Hello readers! LadySongbird16 and I have finally finished chapter 11. We've been working on it for months and are happy to finally get you past the cliffhanger from last chapter. We hope you all enjoy our update. Happy National Star Wars Day and May the 4th be with you.
Chapter 11
"Ahsoka," Daughter called. "Ahsoka, please listen to me. You need to stay calm. My brother takes strength from your fear."
Ahsoka had no response. Her mind and her body remained frozen entirely. She couldn't move she couldn't even think.
"I can see you are frightened by my sudden presence Ahsoka," The Son said. "I can assure you, dear girl; I have not come here to cause you any harm. I would not want a repeat of the past occurring now."
Ahsoka still said nothing.
"I can understand that you are also confused in this very moment Ahsoka," he continued." "It is true that I intended to make Darth Maul a powerful tool that I could use to my advantage and bring an end to the society that worships my dear sister. I gave him and all of my followers the strict orders that they do not harm or kill you."
"My brother speaks the truth Ahsoka," Daughter said to the still paralyzed togruta.
"I'm sure you are wondering why I would give them such orders," the Son went on. "Well, one reason is that my sister currently occupies your body and without you, she will have no host to occupy. The other purpose is that I have plans for you. I cannot tell you what exactly those plans are, but I assure you, they will be quite beneficial for both of us. For now, I think it is best that I leave you as you have experienced an overwhelming amount of events today. So farewell for now, and farewell to you dear sister.
In a flash of darkness, the Son was gone.
"Ahsoka!" Daughter yelled. "Ahsoka please answer me."
"All of that just happened," Ahsoka found herself saying. "Didn't it?"
"I fear that it did happen," Daughter replied. "You must not be consumed by what my brother has said to you. I believe for now you should return to your companions."
"Right I have get back to the ship and get Satine off of this planet," Ahsoka said to herself.
Ahsoka got up and sprinted out of the palace and activating the jet pack. It took her quite a while, even with Maul now dead Death Watch was still chasing after her as she made her way back to the docking bay.
"Of course I'm dealing with the ones who have no idea what happened in that palace," Ahsoka thought.
She was finally able to make it back to the docking bay where Lux was waiting outside the ship.
"Ahsoka," Lux said with concern. "What happened?"
"No time to talk," Ahsoka declared. "Get on the ship; we need to go now!"
So they did just that.
On the ship ride back Kix informed Ahsoka that Satine was going to be okay for now, but that some more thorough examinations of her wound when they returned to headquarters would be required.
Ahsoka was barely listening to what anyone was saying to her though. The Son's words continued to haunt her thoughts. That was when it happened again, another vision, and this one was far worse than the first one. This time she saw fire and lots of it, there were also lightsabers clashing, a planet she knew she had never seen before. She also got terrible feelings, in addition to a sense of darkness that felt more intense then one in she felt in the last vision, she felt pain as if she was being choked, then she heard what sounded like a baby crying.
"Ahsoka," a voice called snapping her out of it.
She looked to see Lux with his hand placed lightly on her shoulder; concern painted all over his face.
"Are you okay?" He inquired.
"No," Ahsoka said. "I am not."
"What happened?" Lux questioned. "Did you have another vision of some sort?"
"I did," Ahsoka confirmed. "Only this time it was far worse than the last one."
"What did you see commander?" Kix questioned.
"It's hard to decipher," Ahsoka declared. "There was a lot of darkness though, and pain as well."
"Why do I get the feeling that's not the only thing that happened on Mandalore?" Lux questioned. "What happened to Darth Maul Commander?" Kix asked.
"He's dead," Ahsoka declared.
"You killed him?" Lux questioned.
"No," Ahsoka said. "Someone else did."
No one said anything else to Ahsoka for the rest of the flight back to the moon of Yavin. As soon as they got back to headquarters she went straight to the council chambers to make her report. She could not hide the truth from the council; they needed to know that the Son had shown himself to her.
"Forgive me Lady Tano," Alcina said. "What you're saying does seem a little bit unbelievable. The Son himself killed Darth Maul?"
"Yes," Ahsoka said. "I know it sounds outlandish, but it is true," Ahsoka declared. "Maul was this close to ending me, but before I can even blink, he was standing right behind Maul and told him that he did the one thing he was warned not to do. Then he touched Maul and killed him, just like that."
"And the Son made no move to attack you?" Caalin inquired.
"No," Ahsoka said.
"And he gave you reasons as to why he was not going to harm you?" A female counselor asked.
"Yes, he said that one reason was that I am his sister's vessel and he did not want to inconvenience her since she cannot live long without a vessel like he cannot. The second thing he said was harder to decipher. He said he had plans for me that would benefit both of us in the future."
"That is quite fiddly," A male counselor said.
"Darth Maul is dead though, and the Society of the Dark does not have a Sith on their side," Alcina declared. "Lady Tano, I truly and sorry that you have experienced something so traumatizing, I think it best that we give you a temporary leave."
"Agreed," Caalin replied. "You will not be given any major missions for the time being Lady Tano. I think it may also be best if you remain here for the time being. I understand that will not stop the Son all together, but he knew you were associated with us before, so I see you know the logical reason for him try to intrude on his sister's territory now of all times."
"Yes," Ahsoka said. "I agree."
"Very good Lady Tano," Caalin said. "For now, you may leave."
Ahsoka was about to leave when she turned back to the council.
"One more thing before I go," she said. "Duchess Satine, we cannot send her back to Mandalore, and I do not think we should send her to Coruscant. I can tell you from my own experiences that the Senate will not be of any help to her."
The counselors looked at each other before looking back at Ahsoka.
"You make an excellent point Lady Tano," Alcina said. "Duchess Satine may stay here as long as she needs to. I do not believe that Death Watch has a chance of finding her here."
"Thank you councilors," Ahsoka said.
"The Duchess is being treated right now in the medical wing," Caalin stated. "If you wish to speak with her you are free to do so."
"Thank you councilors," Ahsoka repeated. "I will pay her a visit soon."
Ahsoka returned to the quarter's the provided her and sat down on the bed with her head in her hands.
"You can tell that you are tormented by what happened Ahsoka," Daughter said.
"I'm not sure if that is the word I would use to describe all of this," Ahsoka replied. "I came face-to-face with my murderer. What would anyone do if they were in a situation like that? Oh wait, they wouldn't know because it would never happen. People generally don't get resurrected."
"You are here safe Ahsoka," Daughter confirmed. "For now that is all that should matter."
"That isn't the only thing that bothers me," Ahsoka stated. "What could your brother have possibly meant by plans that would benefit us in the future?"
"I am not sure," Daughter replied. "There are many twisted things about my brother that even I was not able to understand. One thing I do know for sure is that everything he has ever wanted has something to do with power. Perhaps he thinks that he has come up with something that will give both of you power. As the representation of the light, I have never experienced the lust for power, but I do understand that mortals, even force wielders can find the power to be, seductive."
"He's wasting his time then," Ahsoka said. "I don't want or need any more power than I already have."
"Well, you may think that," Daughter said. "That is certainly not what my brother thinks though. Perhaps, he thinks that if you have power, you have more control over your destiny."
"I took control when I walked away from the Jedi Order," Ahsoka declared. "Finding the Society and joining them, I did all of that on my own. It was my decisions, I understand that others' words have influenced my decisions in the past, but ultimately everything I have done up to this point was my own free will."
"I am glad to hear that," Daughter said. "Those are not the only issues that are bothering you though. Do you want to talk about that vision that you had on the journey back from Mandalore?"
"That vision," Ahsoka said. "There was lots of fire, lightsabers were clashing, there was a planet I have never seen before, and I felt an overwhelming sense of darkness and pain, almost like I was being choked and then there was a baby crying."
"Perhaps something is about to escalate for your Jedi friends?" Daughter questioned.
"I don't know at this point," Ahsoka said. "I feel like anything is possible."
"You should rest for now Ahsoka," Daughter said. "There is no doubt that the events of today have been both physically and mentally exhausting on you."
"If you insist," Ahsoka said lying down on the bed.
She shut her eyes, but it took hours before sleep would finally claim her that night.
A few days later Ahsoka decided to go down to the medical ward and check on Satine. When she entered the Duchess was sitting on the bed they had her resting in.
"Ahsoka," Satine acknowledged the former Jedi.
"Hello Duchess," Ahsoka greeted.
"Please," Satine said. "Call me Satine. I no longer hold that title as you saw."
"There is no one on Mandalore that you can still trust and that you can contact?" Ahsoka inquired.
"I had a sister and my nephew," Satine confirmed. "They have no clue that Maul's attack on me was a trick. They believe me to be still dead."
"Have the healers been given you any significant updates on your injuries?" Ahsoka said changing the subject.
Satine hung her head a little.
"Yes," Satine said. "I am afraid there is one new piece of news but is not a good one. The wound that Maul gave me was not fatal as I am still here, but it did cause damage to certain, organs, and because of that they are 95% sure that I am now, sterile."
Ahsoka paused for several seconds. She knew what Satine meant by sterile; the Jedi were smart enough to give the younglings and padawans various lessons about the bodies of several species. Hearing it now from another woman was just, shocking."
"I am sorry Satine," Ahsoka said. "I wish I had something to say that could ease your pain."
"I appreciate the thought," Satine smiled sadly. "In all honesty though, a child was never really in my plans. As a ruler, my top priority was always the well being of my people. Settling down and starting a family was not in the front of my mind. Besides, there was only one person that I truly loved, and I could never have that with him."
"You're talking about Obi-Wan, aren't you?" Ahsoka questioned.
"How did you know?" Satine asked in astonishment.
"Master Skywalker," Ahsoka said with a small laugh. "He told me stories of when he saw you two together. Besides, when Obi-Wan returned to the Jedi Temple after your "death," the way that he walked around, and the sad looks that he had, I had a feeling that you two had some connection."
There was a small moment of silence.
"Did Darth Maul ever tell you why he wanted to do with you?" Ashoka said.
"Yes," Satine said grimly. "He said that he wanted to torture Obi-Wan even more, break him, and by killing me for real the next time and finishing Obi-Wan right after."
"I can't believe someone would even think of such a plan," Ahsoka said.
"Yes," Satine said. "I do not know how anyone could think of something so evil. Nor have a known or heard of a Sith that had such a grudge against a Jedi."
"Poor Obi-Wan," Ahsoka said.
"Yes, but I cannot let Obi-Wan know that I lived," Satine said, "It's too dangerous to let news like that be known."
"I agree with you on that completely," Ahsoka said. "If the news leaves this moon, it will spread throughout the galaxy, and Death Watch could be lurking on other planets and in other star systems. Do you have any ideas on what you will do for the time being."
"Yes actually," Satine replied. "Your councilors, Alcina and Caalin, they came in to see how I was recovering the other day. They said that I could stay here as long as I need to. Alcina also told me that while the council is sage and has made decent decisions all these years, there are still many people in the society who do not understand the basics of diplomacy. She offered to let me become a member of the society, just as they extended the invitation to you and Senator Bonteri."
"Will you take it?" Ahsoka asked.
"I am considering it," Satine replied. "I do not need to give them an answer immediately. I do know that positively impacting people's lives was one of the things that mattered the most to me when I was the Duchess. After all, that has happened to me, and the state that Mandalore is currently in, if I can make it better for someone else, it will be enough to give me hope."
"If you choose to join," Ahsoka began. "They have requested that I build a faction of my own. You are always welcome to join me, but I understand if you reject the offer. I know that fighting and violence are not your cup of Jawa juice, but I could use another person who knows how to communicate with the council."
"Thank you Ahsoka," Satine said. "It is something that I will most definitely consider."
Ahsoka gave her a small nod.
"I'm glad to hear that," Ahsoka replied. "Now if you excuse me I think I am going to do some research." She then nodded at Satine and left the medical ward.
"What exactly is it that you plan to research Ahsoka?" Daughter asked as they made their way toward the society's library.
"That planet that I saw in my vision," Ahsoka said. "I know that it's significance may not be all that I think it could be, but I still think that knowing what it is may at least give my mind some ease."
Half an hour later Ahsoka was looking through the archives in the society's library. It certainly was not the same as the library back at the Jedi temple, but it seemed efficient enough.
It took a while, but Ahsoka finally found a planet that looked a lot like the one in her vision.
"Polis Massa," she said. "There does not seem to be any significant data on it. Why would it show up in my vision?"
"Jedi often have visions of the possible future do they not?" Daughter inquired.
"Yes," Ahsoka replied. "So it does not have to do with anything that is happening now, but maybe for something that will happen soon."
"What exactly it is though remains unknown," Daughter said.
"Based on the other things I saw in my vision," Ahsoka said. "And the overwhelming sense of darkness and the pain. I think that it can't be anything good."
"You did not see any faces in your vision?" Daughter asked.
"No," Ahsoka said. "Only the lightsabers, and that is far from helpful because a lot of Jedi have blue blades."
Ahsoka was walking through the halls near the council chambers when she heard footsteps approaching.
"Lady Tano," a voice said urgently.
Ahsoka turned around to see Jessa.
"What is it, Jessa?" Ahsoka asked.
"I'm not entirely sure what is happening," Jessa replied. "The council only told me to find you. They said that it is a truly urgent matter. Senator Bonteri and Duchess Satine have been called in as well."
"Well let's not keep them waiting," Ahsoka said. "Let's go."
The two young torgrutas made their way into the council chambers.
"Lady Tano," Alcina acknowledged. "Senator Bonteri has found something urgent that he thinks you should know of."
"What is it?" Ahsoka asked.
"I was told watch this transmission via holo since I could not attend the Senate in person today," Lux said.
Ahsoka looked to see who was talking. It was Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, only he wore a red robe with the hood up, and his face seemed significantly different.
"The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated!" he announced.
"What?" Ahsoka gasped. "What happened?"
"He was claiming that a Jedi attempted to assassinate him," Lux declared. "He accused the Jedi as a whole of trying to take control of the Republic."
"That's completely outlandish," Ahsoka said. "I know the Jedi aren't perfect considering what they did not me, but the Jedi are supposed to be peacekeepers and were on the side of the Republic. Why would they try to end the man that has the most power in the Galactic Senate?"
"The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you; my resolve has never been stronger. To ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire!"
"Wait a minute!" Ahsoka said. "Force tell me it can't be."
"What is it?" Satine asked.
"This is going to sound crazy but," Ahsoka began. "I think Palpatine has been the one pulling strings the whole time; he could be the Sith Lord that has been controlling the separatists as well as the Republic Senate! Well, it explains this intense interest in Anakin."
"That's a pretty serious accusation being made Lady Tano," one of the female councilors said. "I do agree with you that something is very off about this man."
"I think this means Senator Amidala and the others are in trouble," Lux declared.
"Ahsoka," Daughter said. "Remember how you saw Polis Massa in your vision? It must be a sign of some sort."
"We have to get there," Ahsoka said aloud.
"Get where commander?" Kix questioned.
"Polis Massa," Ahsoka said. "I saw it in a vision. I don't know for sure what could be waiting there for us, but something is telling me it's where we need to go."
"Perhaps it's where the remaining Jedi are planning to hide?" Caalin suggested.
"That does seem like a strong possibility since they are now being hunted," Satine replied.
"Councilors," Ahsoka said. "I know you said it would be best if I stay here, but I need to get to Polis Massa."
"We understand Lady Tano," Alcina said. "Many of the Jedi were still your friends. Do what you must to help them."
"Go quickly," Caalin said. "We will have them give you clearance at the hangar immediately."
"Right," Ahsoka said. "Lux, Kix, are you coming?"
"Of course I am Ahsoka," Lux said. "Should you even need to ask me that anymore?"
"I have your back in this commander," Kix added.
Just as they were about to leave the chambers, Satine spoke up.
"Ahsoka wait," she said.
"What is it?" Ahsoka inquired.
"I wish to accompany you," Satine declared. "I know there is only a slim chance, but if Obi-Wan is on Polis Massa, then I wish to see him."
Ahsoka was silent for a minute.
"Alright," Ahsoka said. "Stay close to us the whole time though."
"Thank you," Satine said following them out of the council chambers.
As they were making their way to the hangar Ahsoka's communicator begin to beep, she took it out and a halo of a very familiar face greeted her.
"This is Captain Rex of the 501st Legion," he said. "If anyone can hear me, I have rallied up as many troopers as I could and we are awaiting pickup at the coordinates that were given to us."
Ahsoka smiled to herself.
"Time for a pick up," she thought.
Minutes later the ship took off from the hangar.
Ahsoka punched in the coordinates and told Lux to step on it. The ship jumped to hyperspace and they made their way to the rendezvous point.
"Where exactly are we going Ahsoka?" Satine questioned.
"We are going to pick up some reinforcements," Ahsoka declared.
Soon there was another ship in sight in their sight and a small holo of Rex showed up on the control panel.
"This is Captain Rex of the 501st legion," Rex said. "Requesting permission to come aboard."
"Permission granted," Ahsoka said. "Welcome aboard Captain.
Minutes later the door to the cockpit was opened and Rex and a few other members of the 501st and other companies were standing in the doorway.
"Kix?" Rex said recognizing the lost medic.
"Hello Captain," Kix said saluting.
The next person he recognized was Ahsoka.
"Commander Tano?" Rex said in shock. "You're the one who came for us?"
Ahsoka ran right up to Rex and hugged him, he gratefully returned the gesture.
"I'm so happy to see you commander," he said. "When you walked from the order the lot of us couldn't stop thinking about what happened to you."
"Well as you can see, I'm fine," Ahsoka declared. "I happy my message got to you all; and with some help from some new allies, we were able to find and save Kix."
"How is all of this possible?" Jesse questioned.
"We'll explain everything to you all later I promise," Ahsoka replied. "Right now we need to get to Polis Massa. What's our ETA?" Ahsoka inquired.
"We should be there in a few hours," Lux declared.
"Let's just hope that it won't be a few hours to late," Ahsoka declared.