With the war intensifying at every turn, there was an even greater demand for leaders and missions to be undertaken in order to not only maintain the Republic's defences, but to also provide relief and aid to those who were being oppressed and taken by force through Separatist campaigning. I refused to join any fight that involved a planet willingly joining the Separatist Confederacy, as I believed they had the right to choose their own alliances, however I allowed myself to go on mercy missions, as I could not ignore those who were in desperate need of food, medicine and basic living necessities.
I went on several of these missions, usually alone as I saw no need to bring clone troopers with me, though the Jedi Council were constantly on my case, saying that I needed to take a more active role in the war. I refused to bow to the pressure, however, firm in my beliefs, and to prove my point, I often went on mission without even taking my lightsaber with me so that I was completely unarmed, and if I were to be captured, I informed the Council that under no circumstances was I to be rescued. They did not need to waste their resources. I would either free myself or simply wait for the war to end and be released. Some of the Jedi Councilmembers, most notably Master Windu, found my ideals rather too unrealistic for their tastes, but they could not persuade me to change my view otherwise, and I continued to participate in mercy missions only.
Other than my missions away from Coruscant, there were several incidents which occurred on the planet itself which required Jedi involvement, one such incident being when the Jedi Temple itself was placed on high alert after Master Yoda received a premonition that intruders would soon break in. I was one of the many guardians that patrolled the temple in order to ensure the safety of our younglings, searching for the intruders before they were discovered to be after a holocron in the library vault. This was a cause for great concern, and I heard from Ahsoka herself that she and Anakin would pursue the intruder and hope to reach the Jedi Bolla Ropal before he could be captured and forced to reveal the information kept on a very precious kyber crystal, one that held the location of every known Force-sensitive child in the galaxy to date.
It was disturbing to know that our temple could be broken into, and the Jedi Council used the incident as an opportunity to further strengthen our security defences. Another event which occurred on Coruscant itself was the rampage of the legendary Zillo Beast after it escaped from captivity. The danger the beast posed to the people was enough that several high ranking Jedi moved to intercept its rampage in order to help subdue it once more, and in this instance, I fought beside Aayla and Master Yoda in order to keep it from getting too out of control. Of course these home missions were mere happenstance, none of them were anticipated, and of course I would always rise to protect the temple and all within no matter what the situation.
The Council, however, decided that I was needed away from Coruscant for a time, and this time it was my mission to escort wounded soldiers from the battlefront to a medical station near Ord Cestus, where the troops were to be treated and recover from their injuries. This included successfully retrieving them from amidst a battlefield where the Separatist forces were attempting to overrun the clone army, however with the arrival of reinforcements under the command of a Jedi Master I was unfamiliar with, I was able to go to the surface and oversee the evacuation of the endless wounded before then bringing them to the medical transport where I could then ensure their safe delivery to a medical station. The journey was thankfully without complication, and when I arrived I was greeted personally by Master Kit Fisto, who until now I had very little contact with but knew of through his peerless reputation. "Master Fisto, greetings."
"Theca Rouyn, I trust your journey was unhindered?" Bowing to the nautolan master before me, I looked around briefly at the bright whiteness of the command deck in order to observe my surroundings before reporting that the soldiers were all accounted for and that they were being transferred even as we spoke. "Good, they will be well cared for here. I shall report to the Jedi Council." He said whilst turning away in order to activate the communication panel, where Master Yoda responded and I could give my report.
"Grateful we are for your help, young Theca. More to do there is, however. In need of medical supplies, is Master Windu, on Dantooine. A medical frigate, on its way it is, with Skywalker's and Master Unduli's padawans. Join them, you should."
"Of course master, I shall do as you say." I answered dutifully, bowing my head as the information was then sent through of little 'Soka's mission with her fellow padawan learner. "They are to come here for supplies and then escort them to Dantooine. I understand Master Windu has managed to hold his position as well as destroy a seismic tank, but the battle went poorly and many of his men are injured." Murmuring sadly, Master Fisto looked at me as he sensed my emotions rather clearly.
"Are you perhaps the one who is rumoured to be against the war and refuses to participate in any offensive missions, young Jedi?" He asked me so I lifted my eyes to look at him and nodded my head.
"That I am. I do not believe the Jedi as peace keepers should be participating so strongly in a political war. I am yet to see a battlefield, and nor do I wish to." I admitted freely as I uploaded the information and coordinates I'd need for the mission to my wrist comm. "I remain dedicated to mercy missions only." Noticing that Master Fisto was giving me a strange look, I asked him if he thought this made me a coward.
"Someone who remains dedicated to their beliefs of peace and harmony in such a time of war cannot be called a coward. I admire that you feel this way, though I cannot bring myself to share the same view." He answered rather thoughtfully, as if still processing his own opinion even as he spoke. "Having seen the effects this war has made upon so many different worlds, I cannot allow myself to stand aside when there is a chance that I can make a difference. In fighting to maintain liberty and freedom, even one life saved is a worthy sacrifice in my eyes." For a while I was silent, taking in his words and comparing them to how I viewed the war.
"So you no longer call yourself a peace keeper?"
"No, I am a general. A warrior. I must defend the innocent from harm, as war will come to them whether we fight or not."
"Therefore, the Jedi are no longer what they are meant to be." I reasoned with him, sparking a small debate between us. Master Fisto smiled broadly, folding his arms as the two of us faced one another.
"We must evolve with the needs of the galaxy. All things are as the Force wills them to be, and once this war is over, we shall return to being the maintainers of peace. It is not the Jedi who prolong the war, rather, we seek to end it sooner." I retaliated with the question as to whether the Jedi had any place in a war that was born from politics, reminding Master Fisto that we were not ourselves politicians.
"For a long time now we have been under the thumb of the Senate and Republic decree. Surely if we have reached a stage where we must ask permission to help someone in need, we have utterly lost our way as Jedi?"
"Perhaps, but without someone to oversee us, then how are we to know restraint? We are subject to the consequences of our actions, and so long as there is someone to ensure that we do not become too enraptured by our own force of mind, then we will not overstep our boundaries." We went back and forth between one another, arguing our beliefs in the friendliest manner, purely out of academic curiosity as we awaited news from the medical frigate and the padawans. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the wait. I knew Master Fisto only from reputation, and Master Plo had always spoken highly of him as one of the greatest lightsaber duellists of the Order, so he was well respected. Speaking to him now, I was able to alter my view slightly, coming to understand that fighting against a droid army was not in violation of being a pacifist, as they were not sentient beings. They could not be reasoned or negotiated with, merely responded to their programming, so if there order was to attack and slaughter, then it would not be against my beliefs to destroy them in order to defend those who would otherwise be killed by them.
Just as we were getting towards some deeply fascinating and philosophical views and debates, we were interrupted by a signal coming through from the medical frigate, and it was revealed to be Ahsoka herself. "Little 'Soka, how goes the journey?" I answered immediately, standing behind the clone in charge of the communication panel as Master Fisto also stood behind, however from Ahsoka's expression, I quickly discerned that something was wrong and she proceeded to report that her entire crew had been infested with some kind of parasite that had altered their personalities and were making them attack both herself and her fellow padawan, Barriss Offee.
"As long as these things are on board, we dare not dock with the medical station."
"You must bring the ship in. The only way we can stop these parasites is to analyse them." Master Fisto insisted, both of us having listened and now felt a great sense of urgency to deal with the situation immediately and find a way to cure the infected.
"You don't understand how terrible these things are, what if they get loose?" Assuring Ahsoka that we would take precautions, Ahsoka answered with uncertainty and doubt. "I have a bad feeling about this, Master Fisto, but I will follow your instructions."
"Be mindful Ahsoka, and protect yourself at all costs. You need to keep yourself from becoming infected if we are to stand a chance at containing the situation." I instructed her warningly and she nodded her head, promising she wouldn't fail before she ended the transmission. Geonosian parasites, I never expected something like this to happen. If the entire crew were affected, then the padawans were completely on their own.
"Prepare for the frigate's arrival, it will have to be quarantined to prevent further infection spreading." Master Fisto began to give out orders whilst I remained out of the way, closing my eyes for a moment in order to try and reach out and sense through the Force what was happening. They were getting closer, I sensed a great deal of confusion and clouded judgement, the infected were being controlled with no execution of their own will at all. "Theca Rouyn, is everything alright?" Master Fisto questioned, once again sensing my unease and swiftly discerning the root cause. "You care deeply for the padawan."
"Ahsoka and I share a connection through the Force, alongside my old master, Master Plo Koon. We were the ones to find her as an infant and bring her to the temple. We have remained close ever since." I explained briefly, opening my eyes to pay attention to the immediate vicinity. The best thing I could do for Ahsoka now was trust in her, and prepare to get her off that frigate away from the infected and make sure that the parasites do not spread beyond. "Is there anything I can do, Master Fisto? I should like to be of some help." Smiling to me, Master Fisto had me monitor the senses to keep a look out for the frigate's arrival as well as clear a docking port so that they could be kept away from all other areas, securing the quarantine zone until another transmission came through to us. "Master Fisto." Calling him over, I opened the channel to reveal Anakin Skywalker in view of the screen.
"Theca, Master Fisto, we've learned how to deal with the parasites. They are susceptible to the cold and will die if exposed to extremely low temperatures. I have instructed Ahsoka to rupture the coolant systems, but it will be up to you to ensure that the parasites are contained once they arrive. Has there been any sign of them?" Informing Anakin that Ahsoka had not made any further contact than her initial report, Master Fisto began to organise the hazard crew and to make preparations for thermal modulators to be prepared for the frigate's arrival.
"Ahsoka will be alright, Anakin. She is resilient and intuitive. We will contact you once we have everything in hand." I promised him as a means to offer him reassurance over his padawan before furthering the scans, awaiting any sign of her and the frigate. Once a ship suddenly exited hyperspace, I swiftly pulled up the scan of the ship on screen and called Master Fisto over so that he could confirm its identity.
"That's Ahsoka's ship, it just came out of hyperspace. Send out the tugs to help guide them in." Nodding my head, I relayed the order and watched as a pair of spacecraft flew out of one of the bays in order to go meet the approaching frigate which seemed to be coming at us far too quickly. "Warn all medical hazard crew that I don't want anyone boarding that ship until the parasites are contained. Sound all the alarms, and prepare the sub-zero conduits." Moving over to the viewport, I could clearly see the ship moving towards the medical station, though the tugs were struggling to slow the ship down, or even hold it as the ship suddenly leaned sharply to the portside.
"Sir, she's listing!"
"The escort ships must maintain control." Master Fisto instructed, coming to stand beside me in order to observe the progress of the ship. The ship continued its approach at full speed, causing me to feel a great deal of concern even as the tugs engaged full power of their tractor beams.
"Ahsoka." Murmuring softly, I found my hand rising of its own accord and stretch out towards the ship, feeling for her through the Force and with our strong connection, it was easy to find and sense her. She was freezing, struggling against someone, but she was alive. "Ahsoka." I felt her recognition and knew that she could feel me with her, and as the ship continued its flight towards us, I sensed the Force enact itself through me, reaching for the ship in order to help slow it's path as I continued to focus on Ahsoka and the bridge, almost able to see it around me. I focused on the control panel, sensing Ahsoka behind me, as I pulled down the lever to reduce the thrusters then switched it into reverse to pull back further. "Little 'Soka, I am coming. Hold on. Hold on." So focused was I on the Force, the ship and Ahsoka that I did not notice Master Fisto observing me until the ship was docked safely that I let go, feeling a sudden exhaustion as I returned to my own senses and staggered forwards to press my hand against the viewport.
Master Fisto kindly grasped hold of my arm to help me, suggesting that I should go and rest but I would not go until I knew that Ahsoka, the other padawan and everyone aboard that vessel was safe. She was so cold in there, I had felt it, and from the ship's scan we were able to confirm that the temperature was below freezing. "Let us board then, but stay on guard. They may still be dangerous. Theca Rouyn, are you coming with us?"
"Yes, I can withstand the temperature on board." I informed him before following to where the ship had been docked. Using the sub-zero conduits to board the ship, I headed straight for the bridge as Master Fisto followed, the other medical staff focusing on gathering the previously infected troopers, though upon seeing the green worm-like parasites where they had frozen on the ground, everyone was given explicit instructions not to touch them directly and secure each and every one for analysis.
Opening the door to the bridge, I immediately saw Ahsoka on the ground, frozen stiff with her arms cradling the other padawan in her lap. "Ahsoka." Sweeping forwards, I touched her head and lifted her chin as Master Fisto knelt down too as she stirred, frosted lashes fluttering as she shivered.
"Hello, Master Fisto. We're ready to pick up the supplies." She whispered whilst shaking, making the both of us smile to her.
"We'll take care of that. You rest now, Ahsoka." Nodding our heads to one another, I raised Ahsoka's arm off Barriss Offee and Master Fisto lifted her up, allowing me to gather Ahsoka myself and, avoiding the severed parasite on the floor, carried her off the ship whilst cradling her against me. We placed both padawans into a medical unit to slowly raise her temperature back to normal and I watched over her as the frigate was cleared, scanned and searched for any remaining parasites, most of which being destroyed by the cold from the coolant systems, though this now posed a new problem.
"The ship has sustained too much damage from being frozen to make the trip to Dantooine, and the padawans are in no condition to go anywhere, it will take time for them both to fully recover." Master Fisto explained in the conference transmission which included Master Yoda, Obi-Wan, Master Unduli, Master Mundi, as well as Anakin since he had speedily arrived to take care of his padawan. "We have the medical supplies and a ship on hand, but it may take some time before it can be delivered to Master Windu along with the reinforcements he requires."
"I have received word that the situation on Dantooine is rapidly worsening, Master Windu has called for the reinforcements to be dispatched immediately as the Separatists have sent in another strike force following the attack with the seismic tank. Unless they are supplied, he cannot hold his position and Dantooine will be lost." Obi-Wan noted as we all stood gravely, listening to the news.
"There are reinforcements on their way, but to my understanding, Master Windu has also been injured and cannot continue leading in his condition. I'm afraid retreat may be our only option." Knowing that the situation was dire, and that if Dantooine fell, we would lose our foothold in the entire sector, and the people of Dantooine would fall prey to the droid armies of the Separatists. It was a difficult choice for me, and I felt uneasy about it, but I knew that I could not stand by.
"I will go." I announced, making everyone look at me in equal measures of shock and surprise. "I will take the medical supplies and the reinforcements, and support Master Windu's campaign on Dantooine. I will leave immediately."
"Theca, I thought you were opposed to participating in violence." Obi-Wan said to me so I exhaled deeply.
"Lives are at stake, Obi-Wan, and I will not stand by if I can save even just one of them. It would be irresponsible and cowardly of me not to try. Besides, to defend the innocent people of Dantooine, that is my role as a Jedi. As I have said, I will go. Is this acceptable to you, Master Yoda?" Nodding his head, Master Yoda looked at me with gentle appreciation and understanding, which made me feel at least a little better about myself. "In that case, I shall make contact once I have landed. May the Force be with you all." Bowing to them all, I turned around with a glance to Master Fisto, nodded to him before then looking to Anakin and requesting that he send my best to Ahsoka and to let me know once she woke up.
I left the bridge then, sweeping away with a rustle of my cloak as I clenched my jaw tightly, forcing myself to maintain my composure and regulate my emotions as I felt the sensation of fear beginning to prickle against me at the thought of willingly walking into danger. For a moment I had to stand still in order to clear my thoughts, taking deep breaths as old memories came to plague me like living nightmares. In a surge of fortitude, I banished them and focused instead on the here and now. Master Windu was injured, his men needed medical attention, and soon he was going to be overrun with droids. If I can do something to help, then that is exactly what I'm going to do. All principles aside, my role as a Jedi was to save lives, and that includes the lives of each and every clone trooper. So, with these thoughts in mind, I continued on my way in order to reach the medical transport and signal to the battle cruiser that their new commander was on her way.