's terrible!" Shaak smiled assuringly and nodded.
"I understand. I have walked the same path you have. This is possibly the most trying time in a Togruta's life, especially when they're a Jedi." She responded. "So much to learn, so much to understand, so much sensory input that is hard to comprehend, so much change,"
"Yeah... it's a lot." Ahsoka agreed, feeling winded just thinking about it all.
"I know the Jedi have rules about such feelings, but if you ever need help understanding them, feel free to come and see me. Alright?" The Padawan nodded. Thankful that there was someone she could go to about such things. She'd sought out Shaak before and it was helpful to know that source of insight was still available.
And then, for some Forcedamned reason, she had a thought.
"Can I ask you something now?" She suddenly asked.
"Of course." Shaak replied with a nod. Ahsoka swallowed nervously and took a breath.
"Have... Have you ever... you know... done it before?" She nervously asked, her cheeks burning just from asking the embarrassing question. Shaak smiled softly and slowly nodded, understanding the question behind her veiled words.
"Only once." She answered, surprising Ahsoka. "I had just graduated to knighthood."
"What was he like?" Ahsoka tentatively wondered. Shaak's ebony gaze shifted away from her as she recalled distant memories that felt like a life-time ago. Shaak was middle-aged (even if she didn't look it) and had gone through much in her time as a Jedi, not all of it happy.
"At the time, he was perfect. I was young and so was he, something about him simply made my heart skip a beat whenever I saw him." She described. Ahsoka knew exactly what that felt like, a similar feeling kicking in whenever she saw or thought about Wraith. "But then he was killed near the end of the mission we were on. And that is how I learned the true meaning of attachment and detachment." The notion was depressing, almost heartbreaking, to hear. The pain of loss was heard to bear, something Ahsoka had heard from countless Jedi. It really seemed like everyone had to grapple with the concept and Shaak was no different. She knew Shaak had lost two students before joining the Jedi Council, both of them killed not long after becoming Jedi Knights. Perhaps the Togruta Master knew the true meaning of becoming detached better than most, having experienced enough suffering to cement the concept within her.
"What was... it like?" Ahsoka tentatively wondered, feeling her whole face flush blood orange. Shaak breathily chuckled.
"Amazing." She responded in a word. "Why do you ask?"
"I guess... part of me kinda wants to... t-try it, if only to understand what's going on." Ahsoka admitted. Other Padawans her age and older professed to know absolutely everything about intercourse and related activities, but Ahsoka was wise enough to discern big talk from fact. Even still, she wondered if there might be some kernels of truth in what they had to say, and had started to foster a desire to experiment and learn for herself. "I mean, that's what the Urge is all about, right? R... R-Reproduction?" Shaak nodded in confirmation.
"And you think Wraith is the key to such a thing?" She inquired. Ahsoka's eyes widened at the notion as a sudden fear swept through her. Did Shaak know?
"What? Oh no no no no no! That's not what I meant!" She hurriedly exclaimed, attempting to cover up the naughty thoughts her subconscious had entertained with increasing frequency.
"Calm yourself, young one. It's alright, I was merely jesting." Shaak replied with a gentle smiled. Ahsoka smiled back and breathily chuckled, thankful Shaak was not serious.
But was she?
"I have no doubt that there may come a time where you find yourself either in love or simply desiring a man. It's perfectly natural." The Togruta Master informed her. "The important thing is that you keep the Jedi way in mind and do not let it supersede your duty and direction. If you should find yourself attached to someone, then you must end it for your sake." She explained. "So when the Council says you have an emotional attachment to The Wraith and tells you to end it, we do not do so to be cruel or mean-spirited. We do so because we are trying to look out for you, we all want you to become a full-fledged Jedi. There are a great many people who care about you Ahsoka, not just your Master."
"But I can only come to you to figure out... body stuff."
"That is a polite way of wording it, yes."
"I'll admit, seeing Wraith unmasked the other day... my heart got all..." Ahsoka made a few circular gestures with her hands, trying to play the part of an innocent Padawan with no knoweldge, even though she knew exactly what she felt. "I don't really know how to describe it." But she did. She was in love with Wraith.
"Such a reaction is perfectly natural at your age. The important thing is that you keep it in check and submit your desires to the Jedi Code and the path you walk." Shaak replied.
"Is that all I'm supposed to do about it?" Ahsoka asked with a slightly raised brow-marking. "I feel like there should be... more."
"It is not nearly as complicated as some may make it out to seem. That is something I learned while growing up." Shaak informed her. "The Code forbids attachments, but it does not say anything about physical pleasure. All that matters is keeping the Jedi way above all." Ahsoka slowly nodded, a fresh heat consuming her face at the notion of... pleasure. "You have the Jedi Path, do you not?"
"Yeah, right here." Ahsoka replied, reaching to the small stand at the top of her bed under which she kept the leather-bound text. It was a book that contained every insight into the teachings, foundations and methods of the Jedi Order. It had come from a historic line of apprentices and masters, people like Yoda, Dooku, Mace Windu, Thame Cerulian, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan and Anakin had owned it before her, making her the latest in a long line of Jedi greats. It was hers to read, to study and to make note in, adding to the collection of wisdom and insights. One day, she would hand it off to her own Padawan.
"Give it a read with this new understanding. You may be surprised at the insights you find." Shaak suggested. Having never considered that before, Ahsoka liked the idea and was determined to try that.
"I'm sure I'll have some time to do that." She replied. "Thank you Master Ti."
"You are most welcome, Ahsoka." The elder Togruta replied with a nod. "One more thing, though," she added, gaining Ahsoka's attention once more, "I know you are swiftly coming of age and... should you desire to have relations with a man, I would suggest you keep some contraceptives on hand." Ahsoka blanked for a moment, the blush returning in full as she wrapped her mind around what Shaak was suggesting.
It was a very helpful point, it wouldn't do her good to be pregnant and a Jedi. But the very notion...
"Oh... Yeah, r-right." Ahsoka stammered in response, swallowing nervously and offering a nervous smile of affirmation. "That's gonna be one awkward trip to the nearest pharmacy." She muttered.
"I always told the clerk it was for a member of the Senate who didn't want the publicity." Shaak suggested. The two chuckled for a moment, Ahsoka having a hard time believing the stoic Master Shaak Ti had actually done something so schoolgirlish. "As much as I enjoyed this talk, it was not what I came here for." Shaak continued as she rose. "You must hurry and dress, the Council wishes to speak with you." Ahsoka looked down at her pajamas and was puzzled.
"Again?" She wondered aloud. "Now what have I done?"
"It's more like what you haven't done." Shaak replied as she paused by the door. "We need you to tell us your side of the events on Stassia."
Later...
"...so that's when we got into an argument and I... kinda lost it with him."
"When you yelled at him." Obi-Wan bluntly filled in.
"Yeah..." Ahsoka quietly agreed, "not my proudest moment. I let my emotions get the better of me."
"It's good that you recognize that." Mace agreed. This Council meeting, just like before, had every member present, either in person or by holocall. After reviewing the data tapes with Ahsoka present, the Council asked for her side of the story which she freely regaled them with. She tried to avoid getting passionate or emotional about Anakin's actions, especially after watching them unfold again. "However, you are in the right to condemn your Master's actions. It is our fault for not seeing through his cover-up." Ahsoka nodded in understanding. That might be the closest she'd get to an apology, so she'd take it. "Given how your story aligns almost perfectly with this footage, as well as fills in many missing details, I believe this Council has the evidence it needs to make a decision." Mace surmised.
"Indeed." Obi-Wan agreed, but wasn't quite finished yet. "Ahsoka, what are your thoughts on Anakin's actions?"
"You mean apart from the obvious? I think it's his ego, honestly." The Togruta answered.
"Ego, you say. Stem from, what does it?" Yoda inquired.
"I think it goes all the way back to Tibrin, Master Yoda." Ahsoka replied. "To my knowledge, Anakin has always been trying to one-up or get even with Wraith for what he did. Anakin was humiliated, and he doesn't like it when that happens. He'll do anything to get back on top. And I do mean anything." Many members of the Council nodded, knowing Anakin's sometimes-dangerous penchants from since he was a Padawan.
"You confirm what we suspected. Surely this is the truth then." Plo stated.
"Agreed. Now we just have to deal with the larger issue." Obi-Wan affirmed. As if on cue, Anakin arrived and strode into the Council chamber. He offered a quick nod to his apprentice.
"Ahsoka," She nodded in reply.
"Master." Anakin stood beside her and crossed his arms.
"Hopefully I'm not too late. What's this all about?" He wondered. Using the Force, Yoda toggled the datatape footage once more.
"Concerned, we are. Dark have your recent actions been, young Skywalker." He stated.
"What about them? I had to make sure Wraith wouldn't escape." Anakin excused.
"That's not the point, Anakin." Obi-Wan argued. "You've shown clear hostility towards The Wraith."
"I mean... that's nothing new."
"It is in this sense." Mace responded, his frown ever-hardening. "Your apprentice has informed us of your actions while transferring The Wraith to Coruscant. She filled in a few details you just so happened to leave out of your report."
"Like what?"
"Improper detainment arrangements, a lack of care directed towards the prisoner. You post guards, yes, but offer no medical aid." Shaak stated. "Wraith may be a super-soldier but he is entitled to some things as a prisoner."
"He'll be fine," Anakin scoffed, "if he can take an orbital bombardment, a few bruises are nothing."
"That's not the point, Master." Ahsoka interjected.
"Ahsoka is right. The point is that you have not followed proper Republic procedures." Obi-Wan agreed.
"Guide you, your ego has. Blinded you are. True justice, you have not dispensed." Yoda reprimanded. "The way of the Jedi, such things are not."
"Worse yet, you made yourself out to be the hero in front of us, deliberately casting your apprentice in the wrong light so that we would not make a second glance at you." Mace continued.
"But she was in the wrong. Ahsoka clearly defied me." Anakin said, trying to switch gears and get things off of him.
"This one's about you, Master. Not me." His apprentice shot back.
"Enough." Mace commanded, raising a hand. "Clearly the issue of The Wraith is something of a touchy subject for you two."
"We are on opposite ends of the debate." Anakin mused, casting a none-too-positive glance in Ahsoka's direction.
"That may be so, but there are ways to go about things amicably." Obi-Wan told him. "You've let your feelings about the matter guide you, just like Ahsoka did."
"In studying this available evidence, the Council has come to a conclusion; both of you are equally correct and yet in the wrong." Mace told them. "Master Skywalker... Cad Bane, Poggle the Lesser, Nute Gunray and Nuvo Vindi were treated with decency when they were captured. They may have been in chains, but they were granted necessary commodities such as medical aid, amenities in their cells and proper nourishment."
"But Wraith is-"
"No different from them in that regard." Mace cut him off. "The Republic has very rigid guidelines when it comes to handling POW's. And based on what we've seen, you've broken several of them. Because of this, there are bound to be reparations made and they will either be demanded of us or offered freely. The Chancellor believes we ought to do the latter." Anakin's expression shifted at the mention of Palpatine.
The Chancellor had sparked this?
"Your apprentice is correct in her assessment of your actions, and you will be disciplined accordingly." Mace then shifted the topic to the other Jedi before them. "Your Master is correct about The Wraith. He cannot be treated like a charity case. He is still a war criminal and a deadly soldier for the enemy Separatists." He told Ahsoka. "To that end, your continued attempts to reach him have formed an attachment, something against the Jedi Code. You will sever this and you will no longer attempt to reach out to him when on the battlefield. The only time you will try to do so is under direct supervision and when he is in a Republic prison." Mace stated. "Is that understood?" Ahsoka diligently nodded.
"Yes Master Windu."
"You are no longer confined to quarters and we've decided your punishment will be lessened." Mace stated in conclusion. "You are dismissed, Padawan." Ahsoka nodded and left, leaving Anakin alone before the Council. "As for you, Skywalker, your actions will have consequences."
"Great." Anakin muttered with an eyeroll. "Let me guess, guard duty?" He sardonically inquired.
"Whatever it is to be, you've just extended its duration." Mace replied.
Later...
Sitting alone in his cell, Wraith felt tired. His bones ached, each move he made plagued by a constant soreness and stiffness that radiated through his whole body. He lacked the energy to move unless properly motivated, like when he was connected to Ahsoka. In the meanwhile, he had plenty of time to think. Escape was far from his mind at the moment, so he spent his energies on other pursuits. Pursuits that were halted when the locks on his cell door disengaged and the twin panels started to slide back.
Looking up, Wraith discovered a yellow ray shield on the opposite side. And on the other side of that were a group of a Jedi. Raising an eyebrow, Wraith forced himself up, using his shelf of a bed for support. Once on his feet, he shuffled towards the group, recognizing Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon, Shaak Ti and Ahsoka. Slightly confused, though pleased to see his girlfriend again, Wraith did his best to straighten up as he approached them.
"Come to gloat?" He wondered.
"On the contrary, we've come to apologize." Obi-Wan replied.
"How very un-Jedi," Wraith mused as he leaned against the doorframe. "I've got a list, but tell me, what are you apologizing for?"
"Anakin Skywalker's actions regarding your incarceration and transfer." Mace stated. "He did not follow Republic protocol and for that, we'd like to apologize."
"Skywalker didn't have it in him to say that himself, did he?" Wraith mused, glancing over the assembly and noticing his particular absence.
"He's a little... busy right now." Ahsoka told him.
"Ah. I see." He noted with a nod. "So, if that's all, I don't see why you all had to be here."
"We wish to extend a measure of good will on behalf of the Republic." Plo explained. "We would like to offer you any sort of amenities you might have need of. Just tell us what you need and we'll see to it you get it." Wraith arched an eyebrow.
"Really now?" He mused in a disbelieving tone, brushing some hair out of his face.
"The Jedi Order has always had the mission of being peacekeepers. We strive to uphold good tidings, Wraith, even towards our enemies." Shaak told him.
"Spare me the sermon. I'm not interested in your platitudes." The super-soldier dismissed. "But if you are serious about your offer, I'll take you up on it."
"What do you need?" Ahsoka asked.
"Well... right now, I could really go for some water, some painkillers, maybe a little bacta... and a bed that's actually soft." Wraith answered. The Jedi were surprised by his rather simple list, several of them expecting to have to go to great lengths and pull some strings to get what he wanted.
"Is that all?" Obi-Wan asked. "Are you sure you don't need anything else?" Wraith chuckled.
"I'm a straightforward man, Kenobi. I need only the essentials. I'm not like the Clones who need Twi'lek pinups in their barracks." He stated. "Though I suppose something to read would be nice."
"Any preferences?" Plo asked.
"Battle plans if you've got them." Wraith joked with a smirk.
"We'll try to find something suitable." Mace replied with a mirthless expression. Finalizing the list, the Jedi made to leave, assuring Wraith his requests would be provided soon. Ahsoka gave him a wink before leaving, once the Jedi weren't looking and Wraith couldn't help but smile.
Having someone special on the inside sometimes paid off.
Later that day, Wraith was provided all the amenities he'd asked for by the prison staff, several Clones observing carefully from the door while Wraith was magnetized to the nearest wall. The datapads intrigued him the most and, turning one on, couldn't help but laugh out loud when he read the title: The Plans and Tactics of Lord Hoth during the Ruusan Campaign.
Maybe Jedi did have a sense of humour after all.
