The Eighth Brother watched from his position by the side of the Emperor. The Sith Lord had been in deep mediation for some time, as if sensing something.
What exactly that was remained unknown to the Inquisitor, but he had a suspicion it had something to do with the sudden summoning of Grand Moff Tarkin.
The human male had entered the large chamber they were in. Since his arrival, Sidious had pretty much taken this place to be his throne room. It had a wide open window from which to observe space.
In a weird way, it was sentimental. In another, purely vainglorious, much like the station's dear departed director.
"My Lord, you requested my presence?" Tarkin's voice shook the Eighth Brother out of his thoughts. The Terrelian shifted his attention to the discussion at hand.
A dark sinister smile came over the Emperor's face before he began to speak.
"Ahsoka Tano is on this station, along with her rebel friends!"
That explained the sudden disturbance in the force that the Eighth Brother had felt. He assumed that was also what the Emperor had been listening for.
Tarkin's face scrunched up in disdain at the mention of the Togrutan woman. Did the two have some kind of history together?
"I will order all troopers to eliminate the threat at once my Lord." Tarkin spoke, zeal in his voice.
Beneath his helmet, the Eighth Brother rolled his eyes.
As if Stormtroopers could stop Ahsoka Tano!
Sidious clearly felt the same, as he laughed cackled aloud before speaking.
"You can certainly try Grand Moff, but I have a much bigger plan in mind. Organize the defence of this station and eliminate as many of Tano's team as you can, but leave her alive. She belongs to me!"
Tarkin clearly wasn't a fan of the order, put complied none the less.
"As you wish your excellency."
The Grand Moff turned and left the so called throne room, leaving the Eighth Brother with the Emperor.
"My master, excuse my impudence, but I sense there is more to this than you are letting on?" The Inquisitor inquired, showing the upmost respect.
Even if he was trying to deceive the Sith master, he had to maintain his image, or it would all be for nothing.
Beneath his hood, Sidious scowled, as if sensing something in the force.
"Tano is not alone. She has brought other Jedi with her, including Master's Yoda and Kenobi. How fitting that they should be here for my greatest success."
The Eighth Brother's eyes widened in surprise. Yoda and Kenobi! The last two surviving council members!
This was almost too good to be true!
"What do you wish of me my lord?" The Eighth Brother inquired again.
Sidious turned his gaze to the Terrelian, his golden eyes boring holes through his helmet.
"Remain by my side for now Inquisitor. You shall have a role to play once the Jedi arrive here. Let Tarkin handle the defence."
Beneath his helmet, a sinister smirk came to the Eighth Brother's face.
"Of course my lord. Together, we shall destroy the Jedi and the rebellion once and for all."
Aloud, he may proclaim to destroy Sidious' enemies alone.
But internally, the Eighth Brother felt a sick sense of glee.
'Today you die old man, for everything you have done to me!'
The section of the Ghost that often acted as the common room for the crew had never been so jam packed before. Usually, a dozen people max would be in the room either hanging out together, or planning their next operation.
Today however, the room was occupied by some of the best the galaxy had to offer. A collection of individuals, all whom believed in Ahsoka's plan to take down the battle station, and assassinate the imperial leadership in one fell swoop.
Ahsoka entered into the room with a fierce look of determination on her face.
It was do or die time.
And Ahsoka had no intention of dying today.
Glancing around the room, she did a quick headcount, before heading to the table in the corner, where Chopper, who had since been reactivated, waited for her.
The rest of the team noticed her entrance, and began to form up around the table, listening to the plan.
Ahsoka glanced out over the faces. Ezra, the young padawan. The person she had once been. His face was young, full of confidence. He believed in this mission, so she would as well.
Maul's face was one of rage and anger. He was primed for a fight, and Ahsoka would let him have it. He had earned the right to be here more than anyone.
Obi-Wan was his usual serene self, revealing nothing in his expression that indicated any negative emotion. Ahsoka was internally grateful that he his usual self, even in the face of impossible odds.
Taking a deep breath, Ahsoka relaxed herself, and began to speak.
"I'm not going to mince words, the Ghost got us here, but she is heavily damaged. Captain Syndulla will remain behind with Chopper and AP to repair it as best they can for our escape. But we can't worry about that right now. We came here with one goal in mind, so that is our focus."
Ahsoka hoped she hadn't started out too pessimistic. She wasn't great on speeches. That was usually a Senators job.
Gesturing with her hand to Chopper, the astromech beeped once and projected a hologram of the battle station for all to see.
"Our target is the kyber crystal at the heart of the station. Destroying that should cause an overload that takes out the entire station. Sabine, are the explosives ready?"
The Mandalorian reached to her belt, pulling out a collection of detonators, showing them with pride.
"You bet. Just need to get them on the crystal itself."
Ahsoka nodded before shifting her gaze back to the hologram.
"Now according to the schematics from Galen Erso, as well as our mysterious informant, the station is still under heavy construction, and thus we will have to use a series of side passages to move around."
Saw spoke aloud, stating the obvious.
"So no direct route then?"
Ahsoka shook her head. If only…
"No, however, the fastest route we have identified takes us through another shuttle bay like this one, as well as a large open area that is still under construction. From there, we have a straight shot into the crystal room."
Murmurs went around as Ahsoka highlighted he path with her finger, dragging it along a corridor from where they were to another hanger bay, and from there to the open space mentioned.
"Now, there are two main routes from this hanger bay to the other. I suggest we take the shortest route to minimize our time."
It was a sound plan, but it had one issue that Ahsoka was unaware of.
AP5 however took the opportunity to assist.
"I'm afraid that might not be viable after all Commander Tano. The Empire uses an advanced decryption code of the doors on this station. We cannot simply open it unless we were on the other side of the doors, in the hanger bay itself."
Vos spoke up next offering a possible solution. "What if we cut through using out lightsabers?"
Fenn Rau then took his turn.
"No good. We would get through yes but so would any imperial forces following us. We need to be able to seal the doors behind us. That means getting someone on the other side of the doors."
Glancing between the faces of the team, Ahsoka felt a mixture of emotions. It was good to see them all working together to solve a problem.
The issue was that it was a problem that shouldn't have existed in the first place.
Looking back at the hologram of the route she had planned to take, Ahsoka zoomed the image in for a closer look.
The shorter route was blocked by the security door to the hanger previously mentioned. Glancing at the longer second route, Ahsoka discovered that it was the same deal.
That meant that unless someone could unlock the doors from the other side, they would be stuck, regardless of the route they took.
Narrowing her eyes, Ahsoka looked for another alternative.
There! There was one, if not an unorthodox one. A small narrow passageway that led from the hanger they had crashed in to the one they needed to get to, and no security door.
"We need to get on the other side of those doors. By the looks of it there is a ventilation shaft that leads directly there. Someone could sneak in through it and open the doors from the other side for us."
More murmurs came from the team, and Ahsoka could have sworn she saw Rex smile proudly.
Despite the odds, she had found a solution.
"That vent will only fit one person, and they would have to move swiftly, lest they draw attention to themselves." Saw spoke again, his eyes analysing to vent.
Ahsoka had thought about that. In her youth, she would have been the one to go through the vent. Now however, she was a bit too tall.
And even if she could fit, she lacked the technical expertise to hack the door from the other side.
Ahsoka then heard someone clear their throat. Looking up, Ahsoka found her gaze drawn towards Yoda, who had a smile on his face.
"Small I am, fit I could. Volunteer, I do."
It was the logical choice. Yoda would be small enough to fit without any issues, so he could do it. But again, like her, the Jedi Master lacked the tech skills to open the doors.
"I appreciate the offer Master Yoda, but you couldn't get those doors open fast enough. We need someone who is skilled at doing this." Ahsoka replied, gratefulness in her voice at his offer.
Yoda nodded in understanding, despite being turned down.
"Understand I do. Not the best choice I am. Still, option is there, if you wish."
Ahsoka smiled at the green Jedi, before glancing back to the hologram map.
They needed someone to go through the vents, it was the only option Ahsoka could see, and they were short of time. The Empire would find the 'landing zone' soon, of that she had no doubt.
Someone who was small. Someone who could fit and move quickly.
And someone who had experience in hacking security doors on imperial facilities.
A lightbulb went off in Ahsoka's head. She did have someone who had done that before. Someone who had proven themselves time and again.
The team might not like her decision, but in the end they all knew what they had signed up for.
Crossing her fingers, Ahsoka prayed to whatever deity existed that should wouldn't regret her following decision, and spoke.
"Ezra, you've done this sort of thing before. I want you to go through the vents."
Ahsoka didn't miss the reactions of the other members of the Ghost crew at her decision. Zeb bristled slightly. Through the force, Ahsoka felt Kanan's trepidation. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw worry on Sabine's face.
But in that moment, Ahsoka only had eyes for Ezra.
And Ezra only had eyes for her.
"I'll do my best Ahsoka." Ezra replied, confidence in his tone.
'Good man.' Ahsoka thought, marvelling at how far the young Jedi had come. He was no longer a boy. He had grown up.
And Ahsoka was proud of him in a way.
"So, which door is he opening then?" Kallus spoke next, indicating the hologram map.
Ahsoka shifted her gaze back to the map, looking at both routes. No matter which way they went they would encounter resistance. It was a case of being able to withstand whatever resistance they encountered.
Whilst simultaneously drawing any attention away from what Ezra was doing.
To that end, Ahsoka opted to alter the plan once again.
"Both. If we divide the team into two and head along each passageway, it will divide the enemy's attention from Ezra even further."
No one spoke, but it seemed everyone agreed with the plan. Dividing the team would reduce their numbers and in theory make them weaker, but at the same time the imperial commanders would have to handle multiple fronts at once.
If all went well, they would be so surprised they wouldn't be able to muster an organized resistance, allowing both teams to slip through.
Ahsoka reached her hand out again, indicating the longer of the two routes.
"I'll lead one team down this route. We'll have to move fast to get to the doors in time. The second team will go the shorter route. Hopefully by the time the first team arrives, Ezra will already have the doors open for us with the second team to provide cover."
Again, no one spoke. But the nodding of heads confirmed that they agreed.
Now it was just a matter of deciding who went with who, and who led the second team.
"I volunteer to lead the second team Commander." Saw Gerrerra spoke.
Ahsoka braced herself for what was to come. She knew it was inevitable since she had recruited Saw.
Kallus was the one to voice the collective opinion.
"Sure, let's let the terrorist lead the second team. No offense, but pretty much everyone here would never willingly follow your lead."
That much was true, Ahsoka realized. Despite Saw's usefulness, he was unpredictable and not very well respected amongst the team. He was a good leader, there was no doubt about that, but in this instance, those following him did not respect his leadership style.
Saw offered a retort. "I understand your concern Captain Kallus, but in the end it is Commander Tano's decision. We have to respect whoever she chooses, even if you disagree."
Ahsoka asked herself why she was in charge again. Who made it so she had to make these difficult decisions?
But in the end, she didn't have time to debate it. Instead, she began to weigh her options.
Despite Saw's skill, he was a no go. No one would follow him out of respect.
Cham Syndulla was a viable option, but like Saw, his underhand tactics had given him just as many cynics as supporters.
Maul could lead… out of fear. She doubted anyone would like it if she choose him.
Kanan could do it. He had proven himself as a leader, but on a much smaller scale. Leading the crew of the Ghost may be one thing, but a team of a suicide mission was another.
She needed someone with more experience, someone who could rally the troops in times of need.
Fenn Rau had led before. He had commanded an entire clan of Mandalorians. Despite what had happened to the Protectors of Concord Dawn, Rau still commanded respect and courage. Sabine and Tristan would follow him without question. But would the others?
Did Rau possess the charisma the lead them on this mission?
Ahsoka's thoughts briefly turned to Hondo, which shocked her. Sure, he was charismatic in his own way, but to lead a team on a suicide mission? He'd probably think the goal was to get them all killed on purpose!
No way in hell was she picking the Weequay pirate.
Looking up at the team, Ahsoka's eyes locked with a familiar pair of hazel ones.
She hadn't wanted to pick him, not because he wasn't capable. But because she wanted him by her side.
But in the end, she knew what she had to do. There was no one else who commanded respect among the other team members like he did. No one else who she believed could do it as well as he had.
Despite her personal feelings, she knew who she had to pick.
In retrospect, it couldn't have been anyone else.
"Rex, you're in charge of the second team."
Her oldest friend didn't speak, instead, he snapped into a salute.
Ahsoka could see it in his eyes. He was more than willing to do this, and she believed in him the most of all.
Indicating Chopper with her hand, the droid shut off the hologram, ejecting a disk that had all the data about the station on it and gave it to Ahsoka for future use.
Looking back up at the faces of her team members, Ahsoka began to divide the team.
"Ok, team one will be the following. Saw, Vos, Maul, Yoda, Cham, Sabine, Rau, and Tristan. The rest of you will go with Rex and be team two."
The team members nodded in understanding, each mentally taking note of whose team they were in.
There was nothing left to plan at this point, and no real time to waste. It was time to get moving.
Ahsoka began to move for the exit when an energetic voice interrupted her.
"Ahsoka, come on. We want a speech from our noble leader." Hondo boomed out, his voice not betraying any fear.
Even in the face of death, Hondo still didn't back down. She respected that in a way.
Turning around, she looked over the team once again. She really was rubbish with speeches, but hey, why not.
"I'm not going to lie to you all. There is a chance this all goes horribly wrong. But there's also a chance it doesn't. You've all seen what the empire is capable of, how far they are willing to go. Today, we have a chance to end this once and for all. Every single odd is against us. They have the home field advantage. But that doesn't matter. I believe in each and every one of you. So go out there today and make yourselves proud. You stood against the Emperor when no one else did. No matter what happens, that is a victory in itself. So let's go get another far grander one, and show the Emperor that his superweapon is nothing more than a hunk of metal in space!"
Author's thoughts
So a non-action chapter this time round, but one that was completely necessary in order to set up the first stage of the mission, as well as the roles people will play.
So, to clarify:
Team 1 = Ahsoka, Saw, Vos, Maul, Yoda, Cham, Sabine, Rau, and Tristan.
Team 2 = Rex, Wolffe, Gregor, Obi-Wan, Kanan, Zeb, Kallus, Ryder and Hondo.
In the vents = Ezra
On the Ghost = Hera, Chopper and AP-5
So yeah, that's where the team is right now. Place yours bets on how well the next bit goes.
Anyway, we now into the thick of it. The next few chapters are very action based, as you can imagine. I only hope I have written them well.
Also, I want to ask you guys a question, just out of personal interest. Out of the characters featured in this story, who is your favourite right now? Do you enjoy the inner workings of Thrawn? Or perhaps Ahsoka and her struggle is your favourite? Or maybe even the scheming Eighth Brother? What is his endgame anyways? Whoever it is I would love to know, that way I know what sort of characters my audience likes.
Next chapter, the battle for the Death Star begins, as the team attempts to advance further into the station.
As normal, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Cranky Paws: You are most welcome. I've said it before, but I doubt anything less than a star going supernova could kill Thrawn. He is a fun, yet complex character to write for. But he is also not safe yet.
As for Vader, yeah, he is still very dead. (good riddance)
SLE's fave guest: I'm glad someone pointed out that Yularen has disappeared. I wonder what happened to him?
Marg Sabl is now Ahsoka's move in canon, much to the chagrin of many Thrawn fans. But hey, I like to think he learnt it from her, and then modified it with his own style.
Thrawn defecting doesn't make sense as far as I'm concerned, but I had to get him out of the way or the mission would not be able to proceed.
Believe me, Ahsoka killing Tarkin would be a dream come true. You will have to wait and see what fate befall the Grand Moff.
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: I'm glad you liked the chapter. And now the true battle begins.
Mysterious Guest number one: I'm glad you enjoyed the space battle. It was a tricky one to write, especially with Thrawn's POV.
As for your question, you will have to wait and see what the Emperor has guarding him, if he had anyone at all. However, there are Royal Guard on board the Death Star, so you never know what might happen.
jamese765: I'm glad I was able to surprise you with Thrawn's actions. It was a fun one to reveal to everyone.
FossilQueen1984: Thrawn using Marg Sabl was essentially his way of throwing the battle, as he knows that both Hera and Ahsoka will know how to exploit it.
But yeah, Thrawn willingly threw that battle so he could get the rebels to do his dirty work for him. That's just his style.
Mogor: I'm glad you liked Thrawn's decision. It was a fun one to plan out with how his character changed throughout this story. Let's hope the mission is a success, with minimal casualties.
Travis Middleton: I'm glad we agree on what Thrawn would do. I was worried people would not like the fact that he didn't actively defect.
As for Marg Sabl, Thrawn used it because he knew that Ahsoka and Hera would know how the counter it. The tactic is canonically used by Ahsoka first, but it was Thrawn in legends who made it possible, therefore it belongs to both of them as far as I'm concerned. :)
As for your questions:
1. Ahsoka and Tarkin will encounter one another. Poor Tarkin.
2. Yularen has disappeared! Where could he be? You will have to wait and see!
3. Tiber Saxon will end up fighting the rebels. Mando on Mando violence will appear as well.
SWGoji2001: I'm glad you liked it, and that you approve of Thrawn's plan. The battle has not gone unnoticed, but the imperials aren't exactly known for being well organised at the best of times.
Your question is intriguing. If Palpy still has his lightsaber on him, then I am going to say Palpy. If not, then K2 would probably beat him to death, considering Palpy wouldn't have access to the force due to the Ysalamir.