The trip through hyperspace back to Coruscant was surprisingly peaceful, even with an additional person aboard.
Thrawn had spent the majority of his time aboard Ahsoka's shuttle sitting in a chair, staring at the galaxy map on the terminal in the back of the cockpit. It had taken Ahsoka some time to figure out that all he was doing was simply watching the red dot on the map that signified the ship he was in as it travelled through the stars. He was clearly trying to understand everything, to map out the galaxy as he travelled it.
Ahsoka could see why he wanted to help the Republic. He was genuinely interested in them.
The only time Thrawn had ever left his watchful vigil over the map was to use the refresher that was in the back of the ship. Thankfully there was no confusion in regards to that topic. Some things were common to all humanoid species, it seemed.
Anakin meanwhile had been wandering all round the ship, investigating various pieces of machinery and technology, as well as taking apart various consoles to work on. If Ahsoka didn't know any better she'd say Anakin was trying to stem his annoyance at her for not allowing him to fly the shuttle by keeping busy with maintenance instead.
She would let him fly her new ship, one day. For now, it was far more entertaining to tease him for his affronted reactions.
The only question now was what to name her ship. The Chancellor had gifted it to her permanently, and if her time as Anakin's apprentice had taught her anything it was to have a flair for the dramatic. The old beat down freighter they had recovered from Teth had been given a name after all, so why not her new ship.
She wanted it to be unique, something that represented her and who she was. She was no longer a Jedi, but she was not a civilian. She still fought for what was right, and for the safety of the people, just differently from how she had before. Rather than command legions of Clone Troopers, she was working in the shadows, hunting for secrets and truths that were hidden from prying eyes, all in the name of the the Republic, ensuring its survival.
A thought came to her. As a Togruta, she was a member of a hunter-gatherer species, of a society that placed great emphasis on 'The Hunt'. They would hunt for food, hunt for supplies, hunt for trophies. In that regard, it was considered the most important role for a Togruta colony, let alone their people as a whole. Without a hunter, the colony would not survive.
And without it's spies and agents, those willing to do what must be done, no matter the cost, the Republic too would not survive. And now she found herself amongst those very individuals, subverting the normal doctrine of war to ensure survival.
She was, essentially, a hunter.
"The Huntress."
"Huh?" Came the voice of Anakin, as he sat down beside her, his hands covered in what appeared to be grease. Now what had been been taking apart?
"That's what I am going to name my ship. The Huntress, after the hunters of Shili. Makes sense all things considered." Ahsoka replied, a small smile on her face as she decided on the name. It had a certain ring to it.
"Fitting for you really. I still remember the time you caught that rodent thing and cooked it in front of all the Clones to eat. Rex was disgusted!" Anakin replied, resting in his seat as his mind seemed to slip into fond memories, one's that Ahsoka remembered as well.
"Tell me about it." Ahsoka replied, the memory of Rex's horrified face coming to mind, slowly turning pale as she had bitten into the cooked rodent. "I still can't believe that Tup had some as well!"
Beside her Anakin chuckled. Tup had certainly been bold that day, and he had paid the price for it the next one. A stomach bug in the midst of a battlefield was not a good mix.
Neither spoke for a few moments, both lost in their own memories rather than bring up any new ones. The only sounds that could be heard in the cockpit was the gentle hum of the hyperdrive, as well as the slight shifts coming from Thrawn behind them, who was still intently studying the galaxy map.
A few more moments of companionable silence passed by before Anakin spoke, his voice quiet and what Ahsoka would call downtrodden.
"I get the feeling I already know the answer to this question, but you do know my offer still stands right? The Council's offer as well? You could come back and be my apprentice again? Kriff, they'd probably make you a Jedi Knight after everything you went through. You should at the very least consi…"
"No." Ahsoka interrupted, not meaning to sound as harsh as she did. Glancing to the side she saw the brief look of pain that flooded Anakin's face, before it was replaced by a steely professional look, as if he was trying to hide his emotions.
Ahsoka of course knew better, and she knew when Anakin was hiding something.
"Yeah… I figured you'd say that." Anakin then replied, his tone short and snappy.
Reaching across the gap between them, Ahsoka grasped one of Anakin's arms, tugging him slightly in order to get him to turn and face her.
"It's not a no to you Anakin. I would very much like to still be friends, or at the very least acquaintances. But I can't go back to an Order that outright sold me out for lies, and then didn't have the courage to properly apologise to me. At least Palpatine actually sought me out and admitted his mistakes, unlike Windu and even Yoda!"
Ahsoka had to admit that she was shocked at her own outburst, and clearly Anakin was as well, judging by the way his eyes widened at her words. Out of the corner of her eye Ahsoka spotted that even Thrawn had turned around in his chair to glance over, his red eyes surveying what was happening briefly, before returning to his intense study of the galaxy map.
Realizing that she had all but shouted at Anakin, Ahsoka shrunk back in her seat, murmuring a quite apology to Anakin in the process.
"Heh, no need to apologise to me Snips. You're right to be angry at them, and I'll always be your friend, regardless of the path you choose to take. If you want to work for the Chancellor rather than the Jedi, that's fine by me. At least I know someone I trust is keeping an eye on you." Anakin said, his tone back to the usual happy go lucky one he was known for, especially during their first few months together as Master and Padawan. Ahsoka found she missed that side of him, even if he was insufferable most of the time.
"Thank you Anakin. That means a lot."
Dropping out of hyperspace above Coruscant had been as uneventful as the rest of the journey, for which Ahsoka was grateful. The last thing they needed was a surprise ambush by Separatists.
Or Hondo for that matter.
Glancing out at the cockpit window, down towards the planet's surface below, Ahsoka felt someone come up behind her, a quite gasp escaping their mouth in the process. Glancing backwards, Ahsoka saw that it was Thrawn standing behind her, rather than in his chair by the galaxy map. His gleaming red eyes stared out at the planet, watching the vast glowing lines that ran across the surface of the planet-wide city. He was evidently mesmerised by the sight before him.
Smirking to herself, Ahsoka reached out with her hands to disable the autopilot, grasping the joystick that controlled the ship in the process, before angling the shuttle down towards the surface. Apparently the Chancellor was waiting for them on a landing pad at the Senate building.
As the shuttle descended through the atmosphere, and down through the clouds, Thrawn continued to analyse everything. When the sight of the vast city below came into view, the Chiss gasped again, before heading back to his seat, inspecting the readout from the console.
"Well, he certainly seems excited." Anakin quipped from beside her, a small smirk on his face as he watched the Chiss analyse the readout of the planet below.
Ahsoka understood. When she had first been brought to Coruscant from Shili she had marvelled at the towering buildings that covered the planet. Even then, at three years old, she understood that the very existence of such a city-wide planet was something that had taken millennia of work to complete. Coruscant had seemed like a jewel at the time, a planet of perfection and grace, even more so when she had entered the Jedi Temple for the first time.
Now however, she knew better. There was a dark seediness to that planet, one that was overshadowed by the lush extravagant facade of a surface.
The same could be said about the Jedi Order as a whole.
"We can only hope that the Chancellor sees something in him." Ahsoka replied, continuing to steer the shuttle forward. Focusing her eyes, Ahsoka spotted the landing pad she had been directed to, as well as several figures waiting for them. One was clearly the Chancellor, and he was flanked by several Senate guards, their blue armour almost blending in with the scenery.
Next to them were two more figures, both of whom were unrecognizable at first, until Ahsoka spotted the familiar golden sheen of Threepio.
And beside Threepio stood…
"Hey, Padm…. I mean Senator Amidala came to greet us as well." Anakin spoke again, his voice full of what Ahsoka would call excitement as he pointed out what she had already seen.
"Yes Anakin I can tell." Ahsoka replied, forcing the smug smile that threatened to consume her face away as she guided the shuttle to land.
A few moments later the landing sequence was complete and Ahsoka powered down the systems of the shuttle. Turning her chair around, she glanced over at Thrawn, who now appeared to be watching her, his face not betraying any emotion whatsoever.
She had to give him credit. In his position she would have been incredibly nervous and worried. Was Thrawn not? Or maybe he was just incredibly good at hiding it?
Stretching her legs as she stood from her seat, Anakin rising beside her simultaneously, Ahsoka gestured to Thrawn to follow her, shooting a warm welcoming smile to him in the process. The least she could do was make him feel welcome.
The Chiss seemed to appreciate the gesture, as he nodded in reply and stood from his own seat, gesturing to the back of the ship allowing Ahsoka to go first.
Nodding her own head, Ahsoka began to lead the way out of the ship, her footsteps being followed by Thrawn, with Anakin bringing up the rear.
Descending down the ramp Ahsoka was greeted with a rush of warm air that was common on Coruscant. The planet was not quite as hot as the deserts of Tatooine, or as humid as the plains of Shili, but it was still warm, no doubt thanks to the sheer amount of people and machinery generating heat of their own.
Glancing before her, Ahsoka spotted the Chancellor approaching her, a kindly smile on his wrinkled yet warm face, Threepio and Padmé following behind him.
"Agent Tano my dear, I am so glad to see you and General Skywalker are unharmed. A shame about the data being lost, but that cannot be helped considering the circumstances." Palpatine spoke, the smile never leaving his face as he surveyed both Ahsoka and Anakin, who had now come to stand by her side.
"Thank you Chancellor," Ahsoka replied, bowing before him in a sign of respect, before returning to her full height, "This data drive is all that survived."
The Chancellor reached out to grasp the offered drive, inspecting it slightly before grimacing suddenly.
"Hmm, the damage may not be that severe. Perhaps some information survived."
"We can only hope Your Excellency." Anakin chose that moment to join the conversation, bowing his own head, a gesture that Palpatine returned.
It was then that Ahsoka heard what sounded like the shuffling of feet behind her, as if someone was trying to get her attention.
Stepping to the side to allow the Chancellor to get his first proper glance at Thrawn, Ahsoka began to make the proper introductions.
"Chancellor Palpatine, may I introduce to you Mitth'raw'nuruodo, or Thrawn for short. He assisted us in the mission and wishes to help the Republic in it's time of need. Thrawn, this is Chancellor Sheev Palpatine, leader of the Republic."
As she spoke, Ahsoka became aware of Threepio moving forward, beginning to translate what she had said from Basic to whatever language it was that Thrawn spoke. She would have to ask the protocol droid later.
As communication between Thrawn and Palpatine opened before her, Ahsoka heard the voice of Anakin in her head, speaking privately to her.
'How come Threepio didn't question the way you pronounced Thrawn's full name? I said it the exact same way and he chastised me?'
'Maybe he just likes me better Skyguy?'
'Pfft, you do know I built him when I was a child right? He's like my eccentric droid son.'
'You would have a droid as a child.'
'Very funny Snips.'
'I jest Anakin. Maybe I'm just better at pronouncing alien names than you are.'
'Doubtful, but could be. You are an alien like Thrawn after all. Maybe humans aren't meant to be able to pronounce long names. They aren't normal names after all. Why couldn't he be called Lars or something?'
'That's racist! Besides, Obi-Wan is human and he has a weird name.'
'Yeah cause he's Obi-Wan. He has to be awkward for the sake of it. And I'm not racist. I have plenty of alien friends!'
'Name one?!'
'Well, you for starters.'
'Doesn't count you rampant racist!'
'Snips, I'm not a…'
"General Skywalker? Agent Tano? Is everything alright?" Chancellor Palpatine's voice interrupted their mental teasing, a concerned look on his face. Thrawn now stood beside him, his demeanour having changed to one that Ahsoka would call friendly.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Your Excellency. Ahsoka and I were just communicating over our old bond. What were you saying?" Anakin replied, his tone apologetic and respectful. The last thing he wanted was to upset the Chancellor.
The concern on Palpatine's face faded instantly, being replaced once again with a warm smile.
"It is of no concern my boy. One day you really must explain to me the intricacies of such a talent. I imagine it is quite useful in many situations?"
Both Ahsoka and Anakin nodded their heads again, grateful for the understanding, before Palpatine continued.
"As I was saying. Mr Thrawn and I are going to return to my office to continue our discussion. See-Threepio will come along as out interpreter for now if that is ok with you Senator?" Palpatine spoke, turning to face Padmé in the process.
"Of course Chancellor. I hope he proves helpful."
"I'm sure he will my dear, if he's anything like his owner." Palpatine replied, now turning to face Anakin. "My boy I received word from the Jedi Council. They wish to debrief you on this assignment, and I believe they also have a new one for you. I told them I would direct you to them when you returned."
Ahsoka didn't miss the way Anakin's shoulders slumped slightly at the news. The likelihood that he was being redeployed with the 501st was very high. Deep down she knew he just wanted to rest for a bit.
Still, there was nothing she could do about it, and neither could he. Anakin wasn't going to leave the Jedi Order anytime soon. He was too devoted to his duty as a General and a Jedi.
"I understand Chancellor. I shall leave immediately." Anakin replied, bowing to Palpatine once more, before looking over Ahsoka's head to where Padmé stood, an equally disappointed look on her face.
Ahsoka watched as a small smile came to his face, before he glanced down at her, the smile she would call sweet and sentimental being replaced by a mischievous smirk.
'Seeya later Snips! Call me sometime and we'll catch up. I'd love to see your new apartment.'
'Will do, you racist!'
'I'm not a racist!'
'I know, I'm teasing you Skyguy. Give the Council hell for me would you?'
'Always.'
And with that, Anakin had already set off, not looking back, his feet carrying him to his starfighter, which rested nearby. Ahsoka watched him go, the sense of warm familiarity that had kept her company in Anakin's presence fading as he did. Even if it was just for one mission, she was glad she had gotten a chance to work with him again. They were still Skyguy and Snips. Her leaving the Order had not changed that.
A gentle hand grasped hold of her arm, pulling her attention away from Anakin's retreating form and to the bright welcoming face of Padmé Amidala.
Ahsoka opened her mouth to greet the human senator when once again she found herself pulled forward and into a tight embrace. It wasn't as strong as the one Anakin had first greeted her with, but one that was equally as welcoming and full of what Ahsoka assumed was relief.
"Ahsoka," Padmé began, "I'm so glad to see you're well. When Anakin told me you left I was worried."
Pulling back out of the embrace, Ahsoka allowed a warm smile to come to her face. Padmé had always been welcoming to her, even back when Ahsoka was a young brash and frankly, arrogant Padawan. Over the years she had grown and developed, becoming more powerful with the Force and more patient and respectful as a person.
But it was Padmé's influence on her that had caused her to see things differently. The galaxy, and the war in general, was not as black and white as she had once thought. Not all Separatists were evil, and not all members of the Republic were good. There was grey on all sides of the war, especially within the Jedi Order as a whole.
"I'm glad to see you too Milady. Rest assured I managed to take care of myself. No need to worry, though I appreciate the sentiment." Ahsoka replied, bowing before the Senator from Naboo. Padmé may be her friend, but she was still her superior, and a very well respected member of the Galactic Senate. She deserved the same courtesy the Chancellor received.
Padmé however seemed almost affronted by the gesture of respect, with what could only be described as a hint of teasing on her face. Ahsoka couldn't help but notice how similar the small teasing smile that now covered Padmé's face was to the one's Anakin so frequently possessed.
"'Milady? I didn't come all the way down here for us to stand on rank and privilege Ahsoka. I was wondering if perhaps you would like to come to my apartment for lunch. You must be starving after your recent mission?"
If Ahsoka was being truthful then yes, she was starving. Swimming through a shipwreck, coupled with almost drowning had made her awfully hungry. Even the small ration packs she had brought with her on the mission had done little to fill her up.
And frankly, she knew she needed a good meal. During her time in the underworld Ahsoka had noticed a small, yet significant loss of weight. If she wasn't careful, she could very well fall ill from lack of a good balanced diet.
Plus it would be a good opportunity to catch up with one of the few people who had actively defended her during her ordeal.
"Thank you Padmé. I think I'll take you up on that offer."
"Unfortunate the loss of our Shadow is, as well as the loss of the data he was gathering."
"Not to mention the loss of an entire Star Destroyer and a legion of troopers."
"Their sacrifice is in vain with the lack of any intel. We must ensure that our intelligence divisions are more aware of surprise Separatist attacks."
"Unorthodox Count Dooku is. Subvert any expectations he will. Plan for his strategies, we cannot."
"The battle droid armies move closer and closer to securing more worlds every day. They have recently begun a campaign against the Wookiees on Kashyyyk!"
"We do not possess the resources to assist the Wookiees at this time. Our focus must be on finding and capturing General Grievous and Count Dooku."
"A feat easier said than done I assure you."
"We are Jedi. We will succeed, and the Republic will stand for generations more."
"Hmmm, clouded the Force is. Unknowable, is the future."
"Have faith Master Yoda."
Anakin couldn't help the sigh of frustration that escaped his lips. He had only come to deliver his report to the Jedi Council. Now he was being forced to listen to them rattle on and on about the politics of the war in endless circles.
He'd long dreamt of being invited to join their ranks, but perhaps being a member of the Council wasn't exactly what he'd imagined it to be.
"Do you have something to add to this meeting Skywalker?" The voice of Mace Windu drew Anakin out of his inner thoughts, his eyes shifting to lock onto the dark skinned Jedi Master, who was watching him with a pair of sharp judgemental eyes.
Windu had never liked him. All Anakin could say was that the feeling was mutual.
Beside Windu, the diminutive yet powerful Yoda chuckled slightly at Anakin's expression.
"The mission, not a complete loss you believe Skywalker?" Yoda inquired, his clawed hands grasping hold of the lightsaber he and Ahsoka had recovered from the drowned Jedi Shadow. Ahsoka had given it to him to return to the Temple. It was better off there than floating randomly round the galaxy. Besides, it was common practise in the past for a lightsaber to be returned to the Temple after its owner became one with the Force. The Temple had once housed the lightsaber of the legendary Tarre Vizsla after all, which had been recovered after his death.
A lightsaber was a Jedi's life, as Obi-Wan had so frequently told him. It was only right that it be returned to the Temple.
"No Master Yoda. Not only have we confirmed that there is a Separatist presence in the Pyrshak system, but we were able to recover a small data drive that was heavily damaged. The drive is now in the possession of the Chancellor, who has agreed to have his best technicians look at it to see if anything can be salvaged." Anakin replied, standing tall as he continued his report. He hadn't mentioned anything about Ahsoka yet, not that he intended too. No one on the Council, aside from perhaps Obi-Wan deserved to know where she was.
Looks of disapproval suddenly came flying at him from various directions. Clearly many of the Council members did not agree with the decision to hand the data over to the Chancellor instead of them.
Anakin couldn't care less what they thought. They hadn't exactly proven themselves trustworthy lately, unlike Palpatine.
"If the Separatists are operating out of the Pyrshak system then that suggests that an invasion of the inner rim is coming. Perhaps even Coruscant is at risk?" Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke this time, his hands coming to rest on either arm of his chair as he glanced over at Windu.
"Possibly, though even General Grievous isn't stupid enough to outright attack Coruscant, not unless he had something monumental to gain." Windu replied, glancing from Mundi to Yoda, who nodded in reply, sharing the sentiment passed by the dark skinned Master.
"Dangerous times these are. Unpredictable, our enemy is. Trust in the Force, we must, lest we become lost." Yoda replied, his head moving to survey each individual in the room in what appeared to be both a sign of respect, as well as an attempt to teach.
Even after nearly nine hundred years, Yoda was still teaching, even those on the Council.
Anakin had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. Surely a member of the Council had nothing left to learn?
"Skywalker, there is one aspect of your report that concerns me. You mentioned a 'we'? Who is this 'we'?" Plo Koon chose that moment to speak up, his taloned fingers clenched together as he drummed them against one another, a look of contemplation on his face.
Anakin had known going in he would have to tell the Council who he had worked with.
But that didn't mean he had to tell the full truth.
"The Chancellor sent his personal agent to assist me on the mission, as it was of both Jedi and Republic military jurisdiction."
Glancing around at the Council members, Anakin took note of their reactions. Some seemed interested, others seemed to accept him at his word.
Obi-Wan's face didn't change. Could he perhaps sense that Anakin was hiding something.
And then Windu spoke up.
"Yes, we were aware that Palpatine was intending of sending one of his people to investigate the ship as well. However we were under the impression that this person was merely a member of the Republic military, and not Palpatine's personal agent. Who is this individual?"
Anakin had also expected this line of questioning, and once again had prepared for it.
"Unfortunately, due to the nature of the missions undertaken by his agent their identity must remain a secret. Even I wasn't able to learn their full name. All I was given was a code name."
"And pray tell, what code name was this?" Windu replied instantly, his tone hostile and demanding.
Staring directly back into the sharp eyes of Windu, Anakin replied.
"The Huntress."
Once again, each member of the Council began to exchange a variety of looks. If Anakin didn't know any better he'd say they were communicating mentally, most likely about him!
The only person who wasn't exchanging the looks was Obi-Wan, who remained staring at Anakin, as if trying to work something out. In his mind, Anakin felt Obi-Wan subtly prodding his thoughts, asking for permission.
Anakin responded by slamming down his mental barriers, feeling Obi-Wan retreat in understanding.
"Unexpected this development is. A careful eye we must have for this new agent of the Chancellor's. All around us spies are. Careful we must be." Yoda said, his wisened tone clearly being used to end the debate. Anakin knew in time that the Council would discover that Ahsoka was working for Palpatine, but he'd be damned if he was going to willingly tell them.
Ahsoka didn't deserve to be harassed by the Council anymore.
Author's thoughts
So, yet another long dialogue centric chapter. I bet you are all fed of of these by now, but they are necessary. not all of Clone Wars was big actions sequences after all (despite what some people think)
Anyway, i wanted to focus on Anakin and Ahsoka's bond here, especially with the mental communication stuff. They are just teasing each other in that section by the way. Anakin isn't really a rampant racist (though he does go on to serve one willingly in canon... traitorous bastard!)
As for the Council meeting, I purposely left it vague who was speaking to show that Anakin was dealing with a lot and not really listening. (though one or two of the lines, and maybe a third if you are familiar with your prequel memes, should be easy to deduce)
I also hope you all like the name Ahsoka has given her ship... even if it is a bit cliche. Let me know what you think.
Oh, and I know Thrawn had a smaller role in this chapter, but he will return in the future. :)
Next time round Ahsoka attends lunch at Padmé's, and discovers a secret. ;)
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Jayfeathers Friend: It's why Thrawn is so bloody dangerous. He actually respects what they are capable of and allows himself to learn from it. When he isn't being all cold hard calculated military man he is generally a nice person. Just look at his relationship with Eli Vanto as an example.
Mysterious guest number one: Yeah I wanted to write a civil interaction between Ahsoka and Thrawn after I did antagonistic one in my rebels AU. It's interesting to write them together, and there will be more for them in the future.
If the Council ever finds out what Ahsoka is up to... well... you saw what they did when she was accused of treason.
Chiara Polairix Edelstein: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. It's always nice to see people enjoying my rubbish. :)
Good luck at university. I had a great time when I went. Best three years of my life. :)
SWGoji2001: Hey, your changed your name back. :)
Thrawn? Ulterior motives? Don't be silly. He's as trustworthy as the Chancellor. :)
I think you will like the guest characters. They were originally going to appear just once in this upcoming arc, but I have altered the story so there is a lot more of a certain character later on, including a massive lightsaber fight. (Oh crap... too much info)
I do so love ruining a happy moment with a foreshadowing double meaning line. Muahahahaha!
jojobinks01: 'Comes out from under cardboard box'
Seriously though, I sucked at MGS back in the day. Great game, but I had no concept of stealth back then. i really need to play it again. See if I am any better at it. :)
Glad you liked the appearance of Thrawn. :)