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Ahsoka stood with her arms folded and lazily tapped her fingers on her elbows in boredom as another holo recording played out before her. The continuous playthroughs and watching out for possible clues or suspects over the Temple's security monitors past recordings in the time frame of Corporal Matthews' poisoning alongside Obi Wan was starting to become a laborious task, considering she believed it was the tenth time they've reviewed the footage and found nothing.
After finally deciding to inform the Jedi Master of her vision involving the mystery figure watching over her and Jake in the cafeteria, they returned back to Archives and went about looking over the security recordings again. With a better description now thrown into the investigation it helped narrow down the being who possibly had ties to the incident occurring. The only problem was all the recordings showed multiple numbers of hooded Jedi, making it the more difficult to find the suspect or witness, since she wasn't sure as of yet which he was.
Recollecting the vision, Ahsoka had pinpointed descriptive details to help recognise the man the Force had shown her in what she believed was assisted helping hand. The robed figure was human, had possessed a neatly trimmed grey beard and wore dark brown coloured robes. The security cams inside the Mess Hall and down three hall ways captured a few humans matching the same coloured themed robes of the traditional garment of the Jedi walking back and forth. However, the holocams view did little to nothing in the way of helping identify the hooded ones. Though hiding it from Obi Wan and knowing he probably could sense it by now, frustration was starting to kick in at this tedious search with no results forthcoming.
Countless images of different people were shifted through, eliminating from the list of potential suspects which lacked anyone as of yet.
"So, have I missed anything?" She heard the voice of her Master come up from behind them upon entering the Security Archives.
"Unfortunately nothing of note. Though I hear we missed a great deal on your latest visit to Naboo with Senator Amidala." Obi Wan replied with a humoured edge to his inquiring tone of voice.
"So you heard we had General Grievous in custody?"
"We did. Until you were captured by Dooku and we had to swap him for your release." Her Master's old teacher lightly chastised him over yet another one added to a growing list of times Anakin had been taken prisoner.
"Trust you to get captured and spoil the victory, Master." The Togruta Padawan didn't attempt the hide the smirk that formed on her lips, poking fun at another of her Master's misfortunes.
"Very funny." Anakin bit back. The jesting then ceased as Ahsoka sensed his emotions turn to that of sadness. "It's just a shame Captain Tarpals' sacrifice was all in vain."
"I remember Tarpals. It seems like a lifetime ago when the good Captain brought me, Master Qui Gon and Jar Jar to Boss Nass to gain help in warning the Naboo Government of the Trade Federation's invasion." Obi Wan reminisced, resting a hand on his bearded chin.
"He and the Gungans were the first to battle the droids forces and win. With some help from Jar Jar, of course." Anakin said. Like Master Kenobi, she could see her Master thinking back on past events before her time as his apprentice, speaking with some uncertainty over the last part of his sentence "He was a strong believer in keeping the peace, and uniting the Naboo and the Gungan population."
"Indeed, all the more reason for us to end this war. Too many good voices have been snuffed out thanks to this seemingly never ending conflict." Obi Wan commented. Turning to face the Jedi Master, he like her kept his eyes on the monitors throughout the exchange, his face locked in thought scanning over the recordings for any clues.
"Well for now Naboo is safe again. Padme and Boss Lyonie gave a joint statement over the importance of peace and friendship between their two peoples before we returned to Coruscant." Her Master informed them taking a step beside her. "How's things been going this end?"
"Slow I'm afraid. Up until now finding out who poisoned Corporal Matthews has been difficult at best due to a lack of evidence. That was of course until Ahsoka's vision may yet give us a suspect at last."
"Another vision Snips?" Anakin asked her. "Impressive. I've only known from a couple personal past experiences and that of others having visions predicting the future, not events from the past." She could sense pride in his words as he complimented her.
"Thank you, Master." She said, looking up to find a prideful smile on his face.
"So what did you see?"
"The two of us, Jake and Master Secura were all sitting in the Mess Hall, a couple of days before deploying to Dac if I remember correctly. Someone was standing in the entrance way of the Mess. He was staring over at us but something felt a little off about him." Ahsoka recalled her vision again for the Jedi Knight.
"Did you get a good look of him?" He asked, loosely folding his arms over his chest.
"He was human, tall but he was hooded so the only facial features I could make out was a grey beard. The vision didn't give me a lot of time to scrutinise him."
"It's a little suspicious for a Jedi to have their hood up around the Temple. However, there are dozens of bearded humans within the Order. Including my old Master." Ahsoka glanced up to see a mocked accusing glare from Anakin over to the Jedi Master.
"In case you missed your Padawan's description of this ambiguous assailant, she said he possessed a grey beard." Obi Wan rolled his eyes at his former student, lazily stroking his still full brown coloured facial hair for emphasis "Despite the amount of stress you continue to give me, I have yet to show any signs of advanced ageing."
"If you say so, my old Master." He replied with a shrug. "What of the Corporal, how's he holding up?"
Ahsoka smiled again knowing for the moment Jake wasn't in the good holobooks of Master Nema. "He's mostly recovered from the effects of the poison but still restless, to say the least."
"I would be too if I was locked in the infirmary for a week. On top of that to have someone slip a toxic plant residue in your food, would make any sane person angry."
"Indeed. But the last we checked on Matthews, Master Nema wasn't in a pleasant mood." Obi Wan stated in his usual dry sarcasm in these kind of situations.
"What happened?"
"Jake walked out of the medical ward without her permission. He was escorted back by a Sentinel and according to him she, in his words, went off her rocker, especially in his condition." Ahsoka explained the little incident from two days ago. She receiving a quizzical raised eyebrow from Anakin over the alien phrase.
"She contacted us not too long ago. She's cleared Matthews but I got the distinct impression she wished for us to collect him off her hands as soon as possible." The elder Jedi remarked from their early conversation with the Healer.
"Ahsoka perhaps you should go take Corporal Matthews off Master Nema's hands. I'll help Obi Wan with the investigation until you get back before he causes her to go off her rocker again." Anakin repeated the foreign words with awkwardness.
"Yes, Master." Ahsoka frowned at first for being sent away from the investigation given to them by the Council but knew Anakin had a point. After all, she was tasked with being his guide and guard first, and right now the latter part of her job was more vital than ever with this secretive would be murderer trying to kill him.
Taking her leave she left the two to continue searching out the man from her vision. Ahsoka gave a sigh as she stepped out from the Security Archives, feeling somewhat relieved to finally be out from the room. The journey to the infirmary took longer than most with the Archives being situated at the other end of the Temple but it gave Ahsoka some time alone, something she had been short of thanks to the new duties added by the Council. Coupled as well was deployment out to the war, bringing her and Anakin to new worlds invaded or to have changed their allegiance to the Separatists. It was a welcoming delight from all the noise that usually accompanied her everywhere she went, either it be multiple voices discussing new battle plans in briefings, the buzzing hum of a lightsaber or blasters fire.
At the beginning she was vibrant and itching to get back out to the fronts and fight the droid armies of Count Dooku and the Separatists but as time dragged on, so did the war. A cycle had emerged for every time a world was liberated and out from the tainted hands of the Sith, another would be conquered, adding more death to the untold amount of lives lost across the galaxy. The only relief she found was at least she knew who the enemy was on the battlefield, which can't be said here on Coruscant.
The Senate was a place many including her Master, Obi wan and even Senators like Padme said was untrustworthy and rife with corrupt politicians with questionable allegiances and motives. On more than one occasion those worries have been proven right. It made Ahsoka feel the more pleased she was a Jedi and apart of an Order that didn't backstab each other for profit or high position, but of selflessness and help keeping the peace across the galaxy.
The corridors were a lit with the sunshine of Coruscant Prime beaming down through the tall narrow windows, giving her and all the other trillion inhabitants of the capital world another day of fine weather. Activity, however, was scarce with her only passing a few Jedi on the way to the infirmary, and those who walked by only gave a quick friendly nod as they went about their own business. Upon reaching her destination she saw the Sentinel guard standing outside at attention with his hands by sides. His face covered with the white and yellow runed mask common amongst the Sentinel guardians and donned in greyish/white robes with his double bladed lightsaber strapped to his left hand side.
Without a word he stoically nodded and allowed her entry to the, as of late, ever familiar settings of the infirmary. There were a few more patients inside since her last visit but it took next to no time to spot the being she came to collect, sticking out like sore thumb.
No longer in hospital wears of the matching white shirt and shorts, Jake was dressed in his usual strangely coloured pattern battle wear she recalled was used as a camouflage pattern, or 'Multi Terrain Pattern' as he called it. She saw Master Nema talking with another patient opposite to him, whilst he sat on his issued bed for the past week flipping a flat medical instrument of some kind in the air again and again in a listless fashion.
"Hey, Jake." She called out making her way over to the bored soldier.
"Alright, kid?" He greeted her, putting the instrument back on the side table and jumping off the bed. "Am I being discharged yet?"
"Yes, Master Skywalker has sent me down here to relieve Master Nema of your presence." The Jedi Padawan teased her Earth friend, who rolled his eyes and chuckled in good humour at her jesting.
"I think that's the best good idea I've heard for ages." Jake grinned then turned to the Jedi healer. "She threatened to restrain me with those nurse bots if I didn't settle down."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she's still a bit miffed at me for waltzing out without her saying so." He rubbed the back of his neck in slight shameful manner.
"Wow, you must've really tested her patients" Ahsoka raised both her eye markings in surprise. Jake turned to her with a raised brow of his own, giving her a quizzical expression.
"Seriously?"
"What?"
"You're honestly going to pretend you're not aware of what you just came out with?" For a second it was lost on her what he was talking about until realisation dawned on the unintended pun.
"Oh. That wasn't supposed to of been a joke."
"Uh huh." He gave her disbelieving look.
"Ah, Padawan Tano." Nema approached her and Jake having now finished with her previous patient, typing into the datapad she was never far from.
"Master Nema." Ahsoka gave a respectful bow. "I've come to take Corporal Matthews off your hands."
"Very well." Through the Force Ahsoka could sense relief emanating off the Healer. "All traces of the poison have been flushed out of your system, so you should no longer feel any more of its effects. But I advise no strenuous activities for a few days."
Glancing at the Corporal again Ahsoka noticed his skin was backed to his original light shaded complexion, rather than the more complete pale white skin. His eyes were also back to their normal grassy green colour, in particular the sclera parts were a healthy white again instead of the sickly blood redness that engulf his eyeballs due to the poison's deadly infectious side effects. It amazed her the Earth human's immune system did a surprising and impressive job in fighting off the otherwise fatal Rubrumnoxianide dosage.
"With all the goings on this place that could be difficult to avoid." He joked but was greeted with an unimpressed frown from Master Nema over the remark.
"However, one effect the poison has caused is the lowering of your potassium levels. Having studied your physiology it's apparent without a daily intake of potassium your muscles will not work effectively, especially your heart. Your blood pressure is at an acceptable level but if your potassium levels continue to reduce so will your blood pressure."
"So that means a high potassium diet for a while" Jake shrugged nonchalantly.
"It's not that easy, Jake." Ahsoka said rubbing the top of her shoulder, her expression changing to that of worry of his predicament.
"Padawan Tano is correct." Nema piped in who too the Togruta apprentice could see the same level of concern etched on her own face. "Potassium is rare with very few worlds across the galaxy which possess the element. Unfortunately, last I heard most of these worlds are running out and it has become quite expensive. Worst still having researched further into these scarce system, they are all currently under Separatist control."
"Oh, great." The Corporal mumbled, leaning against the bed folding his arms.
"I'm afraid without the intake of potassium you will continue to experience nausea, muscle cramps and a irregular heart rhythm. If it continues to get worse it is likely you will have kidney failure, and your heart will become vulnerable to new threats." The Healer progressed with her medical report. "I will need you to visit daily so I can monitor your condition and see about at finding a possible substitute to at least keep your body going for the time being."
"Don't you have any nutrients native to your world with you?" Ahsoka remembered seeing a package of food stuff on the side table in his guest quarters.
"I don't think a bag of sweets is going to help, Ahsoka." He tried joking again but it sounded hollow. "Potassium tends to be more rich in our fruits, veg and meats."
"Something is better than nothing, Corporal Matthews."
"Alright o.h" Jake straightened himself up and faced Nema "Despite everything doctor, both annoying you and going walkabout, thank you for everything you've done." He extended his hand out to her in what Ahsoka learned to be his people's way of both a greeting and show of gratitude.
"There is no need. It is my duty as both a Jedi and a doctor to help all my patients to the best of my abilities." The Padawan watched Nema shake his hand anyway, despite waving off his thanks for the care.
"Well we'll get out of your hair- uh, we'll leave you to it." The Earther caught himself in using yet another odd phrase to her amusement but to Nema's puzzlement, judging by her quizzically raised eyebrow.
"Of course." She gave them both a small respectful then left to attend to bed ridden patient.
"So where to next, kid?" He asked as they started making their way out of the infirmary.
"Anakin sent me to get you and then return to the Security Archives."
"Any new developments?" Ahsoka sighed at the question knowing other than the vision and doing their best to cipher down the pieces to find the suspect, the search was starting to grind to a halt.
"No. I told Master Kenobi of my vision with that person who was watching us from the Mess doorway, but no cam was fixed on his position." She informed him as they finally left the infirmary and to the less active large hallway.
"Didn't you get glimpse of this bloke?"
"Yes but he fits the description of dozens of human Jedi and most are currently out across the galaxy."
"Are bearded oldies the common look for a human within your Order?" Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ahsoka couldn't help but laugh a little at his comical remark. Now that she thought about it, she couldn't help but think his assumption wasn't that far off.
"Have you looked yourself lately?" The Padawan turned the joking over to him, looking up at the stubble of matching coloured facial hair to that on his head which grew over the course of his stay under Master Nema's medical care.
"I intend to get rid of this hippy mess as soon as I find a razor, I assure you." Jake rubbed his hand over his short growing beard. "I don't want to be pain Ahsoka but is it okay if we take a scenic route to this security place of yours? I've been sitting on my backside for a better half of a week and could do with a stretch."
"Sure."
"Cheers kid." Taking a different turn down the hallway she lead the marine on the long way around. She didn't mind herself taking a detour having been staring at holo screens for Force knows how long today, so a respite from the investigation was welcoming even if it was only for a short time.
They passed several rooms as they strolled through the Temple on the way to the Security Archives but unlike the previous times explaining the purpose of each one to her Forceless friend, the conversations from before were lacking. Jake wasn't bustling with questions as usual, instead he was quiet and Ahsoka could see his mind was elsewhere.
Had he been connected the Force she may of picked up on his thought pattern to find some clue to what was troubling his mind. However, the first and last time she tried focusing all her senses on him through the Force she was met with the most uncomfortable feeling that rivalled that of a Sith presence. She had heard similar things said by other Jedi from their own attempts to feel him through the Force. Like her they were met with a cold, dark spot and from the few who lingered too long felt a vacuum like suction try to draw them in.
Needles to say it made many within the Order uneasy, even herself but Ahsoka had learnt to avoid being drawn to the unsettling aroma engulfing him and was incapable of controlling. In his defence the Force was something he viewed as supernatural, a power wielded by beings with similar abilities in fantasy novels and 'Sci Fi' media equivalent to Republic holo dramas, or in tales spoken by most of Earth's religions.
She tried again to strike up a conversation but was met with silence, looking up to see his eyes fixed blankly to the floor.
"Jake are you feeling alright?" She asked him seeing as he didn't seem to paying too much attention to anything around him.
"Hmm? Uh yeah, I'm good Ahsoka." He told her snapping out from his emotionless tracking of the Temple durasteel floors "Just thinking some things over. Sorry for ignoring you."
Ahsoka gave a small assuring smile "Anything you want to talk about?"
"Just... I thought everything was going to be reasonably okay after your Doctor Jedi flushed all that poisonous crap out of my body, but it looks as if this sneaky bastard might be getting his wish."
"You'll be fine Jake. We'll find a way to help, somehow." Ahsoka tried assuring him but she knew of the chances of helping him out with this issue were slim.
"You heard the doctor, Ahsoka. One of the main parts that separates my kind to the other humans of your Republic is very hard to find and all the places that might still possess some left are all under those tin pots control." Jake recited Nema's findings.
"There is one, both free from the Separatist and has an untold quantity of potassium."
"Who might this be?" He glanced down at her, picking up the hint she was getting at "No."
"Come on Jake. Your homeworld is the only place in the galaxy that can nurse you back to proper health." She attempted for what must've been the hundredth time to convince him to tell her the location of Earth.
"The answer is still no." As a youngling patience was a trait she had trouble mastering, even when she was brought under her Master's tutelage, but then again it wasn't something Anakin possessed either so improving that virtue was going to be difficult. It was mostly from her own personal experiences and a bit of help from Obi wan and Master Koon she managed to improve her patience levels, to think before acting and take in more information around her before coming to a decision.
However, Ahsoka felt her patience with the Corporal's stubbornness over this issue dwindle each time she asked and now in his ill health state it was, in her mind, ridiculous to remain tight lipped.
"Force, are you really going to risk your well being, perhaps even your life because you honestly believe we want to invade your world and subjugate your people? Have we not proven to you enough we are not bad ones here?" She asked exasperatedly, stopping their walk and scolded at him.
"It's not that easy, Ahsoka." Jake turned to her "I'm a marine for God sake, not an astrophysicist. I don't know the galactic coordinates to Earth. All I know is roughly where we are in the galaxy, the type of the star the Sun is and all the planets in the solar system and the reason I know half of this is because…" He stopped himself. Ahsoka watched him close his eyes and pinch the bridge releasing a short sigh, a sign he was calming down before opening his eyes again and looking back at her "Because Kate taught me it."
For a long second Ahsoka said nothing, catching the glimmer of sadness in his at the mention of his loved one. It was clear both their temperaments were rising and the last thing she wanted was there to be heat between them but the Padawan found it frustrating that an easy solution was being put off due to his lack of cooperation.
"Don't you miss her?"
"Of course I do, I miss her like crazy. Her, my family and friends, but you must know if I told you or the others where Earth was your Republic wouldn't be the only eyes turning our way." He explained but more calmly than before. His explanation made some sense to her, after all the Republic and the Jedi would have good intentions but once news spread not only would the Separatist see them as a possible new target but so would other less friendly parties that roamed the galaxy.
The Hutts were the first that came to mind, the sort of people who would take advantage of a non spacing faring race and have no qualms about enforcing their ugly presence on those the viewed as easy pickings. There were also the pirates, other gang factions and warlords out there left unchecked thanks to this dreary war keeping the Jedi Order's and Republic's resources tied to ending the Separatist threat.
"Come on kid, I don't want to argue with you. Let's get going before Skywalker calls up and starts nagging you, ay?" Jake's voice broke her from her dwellings. Bringing her eyes up from the floor she looked up to see a smile on the Earther's face.
"Sure but I get that regardless." She quipped back. Taking up his suggestion Ahsoka took the lead step as they went on their way again. The tension evaporated between them now Jake was a bit more chatty and his mood was less glum, something the Togruta Padawan was pleased with instead of the downhearted moping moments before.
The spark of curiosity returned to his green eyes as he observed their surroundings, taking in an alien environment in both the literal and metaphorical sense. The difference on this detour he suggested taking was there wasn't that many people around so there wasn't many questions on what species one individual was that passed by. In turn she would question things about him or his people but unlike her openness about the Jedi Order, the Galactic Republic and its inhabitants Jake wasn't as forthcoming.
She knew some things he eventually willing shared, half of which was through coaxing and an internal battle Ahsoka often saw in his eyes over whether it was safe to talk about. Anything that related to his nation's or 'country' military was one subject always met with silence or deflection, or of any nation state's military power for that matter. Her knowledge of Earth was scarce but it was more than anybody else around here knew of this unknown planet possessing a species who evolved without the essence of the Force, bringing forth much debate amongst those in the Temple how such a thing could possibly come about.
Ahsoka happened also be the closest and only one to have experience Earth culture through the music in Jake's ipod. He told her the small rectangular, cloud white device housed hundreds of songs from many different bands. The music player itself wasn't all that extraordinary as it didn't look that much different from some of the daily used devices across the galaxy, minus the irritable headphones, but it was specifically what the compact gadget carried that made it unique.
She heard different music ranging from the Jizz bands in nightclubs to opera but nothing like what the ipod contained in its memory banks. Fearing of breaking it or inadvertently messing its systems up considering she couldn't read English, Ahsoka heard a few samples of Earth music or 'Heavy Metal' as Jake called it but he had told her there were other genres of music where he was from but he predominantly preferred listening to this type. He explained the band she had been listening to was one of hundreds of the rock related music world and they came from a nation state by the name of 'Sweden', although the most famous of this type music usually came from his home nation or another place called the 'United States of America'.
Jake would tease her for turning into a 'Metalhead', a meaning she yet understood amongst other phrases and words in his colourful vocabulary.
"What's going on in there?" Jake thumbed over to a room they were passing on her side.
"Just a class." She said shrugging nonchalantly. However, he unexpectedly stopped and continued staring in with a thoughtful look on his face "What is it?"
"Can we drop in?"
"Why?" Ahsoka raised her brow in slight confusion over his suggestion.
"Just want to see what you're teaching your youngsters." For a second she found it odd for him to take an interest in the education of younglings but then again, it could help teach the soldier/marine more of the values and beliefs of the Order.
"So long as you don't disturb the initiates."
"Me? Never." Rolling her eyes she lead him into the class quietly. Altogether Ahsoka counted 14 initiates sitting at their desks all focused on the female Rodian teacher giving a presentation over a holotable. Upon their entry the Rodian noticed their presence and halted her teachings.
"Can I help you Padawan?" She asked, drawing the attention of all the students over to her and Jake.
"I'm giving Corporal Matthews a tour around the Temple and showing him the different aspects of the Jedi's way of life. I was wondering if it was alright to sit in and let him learn some of our teachings?" Ahsoka requested, feeling the eyes of all the initiates gazing up at her and the Corporal.
"Of course, it would be a pleasure. All I request is you not to disturb the initiates."
"Yes, Master." She bowed to the older woman, inclining her to Jake toward the back bench. Taking a seat with the Earth soldier in tow they remained silent as the teacher continued her lecture.
Now they were better accommodated to the see what was being taught to the initiates today, Ahsoka looked ahead at the large blue tinted hologram of a planet showing some of the world's natural landscape of a mix of lush light green and dark green making up the large continental mass with some blotches of rustic brown around the top of its northern pole. There were several other smaller holograms of ships orbiting the planet as well, both of which were of older models of ships not seen for over millennia.
Upon further inspection, she recognised what the Rodian Jedi was teaching the younglings but her attention was then brought back to her Earth human friend doing the very thing the teacher told them not to do.
"Excuse me, what's your name?" He leaned forward asking a Togruta youngling, who turned around looking a bit perplexed on why Jake was talking to her.
"Ashla." The initiate answered him. Ahsoka eyed her fellow Togruta kind for a second. The youngster had a dark reddish shade of skin tone and the upper part of her face except for her nose was completely covered in white facial markings, leaving the lower part bare of any markings common amongst their species. Her Lekku passed her shoulders and possessed a similar white and blue pattern to her own but her montrals was still short, appearing as small bumps on top of her head as expected for one of her age.
"Ashla, what are you learning today?"
"The Battle of Corellia, one of the biggest battles of the Galactic War."
"Galactic War?" The soldier quizzed her further over a subject Ahsoka had too once sat and listened to as a young initiate.
"Back when the Old Republic was at war against the Sith Empire." A new voice entered the whispering conversation. Shifting her eyes over to its owner she found a human boy with short sandy brown answering Jake's inquiry "But both sides lost to the Eternal Empire."
"Oh?, that's quite interesting."
"Initiate Ti, Initiate Burtola, is there a problem?" The teacher called out to them.
"No Master Sarr." They both answered in near perfect unison.
"Uh sorry, Miss, that's my bad." Jake raised his hand. "I was just asking them a couple questions on today's lesson."
"I see. Well perhaps if you have any questions in future you'll do the correct thing and raise your hand?" Ahsoka watched on silently laughing, feeling a grin taking shape at the light chastisement Jake received from Master Sarr with a few sniggers from the other initiates.
"Yeah, okay." The on the spot soldier replied rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. Returning back to her lecture Master Sarr went on explaining the events that occurred during the fierce battle that claimed millions of lives, left the planet's cities in ruins and put a significant dent in the Sith Empire's military forces.
The Rodian Jedi went on to tell of the Hero Of Tython's actions, just a small fraction of the legendary Jedi's exploits in a time more chaotic than today. There were less Sith in this conflict this time around but at least back then they knew who lead those wielding the power of the Dark Side, compared to the supposed Sith Master rumoured to be the real leader behind the Separatist movement. However, at least the galaxy didn't have to face the likes of those involved in the Battle of Corellia like Darth Decimus, Acharon and Charnus.
"Take it you learned all this as a nipper?"
"Pretty much." She gave him a half shrug, keeping her tone low so not to distract the younglings in front. "Corellia was a turning point in the Galactic War against the old Sith Empire and broke their advances in the Core region. It was a massive morale boost for the Republic."
"How long ago was this conflict?" He quizzed her again.
"Over three thousand years ago."
"Woah." Jake silently exclaimed with his eyes widening "That's...incredible."
"How so?" Ahsoka took her turn to ask him questions.
"Your people were fighting galaxy wide wars that long ago, whilst mine were in their baby steps in formation a civilisation. The only ones I can think of that were up and running back then were the ancient Egyptians and the Chinese. I don't think even the old Greek city states and Rome were up and about back then." It was clear in his voice Jake was astonished by this. To Ahsoka it wasn't a big deal since Galactic history stretched back well over 25 thousand years and beyond bringing about the establishment of the Old Republic, the Rakatan Infinite Empire that preceded it and even older the mysterious to this date of the Celestials that predated them all.
"You like history?"
"It's a lesson I actually did enjoy in school, other than a couple others. Both the World Wars, the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Crusades to the Holy Land and some other points in time that were pretty interesting. A lot of my family, mostly on my dad's side had fought in the most of the major conflicts for past century and half, from the Crimean War to the current day. So I find it pretty cool that my ancestors took part in some our biggest history changing moments." The soldier explained keeping his eyes ahead at the presentation.
"So is that why you joined up to your nation's military, to continue the family tradition?" She asked him more out of curiosity as Master Sarr lectured about the capture of General Arkos Rakton after an intense battle with Republic forces spearheaded by the legendary Havoc Squad.
"Not really." He eased his back into wall, loosely folding his arms over his chest. "It's sounds a bit weird but it's a like calling. My dad had it and so did my grandfather. It's difficult to explain but my heart has always had been set on serving my people and country. I've never felt more content in doing anything else."
Jake words hit a cord inside Ahsoka as they once again return to the lesson. She shared the same sentiment with him over her own duties to the Jedi Order and the Republic, to help those in need and protect them from the assortment of brigands, criminals and followers darker evils that forever plagued the galaxy. Only difference was her early induction into the Order at the age of three put a heavy influence on what her future was to be, whereas Jake had the opportunity to grow up in a relatively normal life and come up with the conclusion on what he wanted his future to be with little to no outside interference.
She was happy to be a Jedi and there nothing she wanted more than to prove to herself and her peers she could be a capable and level headed Jedi Knight. Others within the Order may have their doubts over Anakin's tutelage but Ahsoka was confident and trustful of his teachings. What her life would've been like outside the prestigious and solemn Order of those who follow in the ways of the Light Side of the Force had entertained her thoughts on the rare occasion, always coming to the conclusion a normal life would be lack the adventurous and challenging day to day goings on that came with being a Jedi.
"Alright initiates that is enough for the day. There is ten minutes remaining and as a bonus, would our guest be willing to answer a few questions from the students?" Master Sarr directed the attention of the younglings over to them.
Here it comes, Ahsoka thought stopping herself from rolling her eyes and waited for the typical line he came with when rejecting specific topics with her or from any of Jedi.
"Sure." He said standing up from the bench. Ahsoka blinked in surprise watching him walked to the front next to Master Sarr, standing in front of the holoprojector, as all the eyes of the initiates were trained on his person "What is it you wish to know?"
"It isn't often we come across a being who's gained the attention of everyone in the Temple, young and old. It'll be intriguing to find out more on a species that doesn't possess a connection to Force. Who wishes to go first?" Quickly upon her question Ahsoka saw a wave of hands rise all eager to get their turn to quiz the Corporal.
The first she saw Master Sarr pick out from all the surprising enthusiastic initiates was a raven haired girl sitting in the middle row left row.
"Where are you from?"
"I'm from a planet called Earth. It's mostly a quiet world somewhere in the far reaches of the galaxy that is fortunate enough to avoid the conflict your people are trying to put an end to." He gave the youngling a brief but simple answer.
"Chian?" Sarr pointed to the Kajain'sa'Nikto boy next.
"Why do you have no midichlorians?" The question the initiate asked was one Ahsoka herself and everyone within the Temple or knew of his presence have been wondering since his medical examination hadn't picked the microscopic lifeforms in his body.
"I honestly don't know." Jake lightly shrugged looking over at him then went on to speaking to the students as a whole "It's from my understanding these midichlorians thingys are considered universally one of the key ingredients to life by both you Jedi and the people of your Republic. To my people it's considered strange and somewhat mystical, even concerning to have tiny little creatures living within our bodies capable of giving you super powers."
"But midichlorians spread out all across the galaxy. How is it they missed your world?" Another youngling asked from the other side of the room.
"Kajia, please! Wait your turn." Sarr told the overly eager youngling off.
"It's okay Miss. You have a great enthusiastic bunch of students here. As for your question young lady, I'm afraid you're going to have to ask someone with a lot more smarts than what I possess in this odd mess of bone and matter." He jokingly tapped a finger on the side of his head, earning a few giggles from the initiates.
Ahsoka couldn't but grin at the layback attitude Jake had toward the children. From experience she knew working with the younglings at times can be tiresome and irritating due to their endless curiosity and minds often wandering which usually ended in trouble in some form or another. But then again, they also surprised her with their intelligence and initiative, proving to many including herself to not underestimate them because of age.
"Is there any other species where you're from?" Came another question.
"Uh no I'm afraid, humans are the only intelligent sentient beings that evolved on Earth."
"So prior to your arrival you've never met any of races before?" Master Sarr gave the Corporal her own inquiry.
"Nope, our species are pretty out of the way lot, so to speak. We've never had contact with anyone outside our own solar system before, so meeting you guys was a complete shocker."
"It must of been very confusing and frightening to be brought into an environment you're not accustomed to."
"At first yes, I didn't quite believe it and thought perhaps I was dreaming." Jake admitted to the teacher "But now and still slowly learning to adapt to these new surroundings, and that's thanks to the likes of Ahsoka and the rest of your fellow Jedi for making me feel welcome and teaching more about your culture and of the Republic your Order serves to protect." At the mention of her name Ahsoka caught a few of the students turn her direction, sensing their interest into what she had done to earn the Earth human's trust.
"I'm glad we are able help put your mind at ease Corporal. It is always good for the initiates to know and follow good examples for when their time comes maintain the Jedi's role as keepers of the peacekeepers."
"It's no problem, Miss. With bright kids like these and rising stars like my friend Ahsoka here, I don't think your Jedi Order will have any worries over its future." There was no denying the sudden wave of happiness Ahsoka felt through the Force coming from each youngling over Jake's statement. Truth be told the Padawan herself felt a twinge of pride from his compliment and had to keep a blush from creeping up her face.
"That's very nice of you to say Corporal Matthews. Do you mind answering a couple more questions?" With a friendly smile and nod she watched as Jake turned back to the students whilst Sarr pointed to another initiate waiting patiently for their turn.
"Have you been in any big battles?" The dark skinned human child questioned, to which Matthews chuckled a little at.
"Not until recently. I can't divulge much on the battles I've participated in back home but they're nothing large scale like the ones I've been dragged into. That isn't to say my homeworld hasn't had it fair share of bloodshed. We've had plenty of conflicts through the ages." He went on to explain. "Our wars would be considered small compared to the ones your government has been fighting for thousands of years, like this you've been learning, the Battle of Cholera?"
"Corellia." Sarr corrected him to the giggles of the younglings and to Ahsoka's own amusement at the mispronunciation.
"Sorry, Corellia. This battle reminded me of a few others that were fought back on Earth a long time ago for different reasons. The high casualties, widespread destruction and it's symbolism of defeating a corrupt evil power bent on conquest sounds parallel to the Battle of Stalingrad which took place in the largest conflict in my people's history. Others too include the Siege of Vienna, the Somme, the Battles of Waterloo, Leipzig, Iwo Jima and many more but those are stories for another day and preferable by a much better history teacher." He gave them all a grin.
"I think we'll take one last question." Sarr's declaration got a round of disappointed moans and grumbles from the initiates.
"Come on guys, you should go enjoy your break from school work and your teacher would like a break. Besides I think Ahsoka will be mummifying soon if she sat there any longer." Jake threw a joke her way, earning more laughter from the younglings. In response she rolled her eyes and smiled, feeling the eyes of some of the students cast in her direction once again.
The Togruta Padawan caught glimpse of a flashing light on her wrist, finding it belonging to her commlink signalling an incoming call.
"Tano here." She answered in a low voice as the last question was directed to the Corporal.
"Ahsoka where are you?" Her Master voice loud and clear through the other end.
"Just taking a detour."
"Well could you finish it up and return to security. We may have found something." Her interest perked she looked up to find a look of amazement on the initiates faces and picked up a few whispers from whatever she missed Jake had told them all.
"It ain't that big of a deal. Your clone soldiers do it everyday, you should be more impressed with them." The Earther explained further over the last topic.
"We'll be right there Master." She assured him then turned the connection off, watching Jake finish off the last question of the mini lesson.
"That is all for the day initiates. Would you please give Corporal Matthews a round of applause for taking the time and educating us on his background and those of his people." Sarr instructed the younglings who all clapped the marine.
"It's not a problem guys. Just remember study hard and listen to your teachers. Both will help you a great deal when the days you're made knights come about." Taking that as their cue, Ahsoka motioned for him to leave as Master Sarr started getting the students ready to finish up and leave.
"That was quite educational." She said to him as he caught up with by the classroom doorway.
"I learnt something from their lesson, only right I return the favour." Jake explained as she lead the way back to security.
"Wish you were that open with us."
"There's a difference between wanting to know military strength, and learning a little bit of your world's history." Sighing in exasperation, she chose not to engage in this argument again and changed the subject to the communique from Anakin.
"My Master contacted me a moment again. He's says they may have picked something up."
"We better go find them and see what they found." Leading him back to the centre of their investigation Ahsoka headed straight to security. Being it was their detour route the trip was longer but managed to reach security with no stops or chit chat along the way. The doors to the Archive opened up revealing her Master, Obi Wan and another Jedi she didn't recognise standing with his back to them.
"Well, well, look who's decided to show up." Anakin lightly scolded her but by the look on his face it was said more of a kinda nature than actual annoyance.
"That's my fault, General. I asked Ahsoka if we could take a more scenic wonder back here." Jake vouched for her.
"So, I finally meet the famed non Force sensitive soldier that has everyone gossiping all over the Temple." The unfamiliar Jedi eyed the marine beside her. The human male was tall, slightly bigger than Anakin but he was much older with both his hair and clean cut beard grey and dressed in the typical robes of a Jedi but in the more common light brown colouring.
"If I had a pound for every time I've heard that since being here." The joke like many he made was lost on this elder Jedi, whose steely silver eyes appeared bemused.
"Yes ,this is Corporal Jake Matthews and Anakin's Padawan Ahsoka Tano." Obi Wan introduced them both.
"You are the unfortunate soul to have been shackled to Skywalker, my dear?" A friendly grin appeared on his slowly wrinkling face, much to her Master's displeasure.
"He's not all that bad, most of then time." Ahsoka smiled in return then turned to Anakin, finding him narrowing his eyes at the older man.
"You survived this long so I'll take your word for it. I must take leave, I have a few bits and pieces that need doing. Farewell Master Kenobi, Skywalker, I hope you find this perpetrator and stop him before anyone else gets hurt. We can't have this sort of behaviour happening around the Order."
"As do we, Master Kreet." Bidding them farewell he then moved in her's and Jake's direction toward the exit. Parting ways Ahsoka suddenly felt something but couldn't pinpoint what it was where it was coming from but it felt like a familiar presence was near by.
"It's good to see you're well and up and about, with permission this time around I must say."
"Yes, General, it's a massive relief not to be restricted to one room for so long." Jake replied to Obi Wan's dry humour.
"Who was that?"
"That was Master Gerrus Kreet. He's just arrived back from the sieges in the Outer Rim and and an old friend of Obi Wan." Anakin told them but Ahsoka could detect the disliking of the man in his tone of voice.
"Anakin is still upset with Kreet for putting him in his place on a diplomatic mission before the war which turned aggressive back in the days of his apprenticeship." Obi Wan stated with a grin.
"So what have you found Masters?" She changed the subject back to the investigation.
"Well me and Obi Wan were overlooking one of the recordings inside the Mess Hall when we stumbled across this." One of the security monitors lit up above their heads from Anakin manipulating the terminal in front of the collection of screens showing monitors across all levels of the Temple.
The recording was brought to the cafeteria serving station, where she saw there was a reasonably long line of people pulling trays along taking food from the small containers offered out. Keeping her eyes peeled on the recording for what the other two stumbled on it came to a part with herself, Anakin and Jake coming within the cams viewing. There was nothing remarkable going as far as she could see, just people grabbing something eat which wasn't out of the ordinary.
It then ran to a part when somebody behind them dropped their tray and utensils, followed by both Anakin and Jake turning around helping with the mess and handing the dropped objects back to a violet skinned female Mikkian. It was then the recording stopped, leaving her confused over what was just played.
"Okay then, what was supposed to of been there?" Jake asked the duo first, clearly just as puzzled as she was.
"Anakin rewind back eight seconds and magnify." Doing as the Jedi Master suggested, Ahsoka observed the recording again, watching the part with the Mikkian losing grip of her tray. About to point out again what it was they were supposed to be looking out for, her eye caught movement by the serving station.
"Play it again." Jake requested. Doing so it gave both her and the Corporal a chance to see properly what she presumed he saw what she did. Once her Master and Jake knelt down to help the other Jedi the being standing next to the marine leaned out an arm and appeared to be tipping something onto Jake's tray.
Closer inspection she made out a small vial in the person's hand and a dark coloured liquid quickly pouring out on the top of Jake's food. Afterwards the being picked his tray up and walked away out of the cams range.
"Interesting." She heard Jake mumble next to her.
"So now we know how it got into your body" Ahsoka stated glancing up at the marine who was staring at the offender who poisoned him.
"Bit convenient of timing isn't it?"
"That's what I was thinking too, Corporal." Anakin agreed with him but it remained lost on Ahsoka.
"What?"
"Well that girl just so happens to drop her stuff and give a perfect opportunity for that dickhead to add extra flavour to my food. Excuse my language." He apologised to her but his eyes still had the tint of anger in them
"It is a possibility but it could've been a coincidence." Obi Wan tried to reason.
"No, General, the timing was too perfect for it to have been simple coincidence. Do you know who the girl is?"
"No but we'll run a facial recognition on her. It would difficult to question her over the event because well...she hasn't really done anything wrong. There are other ways to find out if she's involved, however."
"We? You're back five minutes and already you're taking over the investigation?" Ahsoka spoke up, feeling non too pleased at the prospect of being push out of the investigation.
"You forget I'm still your Master, Snips." He gave her the chosen smirk she was aware was used to wind her up. "Besides, I was the one who found the first bit of evidence in just a few viewings, whereas you guys were still staring aimlessly at the screens for how long?"
"At least we won't be swapping any of these for Grievous" Through their banter Ahsoka saw Jake hadn't joined in and was still looking at the paused recording with a emotionless expression on his face.
"Laugh it up, Master."
"Hey." She nudged her elbow gently in the marine's side "You alright?"
"Yeah, yeah don't worry." He waved her off but even without a Force connection, Ahsoka knew he was anything but alright.
"Me and Obi Wan will get to work on finding out who this woman is, it'll give you a bit of a break Ahsoka."
"I'm fine, Master."
"Come on kid, standing around watching tv screens all day can't be that exciting." Jake piped in, backing up Anakin's suggestion.
"Alright, alright." The Padawan reluctantly gave in with a sigh.
"Don't worry Snips, I'm not cutting you out of the investigation if that's what you're worry about." He assured her.
"I suppose I can do with some air."
"Not a bad shout." A smile finally appeared on the Earther's face.
With a nod she departed out of security yet again with the marine in tow, thinking a wander outside would be good idea having been cooped up inside staring at holo-projections and pads for Force knows how many hours. She knew too it'll be good on Jake too since he'd been confined to the medical ward for days. A thought then came to mind when Master Kreet passed them, that feeling which tugged at her like she was supposed to know something but when she thought on it, it became elusive.
"Hey, Ahsoka, don't worry about Skywalker stealing your glory." Jake told her "If it wasn't for your vision they wouldn't of had any leads or ground work to go on in the first place."
"Thanks. But it isn't that."
"Then what?"
"You ever had one of those feelings where something feels familiar but you can't quite put your finger on it." She explained hoping what she said made since.
"A few times. It usually comes to you when you don't dwell on it oddly enough." He said giving some relief she didn't sound mad "Why?"
"When Master Kreet walked by I felt something, like I'm supposed to know him but I've never met him before."
"Hmm. Maybe he's look similar to someone you know?" The Corporal offered up an explanation.
"Yeah, maybe."
"Come on." He patted her shoulder "Let's go find something to do that doesn't involve war, dealing with sneaky assassins and visions of future."
"Sounds like a plan." She smiled at him, thinking maybe a break wouldn't be such a bad idea.
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