Banishment!, after assembling all who knew about the attachment between padawans Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee the Jedi council gives each a chance to speak before reaching their conclusion. But unbeknownst to either girl a hidden ally waits for his moment to present itself, ready to set into motion a plan to give them one last chance at the lives they hold dear. One way or another, our audacious heroines lives are about to change like never before.
Chapter 18: Master To A Starkiller
Barriss felt her legs buckle as Obi-Wan took his seat, only regaining her composure enough to take a disbelieving look around the room "so...that's it?. After giving my entire life to the Jedi order this is it?, we're on our own?".
"No!" moving into the middle of the chamber Anakin pushed past his padawans and raised a fist towards the council, mainly keeping his gaze towards Obi-Wan as he spoke "I've stood idly by in the hopes that for once the council would make the right decision, unfortunately that didn't happen. I've served this order for the better part of my life, I think I deserve a say in this situation". Stepping back Anakin put a hand of both his padawans shoulders as he waited for an answer.
A short silence followed Obi-Wan nodding from his seat "Anakin's right, these are his padawans after all, it would not be the Jedi way to make this decision without letting him speak his mind" after a nod from each council member master Kenobi gestured to his former apprentice "Anakin you will be given a vote same as every council member here, will it be for reinstatement or banishment?".
Anakin strengthened his grip on each girls shoulder, turning his head and meeting with the reassuring eyes of senator Amidala before speaking "masters, over the time spent knowing about this attachment I've watched both Ahsoka and Barriss with a close eye. Taking their personalities into account you have to realize that banishing these two will not split them apart, if anything the resentment they would most likely hold would push them closer together. I'm still not sure if this relationship is a good idea, but I think the smart thing to do is keep both girls close by so we can keep an eye on it and help them with whatever trouble they run into. So masters, my vote, is for reinstatement".
Ahsoka met the eyes of her master and mouthed a silent 'thank you' before turning to the council "that's five for reinstatement, five for banishment, so what happens now?".
"I may have a suggestion, one that would give both sides what they want" stepping forward into the middle of the room the same Jedi Barriss had tried to place earlier now stood beside her, offering a light bow to the council and to Anakin.
Master Yoda nodded towards the Jedi "master Kota, please continue"
Kota bowed once more, the shine from his armor sending a ray of sunlight across the room "half of you believe having two Jedi who share an attachment in the front lines will put not only them, but those who serve with them in danger. The other half believe both Barriss and Ahsoka are capable of having their relationship while keeping their role as Jedi separate. What I have is a way for both sides to feel comfortable without further dramatizing these young girls" turning his gaze midway between the council and Anakin master Kota continued. "My troops are recently stationed in the Mytaranor sector, we have reason to believe the bounty hunter Cad Bane is targeting members of the Kashyyyk royal families. I'm willing to put these girls in charge of the entire investigation, I'll gladly serve under them while they attempt to find a solution to the problem".
Obi-Wan looked the general over cautiously "and why should we allow this?"
Kota smiled "with these padawans in charge of every aspect of the mission its success or failure depends entirely on their ability to keep their attachment from interfering with their roles as Jedi. If they complete this mission the way any true Jedi would, with the permission of their master, I will move they be allowed to face the trials. Should both girls pass the trials and earn their knighthood they will then be allowed to stay at the temple and continue their lives as regular Jedi".
Barriss felt her heartbeat increase ten fold, would it not have probably ruined the opportunity he was giving them she would of rushed forward and hugged this 'master Kota' with all her strength. Choosing instead to keep her hands to herself she turned towards the council, trying her best to keep her face unreadable as the masters whispered amongst themselves. After a few unbearable minutes of intense silence master Yoda spoke up from his seat "accept your proposition, the council does. But if padawans Tano and Offee fail to keep their attachment from interfering with the mission, banished, they must be".
Kota offered a respectful nod to the council "thank you masters but with all due respect you're not the only ones I was asking" with a hint of a smirk Kota turned his attention to Anakin "Skywalker, what say you?".
Anakin took a moment to rub his eyes before turning and facing master Kota "can you promise me nothing will happen to them?, that they will complete this mission?".
Kota stretched out his hand "that's up to them as much as me Skywalker, but I can promise you this, I will try".
All heads in the room focused on Anakin as he gave one last look down at Ahsoka, with a silent conversation taking place through their combined stares he took a step forward and shook Kota's hand "take good care of them".
The Jedi Temple, exterior docking bay
By the time all was settled the sun in Corusants sky had been replaced by a sea of stars brighter than Barriss had ever seen them before, looking upwards she couldn't help but be reminded of the night she and Ahsoka had shared on the Senates roof. That night had been the best and worst she'd ever experienced, letting her feelings show was never easy even before the attachment and to abandon all she had been trained, even for someone as special as Ahsoka, was easily the hardest thing she'd ever done.
After everything they had been through, every last adventure doing all they could to keep peace across the galaxy, the council had turned their back on them. But what made it worse had to be the utter betrayal of her former master, master Unduli had always told her when she needed help all she had to do was ask "how could she say that Ahsoka?, am I really a...failure?".
Her own words snapped her back into the present, setting alongside Ahsoka on the bench looking out towards the docking bay Barriss flinched a bit as a orange hand met her own. Ahsoka kept her eyes on the ground "of course not, Barriss...I...I don't how the council could just abandon us like they did but for some reason master Kota wants to help us. Maybe, in time, we can change the councils mind about attachment".
Barriss brought her head up and looked in front of them, the T-6 waiting to take them away sat silently a few feet away "I can't seem to shake the feeling this is the last time I'll set foot in the temple".
Ahsoka raised her free hand to Barriss' cheek, gently turning the girls face to meet her gaze "we will be back, trust me" without a thought as to their location Ahsoka wiped the bangs from Barriss' eyes and lightly kissed her forehead "on the bright side we don't have to hide our feelings anymore, we can finally be ourselves".
Despite the grief still resonating inside her Barriss felt a smile tug at her lips "I guess you're right, besides, if master Kota agreed to this he must believe we can change the council's minds right?".
Ahsoka gave her friend a reassuring smile "I'm sure of it"
"ah hem" turning towards the strange noise Barriss raised an eyebrow as padawan Tyzen slowly approached the docking bay, his hood pulled over his face as he kept his eyes aimed at the ground "may I...um...say something?". Moving to the front of the bench Tyzen bowed respectfully as both girls slowly nodded "about what I said before the meeting, if you two were willing to face banishment just to stay together...I guess I still have a lot to learn about what it truly means to be a Jedi. What I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry I didn't come to your aid when you needed me".
Ahsoka nodded "I don't think we had a chance to begin with Tyzen, but thank you" with a silent nod Tyzen started back into the temple, quickly disappearing into the darkness of the first hallway.
When she was sure they were alone Barriss stood from the bench and walked to the edge of the docking bay, knowing full well Ahsoka would follow she spoke up "I can't make you do this Ahsoka, I won't be the reason you lose your training".
Ahsoka let out a soft laugh as she stepped beside her "oh Barriss, you still don't get it do you?" reaching forward Ahsoka tapped lightly on her head. "How many times do I have to say I love you before it gets through?, you're not making me do anything". Barriss jumped as a pair of hands gripped her waist "if this means we stay together, I'm all for it".
Barriss let herself be turned in the comforting hold of her friends arms, meeting Ahsoka face to face as her smile widened. A familiar chill enveloping every inch of her body as she wrapped her own arms around Ahsoka's waist and leaned in long enough to quickly kiss the lips beckoning for her. Sensing two powerful Jedi approaching the girls pulled apart and stood still, silently looking out towards Corusants neon lit landscape as the presence slowly walked up behind them.
Both turning with a soft smile Barriss and Ahsoka bowed to master Kota, the General returned their gesture before turning towards the T-6 "I'll give you three a minute".
Anakin nodded in Kota's direction as he looked at both his padawans "for what it's worth...I'm sorry, I should of spoke up sooner than I did".
Ahsoka rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Anakin's chest, embracing the Jedi knight in a short hug before quickly pulling back. After a slight awkward pause Anakin finally smiled "prove them wrong Snips, oh and here" pulling a pair of lightsabers from his waist Anakin handed the weapons to his padawan "you'll probably need these, give Bane one for me huh?". Ahsoka gave her master one last smile before heading off towards the T-6. Leaving Anakin to turn his attention towards Barriss "Barriss I want to apologize for the way I acted yesterday".
Barriss shook her head "no need master, you care deeply about Ahsoka's well being. I just wish my former master was as protective" .
Sensing the girls turmoil Anakin rested a hand on Barriss' shoulder "the council may be made up of some of the smartest minds this galaxy has to offer but they can still make mistakes, just trust in the force and you will get through this".
Barriss nodded halfheartedly "of course master" shrugging the hand off her shoulder Barriss made her way towards the T-6.
"Raven" Anakin's strong willed voice forced her to turn, raising an eyebrow to question her master. Anakin pulled her paired sabers off his waist and floated them across the docking bay "may the force be with you".
Grabbing the sabers Barriss looked towards her master, feeling a smile slowly spread across her face "and with you master".
Barriss walked into the T-6's cockpit, giving Ahsoka a friendly smile as she sat down in the seat opposite her. Without a word shared between them Kota piloted the ship as it lifted off the temples docking bay and into Corusant's night sky, in a matter of seconds the complete darkness of space filled the ships view port. Kota let the ship steady itself before pulling back on a large switch, a quick lurch forward and the ship began it's trip at the speed of light.
Giving the ships systems one last check Kota swung his chair around as the blaze of stars outside painted the inside of the ship with a faint blue hue "about time we were properly introduced don't you think?".
First to take the hint Barriss shook the masters hand "padawan Barriss Offee, at your service master"
"a pleasure miss Offee" turning towards Ahsoka Kota offered his hand "and you young one?".
Ahsoka shook the hand in front of her with a smile "the names Ahsoka Tano"
"good to know" raising from his seat long enough to take a short bow Kota gave both girls a small nod "General Rahm Kota, I'll be serving under you for the duration of this mission. If ever you need something done, all you have to do is give the order".
Barriss gave Kota a respectful nod "master I don't want you to think we're not grateful for the opportunity you're giving us but...why did you step up during the meeting?".
Kota turned his chair back around and hit a few buttons on the ships controls "this war is killing the Jedi, both literally and figuratively. If the order has any chance of surviving things have to start changing now, evolve or die so they say".
Ahsoka leaned forward in her chair "you believe the Jedi have chosen the wrong side in the clone wars?".
Kota shook his head "not at all, let me try this a different way. So many times in the past few years the Jedi have either let their beliefs slide or forgotten them entirely for this war, just the fact that Skywalker was allowed to take both you as his padawan learners is a direct violation of the code. Make no mistake you two, one way or another, this war will spell our end".
Satisfied with the many readings in front of him master Kota turned back to face both girls as Barriss crossed her arms against her chest "well that says a lot master but you failed to answer my question, why help us?"
Kota let a sly grin cross his face "I like you young one, very direct, the Jedi order needs more who aren't afraid to speak their mind. To answer your question miss Offee I believe in what you're trying to do, the Jedi's rules on love contradict all our other teachings. If I can help bring the order closer to where they should be, I'll do all I can to help".
At the last of the masters words the T-6 lurched itself out of hyperspace, staring out the view port Barriss ran her eyes over the sight in front of her. A Jedi flagship sat almost lazily in front of them, drifting alone in the vastness of space with only distant stars in every conceivable direction. Seeing he had lost the attention of both girls master Kota gestured to his ship in the view port "Ahsoka, Barriss, my flagship. The Eclipse".
Being made from the same company it was no surprise to Barriss that the docking bay of the Eclipse perfectly resembled that of the Resolute, but stepping off the T-6's metal ramp something instantly caught her eye. Much like the Resolute the docking bay was filled with groups of people running around, either working on all types of various ships or cleaning assorted weaponry. But it was clear that these men were not clones, although each man shared the same dark blue armor mixed with several metal coverings on the chest and legs they shared no resemblance to each other, with a variable mix of skin color and build. "These men aren't clones?" Barriss raised an eyebrow at the sight in front of her, feeling the presence of master Kota quickly approach behind her as a few men stopped to greet him.
Kota waited till each soldier offered a salute before speaking "tell every high ranking officer on board this ship to meet on the bridge asap" the soldiers saluted once more before walking away. Ahsoka was last to exit the ship, giving a weird look around the docking bay as she squinted her eyes in confusion. Before the question could even escape her lips Kota rose a hand for her to stop "I'll make a long story short, instead of clones I train my own private militia. These men are every bit as strong and faithful as you believe the clones to be, they'll follow your every order without hesitation".
Ahsoka lightly rubbed her back Lekku, obviously still confused but something in Kota's tone stopped her from pressing the matter "alright then, so what now?".
Kota turned away from the girls as he started down the docking bay, waving a hand for both to follow him "now we inform the men of who's in charge, the rest will be up to you". Barriss took a few quick strides along the metal floor to catch up, trying her best not to stare as Kota's militia worked around her 'having your own army seems a strange move for a Jedi, I'm not sure about this guy Ahsoka'. Looking to Kota's other side Barriss glanced in her friends direction as Ahsoka kept her gaze straight ahead, 'right, the meld is broken. Guess I'm just talking to myself now'.
With a wave of his hand Kota led the way inside the elevator, waiting until the closing doors left them completely enclosed in darkness before speaking. "One more thing, my men are trained, and most know how to pay respect to those who deserve it. But thanks to the war I've had to open up my options for recruits, without going into specifics I think there's something you two should understand. Many of my men...well it's been a while since I've been able to grant a shore leave, and I have only a few female soldiers. Should they give you any trouble just let me know".
Ahsoka rolled her eyes "this mission just keeps getting better and better, just so you know I'm breaking any arm that comes too close".
Kota held back a dry laugh "you have your masters fiery spirit, just do me a favor and save it for the battlefield. Like I said most of my men are very respectful, chances are good you won't have any problems, but you can never be too careful".
Barriss squinted her eyes as the elevator doors opened to reveal the brightly lit bridge, once again this part of the ship resembled the Resolute in every way. Following master Kota both girls walked out of the elevator and onto the bridge, offering a few polite smiles from the militia that worked at it's various terminals and stations. Once they reached the bridges front view port Barriss turned her attention to the many stars outside "I want to thank you again master Kota, if it weren't for you we would no doubt be fending for ourselves right now".
Ahsoka nodded solemnly "I'm not sure I'd know how to handle life outside the Jedi order, we owe you everything master".
Kota kept his gaze looking out the view port ahead of him "if this war continues much longer, life outside the order may be a problem all Jedi share".
Before long both turned along with master Kota at the presence of several men entering the bridge, four men dressed in the same dark blue officers uniform saluted to Kota. After motioning for each man to stand at ease master Kota put a hand on both Barriss and Ahsoka's shoulder "men I'd like you to meet padawan learners Barriss Offee and Ahsoka Tano, as of now these girls are taking over complete control of the ship. Any orders they give will be followed out without question and any information you would normally give to me will be reported to them, any questions?".
The first three men simply shook their heads before turning and exiting the bridge, looking over the remaining officer Barriss bowed respectfully "a question captain...".
"Ace ma'am, actually I was just going to ask if you have any orders?".
Barriss took a moment to think "I suppose we should start by gathering all the information, we'll need a mission report". Captain Ace saluted before turning and gesturing to a soldier standing at a nearby terminal, a silent conversation between the two ended when the soldier grabbed a data-pad from his station and walked over to the view port.
Handing the data-pad directly to Barriss the soldier offered a salute before returning to his station. Barriss took a few steps closer to Ahsoka as the two quickly looked over the information, after a minute of silence Ahsoka shook her head "this says there's been reports of attempted assassinations on members of Kashyyyk's royal families but...master are you sure Cad Bane is the source of these attempts?".
Kota nodded "if our spies Intel is trustworthy, why?"
Ahsoka skimmed her finger along the data-pad "these attempts were all made from long range, it's not like Bane to use a rifle, he prefers to be up close for his kills. And just the fact that these attempts failed leave me to believe Bane isn't the one behind them".
Captain Ace clasped his hands behind his back "interesting ma'am, may I ask why?"
"Bane is never one to fail at something as simple as an assassination, not to mention the whole thing seems two low profile for him. When Bane took the senate building he practically walked in through the front door, I think we're dealing with someone else".
Barriss nodded as she handed the data-pad to Ace "I agree, but the question is who?. Do we have any idea who hired the bounty hunter?".
Ace shook his head "afraid not ma'am, we tried contacting the Hutts but as usual they have no comment".
"I don't think the Hutts are behind this" Kota stated "Kashyyyk has always been an area of interest for the separatists, most likely they hired the bounty hunter to scare the royal families into thinking they need protection the Republic army cannot provide".
Barriss nodded in agreement "that seems possible, having hold of the space around Kashyyyk would allow the separatists to intercept many of our trade routes. It's the very same reason the Republic wants to maintain a presence on the planet, control of Kashyyyk could tip the balance of the war".
Ahsoka took a quick look out the view port before shooting master Kota a confused look "if you knew all this already why isn't this ship stationed closer to Kashyyyk?".
"Kashyyyk hasn't been with the Republic for that long" Kota answered "and to be frank I'm not master Yoda, the wookiee's can be rather cautious with Jedi they've never met".
Ahsoka gave Barriss a short nod before waving a hand for all to follow them down the bridge, stopping at the holo-projector at the base of the bridge Ahsoka hit the few buttons on the machine. Kota walked to the machines opposite end with a raised eyebrow aimed at the young Togruta "may I ask what you're doing?".
Ahsoka nodded as she continued to mess with the holo-projector "calling a friend, I might be able to get us some help in this investigation". The second her hands stopped moving a hologram sprung up from the projector, a rather large wookiee wearing nothing but a laser bandoleer offered an excited growl towards Ahsoka.
A wide smile spread across the young Togruta's lips "it's been too long Chewbacca, it's great to see you two". As the two continued to talk Barriss felt her heart leap at a sudden realization, quickly wiping the look from her face she stood in silence as Ahsoka nodded to Chewbacca's hologrammed form. "That's exactly why I contacted you, we'll need whatever information you've collected to ensure the royal families are protected. I know you won't let me down Chewbacca, see you on the capital".
Chewbacca roared softly as a short bow cut his transmission, still smiling at the inactive machine Ahsoka let a bit of pride into her voice as she looked up at her friends "Chewy will get us permission to land at the capital, set a course for Kashyyyk". Captain Ace saluted before walking back up the bridge, in a matter of seconds a strong lurch rocked the Eclipse as it moved into position to enter hyperspace.
With the lurch Barriss her legs grow weak under her, putting a hand on the holo-projector to sturdy herself did nothing to stop her vision from blurring. The world around her slowly began to vanish from existence as she fought the urge to drop to the floor. Obviously sensing her discomfort master Kota moved closer and put a hand on her shoulder "what is it?".
"I don't know, I'm just...dizzy all of a sudden"
"cutting the force meld between you two was a foolhardy move, no doubt you'll both need some rest before we reach Kashyyyk. Let me handle things for now".
Ahsoka moved forward and lifted Barriss' arm around her head, hiding the anxiety from her face as she started to guide her friend off the bridge "thank you master".
Being careful with every step Ahsoka opened the door leading to their sleeping quarters all the while making sure Barriss didn't lose her footing. Moving to the small bed encased in the left wall she gently laid her friends body down, Barriss let out a small sigh as she shifted in the small bed "thanks Ahsoka, I don't know what I'd do without you".
Ahsoka simply smiled as she made sure her friend was okay "just relax" setting on the edge of the bed she put a comforting hand on Barriss' forehead "well you're not hot".
Barriss forced a weak smile "you're nice"
"you know what I meant, now quit trying to be funny, it goes against your character" . Leaning down to gently kiss her friends cheek Ahsoka couldn't help but smile "so be honest, how many times have you tried to talk to me through the meld since it was broken?".
"only once, guess it's gonna take some...ugh...getting used to" Barriss put a hand to her head, her voice getting weaker with every word "make sure you wake me when...when we reach...".
Ahsoka let out a dry laugh as her friends chest began to rise and fall slowly, staring at Barriss' sleeping form she was instantly reminded of just how much they'd been through today. Using the moment to herself to take a look around their quarters she spotted another bed encased in the opposite wall, complete with its own pillow and thin red blanket. On the wall opposite the door a large window told her the Eclipse had finally entered hyperspace, with a wave of her hand towards the door the lights went black, leaving only the blue ring of hyperspace to light the small room as she switched her gaze back to Barriss. 'I know you need your rest, but I can't sleep without you' letting out a long held yawn Ahsoka squeezed into the small bed best she could, using her enhanced eyesight to keep a watchful eye on her friends form through the darkness as her own eyelids quickly got heavier.
Five hours later
Barriss awoke to the familiar feel of a warm hand against her forehead, choosing to keep her eyes closed she let a smile spread across her face "my head is spinning, kind of reminds me of our first date".
"expecting someone else commander Offee?"
Kota's strong voice force Barriss to her feet in seconds, turning her face as it turned a much darker shade of green "master Kota!, I'm so sorry if I knew it was you I never would of...".
"Relax commander, Ahsoka is waiting for you at the loading bay" .
Pulling her hood over her head Barriss started for the door "well far be if for me to keep her waiting". Walking alongside master Kota Barriss led the way through the many busy hallways of the Eclipse, stepping to the side more than a few times to allow a group of militia past. As they made their way down one of the many metal hallways Barriss finally let her curiosity get the better of her "master if you don't mind me saying it seems strange for a Jedi to command his own private militia, why not just work with the clones?".
Master Kota let out a deep sigh "I had hoped to avoid this conversation, Barriss you've no doubt seen many battles in your life correct?".
"unfortunately master, you're correct"
"then you know what it means to know exactly what to do at any moment, how to move from cover to cover, how to catch a break in enemy fire moments before it starts".
Barriss nodded "yes master but the clones can do all those things as well"
"battle sense isn't something that can bred into you commander, it's a skill gained over time".
"yes but..."
Kota raised a hand to cut her off "let me save you some time commander, my views regarding the clones will not change. I'm afraid in this instance we'll have to agree to disagree".
Barriss stopped at a large metal door, opening it with a wave of her hand she led the way into the loading bay "very well master". The loading bay was flooded with activity, entire platoons of militia marched in every direction, either climbing inside the many parked AT-TE's or simply running out towards the giant open loading ramp. As Barriss made her way through the crowded area several of the AT-TE's sprang to life around her, filling the loading bay with a series of loud clanks as they began their slow trip towards the ramp. Finally spotting Ahsoka talking to a militia soldier at the very end of the loading bay Barriss ran up to her friend with master Kota close behind. Meeting up with Ahsoka the two shared a small nod before Barriss spoke up, being forced to scream over the clanging machinery on the move behind her "do you really think it's a good idea to move all these AT-TE's outside?, the wookiee's could get nervous!".
Ahsoka swiftly nodded "whoever this bounty hunter is they're not stupid!, seeing this much military presence around might force them to put whatever plan they have on hold!".
Barriss took a moment to consider her friends words "good thinking!, has your wookiee friend arrived yet?".
Before Ahsoka could answer master Kota waved towards the loading ramp "perhaps we should take this conversation outside?, ya know where we can actually talk!".
Waving the militia soldier away with one final order Ahsoka turned to the loading ramp and began to lead the way down, by the time they were halfway down the long metal ramp the loud clanging behind them filtered into a low rumble that traveled along their feet. Keeping her gaze towards the ramp at her feet Barriss ran to catch up with her friend "Ahsoka there's something I wanted to tell you last night".
Ahsoka smiled politely "you mean before you fainted?"
"yes, when you were talking to the wookiee on board the Eclipse, I could understand what he was saying".
"So?"
Stepping in front of her friend at the very end of the loading ramp Barriss put a hand on both Ahsoka's shoulders "so this is my first mission on Kashyyyk, I was never taught how to comprehend the wookiee language".
Ahsoka's eyes widened "oh, well the force meld gave me your healing abilities. I guess you got my multilingualism, might as well test it out". Taking a few moments to think Ahsoka opened her mouth, the words that followed Barriss knew she had never heard before but somehow she knew that her friend has just said "you're stuck with me Skyguy". Waving a hand to regain her attention Ahsoka gave her a strange glance "so did you understand me?".
Barriss nodded "perfectly"
"well congrats you now speak Togruta, and the fact that you understood my last sentence means you know gungan as well. Kriffing lucky, it took me years to learn all those languages".
Walking past both girls master Kota gave a quick glance back "we best get started, there's a lot to do before we know what we're up against. That is if it's what you two want to do?".
Ahsoka nodded as she took Barriss' hand in her own "of course master, let's go".
Corusant, The Jedi Temple
After Kota's T-6 shuttle finally disappeared in the night sky Anakin wasted no time in heading back inside the temple and and bearing straight for his former masters quarters, with nothing but his senses and a few rays of moonlight to guide him through the pitch black halls. As he neared the edge of the hall and opened the closest door with a wave of his hand he stepped inside, immediately turning to Obi-Wan's form as the Jedi master sat cross legged in the middle of the living room "how could you?".
Obi-Wan raised a hand to silence his former apprentice as he rose to his feet "before you once again overstep your bounds, may I at least have a moment to speak?". Obviously taken back by the question Anakin stood speechless, only offering a small nod for Obi-Wan to continue. "First I think you should know I stand by what I said at the meeting, as much as we hate to admit it both Barriss and Ahsoka have broken the code". Anakin opened his mouth to speak but was swiftly cut off "but, Anakin I've never wanted to be proven wrong more so than right now".
Anakin took a few steps back, doing his best to relax his stance as he did so "then why cast your vote for banishment?, between the two of us we could of tipped the scale towards reinstatement".
"Anakin do you honestly believe master Kota just happened to attend a meeting that directly interfered with his recent investigation?, I was the one who asked him to be there". Putting a comforting hand on his friends shoulder Obi-Wan led Anakin to the couch and gestured for him to sit "let me explain, when master Yoda told me to round up all who knew about the attachment I knew your padawans would need all the support they could get. I tried my best to gather everyone that would speak in their favor, young Mr. Clever, padawans O-Mer, Jinx and the like".
"But still it wasn't enough" Anakin stated, his voice losing the dark inflection it had held most of the day.
Obi-Wan nodded "Exactly, it was during contacting Cananvi that I was reminded of master Kota's views towards attachment in the Jedi code. Cananvi's ship was refueling on board the Eclipse when I informed him of the meeting, between me and Kota we easily came to a simple conclusion. To truly move forward with master Yoda's intentions your padawans would need to prove that in the field their relationship can be put on hold".
Anakin leaned back into a couch, letting loose a long held moan "you knew from the beginning master Kota was going to step forward".
"Of course" Obi-Wan answered, taking a seat beside his former apprentice and meeting his eyes through the darkness "what I didn't anticipate was you Anakin, to step forward and protect your padawans even after previously stating your anger towards their actions was perhaps the most selfless act I've ever witnessed from you. Master Qui-Gon would be proud, as am I".
"Thank you master, that means a lot, but do you really think your plan will work?".
Obi-Wan simply shrugged "we've done all we can, the rest is up to Barriss and Ahsoka. If they are meant to succeed, the force will see them through their mission".