Why is it when I ask you guys for a bit of help, no one helps me. I may have gotten this far writing on my own, but I always like a bit of help from my readers. Seriously, why don't you guys help me out when I ask.
Anyways, I saw the latest episodes of RWBY volume six and I have to say the series is getting interesting and I have to feel sorry for Salem, but I still hate her guts same goes for that murdering bitch Cinder.
Well, here's the final temple bombing chapter. Spartan-626, you are about to get your answer as to what Ahsoka wanted to show Robert. And before anyone jumps to conclusions, BARRISS IS NOT THE BOMBER! Disclaimers are the same as before, enjoy.
Chapter 13: Broken Trust
October 15th 2019 20BBY
Coruscant
Halls of Healing, Jedi Temple
0800 hours
Normal point of view
Robert paced back and forth in front of the surgery room. Ever since Ahsoka was shot, she was in intensive care for the last few days under heavy guard. Despite the fact that she was wounded, she was still considered a criminal.
A squad of Shock Troopers stood guard outside the surgery wing under strict orders to prevent anyone Jedi or senator from entering the room even after the surgery was completed. Even after the bullets were removed from her body, she was still badly injured. The bullets that were fired at her were specially made to harm those who were force sensitive and were infused with a special kind of poison that was deadly to Togruta's and other non-human species.
Fortunately, the poison was easy to identify and the antidote was quickly identified and with the help Ray, the bullet wounds were healed and Ahsoka would make a complete recovery. This helped relieve Robert of some of his anxiety, but it still didn't eliminate the rest of it. Tarkin was still hounding the council that Ahsoka was the culprit of the bombing and was demanding that she be turned over into his custody for a trial.
Robert, his friends and family knew better. If she was handed over to her, he would no doubt execute her in cold blood without a trial or do who knows what to her. Even Barney couldn't do anything and he tried to take Ahsoka into protective custody, but his request was shot down by the council who wanted to conduct their own investigation.
"You really should stop pacing. It's making me dizzy." Kasumi said, petting Boomer and breaking Robert out of his trance like state.
"HOW CAN I STOP PACING WHEN THE GIRL I LOVE HAS BEEN SHOT WITH A 9MM HANDGUN, WHICH WE HAVE ACCESS TO AND IS STILL CONSIDERED THE SUSPECT WHEN SHE WAS SHOT AT IT NEAR THE SAID BOMBING EQUIPMENT AND THEY WON'T EVEN LET ME SEE HER!" Robert shouted.
"Keep it down Captain." One of the shock troopers said. Robert was about to pull rank and punch the trooper when Blake and Breaker ran up to him. "Sir…we…got…the…recording…fixed" Blake said in between pants. "Halle-fucking-lujah." Robert said with relief.
As this was going on Tarkin and the council along with Barney were debating about Ahsoka's potential trial. "The Senate requests Ahsoka Tano be indicted for acts of treason against the Republic." Tarkin stated with an expressionless face.
"A fair trial, Padawan Tano will have in accordance with Jedi Tradition." Yoda stated in response.
"Ah, yes Jedi Tradition." Tarkin said displeased. "I'm afraid, Master Yoda, that the senate believes that an internal Jedi trial would seem biased therefore, the senate asks that the Council expel Ahsoka Tano from the Jedi order so that she may put to a Republic military tribunal, where she will receive more impartial judgement."
"More like a rigged trial." Barney said. This got every one's attention. "I have known the kid longer than you have you bastard, you just want her to be charged with a crime you know she didn't commit and if she is found guilty, you're just going to have 'some fun' with her before she's killed." The former Delta Force soldier stated with anger.
"And who would represent Ahsoka in this tribunal, Admiral?" Obi-Wan asked, wondering the same thing Lee was thinking.
"That would be up to the Council, General, but I would recommend someone outside the order." Tarkin replied.
"Of course." Obi-Wan replied with Mace adding the Council will act as they deem necessary.
The moment Tarkin's hologram vanished, Obi-Wan turned to the rest of the council. "Surely we cannot do as Tarkin suggests. We need to stand together with Ahsoka." Obi-Wan stated.
"I agree with Master Kenobi. I know Ahsoka better than anyone and she would never do such a thing." Plo Koon said in agreement.
"As do I." Kit Fisto added.
"And yet there is evidence that proves she is indeed the master mind behind the attack on the temple" Ki-Adi remined with Saesee Tinn adding that she was found in possession of the Nano-droids which was enough to convict her.
"Aren't you big-wigs forgetting that she was shot by an entire clip from a 9mm handgun when Wolfe arrived to arrest her. And before you even consider it, Robert was trying to help prove her innocence and save her. He loves her as you all know." Barney stated.
"That is true and we understand Obi-Wans sentiment, but if the council does as he suggests, it could be seen as an act of opposition to the Senate. I'm afraid we have little choice." Mace reminded the Expendables leader.
"Than at least let Robert show you what Breaker and Blake have found. They were able to fix the recording and have the whole truth." Barney begged.
"Hmm, to the Chamber of judgement, summon Lehner, Skywalker and his padawan and in our decision, may the Force guide us." Yoda stated. Truthfully, he hoped that what the two clones found would put an end to this ordeal.
Hours after the council finished deliberating about this Anakin paced back and forth in another room while Ahsoka, who was still injured sat under the supervision of two temple guards. "You aren't helping." Ahsoka said to Anakin.
"I'm sorry, Ahsoka. But I just don't know what do. Most of the council is firmly in the belief that you are the culprit and only a few of them believe you are innocent. I know you are innocent, but everyone still thinks you are the culprit. I'll be honest Ahsoka, I'm scared for what could happen to you." Anakin admitted.
"It's okay, I don't know what to do either." Ahsoka answered. "I am glad that some of the council believes me. Same goes for you." She added.
Once their conversation was finished, the temple guards escorted Ahsoka to the center of the room which turned out to be a platform and was raised into the air and she soon stood face to face with the High Council members.
Ahsoka continued to defend her innocence, but Ki-Adi, Saesee, and Mace continued to believe that she was the culprit despite hearing all that Ahsoka had to say. "Clouded by the dark side these things are, Padawan Tano. Dangerously clouded, but not just surrounding you, surrounding many things in these times." Yoda stated.
"You've made already made your decision, haven't you? This meeting is just a formality!" Anakin snapped.
Obi-Wan just looked to his former padawan and couldn't help but somehow agree with him. But Yoda proved him wrong. "Reached a decision, we have not. Waiting for the important evidence we are." Yoda stated.
Anakin was surprised to hear this and was about to ask what he was interrupted when Robert entered the chamber. "Sorry for the delay. But I have proof that Ahsoka was set up and someone else is the culprit." Robert panted, plugging in the datapad he was given and showed the recording.
"Well this certainly proves Ahsoka isn't responsible. Look at her hands. They aren't closed, they are opened and she is clearly panicking. If she were the culprit, she wouldn't be panicking. Clearly the prison security is lacking." Obi-Wan stated. Yoda and Plo Koon agreed with him, but Mace, Ki-Adi and Saesee weren't so sure.
"I am afraid that your findings in this trial aren't acceptable." A voice from behind said. Turing around/looking down the council and the others saw Tarkin along with a small squad of his own men were standing behind them.
"Get out of here, bastard." Robert said.
"I will leave. But not without the criminal. The Chancellor has stated that Padawan Tano is expelled from the Jedi, on the charges of sedition. She shall forfeit all rank and privilege in the Grand Army of the Republic, her padawan status stripped and shall be turned over to the Republic courts for trial and await whatever punishment we will set for you. Henceforth, you are a Jedi no longer." Tarkin said, yanking Ahsoka's padawan braid from her from her headdress and gestured his men to put her in a straightjacket.
"Is that really necessary, Admiral?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Former Padawan Tano is a dangerous criminal. If she were to escape, she would commit similar acts of terrorism across the galaxy." Tarkin answered as his men tightened one of the straps of the jacket between her legs, making Ahsoka grit her teeth in pain.
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS YOU BASTARD! YOU HARM HER AND I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU! YOU HEAR ME?! I WILL KILL YOU!" Robert shouted before trying to charge at the Admiral only to be stopped by Anakin who just shook his head. He watched helplessly as Ahsoka was escorted out of the temple.
"This isn't right." Robert stated.
Roberts point of view
I kept checking the inventory of all the Taurus weapons in the armory and no matter how many times I rechecked the inventory, all the weapons were present and accounted for even the PT92's that uncle Max uses and he never leaves them out of his sights.
Something about this just didn't seem right. Tarkin just threw everything that was shown out the window and didn't care what the council or myself had to say. If anything, he should be under investigation for his own men were actual traitors and were responsible for numerous massacres on the Sand Creek and Wounded Knee scale. All of the dead were civilians, mostly women and children. All of them had their whole lives ahead of them and they were just cut down by vile men.
"All Taurus weapons are present. This doesn't make any sense, who could have gotten their hands on a PT92? The only ones who have access to my weapons is me and the others. So where did the shooter get the weapon?" I asked myself.
I then checked my watch. Ahsoka's trial didn't begin for another couple of hours, so that left me plenty of time to go back to the warehouse and find something that could prove that Ahsoka was innocent. I knew she was innocent and I had to everything I could to save her. Hopefully, Tarkin hadn't completely locked down the warehouse.
From what I gathered, Tarkin hadn't sent any shock troopers to the warehouse which either meant he was covering something up or more focused on proving Ahsoka was guilty when she is clearly innocent. Either way, I had to be careful. One slip up could make it look like I was an accessory to terrorism. Good thing my armor had a stealth field system much like the Stealth Ship Anakin piloted before he became Ahsoka's master. I installed a small-scale version of it to my Hayabusa armor and it felt like I actually had a Predators Active Camouflage system.
Becoming like the ultimate hunter was something I always wanted to do, but not to hunt and kill, but to help people and protect the innocent. This was the perfect time to use it and it was now the time to use it. I grabbed a pair of Desert Eagle MK XIX's chambered to .50AE, an Uzi 9mm with a fifty round magazine and a Galil ACE 32 7.62x39mm assault rifle with the same Red Dot sight, 4x magnifier, weaponlight, folding foregrip and forty-five round magazine.
If I was going to do this, I needed to be silent and deadly. Funny, last time I said that I got a laugh out of Ahsoka, or was it someone else, I could never remember.
I locked in my rifles magazine when I sensed Erik entering the armory. "You sure are packing a lot of firepower just to investigate a warehouse full of Nano-droids." Karins father chuckled. I was about to respond when I noticed that he had a heavily customized M16A2 with a forty-round magazine and ACOG scope and a M203 grenade launcher in his hands. Slung across his back was an AA12 shotgun and holstered to his waist in place of his usual Wester 35 pistols were a pair of M1911 pistols.
"I thought with Karin and Barriss missing you would be out looking for them." I reminded.
A few days after Ahsoka was arrested, Barriss along with Karin disappeared when she went to pick up a few things from a store for dinner. They never came back and Erik feared the worst. Fortunately, Erik had hope that they were alive and searched almost half the Coruscant underworld for his family. Hell, he even borrowed Boomer for the job and still he found nothing.
"I think it would be best to kill two birds with one stone, as you say on Earth. I might be able to find some clues if I help you as well. I can't lose my family." Erik said.
"Alright, we got four hours before Ahsoka's trial begins. We start at the warehouse where Ahsoka was shot. We should be able to find something there to prove her innocent. Any terminal's we find download the data. Maybe that might give us a clue to the real culprit, but we will find your family. I swear it." I promised.
Erik nodded, and the two of us hoped in a speeder. I whistled for Boomer, who jumped in the speeder, followed by Jess and Grace, clad in their own armor. "Don't think we're letting you boys have all the fun." Hope County's sniper said.
"Point taken." I stated, powered up the speeder and quickly left the range, heading for the old munitions warehouse.
It didn't take us long to arrive at the warehouse but when we arrived, my heart sank. The whole warehouse was now a burning pile of rubble. Nothing, not even the support beams remained. Someone had torched the whole place, covering their tracks and the Nano-droids were gone.
"DAMN IT!" I shouted aloud, my voice echoing around the area. The one place we had a solid lead was now pile of twisted metal and broken glass. I slammed my fist into the side of a nearby wall, for a brief moment it appeared that all was lost, but then a glimmer of hope appeared.
"Captain, look at this." Erik said.
I turned and saw what Erik was holding. The same PT92 that was used to shot Ahsoka and surprisingly a pacifier. "I know this pacifier, Barriss picked it out for Karin and she would never leave this behind. They have to be close." Erik exclaimed.
"Have Boomer get the scent. He might be able to track them down." I suggested.
Kneeling down to our Canine companion, Boomer sniffed the pacifier and barked the moment he got the scent and bolted down the alley. "FOLLOW THAT DOG!" I shouted and our posse followed the Cattle Dog mix as fast as we could.
Pushing past the crowds of people, we followed the Hellfighters canine member further and further from the munitions warehouse and towards the area closet to the industrial sector. We lost Boomer for a moment, before we heard him barking and followed the noise finding the dog sitting in front of an old missionary building which reeked with the scent of the dark side. "Creepy old church in the underworld. Anyone else feel like old John is inside waiting to spring a trap?" I asked the Hope County natives.
"You cut that fuckers head off, no way he can come back from that. But I got to agree with you, this isn't looking good." Jess said in agreement, pumping her Winchester Model 1300 Marine shotgun, chambering a round, preparing for a potential firefight. Grace did the same thing, flipping the safety off of her M4, her finger prepared to pull the trigger.
I moved forwards, my Uzi in one hand and slowly pushed open the door to the abandoned church. The door creaked eerily, evidence of its years of neglect and disrepair. Boomer ran past underneath my legs, still having the scent of Karin and Barriss.
The rest of us followed the dog and we found ourselves just standing in front of a bare wall. I had a feeling something was wrong and my gut was right, the second I touched the wall a hidden switch activated and right where the altar was, a passage way opened up and a staircase to the lower hidden level.
"Great. Something tells me we aren't dealing with the Locust or The Flood. Everybody stick close and keep your fingers on your triggers. See anything hostile, kill it." I ordered the others, who nodded and followed me into what could only be described as the stairway to hell.
We didn't encounter any kind of resistance in the corridor. Each room we came across, it smelled like something was rotting or someone had let out a nasty fart the size of a small bomb. Still, it felt like something was off about this place.
For a moment, it seemed like the corridor would go on forever but it wasn't meant to be. Boomer caught the whiff of either Barriss or Karin and bolted past us. Again, we followed that smart dog and saw a light, literally at the end of the tunnel. What we found was something that would haunt us forever.
Inside various bacta-like tanks, individuals of all species were in a state of suspended, but were turned into something like a Strogg tactical units with all the mechanical limbs in place of their standard limbs. I got a little too close to one of the tanks and its occupant, a Twi'lek thrashed around in the tank trying to break the glass open. Sufficient to say, it didn't break the glass as its chest suddenly lit up and shocked the occupant returning them to their suspended state.
"The fuck is going on here?" I asked noticing that the other tanks were occupied by Togruta's, Rodians, Human's and Zabrak's all of whom had the same procedure done to them, their replaced limbs wrapped in plastic bags rotting or starting to rot.
"I can tell you it ain't anything the Nazi's would have done, I can tell you that. This has Sith and Tarkin written all over it. Take a look at this." Grace said from a nearby terminal. What she found was very disturbing. Each of these individuals were either taken from the street or were volunteers for a super soldier project of some kind, without the republic command even knowing it.
"Who would do such a thing?" I asked.
"Oh, I think you will find it to be quite a surprise." A German like voice said over the loudspeaker. All of us looked around, weapons at the ready and scanned the room for any sign of hostile forces. We didn't have to wait long to get an answer of who was talking to us, for appearing in front of us via hologram was a male Faust with light gray eyes and pale blue skin wearing a typical mad-scientist get up with black medical gloves.
"I am surprised to see that the Republic found my laboratory so slowly. Then again, they still believe that I am locked up in a pathetic excuse for a prison." The scientist said with heavy sarcasm. He then turned his gaze to a growling Boomer. "Ah, what a wonderful specimen. This creature would help me in my research efforts to create the ultimate weapon." The scientist added.
"You harm the dog, I will fucking kill you. Who are you and what the fuck is going on here?" Grace demanded.
"His name is Nuvo Vindi. A mentally ill doctor who brought the Blue Shadow Virus back from the grave. But I thought he was in prison." Erik explained to us. "I was given as you earthlings say 'an early parole'. Now I am helping the separatist alliance with their newest military project." Vindi explained.
"WHERE'S MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER!" Erik yelled and almost fired his M4 but I pushed it down.
"Ah, so those Mirialans are related to you. You needn't worry about your child she is safe. However, your wife," Vindi started before pulling a chain that was in his hand towards him and to our horror, bound in a straightjacket, a collar around her neck and gagged with a muzzle like object over her mouth was a battered and bruised Barriss. "Your wife is a different story. She has been most helpful in my research and quite useful in keeping the republic busy while I plan the next attack." The doctor gloated.
"YOU! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO BOMBED THE TEMPLE! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO FRAMED AHSOKA!" I yelled at the doctor.
"You are half right. Yes, I am the one who supplied the nano-droids for the bombing, but I am not the bomber. No, that honor belongs to someone else. But no matter. You have discovered my laboratory, so I am afraid I cannot allow any of you to leave. So, I will bid you all a farewell, the failed test subjects will give you a much-needed death." The doctor said, ignoring the fact that Barriss was screaming into her gag like she was trying to struggle and get free, when in reality she was trying to warn us.
No sooner had the hologram vanished, alarms blared and the tanks began to drain all the water from them and the 'test subjects' began to bang on the glass and cracks began to form. "Jess, head topside and contact the G-man. Tell him we need back up immediately." I said to the Hope archer, pulling the receiving bolt on my Uzi ready to fire.
"Don't need to get us." A voice said just as the test subjects broke the tanks and began to head towards us. They didn't get close to us when a volley of blaster fire cut down most of the test subjects, catching them off guard and allowing the rest of us to eliminate the rest of them with a volley of rifle, shotgun and submachine gun fire.
The second each of the test subjects were down, the origin of the voice stepped over the body. A Arc Trooper in gold and silver customized clone armor armed with a Wester-M5 blaster rifle emerged from the entrance. Followed behind him were four other Arc Troopers, all of whom were wearing red, gold and silver armor armed with the same blaster rifles all equipped with an under-barrel grenade launcher.
"Nice of you to arrive Grimlock, but how did you know where to find us?" I asked the leader, loading a fresh magazine into my submachine gun.
"You think you're the only one worried about the Commander, well we're also worried about her as well." The leader, now called Grimlock answered, putting a blaster bolt into the head of the last test subject which was still moving.
"Grimlock's right. We may be newbies in the Dragoons, but we all know how special the commander is to you. Besides, Sludge made a bet that she has something to show you." Another trooper said jokingly.
"Knock it off Swoop, that's not important right now. What's important is our objective. We need to get Commander Valcara's wife and child out of here before the doctor escapes with them." Sludge reminded the groups scout.
"Not to mention we need to look for the info about the Nano-Droids." Snarl added before the other trooper, who was named Slug began to access the terminal that Grace had found, only to slam his fist down. "The Doc must have locked down this terminal. We can't download the data from here. All we got is the map of this place. We need to find another terminal." He added.
"Alright, Grimlock take Sludge and Swoop and go with General Armstrong, find a terminal and download the data then evacuate the base. Snarl, Slug, Jess and I will go with Erik and get his family back." I ordered.
"Roger that Captain, time to show this bastard what happens when you mess with the Dinobots." Grimlock proclaimed and followed Snarl, who knew where to find another terminal and the rest of us headed off to find Barriss and Karin.
The moment we split up, battle droids began to fire on us and it was clear that the Separatists had been able to send in a security detail and I bet my dad's pistol that Dod was involved in this someway. Knowing him, it wouldn't surprise me.
Firing my twin Desert Eagles, I downed four commando droids each with pair of headshots before downing another three droids with the last of my magnum's clips. Ejecting the spent magazines, Jess fired her shotgun at the droids, destroying them with a barrage of buckshot.
Snarl and Slug fired their launchers, destroying an incoming pair of super battle droids before Erik fired his M203 sending a 40mm grenade hurling towards the droids taking them down before letting lose a burst of 5.56mm rounds against the incoming droids. The moment he stopped firing, Boomer leapt forward, tackled a standard B1 to the ground and ripped its head off before braving the barrage of blaster fire and bolted around a corner.
"Dog's got some moves. Hope those moves can help us get to Ahsoka's trial on time." I said, before firing my Galil at several approaching Destroyers riddling them with bullet holes and stopping them dead in their tracks.
"Sorry to disappoint you Captain, but the commander's trial began an hour ago. Tarkin pushed up the trial time. Seems he wanted to get the sentence over and done with, he didn't even launch a proper investigation." Snarl stated, laying down some covering fire for Erik to move up and mow down another squad of droids with his AA12.
"That bastard. If he's involved with this in any way, I swear to god I will fucking kill him." I proclaimed, firing the remaining rounds in my Galil's magazine, downing the last of the droids. "MOVE!" I shouted and the others moved ahead while I brought up the rear.
Boomer then started to bark and soon the six of us heard the crying of a baby from behind the nearest door. "Erik, kick the door." I said to the angry father. He did so and found Karin, safe and sound. He nearly broke down in tears, seeing his child was still alive after being held hostage for several days. "One down one too go. Boomer, you keep the kid safe, the rest of us lets go get Barriss back." I said.
"I'll stay here. I can't leave Karin alone. Not again." Erik stated.
"I understand. I'll get your wife back. Gonna need that Shotgun." I said understanding what Erik was getting at, who then gave me the Shotgun. Pulling back the bolt, I chambered a round and headed out to find Barriss.
Normal point of view
While Robert and the others were chasing after Vindi, in court Ahsoka, now out of the straightjacket was facing a possible death-sentence and was praying that Padme, who was acting as her defense would get the courts to see that she was innocent.
"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 was told that 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. Why would Ahsoka kill Letta with a method that would 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." Padme said to the court.
From his stand Tarkin just clapped unimpressed. "Well said, Senator Amidala. However, if she is innocent, then why was she seen conspiring with known Separatist terrorist, Asajj Ventress?" Tarkin commented.
Padme was about to speak, when Barney beat her to it. "Last I checked, Asajj Ventress was no longer a separatist and is currently a bounty hunter. From what I gathered, Ventress wasn't the one who set up Ahsoka, someone disguised as Ventress attacked her and then shot Ahsoka, hoping she would either die from gunshots or captured by the clones." Barney spoke out. While Padme was her defense, Barney was also a member of the defense.
"Maybe your boyfriend should look at you." Tarkin spat. This caught everyones attention, particularly the council members who were watching the proceedings. "I have with me evidence that further proves former Padawan Tano has broken the Jedi code."
Pressing a button on his stand's terminal, a recording of the night on Naboo appeared, particularly the part where Ahsoka and Robert kissed.
"Seems Padawan Tano had already 'fallen' and had an accomplice in the bombing." Tarkin gloated.
"That has nothing to do with this trial. I ask that it be stricken from the record." Padme demanded.
"Denied." Palpatine said. This action shocked Padme and Barney.
From their position in the jury box, Bail, Riyo, Lux and Mon Mothma looked to each other with disgust. Such a recording regarding one's love life is not evidence and something was most defiantly wrong. They only hoped that Robert and the others would get here soon.
While the trial of Ahsoka was underway, Doctor Vindi lead his captive to the emergency hanger bay. While the Republic force was small and the failed test subjects were dead, the rest of his work was safely off planet and waiting for the order to be released upon the unsuspecting galaxy. "Soon my creations will be free and the separatist's victory will be assured. A shame you won't be able to witness this my lovely, still the death of the scapegoat of bombing will be a great victory for me and my supporter." Vindi gloated.
Barriss growled into her gag. "I'm sorry, what did you?" Vindi said sarcastically, pressing a button on his gauntlet, activating Barriss's collar which then sent a strong electrical current through her body. Vindi then removed her gag. "My husband and the others will come for me. You made a mistake coming after me and my family." Barriss stated.
"It was your own fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just don't forget, when your friend dies it will be your fault." Vindi gloated before putting Barriss's gag back on. But he was in for quite a surprise.
(Fighter, Kana-Boon starts)
While Vindi prepared to escape, his droids were being mowed down by a very pissed off Lone Wolf. "NO ONE TAKES MY FRIENDS AND GETS AWAY WITH IT! EAT TWELVE GUAGE YOU SCRAPHEADS!" Robert shouted, firing his shotgun in short controlled bursts knocking down squad after squad of tin cans without any remorse.
Slug and Snarl fowled close behind, firing at the droids he missed and any that managed to get the drop on them. A group of Destroyers attempted to flank them, but the two troopers fired their launchers at the rollers, blowing them to pieces.
"MOVE IT BOYS! DON'T LET THESE BASTARDS STOP YOU!" Robert shouted, ejecting his spent magazine and loading a fresh one into his weapon before hitting another droid with the butt of the weapon, and then curb stomping the droids head.
Reaching out with the force, he pulled a commando droid to him, held it by the neck and used it as a shield firing his shotgun with one hand in short-controlled bursts. Blaster fire bracketing his shields didn't stop him. Like a mighty locomotive, he charged forwards shoving his droid shield forwards and diving forward blasting the droids that were unfortunate to get into the line of fire. As Robert was about to get up, several droids were cut down. Looking up, he saw that Grimlock and his team had arrived and saved his bacon. Backflipping to his feet, Robert unleashed a barrage of buckshot on a Super Battle Droid that had Grimlock in its sights, destroying said Droid and saving Grimlocks life. "Thanks Captain." Grimlock said, following the Dragoons leader to a large door.
"Dinobots have any charges?" Robert asked jokingly like a certain short-brained T-Rex. "Oh, we got charges. Dinobots, rig this door time to make an entrance." Grimlock stated. The others nodded, and were about to the charges.
Suddenly, the door began to emit a powerful electrical current and nearly shocked the Arc Troopers. They didn't even get a second to figure out what to do when emerging from behind them were more battle droids all armed with Chainguns.
Robert prepared to fire his Eagles, when he spotted a vent directly above them. "Grimlock, I can use the vent to get to the other side and open the door. Keep the bastards busy as long as you can." Robert ordered, tossing the Arc Trooper leader the AA12 who then proceeded to blast the droids away with a barrage of buckshot.
Pulling the vent open with the force, Robert leapt into the vent system and crawled towards the other end. Like the Dark Knight, he kicked the vent off its hinges and spotted both the door controls, Barriss and Vindi. Reaching out with the force, he unlocked the door and sprinted towards the mad doctor who was about to execute Barriss with a point-blank headshot.
Tackling the scientist, Robert began to beat the guys face into a bloody pulp not caring in the slightest of how much they needed the doctor alive. He was about to deliver the final blow, when a hand grabbed touched his shoulder. "We need him alive." Grace said, snapping Robert out of his rage.
(Song ends)
Erik had finally joined the others along with a detachment of Coruscant guardsmen who had been contacted by Grimlock prior to his timely arrival. Vindi was arrested again and the data recovered from the terminal proved Ahsoka wasn't the recipient of the Nano-droids, but it wouldn't be enough to clear her name. That's when Barriss asked Robert to take her to the court.
Ahsoka's point of view
After much deliberating, it looked like the court had finally reached a decision. I stood silently as the Chancellor read the jury's decision.
"Ahsoka Tano, by an overwhelming count of…" the chancellor began before the doors to the court opened and Barriss stepped forwards.
"Chancellor, Ahsoka didn't bomb the temple. I did. I bombed the temple because I have come to believe what others have realized, that the Jedi are responsible for this war. I have evidence proving that the Nano-droids were purchased by me and my attack on the order was an attack on what the Jedi have become. This republic is falling, its only a matter of time." She said. I could see the tears coming from her eyes. She didn't bomb the temple, she was trying to save me.
"Take her away." Palpatine instructed the shock troopers who then took Barriss away. I still couldn't believe she took the fall for me. She had a husband and a daughter, yet she threw it all away to save my life. 'Why? Why did you do it Barriss?' I asked myself.
Normal point of view
With the whole ordeal done, Ahsoka, Robert, Anakin and the council members who were present at the trial all stood in the council chamber.
"Ahsoka I am so sorry, about everything." Anakin said sadly.
"You have our most humble apologizes, little Soka. The council was wrong to think you were capable of such crimes." Plo Koon said, particulary to Mace, Saesee and Ki-Adi.
Saesee Tinn and Ki-Adi than claimed that the strength and resilience she shown had shown were true signs of a Jedi knight. "This was actually your great trial. Now we see that. We understand that the force works in mysterious ways and because of this trial, you have become a greater Jedi than you would have otherwise." Mace stated.
'Great trial my ass. You didn't do a fucking thing to help her.' Robert thought.
"You will be reinstated to the Jedi order as a knight, but in doing so you will have to abandon your attachment to Captain Lehner." Mace added.
Despite Anakin's plea, Ahsoka made her choice. "I'm sorry master, but I'm not coming back." Ahsoka said sadly, closing Anakins hand which still had her braid in it and then left the council chambers for the last time.
No sooner had she left, Robert gave Mace, Saesee and Ki-Adi and earful. "Her great trial? HER GREAT FUCKING TRIAL!? YOU BASTARDS DIDN'T EVEN STAND BY HER WHEN SHE NEEDED YOU THE MOST! YOU'RE SO ATTACHED TO THE DAMN CODE THAT YOU WERE BLINDED TO THE TRUTH THAT WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU! I LOVE AHSOKA AND SHE LOVES ME, THOSE ARE SIGNS THAT LOVE IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OFF!" Robert shouted at the top of his lungs.
Mace was about to speak, but Robert and Anakin left the chambers, Obi-Wan wanted to follow but Plo stopped him.
(Ahsoka's departure starts)
As she walked towards the entrance to the temple, Ahsoka could hear Anakin calling out to her and stopped just before she reached the steps.
"Why are you doing this?" Anakin asked as Robert caught up with the two.
"The council didn't trust me, so how can I trust myself. I know you and a majority of the others believed in me Anakin, and I am grateful, but this isn't about you. I can't stay here any longer, not now." She stated.
"I can understand completely, Mace, Saesee and Ki-Adi were all fouls for calling you a criminal. They were to blind to see the truth. The real culprit is still out there and I'll bet my ass that Tarkin is involved." Robert added.
"Robert's right, come back Ahsoka, please the Jedi order is your life. You can't just throw it all away." Anakin begged.
"Maybe, but they can't except the fact that I love Robert and I need to sort this out on my own, without the council and you." Ahsoka added.
Anakin then commented that he understood, more than Ahsoka will ever know about wanting to walk away from the order. "I know." Ahsoka said quietly.
Anakin then looked towards to Robert. "Promise me you'll look after her." Anakin asked. "I swear on the blood of my father that I will protect her. I give you my word, General." Robert promised and followed Ahsoka.
"Hey," Robert said to Ahsoka, causing her to stop short. "You still want a soldier for a boyfriend?" Robert asked. Ahsoka just smiled.
(OST ends)
Later that night, after a nice meal Robert sat in his room at the range. Ahsoka said she has something she had been wanting to show him for some time. When she emerged from the refresher, in place of her old attire Ahsoka stood in the doorway, wearing Satin white Bridal Lingerie just like what Cassie had worn for Rex complete with a bustier which exposed a bit of cleavage and opera style gloves and stockings.
"Babe, you look beautiful." Robert commented. Ahsoka's Lekku darkened and she just went to bed. "I know you left the order, so why don't we just call it a day." He added sympathetically. Ahsoka nodded and the two lovers quickly fell to sleep.
I am going to admit, I cried a bit while writing this chapter. This was one of the most heartbreaking episodes of the series for me, next to Waxers death. Those made me cry on the inside.
So, you will note that Barriss was not the bomber of the temple and took the fall for Ahsoka, anyone want to guess as to who really bombed the temple, I know it since I am writing it, but let's see if you can guess.
I brought in new Arc troopers, pretty cool names for them right. Been reading a few stories about the guys I named them after and was planning on this for some time. Looks like the separatists have a new type of soldier, will they effect the course of the war? Find out next time.
My brother comes home from Japan tomorrow, Bumble Bee is released and Christmas is a few days away, I can't wait for the new year.
Before I forget, my poll is still up so please vote and I am going to take a break from this story so I can update Mobile Suit Rwby, then come back to this chapter. Please read and review and I will see you all next time.