Happy National Star Wars Day from me, LandySongbrid16, and Gundam eypon40. To make up for the incredibly long wait here is our longest chapter yet. We hope all of you enjoy it and please leave a review or send one of us a PM. We are very open to feedback.
Chapter 9
On the flight, back to Coruscant Ahsoka was relatively silent, but her mind was anything but quiet. She found her mind focusing on events of the past.
"Ahsoka,"the Daughter spoke. "Are you alright? You have been quiet this whole trip."
"You couldn't read my thoughts?" Ahsoka asked.
"I could,"the Daughter replied. "I did not want to be rude though, so I refrained from it."
"Do you think Lux blames me for Steela's death?" Ahsoka asked.
"Ahsoka," the Daughter began. "Where is this coming from?"
"Do you think he believes that?" Ahsoka asked again.
"No," the Daughter replied. "I don't believe he thinks that Ahsoka. You did try to save her. You were trying to help her up, but someone shot you in the shoulder."
"She still died though," Ahsoka confirmed.
"And it was because of the Separatists Ahsoka," the Daughter declared. "Not because of you. Now again, where is all of this coming from?"
"Well," Ahsoka said. "You know how I said that I found that boy attractive?"
"Which again," Daughter began. "Is completely normal for someone your age."
"Well," Ahsoka said. "I find Lux attractive as well. Only it is not just for his looks, but his personality too."
"Okay," the Daughter said. "And what do you intend to do about it?"
"I don't know this is new territory," Ahsoka stated. "Do you have any suggestions?"
"Well," the Daughter said. "You should only do this if you're comfortable with it, but you could ask him on a date."
"Okay," Ahsoka replied. "Something to think about on the ride home."
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Ashoka had finally made it back to Coruscant. When she returned to Lux's apartment, she found that he had returned not from the Senate yet. So she decided to sit in the living room and wait for Lux to return.
About twenty minutes later she heard the door open, and she turned to see that Lux had returned and he noticed her almost immediately.
"Ahsoka," he said. "You've returned."
"Yes," Ahsoka said.
"And you have a new outfit," Lux pointed out, apparently noticing her new clothes.
"The Society of the Light had an armory," Ahsoka declared. "They offered to let me change before sending me on a mission."
"And how did this mission go?" Lux asked.
"It was…interesting," Ahsoka said.
"Disastrous?" Lux inquired.
"That is one way of putting it," Ahsoka stated.
"Well," Lux said. "I am just glad that you returned safely. How did the council react when they found out we accepted their invitations to join the Society?"
"They were pleased," Ahsoka said. "At least they seemed pleased. They explained to me how their society is structured."
"And how is that?" Lux asked.
"The society has six factions each focusing a specific skill," Ahsoka explained. "They are stealth, knowledge, fighting, healing, alchemy, and assassination. Just because you specialize in one faction doesn't mean you have no other skills. It just means that you choose to focus on that specific skill."
"And which faction did they wish for us to join?" Lux asked.
"They felt that it would be inappropriate to make me a member of any specific faction because I am the Daughter's vessel," Ahsoka declared. "So they think that is best that I start my own faction and recruit people for it."
"Oh," Lux replied. "Were you going to ask me to be part of your faction?"
"Only if you want to," Ahsoka said.
"I would be honored to be a part of your faction," Lux said. "Besides, as I've said before, I have your back in this."
"Thanks, Lux," Ahsoka said. "There is something else I wanted to ask you though."
"Okay," Lux replied. "What is it?"
"I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable," Ahsoka began. "And I get it may seem out the blue, but it's been on my mind all day. Do you blame me for Steela's death? I could tell something was going on with you two."
"Ashoka," Lux began. "Why would I blame you for Steela's death?"
"Because I couldn't get to her on time," Ahsoka said. "It's my fault that she fell."
"You were shot at Ahsoka," Lux confirmed.
"I still could have tried harder," Ahsoka confirmed.
"Ahsoka, listen to me," Lux said. "I have never blamed you for Steela's death. We all knew when we formed the rebellion that there our lives would be in danger. If it hadn't been for the help of you and the Jedi, they might have killed all of us. Steela's death was upsetting, but never once did I blame you for it."
"I've just been worry about that recently," Ahsoka said. "I was never quite sure how you felt about everything that happened that day."
"If you don't mind me asking though, why has this been on your mind lately?" Lux asked.
"Well something happened on the mission that made think about a lot of things," Ahsoka stated. "And it had me wondering if maybe you…wanted to go out maybe?"
"Go out?" Lux asked.
"Yeah," Ahsoka said. "You know what most people are age do."
"Like on a date, you mean?" Lux asked.
"Yes," Ahsoka said. "On a date."
Lux just gave her a small smile.
"Okay," Lux said. "I think that would be nice."
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The next morning Ahsoka was standing in front of the mirror in her bathroom and preparing for the day.
"So, tell me Ahsoka,"Daughter began. "Did you enjoy yourself last night? I did not want to embarrass you so I made sure not to pay attention to what was going on."
"Oh stop it please," Ahsoka replied. "We only went out to dinner. It's not like anything else happened."
"So I am not allowed to ask if you simply enjoyed yourself?"the Daughter asked.
"…Yes," Ahsoka replied. "I did enjoy myself. It was nice to get out and at least try to act like a normal teenager."
"Do you think you'll go on another date?" The Daughter questioned.
"Why do I feel like you want me to rush into this?" Ahsoka asked.
"I did not say that Ahsoka,"the Daughter defended.
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Ahsoka went out into the living room where she found Lux was already awake as well.
"Good morning Ahsoka," he greeted.
"Good morning Lux," Ahsoka greeted.
"How did you sleep?" Lux asked.
"Pretty good," Ahsoka said. "Thank you for asking."
Suddenly a noise began filling the room.
Ahsoka realized where it was coming from and pulled her communicator out of her pocket.
She hit the button, and soon a holo of Caalin appeared before her.
"Lady Tano," Caalin said. "Forgive me for being last minute, but we have urgent news that we thought you would take a personal interest in."
"What is it Caalin?" Ahsoka questioned.
"We intercepted signals coming from a ship not too far away," Caalin said. "It was a separatist ship, but we caught the mention of a clone trooper on board who was a member of the 501st Legion."
"Did you hear a name?" Ahsoka questioned.
"No," Caalin replied. "Only that there was information that he had that Count Dooku needed. After that, the ship went completely silent, and not just the com, it was like it just disappeared."
"Send me the last known coordinates of the ship Caalin," Ahsoka said. "I'll handle this."
"I think it would be unwise for you to go into this alone Lady Tano," Caalin said. "We have members trained in combat that can help you."
"Very well then," Ahsoka said. "I will report to Yavin 2 right away."
"Understood Lady Tano," Caalin said before ending the message.
"Ahsoka," Lux said. "I'm coming with you for this one."
"But Lux if Dooku is involved in this," Ahsoka began. "This is extremely dangerous."
"Which is why I'm not letting you fly into this alone," Lux stated.
"What about the Senate?" Ahsoka questioned.
"They can get by without me," Lux said. "Saving your former comrade is more important right now."
"Alright then," Ahsoka said. "Let's go."
Ahsoka and Lux were currently making their way to the assigned coordinates. Caalin was right after all; they couldn't go looking for a member of the 501st legion without any help, especially not with the separatists involved.
They saw another ship approaching in the other direction, it was the only one around, so that had to be the society's ship and the crew they assigned to help her.
Then she noticed a familiar symbol on the wing of it though.
"That's the symbol of the light side," Ahsoka confirmed.
"Looks like we've found our allies," Lux added.
"This is Ahsoka Tano," she said. "Requesting permission to come aboard."
"Permission granted Lady Tano," a young male voice said.
The two ships slowly came side to side with each other, and a panel came out to connect them.
Lux and Ahsoka boarded the ship to see a crew of 9 people waiting for them. A young Rodian approached them.
"Lady Tano, Senator Bonteri," he acknowledged. "I am Lancer, the commander of this vessel. There are 10 of us aboard this ship ready to serve along including two medics and our pilot.
"Wow," a young female togruta soldier said. "It is you."
"Jessa please," the young male rodian said. "This is not the time to sound like a crazy fanatic."
"I am quite surprised you all already know who both of us are," Lux said.
"We were all made aware of who Lady Tano was the minute the council found out she is the vessel of our deity, The Daughter," a young female tholothian soldier said. "We too learned that you were with her when this happened Senator Bonteri, and we were informed when both of you decided to join our society."
"Thank you," Ahsoka said. "To all of you for agreeing to help Lux and me with this mission. You all must know how dangerous and difficult this mission is, but I trust many of you have not dealt with separatists or their droid armies."
"You are right about that Lady Tano," Jessa said.
"Now if you do not mind me asking, is there any information that you could give me on the ship?" Ahsoka questioned.
"We were able to hear a name before the coms went down," the human soldier declared. "The ship was called the Obrexta III. By the way my name is Tegan"
"I'm Orona and we still do not know why the ship went silent though," the tholothian soldier said. "Perhaps interference from Republic forces?"
"You and Senator Bonteri have more access to information regarding the war and the clones on Coruscant, Lady Tano," Jessa said. "Have either of you heard anything that would prove why the clone trooper had information that Dooku needed?"
"None that I know of," Ahsoka said. "I did find out some rather disturbing information about the clones, but as far as I know none of the clones know about."
"Whatever it is though," Lancer said. "It must have been essential to the Jedi and the republic."
"Which is why we cannot let the separatists take him," Ahsoka stated.
"Agreed," Orona replied. "If this information benefits the separatists, then it will possibly aid the sith and by extension, the dark side of the Force."
"If the Republic attacked the ship," Tegan said. "It's possible that it would have made a jump to the nearest planet in the outer rim."
Jessa brought up the holo-map and searched for the nearest planet. "The nearest planet is Ponemah Terminal. It's a desert planet."
"Let's start there then," Ahsoka stated. "If the ship landed there then we better get to it before any scavengers or raiders find it. Tell the pilot to set course for Ponemah Terminal."
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One hour later
Both Lux's and the society's ship reached Ponemah they had been searching for several hours now, but all they had found so far was sand, lots of sand.
Lux noticed something suspicious on the ground further ahead though.
"Ahsoka, look down there," he said.
Ahsoka looked to see a formation on the ground; it seemed like a ship for sure.
"That's a ship," she said.
"Lady Tano, are you seeing this?" Lancer said over the com.
"Yes," Ahsoka said. "Tell your pilot to land, now."
As soon as both ships landed, Ahsoka opened the hatch
"I want one medic plus two of you to stay on the ship with the pilot," she said over the comm. "Let's move, now."
Then she looked over at Lux.
"Stay with the ship Lux," she said.
"Are you mad Ahsoka?" Lux said. "I'm coming with you."
"Lux this is dangerous," Ahsoka said. "You have no idea what we could be out there."
"I know," Lux said. "Which is why I'm not letting you go without me."
Ahsoka was silent for a few seconds.
"Fine," Ahsoka said. "Let's go."
Everyone jumped out of their ships and slowly and carefully began making their way toward the non-operational vessel.
"This must be it, Lady Tano," Lancer said. "Isn't this the insignia the separatists use?"
"Yes," Ahsoka replied. "Let's break open the hatch, but prepare yourselves; it looks abandoned, but that doesn't mean somebody could very well be expecting us."
Ahsoka pulled out both of her lightsabers and slashed at the hatch of the ship; It gave way, and the group slowly made their way into the dark separatist vessel.
"It looks abandoned," Lancer commented.
"I doubt this ship would be piloting itself," Ahsoka stated. "Especially with such important cargo aboard it."
"Perhaps this ship was being piloted by a droid?" Lux suggested.
"You're probably right," Ahsoka replied. "Everyone move with caution; we don't want to trigger some silent alarm."
"Understood Lady Tano," Jessa replied.
The group proceeded through the vessel with caution; everything seemed to be going well so far until Tegan accidentally tripped a wire.
"Oh, Kriff," he cursed quietly.
Suddenly the crew was surrounded by about five security droids.
Ahsoka ignited her lightsabers.
"Let's take these things out," Ahsoka declared. "Try not to get hurt."
"Yes Lady Tano," Orona replied pulling out a blaster.
The group began attacking the droids, trying hard to avoid getting attacked themselves.
Not too long after Ahsoka slashed through the last droid and it fell.
"Is everybody okay?"
We're okay Lady Tano," Jessa said.
"Just a scratch," Tegan said. "Nothing, a medic can't fix."
"Alright," Ashoka said. "Let's keep looking for the clone, and everyone try and be more careful this time."
So the search through the ship continued.
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Ahsoka and Lux returned to searching the ship for any sign of a missing clone. After what felt like almost an hour of searching Lux noticed a strange light blue glow coming from on the small halls of the ship.
"Ahsoka," he said. "I think you might want to take a look at this."
So Ahsoka moved to see what Lux was talking about; something was glowing at the end of the tiny hall.
"Come on," Ahsoka said. "Let's get a closer look at whatever this is."
So she and Lux moved cautiously toward the mysterious glow.
When they reached the end, they found what the source of the glow was. It was a life pod and inside of it was a clone trooper. One that Ahsoka recognized immediately.
"Kix," she said.
"He is a member of the 501st Legion?" Lux questioned.
"Yes," Ahsoka replied. "He was a medic."
"Do you think he's still alive in there?" Lux asked.
"Let's hope so,' Ahsoka replied.
"We need a hand over here," Lux yelled.
Soon the rest of the group was running toward Ahsoka and Lux's current position.
"Is that a clone trooper Lady Tano?" Lancer questioned.
"Yes," Ahsoka replied. "A member of the 501st Legion to be exact," Ahsoka replied. "I fought with him during my time with the Republic army."
"Is there any way for us to check if he was vital signs?" Lux questioned.
"No," Orona replied. "At least not here there isn't. We need to get the pod back up to the ship."
"All right," Ahsoka began. "Let's move this pod, slowly."
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Once they had returned to the ship, Ahsoka approached one of the medics.
"What can you tell me?" Ahsoka questioned.
"He still has vitals Lady Tano," the medics stated. "They are weak though."
"Would taking him out of the pod cause any damage?" Ahsoka questioned.
"If we end stasis mode right here there is no telling for sure how he would react. He could very well be extremely dazed and confused and react violently."
"I understand," Ahsoka said. "We need to get back to headquarters."
"Understood Lady Tano," the medic replied. "We have all the proper equipment there that can help stabilize him if his condition is as bad as we fear."
"Set course for Yavin's moons," Ahsoka said. "We need to get there as quickly as possible."
"Understood Lady Tano," was the reply.
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On the trip back to the headquarters Ahsoka was rather quiet. Lux looked at her with worry. He wanted badly to say something to try and cheer her up but now did not seem like the time. He might be able to wait, but it appeared that another passenger did not want to wait for her to speak up.
"Ahsoka," the Daughter said. " You have not said a word since you have discovered Kix."
"I just can't wrap my head around it," Ahsoka declared. "How did he get out there? Did he go against Rex's orders? Is that why he got captured?"
"I am sure he will have answers for you," the Daughter declared. "I would try not to rush him though. I can only imagine that he has been through a lot, just as you have."
"I have no plans of rushing him," Ahsoka declared. "I hope he still trusts me enough to tell me what has happened."
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When the finally returned to the headquarters, Ahsoka's team carried the cryo-stasis pod off their ship and headed down a hallway Ahsoka was sure she had never been down before.
"Tegan," Ahsoka questioned. "Where are they taking him?"
"The infirmary Lady Tano," Tegan said. "We'll set up to end the cryostasis and see if we can stabilize him in there."
"Would I be allowed to come?" Ahsoka questioned. "It may be helpful if someone familiar was there."
"Of course Lady Tano," Tegan said. "I imagine the council will want a report from you on the mission."
"I will go to the council and give them the mission report," Lux interjected.
"Are you sure about that Lux?" Ahsoka questioned.
"Yes," Lux replied. "Kix is going to need your help."
Ahsoka gave him a smile and a nod before following her team from the mission.
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Ahsoka stood in the infirmary watching the medics work around the pod.
"Life signs are stable," a medic declared.
"Are we ready to open up the pod?" the head medic asked.
"Yes, sir," the medic replied. "Ending cryostasis should not cause any significant damage to his vitals. We do expect that he will be quite dazed and confused. I do not want him to act violently."
"That is why I am here," Ahsoka confirmed. "I fought alongside him in the Clone Wars, seeing me will hopefully give him some sense of calm."
"Very well," the head medic said. "End the cryostasis and open the pod."
So the other medics did what they were told, and with two minutes the pod was open. Once the steam had cleared, Kix's eyes flew open, and he immediately got up looked at his surroundings with a panicked expression written all over his face.
"Where am I?!" He demanded. "Who are all of you people?"
"Kix," Ahsoka said approaching the clone trooper slowly. "It's me, Ahsoka. You're safe now. Count Dooku can't get to you here these people will not do you any harm."
"Commander Tano?" Kix said looking at her in surprise. "Is it really you?"
"Yes, Kix," Ahsoka said. "It is me."
"Where are we?" Kix questioned.
"This is the headquarters of a society who worships the light side of the Force. I told them that you are a member of the 501st Legion and that we fought together. They were the ones who helped me find you."
"How did you come to find this place Commander?" Kix questioned. "After General Skywalker told us you had left the Jedi order, a lot of us couldn't help but worry about where you had gone."
"I promise Kix I will tell you what happened after I left," Ahsoka said. "For now though I think it best that you let all these medics take a look at you and get some rest."
Kix looked at her almost stubbornly for a second before his expression changed to a more understanding one.
"Yes, Commander," he replied.
Ahsoka gave him a small smile before exiting the infirmary.
The second the door closed though she saw Lux and Alcina standing before her, and it briefly startled her.
"Apologies Lady Tano," Alcina said. "Senator Bonteri has briefed us on what happened. I hope the clone trooper is conscious and in stable condition?"
"Yes," Ahsoka replied. "He panicked momentarily, but he seems to be trusting the medics knowing that I am here as well."
"That is very comforting to know," Lux stated.
"I think it is best that I stay here a few days to make sure he heals," Ahsoka replied.
"I will stay here with you then," Lux said.
"Is that a good idea Lux?" Ahsoka questioned. "Don't you have to return to the Senate?"
"Yes Senator Bonteri," Alcina added. "Will they not get suspicious if you are absent for an extended period?"
"I will tell them that I needed to return to Onderon," Lux declared. "If I tell them there was an emergency and that our king required my assistance."
"Will they truly believe that though?" Alcina asked.
"Yes," Lux said. "I think they have more important matters to attend to then one missing senator who decided to return to his home planet for a while."
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Two Days Later
Ahsoka entered the infirmary to find that Kix was up and moving about.
"Morning Kix," she greeted.
"Hello Commander," Kix greeted.
"Please Kix," Ahsoka said. "I am no longer a part of the Republic army. You do not need to call me Commander."
"My apologies," Kix replied. "I guess old habits die hard. If you don't mind me asking Comman…Ahsoka, how exactly did you find yourself with this Society of the Light."
"I suppose I do owe you that explanation," Ahsoka said. "Well, after I left the Jedi Order, the day of to be exact, I ran into Lux, Senator Bonteri, he's a friend; our paths have crossed several times in the past. He offered to let me stay with him until I could figure out what to do. One day I ran into a member of the Society of the Light while wandering about Coruscant. I had seen the insignia that they all wear on their clothing before, and they found out who I was, they offered to let myself and Lux join them, and we accepted. They give me a call when they have missions they think I would be good at completing, and when they told me about a missing clone trooper, a member of the 501st Legion, I could not say no, and here we are."
"I see," Kix said. "Is there more to it though?"
"Yes, Kix there is," Ahsoka admitted. "With all due respect though, you are leaving in a few days and I would rather you not tell Anakin where I am and what is happening."
"You have my word that I will not tell the General where you are," Kix said.
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Two days later the medics decided that Kix was in good enough health to return to Coruscant. The council wanted to meet with him and Ahsoka first before they gave him a ship and he took his leave, Lux was also with them.
"We hope that you have a safe journey back to Coruscant, trooper CT-6116," Caalin said.
"Thank you very much counselors," Kix replied. "If it had not been for you and the Society I do not know if I would have ever come out of cryostasis. You have my word that the Jedi and the Senate will not learn of any of this."
"That would be most appreciated," A female councilor spoke.
"Lady Tano," Caalin began. "Before you see your old friend off there is something that we wish to share with you."
"What is it?" Ahsoka questioned.
"I assume you are familiar with the planet of Mandalore?" Caalin questioned.
"Yes," Ahsoka replied. "I have been there before, as has Lux."
"Mandalore recently fell to Death Watch," Alcina explained. "Which is now under the control of a former sith known as Darth Maul."
Did you say Darth Maul?" Ahsoka questioned.
"You have heard of him?" Alcina questioned.
"From Master Obi-Wan Kenobi," Ahsoka declared. "He told me of a run-in he had with a sith named Darth Maul over ten years ago on Naboo."
"We know that we said we would not send you on any major missions until your markings change but," A female counselor stated. "We believe that the Society of the Dark has not made contact with him yet and that they will see him as a powerful asset."
"You have much more experience in the ways of the Force than any of our members Lady Tano," Caalin stated. "You are best suited for this mission."
"So you want me to stop Darth Maul before the Society of the Dark can get to him?" Ahsoka questioned.
"Yes Lady Tano," Alcina said. "That is what we are asking."
"We can't let the Society of the Dark have a sith on their side," Ahsoka confirmed. "I will stop him."
"Ahsoka," Lux began. "I'm coming with you."
"Lux," Ahsoka began. "I know you always say this, but this time it IS too dangerous. There is a sith involved. I can't let him hurt you. You should go back to Coruscant with Kix."
"He won't be," Kix said. "Because I am coming with you as well Commander."
"Kix," Ahsoka said. "What about the rest of the 501st?"
"You're more important than the war right now," Kix declared. "Plus what if you get seriously injured? If I let that happen and the others found out they'd kill me."
"Are you sure about this?" Ahsoka questioned.
"Yes," Kix said. "They can get along without me for a while longer, probably assigned a new medic when I disappeared."
Ahsoka was silent for a moment.
"Okay," she finally said. "Both of you are staying on the ship unless I call for back up though."
"Understood," Lux said.
"Let's get going then," Ahsoka said. "We don't have much time to spare."
"Good luck Lady Tano," Caalin said. "May the Force be with you."
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For anyone who is curious what happened to Kix did happen to him in canon. It just took decades for someone to find him. This took place in the ebook Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Aliens: Volume I. It is a short story titled The Crimson Corsair and the Lost Treasure of Count Dooku. We hope that you all are enjoying or enjoyed whatever Star Wars themed events you had going on today. May the 4th be with you.