Author's note: Sorry I didn't update yesterday but I had a paper that I had to write. As to Guest's review, well, let's just say that there is a Palpatine chapter coming up and leave it at that, shall we? As a completely random aside, why was the Senate responsible for Ahsoka's trial? Why not the Supreme Court, which we know exists? And if it was a tribunal wouldn't the military be responsible for trying her? And where the heck did Barriss get those fancy Nano-droids? To quote Red Letter Media, "PALPATINE'S BEHIND IT ALL!" Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far for the very kind words. I really appreciate it. Please leave a review!
The Force works in mysterious ways, of that I am certain. Years ago I was on a mission, dismantling a ring of pirates and smugglers operating in the Expansion Region when in my search for the criminals I came across the planet Shili. My search for the pirates on that world was fruitless, but I did discover something else that day, something much more important than mere pirates.
I had sensed a disturbance in the Force and was lead to a modest home. It was there that I discovered Ahsoka Tano. I knew at once that she was strong with the Force. Her family was…skeptical, to say the least. It took some time, but inevitably they were convinced of her great potential.
Their feelings on the matter were divided. They knew that Ahsoka could become greater than anything they could offer her if she became a Jedi. But she was their daughter, and to lose her at such a young age would hurt them greatly.
Despite what Separatist Propaganda proclaims, Jedi do not "steal" children. Most parents recognize that the Jedi Order allows their offspring the chance to have more opportunities than they would otherwise. To be a Jedi is a calling greater than most, and in the end parents want what is best for their children.
But that does little to ease the pain felt by their loss.
Before we left for the Temple I had promised her Mother and Father that I would watch over her. I promised them that I would protect her and be there for her when I was needed. I practically raised her like my own daughter. I was the closest thing to a father that she had.
Only now do I recognize the depths of my failure.
I have failed. I have failed so completely and utterly that the scope of this disaster is mind boggling.
Ahsoka's decision to leave the Order behind is my fault. I sat idly by while the Council expelled her from the Order and turned her over to the Senate for trial. I offered a few protests here and there, a few weak willed skeptical exclamations when it came to accusations of Ahsoka's guilt. I should have fought harder; I should have been standing with her in the Courtroom, working on her defense, offering every bit of logic and wisdom I had in order to sway things in her favor.
If it had not been for Skywalker's timely arrival it is likely that Ahsoka would have been found guilty and executed. That the innocent should potentially suffer so is something that should unnerve anyone, especially the Jedi.
And we are all indeed saddened by her departure. But I doubt anyone has really learned anything from this. Things have changed too much for a lesson to be learned.
In theory the members of the Council are all equals (with one Grand Master as first among equals), offering their opinion on various issues and then reaching a consensus. But as a lifetime member of the Council I have been around long enough to recognize a slow yet steady shift in the balance of power. Master Yoda and Master Windu have been accumulating more and more decision making authority to themselves. It is oftentimes difficult for other members of the Council to make their voices heard.
There is a certain logic as to why this has transpired. Masters Windu and Yoda are the strongest and wisest members of the Order. They didn't get their positions in a lottery after all. They received them from years of training, meditation and experience. Oftentimes they know what is best. But it has reached a point where the rest of the Council has become little more than a powerless advisory committee rather than an actual deliberative assembly. On important issues such as this their opinion has become law. It can be… frustrating even at the best of times.
Perhaps this is the Will of the Force. I cannot allow my feelings to cloud my judgment. And so I let go of my fear, my shame, and my guilt. I still remember it and why I felt that way, but I do not allow it to overcome me.
Ahsoka has grown and developed so greatly in the last few years alone. I suppose war changes everyone. But despite some reservations I may have had it is evident that Skywalker has been a good influence on her. She has become a determined, intelligent and independent individual.
Ahsoka must follow her own path, I see this now, and I wish her the best, for what such trivial sentimentalities are worth.
Obi-Wan takes a step forward to go after her, but I stop him from going. We have done more than enough. We cannot be there for her forever. She must sort out her feelings alone.
My thoughts shift towards Barriss, who up until now I have given little actual thought since Ahsoka's acquittal.
Barriss was a model apprentice. She would have made a fine knight, if not for this tragic chain of events. How blind are we that we on the Council could not even see her sliding into darkness? The Darkside envelops the entire galaxy in fog and mist. At this point it is almost impossible to see your own hand even if it is less than a centimeter from your own face.
Barriss was not in league with the Separatists, that much is clear. She detests them as much as she now detests us. But that does not mean she acted alone. Somewhere out there the Dark Lord of the Sith lurks in the shadows, manipulating everything from afar. Is this mysterious Sith Lord behind Barriss's fall from grace? There is no evidence either way, but I cannot help but feel a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something dark is at work here. Barriss is a resourceful and intelligent young woman, but how could she and a band of Anti-Jedi civilians get their hands on high grade nano-droid explosives? And more importantly how could she have created such an ingenious plan? The simple answer is that she spent many months developing this plan, but I feel something more sinister is at work.
Shortly before the First Battle of Geonosis Count Dooku had informed Obi-Wan that the Senate was under the control of a Sith Lord named Darth Sidious. We immediately dismissed this claim. After all Dooku is a Sith now. Lies and deceit are now his tools of trade. It was then clearly an attempt to foster suspicion and division between the Jedi and the Republic Government.
But things may be more complicated than that. Is it possible that Dooku knew that we would react that way? Did he use reverse psychology all those years ago to throw us off the path and buy his Master time? Did he deceive us with the truth? It is possible. Anything is possible now.
It would be the perfect place to hide after all. Who would suspect a Sith Lord in the Government of the Republic itself? But where could he be, and who? Is he a Senator? Is he a representative? Is he one of the Chancellor's advisors?
I don't know, but it is time we began investigating the Government.
But we must be careful. The Sith are deviously intelligent, and they will surely realize we are on to them if we begin looking in the right places.
We will get to the bottom of this and uncover the truth of this plot. We must, because the fate of the galaxy lies in our hands.
The truth will be revealed.
It is only a matter of time.