Deathwatch!, with Mandalore's resources stretched thin in it's attempt to locate the illusive group of radicals that threaten their planets views of peace, the duchess Satine sends a message to the Jedi council, asking for their help with the investigation. Hoping to finally put the problem to rest Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with padawans Barriss Offee and Ahsoka Tano, are sent to the neutral planet to help in any way they can. But for one young Togruta, the trip may become more than she bargained for.

Chapter 14: Deathwatch

Barriss and Ahsoka met up with master Obi-Wan and the small blue and white astromech she recognized as artoo on one of the many small docking bays connected to the Jedi temple, the familiar design of a T-6 shuttle sat almost as if the ship itself was awaiting their arrival. Obi-Wan smiled as the two girls approached the sun drenched ship "showing up on time, not something I would expect from Anakin's padawans"

Barriss bowed lightly "we would have been here earlier master but Ahsoka had to stop and chat with everyone we passed"

Ahsoka bowed as well, but with a pair of squinted eyes pointed in her friends direction "I like company, is that a crime all of a sudden?"

Obi-Wan raised a hand before the conversation could continue "if you two are done I'd like to get moving" without waiting for an answer the Jedi master led the way into the ships cockpit and took his seat at the pilot's chair while artoo moved silently into the corner and began prepping the ship for take off.

Barriss moved beside Obi-Wan sitting down in the co-pilots seat while Ahsoka found her place behind them, the three worked in a comfortable silence as the ship lifted into the sky and carved a path out of the planets atmosphere. Once the giant skyscrapers of Corusant had been replaced with the complete blackness of space Obi-Wan moved his hand towards the hyper-drive "entering hyperspace in three, two,..." Barriss prepared herself for the slight lurch forward as the shuttle dove into the long blue and black tunnel they perceived as hyperspace.

With the ship now basically piloting itself it only took a few minutes of silence for Ahsoka to speak up "so master, not that I'm complaining but, why bring us with you?"

Obi-Wan spun his chair around so that he could face both girls "with the clone war now requiring almost all of the Jedi's concentration I think we're in danger of the next generation of Jedi seeing their role in the galaxy as generals instead of peacekeepers. I brought you two along so you could see that not every situation has to be solved with a lightsaber"

Ahsoka leaned back in her chair "hmm, I guess it would be nice for once to go on a mission that doesn't end with a huge explosion. And it'll be nice to see the duchess Satine again, you two go pretty far back right master?"

Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully "far back indeed"

It was clear from the pain in the masters voice that he didn't want to discuss the topic any further so Barriss made her best attempt to change the subject "I've never been to Mandalore before master, I hear it has quite a history"

Obi-Wan seemed happy to speak about something else "that it does miss Offee, back before the Mandalorians offed for a planet of non-violence they were basically a military planet. Mandalorians were trained from birth to fight Jedi, to kill a Jedi was the highest honor they could receive. Unfortunately things escalated from there, before long the planet was in an all out war with the Jedi order. A war so intense it completely destroyed the planets surface to the point where life simply couldn't survive without protection from the surface, since then Mandalore is as it is now, a planet striving for peace".

Ahsoka's eyes widened "I had no idea the planets history was so...disastrous. No wonder the duchess wants Deathwatch out of the picture, they'd force the planet back into it's old ways"

"I don't think the duchess would agree with your choice of words Ahsoka, I'd imagine she'd much rather reason with Deathwatch and come to a peaceful solution"

Barriss hit a few buttons in front of her before turning back to the conversation "do you think it's possible to reason with a group as extreme in their views as Deathwatch master?"

Obi-Wan rubbed his beard for a moment before answering "I sure hope so miss Offee, I sure hope so".

Barriss looked in awe at the giant black dome that housed Mandalore's capital city, the T-6 shuttle flew inside and docked at what she could only describe as a glass city. While waiting for the shuttles landing gear to set down she took the moment to better appreciate the view in front of her, a silver and white hue gave the entire city a futurist look, and almost every floor, wall, and ceiling of the nearby buildings could be seen through, showing the forms of several people going about their business "it's beautiful".

Ahsoka moved to the front of the cockpit and looked out the view port, the girls eyes were immediately drawn to Barriss' reflection through the glass "yes, quite beautiful". Barriss had to turn her face away from Obi-Wan as the Jedi master led the way out of the ship, stepping out onto the docking bay they were greeted by a man in blue and silver armor.

The man gestured to a transport at the end of the docking bay "the duchess is waiting for you general Kenobi"

Obi-Wan turned towards the transport with a polite nod "far be it for us to keep the duchess waiting"

Barriss felt the transport take off just seconds after she found her footing, as the small vehicle moved gracefully through the air she leaned on the rail in front of her, her eyes scanning the inside of each building as they passed it "why would Deathwatch want to bring a civilization as peaceful as this to it's knees?"

Obi-Wan crossed his arms across his chest "they believe the Mandalorians have forsaken their true warrior background because they've been made weak by the duchess and her government. Ever since the pacifist movement of..."

Barriss tried to keep her attention on Obi-Wan as he talked but her gaze was instantly switched to Ahsoka as the girl leaned halfway over the transports rail, her feet dangling in the air as she investigated the town below them "would you be careful, the rails not a toy"

Obi-Wan gave her a look of confusion before turning around, Ahsoka pulled herself back up on her feet "relax, I am a Jedi remember" before anyone could offer any words of protest the Togruta leaped into the air and landed with her feet perched on the transports railing "perfect balance ring a bell?".

Barriss took a few steps forward "okay first off you're a padawan not a Jedi, second, I believe I told you to be careful"

Ahsoka walked back and forth on the small rail, her voice raising a few octaves as she talked "okay when did you become my mom?, I can take care of myself ya know. I don't need you to look after me"

Barriss stretched out her hand to pull the girl down but Ahsoka leaped onto the front of the transport, with a annoyed sigh Barriss turned her back to her friend "fine!, but don't come crying to me when you hurt yourself"

Obi-Wan watched the scene unfold with his usual compassion filled eyes "alright you two I think that's quite enough, time to act professional"

Ahsoka walked back onto the transport but kept her squinting eyes aimed at Barriss "of course master" Barriss simply nodded, not even attempting to hide the anger on her face.

By the time they entered the large open area of the capitals main palace Barriss had been able to calm herself down some, a series of several deep breaths and a few suppressed thoughts and she was back to her old self. Unfortunately Ahsoka had less success in hiding her emotions, the girls booted feet slammed hard against the floor as she walked, filling the palace with a loud echo after every step.

Barriss opened her mouth to ask Ahsoka if she'd like to walk any louder but Obi-Wan cut her off "as lovely as ever Satine"

The duchess rose from her chair, the glass image behind her losing it's bright orange glow as she did so "we have to stop meeting under these conditions Obi" Obi-Wan took the ladies hand and gently kissed it before the duchess turned a slightly red face to Ahsoka "a pleasure to see you again miss Tano".

Ahsoka bowed lightly "the pleasure's all mine duchess, how's your nephew doing?"

Satine's already beautiful face lit up at the mention of her nephew "he's staying out of trouble for once, he sends his regards" with a slight nod from Ahsoka the duchess turned to Barriss "I'm sorry how rude of me, I don't believe we've been introduced"

Barriss offered a slight bow as she took the hand in front of her "padawan Barriss Offee, at your service my lady"

Satine returned her smile "I wasn't aware that master Kenobi had taken another padawan learner"

Obi-Wan let his warm laugh fill the open room "miss Offee actually is being trained by master Unduli, I'm afraid the war has caused her to be passed around a bit lately"

"I've been under the command of master Skywalker for some time but a recent mission left him unable to teach for a while" Barriss added

Satine's eyes widened a bit at the mention of Anakin being hurt but she quickly regained her composure "maybe if the Jedi ever return to their old ways you'll be able to stick with one teacher"

Barriss raised an eyebrow "their old ways?, I'm sorry but I don't follow"

Obi-Wan began to rub his beard "the duchess believes the Jedi have forgotten their role in the galaxy"

"a Jedi's role in the galaxy is to serve as peacekeepers, to do their best to stop injustice wherever it may arise" the words left Barriss' mouth almost on instinct, master Unduli had made sure the sentence was drilled into her head long ago.

Satine shook her head "we don't have time to get into this discussion right now, the faster we find where Deathwatch is hiding the sooner we can leave this problem behind us"

Obi-Wan gestured outside the palace "Barriss, Ahsoka wait for me outside. Once we have a course of action we can get out of the duchess' way"

"Ya know it's bad enough I have to prove myself as a capable Jedi despite my age without you treating me like a kid in front of master Kenobi" Ahsoka leaned against the palace's front wall as she talked "I'll never face the trials if the council still sees me as the little Togruta who lucked into starting her training early".

Barriss pushed a few loose strands of hair away from her eyes as she sat down on a nearby bench "look Ahsoka I'm sorry but if you don't want to be seen as a kid maybe you should start by not acting like one"

Ahsoka pushed herself away from the wall and started to pace back in forth angrily "did it ever even occur to you that maybe I was leaning over the railing because I saw something related to the mission?"

"well...no, what did you see?"

Ahsoka turned away from her friends accusing stare "nothing, but you didn't even think that there was a reason behind it. You just thought, oh look at stupid little Soka leaning over the rail like some dumb ass young-ling"

"Ahsoka that's not what I thought at all, I was just worried about you. If you would of fell from..."

Ahsoka turned to face her "oh don't even give me that!, you're just like all the other Jedi!. Just because I started my training young doesn't mean I'm any less powerful than you!"

Barriss rose from her seat "Ahsoka if you would just let me explain"

"don't bother Barriss!, I've heard it all before!, from Anakin!, from the council!. I thought you of all people would understand but apparently..."

"Ahsoka?" a strange voice caught both girls off guard

Turning to the voice Ahsoka's face turned as white as her orange skin would allow "Lux!" even as the name left her lips she knew she was right. The boy running up to her had gotten a bit more muscular, and seemed to be wearing some sort of gray and blue workers outfit, but otherwise was instantly recognizable.

Lux crossed the space between him and Ahsoka in a matter of seconds, stopping just short of a hug and instead shaking the girls hand "I knew it had to be you, there was a rumor going around the cargo bay that a group of Jedi were visiting the palace. When one of the guys said they saw a...well I'll spare you the details but I knew it was you, it's so nice to see you again"

Ahsoka matched the boys smile "it nice to see you two Lux"

Barriss cleared her throat as loud as she could, forcing both heads to turn in her direction. Ahsoka rolled her eyes at the girls obvious jealousy but Lux took the sight of the other girl a bit better, offering a bright smile in her direction "Ahsoka, is this a friend?".

Before Ahsoka could answer Barriss rose from her seat and shook Lux's hand "close friend, the names Barriss Offee"

apparently not hearing the resentment in Barriss' voice Lux smiled as he shook the girls hand "a pleasure miss Offee, so what are you two doing here?"

Barriss turned her gaze away as soon as she could so Ahsoka took it upon herself to answer the question "master Kenobi hopes we can help the Mandalorian government in..."

Barriss stepped her way into the conversation "Ahsoka, I really don't think it's a good idea to be sharing such sensitive information with someone we know so little about"

Ahsoka rolled her eyes once more "oh please Barriss, would you just relax for once in your life?"

Lux rose a hand into the air "uh it's fine, I understand if..."

the boys words were cut off as Barriss stared angrily at her friend "Ahsoka I'm starting to think you don't respect my judgment"

Ahsoka returned the stare being aimed at her, going as far as to take a few steps forward so that there was only inches between their faces "well maybe if you didn't sound more like an overprotective parent than a concerned friend I could take your suggestions seriously"

"what is up with you lately?, your acting like a such a...a..."

Ahsoka threw her arms into the air "oh just say it Barriss!, I'm acting like a kid!. All this time!, after all we've been through together and that's still how you see me!"

Barriss shook her head slightly before turning and walking away from the palace "if that's really what you think Ahsoka then maybe all this was a mistake!"

Ahsoka looked at her departing friend in shock before quickly wiping the look from her face "fine!, just go then Barriss!. After all that's happened just walk away!" more than a few passing people stole a glance in the fights direction, even those walking underneath the palace watched the scene unfold through the reflective floor. With every step Barriss took Ahsoka's anger grew "is this really how you're gonna have it end!"

Barriss stopped in her tracks, shooting a hateful glare to the people staring at her as she thought the next words as loud as she could 'if after all this you still think I see you as a kid I don't see how this relationship can go anywhere!, I thought you loved me the same I love you!, but apparently I was wrong!' without looking back to see if her words hit home Barriss continued to walk away, seemingly disappearing into the first crowd she hit.

Ahsoka felt an emptiness in her soul the second Barriss disappeared from view, feeling almost lightheaded she sank bank onto the nearby bench with a hand on her forehead. Lux rushed forward and eased the girl onto her seat "whoa easy Ahsoka, are you okay?".

Shaking herself back into reality Ahsoka pushed the boys hands away "I'm fine Lux, I'm...sorry you had to see that"

Lux took a step back before sitting down beside Ahsoka on the bench "not that it's any of my business but that fight seemed a little odd, aren't Jedi supposed to hide their true emotions?"

"it's complicated Lux, very, very complicated" before the conversation could continue Obi-Wan emerged from the palace's front entrance.

Seeing Ahsoka and Lux and Jedi turned and walked up to the bench "Ahsoka where is Barriss?, and who's this?"

Ahsoka thought for a moment before answering, her voice still weak from all the shouting just minutes ago "Barriss...well...Barriss thought she saw someone suspicious and took off after them, and this is Lux Bonteri, a friend"

Lux rose from his seat and politely bowed to the Jedi master "a pleasure general Kenobi, I've heard a lot about you down at the cargo bay. You're very popular here on Mandalore"

Before Obi-Wan had a chance to answer Ahsoka stood up and cast an confused look at Lux "alright Lux that's the second time you mentioned the cargo bay, what's going on?"

Lux gestured to his clothes "it's not obvious?, after...after what happened, I realized it was time for my life to change direction. I hopped the first ride off Raxus I could find, turns out they were coming here to Mandalore. Figured this a good of place as any for a fresh start, I got a job delivering supplies between here and the moon Concordia"

Obi-Wan rubbed his beard thoughtfully "I'd be careful Mr. Bonteri, Concordia is where I last ran into the Deathwatch"

If Lux was surprised by the information he did a good job of hiding it "Concordia is a large moon general, don't worry I can take care of myself. In fact I'm supposed to be there as we speak" turning to Ahsoka the boy offered a light bow "it really was nice seeing you again, but I'm afraid I must be going".

Lux had just enough time to take a few steps away from the palace before Obi-Wan called after him "wait Mr. Bonteri, I can't let you go to such a dangerous place alone. It would be against the code, Ahsoka will go with you as a Jedi escort"

Ahsoka shifted her eyes between Lux and Obi-Wan "are you sure that's a good idea master, what if you run into trouble here?"

Obi-Wan returned the padawans gaze "should trouble arise me and padawan Offee will handle the situation, if you leave now you won't be gone more than a few hours anyway"

"but..."

"this is not up for negotiation Ahsoka, you are to escort Mr. Bonteri to Concordia and back before meeting me and Barriss back here at the palace. Is that understood?"

Ahsoka chanced more look in the direction Barriss had disappeared before finally nodding her head "of course master"

As she ran to catch up with the already departing Lux Obi-Wan's voice bellowed behind her "I'd stop at the shuttle and pick up your coat, Concordia is quite cold this time in it's rotation. And take the astromech with you, I don't know why Anakin insisted I take that droid but you never know when he might come in handy".

Barriss wiped a new stream of tears from her eyes as she walked along the see through walkway, every person she passed stole a glance in her direction but no one seemed brave enough to ask her what was wrong.

Pulling her hood over her head and allowing her bangs to completely cover her eyes Barriss shoved her way through a group of people before setting down on the first bench she could find, using both hands to hide her face from the relentless stares did nothing to help the fact she could still feel the eyes upon her.

'What do I do now?, I gave up everything I ever knew to be with her and now it's over. I can't just go back to the way things were, I've broken the Jedi code for force sake. After all we went through this is how it ends, this is...unbelievable'. The eyes on her only grew with each passing second, men, women, even a few children were drawn to the once in a lifetime site of a Jedi bursting into tears.

But still none of them moved forward to comfort her 'figures, everything the Jedi do for the galaxy and look at the thanks we get'. "What's wrong young one?" Barriss moved her tear soaked hands to her lap and wiped a new stream of tears on the inside of her hood as she looked up to the face of the last person she'd expect to see right now. The duchess Satine gave a silent gesture for the group of nearby civilians to go about their business and sat down beside her on the bench.

Barriss kept her gaze aimed at the ground, watching a few people walk by in the lower level of the walkway as she struggled for the right words, or any words for that matter "duchess, did you ever do something in your life that required looking at yourself in a completely different light?".

Satine was silent for a moment before answering, keeping her words as soft as possible "your asking a politician my dear, it comes with the job"

"no you don't...oh forget it" Barriss once again buried her face in her hands as another stream of pain filled tears bellowed out from her very soul, not knowing or caring if anyone else was watching she made no attempt to hold back the fast, forceful breaths that escaped her lungs "after...how?...why?" the words came out in such a violent spasm of sadness and anger that she was sure each ripped a new hole in her heart.

Satine wrapped an arm around her back, the gesture doing little to add any comfort to the situation "the fight you had with Ahsoka, that's what this is about correct?" all Barriss could bring herself to do was nod as the duchess continued "before you ask Obi-Wan didn't see or hear any of it, when my guards brought the situation to my attention I made sure he stayed in the palace till you left".

Even with her mind in it's mix of emotions Barriss was able to understand what the duchess was saying, the realization was enough to stop the tears, for a few seconds at least "then...you know?"

Satine rubbed the small of the girls back as she nodded "in my line of work you start to pick up on the little things others miss, just seeing the way you two act around one another was enough to tell me there is a deep connection"

Barriss felt a small wave of worry wash over her before she remembered today's most recent events "tell master Obi-Wan if you want, I don't care what happens to me anymore"

Satine shook her head lightly "you misunderstand me dear, I only want to help"

"but...the Jedi code..."

"is none of my business" Satine interrupted "I know what's it like to be in love with someone who can't love you back, the fact you two decided to put true love above all else...it's inspiring"

Barriss once again forgot all her training as she erupted into tears, Satine shooed along a few passing bystanders as she went back to rubbing the girls back "it's okay dear"

At the last of the duchess' words Barriss had finally had enough, letting all her pent up anger finally flow freely through her she pushed Satine's arm away and stood to her feet "how!, how is any of this okay!. She was the only one I'll ever love and our relationship was over before it even started!, how is that okay!"

Satine stood from her seat and, in a move that took Barriss by complete surprise, put a rather strong hand on each of the girls shoulders "listen to me dear, the love between you and Ahsoka is not over, you don't have to be a Jedi to know that. Don't let a simple fight ruin the most amazing thing in the universe, take it from someone who is forced to live everyday with an emptiness in her heart, true love is worth the risk".

After a short trip back to the T-6 for her winter coat and to pick up artoo Ahsoka walked in silence beside Lux as she was led to a rusty, almost beetle shaped ship at the edge of the docking bay. Wiping a stray tear from her eye before the boy could notice she shook her thoughts from her head 'focus Ahsoka, focus'. The motion didn't go unnoticed however, leading the way inside the large ship Lux raised an eyebrow in the girls direction "you okay Ahsoka?".

Ahsoka walked past Lux and sat down in the seat closest to the ships exit "I'm fine Lux, really" even she didn't buy the words coming out her own mouth but Lux simply shrugged as he sat down in the pilots seat. Artoo offered a few short beeps as he slid inside the ship and found the interface that seemed to be used everywhere in the galaxy before plugging himself in and prepping the ship.

Lux let out a small laugh from his seat "nice to have a droid, it usually takes this bucket of bolts forever to take off" Ahsoka tried to laugh but it came out as more of a light moan. Just when the ship was ready to take off Lux powered it back down, before she could ask what the problem was the boy spun his seat around to face her "alright that's it, we don't leave this docking bay till you tell me the truth. What was that fight about?".

Ahsoka turned her head to avoid Lux's gaze "Lux I really don't feel like talking, can we just go?"

Lux crossed his arms in a defiant motion "not until you start telling the truth"

"Lux this is rather childish don't you think?"

"maybe it is, but I don't plan on spending an entire flight in silence. So I suggest someone starts talking" with the last of his words Lux leaned back in his chair "try and wait me out if you want but keep in mind I have all day to make this delivery".

Ahsoka sat in silence for as long as she could stand to (about ten seconds) before finally raising from her seat "ugh...fine, just start the kriffing ship" with a triumphant smile Lux turned his chair back around and wrapped his hands around the controls, within a matter of seconds the ship sprang to life and lifted off the docking bay and into the sky.

When the all too familiar sight of stars filled her gaze Ahsoka sat back down in her seat "so what do you want to know?"

Lux tapped a few buttons and flipped a series of switches before turning his chair back around "what was that fight all about?, and don't give me the teenager excuse because I know for a fact Jedi aren't supposed to act like you two did, no matter their age"

Ahsoka kept her gaze out the ships front window "simple, I thought Barriss respected me despite my age, I was wrong"

"your age, isn't Barriss the same age as you?" Lux asked

"she's a few years older, I...began my training early. Ever since master Yoda assigned me to Skywalker I've had to prove myself time and time again, I have to keep besting myself to keep the view off my age"

"the Jedi are really that judgmental?"

"well...not openly. But just the way some of them act around me, they think I'm too young to be where I am, I just know it"

Lux turned back towards the controls as the giant orb that was the moon Concordia loomed over the ships view port "well it seems to me that maybe you're looking at this the wrong way"

"what do you mean?"

"I mean maybe the reason you started your training so early is because the Jedi see how much promise you have to be a powerful warrior, maybe just how strong you are scares them"

Ahsoka laughed "yeah if only, what I wouldn't do to have that problem"

"no I'm serious" as Lux turned his chair to face her Ahsoka noticed something different about the boy she didn't see earlier, the look in his eyes that used to be the usual curiosity of someone his age was replaced with that of fierce determination, the very same look Anakin would get when she or someone else he cared about was in danger.

The look sent a shiver down her spine and made her suddenly realize just how small the cockpit they were in truly was, as slowly and comfortingly as she could Ahsoka forced herself to speak "the uh...the Jedi aren't warriors Lux, we're peacekeepers"

Lux stood from his chair and took a few steps across the small cockpit, stopping mid way between himself and Ahsoka the boy turned to the side and opened a small compartment on the ships console. Before she could open her mouth to ask what he was doing Lux turned back with a small glass in each hand "it's going to be a while before this heap gets us to Concordia, thirsty?".

Ahsoka had to shake the situation into reality as a glass filled with a thick green liquid was put in her hand "uh Lux are you...feeling okay?"

Lux moved back to the pilots seat and took a few sips from his glass, his calm voice sounding nothing like the look in his eyes would suggest "a poor choice of words on my part, I know the Jedi are strictly non-violence, at least when they can be. All I meant was...Ahsoka you can do so many great things, aren't you ever tempted to use that power for something more?"

Ahsoka rose the glass to her nose and sniffed the contents before taking a drink, the green drink left a strong aftertaste in her mouth but the soothing liquid did seem to calm her nervous stomach 'no alcohol for sure this time'. As her muscles relaxed a bit she found it all the easier to speak "Lux using my powers for my own gain is just plain selfish, so many beings in the universe depend on the Jedi to keep them safe, I could never turn my back on them"

Lux was silent as he emptied his glass of it's contents, after setting the empty glass beside his chair he turned back to the controls "so noble Ahsoka, I for one wouldn't make the same decision" Lux's hands worked in silent unison to control the ship as Concordia encased the entire view port "you see after my mom died I finally realized just how dark this universe can be, everything you have can be ripped from you in a matter of seconds. Do you have any idea what it's like to lose everything you've grown to love?"

Ahsoka felt her heart beat increase as her vision began to fade, the world around her slowly being overrun by a darkness she knew to be unconsciousness, grabbing the side of the seat to avoid falling over she struggled to will her voice to speak "Lux...I don't feel..."

Lux nodded from his seat, watching the girls form from it's reflection on the view port "should of warned you about the drinks, they tend to not agree with certain species, you'll be fine after a short rest. Just relax Ahsoka, I got everything handled".

Barriss wiped the last of the tears from her dry eyes as she sensed Obi-Wan's presence moving closer to her position, the duchess had long since left but the last of her words refused to go with her. Standing to her feet Barriss felt a new wave of excitement wash over, she knew full well what she had to do, now all she needed was her favorite person in the universe to accomplish her goal.

But the solution also seemed to be the problem, the only Jedi she could sense besides herself was the ever approaching master Kenobi, only one question escaped her lips as she finally saw Obi-Wan appear from a group of people in front of her "where's Ahsoka?"

Obi-Wan's eyes scanned the area "escorting Lux Bonteri to Concordia, so did your suspect get away?"

Barriss couldn't help but smile 'even in a fight she still covers for me' "no master, it turned out to be a false alarm, sorry for running off like I did"

"nonsense miss Offee, you followed your instincts. But I think I might have a led that will hold a bit more promise" with a wave of his hand Obi-Wan began to lead the way down the walkway "first things first, I believe you needed training with your new lightsabers correct?"

Barriss un-clipped the paired sabers from her side as they once again neared the palace doors, stepping inside the large open area she admired the gold chandeliers dangling above her head before activating both sabers, a blue blade sprang forwards from each hilt "master Unduli never thought I'd need training with these type of sabers, I'm afraid I don't know anything beside the basics".

Obi-Wan ignited his own lightsaber "then that's where we'll start, the most important thing you need to keep in mind when using two sabers is speed. Every strike you make should be swift and short, never give your enemy a chance to strike against you"

With a silent nod Barriss took the cue to attack, one leap was all it took to clear the space between herself and Obi-Wan. She swung both sabers with all the strength she could muster, the second the sabers made contact they were flung from her grasp, the deactivated hilts hit the ground beside her. Rather than scold Obi-Wan simply watched as Barriss pulled the sabers back into her grasp "what did I do wrong master?".

Obi-Wan waited for the girl to retake her position in front of him before answering "attacking with both sabers at once can be a costly move, you always want each saber moving independently of one another. By the time you start an attack with one the other should be ready to strike, try again young one"

"yes master" once again one step moved her into range to strike, this time she brought up her left saber first, aiming straight for the Jedi master. Obi-Wan blocked the first saber with a simple parry but was soon met with the next strike, Barriss swung her right saber much lower than she had the first.

Obi-Wan hopped into the air to avoid the saber as it ran only inches above the see through floor, only to be forced a few feet back the second his feet hit the floor as the other saber swung for his head "excellent Barriss, keep it going". Barriss continued to slash at the Jedi master with a series of ultra fast swings, the three sabers filled the open area with a ear piercing hiss as they slammed together.

Seeing a break in Obi-Wan's defenses Barriss brought her leg out and kicked the Jedi master off his feet, Obi-Wan hit the ground with the threatening blade of a blue saber at his throat. Barriss deactivated both her sabers and let a sly grin cross her face as she helped Obi-Wan back to his feet "how was that master?"

Obi-Wan clipped his own saber to his side "better, you're a fast learner miss Offee. Now that you have the basics covered we'll move own to the more...advanced applications of your particular sabers, push the hilts together young one".

Barriss turned the hilts in her hand and pushed both ends together, a satisfying click told her the hilts had sealed themselves against one another "seems a bit unpractical master, won't the paired sabers make a much larger target when together like this?"

Obi-Wan took a few steps back "very good miss Offee, yes the most realized fault of a paired saber, much like a double edged saber, is the disadvantage of it's vulnerability. One swing, or a well aimed blaster shot, will be enough to render both sabers useless. But with every disadvantage there is always a advantage waiting to be found, to prove my point I've arranged for some help with your training".

Before Barriss could wonder what the masters words meant a series of black shadows all but appeared inside the large palace, as the figures stepped forward and formed a circle around her Barriss instantly recognized the blue and gray armor of the duchess Satine's royal guards.

Each guard stared at her with emotionless eyes as they activated their electric tipped spears, with the sound of each electric spark now filling her eardrums Barriss activated both ends of her saber "not that I'm not eager to learn master, but shouldn't you teach me how to use the weapon first?".

Obi-Wan watched from beyond the newly formed circle of guards "I believe your master would argue that nothing teaches better than first hand experience"

Barriss slanted the saber in front of her chest, ready for an attack from any position she stood motionless and closed her eyes. Seeing the first strike before it happened she brought the bottom end of her saber up and swung on instinct, the first guard rolled along the floor as his spear sparked into two pieces.

With a respectable nod the unarmed guard backed out of the circle, Barriss blew a strand of hair out of her eyes as the next guard sprang into action, the guard ran forward and thrust his spear directly at her. Barriss stepped to the side and cut the spear with no problem before the now defenseless guard fell to his knees, the second she took to judge the strange action was the same the next guard took to run forward and use his fellow guards back as a stepping stone to send him into the air.

The guard aimed at her head as he fell towards her, Barriss rolled to the side the split second the guards electric tip hit the floor. Rather than give the guard the chance to get to his feet from the fall Barriss rushed forward and sent the guard flying out of the circle with a small force push.

Barriss swung her saber in a few threatening circles as she met the determined eyes of the last two guards, standing side by the side the guards shared a silent nod before charging her simultaneously. Barriss brought up both ends of her saber in time to block the simultaneous attacks, the guards worked in perfect unison as they slowly began to wear down her defenses with a series of ferocious swipes.

Each guard focused entirely on one side of her saber, Barriss felt her strength dwindle from each hit, she knew only a few more blows and the guards would crack her defense. Thinking quickly Barriss threw herself backwards and used the force to send her into the air, landing a few feet back on her feet she proceeded to use what was left of her strength to spin the paired sabers as fast as she could.

A blue aura formed in front of the sabers before Barriss pushed her entire body forward, the resulting blast sent the two guards into the air and knocked the spears from their hands. With her energy completely depleted Barriss pulled her sabers apart and deactivated both before clicking them back onto her side, after helping the last two guards to their feet she turned to Obi-Wan "I think I understand what you meant master, I can use the paired sabers together as a surprise tactic on the battlefield, since so few have fought a double edged saber it gives me the advantage".

Obi-Wan let a smile cross his face as he put a comforting hand on the girls shoulder "very good miss Offee, but there was another reason I wanted to test you the way I did. Just like these guards the enemy will eventually adapt to the new threat of your sabers and find a way to use it as their advantage instead of yours, you must be careful when choosing to combine your sabers. In a real battle you might not fare as well as you did here".

Barriss gave a thankful nod to the guards as they went back to their respected posts "I understand master, I will be careful".

Ahsoka woke up to the familiar beeps of artoo, glancing around the small cockpit she quickly realized she was alone "Lux...Lux!" a quick glance at her waist only added tension to the already strange predicament "where are my lightsabers?".

Standing her feet she took a moment to regain her composure before walking to the ships front view port, Concordia's landscape certainly was as master Kenobi had described it. A thick layer of snow covered what she assumed had been a dirt path only days ago and a forest of dark red trees stretched as far as even her advanced eyes could see.

But despite the breathtaking view Ahsoka felt her gaze snap to an all too familiar figure standing alone in the snow covered path "Lux" turning from the view port she gave a small nod towards artoo "artoo take a look around, see if you can find where Lux hid them. I'm going to have a little chat with Mr. Bonteri"

After slipping on her winter coat Ahsoka made her way out of the ship and into the snow, the falling snow already soaking her coat after only a few steps. A few light gusts of wind stung against her exposed face as she walked down the path, Lux had his back to her as she approached "Lux, Lux where are we and what did you do with my lightsabers?".

Lux kept his back from the girls gaze, refusing to met her eyes as he looked down the long path ahead of them "you should of stayed on the ship". The sound she instantly recognized as a jet pack filled Ahsoka's montrals as the first blue and black armored soldier dropped to the ground beside her. The soldiers formed a circle around her as they presented themselves, the last soldier to drop did so directly in front of Lux.

Ahsoka put a hand on Lux's shoulder to pull him back but the boy stood his ground, the slender form of her armor dignified the soldier in front to be a woman. The female soldier pointed at Lux before she spoke, her shrill voice only being amplified by her helmet "hey kid, your late"

Ahsoka took a few steps back as she put the situation together in her mind "Deathwatch"

Lux took a quick glance back at Ahsoka before shaking his head to the soldier in front of him "no, not Ahsoka. I can't do this Viola, just tell Pre Vizla to give me another day, there are two more Jedi on Mandalore. One is a Jedi master, I'll trade him for Ahsoka"

The female Deathwatch soldier apparently called Viola pulled a pair of electric cuffs from her belt and pushed past Lux "you got lucky with this one kid, no way someone as small and weak as you could capture a Jedi master. You can't go back on a deal because your hormones don't wanna betray a pretty face, this one comes with us"

Ahsoka looked at the group surrounding her, escape was nearly impossible, even if she could make it back to the ship the bucket of bolts would never take off before it was crippled. With one last sinking feeling in her chest Ahsoka looked back to Lux "Lux, we were friends, how could you do this?"

Lux visually cringed as Viola slapped the electric cuffs around Ahsoka's wrists but quickly changed his gaze to the ground "I don't expect you to understand Ahsoka, but I have to do this"

Ahsoka felt the cuffs send a shock through every inch of her body as she tried to break free,arching her back in pain the young Togruta was immediately pushed forward by Viola's gloved hand "get a move on Jedi!". As the group made their way to Lux's ship the engines roared to life, the resulting shock wave knocked every last person off their feet, Viola pulled the blaster from her side and fired wildly as the ship slowly whipped around and took off through the sky.

Viola turned the blaster to Ahsoka's head the second the ship was out of sight, Lux pushed through the group of guards and stood between the two girls "stop!, she's not doing this. The droid must of known enough to go for help, if you hurry you can still catch him"

Viola considered Lux's words for a second before nodding "fine, but you're coming with me. We'll take your girlfriend here to Pre Vizla" a wave of her hand sent two of the Deathwatch soldiers into the woods "you two back to the ships!, catch that droid before he reaches Mandalore!".

Artoo reprogrammed all the ships power to it's engines, shields, life support, even the small motor that controlled the swiveling chairs were all cut so that that ship could reach Mandalore as quickly as possible. Plowing through space at double the speed even thought possible from the pile of bolts Lux's ship aimed straight for the giant globe that was Mandalore, reaching the half way point between the planet and it's moon the scanner informed artoo that two Deathwatch fighters were fast approaching the ships rear.

Artoo let out a few frantic beeps as the fighters opened fire, quickly diverting some power to the rear shields artoo rolled the ship in a series of barrel roles to avoid the endless stream of red lasers. Lux's ship sputtered with every move as artoo pushed the old ship to it's limit and then some. A quick scan of the ship revealed a small top mounted turret that was concealed on the ships roof, bringing the turret up proved no problem for the diligent astromech but the voice of the ships computer was enough to push even the droids patience to it's limit "main gun charging, 50% complete".

The incoming fire only increased when the Deathwatch fighters apparently noticed the turret, what small shields the rear of the ship had dwindled with a series of lucky hits "main gun charging, 75% complete". Artoo pulled the ship as straight up as it would go, Lux's ship performed an oddly perfect loop and came back down behind the Deathwatch fighters "main gun charging complete, batteries at 100% power".

With a satisfying hiss the main gun opened fire, a pure blue arc of laser fire shot forward from the turrets twin barrels. The first fighter went down in a matter of seconds, the once sparkling ship erupted into a large explosion as the second ship dodged hard to avoid the shock wave. It's no doubt faster engines putting it miles ahead of Lux's ship faster than even artoo could react, his scanners picking up every move artoo kept the ship heading for Mandalore as the last Deathwatch fighter pulled a u turn and barreled straight at Lux's ship.

It took a fraction of a second for artoo to decipher the fighters plan, putting the energy at a 50-50 split between the engines and the front shields the brave astromech met the fighters challenge. Each ship increased speed as much as possible as they drew ever closer to the impending collision, seeing his only second to react artoo opened fire with the main gun, a blast of laser fire hit the Deathwatch fighters cockpit dead on.

The fighter erupted just as Lux's ship crashed through the remains, artoo let out an excitement filled beep as the bucket of bolts speed towards it's destination, with nothing left to stand in it's way.

Barriss stood outside the palace's main entrance as Obi-Wan talked with Satine's personal guards, opting to wait for Ahsoka to return before following up on their lead had seemed like a smart idea at the time but honestly neither would of guessed the girl would be gone this long. With an odd feeling bringing her stomach to her throat Barriss turned to the Jedi master "Ahsoka should be back by now, maybe we should try and contact her".

Obi-Wan dropped to one knee to match her worried gaze "patience Barriss, if something was wrong I'm sure Ahsoka would of contacted us"

"I know, it's just..." Barriss looked past Obi-Wan as a dark object in Mandalore's sun drenched sky caught her attention "isn't that Lux's ship?"

Obi-Wan turned and stood to his full height "yes I believe it is, but it should be boarding at the docking bay" both Jedi stared in total disbelief as Lux's ship fell through the sky straight towards their position. Obi-Wan motioned for all those present to take a few steps back as the ship landed only a few feet away from the palace.

As Barriss took a few cautious steps towards the ship she heard the duchess Satine emerge from the palace, Satine looked at the ship before turning a confused face towards Obi-Wan "what's going on?"

Obi-Wan's gaze studied the ship "step back duchess, they're no life forms aboard this vessel. This could be a..." before the Jedi master could finish his sentence artoo all but flew out from the ship and slammed into Barriss.

Barriss' eyes widened as the droid went off into a series of high pitched beeps "whoa artoo slow down, what about Ahsoka?"

All heads present turned a confused look towards her as Obi-Wan took a few steps closer "Barriss you can understand the droid?"

Barriss waved the comment away as she waited for artoo to continue, another series of less frantic beeps made her heart beat against her chest "Ahsoka's been captured by Deathwatch!, artoo how did this happen?" with a few more beeps Barriss felt her fist clench and move instinctively to her lightsabers "Lux!, I knew there was something wrong about that boy!". Artoo shook back and forth as a compartment opened on his dome, Ahsoka's lightsabers flew into Barriss' hands "we have to go save her master!".

Obi-Wan looked at Lux's ship "no way we can take this ship back, we'll have to go back and get the T-6"

Barriss looked at Ahsoka's lightsabers in her hand, after clipping the weapons beside her own on her belt she took a minute to let her anger subside. If Deathwatch did have Ahsoka as a prisoner there's no telling what they'll put her through if no one goes to help her, but with the terrorist group apparently back and ready for action someone needed to be here to protect the duchess in case of an attack on her life.

Just the thought of Ahsoka being in those animals hands was enough to make her blood boil, but she had to put her feelings aside, at least for the moment, and look at this situation like the Jedi she was training to become "master let me go to Concordia alone, I can track Ahsoka through our force meld and sneak inside wherever she's being held before anyone even knows I'm there"

Obi-Wan looked at her with troubled eyes "I'm not sure that's the best way to go about this young one"

"master no offense but I can move a lot faster and quieter on my own, and you need to be here to protect the duchess Satine. I can do this master, I know it" Barriss put all her confidence into her words, she knew full well the only way to win an argument over the master negotiator was to truly believe in your own words "this is precisely what my master would want me to do in this situation master, you must let me do this".

Obi-Wan remained unreadable as he glanced at the people gathered around him, after meeting the eyes of Satine he finally nodded "very well Barriss, but stay in radio contact the entire time"

Barriss nodded as she took off towards the transport, her paired sabers already growing heavy at her side 'I'm coming Ahsoka'.