Ahsoka's POV
It was an extremely wet day on Coruscant. Rain poured down and snow was melting everywhere it had been last time I had been there. Very depressing.
Obi-Wan, Jula, the jedi escorts and I had just came back from Kamur. Grievous is M.I.A. since I blasted him off our cruiser with a plasma grenade. It wasn't the most practical way to take down an enemy, an Anakin plan Obi-Wan had said earlier.
Shmi and the younglings had to be reported to the infirmary for further checking. Jula also went, claiming she had feeling of nausea. So she says.
Obi-Wan and I have to go make a full report to Yoda, he being the one who sent us there.
"Before we go in there, Ahsoka, I want you to know that regardless of what Master Yoda says, I don't regret going to Kamur with you," he says as we walk up the meditation room door, "I believe it to be a learning experience for all of us, not just Shmi."
"Thank you Master, it means a lot to hear you say that."
Once we enter the room, we find Master Yoda staring out into the grey clouds outside, watching as the sleet races down the window pane.
"Master, nice to see you well." Obi-Wan says, "I believe you requested Padawan Tano and I's presence."
"Hmm, yes, believe your observation mission to Kamur to be unpredictable, I do. More to say, you?" Master Yoda says as he motions us to sit down.
"Before Master Kenobi starts Master Yoda, I have to say that the unpredictability was due to it being our first time there. Grievous' ambush was only because of the children, not our decisions." Padawans are not supposed to speak unless spoken to, so I sort of regret speaking out.
"I see, Padawan Tano. Have faith in Master Kenobi's, I do. But help in the jedi cause, this does not." Yoda says.
"Yes, the Senator's death does not look pleasant to the rest of the Senate. I believe they are in discussion right now on the conflict." Obi-Wan explains. I still can remember Ro's face as she witnessed her husband die just out of her reach. "Tensions run high across the galaxy, and there is not much we can do about it."
I wonder how Ronaina is doing: is she in hiding, her security fearing she might be next. I wish I could contact her, but she's just too far away.
"Fear Senator Saer's death to be unpractical, I do: The Separatists were searching for the children, I believe. Not another dead Senator." I can tell Master Yoda is upset about the Senator's death; he usually gets blamed by the Chancellor on the council's behalf.
"I agree." Obi-Wan and I say together.
"Time will have to mend the wounds on Kamur, and we will just have to stand by and avoid any more involvement in the situation." Obi-Wan concludes the conversation.
"Yes, Master Kenobi. However, we see now Shmi's true potential, yes? Good came from the trip, indeed." Yoda says, brightening his smile, "Speaking of which, Madame Jocasta Nu requests your presence in the library, she does Padawan Tano."
"Yes Master, I will go and see Madame Jocasta." Obi-Wan wants to go and check on the rest of the younglings, so we bid goodbye until later when we plan to meet up for dinner. The clouds had begun to clear, blue shards shining down upon the temple.
I don't know how hostile Madame Jocasta is towards me. About a year ago, I was guarding the jedi archives, when a thief took her form to obtain access to a hologram. I tried my best not to harm her as she engaged me in a duel, and she assured me I did the right thing after she awoke. I haven't really seen or spoken to her in a month or two, and she seemed fine then, so I guess I have nothing really to worry about.
The library is silent, as it always is. Only a few jedi consulars sit at holonets, reading various articles or the database. Madame Jocasta waves to me from her personal desk to come meet her.
"Ah, Padawan, how nice to see you again," I shake her frail, wrinkly hand as I take a seat next to her, "my how you have grown into a fine young woman." I blush unintentionally.
"Um, thanks Madame."
"Now, I suppose you wonder why I summoned you." She says, turning the holonet screen towards me. "it's concerning you and your daughter's… relationship I'll say."
I am sort of caught off guard, "You know about the bond Shmi and I have? I thought Master Yoda said it would remain between him and my closest companions?"
Madame Jocasta laughs airily, "Oh, no worry. The life of a Jedi Historian is not a social one; I won't be telling anyone anytime soon." My stomach flips back over in relief. It's not like I want to keep secrets anyways, but I would think at least Master Yoda would have some censorship for a delicate topic, especially one not many know about, "I want you to read this article, one I found when I was searching earlier this morning."
I straighten the screen more and focus in on the long page of information:
…A force bond is usually common to occur between Jedi Masters and their apprentices. Also known as Force chain or Jedi kinship was a link through which two Force-sensitives could influence each other. Allows the communication of feelings, thoughts and images across distances and granted greater coordination in battle. Commonly created during a time of health deprivation, either between the Master or apprentice. Bonds can take up to ten years to create, it growing as the relationship between the two evolves.
"This makes a lot more sense Madame, but I don't know how it relates to Shmi and I. We don't have a Master/Apprentice bond like it says in the article."
"Ah, but look here," She points to a secluded paragraph at the bottom of the article. "That should answer your question."
Bonds are known to be more powerful between relatives. Jedi younglings are separated from their kin soon after age three, to prevent an accidental bond from forming. If not, bonds can be uncontrollable and the child may age while their brain is damaged.
The bond also acts as a lifeline, where the ill partner will depend on the other for nutrients and supplies quicker and faster than regular medical antidotes…
Madame Jocasta shuts off the screen. "So you see Padawan, there is more in your relationship than you may know. I will continue my research and alert when I-"
My comlink beeps furiously on my wrist. I blush, but Madame Jocasta assures me it's fine for me to answer, excusing herself from the holonet.
"Tano here."
"Ahsoka?" Obi-Wan asks, "Its Kenobi."
"Yes Master?"
"I am afraid I have some bad news about Anakin. The council hasn't heard from his squadron since their landing on Malastare. They fear the worst. We are scheduled to leave as soon as possible."
Just as it seemed as though everything was piecing together for everyone, this happens. I should learn not to get my hopes up too easily.
"I'm on my way to the hangar now, Master."