First Time
"The trade routes you've acquired this day will be put the full usage of their purpose. You're efforts are truly appreciated, general."
Grievous took the approbation from his master with surprise, for praise came little to rarity with the Sith.
The general gave into his master the appropriate bow, "My efforts couldn't have been more helpful had I lacked you're training, my Lord," Grievous expressed from under his mask, making sure his thanks were known. With a risen arm, the general was gestured by his master to rise before him once again.
Having just returned from the sand-infested terrain of Tatooine, Count Dooku instantly stationed the general for yet another military operation requiring his level of expertise. Grievous was more than eager—greatly grateful, as well—and left with the thought that the count was becoming more and more trusting of his prized creation. He neither argued his reasons or true objective, instead follow his master's lead with the comforting knowing that everything his superiors planned was for the good of the Separatists alliance.
The senior Sith then produced a small holo-image of a planet in the palm of his hand. "You're next assignment is to liberate this planet of its Republican influence. That said, the populations themselves are quite keen as to the finer intricacy of bioweaponry, talents highly depended on by the Republic." Widening the view, there was an abundant number of republic war-ships posed in standardized defense blockade. Grievous could see the specific areas in which the blockage was more heavily guarded, specifically in areas where most of the populace thrived in. It would have to take a massive fleet just to break through. But the general determined no other dilemmas.
"I will need a large amount of troops in order to break through the blockage. Jamming their transmissions for support will also minimize any problematic situations," Grievous surmised as he went. "Liberation would be completed within one standard hour at most."
Dooku took to the information gradually.
"See to it that you do. Once we've predominate this planet, and captivate the workers will to our cause, the Republic will be left with a large gap in support that will leave them weakened."
"Consider it done, my Lord."
Before Grievous could leave the briefing room to the befitting quarrels of warfare, his master summoned him back.
"General, I am not finished."
Grievous made small curses under his audio receptors too low for the Count to hear. He darted toward the Sith, crossing his arms across his plated sternum in a manner of notable impatience. Was it not his duty to bid to his master's whim without haste? To put it simply, Grievous wanted nothing more to be away from his master and at last and to do what he felt in his mind more proper for his time: to kill and serve.
"What is it?" Grievous rasped, doing his best to hide his impatience.
"The child."
"What of her?" Grievous quickly caught his tongue, then cut in, "my lord," after catching Dooku's observant eyes narrow.
"For obvious reasons I wish know her wellbeing, and loyalty."
Grievous took a small pause, thinking over with his thoughts before speaking. Truthfully, she had not attempted any foul play or deceive him of their bargain, nor escape his custody. And any further resistance had been left in a settlement back on palace. But her attitude in general still needed adjustment.
"She has come a long way. . " Grievous paused, his mind skipped between telling the truth or lie to his face. Lie that the child was indeed behaving and the general had things under control, or, tell the truth of her constant disrespect. But that was out of the question. The general could never coerce himself to mislead the count, less make it far worse whence he knew truth for himself. ". . . yet after making multiple attempts to break her, she still proves to be quite the handful when it comes to minding superiors."
The count frowned at the news in distaste.
"How unfortunate. The child can't possibly be that big of a problem for you handle, is it?"
If it weren't for the duranium mask, the Count would have seen his loyal commander scowl. Grievous, offended, disagreed with his master's assumption. But he didn't speak out even though he refused to be made the incompetent one. He couldn't.
"Does she disobey you frequently? I will not tolerate such behavior, and these flaws will be accounted on you're failure."
The child's behavior was being accused on Grievous' behalf? The count was accusing him of encouraging it, no doubt, when really, Grievous has made every attempt to train the child when time presented itself. Grievous held back the impending hiss he so wished to express. "But the child has a strong independency. And furthermore, she only proves herself to be a nuisance in my company. She attests herself to be maladroit in any form of skill you might mistake for talent. I only wish that you take her away as soon as you can."
"That is unacceptable. This independency must be broken, and I will remove her from you're custody when I see fit, general. Once you finish the capture of this planet, I will arrive soon after to explain the new governmental arrangements for the people and their abilities, until then I want the child's complete obedience."
The cyborg's metal talons grated the metal flooring in aggravation. The general had other priorities that were of far more importance than a wretched pup to nurture. Clenching his claws into fists from under his cape, Grievous bowed as a final after something in the back of his mind coaxed him to relent.
"I'll see what I can do."
With a curtly nod, the Sith's image dissolved into the hologram. Grievous turned and quickly left to his ship's bridge to bark orders for departure.
"Begin preparations for our attack, and send a signal for additional forces to our fleet," Grievous commanded quickly, stalking towards a large projector of the planet of which is his target.
While gorging himself with the full brunt of his authority, Grievous' servant sat immobile next to his seat in the middle of the bridge. There, Ahsoka was doing as she was instructed—surprisingly—making herself non-existent during their travels, redressed in her proper servitude clothing.
Grievous stepped down the lower levels where the droids were and eyed the blockade hologram with intensity, scanning for possible flaws. Had the populace areas not been so heavily protected, Grievous would have drawn his attention there first. But the blockade diminished any possibility of the cyborg tyrant attempts. There were at least four central blockading areas, each with their own fleet stationed in particular spots. Once he jammed their transmissions, target and eliminate the main stations, and blocked off exit points for evacuations, Grievous would have the planet in his hands. The planet would have no choice but to surrender for the safety of their Republic-loving inhabitants. A predictable outcome.
"Begin jamming all connection sources once we've arrive," he threw over his shoulder to no droid in particular. "Signal the other ships to enter from hyperspace from the north, south, and east. We will aim our fire for the west. That is where the government officials dwells."
"Roger, roger."
Returning to higher level of the bridge, Grievous sat himself comfortably on his seat to watch his tactic unfold. His heart began to drum with anticipation, the only time he ever felt truly himself. In the toils of warfare, and the destruction it brought in its wake, it was where Grievous natural born instincts stimulated in a frenzy and craving for more.
"General?"
Grievous followed the small voice to the location of his servant, Ahsoka. She looked up towards him like an animal begging to its master.
"In you're position, such a reference is highly unacceptable," Grievous chided, humorously tsking Ahsoka while waving a finger. The child grimaced, but made no attempt to correct her mistake. Grievous scowled and had a mind to properly discipline her. But Ahsoka started at him with a question that really got him.
"Did. . . um. . . did Dooku mention anything about my master?"
He sent her a death glare that could scare any feeble life-form who dared cross him. "We had a deal about that, little one."
"I know-I know." The child spoke softer to better ease her caretakers temper. "I just. . . want to know that he is okay."
Grievous scoffed at the foolish compassion this child carried. "That should be the least of you're worries." Grievous could easily see how much this person meant to this girl. The way she regarded him with utmost affection, it sickened him. And by how far this child was willing to sacrifice just to keep her companion safe implicated more. "You're pathetic. What exactly is this scum to you, any how?"
The Togruta bit her lower lip, signs of disgrace and guilt flooded over the child's expression. Including shame.
"This 'master' of yours is that special to you, isn't he?"
Again, no reply. Except for a small notion of betraying remorse. Grievous snickered, enjoying this small show.
"This is why emotions are not needed for the embodiment of a person. It is nothing more than a distraction, and should be channeled out to make room for precise focus," lectured the general, to which the child did not take to heart. She knew he was right about one thing, was that emotions can blind a person from what is necessary. But that did not mean one should be hollow like a heartless droid, like the general, had Ahsoka said that out loud, the cyborg would not have been so pleased with that.
Ahsoka glued her eyes to the window, wrapping her arms around her legs as she began to challenge her cyborg caretaker once more. "He is the man who gave me a home when no one else offered. He showed me there were other people who were different like me, and who would accept me for what I am," she said, prideful as she described the chivalry of her cherished friend. "I will do whatever it takes to keep him safe." She raised her head to him with burning defiance, her eyes glinting wild and lively.
"Such a noble proclamation," Grievous mused," I ask you. During you're reunion, will he not turn you away for you're attachment despite you're selfless efforts in rescuing him. That instead of giving the Separatists all the secrets that you possess, you should have ran, or perhaps taken your own life."
Ahsoka face twisted in disgust. But she didn't flee from their small debate. "Suicide is not the Jedi way. My master taught me many things, including to do whatever you can to save lives—to do what is right."
"But never did he encourage attachments of any forms, did he not," Grievous cut in. The general knew little of the Jedi's religion, but enough to understand that the farthest a Jedi can go is to be compassionate at a safe degree. And here this child, who was in obvious fear of the Dark Sides influence, harbors traits that were highly discouraged.
On his planet, Kalee, life was harsh and traumatic for the weak, so of course similar affections the Togruta displayed was rare with his people. Death constantly on the prowl, one would swiftly be turned to savagery and eternal heartache. Dominance, prowess, and aggression were the only key traits that drove a Kaleesh to survival, survival of the fittest one would say, and so it was. But that was in the past. Now, with the support of the Banking Clan to fund their trade's and cancel war reparations, his people will never again have to forgo the dark times of famine Grievous was forced into. The Huks, the betrayal of the Republic, and the death of something that tore the cyborg general to a state of depression. But his mind refused to implore the leading cause, and he would later forget his attempt of recollection to the attention of his new charge.
"You're master obviously failed in properly training you. You failed to be his student, but do not fear, my masters will train you to become less hindering in due time."
Through speaking to the likes of scum, Grievous turned away from the conversation to watch out the window as they at last exited hyperspace. There to greet the cyborg and his fleet was a large blockage of Republic warships, angled in steady positions of defensive operations, not offensive. They weren't expecting a separatists attack to come. Grievous will use that as to his advantage, and any advantage would be considered deadly to any poor fool who made himself to be the general's enemy.
"General, all fleets have entered from hyperspace in the positions you've requested earlier, and we've cut off all communications, including via Nava-computer."
Standing from his chair, Grievous turned one last time to the child before sending his wrath upon the galaxy.
"I shall demonstrate to you what you're master—and you're feeble Republic—fail in power. Watch as I destroy every last one of them. "
"The Republic will not lose," Ahsoka defied. "Not the likes of you."
"We shall see." Grievous whipped his head to face the planet and barked, "Begin attack! Maximum fire power."
On command, squads of vulture droids pressed the attack on the western central ship. The Republic had little time of their own to send out their squadrons of petty clones. Grievous made sure that they were completely incapacitated by cutting all communications until they were nothing but sitting ducks. The droids began to volley vicious attacks at the center ships, until at last they broke through the block and changed course to nearby warships that made the mistake of trying to help their fallen comrades.
Another wave of vulture droids, but this time the Republics won over the fray through creativity to which droids were inefficient to.
Grievous made a mental note to have the Geonosian engineers amplify the droids for better efficiency.
Making up for the small loss, two rows of vulture droids came at the squadron with their fire power, one taking the squad head on, then surprising their prey with the second wave firing from behind out of nowhere. They were dealt with ease, and remained the only squad able to make it that far to the general's flagship.
A muffled cry came from Grievous' back. Ignorant at first, before turning in annoyance for the constant interruption, Grievous witnessed his slave withering on the floor in a fetal position, marveling the sight before him.
Do you see, child? Do you see the power I am capable of unleashing. This is why you do not cross me.
The way the Togruta shriveled at every fire and flinched with each fallen clone-fighter, Grievous could tell that she was not fully exposed to the battlefield. She had yet to fully taste the excitement of warfare, and experience the exhilarating throbs of adrenaline after a vicious victory. In his experience, the destruction that followed war was what thrilled the general into frenzy. He liked it, not just because his mortal life was nothing but warfare, but because he was good at it and enjoyed it.
Grievous motioned toward the child darkly.
"You are inexperienced, aren't you? Pup," Grievous determined. Ahsoka did not disagree, instead nodded in another shameful response. Her fear weakened her with each crash and kill. And her moans of distress alerted him that her senses were the leading cause of her anxiety.
"I can feel it," she gasped, holding herself together helplessly. "Their pain." Ahsoka began to thrash at the collar and grabbed at her head. "Stop it! Stop it now!" Grievous wasn't sure if she was talking to him directly anymore or to some other familiar.
"I have orders that must be fulfilled," Grievous informed, whether she heard or not. "This planet must be punished."
Alerted of the south and northern blocks demise, Grievous ceased fire and requested the progress for his small negotiation.
"Have we any success for surrender?" To the side, he could feel the pleading eyes of his servant.
"The planet ignored our transmission and refused for surrender, sir."
"Very well," Grievous regarded, "Press secondary firepower on the planetary surface now starting with the populace capital. This whole ordeal is becoming amusing to me," Grievous cackled benevolently.
"Roger, roger."
In areas where there were blotches of grey mixed with green, came under fire as the droid vessels bid to their heartless general's whim. The republic blockade, already tending to the safety of themselves, were in scrambling with chaotic confusion, intent on saving the civilians while at the same time looking out for themselves. But it was too late. By the time, if any time given, they decided which point of action they deemed to thrust into, were decimated like the rest and scrapped, their deaths in vain.
Ahsoka whined like an injured animal when the attacks pressed further to the location of the populace. She didn't know how much more she could take. Her mind began to draw out question in frantic terror. Where was the republic? Haven't they called for reinforcements yet? Don't they have enough artily to protect themselves? And where are the Jedi? She remembered how each planet protected by the Republic were assigned with a certain amount of Jedi, as requested from the elderly chancellor Ahsoka knew little of. And yet she saw no sight of Jedi-fighters, but she could sense them through the disparity in the force and the catastrophic occurring right now. They were there, but there was no indication of chivalries or command. This information caused disturbance to the back of the child's mind, along with so much more. Swarming memories of her first experience in the battle caught Ahsoka off-guard. She remembered the loss of good men, and the fight between her and her master before her ship was decimated and she was brought into this sad fate.
The last clone-fighter from his squadron was showered by a rain of plasma before exploding. The clone's screams echoed through the force, echoed through Ahsoka's mind. Choking in a sob, Ahsoka slowly got up from the floor and walked up behind the general. Weakly raising her hand, Ahsoka tugged at the general's cape, too afraid to physically touch his arm.
"Can I leave, please?" Ahsoka pleaded, taking in deep breaths while trying to keep her balance as her vision blurred and stung her eyes. Becoming vague on her surroundings, Ahsoka wasn't sure if the monster even heard her, before she decided to remove herself with or without his approval.
"I'm going to leave."
Something firm grabbed her arm before she could leave. Looking at the problem, she saw a white claw having taking purchase of her right arm and pull her back to where she first started. Ahsoka, with what energy she tried to find in herself, looked up to realize a pair of yellow orbs piercing into her like a lightsaber.
"Stay where you are."
Ahsoka weakly clawed at the general's hold. From a different perspective, it must have made her more pathetic than what her state of mind realized. "No, please . . . my mind can't take much more—"
"You will do as I say. This show shall provide you some insight on the battlefield," was the final words that frightened Ahsoka from leaving. A warning spark struck up her brain, and Ahsoka nodded in submission. Helpless, Ahsoka watched the area where all of Grievous' army attacked, while at the same time, hearing the cries of civilians crying out in pain, mothers and children screaming through the streets.
"Do you see those evacuation transports? The ones leaving the planets orbit?"
Ahsoka, vague but still mildly focused, nodded after spotting the large group of vessels.
"I-I-I see." Yes, she could see, and sense. Most of the passengers aboard were women and children. The men were just barely starting to evacuate themselves.
"Remember them well." Ahsoka was confused from the motive of his sentence until he heard him order, "All cannons fire at those evacuation transports," and screamed for the poor souls before watching one by one fall.
Turning, the remaining starships were vanishing through hyperspace, leaving what was left of the planet to fend for themselves.
"Cowards. Retreating and not even accepting a noble death."
"They'll be back!" Ahsoka breathed through chokes. "I know the Republic won't give up so easily."
"And yet my droids have yet to inform me the arrival of reinforcements entering hyperspace nearby," the general informed her. "Are you sure you are vouching for the right military?"
"Don't poke fun at me."
"I'm merely enlightening you on the current situation. Now watch."
It was a disgusting rush that sent horrible chills up the Togruta's spine over and over again as she witnessed death multiple times. Ahsoka had to bite back her sobbing, drawing blood. Her legs weakened and buckled to the floor once more as a city collapsed and crashed in Main Square where the civilians were. Another wave of deaths flooded the force; Ahsoka scrunched her eyes as it rasped her nerves. she was too disoriented to figure out the duration the invasion lasted, but when it finally ceased, she was left in a state of nausea.
"Sir, we have a boarding party waiting for you in the Main Hanger."
"Good. Land around the city to cut off escape, and wipe out any survivors," Ahsoka caught the cyborg rasp. She felt a pull on her arm, and obediently followed wherever the twisted monster was taking her. "You will be joining me, there is still more to show you. More for you to experience."
Ahsoka didn't dare defy him. His claw had a strong grip around her arm. And she had no intentions of losing it, she needed her arm.
"If you look away, I will punish you."
Ahsoka fearfully bid to his whim, afraid of what he would do to her if she did not obey. He already proved to her he will kill civilians without remorse, what would make her any less special—other than her roots.
Against her inclination, they arrived to the Hanger bay faster than she expected. There, an army of droids were waiting for the general's appearance. Grievous stalked to the center of the unit, looking over with those malevolent yellow eyes he carried, before accepting the arrangements, Ahsoka didn't. There were large tanks, droids with blasters, and even larger droids. Ahsoka didn't need experience to know what kind of slaughter this will progress into. Again, she bit into her sore lip, fighting to keep from crying in front of the monster that kept her in line. She felt the ship depart from space, and enter the smoked atmosphere of the now crumbling metropolis. When they landed, immediately the droids marched outside in perfect rows. Grievous pushed Ahsoka after them, his grip still strong.
The first thing that struck Ahsoka's senses was burnt plasma. It was still daylight, almost close to noon, and the only thing that ruined such a beautiful morning was the invasion of the Separatists.
With a forceful yank on her arm—close to dislocation—Grievous forced Ahsoka into a large area where, before she had the chance to block it out in time, she watched droids starting to pile dead bodies in a careless fashion. One after another, Ahsoka witnessed each civilian be thrown into piles of bloody carcasses where flies were beginning to nest into. Ahsoka's stomach lurched into a painful recession of which she was in need to release, curling to the floor with her headtails dangling off her head, Ahsoka proceeded to vomit on the crumbling floor. The general was pleased with the child's reaction to the outcome; he was giving her the attention the count seemed to think encouraged negative behaviors. But this was negative, this was progressive to the state of mind, the child just needed to get used to it.
"Come. I have more for you to familiarize with." he made sure to tone his voice to make it clear that his order was absolute. The child was aware enough to listen to him, weakly gaiting after him as the two ventured further into the main square of the city. Ahsoka flooded with despair as she could not see or sense anymore republic reinforcements come to the cities aid. She wondered, if there were any left, where the survivors were hiding.
There was food all over the floor when they past the markets, animals scurrying about in fright after sensing the general's presence, and everywhere Ahsoka would divert to, bodies laid about, both women, children, and men alike with the foul stench that followed. Ahsoka crinkled her nose.
Refusing to watch anymore, Ahsoka ran in front of the general. Only did she challenge him did Ahsoka recall his towering form, she never felt so small and insignificant before. But she shrugged the idea and hissed to his face with utmost animosity. "This is all you're fault. These people lived in peace before you're stupid droids ruined it all for them!"
Grievous leered at her viciously, provoked by her sudden outburst as an offensive gesture. "They chose to join the Republic. They brought this upon themselves."
"Only because they wanted protection."
"From a weak government who throws lies and false declarations for the greater good of the galaxy," Grievous threw back. "Had they joined the Separatists, then perhaps their lives would have gone by under more pleasant circumstances."
"Perhaps?" Ahsoka emphasized, her face twisting in abhorrence.
"Yes, perhaps!"
What threw Ahsoka into more repugnance was that the general was unfazed by the massacre. It angered Ahsoka, whereas she should ignore such a strong emotion and look towards common sense—but there existed no such tranquil state when in the company of a butcher who evidently enjoys slaughter.
Passing down stairs leading to the very center of the city, Ahsoka saw from afar a large group of civilian lined in rows, each with their own droid chaperone to keep them in line and wait for their superior for his appearance. Grievous stalked towards a droid leading it's counterparts.
"Is this all that's left?"
"Yes, general."
"Take the girl and have her sit over there."
"Roger, roger."
Pulled aside from the group, Ahsoka sat at a good distance from the end of the line, but close enough to view the fearful citizen's scared expressions and dirtied tattered clothing. The children huddled close to the mothers and widows who wept and feared for the worst as the droids organized them in perfect lines to be presented to their master. Her master. Ahsoka touched her collar, despising her inability to do anything about it, her power nullified at the hands of the twisted monstrosity who did this to the people of this planet.
The Republic could do nothing to stop this, instead they allow such a creation to roam free and commit savage slaughter such as the sight Ahsoka saw before her.
The civilians witnessed in horrific surprise a towering droid with a mind of it's own, an independent quality that separated it from the rest, it's arching posture and madden eyes depicted to a predatorily animal when really it was the galaxy's worst nightmare. After sensing their fear, the general frightened them all the more as he gave them his utmost attention, his words deciding their fate.
"Citizens of this planet," Grievous regarded them venomously, "you must know by now that you were better off as another body for my droids to trash in the piles you see before. But fear not, I shall grant you all a merciful end you're precious friends and families apparently did not receive."
A civilian, the only one the cyborg saw with an unbroken will, a mannerism he had rarely seen after decimating a homeland, broke away from the droid that was too incompetent to keep him in line. The young man, with auburn hair, and defiant eyes that reminded him so much of himself when he was a lad of young age, defying the Huk and Jedi alike for what they did to him and allowed on his home planet, limped at a fair distance from the cyborg killer—which was closer than any other sap had ever ventured close enough. The general sympathized with the survivor and gave him his attention, erecting his posture in an intimidating hovering manner only something of his kind could ever hope to achieve.
"You monster! The republic will put a stop to you if it's the last thing they do."
"You dare defy me even at impossible odds, quite the noble gesture."
"I'm not afraid, especially not to scum."
Hearing that, the general stalked near the human who dared not move else he wanted his throat torn there and now. "You wish to die sooner, boy?" casually suggested the general, eyes glinting like a predator whence it caught sight of it's prey. "I will be more than happy to grant you that wish."
"I wish for you and you're droids to leave this planet or suffer the wrath of the Republic."
Their wrath. The Republic had nothing on the general, nothing to beat him at, not this time that is. His durasteel chest rumbled as he brought a digit pointed at his chest. For the human, he saw the said creature's eyes glow into hardened madness.
"Humorous you're threats are to me. But you see I am clearly far too powerful for the likes of the Republic, nor the Jedi." Igniting his lightsaber at the bridge of the human's brow, the general erected his claw in readiness to take the life of his defiant hostage. "Is that all you have to say?"
"No."
"Speak then, for I am humble enough to allow a dying man's last words be heard before he is sent to the heavens above."
The human cracked a twisted smile, another sign of defiance that has not been broken.
"Then I shall tell you what I have to say."
"So be it."
Drawing in a breath after a moment's pause, the only sound that was audible other than the humming of the cyborgs blade and the far off whimper of his Togruta servant, the human spoke at last.
"A droid like you, will never bring the Republic to its knee's. The Separatist's will lose.—"
Tossed out of sight, the general made swift work of dispatching the man of his head at the end of his proclamation, at the same time, cutting the survivors last shred of hope of Republic arrival.
"Anymore outburst I need to know of?" None answered, except for the cooked sizzling of smoke emitting from the neck of the now headless corpse. "That's what I thought." Now it was the child's turn to gain the attention of the cyborg general, shivering and shaken stiff after watching the murder of a defenseless man. Ahsoka felt the vibrations of crumbling earth the cyborgs talons made as the monster came closer. "Come here, little one." She bid, afraid that she will not see the next day like the man before her.
She answered with a weakly "yes?" and followed the general back to where he was moments before. Curious, Ahsoka peaked her head up to see what the cyborg was planning, but with his mask covering his face, it proved difficult to determine. So lightly, under a small degree to ease the collar's security, very lightly, Ahsoka tried to feel for his thoughts, anything to give her insight on what he was planning. If he was force-sensitive—thanks the stars he's not—then he would have felt her clumsy and untrained prodding. But after figuring out what was to proceed after, Ahsoka gasped in horror.
"Begin executions by rows, make sure none are alive."
"Roger, roger."
Ahsoka snapped her eyes shut, unable to bring herself to watch anymore, before a slight tug to her headtail alarmed her. The general arched his head next to hers, eerily close to the point she could feel the texture of his mask brush behind her headtail. She cringed when he gripped her shoulders and moved her closer to the row of hostages who were moved forward with blasters pointed at the back of their heads.
"Look at them, child, look at them for it will be the last time anyone will see life breath through them ever again."
Ahsoka watched them while they refused to look at her or the general except drop their heads to the floor in dread. Ahsoka wanted to help, her instincts begging her to do so, but fear blinded her actions and focused her mind on obeying the general's whim.
The first row was pushed forward on their knees. Their cries for mercy were unheard by the general and his droids, who readied their blaster waiting to fire.
"Fire."
The first row fell to the floor and a heap of blood and gore. Ahsoka screamed, feeling their deaths coarse through, vomiting and whimpering as the blood spilled close to her. Instantly she scurried nearer to the cyborg that kept her in place, he didn't seem to pay her any mind even when she got on his large talons to keep her feet dry from blood.
Ahsoka clenched her fists and tugged on the general, at last finding her voice and started begging for the cyborg to stop this and let them go. She was ignored. Another wave of blaster fires. Ahsoka shivered and whimpered to herself as a pool of blood was starting with each execution.
When the last row was just the women and the children, Ahsoka ran away before the general could catch her, before she could see them pass on as well. She ran down the streets, past lifeless people, crumbling buildings, and fallen parks, she dared not turn back for fear of a monster hot on her trail. She didn't know how long she was running as her legs burned with unrest, until she gave out and fell over to the ground where she laid there limb like any other dead body. It came to realization that her chest was heaving her to hyperventilate, until she caught short and heard a noise that caught her attention.
A baby's wail.
Ahsoka walked towards the sounds in a slow fashion, trotting down steep streets broken and contorted with the sidewalk, cutting herself from broken shards and objects, and occasionally tripping most ungracefully on the rubble concrete, until at last she made to a house. The wailing grew louder and louder when Ahsoka invited herself in, till at last she found a human baby nestled in covers beneath a table, its parents nowhere to be found. Taking the babe into her arms, she rocked it with tear-filled eyes
Because of war, and monsters that create it, this innocent child will suffer for things that it did not commit. Right there, Ahsoka felt her heart lurch and rip in agony as she settled the baby in her safe embrace.
The sounds of metallic footing against rubble and debris neared Ahsoka from behind, but she didn't turn, fearing for the baby after hiding it under her tunic. Ahsoka practically curled into a ball, feeling ten battledroids surround her.
The baby, silent as its whimpers were covered by the fabric of her grey tunic, nuzzled closer to Ahsoka's chest.
It didn't take long for her owner to follow after, sensing his presence without even having to use her Togruta echolocation.
Slowly, Ahsoka turned her head and saw Grievous hover over her like a crazed animal. His hunched posture and baring claws made Ahsoka feel weak.
"Always the disobedient, aren't you?"
Ahsoka was going to say something until the baby whimpers rose to sobbings. Ahsoka curled again desperately.
"What was that!" he roared.
"Nothing!" she cried, rocking back in forth trying to ease the smothered babe at her nape.
Torn from her barrier, Ahsoka was exposed of her deception and pulled aside so that the general may observe the reason for her disobedience. There it was, upon the dirtied floor where it squirmed and wailed as the merciless killer of its parents watched carefully, until briskly turning and beckoning for Ahsoka and her two guards to follow. Another gesture and the babe was taken away, never seen again.
From that moment on, the reality of which Ahsoka thought to be fair and devoted to chivalry no longer bore. It was there she realized that there were many problems the Republic could not stop, nor the Jedi.
Summoned before the general, Ahsoka was again pitted against something that was clearly far more superior than she. Words of their previous conversation played through her memories like a sheer cut through the very strands that kept her soul in place.
During you're reunion, will he not turn you away for you're attachment despite you're selfless efforts in rescuing him.
The words weighed Ahsoka down as did the Force. She feared that, perhaps, the general could be right.
"W-what will you do?"
"Punish you of course."
"I care not for me, but for the infant," said Ahsoka, mustering up her bravery as best as she could. "What will you do to the baby?"
"You should know well enough," the beast neared. "Would you like to see for yourself?"
"Don't do it," she begged. "I'll take care of it. You won't even notice its there—"
"I will!" said Grievous. "As for you, you should not even worry over such a small thing—especially one that is not even related to you're species."
"I worry because I am a—"
"Don't say it! Don't you dare say it! You are a slave for crying out loud."
Ahsoka bit her lower lip, shrinking as his voice grew. Grievous turned his back on her, but he wasn't finished with their conversation.
"Unlike you masters from the Jedi Temple, I will not hesitate to expose you to the realities of the galaxy. You've seen for yourself what the order—and the filthy Republic—ignore while they carry about with their own affairs. Slavery, and petty worlds that prove themselves to be no longer useful to their patronages, all shunned by the Republics self-pride and greed you fail to see."
Ahsoka didn't say anything except hear the general's words. The general turned to her now, with the same malevolent stare she's been given ever since her stay with him.
"Take what I've just taught you to heart, otherwise you're mentality will not last for long. You must become stronger than what you are in order to survive with the likes of our masters," he said at last. "I do not accept weakness."
Biting back the tears, and accepting what she considered to be her new life, Ahsoka nodded.
"Good," she heard that monstrous voice accept cruelly. "You have finally accepted what you are, and now I see it necessary to leave you to the care of you're true master, Lord Dooku."
That name brought a pit of consternation to Ahsoka as she followed him through cities destruction once more and departed on the transport.
Here you go. Ahsoka has finally stopped resisting her future with the good general and Dooku. Or will she continue her defiance? And shed some light in the general's black-and-white view on the galaxy. Keep reading and you might find out.
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Or else. (It's the only way I know I still have readers out there)