Hello everyone. It seems that everyone feels extremely sorry for Ahsoka in this story. I'm delighted with that as, to be honest, I do too and I wrote it. Anyway, in this chapter; Anakin has to get Ahsoka back to the temple on Coruscant without her trying to kill herself again and he reports his disturbing findings to the council. What do they say about it? Do the council approve of Anakin's plan for Ahsoka?

An Agri-Corps Mystery: Chapter 7 – Return to the Temple

Every so often, an event happens in a life that changes everything; an event which is neither predictable nor preventable. Anakin knew he that he had just witnessed such an event and it had rattled him to his core. He had lost track of how long he had kept Ahsoka crying in his arms after she had made an attempt on her own life. Fortunately, he had been in time; she was still alive and safe. What if he'd been just a minute later? No, he would not think about that; the consequences of that were unthinkable anyway.

He, himself was still shaking in fear. Watching a young innocent girl make an attempt at suicide was the most distressing event he had ever lived through and he was including the death of his wife in that. However, at least he now had a plan to help her and help himself at the same time. As he continued to hold a shaking Ahsoka close to him, his mind started to settle and began to work. He remembered Master Yoda's words to him as he was assigned this mission. Master Yoda had told him that he would find something on Pheebos that would heal him. Anakin didn't understand Yoda at the time; now, he did. Ahsoka was what he was meant to find; he was sure of it. With that, despite his continued shock, he smiled; he now had the ammunition needed to get the council to agree to his plan.

Ahsoka's whole existence had come crashing down. She just couldn't fight anymore; she'd even managed to mess up her last chance at peace. She knew that Anakin wouldn't be able to keep his eyes off her now. That thought only made her cry more; she was nothing but a burden and now, she had no way out. She knew that Anakin would tell the council about what she had attempted, and she knew that they would almost certainly throw her out of the Order and commit her to some institution where she would be watched for the rest of her life. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop the tears, although she had to admit, she did feel slightly better for her attempt and the fact that Anakin cared enough to stop her made her feel a little better still. In addition, Ahsoka found that it was nice to be comforted and held even though it didn't strictly fit with the Jedi Code.

Eventually, the young Togruta resigned herself to the situation. Even though she wanted to become one with the Force and re-join Master Plo Koon more than anything, she knew that it was no longer an option unless Anakin took his eyes off her at some point. With that final resignation, Ahsoka was finally able to stop crying. She felt terrible, but at least she wasn't wetting Master Skywalker's robes with her tears anymore.

As Ahsoka began to calm down in his arms, Anakin drew back and looked at her. He certainly didn't want to let her go completely; he feared what would happen if he did, but he did want to gauge how she was. Unsurprisingly, he could see that Ahsoka's lekku were darkened and her eyes were lifeless compared to what he expected was normal. However, he got some encouragement from the fact that her lekku weren't as dark as he'd seen them and her eyes weren't as dark either. In addition, he could sense that Ahsoka's distressing emotions had at least subsided a little. He was relieved about that. It was at that moment that he finally found some words to say. "It's okay Ahsoka; it's okay. You're safe."

With her voice still shaking Ahsoka replied, "I just want it over. I can't live like this. I want to be back with Master Plo."

Anakin sighed. The truth was that he knew exactly what Ahsoka was going through. He had felt the same after Padmé's death. He personally hadn't attempted suicide like Ahsoka just had, but it did go through his mind at that time. He knew exactly what it was like to feel hopeless and it had almost sent him dark. He would not let Ahsoka destroy herself like that. "No Ahsoka, you don't; trust me. I won't let you kill yourself. I know what you're going through. I will help you, I promise." Anakin chose not to tell Ahsoka of his plan just in case the council gave him more trouble than he thought they would.

"You know what I'm feeling?" Ahsoka asked with some surprise.

"Yes I do," Anakin whispered in reply. "More than you'll ever know, I do. I'll tell you the story sometime. Now, I'm going to get you and Kliph back to the temple. There's no reason for any of us to be here now; not after what I found I that lab."

Ahsoka looked down and a wave of sadness flowed through her. She was a failure and now Master Skywalker was going to drag her back to the temple in disgrace. Another wave of depression hit her as she realised what it would mean. A couple more tears appeared in her eyes as she whispered, "You're going to tell the council about me, aren't you?"

Anakin shook his head as he again sensed her thoughts and feelings. He knew that getting her back was going to be difficult. He would have to watch her all the way to Coruscant, but he would do it. Ahsoka was more than just another Jedi; to him she had quickly become the little sister he'd never had, plus he knew that once he had got her to the council, if they approved his plan, she would never be alone and without purpose again and neither would he. "I've got to tell the council about my findings here, Ahsoka. We've got to find the people responsible and….." He sighed again, "….yes, I have got to tell the council about you, but as I said, I'll help you. Now, come on, stand up; we're getting out of here."

Anakin released his grip on her and Ahsoka nodded slowly and sadly and got to her feet. Anakin stood up with her and kept a hand on her shoulder as he got his comlink off his belt. He entered the connection details for Kliph Freeah and waited. Eventually, a connection was established.

"Kliph here."

"Kliph," Anakin began. "I've found out what has happened here. There's no longer any reason to be here. Collect your stuff and meet me at my ship. We're all going back to the temple."

"What have you found, Skywalker?" Kliph asked.

"I'll tell you on the ship," Anakin responded. "We have a problem though…" he gave Ahsoka's shoulder a quick comforting squeeze, "….Ahsoka has tried to kill herself so one of us must watch her at all times."

"What? I see. I knew she was down, but I didn't know she was that bad."

"Okay, well….just meet me at the ship," Anakin commanded.

Kliph sighed and he stated, "As you wish. I'll meet you there in an hour."

Anakin nodded as the connection broke. He turned to Ahsoka and said, "Come on, you need to collect your stuff as well Ahsoka." He pointed one finger at her. He hated himself for saying what he had to say next, but he had no choice. "I'm going to be keeping tabs on you. If you even think about attempting that again, I'll get some sedative from a med kit and I'll put you out until we reach Coruscant. Do you understand, Ahsoka?" Ahsoka nodded in reply. Anakin smiled as he added, "Good girl. Now, let's go and collect your stuff." Anakin guided her out of the harvester shed and back towards her quarters.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Ahsoka no longer knew what to think as she was gathering the things in her quarters. Her life as a Jedi was over; she was certain of that but unfortunately, she couldn't find any way to set herself free. Before he'd sent her inside to collect her personal stuff, Anakin had swept the room for anything that she could use to end her own life and in addition, she could sense that he was keeping tabs on her through the Force.

As she was collecting her spare uniforms from her wardrobe, she began to wonder what Anakin meant when he said that he would help her. Anakin Skywalker was a Jedi Knight; more than that, he was the chosen one. He shouldn't be bothering with failures like her and Ahsoka couldn't understand why he was. It was nice that one person cared, however. Ahsoka had to admit that and she did sort of feel silly after causing all this trouble. Ahsoka sighed with resignation. She would have to see what the council did with her; she no longer had any option.

After she had picked the last of her affects up, she walked out of the door and joined Anakin in the corridor. "Got everything Ahsoka?" Anakin asked.

"Yes, I have Master Skywalker."

"Good," Anakin could sense that Ahsoka wasn't doing well. He did expect it, but it still didn't make things any easier. Again he placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Hey, I know you feel terrible right now, but now your problems are out in the open, you will receive help. You will feel better in the end. It will take some time, but you will."

Ahsoka looked at him and raise one of her white eyebrow markings. She could sense that Anakin put some personal experience into that statement and, as low as she was, it interested her. She nodded with gratitude. "Thank you."

Anakin put an arm around her, and led her outside to his ship. As they walked along the path, Anakin saw Kliph waiting for them. Again, Anakin noticed that Kliph was looking at them with interest, but he could sense a hint of sadness as Kliph looked at Ahsoka.

As Anakin and Ahsoka approached Kliph, Kliph asked, "Are you okay, Ahsoka?"

Ahsoka shook her head slowly and answered in a distressed voice. "No Kliph. To be honest, I'm not."

Anakin smiled at her. At least she wasn't lying now. Mind you, there was no point in her lying now, he reasoned, as the full extent of her depression had been made visible. "Come on." He then turned to Kliph. "Kliph, we will have to take turns watching her. I don't want her to be alone at any point."

Kliph nodded his head. Skywalker telling him about Ahsoka attempting suicide had startled him. He found himself wondering if there was anything else that he could've done. Looking back, Kliph realised that he had seen signs of distress and depression in Ahsoka, but with having to run an entire base with just Ahsoka to help, he hadn't really had the time to think too much about it. Still, he could do his bit now. "Agreed; I'll watch her whilst you fly."

Anakin nodded then led everyone on board the ship. As soon as they were in the cockpit, Anakin powered up the ship's engines and lifted off. As soon as they were clear of Pheebos' atmosphere, Anakin made the jump into hyperspace.

-0-0-0-0-0-

Anakin, Ahsoka and Kliph entered the High Council Chambers. They had landed a few minutes before and Anakin had insisted that they see the council straight away. It had been one the hardest journeys through hyperspace that Anakin had ever undertaken. It wasn't the flight itself that was the problem, it was Ahsoka. It was clear to him that she was continuing to suffer and he could sense that she was still looking for a means to try and end it again. There had been a couple of occasions during the flight that Anakin had considered carrying out his threat to sedate Ahsoka, however, he decided that he didn't really want to do that.

Ahsoka couldn't hide her fear as Anakin led her into the High Council chamber. She at once knew that the eyes of the entire council were on her as she knew that her distress was radiating through the Force. However, in an odd way, she did feel like some of the pressure was off her. She no longer had to hide her distress and she no longer had to pretend that she was ok and happy.

Anakin didn't really know what to make of Ahsoka's thoughts as he stood in the middle of the room. Truth be told, he wasn't looking forward to this conversation. He knew the council members, Mace Windu, in particular probably wouldn't like his suggestion. Nevertheless, he bowed with respect.

"Made some discoveries on Pheebos, I sense, young Skywalker, yes?" Master Yoda asked. He had sensed Ahsoka's distress as soon as they walked in and it had saddened him. He knew immediately that Anakin had some terrible discoveries to tell them.

"Yes Master," Anakin replied. He took a few seconds to compose himself before he began his report. "I have found what has happened on Pheebos Masters, and I'm afraid it is very disturbing."

"Explain," Master Windu stated simply.

Anakin decided to deliberately point out that Ahsoka had helped him here. It was vital for his decision which would come later. "Ahsoka and I found a hidden lab under the Agri-Corps base on Pheebos. I found out from a lab terminal that there was a secret program operating there. They were genetically manipulating the three types of crops grew at the base. It was clear from the results that some serious errors had been made as they had made the crops poisonous."

Stass Allie's eyes went wide. "Are you saying the crops were making the neural toxin?"

Anakin nodded his head. "Yeah they were. From want I found and from the results of Kliph's tests, I'm guessing the genetic additions have had the effect of doing just that."

Obi-Wan shook his head through shock and disgust. "Did you find out what they were trying to do with this genetic manipulation, Anakin?"

"No, I didn't. There was nothing in the computer about their goals and the place had been stripped." Anagin closed his right hand into a fist. "From what I could gather, as soon as they realised the plants were toxic, they fled leaving Kliph and Ahsoka to potentially take the blame. They didn't leave peacefully either."

"What do you mean?" Master Mundi asked.

Anakin glanced at Ahsoka as he sensed her mood drop even further. There was no doubt; this was what pushed her over the edge. He turned back to the council. "Ahsoka found the body of an Agri-Corps Jedi called Draskel Kifar, in one of the side rooms of the lab. He had been dead for some time when she found him. I briefly looked him over. There was a blaster wound in the centre on his chest."

Master Windu snapped up straight. "Are you saying he was murdered?"

"Yes Master," Anakin's eyes dropped to the floor. "Once I'd found that, I realised that there was nothing more I could do there. It needs a proper crime scene investigation team. So I returned to the temple." Anakin sighed. Now it would get problematic. "Masters, we do have another problem."

Ahsoka's face screwed with pain as she heard that. She knew that Anakin was going to tell the council about her now. Oh well, there was nothing she could do about it now.

"What problem?" Obi-Wan asked. He had noticed Ahsoka's reaction and he guessed it was something to do with her. Anakin had already informed the council of her depression.

Anakin quickly flashed a smile at Ahsoka. He knew this was tough, but it would help her and him as well. "I'm afraid after Ahsoka found the body, her depression has become critical. I caught her just about to commit suicide with a spare harvester blade."

Shock and concern filled the whole chamber. Immediately, the eyes of every council member focused on the young Togruta. Shaak Ti, in particular was full of concern. She knew exactly what Ahsoka's problem was and it saddened her that she had got to this point. "Is this true, Ahsoka?" she asked kindly.

Ahsoka's eyes instantly filled with tears as she choked a response. "Y…..y…..yes. I wanted to die. I want to die. I'm a failure; a complete failure." She broke down completely in tears.

The council members sat back in shock and sympathy as Anakin pulled Ahsoka into his arms again. He wasn't exactly happy with this development. It had taken him long enough to get her to stop crying the first time.

Shaak Ti didn't feel too good herself with what she was witnessing. She knew exactly how bad her people could get if forced to be alone. "This is because she was alone, Masters," she began. "My people are always the same."

Obi-Wan was shocked. He had of course heard of people attempting suicide. It was always a tragedy, but this was the first time he'd ever seen it in a Jedi. He also felt proud of Anakin as he watched him comfort the girl especially since it reminded him considerably of how Anakin was after his wife's death. "Is there anything we can do about it, Shaak?"

All the other council members trained their focus on Shaak Ti as she sighed and answered. "I hate to say it, but she really needs more people around her than she'll get in the Agri-Corps. It's possible that she may need to return to her family."

Master Windu nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's possible the Jedi Way isn't for her."

Ahsoka's fears were coming true. It sounded to her that the council were ready to dismiss her from the Order and send her back to Shili. In response, she dropped her head and looked to the floor.

Master Yoda had been silent for a while. He had sensed Ahsoka's self-destroying thoughts not long after the discussion was started. Whilst he had to admit, Shaak and Mace's thoughts were justified, he sensed someone else had a different view and he wished to hear it. "Rush into our conclusions, we should not. Help the girl, we must."

Anakin wasn't happy. He knew that the council would take this view and he knew that's what Ahoska was afraid of. However, he was not going to let them send her back to the Agri-Corps or expel her from the order. He gathered himself and prepared for the verbal fight that would surely come once he suggested this. "Masters, I believe I have a better alternative to sending Ahsoka back to Shili."

Obi-Wan was intrigued. Anakin was being unusually polite. Obi-Wan knew that it was not like him and he had to wonder what his former Padawan was up to. "What is your idea, Anakin?"

Anakin flashed a quick smirk. It was time to use Master Yoda's words. He looked at Master Yoda. "Master Yoda, when you sent me on the mission to Pheebos, you said that I would find something on Pheebos that would heal me. I believe I have found it. I believe I was meant to find Ahsoka."

Master Yoda gave a sly smile as all hell erupted around him. Master Windu bellowed, "Is this another romantic attachment Skywalker? We warned you after your wife."

Ahsoka's eyes widened. Even in her distressed state, that threw her. "W…wife?" she asked.

"I'll tell you the whole story later, Ahsoka." He turned back to the council. "I promise you masters, that's not it. As soon as I landed on Pheebos and met Ahsoka, I noticed that the Force was pushing me to her. As I found her attempting to kill herself, I finally realised why." He paused for a second. He knew that this wouldn't go down well. "Masters, I ask that you allow me to take Ahsoka Tano as my Padawan learner."

Ahsoka froze. Had she heard that right? Had Master Skywalker really just asked to take her as his Padawan? She couldn't believe her lekku. She stood in shock, unable to process what had just been said.

Master Windu was not happy. "You have too many attachment problems Skywalker. This is another one. The girl has been in the Agri-Corps for eighteen months."

Obi-Wan looked at Anakin. He knew immediately that he was serious and he could definitely see the benefit in Anakin's decision. Anakin had been alone himself for two years and he had routinely tortured himself the whole time. A Padawan would give Anakin some company and something to live for. Of course, the benefit to Ahsoka was obvious to Obi-Wan. Giving the girl a purpose would certainly help her depression. Obi-Wan knew that he had to act. For once, Master Windu had annoyed even him with his Anakin bashing. "Master, may I remind you that I myself was in the Agri-Corps for a while before Qui-Gon picked me. I think this is a good development for Anakin."

"We cannot have a suicidal Jedi Padawan, Obi-Wan," Master Mundi sated.

"I will watch her Masters" Anakin added. This wasn't going well, even though he was delighted that Obi-Wan for one, was on his side.

Master Yoda had heard enough. He closed his eyes and called on the Force. Once it confirmed his suspicions, he opened his eyes and stated, "Jedi we are. Follow the will of the Force, we do. Pushed young Skywalker to young Tano, the Force did. Sense it strongly, I do. Overlook that, we cannot."

"Are you saying we should allow this?" Master Windu asked angrily.

Master Yoda looked at Master Windu. Even he had been annoyed by Mace's last question. "Control your anger, you should Master Windu. Know more than the Force, do you? Hmmm. Been against Skywalker from the start, you have. Noticed it, I have. Allow this girl to suffer for your lack of compassion, I cannot."

Master Windu swallowed and sat back. He knew when he was beaten. Not even he could argue with Master Yoda.

Master Yoda looked around. The other council members were stunned by his statement and all quietened immediately. Once he was certain that there were on further objections, Yoda stated, "Allow you to take young Ahsoka as your Padawan, Skywalker, this council does, but care you will need; great care. Easy to teach, she will not be. Distressing her mental condition is. Needs treatment, she does. Help her Master Allie will."

Anakin smiled. At last, his own loneliness had ended and he was in the perfect position to guarantee that Ahsoka was okay. "Thank you Master."

Master Windu swallowed his pride and looked at the stunned Togruta. "Young Tano, the council grants you the rank of Padawan on the condition that you make no further attempts on you own life and that you agree to undertake treatment for your depression. Do you accept these conditions?"

Ahsoka was lost for words; she was a Padawan. After all this heartbreak, she was a Padawan; she wasn't a failure. "Yes….Yes I do."

"Very good," Master Yoda cheerfully stated. "Go with Master Allie, you will, Padawan Tano. Begin your treatment she will. Whilst there, construct a Padawan braid, you will."

Ahsoka nodded as Stass Allie stood up and walked to the door. "Come on Ahsoka. Follow me to the Halls of Healing. I've got to get you on anti-depressants immediately."

"Yes Master Allie," Ahsoka replied. For the first time in months, she had a purpose and a reason to live. Master Skywalker thought enough of her to pick her as a Padawan. She gained a new determination to succeed; she must beat her own depression. She must do it to repay Anakin. As she followed Stass out of the room, she turned and gave Anakin a beaming smile.

Anakin was delighted. That was the first smile that he had ever seen Ahsoka give. He could tell immediately that she was slightly better already. Her lekku were brighter and her blue eyes were starting to shine. Not to mention, her Force signature had brightened in the few minutes since he had initially requested to take her as his Padawan.

Once Ahsoka was out of the room, Master Yoda stated, "Discuss what happens next we should."

Shaak Ti knew what she wanted to discuss. In her mind, someone was to blame for Ahoska's condition and that someone was in the council chambers with them. "Excuse me masters, but there is question I wish to ask Kliph Freeah," she began. "You were the senior Jedi on Pheebos. Tell me how you missed her condition."

Kliph looked to the floor as he realised that he was about to face the music. "I did notice that she was down, master. However, when the others transferred off Pheebos, it left just Ahsoka and me to run the whole base. I simply didn't have the time to see how bad she was."

Shaak Ti wasn't impressed. "You may be innocent of any involvement in those disgraceful experiments Kliph, but you should have done more for that girl. I will make sure that the Reassignment Council is made aware of that when they consider your next posting."

Anakin couldn't help smirking. He'd sensed that Shaak was annoyed and Kliph did have something to answer for in his opinion. However, he turned his attention back to the main issue. "What happens about Pheebos now Masters?"

Master Yoda thought for a second before he answered, "Hmmm, send a forensic team to Pheebos, we will. Investigate Kifar's body they will. Find those responsible for those experiments your next task will be, Skywalker. Once stabilised, go with you your new Padawan will. Do her good, it will."

For once, Anakin was happy with that. The way they had treated Ahsoka had made him boil and he was determined to make them pay. "Yes Master."

Obi-Wan couldn't have been happier with Anakin at that moment, but he knew that Ahsoka would be difficult. He therefore decided to offer assistance. "Anakin, I will come with you. You will need some help with Ahsoka initially as it will take her a while to be fully stable."

"Any help is welcome Obi-Wan," Anakin replied.

"Good, good," Yoda stated. "Remember, protect your Padawan, you must. Allow her to build a lightsaber at the moment, we cannot. Only when gone her suicidal thoughts are, create her own blade she can."

Anakin nodded. Even he had to admit that that was sensible. Giving Ahsoka a lightsaber at that moment would be stupid. "Yes, I agree Master."

"Leave in two days you will. Still searching for Joa Pritia we are. Inform you when found her we have, we will," Master Yoda stated. Anakin nodded in reply. Master Yoda continued, "Settled it is. Dismissed you are."

Anakin bowed. "Yes Master. I will catch up with Ahsoka." He turned and left the room. He was delighted. His plan had worked perfectly. Now all he had to do was learn how to teach. He was grateful that Obi-Wan had offered to come with him to aid with Ahsoka. The only other thing was his quarters. He now had to get them ready for when Ahsoka moved in. First things first, he needed to find out from the healers exactly how bad Ahsoka was.

Well, that's chapter 7. I told you all things would start to improve for Ahsoka now. I know this chapter didn't do anything for the mystery, but it was vital. From now on, Anakin and Ahsoka will be a master and Padawan duo as we know them. Of course, it will take a while before Ahsoka is well enough for her snippiness to appear. Don't worry, the mystery will continue in a couple of chapters.

Next chapter, Anakin catches up with Ahsoka in the Halls of Healing and she moves into Anakin's quarters and Anakin tells Ahsoka his story.