The sound of her personal datapad vibrating as it indicated a message being received awoke Ahsoka from her slumber. The bed in her apartment was beyond comfy. She remembered arriving back late after leaving Padmé's, having been called to the Chancellor's office beforehand for a debrief.
Ahsoka had told Palpatine everything she knew, not that there was much that he didn't already know. In fact the whole debrief had seemed like a courtesy gesture more than an official meeting. The Chancellor had inquired what it had been like the work with Anakin again, and honestly, the only answer she could give him was that it was good.
It felt like nothing had changed, even if nearly everything had.
The Chancellor had let her leave after that, promising to call as soon as he had another mission for her. Ahsoka hoped he would have one soon, lest she go stir crazy again.
The weight of the day, coupled with very nearly drowning twice had evidently taken its toll on her however. No sooner had she made it back to her apartment that she began to feel weary, and upon laying down on her bed she had quickly fallen asleep.
And now she was awake, feeling far more refreshed than usual. There were no nightmares this time, about the war, or about her friends.
Instead, her dreams had been simple and happy. She was grateful for that.
Her datapad buzzed again, drawing her attention to it. Sitting up on the bed she realised she hadn't even changed out of her clothes from the previous day. Her wardrobe wasn't exactly filled to the brim with extravagant clothing like most girls her age, but it still held enough casual wear to warrant a change of clothes everyday.
Clearly she had been incredibly tired.
Pushing off from the bed Ahsoka walked over to a small table in her bedroom, grasping hold of the the datapad in her hand. Flicking her fingers across the display, Ahsoka brought up her list of messages, seeing two new ones that had appeared from Padmé.
Ahsoka had given Padmé her link the previous day as a means of keeping in touch. Padmé had insisted they remain in contact, and Ahsoka was more than willing to do that.
Opening up the message Ahsoka began to read.
'Hey, you up?'
'Feel like heading out for the day? I've had a great idea.'
Rereading the messages twice Ahsoka moved her hands across the pad, typing her response.
'Yeah, just got up. What do you have in mind?'
Sending the message off Ahsoka moved to enter the lounge of her apartment, glancing out of the large window panes and down at the city below.
The sun had long since risen over the planet, and Coruscant was basked in it's bright glow. Through the windows she could feel the warmth of the day outside. It would be a good day to do something with one of her dearest friends.
Her pad vibrated again, signifying Padmé's response.
'Just a day out. Figured we both might need it. I know you're not really a girly girl but I do know something you will enjoy. Not only that but I know someone who will be able to really help you out with something.'
Ahsoka couldn't help but raise an eye ridge at Padmé's reply. She was right that Ahsoka wasn't a stereotypical girl, but that didn't mean she couldn't learn to enjoy such things, if she was able to experience them that was.
And what did Padmé mean by someone who could help her with something?
Shrugging her shoulders, Ahsoka typed her reply out.
'Sounds good. Need a shower first though. Where we meeting up?'
Padmé's reply was instantaneous this time.
'You know of a place called Dex's?'
A short yet refreshing shower later and Ahsoka found herself wandering the streets of Coruscant once again, headed for the small diner owned by Dex. It would be nice to be back there as a paying customer as opposed to cleaning dishes as she had after leaving the Order.
The streets of Coruscant were, as usual, packed with various people of varying species. Every direction she looked she saw a melting pot of cultures. Humans walked alongside Zeltrons. Twi-lek spoke to Zabrak.
There was even a young Dug riding on the shoulders of what appeared to be a Dowutin. How had that come about?
Despite everything going wrong in the galaxy, despite all of her hard struggles and inner concerns it warmed Ahsoka to see that there were still some people out there that were generally happy in life. They hadn't experienced the harsh realities of the war, at least not yet.
Ahsoka hoped that they never would. That young Dug certainly didn't deserve to be forced into such a dangerous situation because a few politicians disagreed with one another.
Her walk through Coruscant's streets continued, more and more of the city she had always seen but never really explored coming into view. Even now she was still discovering new things about the planet. She supposed that was part of it's charm.
It was then that she felt something brush up against her in the Force. It was another signature, of an individual she didn't recognise. It was a mixture of emotions, influenced by the light, yet concealing darkness that almost threatened to overwhelm it. Whoever it belonged to was clearly conflicted about something.
Glancing behind her, Ahsoka attempted to spy anything suspicious. Perhaps she was being followed? Perhaps a Jedi had found her and was following her to report back to the Council? Had Anakin told them about her working for Palpatine?
The presence in her mind lingered for a few moments, before vanishing abruptly, as if it had either gotten what it came for, or decided against whatever it was doing in the first place.
Ahsoka waited for a few moments, her blue eyes continuing to survey her surroundings for anything out of place.
But there was nothing to suggest anything suspicious. No obvious sign of someone following her or watching her.
Whoever, or whatever it was had gone, yet Ahsoka got the feeling that they would be back.
For now all she could do was push onward and meet up with Padmé at Dex's.
"Hey, glad you could make it Ahsoka." Padmé's greeting was as warm and welcoming as ever, standing from her seat in the booth she had picked and moving to embrace Ahsoka as she approached, an embrace that Ahsoka gladly returned.
"Not very often someone invites me out for food. Couldn't exactly say no could I?" Ahsoka replied, ending the hug and taking her seat in the process opposite Padmé, who also returned to her seat.
"Well you're very welcome. I also wanted to say thank you again for yesterday, and sorry that we kept it a secret from you for so long." Padmé whispered across the table, clearly worried about being overheard by someone. Truthfully it didn't look like anyone here recognized her, which was a good thing. To most people they were just two friends enjoying a meal together, not a former Jedi and a Galactic Senator.
Chuckling under her breath, Ahsoka reached out to grab a menu that lay nearby on the table, replying to Padmé's comment in the process.
"Oh believe me Padmé it was hardly a well kept secret. Most of the 501st had a betting pool on you and Anakin being an item of some kind. Not sure who will win but still, it was kinda obvious, especially in hindsight."
Padmé's face took on a mortified look for a brief second, before returning to the calm collected woman that Ahsoka knew her as.
"Well. I guess we'll have to be more careful when he gets back then."
That caught Ahsoka's attention. Anakin had only just come off of one mission, and now he was away on another one?
Did the Jedi Council no longer believe in having time off?
Then again, she shouldn't be too surprised. They were at war after all. She was just lucky enough to now have a job that didn't involve fighting on the front lines all the time.
"I'm sorry Padmé, it's not fair to either of you. Do you know where they sent him?" Ahsoka replied, shooting a sympathetic smile over at Padmé in the process, who smiled back at her.
"Ringo Vinda. Apparently he and his troops were needed to reinforce another pair of Jedi Masters. Hopefully it will be a simple mission this time round." Padmé replied, taking a second menu that rested on the table to look at as well.
"Well then," Ahsoka began, "I guess you're stuck with me for now?"
"I guess I am. Wouldn't pick anyone else though." Padmé replied, her eyes examining the menu.
"Except maybe Anakin?" Ahsoka teased, seeing Padmé's eyes look up from the menu and lock onto hers instead.
"Heh, maybe."
The two hadn't eaten much, neither being particularly hungry in the first place, but they had still enjoyed the meal. The only issue had been when it came to paying. Padmé had been quite insistent that she pay for the meal, and Ahsoka had objected, storming over to the counter to pay for both of them herself. After all, Padmé had taken her in the day before and fed her. Ahsoka simply wanted to return the favour.
Padmé had been displeased at first, her face adopting a look of annoyance, before she resigned to the fact that Ahsoka had paid for them both.
Leaving Dex's, stopping briefly on the way out to thank her old employer for what he had done for her in her time of need, Padmé had directed them down a series of alleyways, into more parts of downtown Coruscant that Ahsoka never even knew existed.
"So, where exactly are we going then?" Ahsoka inquired as she walked alongside Padmé. The Senator from Naboo merely smiled gently before turning down another street, Ahsoka following with interest. Whatever it was that Padmé wanted to show her was certainly important, or at least Padmé deemed it so.
Several more minutes of walking later, which passed by relatively quickly thanks to Padmé discussing the current ongoing crises of the Senate, and it appeared that they had arrived at their destination.
Padmé halted before a door, one that possessed what looked like a flag displayed above it. The flag itself was coloured a deep grey, and possessed a rather ornate looking symbol upon it, one that clearly represented something. What, Ahsoka wasn't sure, but she could tell it was important to whoever owned it.
"Well, here we are." Padmé commented, turning to look at Ahsoka, who stared back in confusion.
"And where exactly is this?" Ahsoka questioned, gesturing to the building before her. It wasn't especially large, but it was clearly a commercial building of some kind.
But why had Padmé brought her to a shop? And what sort of shop was it to begin with?
"I know the person who runs this place. He's an old friend, and he specializes in forging armour of a unique nature. I figured that you could use a set for yourself in your missions for the Chancellor. Better to be protected after all." Padmé replied, gesturing towards the door again.
"An armourer? Out here on the streets of Coruscant?" Ahsoka inquired, confused by the sudden revelation. Ahsoka had never really been one for armour, instead favouring an outfit that granted her flexibility combat, something that benefited her combat style greatly.
Sure, she had received some criticism about her choice in outfits, and in hindsight, running around in a battlefield showing more skin than having covered up was perhaps not the brightest idea she'd ever had, but it had worked, and she had never had much concern for what others thought about how she looked.
Being trained as a Jedi had that effect. One didn't care for their outwards appearance. It was what was inside that mattered.
But still, times had changed, as had Ahsoka. Maybe it would be a good idea to see what this armourer could do for her, even if it was just something small.
Following Padmé through the doorway and into the shop, Ahsoka took a moment to analyse everything that was on display. Rows of pedestals and stands, with various pieces of armour hanging on them lined the edges of the room. There were chest pieces and helmets, gauntlets and greaves, and even a vast array of what appeared to be armoured capes, designed to protect one's back.
It was then that Ahsoka recognized the familiar design of the armour, particularly that of the helmet. The visor of one of the nearby helmets sported a very familiar and very iconic T-shape, a shape that was known to instill fear in many people, and was used as a symbol of violence and destruction, as was the rest of the armour that accompanied it.
"Mandalorian armour?" Ahsoka inquired, her eyes continuing to survey the assortment of armour pieces scattered around the room. Now that she looked even closer, she could see the intricate patterns that covered the various armour pieces, a telltale sign that all of the armour produced in the shop was of Mandalorian design.
"Indeed young lady, you do have a good eye!" A wizened old voice appeared from a second conjoining room, the owner of said voice emerging from the room as he spoke. Glancing up at him, Ahsoka took note of the man's features. He was human, and clearly aged in his years. Ahsoka was no expert at deducing the age of humans but she could tell this man was in his twilight years.
Still, it was his eyes that caught Ahsoka's attention. Despite the wrinkles that covered his face, they shone brightly, even in the well lit shop. The bright green of his eyes radiated compassion and trustworthiness, as well as a level of friendliness that Ahsoka would have never expected from someone who forged Mandalorian armour.
"Lukaa, it's so good to see you!" The joy in Padmé's voice as she moved to greet her friend distracted Ahsoka from her observation of the man's face, turning to watch as the Naboo Senator moved across the room and into the waiting arms of the man she now knew as Lukaa.
"Padmé my dear I am glad to see you well. What can I do for you this fine day?" Lukaa spoke, his tone inquisitive as he pulled back from Padmé, his wizened face softening at the Senator.
"It's not me my old friend, but my companion who could use your services. Ahsoka, this is Lukaa Nykaz. He's an old friend of my father's. Lukaa, this is Ahsoka Tano." Padmé introduced the two to one another, Lukaa moving forward to offer his hand as a greeting, which Ahsoka took in politeness.
"Always a pleasure to meet a friend of my favourite senator. What can I do for you?" Lukaa spoke, his tone returning to the joyful one he had held when he had first made himself known.
Truthfully, Ahsoka didn't really know where to begin. She had never really been shopping before, much less for armour, so she had no idea what to say.
"Um, well, I've recently gotten a new job that can be quite dangerous, and I've been thinking about investing in some protective gear. I don't know if you'd do anything for me though. I don't ever recall any Mandalorians willingly forging armour for someone who was not one of their own." Ahsoka began, making it up as she went along. She didn't expect to get very far. This man before her, who not only possessed a shop full of handcrafted Mandalorian armour, was quite clearly of Mandalorian descent. Why would he, as a member of a civilization that prided themselves on family armour, forge anything for an outsider such as her?
However, rather than receive the denial she expected, Lukaa simply chuckled. "That's because much of Mandalore's past has been lost in time. We were once an inclusive people, even if we were warlike in nature. I'd be more than happy to attempt to forge you a suit of your preference. I've never had to create a suit for a Togruta before. I see it as a challenge!"
Now that was a surprise! If someone would have told Ahsoka that one day a Mandalorian armourer would willingly forge her some armour, she would have laughed in their faces. What were the chances of that?
And what would other Mandalorians think if she ever encountered them again?
They'd probably be pissed off.
"So, what are you looking for then my dear? A full suit, or perhaps only bits and pieces?" Lukaa questioned, moving over the a desk that was situated in a corner of the shop, between a pair of pillars sporting Mandalorian helmets, picking up a datapad off of it in the process, his fingers lightly tapping the screen as he input some commands.
Ahsoka shrugged her shoulders in response, unsure of how to answer. Where did one begin with armour shopping?
Lukka seemed to sense her hesitation, a small smile coming to his face as he moved to stand before her, datapad in hand.
"A difficult question I'm sure, so let us begin with a simple measuring yes?"
This time Ahsoka could only nod in reply. Measuring sounded like a good place to start. She would hate to have a suit that didn't fit her.
Upon seeing her confirmation, Lukaa tapped the datapad in his hands a few more times before holding it up before him, the back of it facing Ahsoka.
"Stand tall and straight if you would. This will just take a second." Lukaa spoke, his tone friendly, even as he stared at the datapad.
Doing as instructed, Ahsoka tried not to flinch when a bright blue light was cast over her entire body by the datapad. The burst of light only lasted a split second, but it was enough that she had to force herself not to react, despite how startling it was. When Lukaa seemed satisfied, he asked for Ahsoka to turn around, repeating the process on her back. At least this time round Ahsoka wasn't blinded by the flash of light.
Nodding his head in what appeared to be approval, Lukaa lowered the datapad before moving to place it back on the table. Ahsoka could only assume that he now had her measures on it for future use.
"Now, tell me Ahsoka, this job of your, are you required to participate in combat?" Lukaa inquired, his eyes roaming the room, seemingly analysing the various pieces of armour that stood on stands, as if trying to piece together a puzzle.
"Yes, the missions are often dangerous and combat is rarely if ever out of the question." Ahsoka replied, following Lukaa's gaze as he continued to survey the room.
"And what sort of weapon do you primarily fight with? Blaster? Vibroknife? Something else entirely?" Lukaa continued, moving across the room to inspect the helmet design that Ahsoka had recognized earlier.
It was a big question, and Ahsoka knew that many Mandalorians did not look upon Jedi with any real respect, let alone kindness. In fact, she would go as far as saying that they hated Jedi.
Then again, she was no longer a Jedi.
"A lightsaber," Ahsoka answered, unsurprised when Lukaa's face span to face her, a look of shock on his face. "As well as the Force in general."
Lukaa nodded his head several times, understanding perfectly what she was saying. It was likely that he was judging her, but then she couldn't care less if he was.
"In that case flexibility will be of great importance to your custom design. After all, a Jedi who cannot fight well with a lightsaber due to lack of mobility is no threat whatsoever." Lukaa replied, moving over to another stand where a pair of vambraces sat.
"I'm not a Jedi, not anymore anyway." Ahsoka replied, trying to control the small amount of venom that threatened to seep into her tone. From where she stood off to the side, Ahsoka could see the sad smile that came to Padmé's face as she watched and listened.
Upon hearing Ahsoka's remark, Lukaa turned again, glancing over her with aged yet wise eyes.
"I see. I understand what it is like to walk away from your past. My clan all but disowned me for my interest in art and culture. The only one of them that still talks to me is my son."
Ahsoka was surprised by the sudden revelation. She knew what it was like to be disowned by those she considered family. At least she still had Anakin and Padmé, just like Lukaa had his son.
"I'm sorry that your family disowned you. At least your son still cares. Do you see him often?" Ahsoka inquired, trying to make small talk, if only out of politeness.
Lukaa's expression lit up in an instant at the question.
"Yes, I saw him the other week at his five year wedding anniversary. Married a young Countess of Clan Wren. They already have a young son and daughter as well. He's living the happy life with a clan that accepts him, unlike me. At least with them his artistic nature is appreciated."
Ahsoka allowed a similar smile to come to her face, seeing Lukaa lost in his own thoughts. She was always glad to see that people were happy, even in the midst of the galaxy-wide war that was raging.
And then, just like that, Lukaa snapped back to business mode, turning to Ahsoka with an enlightened look on his face.
"I think I know just what to create for you."
Lukaa hadn't said much more that day, only promising that he would get to work right away on designing a custom suit for her. He had only asked Ahsoka two questions.
How much armour, and what colour?
Her answers to both questions had been whatever he thought was best for her. He was the expert armourer after all.
And thus it was, that four days later she received a call from him telling her her suit was ready. How he had made it so quickly she had no idea, especially if he had no previous experience in designing one for a Togruta. Still, she wasn't complaining, and she couldn't wait to see it.
Stopping to allow a trio of humans leave the shop first, Ahsoka stepped over the threshold and into the main room, being immediately greeted by a rather pleased looking Lukaa. Beside him was what looked like a case of some kind, one that could be used to store something large, yet still be carried around with ease.
Like her new armour.
Now Ahsoka was definitely excited to see what he had for her.
"So, it took some time and patience, as well as a little bit of research as to who you were and what you have done, apologies for the personal intrusion, but I think this will suit you best." Lukaa spoke, reached down to pick up the case and place it on the table behind him, unclasping the hinges that held it shut in the process.
"You did some research on me? How?" Ahsoka questioned, surprised by the actions of Lukaa. He could have just asked.
"Mostly from Holonet news reports about the war. Senator Amidala also helped with a few things that weren't public knowledge. You used to fight with the 501st Clone Battalion if I am not mistaken, and so I have decided to take inspiration from their armour designs." Lukaa continued, opening the case as he spoke.
Glancing inside the now open case, Ahsoka couldn't stop her eyes from widening in surprise.
Inside the case were various pieces of armour, each intricately designed, and each looking formidable. The largest and most impressive looking piece of armour was a Mandalorian chest piece, the design altered to allow for increased mobility. Rather than the blocky square shaped armour that most Mandalorians used, the one forged by Lukaa for her was oval in shape, protecting her vital organs, yet leaving enough room for her body to twist and contort in the midst of battle without any discomfort or hindrance.
A pair of gauntlets also rested on one side of the case, as well as a pair of what looked like combat boots. There was also a pair of shoulder pads present, and what looked suspiciously like a cape.
How was that supposed to help her?
In the midst of her inspection, Lukaa reached in and extracted the gauntlets first, holding them out to Ahsoka with open hands.
"These gauntlets are based upon the design of Mandalorian vambraces. They may lack the various devices that come with them, but they will provide you with not only stability of the wrist in combat, but also the flexibility you will need in order to properly utilize a lightsaber. I opted for a shorted design as to not obstruct the joints of your arms. A full sleeve could have caused problems in the long run. They are made from Mandalorian Beskar as well, therefore they should remain durable for a lengthy period, even under blaster fire."
Ahsoka reached out to clasp one of the gauntlets in her hand, testing the weight. It was light, which was not something she would have expected from the legendary Mandalorian armour made of Beskar. She could see why Lukaa had chosen to craft her a pair.
Returning the gauntlet to Lukaa, who in turn placed both of them back in the case, Ahsoka watched as the next item was removed and presented to her.
"These combat boots should provide you with extra comfort, as well as reinforcement for your feet. The ends are also steel tipped, which should offer you further protection from any foe who seeks to crush your feet. They can also have other uses, if you catch my drift." Lukaa spoke, a small smile coming to his face as he finished off his sentence.
Ahsoka couldn't help but smile back. She could imagine the damage that a steel tipped boot to the face would do. She almost felt sorry for any unfortunate fool that would be on the receiving end of them.
Lukaa passed the boots to Ahsoka, who promptly removed the ones she was currently wearing, before replacing them with the combat boots. She had to make sure they fit after all.
Once her feet had slipped into the boots, she began to pace around the room, getting a feel for them. They were comfortable, and didn't weigh her down too much, despite the steel tip. Even if they did she could use the Force to compensate slightly, but she wasn't sure she would have to.
"Those combat boots are built to last. They should fit you for some time." Lukaa continued, turning back around to the case and removing the shoulder pads next.
Now that they were out of the case Ahsoka could take them in fully. Much like the gauntlets it was clear they were also made from Mandalorian Beskar, evident by the intricate lines that ran across the exterior of the pads. Mandalorian designs in general had always possessed a rather iconic and unique look to them, filled with tall lines and sharp shapes. It was no surprise that such designs translated over to their armour as well.
The shoulder pads that Lukaa held however looked a bit different compared to the other designs in the shop. Their shape was more rounded, somewhat similar to those worn by the Clone Troopers. Perhaps this was what Lukaa was referring to when he said he took inspiration from the 501st's armour.
Or perhaps it was the fact that both pads were uniquely patterned as well. One was painted white, with a series of blue lines in a horizontal pattern, clearly inspired by the colour scheme associated with the 501st.
The second held a more unique design. The pad was painted a dark blue, and upon it was a familiar marking that resembled a diamond made from two lines in bright white paint. Ahsoka couldn't help but smile at her recognition of the symbol painted upon it, even if it was borderline vanity.
Returning the shoulder pads to the case, Lukaa extracted the next item he wanted to show Ahsoka. The cape.
It was long and black, a stark contrast to the colours she would usually wear, but one that to her eyes actually looked good. She could imagine herself wearing the cape.
Still, why was it part of the collection in the first place?
Ahsoka voiced her thoughts, and was met with a simple and obvious response.
"Why, to keep you warm of course. That cape is made of the fur of an apex predator from Shili, the Akul I believe? I assumed you would appreciate a connection to your heritage. Plus the thickness of the material should be able to protect your back from any blaster fire. Like everything I sell, it serves a purpose."
Ahsoka reached out with her hands to accept the cape when offered it to her, gently rubbing her hands along the material in appreciation. It was smooth, yet solid at the same time. Well built, sturdy enough to withstand fire if need be, just as Lukaa had said. How, she wasn't sure, but she knew from first hand experience that Akul were resilient predators. It took a lot to bring just one down. There was a reason the people of Shili were so wary of them.
Lifting the cape to cover her neck and back, Ahsoka was surprised just how warm it was under the cape. It wouldn't keep her warm in a blizzard, but it would help for any cold nights she found herself out in. Upon closer inspection she found that the cape had a hood as well, clearly designed to fit over her montrals. It could, in the right circumstance, provide a good way to conceal her identity on any secret missions for the Chancellor.
That said, she couldn't really see herself using it much in combat situations. No doubt the cape would get in the way given her preferred style of fighting. Still, she appreciated the gesture nonetheless.
It was then that Lukaa moved to another case that rested nearby, unlocking the clamps on it and lifting up what was inside for Ahsoka to see.
This time round Ahsoka gasped. Resting in Lukaa's hand was a helmet, one forged in similar design to all Mandalorian helmets, with two tall spires on the top of the helmet to compensate for her montrals.
Lukka had made her a helmet! Now that was a surprise.
"This is my masterpiece. It took many hours of reforging and remodeling the molten iron and Beskar to form the shape, but I am confident that this helmet will provide you with every advantage of a normal Mandalorian helmet, but adapted for your unique physiology." Lukaa spoke, joy in his voice as he almost bounced on his heels across from Ahsoka, lifting it above her head and sliding it on for her as a test.
The helmet slid on perfectly, and was an exquisite fit. It was neither too tight nor too loose, and Ahsoka's vision was not obstructed by any means. It was protection for her head, which was not something she had ever really possessed in her time as a Jedi.
The helmet also did not seem to interfere with her passive echolocation. She could still sense the subtle movements in the air around her without the Force, thanks to her biological advantages offered by the hollow organs.
Suffice to say, it was a perfect fit, both physically and technically.
"So my young friend, what do you think?" Lukaa spoke again as he helped Ahsoka lift the helmet back over her head, returning it to the case it had come from in the first place, before placing both cases before Ahsoka.
Ahsoka did not hesitate. There was no reason to.
"I love it all. You've done brilliant work Lukaa. Thank you very much. How much do I owe you?"
In total, the armour forged by Lukaa had cost her a quarter of a million credits, and she was both more than happy to pay, and more than able to afford. The Chancellor had compensated very well again for her previous mission to Manaan, despite the loss of the data.
Walking through the streets of Coruscant, two rather heavy but important cases in her hands, Ahsoka couldn't help but smile to herself as she went back to her apartment. Not long ago she had lost virtually everything in her life.
Now she had pretty much everything she could ever want. Credits, a comfortable place to live, a stable job, friends and some badass armour. Perhaps it was a little selfish of her to want such things, but after everything, didn't she deserve to be selfish? Didn't she deserve to have things that other people dreamed of? She had fought in a war since she was fourteen after all. Surely after all of that…
It was then that she felt something through the Force. A presence, one that was familiar, yet not at the same time. In fact, it felt an awful lot like the presence that she had felt a few days ago when on route to meet up with Padmé. Was someone spying on her?
It was then that movement caught her eye. In a dark alleyway off of the path she was walking, something moved. The shadows concealed their identity, but there was clearly someone, or something there.
And it was watching her.
Through the Force she felt a pull, as if whatever was in the shadows was inviting her forward to meet.
In fact, it felt more like it was requesting her presence.
The feeling in the Force changed again, this time to a signature, one that was light, but with a slight edge of darkness in it, darkness that was barely contained.
Perhaps this person needed help from someone. Perhaps they had sensed Ahsoka's presence and decided to seek her out for help.
Throwing caution to the wind, something that was common during her time as Anakin's Padawan, Ahsoka approached the alleyway, stopping just before the shadows.
The figure stood before her, concealed in the darkness, but somewhat identifiable. The figure wore armour from head to toe, including a helmet that concealed their identity.
And then he spoke.
"Ahsoka Tano, I desire to speak to you."
The voice was deep and distorted by the helmet they wore, but was definitely male. It had a slightly regal tone, as if respectful of the person before him, with an undercurrent of what she would call self pride.
And then the figure stepped out of the shadows and into the light around her.
In that instant, she recognized the design of the armour the figure wore. It was not like she could ever forget such a design in her life.
"A Temple Guard?"
Author's thoughts
Well then, that was a rather large chapter wasn't it. Not much happened I know, but not every chapter is action filled, as I've said before. Besides, I left you on a pretty interesting cliffhanger... right? Anyone want to throw out some speculation as to who it is?
I hope you like the description of the armour, as will as it's origins. Both myself and my beta 'ArrinSnyders' went back and forth on the armour design a fair amount to get it just right, so thanks for that friend. No doubt some super Mando loyalists out there will have a problem with it, but whatever. Not every Mandalorian is as strict and sacred as the stereotype suggests. Just look at Satine for example.
I also hope you enjoyed the appearance of this one time OC. I wasn't aware of any Mandalorian armourers in canon, so I made one up instead. Hopefully he's an enjoyable character, even if he is only appearing this once. (unless people want him back of course). Oh, and I hope you liked the connection I put in between him and a certain other well known Mandalorian. ;)
Oh, and for those of you that are expecting me to do a variation of the whole Order66 Ringo Vinda business... i won't be. I don't want to just rewrite every story arc. That said, some aspect of it will play a role at some point, and things could possibly change I haven't decided yet.
Anyway, next time round Ahsoka speaks to this mysterious individual who has ambushed her... and is called to Palpatine's office for her next assignment.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Travis Middleton: Hey, no worries about being absent. Don't feel that you have to always be here. I'm happy with whenever. :)
I'm glad you approved of Thrawn's introduction. I knew people would want him in eventually, so I chose to include him earlier than in canon.
I've not yet read 'Thrawn Alliances', I only know bits and pieces of it.
The Ringo Vinda stuff won;t be covered, at least the battle won't. The aftermath however will be.
As it stands Palpy sees Thrawn as a potential asset, much like everything else. Let's hope Thrawn proves his worth.
ItsJustABook: Thanks very much. Glad you liked it. :)
SLE's fave guest: I'm glad you liked Ahsoka's reaction to her discovery. She's always assumed that Anakin and Padmé are close, but this is the first time it's been outright confirmed to her, especially considering it's directly from the horses mouth and all. And of course she'd be fine with it. Anakin's happiness is very important to her. Let's hope nothing ruins it huh?
And yeah, the three people that Anakin mentioned do indeed already suspect something, or know outright. He and Padmé really aren't the best at being discreet.
Ringo Vinda's effects will be felt. Let's hope nothing bad happens this time around.
rats10: You're very welcome for the response. I respond to any comment no matter how small or large.
Glad you are enticed. I only hope I can maintain that. :)
Mysterious guest number one: Glad you enjoyed her reaction. Her support means the world to them both.
The 'best in any fanfic' is quite the compliment, so thank you very much. I don't agree, but appreciate the sentiment nonetheless.
Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter.