The pain in her lekku was sharp, something that was not good for Togruta in general. They relied on those organs for so many things, and with the injury she had just taken, whatever is was, Ahsoka could tell that it was having a detrimental effect on her.
She had a headache, and her vision was blurry and disorientated. The sounds around her were amplified, sounding far louder than they should be.
However, the searing pain in her rear lekku, once being the worst of the agony, began to fade.
She had assumed she had been shot, and that she had been hit in her lekku somewhere, hence the searing pain.
But as the world around her returned to normal, Ahsoka discovered the truth.
Someone had tried to shoot her…
But someone else had pushed her out of the way.
And in doing so, she had landed on her back, her rear lekku slamming into the ground, crushed beneath the weight of her head, as well as the force of the fall.
There would be no lasting damage, only a minor ache in her head for the time being.
Groaning from the fall, Ahsoka began to sit up, her vision returning to normal. Glancing around, Ahsoka saw the shocked faces of her team members.
She didn't know why, it wasn't like she was badly hurt of anything.
It was then that she noticed two things.
There was a smell in the air near her, like burning flesh that had been hit by a blaster bolt.
The second was that her team was not looking at her, but at someone behind her.
Dread filled her senses as she turned around, her eyes locking onto a figure who was sat up against a nearby crate, hand clutching a bad scorch on his stomach.
"No." Ahsoka whispered as she moved, coming to the side of her wounded comrade.
"How bad is it?" The Togruta asked, concern in her voice.
The response was a series of coughs, followed by Saw Gerrerra moving his hand away from the wound for Ahsoka to inspect.
"Pretty bad commander. I think I'm done this time." Saw replied with a slur, pain clearly travelling through his body.
Saw had been shot! He had been shot protecting her. And now it looked like…
"Hey, hey it's alright. Couldn't let you get taken out like that. Don't worry about old Saw." Saw spoke, offering comfort to Ahsoka despite the situation. He clearly understood how bad a shape he was in.
The wound was grievous. Saxon's blaster bolt had struck Saw through the side of his stomach, scorching and burning away skin that otherwise protected vital organs.
He only had a little time left.
"No Saw it's not alright. You shouldn't have done that. What were you thinking?" Ahsoka spoke, grief in her voice. She was about to lose another one of her friends.
A small smile came to Saw's face before he replied.
"I was thinking about what Steela would have done in that situation."
Ahsoka doubted that Saw had said that to hurt her. He knew the level of guilt she felt because of Steela's demise. And now Saw was going to die for her, and she would be responsible for the death of another Gerrerra sibling.
"No Saw, we're going to get you out of here. Rex, get me some bacta, now!" Ahsoka spoke with resolve, raising her voice.
Rex, equally concerned, rushed to their side, reaching onto his belt to extract a small medical kit her carried around.
But Saw lifted his hand, grasping Rex's in his, and pushed away the offered support.
"Won't do me much good. Save it. It might be needed later on."
Ahsoka shook her head, her eyes locking onto Saw's.
"Saw." The Togruta woman begged. She could save him. Sure, he wouldn't be able to help any further, but he would survive.
But Saw seemed resolute. He reached out with his other hand, the one that was covering his wound, and grasped Ahsoka's shoulder.
"Now you listen to me. All of you! You go out there, and you give the Emperor hell. Destroy this station, and kill that kriffing bastard. And then all of you get off this station and go live you lives. Promise me that. Promise old Saw." Saw spoke, his voice getting more and more distorted as pain took over.
Behind her, Ahsoka felt the sadness emanating from the team, as well as the respect they had for the man. Many may not like him for his extremist nature, but when push came to shove, Saw Gerrerra would do what was right.
"And Ahsoka. You make sure you get out of here too. Your girl's waiting for you." Saw spoke with humour this time, before coughing violently again.
Ahsoka nodded, her eyes never leaving Saw's.
Saw smiled back at his friend, before his head began to droop, and his eyes close.
Ahsoka could feel him fading rapidly, and she wanted to stop him. To save him.
But then he spoke again, this time under his breath for only Ahsoka to here.
"I'm coming Steela."
Ahsoka's heart broke at Saw's comment, and she found she couldn't stop him. He wanted to be with his sister.
And she would let him.
Moments later, Saw stopped moving, and his form became still. Through the force, Ahsoka could feel him no more.
Saw Gerrerra was dead.
"The Emperor has another superweapon under construction?"
The mortification was evident in Thrawn's voice. It was clear that the Chiss despised the Death Star. To be told that the Emperor had another project like it was almost inconceivable. Had someone told Yularen that one day he would be involved in a massive conspiracy involving doomsday weapons, he would have laughed in their faces.
There was no such thing as doomsday weapons… right?
Then again, the past few days had proven otherwise.
"From what I was able to learn from the information, Operation Cinder is some kind of fallback plan if the Emperor should ever be killed. Apparently it will be used to keep any systems from pulling away from the empire in the light of Palpatine's death." Yularen reiterated what he had discovered to Thrawn. The two sat in Thrawn's office on the Chimaera, discussing what to do next.
"No doubt that involved using aggressive force against anyone who desires to leave. You said that the operation would target entire planets?" Thrawn spoke as he listened. In his lap, his pet Ysalamir sat, gently being stroked by the Chiss. Yularen didn't understand Thrawn's love of his exotic pet, but he wouldn't question it. Everyone had their own little quirks. Thrawn's just happened to be art and culture, as well as exotic animals.
"Yes. According to the data I decrypted, imperial loyalist planets such as Vardos will be targeted by some sort of weapon, instilling fear into anyone who seeks to abandon the empire should Palpatine fall." Yularen continued, watching Thrawn's reaction as he spoke. The Chiss' face had one of both deep contemplation, as well as hidden fear.
"Then the Inquisitor was right. It will not be long before this weapon is turned against the non-human worlds as a message. What did you do with the data?" Thrawn spoke again, the far our look that had been in his eyes fading away.
Yularen did not hesitate. Thrawn might not like it, but Yularen had made his choice.
"I gave it to Ahsoka Tano. I trust she and her rebels will find a way to destroy Operation Cinder after they are done here."
Yularen waited, expecting to be blasted by Thrawn for his betrayal. But the Chiss sat quiet, no real expression on his face.
That was the scariest part. Yularen could not tell what Thrawn was thinking.
Then, after a few more beats of silence, the Chiss nodded his head.
"A wise choice Colonel. I would have done the same thing, but made a copy of it for myself in the process. So, what do you recommend we do about it then? Admiral's Versio and Rax have already received orders from the Emperor to prepare Operation Cinder for immediate use."
Yularen released a sigh he had been holding, before getting back to the discussion at hand. If Thrawn was willingly to overlook his decision, then he would not bring it up again. After all, they had bigger problems now.
"From the sounds of it the Emperor is expecting to die today, or else he would not have sent Versio and Rax away. If that station explodes, it will take everything around it with it. We should focus on repairing Chimaera's hyperdrive and engines, get medical aid for Governor Pryce, and then figure out a way of stopping this Operation Cinder ourselves."
Thrawn listened intently as Yularen relayed his suggestion, taking the vital parts of it and evidently working it into his own plans.
"I agree with your assessment Colonel. Medical aid for Pryce must be our first objective. Afterwards, we will need to gather more allies to stop this Operation Cinder, as well as any other mystery weapons the Emperor has lying around."
Ahsoka did not weep. She did not release a cry of despair. She did not shout curses out at the loss.
Instead, the Togruta rose from her place beside the still form of Saw Gerrerra and spoke.
"That's on me." Ahsoka gestured towards Saw's body, referring to his sacrifice to protect her, "Not you lot. Come on."
And then she marched off, fire and determination in her eyes. The other force users present could feel the anger and rage flowing off of her in waves. After the loss of so many of her team, she was allowing herself to become more aggressive. More hostile.
Ahsoka knew that it was dangerous, especially with Sidious seeking to corrupt her.
But at that moment she didn't care. She would risk it if it meant destroying the Sith Lord.
Taking point, Ahsoka led the way to the door on the far side of the storage bay, allowing Ezra to open the door, before passing through.
A pair of unlucky Stormtroopers were waiting in the hallway, and were promptly thrown against a wall with the force, a resounding crack flooding Ahsoka's senses as they hit.
Leading the team down the hallway, Ahsoka found herself at a junction. In front of her was a turbolift, one that went to another part of the station.
To one side, a locked door. If what Hera had told her was right, that was direction they needed to go to get to the crystal. Gesturing with her hand towards the door, Ezra moved to begin opening it.
The security on this door was clearly stronger than the previous ones, judging by Ezra's slow progress, as well as bad language, for which Kanan chastised him for.
While they waited, Ahsoka allowed herself to listen to the force. Something was trying to get into her head.
Closing her eyes, Ahsoka delved into the force. It wasn't Sidious, that much she was sure. His presence was very distinguishable.
The presence that was calling to her however was just as dark, but at the same time seemed to radiate knowledge and power.
And it was familiar to her.
'Come to me. Reclaim what is yours.' A voice whispered suddenly in Ahsoka's head, solidifying a connection in the force.
Opening her eyes, Ahsoka turned to face the turbolifts. Through the force, she could feel the call, directing her to the lift. She had to take it.
'He waits above. Destroy him!' The voice whispered in her head again.
She knew then what the voice was referring to. The Emperor was waiting for her at the top of the lift. And she had to face him.
It had always been her destiny since Malachor, since she had slain Darth Vader.
She would have to face Darth Sidious in person.
In that moment, she made her decision, and felt her feet begin to carry her forward.
That was until a red and black hand grasped her arm, pulling her back. Ahsoka turned her gaze to the person beside her, and locked eyes with Maul's golden ones.
"What is it Lady Tano? What do you sense?"
The entire team turned to face her in concern.
Ahsoka lowered her gaze briefly, reaching back into the force in search of Sidious.
When she found his presence, she spoke.
"The Emperor is up that turbolift. I'm going to go face him. The rest of you destroy the crystal and get back to the Ghost."
Ahsoka expected resistance from her team. She expected them to call it a suicide mission. A suicide mission inside of a suicide mission.
And, as expected, the team broke out in exclamation.
"What, are you crazy?"
"Commander no!"
"You're no match for him!"
"Ahsoka?"
"Kriff!"
Ahsoka nearly shouted, she nearly yelled at her team to complete the mission without her.
She braced herself to, readying her 'commander voice'.
That was until Maul held up a hand, silencing the team. He had been the only one not to object, and now he clearly had something to say.
His golden eyes locked onto Ahsoka's blue ones, reading her intent to the best of his ability.
Then, the Zabrak spoke.
"Long ago you promised me that when the time came you would allow me to strike down Sidious. If you are going to face him, then so am I."
Ahsoka did not reply. She remembered the promise she had made on Malachor, and she fully intended to keep it.
And truth be told, she would rather have Maul by her side in this fight. He knew how his old master fought, what tactics he applied.
"I remember Maul. You can come. We'll end him together."
Maul nodded, before moving to stand beside Ahsoka, facing the rest of the team.
Then another voice spoke up, one that should not have surprised Ahsoka.
"I'm coming too. This fight may be yours Ahsoka, but I want to help see it through." Obi-Wan spoke, a surprisingly dark look in his weary eyes. It was clear that he wanted to avenge those that were lost, to avenge Anakin. Ahsoka very nearly pointed out the hypocrisy of a Jedi wanting revenge, much like Vader had to her on Malachor.
Instead, she remained nodded at her grandmaster. He, like Maul and herself had more than enough reason to want to end Sidious. The three of them had suffered the most because of him. It only made sense that they be the ones to end him.
Obi-Wan moved, coming to stand on the other side of Ahsoka. Briefly, Ahsoka felt discomfort from Maul, before resigned acceptance that he would have to fight with Kenobi.
Ahsoka then looked back out over the assembled team, watching each of their reactions. Most saw the benefit behind Ahsoka's plan. Even if they destroyed the station, there was no guarantee that Sidious would die. He could escape in the nick of time, and go on the further crush innocent people.
But if they ended him for certain, then they wouldn't have to worry about him surviving. By going after him directly, whilst trying to destroy the station at the same time, Ahsoka and her team would score at least one victory.
And Ahsoka knew that she would have a harder time than the others. After all, not even Master Yoda had defeated Sidious.
Still, she had to try, and if Maul and Obi-Wan were willing to risk a chance to help her destroy Sidious once and for all, then she was grateful.
Then, a fourth volunteer stepped forward, shocking both Ahsoka and the rest of the team.
"Mind if I help as well? Never know when you might need a blind man to help fight a dangerous Sith Lord." Kanan spoke, humour in his voice despite the seriousness of his request.
Ahsoka was no surprised by Maul and Obi-Wan… but why did Kanan want to come along? He had no real reason to go up against the Emperor.
"Are you sure Kanan?" Ahsoka enquired, worry in her voice. Next to Kanan, Ahsoka saw Ezra's face take on one of horror at the thought of his master in danger.
His mask may have shielded his eyes, but Ahsoka could swear that Kanan was looking right at her.
"Someone once told me that there would come a day that you would face a great evil, and that I would have to stand by your side. I get the feeling that today is that day."
Ahsoka didn't question who had said such a thing. It was the sort of prophetic nonsense a Jedi or Sith master would come up with.
She didn't want to accept. She would be putting Kanan in great risk if she did. Sidious was not to be trifled with. Kanan had stood little chance against Vader back on Malachor. What hope did he have of facing Sidious?
But in the end, Ahsoka realised that it was not her choice. If Kanan wanted to risk it, she would have faith in his abilities, just as he had faith in hers to lead this mission.
"Fine, you can come. But no getting killed. I don't want to have to explain that one to Hera." Ahsoka answered, humour also in her voice.
"If Kanan's going then so I am!" Ezra spoke up next unsurprisingly. He was loyal to his master, and followed him everywhere.
And while she may be willing to allow Kanan to risk it, she was not Ezra.
Stepping forward, Ahsoka gripped Ezra round the shoulders.
"No Ezra. I need you and Vos to deal with the kyber crystal. As Jedi you will be able to sense it. And Vos is an expert at tracking. Take the rest of the team and find the crystal." Ahsoka spoke clearly yet kindly, reassuring the young Jedi.
"But Ahsoka…" Ezra tried to argue before the Togruta silenced him again.
"No buts Ezra. There is something else I need you to do though. Can I trust you with it?" She asked, reaching for something in a pouch on her belt.
The young Jedi locked his eyes onto Ahsoka's, despair and helplessness present, but also understanding. The young man knew he stood no chance against the Emperor, and if Ahsoka trusted him with another task…
"You can trust me Ahsoka. What do you need me to do?"
Ahsoka smiled before grasping Ezra's hand in hers, transferring the small disc that Yularen had given her to the boy.
"I need you to get this information to rebel command. See if you can find out what this 'Operation Cinder' thing is all about. If we don't come back from our fight with the Emperor, the responsibilities fall to you. Can I trust you young Jedi?" Ahsoka spoke compassionately, showing her trust to the young man.
Ezra grasped the data drive in his hand, before pulling away from Ahsoka and nodding.
"I'll get it done Ahsoka, but you're all coming back alive, that's an order."
Ahsoka nearly laughed at Ezra's instruction. At least he was remaining optimistic.
"Consider it done kid… I hope." Kanan butted in from beside him, before moving to join Ahsoka and her team.
Rex then stepped forward, removing his helmet to look Ahsoka in the eyes. The hazel orbs radiated concern and dread, as well as determination and understanding.
"I like this even less than when you went to Malachor without me, but I trust your judgement commander."
With that, her oldest friend snapped a sharp salute, before replacing his helmet and re-joining the others.
Vos then spoke up.
"Kinda wish I was going with you to visit old Palps. Oh well. Bring me back something nice would you?"
This time Ahsoka did chuckle. Vos certainly had a way with words.
"Will do Quinlan. May the force be with you."
Vos smiled back at Ahsoka, before nodding his head at Obi-Wan with a smirk, and then moving to stand beside Ezra.
"Come on kid. Let's go kick some imperial backside, see just how badly Jarrus has been teaching you."
"HEY!"
With that, Ahsoka turned and entered the waiting turbolift, which Maul had summoned in the meantime. Obi-Wan and Kanan followed, squeezing into the tight space as best the four could.
Before the elevator departed, Ahsoka spoke once more to her team.
"Remember, only stay long enough to destabilize the crystal. Once you have, get back to the Ghost. If we are not there soon afterwards, get out of here and we'll find another way out. Now go and make yourselves proud."
And with that, Ahsoka placed her palm on the control panel, and the doors to the turbolift closed.
Author's thoughts
Oh boy, I'm expecting some unhappy people with this chapter.
In Memorium: Saw Gerrerra
There are many words to describe Saw. Rebel, extremist, terrorist, psychopath, Bor Gullet.
But when push comes to shove, Saw is always there to prove himself. Many may not agree with his tactics, but without him the rebellion would be a whole lot weaker. He is, in a way, an anti-hero and the highest caliber.
That being said, he is also living with extreme guilt, as well as evident repressed depression. He lost so much in a short amount of time, and anger seems to be his only way the forget that. You can't fault him for it, even if it makes him borderline evil at times.
Though in the end, for this AU I wanted him to go out heroically, saving the life of someone in the process. The fact that it is Ahsoka adds a certain amount of irony to it, considering how his sister died.
Still, Saw is at peace now. I only hope I did his character justice, and that the way he dies is realistic enough.
Anyway, away from morbid topics. We are inching ever closer to the finale now people, and I have to admit, writing it is kicking my butt. Updates may slow a bit more now, but I will try to post at least twice a week. Hope that's ok for you all.
This chapter was originally longer, but I split it into two chapters to give myself a bit of reprieve, as well as make it flow a bit better. Hopefully you'll see why next chapter.
Also, I know some of you may question why Vos isn't going to face Sidious, but Kanan is. Let's just say that Vos is going to be needed elsewhere. And as for Kanan, remember what Bendu told him back in 'Vendetta's and Strategems'.
Oh, and as for how Ahsoka knew where to go. Assume she was speaking to Hera before she got shot at by Saxon. Since that scene is in Saxon's POV, we don't hear the discussion. Hope that's ok. :)
Anyway, next time round, we check in with various members of the team, and Ahsoka embraces her inner Vader with a massive parallel.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
TerminatorJedi1995: I'm glad you liked the chapter. I had written it so it was hard to tell exactly what happened. Still, you got something right. :)
You will not be seeing rebel high command again in this story, as the focus is now on the suicide mission aspect and the characters present there. However, I will revisit the reaction of rebel high command to this mission in a one shot.
As for Ahsoka and Tarkin, they have had their confrontation. Tarkin's not brave enough to face Ahsoka.
Maliwan: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Looks like Ahsoka is ok... physically at least.
ahsokaxtano: Ahsoka punches the Emperor...
I'll see what I can do. :D
SLE's fave guest: Bugger, I should have done that really. Ahsoka losing her echolocation would have been an awesome plot twist! Why didn't I think of that? Too late to change it now though, as it would have required a lot of rewriting. Oh well. :)
Cranky Paws: Now you know who died. Please don't kill me. :(
We could go on and on about Vader and his deserving of redemption. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. :)
I was never a fan of Windu. Something about him just screamed 'arse'. And after season 5 of clone wars... well.
I'm all for him going out the window.
Travis Middleton: I'm glad you enjoyed the duel. I was worried it wouldn't be that great, considering how short it was. Saxon keeping his word... yeah right. At least Gar Saxon was somewhat a warrior.
Hope you liked the outcome of Tiber's last actions. :)
Mysterious Guest number one: Glad you liked the cliffhanger. It was fun to write, and I enjoy seeing people's reactions to it.
jamese765: You can relax. Ahsoka is physically unharmed. (sorry for scaring you)
Saw however. :'(
Mogor: Tiber Saxon is a bad person. Hopefully the void consumes him for what he has done.
Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Hopefully Saw's death doesn't upset you too much.
FossilQueen1984: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Surely there must be at least one chapter of mine that you didn't like. There are plenty for me.
No Duchess used here I'm afraid. It's still back on Mandalore. Might deal with it in a one shot. Haven't decided yet.