Stepping out of the Senate building's hall and onto the landing platforms, the first thing Ahsoka noticed was that it was still raining. The ground beneath her and Thrawn was slick with water, enough to create a thin layer on the walkway that would have soaked through any standard boots. Ahsoka was thankful for the armoured ones she had instead. Thrawn however was not so lucky, but only mildly irritated as evidenced by the dejected sound that escaped his throat.
Sighing to herself, Ahsoka moved out of the cover of the doorway and into the rain, Thrawn following without hesitation. Ahsoka normally didn't mind the rain, but right now she really couldn't be bothered to deal with it. She just wanted to get to her ship, get to Nal Hutta, and get this mission over with.
Thrawn had said nothing to her during their journey through the red hued corridors of the Senate building. Whether this was down to not having anything to say or understanding that something was bothering her, Ahsoka didn't know, but she had appreciated the silence nonetheless. It had given her time to think.
What was she going to do when she found Barriss? Capture her? Execute her on the spot?
'Well you certainly can't let her go… not after what she did to you!' Her mind whispered in her head again, further fueling the doubts she was having. She really didn't know what to do. At times like these she wished Anakin were with her.
But he wasn't, so she had to handle this alone. The Chancellor trusted her to make the right decision at the end of the day. If he had faith in her, surely that was what mattered most?
"We are using the same ship from our last encounter?" Thrawn's voice disturbed Ahsoka's thoughts at last, drawing her out of her mind. Despite his earlier silence, this distraction was a welcome one.
"Yeah. The Huntress is fast and reliable, and small enough to go unnoticed, especially with its stealth drive. It'll be perfect for the job." Ahsoka replied leading the way to the landing platform that had been set aside by the Chancellor for her shuttle. She was after all his personal agent, and thus more than deserving of a reserved spot.
"Yes, she is a fascinating ship. Though it appears we will not be alone on this trip." Thrawn replied, his focus on something other than Ahsoka's shuttle.
"What do you mean?"
At Ahsoka's question, Thrawn merely inclined his head towards the ship in question, or more specifically, the person standing beside it waiting.
Following the direction of Thrawn's head tilt, Ahsoka saw the person he was referring to standing beside the shuttle, oblivious to the rain pelting his armoured mask and robes.
Many questions began to run through Ahsoka's mind at the new arrival's appearance, or more specifically what he or she was doing here. From a distance Ahsoka could not discern a species or gender, but she knew that armour design anywhere. She had grown up around it after all.
But why was one here now?
Upon approaching the figure, Ahsoka and Thrawn stopped, each eyeing the armoured person with suspicion until Thrawn spoke.
"A Jedi Temple Guard?"
The Temple Guard nodded their head in affirmation before turning his attention solely to Ahsoka.
"Is it true?" The voice was masculine, and very familiar. If she wasn't mistaken, this was the same Temple Guard that had tracked her down to talk on the streets of Coruscant, as well as the same guard that had escorted Palpatine and herself through the Jedi Temple.
But why was he here now… and what had he heard?
"Is what true?" Ahsoka replied with evident suspicion. Was this some attempt by the Jedi Council to interfere in a mission that wasn't any of their business.
"That Barriss Offee escaped her cell last night?" The Temple Guard spat in response, anger and hate for the Mirialan in his voice, even behind the modulated helmet. It was a surprising amount of emotion from someone who had sacrificed his individuality, but not the first time she had seen it from him. His encounter with the two Jedi that had been placed on reprimand in the Temple was proof of that.
"It might be. What's it to you?" Ahsoka pressed on, eager to get out of the rain that was pelting her montrals and into the dry interior of her ship.
"You are going to find her. I can sense it in the Force. I want to help you." The Temple Guard replied bluntly. He had made it clear in the past that while he believed that Barriss' words have relevance he still saw her as a traitor that must be brought to justice. Still… there was a chance he wasn't doing this of his own free will.
"Did the Council send you? Are they worried that I'll do something they don't like again?"
At that the Temple Guard shook his head. "No, they are unaware that Offee escaped in the chaos. Their focus is on finding Poggle and Tambor. I only know of Offee due to a vision through the Force."
"And you want to help us find her. But then what? Do you want her dead?" Thrawn joined the discussion suddenly, a hand coming up to wipe the water from his hair and out of his eyes.
"I want her brought to justice, no matter what it takes. I believe you Tano will be the one to do it." The Guard spoke again, helmeted face solely on her exposed one.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring the guard along, unless of course he was some sort of spy for the Jedi Council. Ahsoka wouldn't put it past Windu to try something like that.
Still, she felt no ill will, and no attempt at deception coming from the Temple Guard. He was being honest and genuine with her, something that she greatly appreciated. Plus if the situation arose he would certainly be helpful in a fight. Temple Guards were masters of lightsaber combat, and Ahsoka doubted this one was any different.
"In that case, all I need to know is what to call you. I can't keep calling you 'Temple Guard' during the mission. Bit impersonal." Ahsoka said, offering the guard a smile, hoping that would get him to trust her.
"'Temple Guard' will do for now. I sacrificed my name when I became one, and we do not have enough time to revisit the past. Offee already has a head start on us."
Knowing that was all she was going to get out of him, Ahsoka nodded her head and began to lead the way to the Huntress, Thrawn following beside her, and their newly acquired ally in the rear.
It was time to head to Nal Hutta… and for Ahsoka to face her past.
Even in a ship as fast as the Huntress, the trip to Nal Hutta would take over a day, as well as several different hyperspace jumps. The route, as it turned out, was not as direct as Ahsoka first thought. Despite the Republic having access to Hutt hyperspace lanes they could not travel directly from Republic territory to Hutt territory. For political reasons that Ahsoka didn't fully understand they first had to jump to a neutral system before heading into Hutt space.
That made the journey one more hyperspace jump long, adding several additional hours to their trip time, assuming they didn't encounter any unforeseen interferences.
Still, that gave Ahsoka plenty of time to think, just as it gave Thrawn plenty of time to ask questions.
"I have noticed in studies that the Togruta culture is vastly different depending on the planet of origin. Does it not strike you as odd that your people are not unified under a single cultural banner?"
A small smile came to Ahsoka's face as she looked out of the cockpit window at the whirling blue vortex of hyperspace. Thrawn had been asking numerous questions regarding Togruta culture throughout the past hour, with topics ranging from the meanings of individual names to dietary habits, and oddly enough at one point the sexual activity and preferences of the Togruta race as a whole.
Despite having not lived on Shili since she was three, Ahsoka had done her best to answer the inquiries the Chiss had made, as well as brushed off the questions regarding sexuality. That was something she really didn't understand very well, and she very much doubted that the Togruta species as a whole had a specific set of preferences. Despite the close knit nature of Togruta society, each Togruta was still a unique individual. What one liked and preferred might have been different to another.
"I've never really given it much thought to be honest. I know that Kiros is famed for its art and architecture, and Shili for it's hunter based society, but beyond that I've never really noticed much of a difference. End of the day we are all Togruta. We share the same biology, but we each have different needs and desires."
Thrawn seemed to analyse her words in depth in his head for a few moments, his glowing red eyes a sea of emotion.
"I would like to visit Kiros one day. There is much that can be learned from art." Thrawn finally responded, his hands running across the screen of a datapad he had brought along. From where she was sitting in the pilot seat Ahsoka could only briefly make out that he was researching the Togruta species. Perhaps he was hoping to get to know who he was working with.
"I've been there on a mission once. Nice place, when it isn't crawling with battledroids and slavers." Ahsoka replied, remembering her previous trip to the Togruta colony. That had been a hard mission, both physically and mentally for all of them. Seeing her people enslaved on Kadavo the way she had… she understood now exactly why Anakin hated slavers so much.
If he ever wanted to lead a campaign to end slavery once and for all she'd be there in a heartbeat.
Still… that was a goal best saved for later. One war at a time.
"What is the significance of the Akul in Togruta culture? There are many references to them in this text." Thrawn spoke again, putting forward another question, this time one Ahsoka could answer with confidence.
"Akul are the apex predator of Shili. Many view them as the true owners and guardians of Shili's grasslands, but that doesn't stop them from being a dangerous threat to our people. Hunting Akul and harvesting their teeth for jewelry is common practise on my homeworld. In fact many see it as a right of passage. Slaying an Akul is no easy feat, no matter what sort of Togruta you are. I can speak from experience in that."
"You have slain an Akul? I see no teeth adorning your head?" Thrawn questioned back, his eyes widening in surprise at Ahsoka's comment.
"Yeah, just before I became a Padawan I was taken back to Shili by Jedi Master Shaak Ti, a Togruta like me. The trip was supposed to be a visit to a small village to honour my heritage, but whilst we were there an Akul decided to attack. Somehow I ended up being the one to slay the beast after it knocked Master Ti aside. First thing I ever technically killed. The villagers were so grateful that they harvested the teeth and helped me create an Akul headpiece as a symbol of my victory. One of my proudest days, aside from the animal murder part of it."
As Ahsoka recalled the story, Thrawn simply sat and listened, his eyes never leaving her face. Through the Force she could tell he was fascinated by her description of the events that led to her attaining such an important piece of jewelry.
"But where is it now? You do not seem to have it on you anymore." Thrawn asked when Ahsoka had finally finished her story, and in response Ahsoka felt her spirit drop as she remembered what had become of her prized headpiece.
"When I left the Jedi Order I had nothing but the clothes on my back and the Akul headpiece atop my head. I needed money to survive, so I sold it to a collector of rare trinkets. It got me enough credits to survive. An acceptable sacrifice, all things considered."
"You do not sound so sure of your decision." Thrawn's reply was instantaneous, and was full of the truth that Ahsoka had tried to deny. She missed having her headpiece. It had been a symbol of something successful of her past, unlike the Padawan braids that were once attached to the same headpiece.
She had entertained the idea of trying to find the headpiece and repurchase it, but the chances were it was long gone by now, lost to the seedy underbelly of Coruscant. It could very well still be in the possession of the collector as well… though again, the chances of them giving it back were next to none.
"It doesn't matter anymore. What's done is done. I can always make a new one if I miss it that much."
"Very true." Thrawn replied, his red eyes returning to his text once again.
Turning back to face the vortex of hyperspace before them, Ahsoka settled into what remained of the journey, fully expecting Thrawn to ask yet another question along the way.
It had taken one and a half standard Coruscant days to reach their destination, but upon leaving hyperspace Ahsoka was oddly pleased to see the swamp infested planet before them.
Nal Hutta was an unpleasant place, one befitting the species that was indigenous to it. The air, whilst not nearly as polluted as the lower levels of Coruscant, still possessed a damp dirty stench, one that Ahsoka would easily call rotten at the best of times.
Sure, there were likely some nice places on Nal Hutta… but Ahsoka hadn't been to any of them yet.
Descending the Huntress through the thick musky clouds of the planet, Ahsoka began to plan their operation in her head. If Barriss had come to this planet, or if she was even still on it, then she would have left clues. Someone somewhere must have either seen her, or interacted with her. Despite its reputation as a place to disappear, surveillance on Nal Hutta was of high quality, no doubt thanks to the ruling Hutt clans wanting to keep a close eye on everything that was going on in their criminal empire.
All they had to do was look in the right spot and they would find something.
Ahsoka's first thought was to try and earn an audience with the Hutts, but she quickly dismissed that for multiple reasons. That would take too long, and there was no guarantee that the information they would give her would be genuine.
Luckily, Ahsoka had a backup plan, one that both Anakin and Plo Koon had taught her. The best place to get information was from the people, and the best place to find the people who would talk was a bar or cantina, of which Nal Hutta hand plenty.
Glancing out of the cockpit window, Ahsoka's eyes searched around for a place to land in Bibousa, one of the major cities present on Nal Hutta, if one could call it a city. Compared to Coruscant or Naboo it was little more than a refuge for all sorts of criminals.
"Look! Over there!" The voice of the Temple Guard made Ahsoka jump slightly, even though she had been fully aware of his presence behind her. Following the Guard's extended arm she looked out of the cockpit window once again to see what he was pointing at.
There was a collection of landing pads, some occupied, others free, a perfect spot to land.
However, that was not what the Temple Guard was pointing to.
What he was pointing to was another ship, this one clearly of Republic military design.
"Thrawn, does that ship match the description of the one Barriss stole?" Ahsoka asked, wondering if they had already found their first clue by chance.
"Yes, it does match. Offee has been here."
"She could still be here."
The dark tone of the Temple Guard's response to Thrawn would have unnerved Ahsoka if she too hadn't been feeling the same way. Was Barriss really stupid enough to leave a stolen ship exposed like this? Had she not anticipated that someone would come looking for her?
"It's a step in the right direction. Let's get down there and see if anyone knows anything about that ship." Ahsoka continued, grasping hold of the Huntress' controls with renewed purpose, angling the ship towards one of the free landing pads in the back of the makeshift spaceport.
The landing was one of the more gentler experiences that Ahsoka had endured, mainly because Anakin hadn't been the one flying, but Ahsoka knew that what was likely to come would be far less gentle for her.
Standing from her pilot seat, Ahsoka gestured for her two compatriots to follow her as she led the way out of her ship and down onto the makeshift spaceport.
Upon armoured boots meeting the soft ground, Ahsoka decided that the first thing they needed to do was confirm that the ship they had seen from above was indeed the one Barriss had stolen.
As she began to approach the ship however, a human male stepped in front of her, his face worn and tired.
"Welcome to Bilbousa. It costs five credits or four wupiupi to park your ship here a day."
His tone was dull and bored, something that Ahsoka imagined was down to spending his time collection payment for the Hutts. Managing such a small spaceport couldn't have been a fun job, especially not when Bilbousa had many different ones.
"Sure, no problem." Ahsoka replied, almost feeling sorry for the man as she reached into a pouch she had attached to her waist. She had taken to carrying some spare credits around with her at all times just in case. You never know when you might need them after all, and she had plenty to spare.
"Thank you. Have a nice day." The man spoke again in a monotonous tone, one that was clearly the result of forced habit.
"Actually, before you go, can I ask a question?" Ahsoka interrupted, holding up a hand to stop the man from leaving.
"Ummm.. sure?"
The hesitant tone was enough to convince Ahsoka that hardly anyone ever spoke to him. Again she couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He seemed like a nice person.
"That ship over there, where did it come from? And do you know who owns it?"
The man's head followed Ahsoka's hand as she pointed towards the stolen ship, his eyes widening in surprise before recollection seemed to set in.
"Well… it doesn't belong to anyone at the moment. A Mirialan woman sold it to the spaceport in exchange for credits. Why, are you interested in purchasing it?"
Upon hearing mention of the species, Ahsoka felt the Force around the Temple Guard shake suddenly as he stepped forward.
"No, we are not interested. The woman who sold you this ship is an escaped Republic criminal. We must know where she went immediately."
At the Temple Guards revelation, the man's eyes widened suddenly.
"A Republic convict? But the Republic has no authority in Hutt space. Is this a Jedi mission?" The man replied with fear, obviously recognizing the weapon on the Guard's belt as a lightsaber.
"No, we are operating of our own accord to bring this traitor to justice. Now where did she go?" The Temple Guard borderline snarled, causing the man to cower slightly in fear.
"I.. I don't know. No one tells me anything. You could check the local cantina. She had money… maybe she went to get a drink or something?"
Ahsoka had to hold her hand up to the Temple Guard to stop him from snapping at the man as he finished speaking, before turning focusing entirely on the man himself.
"Thank you for your help. We'll check the local cantina." Ahsoka spoke, offering the man another handful of credits for his help, which he took with gratitude before moving off back to wherever he came from.
"So… we have confirmed that Offee has been here." Thrawn spoke for the first time since leaving the Huntress, one hand coming up to gently caress his chin in a very Obi-Wan like fashion that nearly caused Ahsoka to laugh when she saw it. Just before they arrived Thrawn had changed his outfit so as to fit in with the natives of Nal Hutta. Showing up in a Republic navy uniform would have no doubt attracted attention, and fortunately the Chancellor had thought ahead and sent a change of clothes to the 'Huntress' specifically for Thrawn.
Ahsoka's other companion however had no change of outfit available, and his armour no doubt made him stick out like a sore thumb.
"We should check out that 'cesspit' he mentioned. It sounds like the sort of place scum like Offee would hide in." The Guard spoke again, hands clenched together.
"Agreed, but not all of us. I need you to stay behind and monitor the ship. Thrawn and I will fit in more than you will… unless you are willing to remove the armour." Ahsoka answered, gesturing her head to the Huntress I the process.
The Temple Guard did not respond for a few seconds, before he finally nodded his head.
"I will remain with the ship. Should Offee return for some reason I will inform you."
"Excellent." Thrawn joined in, standing tall with his hands now behind his back. The Temple Guard seemed to analyse Thrawn for a few moments before turning around and heading back towards the Huntress.
When the Guard had disappeared up the ramp, Ahsoka turned back to Thrawn and spoke.
"Right then Thrawn, let's go meet the locals."
The cantina had been easy to find, not that it shouldn't have been in the first place. On a planet such as this, cantinas could be found on practically every street corner. There was very little in the way of discretion on Nal Hutta, at least on the outside.
On the inside it would be completely different. People would be hiding things whilst mingling, discussing their plans for the days to come, most of which would be unlawful in both Republic and Seperatist space.
Hutt space was different however. As long as a person's actions didn't impede on the ruling Hutt clans then they could do as they wished. That included disappear.
Still, Barriss had left a trail of some sorts, and Togruta were natural predators. Ahsoka would find her, even if the Mirialan led her on a chase throughout the galaxy.
Stepping through the threshold of the entrance of the cantina, Ahsoka was hit with a sudden wave of sound and smell. The air was thick with the stench of alcohol, and likely spice as well. At first glance the cantina wasn't that different from the Clone bar 79's. Both had long sweeping tables from which to order drinks, and both seemed to possess the same level of 'entertainment' present in the dark corners of the room.
Resisting the urge to scowl at the sight and smell around her, Ahsoka inclined her head to Thrawn, who came to stand beside her, his own eyes surveying the cantina with varied levels of interest.
"We should split up. Make your way round the room and see what you can hear. I'll go speak to the barkeep." Ahsoka suggested to the Chiss, who nodded in acceptance, disappearing into a nearby crowd suddenly.
Ahsoka barely had time to register his disappearance. The Chiss had moved as if this was natural for him. If she, a former Jedi powerful in the Force could no longer sense where he was then it was very unlikely that anyone else would notice him either.
Accepting that Thrawn was gone for now, Ahsoka began to move through the cantina, careful not to draw too much attention to herself. Despite wearing a full set of customized Mandalorian armour, Ahsoka doubted she stood out too much. Places like this had beings from all walks of life within them. The people that had seen her probably thought she was some sort of bounty hunter or something.
'Not a bad idea for a cover story Snips.' Ahsoka heard a voice that sounded like Anakin's in her head mutter. He wasn't there with her of course, likely off with Obi-Wan and the other Jedi trying to find the escaped Seperatist leaders, but that didn't stop her imagining he was there by her side.
Shrugging off her inner thoughts, Ahsoka approached the bar and rested her hand on the table edge. If she could, she would try to get what information she could out of the barkeep. They were always the best sources of information in places such as this, especially if you had credits to spend.
"Huh… don't see many Togruta this far out, especially not ones in armour like that. What can I get ya?" A male voice interrupted her thoughts, drawing her attention to a figure behind the bar that was now approaching her.
"Something non-alcoholic for now. Got some business I need to take care of and I'd rather not be intoxicated for it." Ahsoka replied, placing down several truguts she had obtained at the currency exchange in the spaceport on the bartop, pushing them towards the man who she assumed was the barkeeper.
"Ha, here on Nal Hutta that's everyday business. You a bounty hunter or something?" The man inquired as he slid the truguts towards him, before reaching under the bar to pick up a small empty glass and placing it before Ahsoka.
"Something like that. Know of anyone who might need one?"
The man chuckled as he turned around to retrieve a rather elegant looking pair of bottles filled with glowing liquid inside of them. If Ahsoka didn't know any better she'd of thought they were alcoholic merely by sight. Surely this man wasn't stupid enough to give her alcohol when she specifically asked for something non-alcoholic?
Then again, most people out this far had rather low morals. She wouldn't put it past the barkeeper to be the same.
"I'd offer you something, but this place is pretty much clean of a need for a bounty hunter. Already got a pretty prominent one who frequents this place. She might be here tonight. Perhaps she'd have some work for you?"
Ahsoka had no interest in meeting with some legendary bounty hunter, but for the sake of getting information she had to play along.
"Might be a good idea once my current job is done. You seen anyone unusual come in here lately?" Ahsoka replied, gently trying to shift the discussion to the information she needed.
"You mean aside from a heavily armoured Togruta teenager? No, not really. Nal Hutta is full of odd people. Frankly if someone normal came in I'd be more suspicious of them." The barkeeper replied, throwing a casual smile in her direction as he began to tip the two bottles of glowing liquid into the glass before Ahsoka, mixing the substances together.
"This drink is one of our rarer served beverages made from plant and fruit extracts from Shili. Perfect for a Togruta who is looking for a pick me up without wanting to get wasted."
Glancing down at the drink now before her, Ahsoka couldn't help but admire the way the two different liquids seemed to swirl around in the glass, not quite mixing together, but not staying apart either.
"Sounds good to me." Ahsoka replied, trying not to sound unsure as she picked up the glass and gave it a slow sip, allowing the liquid to touch her lips and tongue.
Much to her surprise the taste of the drink was exquisite. She had tasted fruit from Shili before, and despite being a carnivore had always loved the taste.
The drink that had been made for her was no different. Perhaps she had been wrong to be suspicious of the barkeep. Maybe not everyone on Nal Hutta lacked morals.
"It's good isn't it? Slightly toxic to any other species, but Togruta go mad for it. Always good to have a customer that can actually drink it." The barkeep spoke again with enthusiasm, practically bouncing on his heels.
"Yeah, it's good. Thanks for this." Ahsoka replied, smiling back at the barkeep, who merely nodded his head in response.
"Let me know if you want another."
With that the barkeep moved across to the other end of the bar, dealing with another customer who desired a beverage of some kind.
Taking another gentle sip of her drink, Ahsoka's eyes surveyed the area around her, looking for anything that might give her a clue. The barkeep had been right about one thing. Nal Hutta was full of strange and suspicious things, so much so that they all blended in together making it impossible to follow one suspicious lead from another.
What she needed to do was find something that wasn't suspicious, or at least hear about something that seemed normal compared to the rest of Nal Hutta.
That or she had to get extremely lucky.
"Hey, 'Sister', great to see you again. Will it be the usual?" The barkeep suddenly shouted across the noise of the cantina, pulling Ahsoka out of her thoughts as he moved past her towards the new customer that had evidently arrived. Through the Force she felt a presence slide up beside her, taking the seat to her right before talking.
"Oh my dear favourite barkeep, that would be splendid. I need to unwind for the night."
The voice was harsh yet feminine, one that had a seductive bite to it when speaking, but one that could easily morph into a cruel tone as well.
Ahsoka felt all her muscles lock up in surprise as she recognized the voice, followed by the sudden realization through the Force as she identified the signature of the new arrival.
"Of course, of course, coming right up my friend." The barkeep spoke again, moving into his bar to prepare another drink just as he had Ahsoka's. The Togruta in question did not move, let alone speak. If she was lucky, maybe, just maybe the new arrival would not recognize her.
Moments later she was proven wrong.
"Well then, what exactly is Skywalker's little brat doing this far out of Republic space?"
Author's thoughts
Hmmmmm... I wonder who this mysterious new arrival is? It's clearly someone who knows Ahsoka... but who would possibly refer to her in such a way? Such a big mystery. Guess you'll have to wait till next time to find out. XD
Anyways, bit of a longer chapter this time around full of all sorts of crazy stuff. I hope you all enjoyed it.
Thrawn being Thrawn during the travel time was great fun to write. At this point in the timeline he's still learning about how the Republic and it's species function, so his endless questions about his current companion seemed to be in character as far as I was concerned, even if he did ask some downright awkward questions. He's just being friendly.. honest.
Also, I suppose I should say another 'surprise' for the surprise appearance of everyone's favourite future Jedi hunter. I hope you all like his unexpected appearance, and that it made some level of sense. He's got a bit of a role to play in this arc so I hope you look forward to that.
In the meantime there's not much else to say about this chapter. The next few ones are all on Nal Hutta but need a bit of a re-write by myself and my beta reader due to some issues with the correct terminology being used in regards to what money is used on Nal Hutta. Stupid planet not using credits!
Thanks again to my beta reader 'ArringSnyders' who did a fair amount of editing for this chapter. Again... stupid credits not being used!
Next time round Ahsoka chats with the mysterious arrival that apparently knows her. I wonder if she will find a lead?
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Ghost14lebi: Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.
Ahsoka's not exactly evil... she's just struggling with some darker thoughts. Happens to us all from time to time.
Cats-Gods-Of-The-Cat-People: Thanks, glad you loved it. Here is a continuation with much more to follow. :)
Juxshoa: Glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Only time will tell if Ahsoka finds any reasoning in Barriss actions... or if Barriss will even allow her a chance to.
60FPS: Dark Side Ahsoka? Can't tell you if that's gonna happen now can I? That'd be spoilers. XD
Guest117: Thanks, glad you liked the chapter.
I doubt that either Ahsoka or Palpatine would want Cad Bane along for the trip to be honest. Sidious might, but for now he is in Palpatine mode.
Plus his inclusion just doesn't really fit this arc to be honest with you (and I'm not his greatest fan either). Still, if I find the right place for him he could show up in the future. :)
1saaa: Your very welcome. Not enough people being nice these days so I try and make up for them. :)
Yeah the last chapter was sort of setting the scene for this next arc, but those have to happen sometimes. can't all be actions and blasters and lightsabers and whatnot.
Throwing Tarkin in was always going to be an interesting moment due to his history with Ahsoka. Whether or not he is being genuine with her remains to be seen.
Thrawn remains a fun character to write as he is so fascinated with everything and everyone around him. We can only hope that his ingeniousness helps save the day somehow.
As for what Palpatine is planning by sending Ahsoka after Barriss... it all depends on the outcome of the mission really. Fingers crossed nothing bad happens.
Fives will return some day... just not anytime soon I'm afraid, though his role is important for later on. Not saying anything else more.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. :)
Erukat: Yeah Barriss escaping wasn't meant to be a big shocking reveal. It was bound to happen sooner or later, and now seemed like the right time to do this story arc. The set up is all in place, I just hope you enjoy the direction it goes in.
Having Tarkin tag along on the mission would be hell wouldn't it? Good thing I've got no plans for something like that later on. XD
The other two escaped prisoners likely won't be appearing anytime soon as they are on the run being chased by the Jedi now. They are Seperatist leaders after all.
As for the voice in Ahsoka's head... it's up to you what that is. I know what I think it is, but I've left it vague for a reason. Hope that's ok. :)
SWGoji2001: No, you weren't really one of the 'OMG Ahsoka's becoming evil' people, but there were others which is fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, plus it makes it more fun for me to see what people think. XD
Barriss' role in this story is an important one, especially with how it all effects Ahsoka and her mentality. Suffice to say Palpatine has played his cards well in this case. We can only hope something doesn't go according to his plan for once.
The suicide droidekas will return at a later date in the story. Why else would I create a whole concept art of them over on Tumblr? XD
.31: Thanks, glad you are enjoying the story.
Will this story connect to how Ahsoka becomes Fulcrum? Guess you'll have to wait and see as that would be spoilers.
That said I will say this story doesn't connect to my other Rebels AU. It is its own separate universe.
Mysterious Guest One: Ahsoka become one of the Emperor's hands? That's a pretty bleak outcome. XD
Travis Middleton: Glad you liked the chapter, as well as the returning characters and plot of what is to come. This is a challenging arc to write for lots of reasons. Hopefully people like the direction it goes in.
The meeting and mission brief was fun to write as the people present all have different ways of behaving that contrast one another brilliantly. Palpatine is just lucky that no arguments broke out with Tarkin present.
Barriss is coming soon. Guess you'll have to wait and see what happens to her this time around. :)
tf330129: Keeping it up. XD
loldelegate: Thanks, glad you enjoyed the chapter. :)
Yeah Ahsoka travelling in what is obviously a Republic ship is bound to draw some suspicion, but it's all she's got a the moment. People will likely just see it and think she either stole it, or is on Jedi business or something. As long as she doesn't cause too much trouble all should be fine. :)