Chapter 24

reviews:

littlesky33by: Of course I did! Can't be a rebel without meeting Hera and Chopper once. They are the best. Thank you for your review!

MalirBly: Right? I'm glad you liked the chapter. Chopper is the best person in this universe, and no I do not accept anything else. I need more of him. Don't thank me for writing this! I must thank you for reading!


Ahsoka had spent the entire day flying with Hera. And she had to admit, Hera was an incredibly talented pilot. The girl pulled of maneuvers that should have been impossible for barely experienced pilots. Ahsoka was confident Hera could achieve a whole lot with her pilot skills.

When the two girls had landed late in the evening, the entire clan had made it known to Ahsoka that they didn't appreciate what she'd done with Hera. Cham was there too, and she noticed him scolding Hera for doing such a thing.

It was obvious Ahsoka wasn't welcome with the clan and definitely not in their home. For that reason, she'd slept in her stolen shuttle.

=O=

Ahsoka woke up with first light. The first thought that crossed her mind was that today might be the day. She could get a step further in her mission today or it would all fall apart. It should scare her, but it didn't. She was ready. To face Vader, at least. She didn't know if she was ready to possibly meet her end today.

Getting up and walking towards the front of the shuttle, Ahsoka went ahead and checked the digital map of the planet. She'd gotten it from Chopper, which she was very grateful for. She was checking for the most likely place Vader would arrive. She had to be ready for it. If all went well, she could even stop him from attacking these rebels. That would be the best outcome.

Ahsoka stared at the map for several minutes but didn't really become all that wiser from it. She'd singled several places out – the most likely would be its capital city – but that was all she could do at the moment. She sat back, debating what to do today. Waiting would only make the day feel longer. Going to Hera might've been an option if the locals hadn't shown such hostility yesterday after she'd spent time with the girl. Ahsoka sighed. Well, guess she was on her own.

At that moment she heard commotion outside. Ahsoka looked up, confused. It was still incredibly early. What was out there? Ahsoka got up slowly and took one lightsaber off her hip, activating it. She lowered the ramp.

Only to see Hera and Chopper standing in front of it.

Ahsoka deactivated her lightsaber and placed it back inside it's hidden spot on her hip. She stared at the two who were now walking up the ramp with a confused face. What were they doing here?

She voiced her thoughts out loud.

"Chopper and I wanted to go flying again?" Hera said sheepishly with a smile on her face.

Ahsoka couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Didn't your father tell you that you weren't permitted to see me again?" she asked. She then checked the chrono. "And isn't it way too early for you to be out here anyways?"

Hera shrugged. "My father did say that, but I think he's wrong. You're not dangerous to us. But I didn't think he'd understand so I used Chopper to sneak out. That's why we're so early. But it seems you were already awake as well. I hope you don't mind that we're here?" She looked at Ahsoka hopefully.

And how could Ahsoka ignore that. What Hera wanted was harmless enough. But Ahsoka was supposed to be the smart adult here. She couldn't give in so easily.

"Do you think I would go against your father like that?" Ahsoka asked. "I don't want to get into trouble with your people. It wouldn't really reflect good on me now, would it?" She didn't mention that the actions she would take today would make her an enemy of almost everyone in the Galaxy, but keeping that hidden was for the best. Nobody needed to know that.

Hera's face fell, but the determination had not yet left her stance. "You would be helping me learning to fend for myself. My father can't fault that. Besides, I think you could use the company. You obviously still have something to do here, since you haven't left. So might as well spend your day with me," Hera said confidently.

Ahsoka could just see this girl become a strong leader in the future. The Force told her Hera would do great things. Ahsoka smiled. "Alright then Hera, you've convinced me. Get in."

=O=

They went into space this time. Again, Ahsoka had to admit Hera was so very skilled. She just had a natural talent for flying. They'd been flying for hours now. It was now well into the afternoon and Ahsoka was in need of some fresh air and they were running out of fuel. She asked Hera if they could touch down somewhere to refuel and go for a walk. Hera agreed. The girl had no problems showing Ahsoka some of her planet.

Hera docked the ship at one of the yards in the Capital city. Ahsoka had to admit it was a sight to see. She'd only seen it once from up above during the Clone Wars. When she and Anakin blew droid bombers out of the sky. This was a whole different view.

It was an impressive city bristling with life. Everywhere she looked she could see Twi'leks in all different colors. It made the place feel just that much more alive. Ahsoka felt widely out of place. She retrieved her hood from the shuttle and pulled it tightly around her. Hera looked at her confused. Ahsoka shrugged. "I don't need to draw attention to myself. I know you're fighting for your beliefs here on this planet, but that doesn't make the Empire go away. And I won't deny the fact that they're already looking for me. So better be safe than sorry."

Hera could understand that. Both girls started walking and Hera lead Ahsoka towards a market in the middle of the city. It was a beautifully colorful place. Ahsoka loved it. Hera started explaining things. How this was one of the oldest markets on the planet and how they had things from all over the Galaxy. That it was a place for Twi'leks to meet each other and what not. Chopper occasionally chimed in with a sarcastic remark that had both Ahsoka and Hera rolling their eyes but smiled nonetheless.

The two girls and droid made their way over to the food section of the market. Because the food was something Ahsoka had to try, according to Hera. She didn't object. She better eat enough right now anyways. Once Vader was here, she had no idea when her chance to eat again would be- no stop thinking like that! He isn't here yet. Ahsoka had to enjoy her day with Hera. It was the last they she could do what she wanted. The last day she was truly free.

Ahsoka and Hera had ordered some food and sat down at one of the tables surrounding the stall. Chopper stationed himself beside the table. He got some odd looks, but kind of insulted everyone who did so. Ahsoka was growing fond of him. She liked his snarky attitude. She'd told Hera as much.

The food came shortly after, and Ahsoka had to admit. It was great. "You really know a great deal about all this Hera? You go out alone often?" she asked.

Hera nodded. "I'm learning to be on myself as much as possible. One day I'm going to have to," she said.

"Why?" Ahsoka asked. "Are they going to kick you out?"

Hera shook her head. "No, but I'm not planning on staying forever. I want to find my own path."

Ahsoka understood. It was the same thing she'd felt and done when she left the Jedi Order. "I think you should. Leave to find your own path, I mean. I think you can do great things for this Galaxy. I also think your father is holding you back. I must advice you, though. Seek someone who can help you. I left the Order at 16, with no idea where to go. Ever since that time it has been a tough few years on my own. It would be easier to find someone to spend it with." She said with a smile. Hera nodded along.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice Ahsoka, and for believing in me. That means a lot," Hera said with a small smile. She was obviously touched.

=O=

They stayed at the table for well over an hour. They talked about all kinds of things. Work, the Galaxy and what it was like, boyfriends. That last topic had sparked an argument between Hera and Chopper. He believed Hera wouldn't be able to split her attention between possible future partner and him. Hera tried to calm him down and reassure him. Ahsoka stared at the two in amusement. She really hoped Hera would go and do her own thing after Ahsoka was gone. She would be one of the best rebels the Galaxy would see.

Before Ahsoka could voice her thoughts, everyone was pulled out of her conversation by a terribly hard sound. An airhorn. It came from the Imperial Dome placed in the city. Ahsoka had a terrible feeling she knew what it meant. When she looked up, she could vaguely see the shape of a Star Destroyer hanging in low orbit high above the city. She spotted a shuttle on its way down. And now that she focused on it, the presence was hard to miss.

Vader had arrived.

He was earlier than Ahsoka expected.

All the people around Hera and Ahsoka started scurrying away. It must be protocol. Ahsoka got to her feet and pulled Hera along with her. She started walking, dragging the Twi'lek girl with her. She knew Chopper would follow on principal.

"Hey! What are you doing? Ahsoka-"

The Togruta cut her off. "No time to explain Hera. I need you to get to my shuttle and leave with Chopper. I don't really care where you're going to go, just do it," Ahsoka demanded fiercely, going into 'commander' mode.

Hera wasn't having it. "What do you mean? Where are you going?" the girl asked.

"It's not important. The only thing that's important is that you get away safe to warn your father. Please, Hera. This is a dangerous situation, okay?" Ahsoka said.

"Then I shouldn't leave you alone at all. You just said today you were wanted by the Empire. Why won't you leave with us?" Hera asked, concerned.

"It's complicated Hera. I don't want you to get into trouble with them. I'll be fine. I used to be a Jedi, remember. I can take care of myself. I need you and Chopper to deliver this news to your father. Go," Ahsoka said. With that she turned around and started running, leaving Hera behind.

Ahsoka made her way towards the city gate. She would not seek Vader's attention while still inside the city. She did not want to cause collateral damage, and she certainly didn't want it to be the people that walked around here.

When Ahsoka reached the city gate, she was met with stormtroopers. Of course. There were most likely here to keep any rebels from fleeing the city. Anyone that attempted to leave would be arrested, or worse. Ahsoka didn't much care. She would be caught today anyways.

Ahsoka reached out with the Force, threw the troopers back, walking right through the gate. She crossed the bridge and once she set foot on the plains, she stopped. She turned around and closed her eyes. She reached out for her bond with Vader. She nudged it, trying to get his attention. When she felt she had it, she sent the impression of a come and get me message through it.

One Ahsoka knew it was received, she sat down on the ground in a lotus position and put her lightsabers in front of her. Now she would wait. He would be here shortly.

Man, was Ahsoka nervous. She released her emotions in the Force in hopes of calming herself down. It didn't work. The Force was too clouded with the Dark Side for her to feel comfortable. Besides, it didn't help that Ahsoka was very much aware of one simple fact:

Vader might just kill her today.

That revelation would scare anyone, Ahsoka was sure. She kept breathing calmly. In and out, in and out.

=O=

It probably didn't take all that long, but it felt like an eternity before Ahsoka first saw Vader emerge from the gate with a squad of stormtroopers behind him. At the same time Ahsoka heard a ship land somewhere behind her. Her gut told her it was Hera, and she just prayed to the Force she was wrong. Hera shouldn't be here!

Ahsoka turned around quickly to look at the Twi'lek girl emerging from the small ramp. Ahsoka couldn't see her face, so she knew Hera couldn't see hers either. She just shook her head as an indication that she shouldn't come closer.

Hera was about to ignore Ahsoka, but hesitated when she saw the obvious threat emerging from the bridge. She faltered.

Ahsoka turned away from Hera and stood up to face Vader, who was getting closer and closer. He'd gotten his lightsaber from his belt but hadn't activated it yet. Ahsoka hoped that it must be a good sign. She'd let hers stay on the ground. She was basically defenseless against him.

Vader stopped a few meters away from her, squad of troopers standing behind him. She could feel him staring at her, as well as Hera's eyes on her back. She did not back down, though. This was the moment. She could not mess it up.

"Vader, you came. I'm glad. I wanted to talk to you," Ahsoka said, her tone neutral.

It stayed silent for a few beats. The respirator the only sound coming from him. "The chance for talking has passed, Tano," he eventually said. With that his lightsaber activated.

Well poodoo, Ahsoka thought. She raised her hands in submissive defense. "Wait! I thought about what you said the last time we spoke. I've changed my mind. I want to join you," Ahsoka quickly said. She looked down, completely submissive.

But then Ahsoka felt a burning heat near her neck. His lightsaber was dangerously close to cutting right through her. Force, this really would be it, wouldn't it? He would kill her… everything would have been for nothing.

"You think me a fool, Tano?" he demanded. Ahsoka closed her eyes. It was truly now or never.

"Feel the Force, know it to be true," Ahsoka said before kneeling on the ground, keeping her head down. "I pledge myself to you, Master. I pledge myself to the ways of the Dark Side. I am done running. The Force told me my place is with you, if you would have me," she finished.

Ahsoka waited for the feeling of a lightsaber cutting through her flesh. Waiting for the pain to start. Waited for her life to be over. It never came. She felt Vader probing her with the Force. Still, she kept her head down. She felt for Vader's presence, familiarizing with it. Behind her she could feel Hera, confused and scared for what Ahsoka was doing. When suddenly she felt something snap around her neck and then she felt nothing. The Force, it was gone.

A Force-inhibiting collar.

Ahsoka looked up in shock to see Vader standing there, bearing down at her. Several cycles of the respirator passed before he spoke. "Very well, Ahsoka. You may prove your worth. But make no mistake, when I suspect you switching your allegiance again, you will meet your end. I can guarantee you it will not be quick." He reached out with his hands and her lightsabers flew to him. He hooked them on his belt, on the opposite site of his own.

Vader then turned to the stormtroopers. "Cuff her. Have her taken to the Devastator and wait for orders. We'll leave within the hour," he demanded, before stalking off. Back towards the city.

Ahsoka had to keep herself from releasing a sigh of relief. She'd survived! She hadn't gotten him all wrong! He still wanted her by his side. Oh, thank the Force – which she currently couldn't feel.

A stormtrooper grabbed Ahsoka's arm and pulled her upright, cuffing her. Ahsoka was about to walk away with them when she realized she could still hear the sounds of the shuttle behind her. She turned around one last time, to the dismay of the troopers around her.

There stood Hera, just as confused and scared as she'd just felt her a minute ago. Ahsoka felt bad for her. She nudged with her head as a sign for Hera to leave before turning around to start walking. It took a few seconds but then she'd heard the shuttle take off. Ahsoka was thankful. Hera was safe.

And if she were correct, she'd saved the rebels from their destruction as well. Vader seemed occupied enough with her, as she'd hoped. An hour wasn't enough to find and eradicate the rebels. Her mission here was a success.

Ahsoka was led into the city, put completely on display before loaded inside a gunship. She stared at the growing Star Destroyer in her vision as they flew closer and closer towards it.

Once inside they blindfolded her – seriously? – and took her through endless hallways before she was pushed inside what was presumably a room. Her cuffs were removed and so was the blindfold. The few seconds it took her vision to properly return was enough for them to shut the door.

Ahsoka looked around. She wasn't in a cell, but she was certainly locked up. There were no windows in the room. Only a bed and something that resembled a small fresher. Great.

Well, at least she'd accomplished her objective. She just had to deal with the consequences. It would be fine. Ahsoka would prove to Vader she could be trusted. And she would get Anakin back.

Whatever it takes.


It has finally happened! I had this moment planned out from the beginning. Oh Ahsoka, what hav eyou gotten yourself into?