Upon entering the large central chamber of the cave network Ahsoka made a beeline for Depa Billaba, who still stood with Captain Styles, analysing the hologram. Caleb too had just arrived back at his Master's side, bowing his head in a sign of respect to her, before glancing back over at Ahsoka as she joined them.
"So, did you find anything of use?" Billaba inquired, directing the question to her Padawan, eyes only for him.
"Nothing we didn't already know Master. Approaching the facility would be suicide."
Billaba nodded her head lightly, her shoulders slumping slightly, but managing to find the strength to praise her student regardless.
"It is a difficult situation Padawan. Don't beat yourself up over it."
"Yes Master. I'll try not to."
"Remember Master Yoda's words Caleb. Do or do not…?"
"There is no try. I know Master."
It was always fascinating to Ahsoka to watch other Master and Padawans interact that weren't her and Anakin. Every bond was different, and whilst they might not have been as outgoing as she and Anakin had been, it was clear that both Depa and Caleb cared deeply for each other.
Despite having only known them for less than an hour, Ahsoka was confident that they would be fine in the grand scheme of things.
"If I may interrupt," Ahsoka took that moment to speak, the heads of all three individuals that had gathered round the hologram turning to face her in the process, " But I may have a solution to our problems. Tell me, how often do those dust storms blow in, and how long do they last?"
"They blow in fairly frequently, and often last up to an hour, maybe even more. Why?" Styles spoke this time, his tone having changed from the hostile one he had used earlier to one that sounded intrigued. "Well, since the only way into the facility is across those open plains where we can easily be seen, I say we use the storms to our advantage."
"Are you suggesting we use the cover of a dust storm to sneak into the facility undetected?" Styles spoke again, understanding coming to his voice.
Ahsoka nodded her head in response, watching as realization dawned on the faces of the others around them. It was possible that they had already considered using the storms, but had decided against it.
Still, at the moment it was the only solution they had. In their position, they had to adapt and use what they had. If that meant traversing through a hazardous dust storm, then so be it. If she had to go alone, she would.
"It's possible. The droid's scanners would be scrambled by the sheer density of the storm, and they wouldn't be able to see us approaching." Depa spoke, a small smile coming to her face.
"But how would we see? The troopers and 'The Huntress' have helmets to block out the dust. We don't!" Caleb then joined in, voicing his concern for the plan.
"You do not need your eyes to see Padawan. We can keep them closed as we traverse the plains. The Force will guide us." Billaba reassured her Padawan, throwing a confident smile in his direction, one that he seemed to appreciate.
"I guess we could try it. Be good practice if I ever go blind right?"
"That's the spirit kid!" Styles spoke, chuckling in response to the Padawan's comment, gently patting him on the top of his head in the process, a gesture that caused Caleb to squirm.
At that Ahsoka couldn't help to laugh lightly as well, earning a perplexed look from both Caleb and Styles in the process, both of whom were evidently surprised by the fact that she had a humorous side, despite the joke she had told earlier. They still didn't know who she really was. Chances are they expected her to be some sort of uptight privileged snob, given her connection to the Chancellor and all.
The only one who didn't have a surprised reaction to Ahsoka's laugh was Depa, who's eyes seemed to narrow, as if figuring something out. For a moment, a sense of fear flooded Ahsoka, fear that she would not be welcome.
And then, just like that, the look of concern on Depa's face vanished, instead being replaced by a warm smile.
"It's decided then. We'll wait this storm out and when the next one blows in we'll put our plan into action."
No arguments came from the other people gathered round the hologram, which Ahsoka could only take to mean as agreement with the plan. Sure, it meant waiting for a bit, hopefully without any undue stress, but patience would be needed in order to have the opportune conditions to strike.
"Captain Styles, go and keep watch on the storm. Let us know when it passes, and when the next one looks ready to blow in. Caleb, go find Commander Grey and prepare the equipment we managed to salvage for abseiling down the cliff's edge. 'Huntress', a word?" Depa Billaba suddenly became General Billaba, issuing orders to her troops and Padawan, who both burst into action, one with a salute, the other with a respectful bow.
That just left her with Ahsoka, who could only begin to imagine why Depa had wanted her to remain behind for a 'talk'. Had she figured out who she was?
As Styles and Caleb left, Ahsoka found Depa's eyes locked on her and her alone. They were studying her, not in a harsh way, nor a judgmental one, but rather just pure interest. It was as if Depa Billaba was trying to piece together a puzzle somehow, at least that was what it looked like.
Chances are she was.
"I get the feeling that the Chancellor's primary concern is this secret lab, and not whether or not the troops make it back, despite what he claimed in his transmission. We all knew the risks coming to this place, and are all prepared to sacrifice ourselves if necessary, though I hope to avoid such circumstances." Depa began, her tone quiet, taking care not to be overheard by anyone else within the cave, a feat easier said than done. Voices carried easily in such open hollow spaces.
"In that aspect we are in agreement. I certainly won't risk anyone's lives needlessly. I'm not here for a suicide mission." Ahsoka replied, taking care to keep her own voice quiet, despite the modulated tone coming from her helmet.
"I'm glad we agree on the troops welfare then." Depa replied, a small smile coming to her face in gratitude for Ahsoka's words. "There may not be many of them left, but they are more than capable of bringing down the entire facility if need be."
Ahsoka didn't doubt that. The Clone Troopers were a formidable bunch, each unique in their own way, and each more than capable of completing any mission given to them. She was certain that a fair few of the Clones would rival even the strongest of the Jedi or Sith in a fight.
"Between your troops, yourself and your Padawan, this mission should be a breeze." Ahsoka answered, a smile on her lips behind her helmet. Hopefully she could inject some lightheartedness into the discussion.
Depa chuckled lightly in response, pleasing Ahsoka. "Oh Caleb could probably bring down General Grievous with the sheer amount of questions he asks. He will make a fine Knight one day, once this dreadful war is over."
"He certainly will." Ahsoka replied softly, turning from her position to glance in the direction Caleb had disappeared in. From where she stood beside Depa she could see the young Padawan in discussion with Commander Grey, a pair of other Clones listening intently to what he had to say, before nodding their heads in response and moving over to a pile of equipment they had gathered together. It was good to see that the Clones clearly liked and listened to their young Padawan commander. Caleb would learn as much from them as he would his own Master. Rex had certainly taught her a fair amount about war and strategy, for which she was eternally grateful.
"You would have too, had you chosen to stay." Depa's voice echoed softly within the cave again, the sound being registered by her montrals and causing her to stiffen in surprise. So Depa had figured out who she was.
'Kriff.'
Turning around to face Depa, Ahsoka spoke, fake confusion in her voice. If she could play innocent…
"I'm sorry? I don't understand what you mean?"
She expected some sort of negative reaction from the Jedi Master. Perhaps a sneer, or some off handed remark about the code and abandoning her principles.
But instead, Depa's face remained stoic, with a hint of compassion and understanding covering her features. Ahsoka knew in that moment there was no way of getting out of this without her identity being revealed.
"There is no reason to be alarmed Ahsoka Tano. You may no longer be a Jedi, but the Force swells around you in support. Whatever actions the Council took, whatever decisions were made in the past matter little in the long run. I will not judge, nor will anyone here. You are amongst friends."
Depa's words were meant to be encouraging, that Ahsoka could tell, and she appreciated the gesture.
However, there was still one burning question in her mind.
"How did you figure it out?"
Depa's smile only widened in that instance, as if she knew some great secret that Ahsoka did not.
"Many things give it away to the attentive. Skywalker came back from a mission with the Chancellor's personal agent considerably happier than he had been recently. Considering his sour mood could be felt all across the Temple in the aftermath of your decision to leave, coupled with a codename of the Chancellor's agent being a word used to describe the hunters of Shili, it didn't take a genius to at the very least have some suspicion as to your identity. You showing up here, fully concealed in what appears to be customized Mandalorian armour only further supported my speculation. That, and I can see your lekku dangling down from your helmet. That colour and pattern match the ones Ahsoka Tano was known for."
Ahsoka had to say that she was impressed. Piecing together all of that into a coherent picture was not easy, and was something she would only ever expect someone like Master Yoda to figure out. Anakin would certainly never be able to do it.
Still, she had overlooked the visible lekku, which were dangled down in front of her chest piece, exposed. Perhaps she would have to revisit Lukaa and find a way to get them armoured as well.
Sighing softly beneath her helmet, Ahsoka reached her hands up and grasped the gear, gently pulling it upwards and off, exposing her face to Depa. There was no reason to hide it now, and frankly she preferred to keep it off when not in combat. Easier on her neck after all. Despite the unique nature of the design of the helmet, it still felt rather claustrophobic to wear it all the time.
"Guess I'm not as good at this hidden identity stuff as I thought I was huh?" Ahsoka quipped, stretching her neck from side to side in order to loosen her muscles. Despite the usefulness of the helmet, it wasn't exactly light. It would certainly take some getting used to.
Depa merely shrugged her shoulders in response, clearly not at all bothered by the revelation of Ahsoka's true identity. It was nice to know that she was still accepted, despite what had happened between her and the Jedi Order.
If only more Jedi were like Depa Billaba.
"You could be Asajj Ventress for all I care. The only thing that matters to me is that you are here, and you want to help. Though I will give you one warning. The Troopers may not know exactly who you are and what happened to you, but Caleb most certainly will. Just be aware that he can be a bit… hyperactive at times."
At that Ahsoka chuckled. "What Padawan isn't. Think I'll go help him and your Commander with the equipment."
At that Depa nodded again, before turning her attention back to the hologram, no doubt beginning to study it for anything she had missed before.
Taking that as her cue to leave, Ahsoka turned on her heel, helmet still clutched in her hands, and began to move over to where Caleb was working.
Caleb Dume knew that being a Jedi Padawan in the middle of a war was both a great honour, and incredibly dangerous. All it would take was one well placed shot, one explosion, or some simple accident and it could all be over for both him and his Master. The crash landing onto Hypori had been a prime example of that. The vast majority of the Clones, of their men, had been killed in the landing, or slaughtered by the droid patrols that had come to investigate afterwards. Caleb had done his best to defend them, putting everything he had learned so far into protecting them, but it hadn't been enough, regardless of what both Master Billaba and Commander Grey had told him.
As far as Caleb was concerned, one casualty was too many.
"How are we doing Commander Grey?" Caleb called out to the Clone beside him, who was diligently working on assembling a series of hooks to the end of a long wire, one that would be used to climb down the cliffside. Caleb had always enjoyed climbing. He had found it invigorating, an aura of freedom about it. If Caleb could climb something, that meant he could get anywhere. At least, that was how he looked at it.
"Going well Padawan. You untangled that second wire yet?" Grey replied, his tone laced with humour as he continued his work.
Grumbling to himself, Caleb shifted his attention back to the mass of tangled wire he held in his hands. It would take a long time, as well as nearly infinite patience to untangle it all.
Pushing one piece of wire through an open loop he had managed to force apart, Caleb allowed a small smile to come to his face as he witnessed the tangles give way, if only ever so slightly. It was a step in the right direction.
"Anything I can help with?" A voice, young and feminine came from behind him, almost making him jump in surprise. Turning his head, Caleb's eyes widened at the figure before him, her face now completed exposed to him.
She was a Togruta, which he had already figured out, thanks to the lekku, and possessed a rich orange skin tone that made even the darkest of places shine. Her eyes were an equally warm and bright blue, a sharp contrast to her skin tone that just felt right. Her face was also covered in a series of intricate markings, bright white in colour, making them stand out to anyone who saw them. The markings consisted of several sharp angular lines on her forehead, as well as two softer ones on her cheeks, both of which would not be complete without the other.
And then it came to him.
"You're Ahsoka Tano!"
The declaration wasn't said with any discretion whatsoever, Caleb's voice booming across the cave as he spoke, drawing many glances from those around the cave. Over by the hologram of the facility in the back, Caleb could of sworn he saw a smirk on his Master's face.
"Wait, you're the one who came up with the Marg Sabl maneuver? I thought you'd be older." Grey's confused voice spoke out next, his own face remaining neutral as he studied this new arrival for the first time properly.
Not quite realizing the scene he was making Caleb jumped to his feet in a instant, bowing before the Togruta before him, before practically bouncing on his heels in excitement.
"Wow! Ahsoka Tano! Do you remember me? We sparred together once! Master Sinube invited you to help our class!"
At that, a warm smile came to the Togruta's face, as if she was remembering a fond memory.
"I remember you being the only one confident enough to challenge me to sparring practice, and ending up on your rear."
At that, several loads guffaws and laughs echoed round the cavern, each emanating from the various Troopers present in the cave. Caleb himself felt his face suddenly become incredibly hot.
"Yeah, well I learned a lot from you that day, so thank you Padawan Tano." Caleb replied, trying to cover up his blush that he was certain was showing with a wide bright smile.
It was then that the Togruta's face changed suddenly, a look of what Caleb would have called hurt or despair covering it, if only for a second. But why would she be sad? She was one of the best Padawans in the Order!
"I'm not a Padawan anymore Caleb." Ahsoka replied, her voice almost timid.
Caleb would have been worried if it had been anyone else. But from what he knew about her, and from what she had said, if she was no longer a Padawan, that meant…
"You've been knighted! Congratulations Master Tano!" Caleb couldn't help but boom out, once again bowing before her in a sign of deep respect. Around him he could feel the Clone's shifting moods, as if picking up on something that he was missing.
But surely there was nothing to be concerned about… right?
It was then that he noticed to look on Ahsoka's face, really noticed it. Gone was the bright shine in her eyes, instead replaced with an almost dull and dreary look, as if she was completely and utterly exhausted by everything.
Clearly something bad had happened to her. In the short time he had met her, Ahsoka had come across as a bright warm young girl who would never break.
To see her like this…
"I'm not a Knight either Caleb. I'm not even a Jedi anymore. I left the Order."
Caleb felt a sudden chill run down his spine, as if someone had just poured all of the ice and snow of Hoth down his back at once. Surely that couldn't be true?
"No, that's not what Master Yoda told us." Caleb began, his hands suddenly coming together, rubbing against one another in an effort to distract himself. Around him he spotted the various Troopers, each returning to their assigned tasks.
Ahsoka's face changed again, this time taking on a look of shock rather than despair. "What did Master Yoda tell you then?"
Caleb began to glance from side to side, seeking anything to help him escape the moment. This wasn't how he wanted it to go. He really really didn't want to upset her.
Still, he had come this far, and she had to know, especially if it wasn't the truth.
"Master Yoda told us that you were taking an extended meditation break after you were exonerated, and that you would return back to the Temple in time."
Author's thoughts
Well done Caleb... nice job breaking it hero. Methinks Ahsoka isn't going to take this new piece of information too well. I know you were trying to help pal... but you need to be more tactful in the future!
Seriously though, young naive and innocent Caleb is great fun to write for, especially when you make him hero worship someone like Ahsoka. I think this will be the start of a great friendship... assuming Ahsoka doesn't snap.
And yes, I know Yoda would most likely not say something like that... but he has his reasons, which will be explained later on.
And no, I'm not sorry for the foreshadowing blind joke in this chapter. It was too good of an opportunity to miss. XD
Oh... and the comment about Ahsoka and Caleb sparring together in practice is a reference to my one shot where that happens... even if it is in a different AU altogether, I wanted to keep that idea.
Anyway, thanks again to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders'. Your help is always greatly appreciated.
Next time round Caleb tries to find out exactly what happened to Ahsoka... in his usual way.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
SWGoji2001: Thanks, glad you liked the chapter. Ahsoka and Caleb's relationship will certainly be an interesting one for sure. She has some wisdom to impart to him... the only question is whether or not Caleb will listen and agree with it. Ahsoka is not too keen on Jedi teachings at the moment in time.
Morai is always watching... that's all I'll say.
And Grievous is always out for new trophies.
Mysterious guest 1: Glad you liked the chapter. Ahsoka and Caleb will certainly bond in time. :)
Jayson-Master of Storm: Glad it pleased you to see the upload. Hopefully the marching wasn't too strenuous.
The parallel's between Ahsoka and Caleb are great fun to explore. I only hope you like the direction they go.