The Jedi Temple was a sight to behold on Coruscant. It's tall spires dominated the landscape around it, even more so that the numerous skyscrapers surrounding it, as well as the Senate building, the central place of power for the entirety of the Republic.
To the people on the outside the Temple was a place of worship and of strength, of safety and of power. It was the home of the very people who wanted to do nothing more but protect the entire galaxy from even the smallest of threats.
But right now, standing at the base of the Temple steps that she had walked down no so long ago, all Ahsoka could feel was a harsh chill. There was something not right about the Temple anymore. It wasn't a warm comforting place, but one that was mired in politics and war, far more corrupt that she had ever anticipated.
In an odd way, it reminded her of the Senate building, just in a different guise. Perhaps there wasn't really much difference between the Jedi Council and the members of the Republic Senate. Even with the Force the Council members had proven that they could easily be fooled.
Still, as much as she really didn't want to ascend the steps she had to. The Chancellor had asked her to come, so here she was, about to ascend the steps that she had not long since walked down, away from what had been her life for sixteen years. Standing before them now, Ahsoka realized just how imposing the Jedi Temple was to outsiders. This was going to be harder than she had originally thought.
Lifting her foot forward, she placed it on the first step, swallowing beneath her helmet. She had opted to come dressed in full armour as opposed to out of it. Hopefully the Council would take her a bit more seriously like that.
As Ahsoka continued to slowly climb the steps, memories began to flood back to her. For years these steps had been a welcome challenge for her. Returning home from a mission meant all she had to do was climb these steps and then she would be safe, that she could rest.
Now they were an unwelcome path into her past, a past she no longer wanted anything to do with. The Jedi had all but betrayed her. She owed them nothing! That was what the Chancellor had said to her earlier in the morning over the comms. He had given her one last opportunity to pull out of this meeting, stating that he knew she didn't want to return.
Ahsoka had refuted the Chancellor's claims. He was right, she didn't want to return. But she had to, to prove a point. The Jedi may have kicked her out, but she was not done yet. She had plenty more fight to give, just that it would be beside the Chancellor this time.
After what felt like forever, Ahsoka found herself at the final step, ascending it onto the large stone floor that led towards the Temple entrance. Glancing around, she spotted the two familiar statues of Jedi long since dead, ominously shrouding the way with shadows, blocking the sunlight.
And there, standing in the shadows, speaking to what looked like a Temple Guard was the Chancellor.
Ahsoka found a small smile come to her face beneath her helmet. At least she had one friend here, if she could call the Chancellor a friend that was.
Approaching the man, Ahsoka saw him turn to glance behind him, evidently hearing her footsteps. His face broke out into a wide smile as he ushered her toward the Temple Guard that was waiting for them both.
"Ah my dear, so glad you could make it. I was just having a wonderful discussion with this gentleman about the role of the Temple Guard within the Jedi Order. Quite a story indeed. What was your name again my friend?" Palpatine spoke, directing the last part at the temple guard himself.
"I no longer have a name. I surrendered it when I became a member of the Guard. It is a lifelong occupation to ensure the protection of those that protect the galaxy, and one that requires great personal sacrifice." The guard spoke, his voice familiar to Ahsoka, despite being hidden by his own mask.
"No name? That is a great tragedy my friend. Could you change your role if you wished? Perhaps become a member of the Council one day?" Palpatine continued, his face falling in despair at the Temple Guard's comment. Ahsoka too felt some despair at the comment. This guard was, admittedly by his own choice, denied any real personality. Yes, she too had made great personal sacrifices in being a Jedi, but at least she had kept her name and who she was intact. This guard had seemingly lost it.
"Not without great difficulty Your Excellency, and not without being looked down upon by many in the Order. I am content where I am for the time being. Now come, the Council will be expecting you." The Guard finished, standing tall and turning to lead the way. Glancing at the Chancellor, Ahsoka spotted a small sad smile on his face, before he made to follow.
Having no other alternative, Ahsoka too followed, falling in beside the Chancellor.
The three walked in silence towards the entrance of the Temple, passing by several more guards in the process. Upon entering the central atrium, Palpatine spoke once again.
"What made the Jedi construct a temple of this size on Coruscant? I thought they preferred to remain on outer colony worlds."
It was a peculiar question, one that Ahsoka had never really considered. The temple she knew of was thousands of years old, built before the lifetime of anyone who currently lived in it. Was there even an answer to the Chancellor's question, or was it all pure speculation?
"Most of the truth has been lost through time Your Excellency, as much of history has. There are ancient stories of this temple being constructed over the top of a Sith Shrine in an attempt to drown out the darkside of the Force. How much truth there is in this story and how much of it is myth is unknown however." The guard replied, directing the two towards another flight of stairs, one that Ahsoka knew led to the elevator to the Council Chambers.
"A Sith Shrine? Fascinating." Palpatine spoke in barely a whisper beside her, clearly captivated by the story. Ahsoka was glad that someone had an appreciation for the history of the Jedi and Sith, even a non Force sensitive such as Palpatine. The Chancellor seemed to be a well educated man who was always willing to learn more. It was no wonder he was such a good leader.
"Indeed. The history of the Jedi and the Sith stretches back many millennia. There are even myths of our two opposing sides once being allies against a greater threat, though again, much of the truth has been lost through the annals of time." The Temple Guard continued, turning another corridor and leading the Chancellor and Ahsoka towards a turbolift in back, one that Ahsoka knew would lead directly to the council chamber.
As the trio approached the lift however, its doors opened, and a pair of figures strode out deep in conversation.
"I keep telling you they won't listen. We may have gotten the information we needed but the fact they they do not approve of your method only means they will likely ignore any proof we turned up."
"When do they ever listen to proof anyways? The important thing is we got the evidence. Screw what Windu and his cronies think. Besides, he's one to talk about being on the verge of the darkside."
"True, but he is a Council member for a reason. Just try to be a bit more patient next time yeah? You did practically destroy that woman's mind with your probing after all."
"She was a Separatist spy! She deserves it! Who does Windu think he is anyway? Thinks he's so special cause he has a purple lightsaber."
"You're gonna be the death of me one day Bil."
"What is going on now?" The voice of the Temple Guard interrupted the ongoing discussion, the heads of the two individuals turning away from one another and towards the guard instead. One was a tall Dowutin woman who easily towered over the likes of anyone Ahsoka had ever met, perhaps including General Grievous. She seemed to have an air of confidence about her, as well as frustration at the actions of her partner.
The other individual was a male figure of as species that Ahsoka could not discern. He was tall as well, about the size of Anakin, and had grey skin, his face being covered in what looked like yellow tribal tattoos. His demeanour was different from the Dowutin's, his posture rigid and clearly upset about whatever had happened up in the Council chamber.
Upon being called out by the Temple Guard, the male figure's face light up in a smile, his posture relaxing in an instant before he spoke.
"Well look what we have here. Mister super important Temple Guard is escorting the Chancellor of the Republic to a meeting with the Jedi Council? I'm not worthy of your presence my lord!"
The male's tone was obviously sarcastic, and Ahsoka got the distinct impression that the Temple Guard was likely rolling his eyes beneath his helmet.
"By the Force Bil, what have you done this time to warrant yet another Council reprimand?" The Guard spoke, suddenly adopting a personality despite his earlier claims to losing his identity to his position within the Jedi. Ahsoka was glad to see that at least some of whoever he was remained.
"He used underhanded tactics against a Separatist spy again. Pretty much ripped her mind apart looking for information. We got it, but I doubt the woman will be leaving the insane asylum anytime soon." It was the Dowutin woman who responded for the male, whose name appeared to be Bil. Upon hearing her rather simplistic explanation, Bil scowled, shaking his head before offering up his own explanation.
"Ok, that much is true, but we recovered the information we needed, and the woman was a member of the Separatists for Force sake. Windu pretty much condemned my actions and put me and Masana on mandatory meditation leave for a month! He's a kriffting hypocrite!"
"Hey, meditative leave might do us some good. Just pick a nice planet to go to and relax for a bit. The Council won't know if your really doing mediation anyways." The Dowutin, who Ahsoka assumed was Masana, replied, shoving Bil's shoulder with her own, a large smirk on her face, one she also shot at the Chancellor.
"Yeah, but surely it doesn't matter how I got the proof right? Only that I got it?" Bil pushed on, adamant that he get some sort of approval for his actions.
Ahsoka could see what he was talking about. On one hand the fact that he had got whatever it was he needed was important, regardless of how he had done it. There had been times when she and Anakin had done the same.
That said, the last thing Ahsoka wanted would be to lose herself and become what she was fighting against. Sometimes you had to bend the rules. Other times the rules were there to stop you going to far, and from the sounds of it Bil had gone just a tad too far.
Still, it wasn't her place to judge, and she doubted her opinion would matter anyway.
Before the Temple Guard could reply to Bil however, the Chancellor stepped forward.
"I would be inclined to agree with you there my friend. Whilst your actions may have been morally questionable, you did achieve results that will benefit us greatly. In times like these we must do all we can to garner the truth. Do not despair. I predict there are great things in your future."
From the look of complete surprise on Bil's face he had not been anticipating such a response from the Chancellor of all people. Ahsoka could understand why. Palpatine was not a Jedi, and thus did not look at things the same way the Jedi did. He offered an outside opinion, one that could shape the galaxy for better or worse, as well as people's lives.
And clearly the opinion meant the world to Bil, who stood up straight and bowed in deep reverence.
"Thank you Chancellor. I wish someone with your pragmatism was on the Jedi Council. Maybe then we'd actually get something done."
"Perhaps one day my friend." Palpatine replied, offering a hand to both Bil and Masana in the process, both of which accepted it with surprise and gratitude.
Once the handshakes were complete, Masana bowed her own head and spoke.
"Good day to you Chancellor."
With that both Masana and Bil moved passed the trio, heading down the hallway and falling back into their prior discussion about the Council members.
A loud sigh pulled Ahsoka's attention back to the Temple Guard, who had one hand resting on his helmet, clearly annoyed with the discussion that had just occurred. The guard did not move from that position for a few moments, clearly trying to wrap his head around what had just happened. When he did finally remove his hand from his faceplate, his head focused entirely on Ahsoka, addressing her rather than the Chancellor.
"Those two are enough to make me want to become a Sith Lord. They never learn."
Beneath her helmet Ahsoka smiled. Despite his grievances with Bil and Masana it was clear he was worried about them. His body posture pretty much gave away the fact that he wanted to go after them and stop them getting into any more trouble.
And then, just as quickly as that, his demeanour shifted again, back towards the rigid Temple Guard he was trained to be.
"Now, if you will both follow me. The Council will be expecting you next."
The ride up the turbolift had not been a pleasant one for Ahsoka. The last time she had been here her mind had been so warped by emotion and distrust. The Jedi had outright betrayed her, and then rather than apologise as any decent being would the Council instead had the gall to state that everything that had happened to her had merely been an extension of her Jedi training!
What part of the Jedi Code stated that one had to be subject to immense betrayal and experience the corruption evident in order to graduate to Knight!?
What part of the Code stated that one of your best friends had to betray you?!
What part of the kriffing code stated that you would have to be put on trial for treason, and quite possibly executed!
A gentle nudge on her arm drew her out of her internal struggle, the calm, kind and compassionate eyes of the Chancellor relaxing her instantly. If even he could tell how stressed and apprehensive she was about being back, then she was surely doing a terrible job at hiding it in the first place. She wouldn't have been surprised if the Jedi Council themselves had sensed her coming thanks to her sporadic emotional state.
Beneath her helmet she closed her eyes, focusing on her connection to the Force, centring herself and her emotions. Several deep breaths later she opened her eyes, before nodding at the Chancellor as confidently as she could.
A small smile came the Palpatine's face in response before the turbolift promptly stopped, doors opening before them, leading towards the Council chamber itself.
Taking the lead, the Temple Guard moved forward, approaching another pair of guards who stood flanking the doorway into the chamber itself.
"Chancellor Palpatine and his personal agent are here to discuss the recent mission to Hypori, as scheduled." The Temple Guard addressed the other two guards, who both nodded in response, stepping to the side to allow them access.
Content that his role was completed, the Temple Guard that had been leading them turned on his heel, bowing to the Chancellor slowly, before moving past the both of them, back towards the turbolift.
As he passed by Ahsoka he nodded his head once, a gesture that she returned. She had suspected that the temple guard was the same as the one who had tracked her down on Coruscant's streets. His face may have been obscured but his voice was similar, and it was clear that he was one of the more open minded of the Order as a whole.
Perhaps she really did have allies in the Temple that weren't Anakin and Obi-Wan. That thought was a welcome one, and perhaps the first positive emotion she had felt since returning to her former home.
A positive emotion she was almost certain was about to be ruined by those in the room before her.
Steeling herself, Ahsoka moved to follow Palpatine as he entered the Council chambers.
Author's thoughts
Well, this was a fun chapter to write. I always enjoy the more internal thought based chapters. Hopefully I was able to portray the internal conflict that Ahsoka is going through well enough. Returning to her former home from which she was exiled can't be easy for her, much less having to meet with the Council that betrayed her and cast her aside. Let's hope she can keep it together in front of them.
Also, Palpy being Palpy continues to be great to write for. He's such a nice man who only wants to learn from and help others. He and Ahsoka are kindred spirits in that respect. XD
In regards to the two characters who showed up in this chapter, I will say that both Bil and Masana are actual canon characters, fans just know them by a different name. Their inclusion is only a cameo at the moment, but if people want more of them I can make them appear in a later arc I have planned.
So yeah, not much else really to say which this chapter. Hopefully it sets up this short arc well enough. Rest assured however that Ahsoka will have some free time coming up soon. I have recently just finished writing the first draft of perhaps the most ludicrous chapter of all time. Can't wait for you to see it. Still, got to get through a few more beforehand.
Thanks once again to my patient and determined beta reader 'ArrinSnyders'. Without him this story would be a grammatical mess.
Next time round Ahsoka and Palpatine face the Council. Let's hope no lightsabers are involved.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Ghost14lebi: Thanks a lot. Glad you liked Fives surviving this time round. It worked better to leave him alive for the future of this story. Suffice to say you have not seen the last of him.
That's a fair comment about the Palpy reveal in the trailer. They must be hiding something pretty big if they are willing to reveal Palpy like that! That said, it could all be wishful thinking I suppose. Guess we'll find out soon.
And no worries. Your English is fine. :)
SWGoji2001: You can be pretty cruel I'll give you that. :)
Glad you enjoyed the stuff with Fives and Ahsoka. Hopefully any consequences his escape has are good for the galaxy, or else Ahsoka could be in serious trouble.
Ahsoka and Palpatine will walk into the Council Chamber next time together, and it will be an interesting day indeed.
Dream Plane: Hey, no worries about not reviewing. I don't expect everyone who reads to review, but it's nice to see regardless.
Ahsoka working for Palpy was just an interesting idea i thought of, and it makes a certain amount of sense after her self imposed exile. Frankly I'm surprised Palpy didn't take more of an interest in her in canon considering who her master was.
At this moment I don't know if Fives would completely trust Ahsoka enough to tell her. He's under the impression that everyone is out to get him. He only got by Ahsoka becuase she is understanding of his position being on the run. If he told her she'd be a bit suspicious and would probably ask Palpy in person, which would not be a good thing to do for her. In a way Fives is protecting her. :)
Juxshoa: Fives lives! XD Glad you are happy.
Fives might very well find out the truth at some point in the future. Who he tells, if anyone will obviously have a very important role to play.
Travis Middleton: Of course Ahsoka was going to let Fives get away. She knows what it's like to be on the run without anyone believing her. By letting him go she's giving him a chance to find evidence and prove his accusations right. Let's hope it doesn't backfire too badly on her.
Hope the first part of the trip to the temple was to your liking, as well as the two cameos in this chapter. :)
Mysterious guest one: Glad you enjoyed the outcome. It was hard finding a way for Fives to survive, but I'm glad I pulled it off somehow as it will be an important plot point later on. Ahsoka would be the one to let Fives go as she understands his plight personally, unlike Rex and Anakin.
Bea: Ahsoka certainly does deserve some rest... just not right now it seems. XD
Glad you approve of Fives surviving, even if you like Echo more. At least he's out there alive somewhere as well.
The reactions of the Council will be interesting indeed. No doubt Windu will be furious.
And Thrawn's return is coming up in a few chapters time. Let's see what he has learned in the interim period.
And thanks, I'll keep going as long as I can.
jojobinks01: Now... which Kane are we speaking about here, as I know many Kane's and they could all of said that quote. I'd learn more towards a certain bald headed Kane, but I am likely wrong.
1saaa: Oops! Sorry! Didn't mean to disturb your writing time. This chapter could have waited to be read you know. :)
Still, glad you liked the chapter, even if it only serves to set things up for later on.
As for when 'Revenge of the Sith' will roll around, the answer is not for a while yet. I've got at least four more large arcs to get through first alongside interim chapters like these ones, and each of those are quite long too. And when we do reach ROTS I won't be doing a complete rewrite of each and every scene, only the important ones where things might change slightly. Hopefully that's ok. :)