"I should have known you'd be crawling around these parts Ventress." Ahsoka said, watching her tone carefully, but allowing herself to fall into a bit of banter, even as the former apprentice of Count Dooku narrowed her eyes, before a smirk came to her lips. It wasn't a sinister one like the kind Ahsoka has seen from her before, but one of shared humour.
"These sorts of places are my hunting ground, little Jedi. Surely an apex predator such as yourself would know that?" Ventress spoke in response, leaning against the bar facing the Togruta with an air of superiority about her.
"Yeah, dank, dark and downright creepy cantinas sound exactly like you. And I'm not a Jedi, not anymore." Ahsoka replied, turning her attention back to her drink, taking a small sip of it.
Ventress didn't appear to respond to Ahsoka's comment for a few seconds, clearly contemplating what the Togruta had revealed. Ahsoka didn't know why she had just outright told Ventress she had left the order. Perhaps it was because out of anyone, Ventress would understand.
"You left? Truly?"
Ventress's voice was soft and shocked, something that caused Ahsoka to face her again, seeing a look of bewilderment on the Nightsister's face in response.
"Yeah, I did. Couldn't very well stay when the Council outright abandoned and left me for dead now could I? If Dooku came crawling back after he tried to have you killed what would you do?" Ahsoka explained, watching Ventress' expression as she listened to the story being told.
"I'd kick his ass is what I'd do… so good on you. Jedi don't deserve you anyway." The Nightsister's reply was quick, and once again full of a sense of mocking.
Through the Force however, Ahsoka could feel that whatever Ventress thought about Ahsoka no longer being a Jedi was genuine. Despite their previous conflicts, the Dathomirian held no ill will towards Ahsoka, which was a relief to the Togruta. The last thing she needed right now was an angry bounty hunter coming after her, especially one she had promised to gain amnesty for and then failed to do so.
"Here you go, your favourite. Usual cost." The barkeep returned finally, pushing a tall glass of a rather pungent drink towards Ventress, who smiled in response whilst she began to reach down to a pouch by her waist, no doubt to give him credits as payment.
Seizing the opportunity to repay a favour, Ahsoka extracted some of her own money first, placing it before the barkeep.
"I'll pay for hers. I owe her one or two as it is."
The barkeep did not refuse the offered money, taking it away and moving off to the next customer before Ventress could object to Ahsoka paying for her.
The Dathomirian seemed surprised for several moments, before reaching for her glass and downing a sizable gulp of the drink, turning her head to face Ahsoka when she was done.
"Since when do you go around buying people drinks? Anyone else out here would thinking your propositioning them for something, but I know you better than that Tano."
Ahsoka merely shrugged in response, taking a small sip out of her own drink before replying.
"I promised to get you amnesty. I failed. Figured this would be a good way to pay you back… at least somewhat."
"Heh, no need to. Didn't really want the amnesty anyways. More fun being on the run."
"Wish I could say the same." Ahsoka replied, memories of her escape through the sewers flashing in her mind. The last time she had seen Ventress was when she had been on the run due to Barriss' crimes. Was it the will of the Force that they suddenly encountered each other yet again, this time when Ahsoka was pursuing Barriss?
Ahsoka didn't know anymore. The Force was messed up, more so than usual these days. Something was wrong with it… but it seemed that no one could figure out what.
For now, all she could do was trust her instincts, and something about them was telling her that Ventress would be able to help, or at least point her in the right direction.
"Still, the gesture is appreciated. Here's to being away from a controlling organization and being two badass independent women." Ventress replied, bringing her glass towards Ahsoka's gently tapping the two together without waiting for Ahsoka to reciprocate the gesture.
'I'll drink to that!' Ahsoka thought as she took another sip of her drink, Ventress taking another sizable gulp of hers at the same time before returning her now half empty glass to the bar-top and turning her gaze back to Ahsoka.
"So… what are you doing this far out then? Looking for some bounties or something? Not really your style if you ask me."
Shaking her head, Ahsoka decided on how to approach Ventress's question, Being a Force user of considerable powerful, Ventress would know if she was lying.
Not only that, but Ventress could very well be a potential ally for her mission. She too might have a vested interest in finding Barriss. The Mirialan had after all attacked and stolen her lightsabers, and had attempted to impersonate her too with a surprising ease.
"Hunting. Barriss Offee, the Jedi who framed me for the terrorist attack. She escaped her prison cell and is on the run. I've come to find her and bring her to justice."
Through the Force Ahsoka felt a spike of anger emit at the mere mention of Barriss' name. What worried her was that she wasn't sure if said anger had come from Ventress or herself. Was the Force really so clouded that she could no longer discern her own thoughts and feelings from someone's sitting next to her?
"Offee was locked up? They were gonna execute you… but they locked that bitch up instead? Damn the Council and politicians. Can't even make their mind up about the right sort of punishment. You'd think they'd be consistent." Ventress responded, further distracting Ahsoka with another sudden thought. Why had Barriss been locked up… especially when the Republic Senate and Jedi Order had been so willing to execute her?! Where was the justice in that?
Making a mental note to ask either Palpatine or Padmé for answers, Ahsoka shifted the discussion back to her target.
"That doesn't matter at the moment. What does is finding Barriss before she harms anyone else. Have you seen or heard anything suspicious around the area recently? I've already tracked the ship she stole here. She can't have gotten far."
Several moments passed by before Ventress responded, the Nightsister having a look of concentration on her face, as if she was trying to remember something that wasn't actually there. If Ahsoka didn't know any better she'd say that Ventress was actually trying to help her!
"Nothing off the top of my head, though there's this woman you could speak to. Twi'lek. Comes to the cantina every night. She's pretty renown for knowing what's going on round here."
"Well, it's as good a lead as any other. How will I know who to speak to?" Ahsoka replied, glancing round the cantina briefly. There were multiple female Twi-leks already present. What made the one Ventress spoke of stand out?
"Oh no worries Tano, she'll come find you, assuming you make yourself interesting of course. Mind you, I hear she had a bit of a preference for Lekku, so you might be in luck."
Ventress' comment was coupled with a smirk, as well as raised eyebrows that emphasized the smirk.
"What do you mean? How will I stand out?" Ahsoka replied, confused by the way Ventress was acting.
"I don't know. Start a fight with someone or something. Just be warned, once you are noticed, and she will notice someone like you, you may have to get a bit touchy feely with her."
"Are you implying that I'm going to have to flirt with her or something?" Ahsoka questioned, horrified at the idea of doing such a thing to get some simple information. Couldn't she just try a mind trick instead?
The smirk on Ventress face got even wider as she listened to Ahsoka's inquiry, taking another large gulp of her drink before responding.
"Something along those lines. If you're lucky, and she's feeling generous, you won't have to get into bed with her. Depends on what sort of mood she's in really." The Dathormirian replied, taking a final gulp of what remained of her drink before placing the now empty glass on the bar-top.
"Great, just great." Ahsoka responded dejectedly, finishing off her own drink as well, placing the empty glass beside Ventress'.
"What's the problem Tano? You're not a Jedi anymore. You should be making up for lost time. Normal girls your age would probably be on their second or third partner by now."
"It's still weird. Can't say I feel comfortable with the idea of flirting with someone to get information." Ahsoka replied, placing disgusted emphasis on the word 'flirting' in the process.
"Yeah well, that's part of life." Ventress responded, rising from her seat. "She usually shows up towards the evening, when the rabble starts to arrive. Best chances of drawing her attention are then. Thanks for the drink Tano."
"No problem… and thanks for some sort of lead, no matter how weird it is." Ahsoka replied, watching as Ventress stood from her stool at the bar, a smirk on her face.
"Whatever. Hey Tano, if you ever get bored of doing whatever it is your doing these days, I wouldn't mind a competent partner now and then."
"I'll think about it." Ahsoka replied with hesitation, unsure if she really wanted to take up bounty hunting at any point in her life. She was more than happy serving the Chancellor, and doing good in the galaxy.
"I'm sure you will."
With that, Ventress disappeared from sight almost as quickly as she had arrived, her signature in the Force blending in with the area around her. Were it not for the second empty glass on the bar-top, Ahsoka could have sworn Ventress' presence had been a figment of her imagination.
Still, she had no time to wonder about what Ventress was up to… or if she had even been present in the first place. She had a lead now, albeit a rather uncomfortable one for her. She really didn't like what Ventress had suggested, but it was all she had to work with.
That was unless Thrawn had found some other lead.
"Your telling me you found no leads whatsoever?"
"Regrettably, no. Offee left no visible trace for me to follow, and there was no obvious or dis... discr… discrete discussion regarding possible sightings either. I apologize for my failure Agent Tano."
"It's no worries Lieutenant. Can't win them all. At least we have one lead, even if it's somewhat dubious in nature." Ahsoka replied, reclining in the pilot's chair of the 'Huntress', watching as the Chiss' expression went from solemn to grateful. Clearly he felt bad about his failure, expecting himself to be able to do better.
Ahsoka knew firsthand how that felt. She had failed a fair few times in her life before, especially during her time as Anakin's Padawan.
But, she was still alive, and still confident they could win. One defeat didn't mark the end of all things. It merely acted as a stepping stone onto the next conflict.
"Where did this information of yours come from again?" The voice of the Temple Guard broke Ahsoka's thoughts, his deep tone laced with suspicion, as if he was sensing something. The chances that he knew who Ahsoka's contact was, or that he would be able to figure it out were moderately high, mostly due to his strong presence in the Force. Temple Guards were some of the most formidable Force users in the Jedi Order, outclassed usually by the Council Members alone. If Ahsoka wasn't careful, the guard would likely sense Ventress somehow, a possibility that Ahsoka wanted to avoid. She owed the Nightsister several dozen favours for her help during her time on the run on Coruscant's lower levels. If she could keep her hidden, that would be payback enough. The last thing Ventress would want was Jedi coming after her.
"The barkeep in the cantina divulged some information to me at the cost of some credits. He said the best person to speak to regarding new arrivals would be this mysterious Twi'lek woman. I've just got to find a way of attracting, and keeping her attention long enough to get the info she may have on Barriss." Ahsoka lied in reply, hoping that neither Thrawn nor the Temple Guard caught onto the deception.
"This is assuming this Twi'lek has any information in the first place. This could end up being a colossal waste of time." The agitation in the Temple Guard's voice, even behind the modulated helmet, was obvious. He was dying for some action, for some sort of direct conflict, a behavior Ahsoka had not seen in a Temple Guard before. Whoever this Jedi with them was, he was an outcast, much like Anakin, and at times herself.
"It could be, but we've got the risk it. It's a few hours before nightfall. We wait here until then. I'll head back to the cantina and see if I can find this Twi'lek. Thrawn, I want you to investigate around the streets themselves. She if anyone at the market has heard anything. 'Temple Guard', I need you to…"
"Stay with the ship. How entertaining."
"Exactly. For now let's just rest." Ahsoka finished, resisting the urge to smirk at the way the guard had spoken in an overly sarcastic voice. If she could see his eyes she would place money that he had rolled his eyes as well.
Content that both of her companions understood the plan, Ahsoka stood from her seat and left the cockpit, destined for the small room on the 'Huntress' that she had made her personal cabin.
There wasn't much in said cabin. Merely a bedroll and a crate for supplies for long trips. Enough for her to survive in some semblance of comfort. It wasn't quite her apartment, but she had made do with worse before.
Reaching over and opening the crate, Ahsoka selected a bag of fried bites made from Bantha loin. She wasn't overly hungry, mainly just peckish.
Moving over to her bedroll, Ahsoka sat cross legged and reached under the pillow, pulling out a comm pad she also had hidden aboard.
Logging onto the pad, Ahsoka was surprised to see she had a message waiting for her to read.
Reaching over to tap the icon, Ahsoka watched as the message feed loaded up, displaying the message to her before she even had a chance to check who it was from.
'Hey Snips! Came by your apartment earlier but you not home. :( Padmé and Obi-Wan gone on missions and I've been left at the Temple all by myself. Where are you?'
A small smile came to Ahsoka's face as she recognized the nickname, as well as the style of speech, even in an electronic message. Anakin was clearly bored, lonely, or both if he was sending her messages.
Spotting a small green icon attached to the message, one that indicated Anakin was also on his own pad, Ahsoka typed her reply.
'Yeah, sorry about that Skyguy. The Chancellor sent me on a mission. Surprised you not been sent after the Seppie leaders.'
A few moments passed by before Anakin sent his own response.
'I wanted to go… believe me, but they sent Obi-Wan instead. If anyone can catch them it's him, just wish I was there to watch his back. What about you? Want me to come help you on your super secret mission? I can hop in my fighter and fly to where you are right now. Where even are you?'
Ahsoka didn't know if she should tell Anakin. Would the Chancellor be angry if she revealed where she was, or who she was hunting. Anakin would be angry no doubt, not at her, but at the mere thought of Barriss escaping.
But then Anakin had been the one to originally foil Barriss' scheme. Surely he should be involved?
'Super secret like you said, but I'm on Nal Hutta at the moment. Trying to track an escaped prisoner. Thrawn is with me so no need for backup.'
Anakin was silent for a few moments, no indication that he was typing a reply evident. Either something had distracted him, or he was thinking of what to say in response.
Shrugging her shoulders at her friend's sudden silence, Ahsoka took a pair of the Bantha bites out of the bag and stuffed them into her mouth, crushing them beneath her teeth and enjoying the flavour.
Then Anakin replied.
'Escaped prisoner? Not a Seppie leader I take it as Obi-Wan's hunting them. Who was it?'
She shouldn't tell him, she knew she shouldn't, but she wanted to. Wanted to so bad. He out of everyone would understand why she was going after Barriss rather than leave it to someone else.
But that still wouldn't stop him from freaking out.
'Got to promise me two things. One: you won't get angry. Two: you won't come and help. Need to do this by myself.'
Anakin's response was quick, and if she had heard him actually voice it, would have sworn his tone would be flooded with concern.
'Ahsoka? Who are you looking for?'
Sighing to herself, Ahsoka typed her response.
'Barriss Offee.'
Bracing herself, Ahsoka waited for the inevitable fallout of her revelation. There was no way Anakin was going to take this information well.
Suffice to say she was proven right.
'WHAT?! How did she escape? That sleemo! I'm coming to Nal Hutta! We'll find that bitch together and make her pay for what she did to you, I promise!'
Despite being on the other side of the galaxy to him, Ahsoka could almost feel his anger radiating through the Force. She could picture him now, angrily stomping round his quarters in the Temple, looking for something to throw against the wall. Usually it was a pillow or something that would not break.
Deciding that she had to stop him before he did something stupid, Ahsoka typed a reply.
'I know I know, I'm angry too, but I need you to stay away and let me handle this Anakin. I need to talk to her, face to face. Don't worry, she's not going to get away with this. The Chancellor told me to bring her in alive, or if the situation calls for it, use lethal force.'
Ahsoka still didn't know how she felt about that last part. She didn't want to kill Barriss, not if she didn't have to. A peaceful resolution would be beneficial for all, even those that wanted Barriss' blood like Anakin or her new Temple Guard companion. She didn't want either of them to stoop to the level that Barriss clearly had.
Still, something told her that whatever resolution did occur, it would not be a peaceful one. The Force was too clouded for this to have a happy ending, no matter how much Ahsoka wanted one.
'Snips I… I understand. Just… if you need me for anything, anything at all, call me. I won't let her hurt you again.'
Ahsoka didn't hesitate to reply.
'Thanks Skyguy. I'm glad you understand. I'll call you if I find myself out of my depth.'
':)'
Chuckling to herself, Ahsoka took another handful of bites from the bag, before deciding to shift the conversation away from Barriss.
'Anyway, you'll never guess who I ran into out in a cantina on Nal Hutta?'
'Not Dooku was it? Or Hondo? Seems like their sort of place.'
'Ha! No, but close with Dooku. Here's a clue. She's bald.'
'Ventress! Seriously. Makes sense I guess. She didn't attack you did she?'
'Nope. Bought her a drink as thanks for helping me when I was on the run. She even pointed me towards a possible lead in finding Barriss.'
'Oh really? What lead?'
A wide smirk came to Ahsoka's face as she contemplated the kriff-storm she was about to unleash with her reply. She almost wished that Anakin was in the room with her so she could see his face.
'Oh right, about that. Need some advice from you buddy. How do you flirt with girls?'
'WHAT!?'
Author's thoughts
I honestly don't have much to say about this chapter I'm afraid. Sorry about that. XD
This chapter was fun to write though, but is also Ventress' only appearance in the story. There just isn't any other good spot to include her. Sorry.
Also, Ahsoka is totally teasing Anakin at the end. She's actually really uncomfortable about what she is going to have to do to get some information. Hopefully that came across in the writing.
Updates might be a bit slow for a while as I seem to have lost my motivation as of late. Those who have seen some of my discussions with someone over on Tumblr might know why. Don't worry, this story will eventually get finished, I just need some time get my motivation back. I have recently thought of a new idea for a later plot point for this story, so work does still continue, just at a slower pace.
One again, thanks to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders' for all the help.
Next time round Ahsoka heads back to the cantina to attempt to stand out, and somehow finds herself taking part in a game of Sabacc.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Erukat: Glad you liked the pair up, even if it is only for this one chapter. There just wasn't enough room to include her along with Thrawn, The Temple Guard and Barriss. Too many characters can make it overwhelming sometimes.
Ascoobian: What fun indeed. She's a fun character to write alongside Ahsoka.
Dream Plane: No Barriss just yet. Only a Ventress instead. Hope that's ok.
If a mission went smoothly it wouldn't be worth writing about now would it? I'm sure she's had one or two normal missions for Palpy at some point.
Mr Temple Guard is certainly suffering where he is, but he's retained some part of himself, as you will see in future chapters. Hope you like the direction he goes.
Thrawn's arc is more about learning about the Republic and how it differs from the Chiss. However he will start to shift towards his crueler persona the longer he spends around people like Tarkin or Palpy.
Alamout: Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
I don't have plans for Vos aside from maybe a cameo or mention. Same with Mandalore really, though the Siege of Mandalore is important to this story in a way.
I've sort of already done a scene like the one you suggested, just with Tarkin and Thrawn instead. That said there is more Ahsoka and Palpy stuff planned, I'd just have to write it.
Cat-Gods-Of-The-Cat-People: Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the look at Ahsoka's species and culture. Not enough of that in canon if you ask me... which no one does but whatever.
SappySoulTaker: Looks like it was Ventress. Surprise?
60FPS: Palpatine is likely watching everything like a hawk at this point. He's good like that.
Firewing's Scepter: Glad you liked it. Hopefully the reunion was interesting enough.
Mysterious Guest One: Interesting idea. Gotta get there first though... assuming that's what I have planned in the first place. XD
Mysterious Guest Two: Ventress killed by Grievous? That's dark of you isn't it! :)
Necrotis: I'm glad you liked the fact that Ahsoka is surrounded by morally dubious characters. It's fun to write the contrasts between Ahsoka and the Temple Guard specifically.
Barriss' chances are looking too good are they. Who knows how this will end.
I get what you mean y her going full on murderer would be out of character at the moment, but you are right that something has to change for the story to progress. I only hope you like the direction I chose.
Your welcome for the story... though how much longer I can keep this up is now in question I'm afraid. Fingers crossed I make it to the end though.
matthewbarcus31: Thanks. I'll try to keep going as long as I can.
Travis Middleton: Glad you liked the inclusions of Thrawn and the future Grand Inquisitor. Pairing them up with Ahsoka makes for an interesting set of interactions and opinions, especially considering the mission at hand. I hope your not too disappointed with this being Ventress' only appearance. There just wasn't enough room for her in this story.
loldelegate: No Aurra Sing this time I'm afraid. Honestly i forget that she exists half the time as I never found her interesting myself. Oops.
The Huntress is already pretty heavily modified. The thing has a prototype stealth drive for example, and whilst we've not really seen much of it in actions I'd assume it's got top of the range weapons systems as well, Not quite Star Destroyer level, but good enough to handle itself in a dogfight.
Ahsoka getting a replacement headpiece is something I'm thinking about. Just a case of figuring out how to write it. Same with a Mandalorian seeing Ahsoka's armour.
You are welcome for the update. Sorry for what is to come though.
1saaa: Even now Thrawn is still the hardest character to write for as people have such a high expectation of what he is like, so I'm glad that you like how he is being portrayed. After Ahsoka he is one of my favourite characters.
You are right to assume the Temple Guard is the future Grand Inquisitor. As for what he is doing on the mission... more will be revealed as this arc progresses. (I know that because I already wrote it)
Hope you liked Ventress' brief appearance. She's a fun contrast for Ahsoka.
Juxshoa: Ventress indeed. Hope you liked her appearance.
As for why that specific Temple Guard is helping Ahsoka... all will be revealed.
Glad you enjoyed the chapter.
RCWolf: Thanks, I'm glad you've enjoyed what I've written so 's hardly the best thing ever, but I appreciate your words nonetheless. Hope you enjoy what is to come.