Chapter 2: A Radical Empire

"When we arrive on Coruscant we will first head to my apartment and drop your things off then head to the Senate building. Unfortunately a meeting had been called and I must attend. I apologize, I had hoped we would have more time to settle in."

Ahsoka smiled at Lux as she looked at a holographic map. He had just returned from speaking with the captain about their arrival time. Their ship was about a half hour out from Coruscant and they would begin preparations for landing shortly. Mixed feelings bubbled up at going "home" but Ahsoka only tried to ignore them.

"Thank you, Lux, for your consideration." She said as she gave him a smile for his understanding.

"There is so much going on in the senate, specifically rumors of an Empire forming to prevent another war. A preposterous idea if you ask me." Lux said sitting down

"An empire?" Ahsoka said wondering why that sounded familiar.

"Yes, an empire!" Lux cringed at the thought. "The whole war was fought over independence of the systems and now some people want to create an Empire to truly take away the galaxy's freedom."

Ahsoka smiled, sometimes she forgot Lux grew up as a separatist. She enjoyed the spark of rebellion in his eye even if she disagreed with him.

"My master-" Ahsoka halted feeling a pang in her stomach, "Anakin... He often talked of what life would be like after the war. He was a bit of a radical in his beliefs and he wouldn't often share them with many people. I was one of the few. He was in favor of an empire, led by good people like Chancellor Palpatine and Senator Amidala. He wanted to unite the galaxy and he wanted a strong security system of the clone troopers to enforce freedom for all. I don't know whether or not he was right but I trust his opinion immensely."

Lux looked at Ahsoka with a blank expression.

"Well it does not matter because unless something drastic happens then nothing will change. But that's politics, so much talk of change until someone actually starts a war. And right now, no one wants to start a galactic war."

Ahsoka nodded in agreement but sat back and thought of Anakin's ideals. Soon enough they arrived on Coruscant at Lux's apartment. It was a beautiful and modern apartment. When she walked in the door it opened up to a main living space with an off shoot of rooms. Lux's room was the first on the right and Ahsoka's was directly across.

For a moment when landing Ahsoka wondered if there would even be a room for her to sleep in. The thought crossed momentarily of her sleeping with Lux in his bed but threw the thought out as quickly as she could before he could notice her flustered state.

The room was empty and would remain so until she went down to the market to buy some belongings similar that she had to on Onderon. Yet the room would remain mostly bare as that is what she was used to most of her life. Jedi did not have much in the way of possession. Their only true possession being that of a set of clothes and robes, and of course a jedi's lightsaber. Yet Ahsoka did have one or two possessions she had kept hidden at the jedi temple that she could now display freely.

She placed a picture frame on the counter next to her bed. It was a photo of herself with Anakin, Padme, and Obi-Wan, that was taken by a photographer looking for a payday. It was a nice candid shot though of the 4 spending time together on the streets of Coruscant. Padme liked it so much she paid the exorbitant fees and gave a copy to Ahsoka. On the back Padme wrote a single word, family.

She sighed looking at that photo. That was such a happy day. They were celebrating a job well done and to friendship. After that photo was taken, as Padme went to go buy the photo, Anakin pulled Ahsoka aside. He told her how much he cared about her and how she was now a part of his family. Ahsoka knew this was against the jedi way. They were instructed from a young age to stray from personal attachments. Yet Ahsoka didnt care, that moment meant the world to her.

That was the day she swore she would never leave Anakin's side. And though now she was far from Anakin she still meant that, she would always be loyal to her former master. And now she is loyal to Lux as his guardian.

She walked out her door as he walked out of his and they stopped and stared momentarily. Clearly there was something between them she couldn't place but she simply knew it existed.

"Shall we?" Lux said gesturing for her to head out.

"We shall." She said with a smile as she headed towards the living room and out the door with Lux Bonteri in tow.

The Senate building was bustling with energy as they arrived. Senator's from across the galaxy ran to their positions some having to travel many floors up and to the other side. Lux's transport in the Senate was fairly close to the entrance to the building and thus required no sense of urgency. Yet Ahsoka almost wished there was.

"It must be hard for you to be here after what happened last time." Lux said as they walked together.

Ahsoka tried not to pay attention to the many stares she was getting. She was sure it was because of her trials but she also knew it was because she had left the order. It was extremely rare for someone to just up and leave the Jedi Order, and most of those that did turned to the Dark side. There was fear in there eyes and they looked to her then to her lightsabers and then at Lux. The inclinations in their eyes angered her. They assumed only the worst in her, and then she suddenly understood what Lux had meant by them only seeing him as the Separatist senator.

"That is not the issue I face now. I think I am more worried about presumptuous eyes around us. I believe my presence will not help to further your image." Ahsoka said.

"I do not care much for my image." Lux said with a laugh.

"As a Senator you really should." Her words were truthful but she couldn't help but smile.

They continued down the hall till a shout brought them to a halt.

"Ahsoka!?"

Ahsoka turned around and came face to face with Senator Padme Amidala. Who barreled at her with amazing speed and swept her into a hug like a mother hugging her long lost daughter.

Ahsoka only smiled at the embrace as she was as at a loss for words as Padme. It was almost ironic seeing one of the senates most eloquent speakers become so tongue tied. Ahsoka almost felt it was an honor she did not deserve.

"Ahsoka, not that I'm not glad you are here, but what are you doing here? Where have you been? How have you been?"

Ahsoka had to wait a second to process all of Padme's questions.

"I am very well Padme, thank you for asking. I have been on Onderon living in Iziz. Lux asked me to come back to Coruscant to act as his personal security."

Ahsoka nodded to Padme's head of security who waited far behind but always vigilant.

"That's great! I am happy you are home! Have you gone to see Anakin, I am positive that he would love nothing more than to see you!" Ahsoka felt a pain in her chest and she knew she wasn't ready for that.

"In fact I think he will be here at the Senate meeting today unless he is sent on a mission by the council."

Ahsoka sucked in a breath of air at hearing that and held onto it like it was the last breath she would ever breathe. That is until Lux knocked her in the side and it all went out quite quickly.

"I must apologize Senator Amidala for cutting this reunion short but I really must be getting to my station."

Padme looked slightly irked, it was miniscule and invisible to anyone whom did not know her well. A minor skill of being such a prolific Senator. Of course, Lux did not notice but Ahsoka could not miss it.

"Yes, I agree. Ahsoka we will catch up soon and you shall come visit with her, Lux." With that Padme gave Ahsoka another quick hug before departing.

"Are you okay? You kind of froze up back there." Lux said placing a comforting hand upon her shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm all good. We should go."

Lux only nodded in agreement and they headed toward his platform. They stepped in and the door closed behind them sealing them off from the outside of the building and containing them within the chamber.

The room was grey and cold, just like the last time she was there. Thousands of voices spoke to their counsellors and trust allies before the session was called to order. Ahsoka wondered how anything got done in the chamber. It was something she never paid attention to as a padawan but now it seemed more significant.

Ahsoka sat down upon the seat cushions as she surveyed the room. Looking over the edge of the platform she could see all around the spherical room and she pondered whether or not she would be able to find Padme in this mess.

The clang of the gavel broke Ahsoka from her trance and the room fell to a hush at a greater speed than Ahsoka would have thought possible. She looked up and Chancellor Palpatine whom she held mixed feelings for. He held the trials for her yet he was just doing his duty. Therefore she was unsure if how to feel.

"Welcome to the 789th meeting of the Galactic Republic. You all have been summoned here to discuss the fates of separatist leaders and actions to be taken by the republic to prevent a war of such great proportions as we have just experienced. Please make your propositions known."

His voice held such a great command in it that it silenced the room completely as he spoke. But as soon as his voice silenced he was meet with a few eager souls ready to speak.

"The Senate recognizes Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan."

"Thank you, Chancellor Palpatine. My fellow members of the senate. Many years have passed since the war began. The Separatists have risen and fallen and with them many brave men and women on both sides of the line. While hundreds of thousands of credits were spent at the sake of this war, the true cost is that of the lives lost. I urge you to look past your hatred and proclaim amnesty and tolerance towards those we once called our enemy. We cannot afford more hatred between systems, we must find common grounds and learn to forgive."

"You wish to forgive the Separatists for their illegal actions!"

Ahsoka rolled her eyes at the nerve of this man, just butting in without warning.

"The Senate recognizes Senator Jakka of Christophsis."

"Yes to forgive! More hatred would only spurn more violence! Our differences need to be set aside for the greater good of the Republic!"

Ahsoka sat back and watched the proceedings with mild amusement. She did not entirely agree with Senator Organa's proposal but she understood what he meant. Then Ahsoka looked to Lux whom had his back to hers and remembered how the Separatist ideal was once pure but was corrupted by Count Dooku. It was not entirely their fault that the war was being controlled by a sith without their knowledge.

Ahsoka was awoken by her thoughts as the ground below her began to move and the platform floated into the Senate space.

"The Senate recognizes Lux Bonteri of Onderon."

Ahsoka jumped up and stood straight. Damned she was if she didnt at least try to come off as professional as she could. Hands clasped behind her back, posture straight, shoulders back, and legs spread wide with the confidence of a wookie. It was a stance that she had been had picked up somewhere but she was unsure as to when.

"Thank you! As many of you know, my mother Meena Bonteri, was a once a Senator in the Republic until she joined the Separatists. My mother was a good hearted woman who wanted nothing more than what is best for my home, Onderan. My mother and many other members of the Seperatist movement were disillusioned by Count Dooku..."

Lux's speech continued on, and it was clear he had prepared for this moment. Inwardly Ahsoka smiled at Lux's achievements but she did not show it. She didnt show much in the way of emotions as she was trained. That was until a strong emotional wave hit her through the force. It was a familiar one, one she had felt a thousand times over.

The wave hit her again and again of anger and love. The anger she could tell was not for her but the love the compassion was. This was unusual as the jedi way was to live without emotion. Yet Ahsoka knew exactly who it was, and it was comforting to know that her master would never change.

Ahsoka knew she should not be worried but she was fearful for wherever her former master was. While he exuded anger and love he kept his force signature hidden from her.

"The Senate Recognizes Padme Amidala of Onderon."

Ahsoka was too absorbed in the force to notice what was going on around her though the words registered somewhere in the back of her mind. She watched blankly as Padme's platform flew onto the scene and carried a familiar face Ahsoka.

Anakin Skywalker looked at Ahsoka from across the platforms. He held the same stance she did, and she laughed internally now understand where she had learned it from.

He simply smiled as Padme spoke and mouthed,

"Hey Snips."

She smiled in response and turned her attention back to the proceedings. Yet she never felt Anakin's eyes leave her.

"We must not forget! That while Count Dooku is dead this war is hardly over!" Jakka yelled, "We know the radical faction of Separatists is located on Mustafar and until they are arrested, or killed, we still have a war on our hands!"

"I must agree with Senator Jakka on this matter and I suggest that this is where we end our meeting today." Chancellor Palpatine said as the platforms returned to their stations and everyone began to leave the Senate room.

"How was my speech?" Lux asked Ahsoka as soon as they got out of the Senate chamber.

"It was great!" She responded still not completely in touch with reality after everything that had happened.

Lux simply looked at her with a knowing look.

"There was something going on between you and Skywalker in the Senate Chambers wasn't there?"

"How'd you know?"

"I don't need to be a jedi or even force sensitive to see how much he cares about you." Lux said with a grin on his face.

"Did you know that he would be here?"

"No, I promise you it was as much a surprise to see him with Senator Amidala for me as it was for you." His voice leaked of sincerity and that comforted Ahsoka.

Ahsoka didn't respond to his statement and didn't have a moment anyways. A young assistant in the senate approached them.

"Miss Tano, Chancellor Palpatine wishes to speak with you. If you will?"

Ahsoka looked at the man startled, wondering why the Chancellor would want to talk to her. Why after everything that had been discussed in the Senate Chambers the first priority was to speak with her.

"Will you be okay without me for a few moments?"

"Of course! I'm hardly one to deny the Chancellor a request."

Ahsoka nodded and then followed the boy towards the Chancellors office. She mulled over what the Chancellor might say to her as they traveled to his office. She mulled over what she would say to him.

Suddenly they arrived and what Ahsoka was going to say was no longer in her mind. She knocked gently on the door as the attendant left her and she heard the Chancellor call for her to enter.

The room was exactly the same as it had been. A mix of warmth and coldness suitable for a politician. Perfect for him.

"Miss Tano! Thank you for joining me!" He gestured for her to sit as he spoke.

"Of course Chancellor, please call me Ahsoka." She said as she sat down.

They were silent for the moment as the Chancellor seemed to mull something over in his head before he spoke.

"I was surprised to see you here today. After leaving the Jedi order I assumed you would never return of Coruscant. Yet here you are, in the company of Lux Bonteri, serving as his body guard I hear."

"Yes, Lux is a dear friend of mine and I was currently living on Onderon when he approached me and asked for my protection. I could not say no after all the hospitality... And loyalty he has shown me."

The chancellor had a sad smile on his face upon hearing her words.

"Ahsoka, I didn't call you up here to exchange pleasantries. I wanted to apologize for my actions regarding your trial. I want to apologize for everything that happened to you sincerely. I'm sorry, Ahsoka."

Ahsoka was taken back slightly by the Chancellors statement. His sincerity was astounded and she truly did believe him. Was she mad at the Republic? No, not really, she was upset but they were just doing their jobs. No matter how horribly they did it. Was she mad at the Jedi Council? Oh yes she was. Yet the Chancellor was apologizing when it should have been the Jedi Council.

"Thank you Chancellor but you do not owe me an apology. You are not the one who owes me an apology."

"Ah, I see." He said folding his hands together, "Master Skywalker informed me that the council did you a great injustice. For this I am sorry. Yet you still hold onto your lightsabers?"

Ahsoka looked down at herself and at her lightsabers.

"I do not know much else other than being a Jedi, and I am trying to learn but there are some parts of me that I cannot escape."

"I see. Forgive me if I seem like I am interrogating you. I am simply curious."

"It is alright."

"Am I right to assume your loyalty remains with the Republic?"

"My master always taught me that the Republic stands for truth, justice, and honor and that it was the Jedi's responsibility to use our abilities to help the Republic. I may no longer be a Jedi padawan, but I still follow in his footsteps. I will always be loyal to mu my Master and thus the Republic."

Ahsoka stared at the lightsaber she had picked up as she spoke. Missing the mischievous smile upon Palpatine's face. Then there was a knock upon the door gaining the attention of both the Chancellor and Ahsoka. The Chancellor quickly called for them to enter.

Ahsoka watched as Anakin walked in and quickly ran to her before she could fully acknowledge it was him. He enveloped her in a hug that rivaled Padme's.

"Master! I can not breathe!" She said her voice muffled by the linen of his clothing. Yet he ignored her pleas.

"Skyguy!" She yelled finally managing to gain his attention!

"Sorry Snips! Im just so glad to see you!"

"I hope you don't mind that I orchestrated this reunion. Anakin has said many times over how much he misses your companionship and how much he disapproved the councils actions in the matter of your trial."

"That's putting it nicely!" He said in a low growl.

"It's fine." Ahsoka said truthfully. She would rather have this reunion in the confines of the Chancellors office than in the busy halls if the Senate building.

"How are you? Where have you been? Why are you with Lux!" He had a look of bewilderment on his face exploring for answers.

"Master calm down." She said with a laugh.

"You... You don't have to call me that." He said softly but seriously. She looked at him curious, until it dawned on her. She had been calling him her master all day even though she was no far from it.

"I don't... But I want to. You will always be my master, Skyguy. The one and only."

Anakin smiled warmly at her.

"It is unfortunate that the jedi council is responsible for separating you two." Chancellor Palpatine said. "You two make up a strong partnership, a force to be reckoned with I'd say."

"It was unfortunate." Ahsoka said unsure of how else to respond.

"The council is run by fools!" Ahsoka felt the hatred she felt in the senate room once again. Ahsoka disagreed with Anakin, they were not fools. They were traditionalists, fearful of change and it came at the expense of Barris Offee's allegience and of course, Ahsoka's livelihood. Yet she would not say so.

"I am sorry to say this but I unfortunately must leave. Lux is waiting for me." She said as she headed for the door.

"Ahsoka, wait!" Anakin said grabbing her hand before she could get to far.

"Promise me I will see you again?" Anakin said, a bit of desperation in his voice. The kind of desperation in someone who had lost too much in his life.

"Anakin... I will always be loyal to you. And because of that I promise we will see each other again."

She then left the room leaving the two them to discuss further matters in her absence.