Standing beside Ahsoka, we both stepped upon the hover platform in order to be floated forwards to stand before the jury of the courtroom, which was obscenely tall and spacious, allowing for voices to echo with weight and power with even the softest whisper. My mind was calm and my expression clear as I looked up, seeing Chancellor Palpatine in person for the first time, and immediately felt a coldness creep upon me as he spoke. "Theca Rouyn. Ahsoka Tano. You have been charged with sedition against the Jedi Order, and the Republic itself. This court will decide your fate. Prosecution, you may begin your arguments." To my disappointment, I could see that the person standing against us was none other than Admiral Tarkin. Our chances, slim as they were, seemed to diminish all the more.
"Former Jedi Knight Rouyn, I shall prove that you were the mastermind behind the attack on the Jedi Temple, and that once your accomplices carried out your orders, you had Former Padawan Tano eliminate them one by one. When you are found guilty, I ask the court that the full extent of the law be brought down upon you, including penalty of death." Ahsoka drew back beside me so I lifted my manacled hands in order to place them on her shoulder, calming her disturbance as she looked at me quickly.
"You knew." She whispered in horror, staring at me. "You knew they would execute you for trying to take the blame!"
"I am prepared to put my faith and fate into the hands of your master, little 'Soka. At the very least, I shall prove that you are innocent." Ahsoka tried to argue but the court was called to order and we were forced to be silenced, so I sent her a look to remain collected before focusing on the proceedings. Padmé spoke in our defence, claiming that Ahsoka was indeed innocent and despite my confession, I was only attempting to shield Ahsoka from any injustice and prejudice that both the Jedi Council and Senate had openly displayed against her.
"Look at the facts. Letta Turmond called Ahsoka to her cell to reveal the name of the true mastermind behind the bombing of the Jedi Temple. Letta told Ahsoka she was afraid. She told her the mastermind was a Jedi, and before she could reveal the Jedi's name, Letta Turmond was strangled to death by way of the Force." Padmé began with a strong and confident voice, easily reasoning the true circumstances of Ahsoka's presence at Letta's death. "Why would Ahsoka kill Letta with a method that would so obviously tie the murder to her? A Jedi may be responsible for the murder, but that Jedi is not Ahsoka Tano. Members of the court, you are prosecuting the wrong Jedi." The only response came from Admiral Tarkin, a long, slow, mocking clap which echoed around us.
"Well said, Senator Amidala. However, if she is innocent, then why was she seen conspiring with known Separatist terrorist, Asajj Ventress?" His question arose a quiet murmur of agreement, and considering the evidence, this was not in Ahsoka's favour though she attempted to defend herself.
"Ventress set me up. My master will prove that."
"And where is your master?" Tarkin responded, making Ahsoka all the more unsettled as she glowered at him heatedly.
"He's trying to find the real murderer!"
"Then maybe, he should be looking at you." Sensing an intense hatred from Tarkin, I naturally moved my hand in order to turn the hover platform around with the Force so that Ahsoka and I were back to back, and now I was the one facing Tarkin. One thing that I could appreciate about my eyes was the intense golden hue, and when narrowed with a ferocious expression, they possessed an intensity which unsettled even the most composed of beings. Tarkin straightened, lip rising in a sneer as I stood between him and Ahsoka, silently daring him to speak in such a manner to her again. "As despicable as your actions were, they pale in comparison to the actions of your former master. Your tutor. Theca Rouyn. Your full confession has been delivered to the court, and has been taken into the proceedings which leaves none in doubt of your guilt, but to try and acquit your accomplice is an act of treason itself. What have you to say in your own defence?"
"Only that Ahsoka is innocent. I make no comment on my own words." I responded immediately, drawing myself up and allowing my shoulders to relax against the fierce scrutiny in which I was held.
"So you maintain that former Padawan Tano had no part in your scheme?"
"I maintain that Ahsoka had no part in the accusations levelled against her." Tarkin proceeded to highlight the evidence which contradicted me, though my words were carefully chosen as to not once again admit that I myself was guilty. I focused on Ahsoka, stalling for time as much as I was able in the hope that Anakin would return with the real culprit, whomever they might be. Padmé continued to hold our defence, but the notion of semantics and the weak evidence to support our claims was so vague and unconvincing, that I truly began to worry for Ahsoka's fate. I was already formulating a plan in my mind to get her away from here if necessary. Although most of the Jedi Council were present, I was confident I could get her away from the danger should they choose to condemn her.
"I am sure many of you look at these former Jedi and think 'surely they cannot be the murderers or saboteurs that they speak of', and yet think of all the times we have been fooled by the Separatists and how they have infiltrated the Republic and ask yourself, 'is this yet another Separatist scheme'? Another way to rip the Jedi, and subsequently all of us, apart." Chancellor Palpatine reasoned, and I sensed that his words were meant to sway the votes against us as the court began to deliberate on their decision, to determine whether we were guilty or not.
"The members of the court have reached a decision." The speaker of the court announced before sending the combined votes through the voting pads in order to have them delivered to the Chancellor himself, leaving me tense and on edge. My body was primed and ready to move, knowing that I would have to think of this carefully. Our best chance to escape would be in transition, where there were less people and Jedi around. I would take the death penalty myself, so long as Ahsoka went free, but even as I prepared myself for what came next, I then sensed Anakin's arrival and quickly straightened, turning my head around. He was here, and I sensed he was not alone.
"Theca Rouyn, Ahsoka Tano, by an overwhelming count of…"
"Chancellor." Speaking out swiftly as he entered the court, Anakin's voice echoed firmly as Ahsoka quickly turned around, joining me in facing her master. The Chancellor was not best pleased at being interrupted, hoping for Anakin to have a good reason for his interruption as he walked down the dais towards Ahsoka and I on the hover platform. "I'm here with evidence and a confession from the person responsible for all the crimes Ahsoka and Theca Rouyn has been accused of." He announced, drawing all attention towards him as he stepped aside, the four Jedi Guardians behind him standing with their yellow blades ignited to keep their prisoner from attempting to escape. "Barriss Offee, member of the Jedi Order and traitor." I sensed the shock and betrayal from Ahsoka upon hearing her dear friend's name, staring with wide eyes as Barriss walked forwards to reveal herself.
"Barriss, is that true?" With a darkness that was not the Jedi way, Anakin ordered the padawan learner to speak the truth before the court, making her step forwards to reveal her actions.
"I did it, because I have come to realise what many people in the Republic have come to realise, that the Jedi are the ones responsible for this war, that we've so lost our way that we have become villains in this conflict, that we are the ones that should be put on trial, all of us! And my attack on the temple was an attack on what the Jedi have become, an army fighting for the dark side, fallen from the light that we once held so dear. This Republic is failing! It's only a matter of time." Surprised to find that my own views were so similar to Barriss's, I was also deeply saddened that she allowed her views to cloud her judgement in such a way, and to respond with violence when the answer should be peace and compromise.
She was ordered away, and as I regarded her, I understood a strong sense of regret from her towards Ahsoka, the sense of shame that she had allowed her own friend to almost take the fall for her. I felt that Barriss was not completely lost, that there was still goodness and light inside of her, she had merely become confused and misguided. Looking to Ahsoka at my side, I nudged her lightly and gave a slight nod of my head before turning around as Admiral Tarkin continued. "It may be that this Barriss Offee has confessed, but hers is not the only confession that we have. Theca Rouyn also claims responsibility for the attacks and murders, and therefore her sentence should still stand. I implore the court to find her guilty, and levy the full extent of the law upon her, that she may be executed for her crimes." He proclaimed, causing Padmé to retaliate with outrage.
"This is unacceptable! There is no clear evidence to prove that Theca Rouyn had any connection to the bombing incident or the subsequent murders! I have in my possession the testimonies of key witnesses to provide Theca Rouyn with an alibi to prove her whereabouts at the time of each incident, she cannot have been involved! If the court will only listen and see the evidence I have, and not dismiss it, then we can be certain that Theca Rouyn is not in any way responsible for these crimes!" Padmé declared, sending the testimonies via the data-pad to all the members of the court for them to read, now forcing them to look as they had been dismissed before. "Theca is a kind, gentle person, who believes in non-violence and peace. She is not the type of Jedi to attack those based upon her beliefs. She is innocent, and her confession was to take the blame herself, away from Ahsoka Tano, as a means to protect her from the potential threat of injustice."
"It is not the Jedi way to stand in the way of the law." Tarkin responded coldly, still arguing against the case despite the new evidence that had surfaced. "If she truly did provide a false confession in order to protect Ahsoka Tano, then she did it out of attachment, something forbidden in the Jedi Order, and in doing so committed the crime of obstruction of justice, which carries penalties in itself!" Padmé argued in return, however the court were now also joining the debate until the Chancellor had to have everyone settle down. Ahsoka was termed innocent, and my name was also cleared though because I had falsely confessed, I would face punishment, which unfortunately, was deemed to be forced service to the state, meaning they would force me to obey their will or harsher punishment would be inflicted, including imprisonment.
It was not all that I had hoped for, but it was better than how I believed it would go. Looking down to my restraints, I had them off in a second with the Force, holding my hand over Ahsoka's to free her as well before then guiding the hover platform back over to her master so that we could all finally leave this place. I made a point of going to Padmé and thanking her for her support and for speaking in our defence, promising her that if ever she needed anything, I would gladly offer my services in repayment for her kindness. The rest of the Jedi Council, as well as Ahsoka and Anakin had already left in order to return to the temple, however I chose to go and visit Barriss Offee first, and Padmé elected to come with me.
We were permitted to see her, but only for a brief time, and when I entered the holding cell, she looked utterly miserable. "What do you want?" She demanded sharply, sitting upon the broad bench at the back of the room with her legs tucked close to her chest, holding them tightly against her. "Come to punish me, have you?" Sensing the conflict within her, I walked over to Barriss and reached out my hand to place it upon her knee, knowing exactly what she was going through, and allowed her to sense that through the Force. I agreed with her beliefs, but I did not approve of the way she had announced them to the galaxy.
"You are confused, little one, and I sense your pain. You are shrouded in shadows, the Dark Side is attempting to work its way into your heart, and so I caution you to be wary against it." I told her softly and with gentleness so that she would not stand against me, but listen. "The actions you took were wrong, even if your beliefs and opinions may hold elements of truth in them. I wish I had known your dilemma, Barriss, I would have helped you through it." Drawing my hand back, I briefly laid my hand upon her head in an act of closeness, willing to share in her despair and hopefully take some of it away with me. "You will not be abandoned. I will seek that you be given a fair trial, and a second chance be offered to you, to do real good in this galaxy. There is still room and time for further growth, and I wish to help you reach your potential."
"Why? Why would you do something for me? Because of me, you and Ahsoka were almost convicted and executed for something I did." Barriss shivered, her voice breaking repeatedly and I found myself looking upon her, and seeing the same broken thing that still dwelled deep down inside me, the part that could never be fixed, but I had learned to overcome and grow around.
"Because I have walked the same path that you now face, and whereas I had to tread it alone, I would not want the same for you. If I can guide you, teach you, then I shall. Rest for now, Barriss. You shall hear from me again soon." Bowing my head in farewell, I left her there in order to think and ponder over everything that had occurred, and hoped that the Force would help her to reconcile herself with the light once more. "It is the fault of we elders and seniors that the young ones fall astray, and thus it is our duty to try and set them right once more." I said to Padmé as we took our leave together.
"You were so brave risking yourself in order to protect Ahsoka, and now you seek to help the true culprit behind the killings. I admire that, Theca." Padmé said to me and I inclined my head in gratitude for her words. "Anakin said that you were different from most Jedi, that you were what a true Jedi should embody. Your belief in non-violence and non-conflict, your refusal to participate in the war, I even heard that you have been teaching the poor down in the lower levels and supplying them with necessities."
"It surprises me to hear that Anakin views me in such a light. I am honoured with that description." I murmured softly, though I felt heavy with the weight of events still pressing on the forefront of my mind. "But I am not the perfect Jedi. In fact, I am convinced that none exists. We each have our own quirks and personalities, our strengths and weaknesses, that we cannot always project the ideal qualities that a Jedi should be. I myself admit that I do not forsake my attachments. Once I have made a connection to someone, I allow myself to love them, and to love them freely, though quietly and discreetly. I have yet to be brought into conflict with these feelings, however I fear the day I may lose someone I love, for I do not know how I shall be able to let go." I openly admitted, feeling that I could be honest with Padmé, for what I have seen of her and Anakin, I knew that there was also a strong attachment between them. I knew she would understand. "As it was with Ahsoka, I will do anything to protect my loved ones, and to defend my ideals. Sometimes, at the cost of the truth, or the right path."
"I do not believe that loving someone should be seen as a weakness, or something to be discouraged. The more we love, the greater our compassion, our understanding of others. I believe that if there was a little more compassion and understanding in the galaxy, then this war would have ended a long time ago." Padmé said to me as we reached the ground floor and left it. "I have business to attend to here, so I shall take my leave. I am glad you and Ahsoka proved your innocence. It was an honour to represent you."
"And you have our undying gratitude, Padmé." I returned, bowing to her deeply with a final farewell before I left, returning to the temple. Such strong emotions and thoughts were cascading through the air upon my return, climbing the steps one at a time as I sensed Ahsoka approaching, with her confusion and conflict, but also her firm decision set in her mind. I climbed the last step and revealed myself at the top of the stairs, a breeze catching upon my cloak which lifted it back upon the rising strands of my lilac hair which caught the golden glow of the sunset behind me as Ahsoka lifted her head. When our eyes met, I could clearly see her intention. "Little 'Soka." She was close to tears, but she held firm as she continued walking towards me, and upon our closeness, I reached out in order to take her into my arms and press my forehead against hers.
She breathed unevenly, struggling with her emotions so I hushed her quietly, coaxing her to quell the rippling feelings which stirred the Force around her, and once the distortions had lessened, I found myself humming her lullaby once more. The effect was as I desired, my voice drawing upon the nostalgic memories of each lullaby I had ever sang to her, until she was breathing deeply and calmly, no longer trembling in my grasp. "You are the light of my life, Ahsoka Tano. I could not be prouder of you, little one." Running the back of my hand slowly down her cheek, Ahsoka closed her eyes and leaned into the touch as she revelled in it for what could be the last time in a long while.
"You are staying?" She asked me and I nodded, telling her that I must. It was where I needed to be, and that once she had recovered from the betrayal, I would still be here, waiting for her to return. "Thank you for everything, Master Theca. For teaching me as a youngling, for being by my side, for being willing to sacrifice your own life for me. I do not know how I can ever repay…"
"Ahsoka, you do not owe me anything." I told her quietly as the last rays of the sunset intensified to a liquid golden colour, painting us both in her brilliant hues. "You know how much I care for you, and I would never regret protecting you. Not ever." Our connection through the Force deepened, and suddenly we were both seeing the many memories we shared together. Our first meeting, her bright eyes looking up at me as she held my hand, all the times I had carried her upon my shoulder about the temple. We revisited the moments where I taught her to read and write, how to grip her lightsaber, and training her in the basic forms of lightsaber combat, and a thousand more memories rushing at us all at once as Ahsoka and I stood together in silent reverie. Once our minds awoke from the connection we harboured, I smiled to her. "Your presence taught me to hope again, and I healed from a wound I thought would never fade. If anything, it is I who owes you everything, little 'Soka."
Not caring who could see us, I leaned towards her and placed a kiss upon the crown of her head, murmuring to her softly. "Go with my blessings, so that you may return upon a swift wind. May the Force be with you, Ahsoka Tano."
"And also with you, Theca Rouyn." Bowing her head, Ahsoka gripped my hand one final time before she let go, and I felt my feelings fly away with her, a part of me staying close to watch over her through the Force, and I did not move from that same spot until she was far out of sight, Anakin having come to stand beside me. I sensed his pain and loss, and replicated it in my own self. So acute were the sensations that I could not bring myself to speak, so instead, I merely placed my hand upon his shoulder, sharing in his feelings until the last ray of sunlight had slipped below the horizon, and we were left to stand in the gloom of twilight, as if Ahsoka had taken all the light worth having with her, with nothing left to show us the way.