The cell they had been put in was dark and dank, not exactly the most hospital place Ahsoka had ever found herself.
Still, at least she had been placed in there with Kaeden.
Shortly after being brought aboard the U-wing, both Ahsoka and Kaeden had had bags placed over their heads, obscuring their vision.
Well, Kaeden had. Apparently the partisans didn't possess a bag large enough to go over Ahsoka's montrals, which elicited some humour from the Togruta.
That was until they had sprayed some sort spray into her eyes, distorting her vision, and causing her eyes to sting in the process.
She had broken into a series of curses, some in Togruti, some in Mandalorian, courtesy of the clones, and some in basic.
That had got giggles out of Kaeden, who seemed surprised at Ahsoka's temporary descent into cursive language.
An unspecified amount of time later, the two had been dumped into the cell they had been in, and Ahsoka's vision had returned to being clear.
Which allowed her to see her surroundings. Judging from the cell, Saw's base was inside some sort of rock formation.
They had been there for over 30 minutes, and still no sign of Saw. Did he really not want to talk to her? Did he even realize who she was?
Or had his partisans not even bothered to tell him?
If worse came to pass, she would escape the cell and find Saw herself.
It had occurred to Ahsoka briefly after being placed in the cell that the partisans had confiscated her lightsabers. She had to get them back at the very least.
Taking another glimpse around the cell, Ahsoka's eyes were drawn to Kaeden, who seemed to be curled up in a corner. Shrugging off her analysis of their location, she moved to sit next to the dark-skinned woman, wrapping an arm around her back in comfort.
"You ok Kaeden?" Ahsoka asked quietly.
Kaeden sniffed, trying to look away from Ahsoka in vain. It was then that Ahsoka noticed tears coming down Kaeden's face. Surprise and worry filled the Togruta, as she reached up to brush away the tears from Kaeden's face.
"What's wrong? Did they hurt you?"
Kaeden shook her head, sniffing again, trying to cover her tears.
"Kaeden, tell me what's wrong." Ahsoka spoke more forcefully, concern for her friend growing.
"Just memories, from back on Raada, when I was captured by that Inquisitor."
Memories came rushing back to Ahsoka, of finding Kaeden in a cell, twice, clearly having been tortured for information. She understood she might find similarities between now and then.
"The Sixth Brother is dead Kaeden. He can't hurt you anymore." Ahsoka whispered, pulling Kaeden's form closer to her.
Kaeden sniffed again. "I know, it's just hard sometimes."
Ahsoka smiled grimly, fully understanding. Bad memories were toxic to a person, Ahsoka knew this personally. They could eat away at you from the inside.
"You know you can talk to me anytime you like Kaeden, about anything."
Kaeden responded by smiling, before turning her still tear-stained face towards Ahsoka's.
"Thanks Ahsoka. It's nice to have a big bad Jedi looking out for me."
Ahsoka chuckled lightly, before adding, "Not a Jedi remember."
Kaeden turned her face downwards again, upset evident.
"You act like one sometimes."
Surprise came to Ahsoka. Sure, she still fought in the light, but she no longer considered herself a Jedi, even if she still followed some of their ideals. That didn't make her a Jedi… did it?
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka couldn't help but inquire, generally interested in why Kaeden thought differently.
Kaeden sniffed again before speaking her mind. "I mean us Ahsoka. You don't let me close to you. You act like your trying to keep me at a distance for some reason. I figured it was to do with your Jedi code on attachment thing."
Ahsoka released an audible sigh. She didn't want to make this awkward, but Kaeden kept pushing and pushing for a reason. Deep down, Ahsoka knew why she kept everyone at a distance, but could she trust Kaeden?
"Ahsoka, please. Forget about what I feel for you for a second and treat me like a friend. Open up to me, prove you are no longer a Jedi."
Closing her eyes, Ahsoka relented. Maybe, just maybe she could trust Kaeden.
"Throughout my life I've had difficulty trusting people. A slaver tried to take me from my home when I was young, and then the Jedi found me. They raised me, taught me, and I thought they valued me. But then they betrayed, sold me out to maintain their image. And then my master, the man I trusted and respected. One of the two people who didn't abandon me betrayed everyone, killed hundred in the temple, and killed children!"
Kaeden listened as Ahsoka poured her heart out. Over a decade worth of grief and despair, as well as loss was coming out in one speech. Kaeden held Ahsoka as she spoke, offering nothing by her comfort,
"And then, he killed his own wife, the only other person who didn't abandon me. In the end, he destroyed everything, and I was left with nothing. That is why I don't let people close Kaeden. They either abandon me, betray me, or die, and I can't let that happen to you."
Kaeden was both touched and shocked by Ahsoka's admission. It was clear that Ahsoka cared for Kaeden, she just wasn't willing to risk her own happiness for what could turn into despair.
And Kaeden understood, truly. After losing her parents at a young age, she had retreated into herself, Miara becoming her only real company.
But she had eventually come out of her shell, thanks to her friends. So why wouldn't Ahsoka?
"What about the Ghost crew? They haven't betrayed you." Kaeden spoke.
Ahsoka nodded in agreement, but then her head drooped slightly as she continued. "True, but they are their own family. I don't wish to intrude upon that. I'm not even sure I'm welcome most days. I bring them nothing but trouble."
Kaeden sighed internally. Ahsoka seemed adamant that she wanted to remain alone, as far away from anyone as possible. But Kaeden still had one more person to enquire about.
"Well what about Rex? He's been with you from the start hasn't he? He has never betrayed you right? Why don't you tell him this stuff?"
Ahsoka was silent for a few moments, as if struggling internally. For a brief moment, Kaeden thought she had got Ahsoka with her line of questioning.
Then Ahsoka replied.
"Except that he has, in a way. When I was falsely accused of terrorism and went on the run, he was the one to put out the call to hunt me down. And when I was incarcerated, he sat back like the rest and did nothing to help prove my innocence. I may have forgiven him for it, but I haven't forgotten. Nor will I."
At the end of her speech, Ahsoka seemed to sink into herself in despair at describing her oldest friend in such a way.
Kaeden noted internally that she would have to speak to Rex about it later, and demand answers.
But right now, Ahsoka needed her.
"I won't abandon you. I won't betray you. And I won't die Ahsoka. You're stuck with me, whether you like it or not." Kaeden spoke softly, her eyes meeting Ahsoka's.
Ahsoka stared back, a myriad of emotions in them. Fear, loss and pain, as well as compassion and love.
"You can't promise me that Kaeden, please don't promise me that."
Kaeden smiled, not breaking eye contact.
"Tough. I can and I will. And unlike the others, I mean it."
Ahsoka allowed a small smile to cover her face at Kaeden's insistence.
The two woman remained in the same position for a few moments, staring into each other's eyes, before Kaeden began to lean forward.
Despite her internal conflict and reservations about everything, Ahsoka found herself leaning forward too.
Their lips were only centimetres apart before a voice interrupted them.
"Well well, look who we have here. Commander Tano, it has been too long."
Ahsoka broke away from Kaeden instantly, her eyes moving to the figure that had appeared at the doors to the cell.
He was tall, with a scraggy beard and hair, and wore armour that clearly covered his body. On first glance, Ahsoka had no idea who this was, or how they knew her.
But as she looked closer she recognized the smirk he had on his face. It was the same look he had years ago on Onderon, when she had taught him how to oppose the droids of the confederacy.
Time had clearly worn on him, but he was still Saw Gerrerra.
"Saw, it's good to see you again." Ahsoka spoke compassionately, moving towards the door of the cell, a smile on her face also.
Saw nodded, before turning to press several buttons that lowered the door into the cell, allowing Ahsoka out.
"When they told me that a Togruta woman with lightsabers had been brought in and wished to talk to me, I knew it had to be you. I wasn't sure you survived old friend, but I'm glad you did."
To her surprise, Saw moved forward, offering a hand to her, which she accepted, shaking it readily.
"I believe these belong to you? Sorry for the reception you and your companion received." Saw continued, holding out Ahsoka's lightsabers to her, which the Togruta accepted.
Behind her, Kaeden rose from her position, moving towards the two friends.
"It's no worry Saw. I know you need to be careful at the moment. This is Kaeden Larte. Kaeden, this is Saw Gerrerra."
Kaeden nodded, flashing a smile at Saw in greeting, to which Saw moved towards the dark-skinned woman, taking her hand in his and bowing to kiss the back of her hand in a welcoming gesture.
"A pleasure my lady, any friend of Ahsoka's is a friend of mine. Now come, let us eat and talk." Saw finished, stepping away from the two woman and leading them out of the cell.
Suffice to say, Saw had prepared a feast for them, with a wide variety of foods. Ahsoka had to say she was surprised. She not expecting such a warm welcome.
The three sat down in Saw's command centre, each choosing vastly different foods to consume.
Kaeden chose a Meiloorun Pie, crafted from the fruit mixed with pastry.
Saw seemed to be eating some sort of waffle, one that was freshly cooked and seemed to be bathed in some sort of syrup.
Ahsoka meanwhile, being the only carnivore of the group, chose the meat. A nice fat leg of bantha meat to be precise. Not the most appetising, but it would suit her just fine.
As the three ate, Ahsoka looked over at Saw. He was clearly older now, various scars and wrinkles covered his face, indicating that he had seen battle.
And now she had to convince him to join her suicide mission.
'This will be fun.'
Swallowing her current mouthful of food, Ahsoka began to speak…
Except that to her surprise, Saw suddenly broke out into a coughing fit. It only lasted a few seconds, but afterwards Ahsoka could have sworn she heard him wheezing slightly.
Kaeden beat her to the question that came to mind. "Are you ok?"
Saw waved Kaeden off with his hand before replying. "Yeah, just a cough. Think I caught something back on Geonosis."
Memories of a report from Hera flashed in Ahsoka's mind. She knew the crew of the Ghost had encountered Saw previously. Clearly his time on Geonosis had some negative effect on his health.
"Now, what is it you wished to speak to me about Ahsoka?" Saw brushed off any further concern, getting back into the reason why Ahsoka was present.
Clearing her throat, Ahsoka began to speak.
"I've got a mission, a dangerous one, and I need your help. The Emperor is using kyber crystals to build some sort of superweapon, one capable of destroying planets. We're going to destroy it."
Saw's eyes lit up at the mention of kyber crystals.
"I knew it! I knew they were doing something with the crystals! That's why I'm here. The Empire has been excavating some from the holy city here of Jedha, and I've been trying to find out why. Now I know."
Saw seemed almost fanatical in his discovery, as if he had finally got all the answers he sought.
"That's not all. The station that they are building is where the next 'Meeting of the Moffs' is being held. We intend to strike then, and eliminate the entire imperial leadership in one move." Ahsoka continued, before taking another bite out of her meat.
"This is too good to be true. Who else is coming along?" Saw inquired, clearly interested. Ahsoka could tell he was already sold on the mission, now he just wanted to know more about who else was coming.
"So far, the crew of the Ghost is coming with me. They are currently out asking more people if they will come along. I thought of you, so I decided to ask." Ahsoka replied, reaching over to take a sip of a drink she had nearby. It was only water, but it felt good as she swallowed it.
"The Ghost team? Good. Rex as well I take it? What's Mon Mothma's opinion on this?" Saw continued, a slightly harsh edge to his voice at the mention of Mothma.
"She opposed the idea, even put me on forced leave because I snapped at them. But I'm going through with it regardless. I thought you of all people would understand."
Saw chuckled, before reaching across to grab his own drink, taking a large gulp in the process.
"Mon Mothma would rather debate politics all day than actually do anything. Of course I understand. And I'm with you, consequences be damned."
Ahsoka allowed a smile to cover her face. "Thank you Saw. I'll give you coordinates for where we plan to meet beforehand."
Saw nodded. "Much appreciated Commander. It's good to be working with you again."
Ahsoka nodded in reply, going back to eating her food. The three settled into a companionable silence as they ate, enjoying the calm before the storm.
Night fell on Jedha quickly, much to the surprise of Ahsoka. She and Kaeden had intended to set out for Raada after the meal, but night brought about danger of Jedha, so Saw had offered them a place to stay for the night.
Kaeden had accepted, and had already gone to bed.
Ahsoka meanwhile had not, instead she stood looking out of a window, down into the darkness below that was Jedha.
Behind her, she felt movement. The force did not scream in danger or alarm, so she wasn't under attack.
Moments later, Saw appeared by her side.
"It's far more beautiful when you can see out of it."
Ahsoka chuckled at Saw's dry tone. He was clearly making a joke.
"Yeah. Don't really know why I was doing it." She replied, equally dry in tone.
Saw chuckled again, before breaking down into another coughing fit. Ahsoka reached her hands out to steady the male, balancing him from the heavy coughs racking his body.
When he finally stopped, he stood back up.
"You sure you're ok Saw?" Ahsoka enquired. Saw nodded, brushing off the concern. Ahsoka would admit she was worried about it, but if Saw said he was ok, then he was.
Silence filled the air for a few seconds, before Saw spoke again, humour and teasing in his voice.
"So back on Onderon, was it actually Bonteri you were making googly eyes at, or my sister?"
Ahsoka turned rapidly, mortified at what Saw had said. Saw meanwhile had a large smirk on his face, clearly enjoying his teasing.
"I don't know what you're talking about?" Ahsoka lied.
Saw clearly did not buy it. "I saw you and Kaeden in that cell. You were awful close. Just wondering is all, since you seemed to have your eyes glued to Bonteri in the past."
Ahsoka shook her head in humour, to which Saw laughed, nudging her with his elbow gently.
"Have you heard from Lux recently?" Ahsoka asked, changing the discussion as best she could. She had to admit she was worried about her old friend. Despite everything, Lux had shown her a new side to the world that not everything was in black and white as she used to believe. There was a shades of grey everywhere, and she lived in them nowadays.
"He's around. Married an imperial from what I last heard. But he serves the alliance in secret." Saw spoke with a strangely kind tone. Perhaps he had Lux had found common ground after Onderon.
"Good. I'm glad." Ahsoka replied, her gaze shifting back to the darkness outside.
Silence filled their company yet again, before Saw spoke once more, remorse in his tone.
"I never blamed you you know, about Steela. I know I was distant afterwards, but I never blamed you."
Ahsoka felt her stomach plummet in despair. The death of Steela had haunted her for years. If only she had been faster, stronger, she could have saved her.
But she didn't, and Saw had paid for it.
"It's ok if you did Saw. I've never forgiven myself for it."
Saw's reply was instantaneous. "You should forgive yourself. I have. And she would have too."
Saw had become surprisingly wise and compassionate, Ahsoka found. A stark contrast to what all reports said he was like.
In the end, Ahsoka was glad. She could still rely on Saw, despite everything that had happened between them.
"I'm going to get some rest. Make sure you do too Ahsoka." Saw said, gently patting Ahsoka's shoulder, before turning to depart.
As Saw left, Ahsoka closed her eyes and reached deep into the force.
She didn't want to sleep, not after last time, but she knew she would need it.
But for now, she would meditate.
Sitting down, crossing her legs in the process, Ahsoka delved deep into mediation.
Morning broke over Jedha, and Ahsoka found that she had at some point fallen asleep mid-meditation.
Standing from her position, she heard a faint beeping with her montrals.
Glimpsing down at her comm link, she found it was flashing, indicating that someone had left a message for her.
The message consisted of two parts. A set of coordinates, as well as a recorded voice message.
Furrowing her eyes in confusion, Ahsoka pressed play on the message.
The voice that came through was instantly familiar.
"Lady Tano, I have discovered something that will be of great interest to you. Meet us at these coordinates as soon as you can."
Author's thoughts
Welcome to the team Saw Gerrerra. Try not to get out of hand yeah?
Now, before we go any further... Rex fans, please don't kill me for what I wrote in this chapter. It wasn't done maliciously, but merely from an interesting standpoint. I don't think I have ever seen any other fanfic author address the fact that Rex did not actively support Ahsoka when she was on the run. Sure, he believed her to be innocent, but unlike Anakin and Padme, Rex helped about as much as the Jedi Council did. To be honest, it is part of the reason why I question the whole Rex and Ahsoka being super close friends thing, but that is just my interpretation, and I wanted to look into that. No doubt some Rex fans are sharpening their pitchforks and polishing their blasters to come after me right now, and I say, 'Come and Get Me!'
Now the next thing. A review by LukeDude revealed that once again I am useless. I made the mistake in saying that the climate on Jedha was hot, when it is in fact the exact opposite. Oops!
That being said, unlike the mistake with the Malachor chapter and Vader's body, I have not gone back to change it, simply because it's not vital to the plot, and we will not be spending enought time on Jedha for it to be important. I'm aware that the cold moon of Jedha is a canon thing, but in this case I don't really care for this small mistake. I have bigger things to worry about right now, both in this story and in real life. Hopefully you all understand.
As for Saw, I think that, despite his gruff exterior and morally questionable actions, he is a decent person who looks out for his friends. And despite his and Ahsoka's past, I doubt he would willingly blame her for his sister's demise, especially since Steela wouldn't.
So yeah. Hope you liked this chapter. :)
Next time round, it's the moment you have all been waitng for it seems, as Maul heads to LOCATION REDACTED to recruit NAME REDACTED for the mission. Also, word of warning, next chapter will be like marmite for many. You will either love it, or hate it.
I will say that over the course of this story, as well as the reviews and PM's people have sent me, there is someone who has correctly guessed the identity of Maul's recruit. Not saying who, you will have to wait and see. If you have any last guesses, now's the time.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Mysterious Guest number one: Glad you liked the chapter, and I hope you liked the interaction between Ahsoka and Saw.
WolveHulk: I don't think Saw is stupid/brash enough to dare attack Ahsoka. He would lose. (Mind you... it is Saw Gerrerra)
Travis Middleton: Not much action I know, that's cause I'm saving most of it up for the suicide mission by this point.
I'm glad you liked Ahsoka's awkwardness, even if it was awkward.
Hopefully you liked this AU's Saw Gerrerra. He's not a complete madman. (yet)
Now for your questions:
1. Saw is not nearly as paranoid as he is in Rogue One, yet he still needs to be careful.
2. I considered having Rae Sloane appear, but decided against it. Operation Cinder however will be discussed.
3. I hadn't heard of the Acolytes of the Beyond before you mentioned them, thus I wasn't going to include them. Now however, you have given me an idea of a one shot. So thanks.
4. Since Yupe Tashu is one of Palpys advisors, he is back on Coruscant with Mas Amedda helping run the empire while the emperor is away.
LukeDude: Firstly, I hope my explanation was the why I haven't changed the weather thing is ok. To be fair, I've only seen Rogue One once, and can't remember most of it, hence the mistake. Yes, I'm being lazy by not changing it, but I have bigger fish to fry right now. (such as murdering several beloved characters)
I'm glad you liked the introspective look at Ahsoka's mental state. It's hard for her, because practically everyone has betrayed her at some point.
Also, bags on heads... I was one step ahead there huh?
I'm also glad you agree with dialogue being better at character development that action. Now onto your questions:
1. Sidious is a master of all lightsaber forms, but when we see him at his best he is using Jar'Kai. Since he only has one of his original blades left by this point, I wonder what he will do with a second kyber crystal.
2. Considering Saw's comment in this chapter, I think it is safe to assume the Dauntless is above Jedha by ths point.
Mogor: Looks like Ahsoka did recruit Saw, so yay. The Ghost crew might not like Saw, but they understand the need for unorthodox allies. (Maul for example)
FossilQueen1984: I'm glad you enjoyed the Ahsoka/Kaeden discussion in this chapter. Was unsure how well it would be recieved. Glad you liked the chapter overall. :)
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: I'm glad you continue to love this story. It means a lot. :)
jamese765: You clearly know Saw well. Anything that goes in direct violation of Mon Mothma, and Saw is in.