Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter. And this is our 50th chapter! Hooray!
Let's get to it.
Guest DCDGojira: It'll be an interesting encounter, that's for sure. As for where Terran Jedi are being trained, for now they're being trained at a temporary facility in New York while a Terran Jedi Temple is being built.
Sectooper: I'll be doing a modified version of The Last Jedi. As for Rise of Skywalker, I'm still working on whether I'm just going to modify the story a bit, or do a complete rework.
Chapter 50- The Wrong Jedi
Adams watches with his eyes narrowed as Tarkin is speaking to the Jedi Council. As leader of the ASAT team, he is usually allowed into Jedi Council meetings.
"The Senate has requested that Ahsoka Tano be indicted for acts of treason against the Republic," Tarkin says.
"A fair trial, Padawan Tano will have, in accordance with Jedi tradition," Yoda replies.
"Ah, yes. Jedi tradition. I'm afraid that the Senate feels an internal Jedi trial would seem…biased. Therefore, the Senate requests that the Council expel Ahsoka Tano from the Jedi order so that she may be put to a Republic Military tribunal, where she will receive more impartial judgement," Tarkin says.
"And who would represent Ahsoka in this tribunal, Admiral?" Obi Wan demands.
"That would be up to the Council, but I would recommend somebody outside the Order," Tarkin says.
"The Council will act as they deem necessary. Thank you, Admiral," Mace says. Tarkin just nods before the transmission cuts off.
"Surely we cannot do what Tarkin suggests. We need to stand together with Ahsoka," Obi Wan says.
"And yet there is evidence that she was indeed the one behind the bombing," Ki Adi Mundi says.
"She was found in possession of nano droid explosives. This alone is enough to convict her," Saesee Tiin says.
"Nano droids that the FBI agents have not found her fingerprints on," Adams cuts in.
"Perhaps. But that will not satisfy the courts. I understand your sentiment, Obi Wan and Captain Adams, but if the Council does as you two suggest, it could be seen as an act of opposition to the Senate. I'm afraid we have little choice," Mace says.
Yoda sits there for a moment before he says, "To the Chamber of Judgment, summon Skywalker and his Padawan, and in our decision, may the Force guide us."
The Council slowly files out of the room. Despite wanting to be present, Adams heads down to the entrance of the Temple.
Adams wanders around near the entrance for almost an hour. Then, after about an hour, several Temple guards came walking up to the entrance, escorting Ahsoka. Anakin is following a bit behind, looking very angry.
As Ahsoka and the guards pass him and walk out of the entrance to the Temple, Adams reaches out to stop Anakin. "What happened?" he asks.
"The Council had already made their decision. They expelled Ahsoka from the order, and they're turning her over to the courts," Anakin says angrily.
Adams sighs. "I'll admit, I expected that. They've kind of been backed into a corner by Tarkin and the Senate," Adams says.
"Well, what do we do now? Ahsoka is innocent, I know it. But how do we prove it?" Anakin asks.
"Well, the FBI team is still processing all the gathered evidence, looking for clues to help her case. I also called in a favor from back home, so she's gonna have somebody good to represent her," Adams says.
Anakin looks at him, and just nods. The two then head out of the Temple.
(A day later)
Ahsoka stares at the floor of her cell, not really feeling any motivation to do anything to pass the time. It's been a day since she was brought to her cell. The courts have been preparing for the trial, which is why she's spent so long in the cell.
Suddenly, the door to her cell opens. Ahsoka looks up, and sees Anakin and Adams walking in. Behind Adams is a man dressed in a nice Terran style business suit and tie, with black hair and wearing glasses, and carrying a briefcase in one hand.
Adams steps aside and gestures to the man behind him. "Ahsoka, this is William Barr, United States Attorney General. He's essentially the top lawyer in the US government. I called in some favors, and he's agreed to represent you in your trial," he says.
"I've heard a lot about you over the last few years, Commander Tano. I'll do everything I can to prove your innocence," Barr says.
"I am almost certain that the person behind this is Ventress, and you know I wasn't working with her. She was at the warehouse, in the room. We fought, but she got away. Didn't any of the clones see anything?" Ahsoka asks.
"No. None of the clones reported seeing Ventress on the scene. I thought you said that she left before you went into the warehouse," Anakin says.
"She did, but then she came in and attacked me. I'd know her red lightsabers anywhere," Ahsoka says.
"Well, if that's our only lead, then I know what I have to do," Anakin says before turning to walk away.
"We'll try and track down Ventress. Until then, we'll leave this to you, Barr," Adams says to Barr before walking out with Anakin.
Barr goes to sit down beside Ahsoka. "Well, Commander Tano. Let's get started. So, I've already filed two motions with the court. I filed a motion to have the trial delayed so that the FBI team could finish processing the evidence, but it was denied. I also filed a motion to have Tarkin replaced as the prosecutor, given he seems to have had a personal issue with you for a long time, but it was also denied," Barr begins.
Ahsoka sighs. Barr opens his briefcase and says, "So, given my motions were denied, let's get to work on your defense. First, I'm going to ask you to recount your version of events and tell me everything you can about what's taken place recently. Then, we'll work on the defending argument and counters to possible arguments Tarkin will bring up."
(Lower levels of Coruscant)
Ventress slowly walks down the street, wondering what she's going to do now that her lightsabers have been stolen. As she's walking, all of a sudden, she feels something behind her. A presence.
Ventress stops for a moment, then keeps walking. However, a few seconds later, she hears something hit the ground behind her.
She smirks. "Anakin Skywalker," she says with contempt before turning to face him.
"I know you're behind all of this," Anakin says.
"Prove it," Ventress says before leaping up onto a pipe overhead. However, the moment she lands, he suddenly feels something hit her in the back. Immediately, electricity courses through her body, shocking her and causing to fall to the ground. As she twitches on the ground, she glances up and sees Adams leap down onto the pipe, holding a taser in his hand.
"Nice try, Ventress," Adams says. He stops the flow of electricity, but keeps the prongs in her back.
Anakin leaps up onto the pipe, lightsaber ignited. He points it towards her head and demands angrily, "Tell me what happened!"
"When I heard your little brat was on the run, I thought she might bring a large bounty," Ventress says.
"Bounty? Really, Ventress? You're a bounty hunter now?" Adams asks.
Ventress doesn't respond. Instead, she continues her answer to Anakin's demand and says, "I was going catch your pet and turn her over to the authorities, collect whatever bounty was due."
Anakin takes a slight step back and deactivates his saber. At the same time, Adams steps forward and pulls the taser prongs out of Ventress' back, but reloads the taser just in case.
"What stopped you?" Anakin demands.
Ventress, rubbing her back a little where the prongs had been, says, "At first, I admit, I was just interested in the money and a little bit of revenge. But then I realized that your fallen Padawan and I had a lot in common."
"How dare you compare yourself to Ahsoka!" Anakin growls.
"It's true!" Ventress yells as she whips around to face Anakin. She pauses for a second, then says, "My master abandoned me, and that's exactly what you did to her. You and your precious Jedi Order."
Anakin's glare holds for a second later, then melts off his face, replaced by a look of slight shame. At the same time, Adams himself feels slight shame, wishing he'd been more vocal in his defense of Ahsoka.
(The court)
A door opens leading into the court. Two clones escort Ahsoka into the chamber. They escort her over to a hover platform. As she walks onto it, Mas Amedda bangs his staff a few times to signal that the court is ready to begin.
The hover platform moves Ahsoka into the center of the chamber. As it does, Ahsoka glances to the side and sees Barr walking into the chamber, his briefcase in hand. On the other side of the chamber, Tarkin walks up to the prosecutor's stand.
Palpatine begins to speak. "Ahsoka Tano. You have been charged with sedition against the Jedi Order and the Republic itself. This court will decide your fate. Prosecution, you may begin your arguments," he says.
Tarkin takes a few steps forward, and says, "Former Padawan Tano, I shall prove that you were the mastermind behind the attack on the Jedi Temple, and that once your accomplices carried out your orders, you eliminated them one by one. When you are found guilty, I ask the court that the full extent of the law be brought down upon you, including penalty of death."
There are a few murmurs in the court. As this happens, Barr steps forward, "At this time, I would like to point out to the court that Ahsoka Tano is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. I would respectfully ask that the court wait to decide Ahsoka Tano's punishment until it is determined which, if any, crimes she is guilty of."
"Your statement is noted, Attorney General Barr," Palpatine says. He then motions for Tarkin to continue.
(Lower levels of Coruscant)
"So, what happened between you and Ahsoka?" Adams asks Ventress.
"After I left the warehouse, after I left your little Padawan alone, I was walking away, and I thought she came up behind me to talk more. But I was wrong. Someone came out of nowhere and hit me from behind. Not just anyone can sneak up behind me. It had to be another Jedi," Ventress says.
"I don't believe you," Anakin says.
"Believe it. Whoever you're looking for has my lightsabers. That's how you'll know you've found the criminal," Ventress says.
Anakin sighs as he leans up against the railing. "Well, this brings me to a dead end. You're the only one Ahsoka talked to," he says.
Ventress sits there for a second, then says, "That's not true."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Adams asks.
"Your Padawan contacted the Temple. She spoke to someone named Barriss. That's why we knew to go to the warehouse in the first place. This Barriss told us to go there," Ventress says.
"Barriss? She's the one? Her of all people?" Adams mutters.
"If you're lying, you're dead," Anakin says before turning to hurry off.
"Such promises," Ventress says snidely as Anakin and Adams hurry off to head back to the Temple.
(The Court)
"Immediately prior to her death, Letta Turmond called Ahsoka Tano to her cell to reveal the name of the true mastermind behind the bombing of the Jedi Temple. Agents of the American law enforcement agency known as the FBI have analyzed the security footage of the incident. When Letta Turmond began to be strangled by way of the Force, Ahsoka Tano was not making any motions to suggest that she was the one responsible. In fact, her expression seems to suggest panic and worry as to what was happening. Furthermore, agents within the FBI who are experts at analyzing body language and using lip movements to reconstruct the words someone has said have been able to figure out part of the discussion between Ahsoka Tano and Letta Turmond. Their findings support Ahsoka Tano's story that Letta intended to reveal the name of the mastermind behind the bombing," Barr says.
Barr pauses for a moment, then says, "Also, I would like to point out a flaw in an argument made by Admiral Tarkin. Admiral Tarkin asked Ahsoka Tano why she failed to sense anyone else if there was another culprit. Studies conducted by scientists from Terra, with the cooperation of the Jedi, have proven that the Force can be used at great ranges. Studies have also shown that, depending on the circumstances, the adrenaline and focus levels of the Jedi in question, and the number of people in the immediate vicinity, the range at which a Jedi can detect someone else can vary. It has also been shown that Jedi are capable, through the Force, of shrouding their movements to less experienced users of the Force. If a Jedi outside the prison knee exactly where letta Turmond was, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they could have used the Force to strangle Ms. Turmond while remaining outside the prison and avoid being spotted by any guards at the prison."
"Furthermore, the containers of explosive nano droids in the warehouse where Ahsoka Tano was apprehended have been examined by FBI investigators. Ahsoka Tano's fingerprints have not been found on any of the containers, and the identity of the source of the fingerprints has yet to be identified."
Barr pauses again, "Honorable members of the court, the evidence presented is not firm enough to convict Ahsoka Tano. While suspicious, there is much evidence that Ahsoka Tano is being framed, and/or that another Jedi has been involved in this. Honorable members of the court, I can assure you that the wrong Jedi is on trial right now. Ahsoka Tano is not the Jedi responsible for these acts."
There is a moment of silence before Tarkin gives a few sarcastic claps. "Well said, Attorney General Barr. But, if Ahsoka Tano is innocent, then why was she seen conspiring with known Separatist terrorist Asajj Ventress?" he demands.
"Ventress set me up. My master will prove that," Ahsoka replies.
"And where is your master?" Tarkin demands.
"He's out there, trying to find the real murderer," Ahsoka says.
"Then, maybe, he should be looking at you," Tarkin says venomously.
"Chancellor Palpatine, I would ask that you ask the prosecution to show less open contempt for my client," Barr says.
"Noted, Attorney General. Admiral Tarkin, please contain yourself a little better," Palpatine says.
"I would also wish to point out Ahsoka Tano's reasoning for being seen with Asajj Ventress, and remind that it has been confirmed that Asajj Ventress left the Separatists months ago. Ahsoka Tano has said that, after receiving a possible clue to proving her innocence, made a deal with Asajj Ventress in exchange for Ventress guiding her to the warehouse where she would inevitably be cornered and captured by clone units of the Grand Army of the Republic. This is not related to the crimes that Ahsoka Tano has been accused of, and I would present that particular information as irrelevant to deciding if Ahsoka Tano is guilty or not guilty," Barr says.
Ahsoka has to stop herself from smiling. If I get out of this, I'm going to owe Adams big time for arranging to have Barr as my lawyer, she thinks to herself.
(Jedi Temple)
Anakin slowly walks up Barriss' room. As he does, over his earpiece that Adams gave him, he hears, "Alright, General. We're in position."
Anakin stands in front of the door for a moment, then presses a button that sounds a bell in the room. A moment later, he hears Barriss say, "Enter."
The door opens, and Anakin walks in. "Barriss, I need to talk to you," he says.
Barriss stands up from where she had been kneeling as she meditated, and asks, "Master Skywalker, how can I help you?"
"I was told you spoke with Ahsoka before she was arrested," Anakin says, lifting Barriss' lightsaber into his hand with the Force and kind of fidgeting with it as he asks, "What did you say to her?"
"We've been friends for a long time. I was only trying to help her. I hope I'm not in any trouble," Barriss replies.
"It's no trouble. I just need to know what you told her, and if you told anyone else," Anakin says.
"No. I thought I had a clue for her, but I really couldn't tell her anything. Who told I spoke to her?" Barry responds.
"Ventress. She told me," Anakin replies to Barriss' question.
"Ventress? Isn't she the one Ahsoka says is really behind all this?" Barriss asks.
"That's what Ahsoka says, but I think she's wrong. Ventress thinks someone else is involved," Anakin says.
"And you believe her? Who else could it be if not her? Surely not Ahsoka," Barriss asks.
"No, I don't think it was Ahsoka either. I think both Ahsoka and Ventress are telling the truth," Anakin says, noticing out of the corner of his eyes that Barriss looks a bit nervous and is shuffling slightly to one side. He then says, "But, there's only one way to find out."
Anakin abruptly ignites Barriss' lightsaber, then turns towards her. As he brings the saber towards her, Barriss uses the Force to pull two curved lightsaber hilts out of the pot by the door. As soon as they're in her hands, she ignites their red blades to block Anakin' strike.
Anakin smirks as he says, "Funny. Those belong to Ventress."
Barriss forces him back. She then slashes at his feet, but Anakin jumps over them. She then tries to bring the sabers down on him, but Anakin blocks them. As the sabers clash, he says, "You should have gotten rid of them."
"I think they suit me," Barriss says.
Barriss and Anakin exchange several more blows before kicking Barriss, knocking her backwards and out of the door as it opens. As she flies back, Anakin says into his earpiece, "Get ready."
Anakin chases Barriss down the narrow hallway and into a much larger corridor that overlooks a courtyard below. Catching up to Barriss, he strikes at her with her own saber. They exchange several blows before separating.
"Ahsoka trusted you, and you betrayed her!" Anakin growls.
"I've learned that trust is overrated. The only thing the Jedi Council believes in is violence!" Barriss replies hotly.
Suddenly, there's the sound of several lightsabers igniting. Turning around, she sees Adams and Colonel Wilson coming down the hall from her right, lightsabers ignited, and several SEALs behind them with assault rifles ready. At the same time, glancing the other way down the hallway, she sees Colonel White and Colonel Mofaz advancing down to the corridor with several SAS commandos behind him.
"Barriss Offee! Drop the lightsabers and get on your knees!" Adams bellows at her.
Barriss glares at all of them, then tries to attack Anakin, who now has hiw own lightsaber ignited. Anakin back up, drawing her away from the windows.
Anakin and Barriss exchange several blows. Then, Barriss senses something and brings a saber to the right to block a strike from Adams' purple lightsaber. Glancing around, she sees that Wilson has come around behind her, and White and Mofaz are to her left. The SEALs and SAS have surrounded her, all aiming their weapons. More than that, four Jedi Temple guards have arrived on the scene, their yellow lightsaber pikes at the ready.
Barriss tries to leap into the air and backwards towards the windows. But, as she tries, Wilson backsteps and gets in her path again, slashing at her with his lightsaber. The two exchange several blows before Colonel White joins the fight, attacking her form the other side.
Barriss blocks a blow from each of them, trying to withstand their strength. But the struggle temporarily leaves her back exposed. Adams pulls out the taser he used earlier to catch Ventress and fires it. The taser prongs catch Barriss in the back, and she falls to the ground, the lightsabers deactivating.
Two SEALs pounce on her instantly, grabbing her arms and pinning them behind her back. One of them takes out a pair of cuffs and snaps them around her wrists.
"Barriss Offee, you're under military arrest. And we're gonna be taking you to the court so they know who really did all this," Adams says.
(The court)
The head of the jury stands up and declares, "The court has reached a decision."
Using a device in his hand, he sends the result to Mas Amedda, who hands his tablet to Palpatine. Palpatine stands and declares, "Ahsoka Tano, by a slight majority-"
Suddenly, Anakin walks into the chamber and calls out, "Chancellor!"
Everyone looks at Anakin, and Palpatine asks, "I trust you have a reason for bursting into our proceedings, Master Skywalker," as Anakin walks up the platform towards the middle of the chamber. Adams, Wilson, White, and Mofaz are all following him, their lightsabers ignited, and escorting Barriss in their midst.
"I'm here with evidence and a confession from the person responsible for all the crimes Ahsoka has been accused of," Anakin says. He then steps aside, and as the four ASAT commandos deactivate their lightsabers and step aside to reveal Barriss, he declares, "Barriss Offee. Member of the jedi order, and traitor."
Everyone stares at Barriss in a mix of shock and confusion. Finally, Ahsoka asks, "Barriss, is that true?"
"Tell them the truth," Anakin orders.
Barriss stands there for a second, then takes a step forward and says, "I did it. Because I have come to realize what many in the Republic have come to realize. That the Jedi are the ones responsible for this war. That we've so lost our way that we have become villains in this conflict. That we are the ones that should be put on trial, all of us! And my attack on the Temple was an attack on what the Jedi order has become, an army fighting for the dark side, fallen from the light we once held so dear. This Republic is failing! It's only a matter of time."
Anakin pulls Barriss back a bit. Palpatine then declares, "Take her away."
Adams, Wilson, White, and Mofaz form up around Barriss again, then activate their lightsabers and escort her back out of the court chamber. From there, they make their way to the Republic military prison, where Barriss is turned over to Republic custody and locked up.
Adams and Wilson head back to the Temple together. As they get there, they see Ahsoka walking down the steps away from the Temple alone.
Adams and Wilson hurry over to her. "Ahsoka! Where are you going?" Adams asks.
"I may have been exonerated, but I can't go back. I just…the Jedi Order is no longer where I belong. The Council didn't have enough trust in me, so how can I trust myself? I need to find where I belong now," Ahsoka says.
Adams and Wilson glance at each other, then back at Ahsoka. "Why don't you come back to Terra? You can build a life there, do whatever you want. Join our military. Train Terran Jedi. Just settle down. Whatever you want to do," Adams says.
Ahsoka looks at them uncertainly. Wilson joins the conversation and says, "Ahsoka, I don't think there's anywhere that you'll be able to find yourself better than back on Terra. And trust me, with all you've done, you'll be welcomed there with open arms."
Ahsoka is quiet for several more moments. Then, Adams smiles and says, "And, we technically outrank you. So, Commander Tano, I order you to come back to Terra with us."
Ahsoka stands there for a moment, then smiles a bit. "Alright. I'll come with you to Terra," she says.
And there we go. That arc is over. I hope you liked it.
So, yes, Ahsoka will be going to Terra. We'll see her involved with the Terran Armed Forces before this story is over, and after the war, she'll be settling on Terra. This is in part why I'm not covering Rebels in the second story, because Ahsoka won't be in the galaxy.
So, we are now in countdown. Less than a week until the release of Season 7. Hope you guys are excited for the chapters covering Season 7.
So, next chapter will be episode 1 of Season 6. I'll be doing that episode and episode 4 of the inhibitor chip arc. Next chapter will be up on Monday. Until then, leave a review, and stay tuned!