Summary: Ahsoka gets a new job. More layers of the attack on Scarrif are peeled back. Conspiracies are spoken of in secret.
Last time on Balance Isn't The Answer: Mimban—Ahsoka and Lizzy's home—was attacked out of the blue. Lizzy saw the brutality of war. Ahsoka did her magic and got both of them to Coruscant.
Notes: Shout out to QuiGonJinn (AO3,) you gave me to motivation to forge on and get this chapter done.
Temple Hangar 15, Courasant
07:15 galactic standard, 13 Faran 33 ACR
A ship with two togruta and two humans settles near soundlessly against the hangar's blue and white patterned tiles in a feat of extraordinary piloting finesse. The back hatch lowers without the hissing plume of smoke that one usually expects from the action. All the occupants walk off.
A small delegation awaits them. The short green pointy-eared form of the current grandmaster, Grogu. The towering dark green trandosian form of the republic's intelligence chief Karr by his side. Plenty of contrast.
The moment is broken by the gurgle of an empty stomach.
"I suppose we have business to attend to?" It's an exasperated and defeated tone.
"Unfortunately it would seem so Lady Tano." The chiefs' annotation is throaty and off-kilter just like every other trandosian's is — with an irregular extra emphasis on the 's' and 'z' sounds here and there.
"And this is a good time to discuss it because of the thousands of deaths at home? The long hyperspace trip without food? or the great people skills you used to become the chief of intelligence?"
The tall predator bows lightly, "Apologies Lady Tano but with the Jedi order likely to approach you on similar business, delaying this meeting isn't in the best interest of my agents or the republic in general."
"Then we shall discuss this over a meal. Master Kenneth, Master Yale, would you like to join us?"
The human master excuses himself while the Dathomiri master — Tragen Yale — agrees to tag along. A master who likes sticking her head where it doesn't belong. Ahsoka thought they'd get along famously. "Shall we head over to Dex's then Master Grogu, Chief Karr?" Well, they'll get along better after she has some food in her belly.
"Perhaps, some place finer Lady Tano?" Karr's tone is carefully neutral. It's not quite possible to decide if he approves of the choice or not.
"Humour an old sentimental lady, chief."
Grandmaster Grogu doesn't laugh, but the amusement is clear in his eyes. Karr frowns but says nothing. Lizzy looks between everyone present, her brows unconsciously furrowed.
How just like her sensitive wife for tension in the air to take higher priority than her own hunger.
They follow Karr to an all-black luxury speeder. A rather conspicuous vehicle considering the shadowy organization that probably issued it. Everyone climbs in the back. It's big enough to accommodate everyone in two plush three-seaters facing each other. Karr settles beside his assistant. Yale sits next to him. Ahsoka and Lizzy sit side by side, and Grogu decides to settle into Lizzy's lap. Ahsoka threads her fingers into Lizzy's. She doesn't shift about or throw a polished regal tantrum, it takes quite a bit of effort.
Lizzy hasn't been to Courasant before. "Uh, so, this Dexes is close by?" Ahsoka notes that Lizzy must be pretty hungry considering that she essentially drowned herself in sorrow till her body just quit the previous day.
The pale, almost ashen, Dathomiri master chirrups a 'yes' before going back to looking bored.
Ahsoka leans her head on Lizzy's shoulder. Her wife is probably going to strangle her later. She could almost imagine the girl's thoughts "What are you? Some cutesy teen in some cheezy supposedly wholesome holodrama? And in front of the Intelligence chief of the republic, his assistant, the grandmaster of the order, and master Yale? Actually, scratch that, I don't mind Master Yale. But this is still so force damned embarrassing that I can't even be bothered to be hungry or angry!"
"It's 'Dex's' Lizz," Ahsoka sounds neutral. She is purposefully trying to aggravate Lizzy, keep her mind off the hunger so she doesn't accidentally think back to yesterday, "was founded by a Besalisk who went by Dex. Most of the Courasanti cloudpeople" — Ahsoka flashes an unsubtle glace at Chief Karr — "miss out on the sheer magic of the place because it's a street establishment. Legend has it that Dex's survives the last six government changes by being so good that Dart Vader of old himself set up protective spells to protect the joint."
"Darth Vader himself huh? No wonder it's only legend lady. Dex's is old but it ain't that old."
"Sure are you, master Yale?"
"Is it true then grand master? Do enlighten us." All eyes unanimously jump to Karr's head that's almost touching the ceiling.
"Older than me it is by a decade. Two decades. Worries I would be that Jedi notices not Sith spells, if exist they do in such a public space."
"True, but the question remains unanswered grandmaster." There it is again, Karr's careful neutralness. This is a man who could easily tear most human-like species limb from limb on sheer muscle power. An apex predator from Trandosia. Hulking over most sentients, a face without the musculature to be expressive unless you know what to look for, a snout filled with razor-sharp teeth, an acute sense of smell capable of tracking a sentient over half a klick out. A presence that should practically yell unknown and dangerous to everyone who can see him, yet here he is, lounging with five other beings and chatting over a fast food joint. Ahsoka only notices his feigned neutralness because she, a fellow dangerous predator is as good as him at the act to put others at ease.
Chief Karr just went up on her respect scale.
"An answer that is not, hmm? Dex's is old, true it is."
Sidestepping the matter of sith spells with all the grace of a bantha trying to figure skate on Hoth. Ahsoka didn't know what Grogu is playing at but it seems like it is going to be an interesting meal. Chief Karr, to her disappointment as well as expectation, didn't bite the supposed bait and wisely kept quiet for the last minute or so of their trip. Lizzy shifted.
The budding tension is probably not going to let up before full bloom. "Aww, you're so adorable when you get all flustered like this Lizzygirl." Ahsoka cooed. A rather strong flash of her wife's hunger and sorrow-tinges annoyance at her lovey-dovey behavior leaks out. It's gone in an instant.
Just like that Ahsoka undrapes herself to exit as the speeder's door opens and master Yale prays for 'this place to actually have some good grub.'
You see, Dex's isn't the kind of place any of them would have visited. The founder had a colorful history, his connections down below the surface carry on to his establishment. He made a living feeding regular workers. Immaculate hygiene, finish, and quality . . . these aren't concerns.
"Ahsoka! God to see you hail and hearty dear girl." Of course, Dex would be right behind the counter.
"Good to see you too Dexter, you seem to be getting younger by the day."
"Very well," Dex glances between the Jedi and Chief Karr, "I suppose you're here on Kenobi business?"
"Me? Comm'on Dex, you know I'm far more responsible than Obi ever is."
Dex only chuckles in response.
The group settles on one of the six-seaters by the window. Worn down durasteel table between them dotted with tiny nicks and scrapes. Karr seems unbothered and comfortable, nothing more, nothing less. Ahsoka expects as much, as Karr is at one point in time, Fulcrum. No Fulcrum worth their salt would be put off by even the filthiest cantinas. His assistant is more clearly affronted. Typical civilian PA then.
"I shall try the Nerf burger, mhh. Good is it sister?"
Ahsoka shrugs. It's been a few years since she last visited. None of them spent long poking at the menu, nor did it take long for the food to come over.
"So wassup with the fighting on Scariff lady?"
"Lady has a name, witch."
"Witch has a name too, lady."
"That's a two-way street."
Ahsoka runs her spoon through her soup, the thick slightly grainy red liquid cresting over the corners of her spoon till a flakey irregularly shapes chunk of meat settles into its pit. She looks up at the Dathomiri as she slowly and purposefully tips the liquid over her mauve lips.
"I ain't into married women lady."
Ahsoka spluttered. Yale looks pleased from beside Karr who decides to interject before things could continue.
"The partisans managed to invade Scariff. It marks the deepest they've managed to enter mid-rim space. The republic is keeping this quiet for now. A flurry of rushes announcements will do the public no good."
"And how exactly did the ragtag, underfunded partisans manage to attack so deep within the mid-rim without the republic having no indicators of their plans? Your intelligence can't be that incompetent Karr."
Karr rests his salad-filled spoon that has bits of blue somethings before locking eyes with the Jedi by his side. "The partisans aren't quite as underfunded or ragtag as one would believe master Jedi. You should know that better than most."
"And these tiny lies that the senate keeps telling is the reason more resources aren't being utilized to settle the partisan situation."
Ahsoka's amused. Well, why not toss some rhydonium into the firefight? "And the Jedi respectfully lapdog the republics line, don't they witch?"
Lizzy is tensing up again. That girl really needs to learn how to enjoy a fight. After all, as long as people have differing opinions, there will be conflict.
"That's cuz the Jedi Order is an apolitical body lady. Taking a vocal stand and sowing a rift within the republic only affords the partisan movement an opportunity to spread."
"When surrounded by war, you must eventually choose a side witch. As of now, your precious order supports the republic."
"Things aren't that simple and you know it." Well, nasal and pleasing weren't something Ahsoka expected to ever go in the same sentence. It is probably because she likes Yale's attitude.
"Good this Nerf burger is. Wonderful the way spices collect between the folds of the nerf escalope is. Maybe too greasy for my age though." Lizzy and Karr's PA seem confused about the random tangent. It isn't. "But complaining about the grease, change what I have eaten will not. Whether to visit again in my hand is. Likewise, what to do regarding the partisans now, in our hands are."
Silence fell over the table. the chatter of other beings punctuates with every passing speeder outside is more than enough to fill the silence. Lizzy's eyes go distant.
"My condolences Lizzy, you have had to experience so much in such a short period." Grogu makes to hold her hand, she looks plainly distressed. He continues, looking past the girl to Ahsoka, "To prevent others from suffering similarly, the order would like your experience and wisdom on our side while we deal with this partisan situation Lady Tano."
Ohh, this is the straightforward grand master taking, not the friendly troll in the making.
"I couldn't agree more grand master." Karr is slower in his speech. It sounds more regal. "The republic would like to ask for your advice on the partisan situation in the same capacity Lady Tano."
is Yale going to interject? No? Hmm. Ahsoka mentally switches seamlessly back to the discussion, "But I obviously can't work with both organizations because of the seensitiveeee nature of the information I'll be handling."
"Unfortunately true, Lady Tano."
Ahsoka brought her bowl to her lips to finish the last of her soup and then gave Lizzy a shoulder squeeze, "Your food's getting cold dear."
Lizzy replies with a stilted "Yes . . ." and a mechanical bite of food. Looks like Ahsoka's attempts to keep her wife's mind occupies were for naught.
Ahsoka turns back to Karr, "That's it?" and she swivels toward Grogu, "I've not been Jedi in a very long time and I retired a while ago from the whole spy business. You boys want me, not the other way round, so give me a reason to join you."
Her retirement is utter crap, everyone knew it, possibly with the exception of the witch and the PA. But no one calls her out on it lest they lose her favor. She is openly grinning now at Grogu's unsaid "gundarkshit."
Yale is simply leaning forward on her hands as if this were a particularly interesting holodrama.
"The order will wholeheartedly welcome you back into its ranks Ahsoka, I can do that for you."
"Yes, because I'm suddenly desperate for your orders' approval after all these years."
"How about access to the temple's resources even though you're not a member of the order?"
"The Republic can provide all the temple can and then some, Lady Tano." It sounds like Grogu is not a particularly bright kid.
"They can't provide access to the archives or the hidden temple of Jeddah. Lizzy is more than ready for her own saber. Fellow force-sensitive warriors can help her through this difficult time."
"Got a counter offer Chief?"
Karr lets a shimmer of distaste show in his scrunched-up nostrils. Subtle enough that you'd miss it if you didn't know where to look. "It is up to you to decide whether access to the Jedi's once-fabled archives and a crystal is worth turning down the comparatively limitless information, resources, and other creature comforts the republic can afford you."
"Chief, chief, chief. How am I supposed to know that the republic is handing out so much if you simply say you want me in my capacity as an advisor? Jedi can't actually read minds you know?"
Again, pure gundarkshit. Of course, he knows, he's the head of Republic Intelligence for a reason. Ahsoka knew that the Chief himself coming all the way out here and setting so much time asking to recruit her meant that the republic probably wants her desperately for some reason and would probably go to great lengths to ensure she joins them. Why do they want her particular skill set though? And why so hellbent on keeping the Jedi out of the picture?
"We offer access to all Zeta class documents and below, access to all equipment currently not in use, your own personal attender and security team, a monthly remuneration of a million credits."
"A million?" Lizzy mumbles probably struggling to wrap her head around such a ridiculously large number. Ahsoka hopes that it would distract her from Scariff.
"Shadow class clearance, full operational power as your proxy, and my own personal team compromising at least 5 agents that will answer to me and no one else."
"That's a tall ask, Lady Tano."
"And I'm a big personality, Karr. Plus, I refuse to take up a job that I can't do properly because my access and executive abilities are curbed. Compared to that, Lizzy's chances of obtaining her crystal is more than tempting."
"very well, it shall be done, Lady Tano."
"Wait." The holodrama watcher seems to have broken out of her trance, "You just going to give in to her demands just like that?"
"Lady Tano is one of the greatest spymasters, force sensitives, and SpecOps masterminds to have ever graced the galaxy. Such compensation is more than worth having her join our ranks."
Yale mutters something about it being a little hard to believe under her breath. Too bad for her, everyone on the table except the PA had excellent hearing.
"The Order can provide you with an equivalent strike team. I'm also willing to lobby to get you access to the Holocron vault, but the other masters are unlikely to accept unless you formally join the order."
Ahsoka hmmms.
Lizzy's roll is only half finished, and her hands are fisted under the table. Ahsoka slings a hand across her wife's shoulders and pulls her in. The poor girl blinks suddenly tuning back into reality. Her head instinctively settles into the crook of Ahsoka's neck.
"Thank you for the offers, gentlemen. I might have been hasty in discussing this with my wife around. She deserves better from me." is that really regret in Ahsoka's voice? Absolutely, but is it real? No one could tell. "I'll get back to you in some time."
Ahsoka took to rubbing her palm up and down Lizzy's arm as the others leave. She didn't quite stop when it is just the two of them in the booth accompanies by the uncaring, ceaseless chatter of the city-planet around them.
Unknown location, Outer Rim territories,
26:50 local, 07:45 galactic standard, 13 Faran 33 ACR
Hashan Saba, with his fifteen good years of finding his own path under Ahsoka's guidance, knew exactly what he is being invited for. His commanding officer Rell requesting for him to join her for a drink during the middle of the day meant one of two things. Her having a shitty day isn't it. Out here every day is shitty with the Republic content to mass murder civilians to suit its mandates.
His wiry frame is something of an oddity as he walks into a clay brick house with two of its four walls blown up by artillery. They had commandeered it to be their local bar. 'The Net' they call it because someone decided to toss some cargo net down one of the exposed sides.
Instead of the more commonly found exotic colors, Rell is a nice middle shade of brown that would have her pass for human if not for her lek. Oddly, that made her stand out to him while others easily glances past her. The way he views the world is fundamentally different because of Ahsoka. Literally at times. She beacons him further inside with the two uncapped Otiae-Ku, the locally brewed beer. Hits like getting slowly trampled by a loaded speeder, left you appropriately karked after.
As soon as they're further inside, Hashan takes a deep swig from the bottle he snatches from Rell. She frowns at him as she settles at the only table in the room.
"Nah. You're here to strong-arm me into something ma'am. Not interested. I'm out."
"You seem pretty sure about that Hashan."
"I'm not?"
"I'm not republic. I don't force my people into work they find unacceptable."
"So you're here to get me to do something?"
"To get you to put that sharp observation against our enemies."
Hashan quirks a brown as he takes another swig.
"Partisan intelligence is doing its best but I believe you'd be able to do better. Unlike them, you have experience in the field."
"I don't' ma'am and I have no clue what makes you think I do."
Rell looks unimpressed. The next second has a tomah — a traditional Rylothian throwing knife — whizzing past Hashan's ear. The man doesn't seem to have even registered the blade.
"Hashan . . ."
"Ma'am?"
"Do you know that under my command, your unit has the least number of casualties?"
"No ma'am." He technically didn't have access to the relevant information.
"Do you know who has the highest casualties?"
"The bothans?"
"Funny that . . . I don't remember ever mentioning a Bothan unit. Neither do I have any recollection of you meeting any of them."
"I noticed one of 'em dogs slip by. Where there's one there's more."
"Cut the crap and mind your language." The humor is all but gone from her tone. "One," she counts on her fingers for Hashan to see, "You identify immediate threats and ignore non-threats like no one else I know." Off all times, Rell pauses to get her next swig just then. Hashan is now paying more attention to his surroundings. "Two. You're a straight-faces liar. I already know that Koya slips you casualty reports. I also know that you use them to decide what assignments to accept, and what places to stay away from. Three. Casualty reports are not the only thing you have access to, had a microphone installed beneath your cot."
"I'll get back to sweeping my tent for bugs then ma'am."
"That's it? No 'you did what? That's a kriffin' invasion of privacy?' . . . Back to point . . . Hashan, you know the intel game well. I've seen and heard enough to be sure of that. As if that weren't enough, The huntress herself reaches out with proof that you were once the apprentice of Ahsoka Tano, ex-director of rebel SpecOps."
"Solid irrefutable proof?"
"Yep. I had my doubts at first, her message claims that she is partial to the partisan cause. I cross-verifies the info myself."
"All the more reason to stay out."
Rell waits in silence, possibly expecting an explanation. None came forward. Hashan downs the last of his alcohol in one long continuous gulp.
"Why?"
"Ahsoka is the huntress." If Ahsoka saw fit to out Hashan's time with her, he can give away her identity. "She's the only one who knows and can provide verifiable info. She wants me in the intel game for some reason. If she's involved, I definitely want nothing to do with it."
"And so she gave me this info so I'd force you into the role?"
"Probably, she's good at the long game."
"So, it could also be that she expects me to try and get you to join, and you refuse thereby keeping you away from whatever she's planning?"
"Knowing her it's entirely possible."
"So wouldn't you rather have free access to info, make your choices with an arguable more complete picture?"
"No."
"Why?"
"It's a shit job. Slimy one."
"I'm not asking you to be a front-line spy. I want you behind the scenes."
"So people can die when I made a bad conclusion? choose to forward the wrong data? So I'll have to doubt and keep wary of my own people on the front? So I am the one calling for infringement of privacy? Not willing to sell my soul. I'll leave that to partisan leaders such as yoursel–"
"Hashan. We need more experienced people over at int. We need to reduce our dependence on the shadow collective for intel. We need people who understand the potential consequences of their decisions. We need less idealistic dreamers who think a rebellion can be run with clean hands. We need people like you."
"And you aren't the idealistic one here? Intelligence people who understand the potential consequences of their decisions will turn to dust faster than those damn sub-sonic sand storms rend flesh from bones. I want no part in this."
The Twilek is standing, irritation rather well contained except for the chair now fallen on the floor. "This isn't about what you want Saba. It's about the cause. About the number of people who'll live because of better intel. I refuse to take no for an answer."
"You can take 'no' for an answer, or I can leave ma'am."
Rell's lek goes limp, her entire frame barely keeping upright. "Let me know if you change your mind."
"If it's consolation, I've always respected your ability to call quits when there's no winning." It's superficial but it's the thought that counts isn't it?
"Can't have others paying the price for my stubbornness now can we?" Rell sound's bland compares to a few seconds prior."
"No ma'am."
On his way out, Hashan has another bottle of Otiae-Ku sent to his commanding officer for good measure. With a note — 'Can I get you a good Rylothian dinner as a peace offering?'
The Jedi Temple, Courasant
20:26 galactic standard, 13 Faran ACR
As Ahsoka approaches the Jedi temple, the two masked guards move to block the entrance. When rebuilding, Grogu had chosen to maintain some resemblance to the old Jedi order. A rather smart move. One she can't help but attribute to his Mandalorian heritage. Let it never be said that his buir — father — is a dull bounty hunter unaware of higher forms of deception. No, Din Djrin is far, far smarter than most gave him credit for and that's precisely why he is so darn dangerous.
The older parts of the galaxy took comfort in the familiar faceless guards and other public traditions of the Jedi. The younger parts found their own comfort in their older counterparts' ease. Just like that the galaxy welcomes the Jedi with open arms. Unlike the old times, the faceless guards were faceless only for the extent of their shift and regular Jedi after. Grogu's clan armorer, extremist as she is wise probably is the inspiration behind that. "A prophet must preach change at all times, but never bring too much at once," she had once said.
Luke's radical changes, as well-intentioned as they were left the wider galaxy uncaring of what happened to his order. Why pay attention and give support to a fledgling order that is so far divorced from the rest of the galaxy? Why bankroll a bunch of kids seeking to find nirvana or something? One can only wonder if Kylo Ren might have played out differently if he knew the struggles of other people. If he could see how small and understandable his own neglect is in comparison to those less fortunate. Ahsoka knows for a fact that she would have advocated for a more galactically active Jedi order, if only not to get blindsided again. Alas, she isn't in the known galaxy through the entire first-order fiasco.
"Here to meet one short, green, almost wise old hermit Jedi. I believe he wears a beskar pauldron."
The guards gave no indication of either amusement or disapproval or anything actually. The Jedi are and were always liberal enough that she can't make a reasonably accurate guess as to their reaction.
They don't move. She doesn't either.
"Could you like maybe comm. him or something?"
Ahsoka doesn't want to broadcast her force presence and so refrains from reaching out and nudging Grogu. Instead, she brings her wrist up and dials Grogu's comm. It just keeps ringing.
Just short of it cutting off, the guards move aside.
"Can you tell me where he's likely to be?"
No response. Not so much as a look. That is to be expected. She strolls past them and into the temple.
"Forgot that you guys forget how to talk when you put on that mask."
She'd forgotten how grand the temple is. Marblum floors and Arnsite columns. The first learner she sees is a twenty-something human, easily distinguishable by his braid. "Padawan, know where I can find master Grogu?" She purposefully didn't ask any of the masters. The lesser question thrown her way the better.
"He's probably in his room on the fourth-floor master. I don't believe we've met before. I'm senior padawan Jon Kryze."
Mandalorian kid then. "Ahsoka Tano. Haven't been by the temple in a long time, could you show me around kid?"
"Sure, master Tano. Please follow me." The kid marches over to the nearest repulsor lift. Once they're moving he asks, "Would you by any chance happen to be the Ahsoka Tano? The one that aided Lady Bo-Katan Kryze during the siege of Mandalore."
"What if I am?" Her involvement in the siege of Mandalore is ishes away by the sands of time and tides of change. She is curious about this angle of questioning.
"I'd be really surprised. Togruta don't live that long, and I'd really like to hear more about grandma Bo if possible. All I get is Bo-Katan savior of Mandalore this, Bo-Katan pivotal to Mandalorian re-emergence that."
"Human lifespans aren't so long that it's been less than three generations since the fall of the old republic."
"Gran adopted. Mom's Faleen. Apparently, gran is pretty sure that you'd outlive mom. Mom called poodo, looks like she is wrong."
"And I could just be lying through my teeth."
"You could, but I can feel this temple quite clearly. She welcomes you like a parent would an old child. Ready to offer sanctuary when you need it but not willing to entertain a prolonged stay. Something along the lines of you being too much of a bad influence on the kids. I could be wrong, it's a rather vague feeling."
"Try Tarre Vizala's door in the library."
To his credit, he isn't thrown off in the slightest by the random change in conversation. "I have master Tano. Doesn't open for me like it doesn't for anyone else."
"Keep trying. The closes doors of this temple are reserved for those who are more than just Jedi. Let the force guide you, even if it's away from the order, and keep trying. Just a hunch."
The circular platform slows to a stop. There isn't a roof above or a door in front. Does wonders for privacy.
"Speaking from experience are we sister?"
"Something like that kid."
Grogu snorts at Ahsoka's choice of endearment.
"Thank you for your time padawan Kryze."
The kid respectfully bowed, "My pleasure master Djrin, master Tano." He didn't ask if he could get stories about Grandma Bo-Katan even though it's abundantly clear in the force that he wants to. Ahsoka could sympathize with being intimidated in front of the grand master of the order even if said grand master is pretty chill in actuality. Sympathetic doesn't mean kind. She dutifully left the kid hanging. Gran Bo-Katan is probably rolling in her grave considering how meek her grandson is being right now.
Gran Bo-Katan.
So utterly strange. The image didn't quite compute. Ahsoka would have made it point to meet Bo's adopted daughter if she were going to stick around but if her plans succeed, she won't. Maybe she should do it anyways just for kicks.
"I suppose this is about earlier today?"
"Yep."
"Some place quiet?"
"Yep."
Grogu leads and Ahsoka follows.
"How's Lizzy doing? Great her shielding is not. Amidst invasion, feeling anger, pain, and confusion of so many people, easy is not."
"She's holding up fairly well. Maybe I should have provides a little shielding during the invasion."
"Teach her shielding, better is it not?"
"Could you drop the Yoda-immitation?"
"No. Fun it is to see you irritated."
Ahsoka simply pulls a patented eye-roll in response. "All that anger, pain, and confusion is valuable status info Grogu. Individual connections lead to information overload, second-hand emotion on the other hand is a suitably wide indicator of the tides of battle across different parts of the battlefield. Being generally aware of people's intentions can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. If I teach her shielding, she's more likely to block all of that out because it's easier on her heart."
"Risk accidental lifelong emotional trauma do you for your wife?"
"No, but leaving her unprepared for what's coming is not something I'm willing to do."
"But you're only Togruta. Capable of mistakes like us all."
"Nope, never realized."
Ahsoka points at the door to the right. A single stripe of blue runs down the middle. "Ever manages to get in?"
"For me, that door is not. For other Jedi either it is not if your theory correct is."
Ahsoka had half a mind to stop then and there and slap the Yoda imitation out of her brother. Grogu probably had the same feeling about her abrasive snarkiness.
"Works. Do you think I can borrow one of your mir'baur?"
"A psychiatrist Lizzy needs, I do not think. Even if she does, so obviously to arrange a meeting advisable it is not."
"Better safe than sorry, I'll make it look like an accidental Kaff run-in."
"Why from the temple though?"
"Why not?"
"An answer that is not."
"Ah yes, the Jawa calling the Ewok short."
"You're impossible sister, I tell you."
"I try not to disappoint."
They step out into a balcony and the door closes behind them. "Don't worry, the door has a force-activated lock tuned to the signatures of the council. There's also a privacy field set up, with no lip reading or audio capture from outside. A conversation out in the open is less likely to draw inquisitive minds."
Ahsoka expected as much. Grogu is a Jedi, but his order isn't as big on narrow competence specialization as the old one. You didn't have to be a shadow to be well-versed in security measures. Grogu himself is a shining example as one of the galaxy's leading experts on armor design despite armor having nothing to do with his work. It meant their security is actually good.
"Did you conduct renovations?"
"Straight-up reconstruction in some places. Both for defendability and to rid the temple of imperial taint."
"Hmmm. I see. First time I'm setting foot in here since the temple bombings."
"Temple bombings?"
"You were barely a baby when they happened kid."
"We're the same age sister."
"I've been mature for a lot longer."
"That's subjective."
"Heh. Agreed." Ahsoka lens against the curved wall and gazes off into the intricate designs painted by Courasant's ever-moving skylanes. "I'm joining Republic Intel."
There is silence following her confession.
"Lothcat got your tongue?" Ahsoka quirks an eyebrow, she expectes some sort of plea to reconsider.
"Your choices are yours alone sister. I'm sure you have your own reasons."
"That's . . . underwhelming."
"When you have to essentially mediate between a bunch of younglings on the council you learn to pick your battles really fast."
"Younglings?"
"My fellow councilors are both wise and mature, but there simply is no replacement for experience. Their lifetimes are too short to afford them that luxury."
It is that very dependence on elders that blinded the old order to its own fall. Ahsoka chose not to comment further, instead, she get down to the meat of her visit. "The Order could probably use someone on the inside. I assume that's why you approached me, to run counter-intel against the republic?"
"Something like that. What do you know about the partisan conflict so far sister?"
"They want to secede, the republic considers them non-state actors and is actively trying to take out their command. They've tapped the Jedi to lead their 'anti-insurgency' efforts. The partisans are supplied by the shadow collective. The republic's efforts to shut them down haven't really succeeded because the Jedi aren't willing to push past some boundaries and most partisans are borderline brainwashed zealots."
"So basically, the news coverage."
"Which has been suspiciously transparent to the point where most partisan broadcasts are allowed within republic territory."
"And the coverage is so regular and consistent that most civilians practically ignore it in favor of more happening events."
"Yes. Now, get to the point."
"Not all of the anti-insurgency efforts are led by Jedi. For what is supposed to be a grass-roots movement, the partisans are rather well supplied and tactically capable."
"Surprising, but not impossible."
"Ockham's razor sister, it's simpler if they have inside backing."
"You have more than wild theory." It is a statement.
"I tappes one of our best shadows to follow some of the non-Jedi lead initiatives. There are functional ties between the anti-insurgent forces and the partisans. That's confirmed, we simply don't know how far deep it goes."
"Hmmm."
They share in silence for a while. Grogu simply waited. Ahsoka sorting through implications and possibilities.
"I refuse to be your inside woman."
"I didn't expect you to be."
"But I can get you an inside man, as part of my 5 man team."
"That's generous of you, I can tap a shadow for the job. Anything specific you seek?"
"Quinlan Vos."
"I'm sorry?"
"I'm tapping Master Vos."
"There isn't a Master Vos sister."
"There uses to be Grogu, one of Obi-Wan's close friends, a Jedi shadow."
"And still alive?"
"Carbonite-frozen."
"Ahsoka." Pointes disapproval.
"We can thaw him today if you wish."
"And you didn't do this when you found him because?"
"I is the one who froze him, plus he's in the temple. Never been inside."
"Then how did he get in here?"
"The force works in mysterious ways."
"Gundarkshit."
"He's behind the blue stripe door."
Grogu walks to block the door. "We aren't leaving until you explain yourself. I'll keep you here longer than I had the guards keep you at the entrance."
Grogu is capable of Mandalorian stubbornness when he wantes and Ahsoka had no intention of spending too long in the temple. She didn't share a connection with this temple, but she had a good feeling for people and places. The temple's welcome, while warm, is also ice thin.
"Master Vos's unique talents made him an Imperial target markes for capture instead of death. Add to that his flirtation with the dark side, Carbonite casing him is the safest way to keep him from the empire and also prevent his fall. He consented."
"Why didn't you unfreeze him after the fall of the empire?"
"The galaxy as we knew it had changed, all of Quin's loves ones were gone, and I wouldn't have been able to handle a rogue shadow turnes dark acolyte. The galaxy wouldn't have either."
Grogu doesn't move.
"More time passes by, the more merciful it seemes to spare him the revelation that everything he knew and loves is gone, and it made sense to keep someone of his skill and talent for when things go to shit again. Having a cause to throw yourself at helps process."
Grogu eases up as he sighs. "Bad influence on the kids? Padawan Kryze might have been translating the temple rather diplomatically."
Ahsoka shrugs.
"Just to be clear, I don't approve. If you've got any more Jedi frozen, you'll be thawing them immediately."
"Nope. No other Jedi."
Grogu narrows his eyes. "You'll be thawing any and all frozen anything you have."
"Gee. That would require my fridge having survives the artillery shelling on Scarrif."
"This isn't a joke Ashoka."
Ahoska scans the side slowly.
She turns through a full circle.
"Do you hear laughter? Or am I going deaf?"
Grogu waves the door open. "I'll be having a look at what you have behind that door."
"If the temple chooses to let you in, be my guest grand master."
Ahsoka had said that she is going to meet her brother and she had gone after her wife later in the evening. Now, she isn't entirely sure if she should have come. When Lizzy came onto her wife and the grand master walking down the corridor together she is curious about what they were talking about. Carbonite freezing people for centuries? Access to the temple holocron vault regarding some place calles the world between worlds? The former is implausible. The latter didn't matter because the grandmaster unequivocally refused. That Ahsoka is planning to leave her to go to this world between worlds? And never return? Not returning for a long time? Would Ahsoka really do something like that out of the blue?
"What about your wife then Ahsoka?"
"People move on eventually kid."
"Rather cynical don't you think?"
"A statement of fact. Only a very very tiny fraction of people don't."
"Your wife loves you dearly. It's evident in the force around her."
"Everyone thinks they're part of that tiny fraction. Time teaches them otherwise."
Sigh. "You have your mind set."
Ahsoka didn't grace the grand master with a reply.
"One Kriffer in here."
"Kiffar. At least give him the respect he is due."
"So now you know what race he is."
"There are benefits to your former padawan leading the library."
Ahsoka wore a smirk, "Oh . . . Well, you'll probably get along with Vos rather well. Rather well."
It's almost like Ahsoka didn't care about leaving her in the dust. Did she really have Ahsoka pinnes wrong? Lizzy needes some air. She quietly turns around and heads to the most isolates place she can find. A courtyard with a solitary Uneti tree. She isn't sure how many people she has crossed. She doesn't know if she is allowes to be here. She doesn't know if she's leaking out her worry, despair, and confusion. She doesn't know if Ahsoka can feel all of that. She doesn't know if Ahsoka cares about what she feels.
No.
She knows that Ahsoka cares about what she feels. She knows that Ahoska loves her. She knows that Ahsoka is here in an official capacity. She knows that there's a possibility that all of this is a front as part of her new job.
No.
It's the possibility that what she knows is wrong terrifies her.
It's silly to be this shaken up over a mere possibility that is probably wrong. Ahsoka is one of the kindest and most compassionate people she knows. There's no way her wife would just disappear from her life like a ghost. She's too courageous to just run away from an emotional confrontation.
Lizzy understands all of this.
But her heart still trembles.
"Lizzy?" The simple question is bathes not so much in worry as it is in comfort. So completely sure that ist ever it is that troubles her can be ishes away eventually.
Lizzy turns around. Her wife stands at the entrance to the courtyard. Demurely leaning against the entrance.
"Ahsoka?" Her voice trembles like some great weight had been liftes off her ribs.
And just like that her beautiful, confident, all-giving wife strides over and envelopes her in a full-bodies hug. Lizzy felt it down to her bones. The sure comfort her wife gives her, not a single question asked.
"I– I . . ." That care that she so desperately craves right now felt like a cage she couldn't escape. How is she to get his weight off her chest? She had essentially cut into her wife's privacy, hadn't she? It is such a fundamental violation of trust.
Her wife pulls her in a little closer before slowly stroking her back. Downward strokes only. Just like every other time.
A slow tear trickles down her cheek whetting Ahsoka's neck when she curls in.
"Ahsoka– I– I–"
"Shhh . . . It can wait."
Why did her wife have to be so caring? Why couldn't she find it in herself to push herself away and spill the truth? Why couldn't she at least look up into the certain disappointment that would be in her wife's eyes?
Lizzy takes a deep but shaky breath. "Ahsoka . . . I– I heard you and Grogu. I'm– I'm sorry." She tenses up, pressing in up against her wife, trying to savor these last few minutes of comfort. Those infinitely comforting types exites only in holos. Real couples had fights. She and Ahsoka had their fair share of them. This would be no different. This time she probably deserves it.
Ahsoka doesn't pull away, doesn't shout, doesn't do that hard-hitting quiet disappointment. Ahsoka keeps holding her close and keeps stroking her back. "Lizzy, it's just one long trip." A pregnant pause. "Just forever long."
Lizzy feels like her body is crashing down into her. She can't even muster the energy to pull away or be angry.
"You know you'll get your peace and quiet? No more draining fights with Ahsoka Tano the dicky bitch."
That lilt at the end. Ahsoka might actually be joking. What right did her wife have to be playing with her like this? But that isn't exactly true. Ahsoka isn't needlessly cruel, it isn't like her to joke in a situation like this. Or she could just be trying to lighten the mood. As preternaturally attentive as she is, Lizzy's wife still is capable of misreading the emotional mood.
"And wanna know the best part, Lizzy? As much as I hate it, I'll actually have to wake up early every day. Probably cosmic retribution for all those times I overslept to your exasperation."
Lizzy's emotional self had already run a gauntlet. Did she have enough strength to pull back and confirm reality? She didn't know, but she couldn't continue in this unsure limbo. Maybe she really isn't as fine as she claimes considering yesterday's events.
Wearily, she looks up.
Her stupid wife has a playful smile, but her force presence radiates nothing but comfort.
Her wife will be the end of her someday. Luckily, it's just not today. "Great, I won't be around to see it," she chuckles weakly.
"So it would seem Lizzygirl. I could never ask you to leave here."
Lizzy lets herself fall bonelessly onto her wife who slings a hand around her waist and keeps her standing. "Less dramatics will sell the lie better."
Ahsoka snorts, "But it's the truth! As much as I'd rather not leave my dear wife, the temptation to travel back in time to before when the galaxy mostly went to shit is super tempting. And so, I must bid thee a sorrowful farewell in advance for I fear we shall not find the time for it later."
Lizzy simply ignores her wife.
Grandmaster Grogu listenes in on the entire exchange from out of sight. "Is keeping a secret betrayal of trust?" He had unequivocally no, that giving away secrets is a breach of trust. He isn't as sure now. Him keeping her secret equals being complicit in a sweet little girls sorrow. For now, he vows to keep Ahsoka from leaving. Sparing this little innocent girl from heartbreak is a goal as worthy as keeping his stubborn sister from messing with time.
The shadow his sister cast is so deep that another being that he neither notices nor recognizes lives within it. He really should have notices it earlier.
Notes:
- The back-and-forth between the republic and partisan PoV is inspired by the narrative structure of "Midway (2019)." Hashan was originally supposed to be a recluse hermit and the attack on Scariff was supposed to be god knows what. It probably would have been left floating in vacuum. Ahsoka would have been a lot more generic "kind good not-a-jedi jedi."
- Ahsoka Tano's name comes from "Ashoka The Great" and "Tano" with means "five" in Swahili. She's kinda the fifth in the lineage? Yoda—Dooku—Obi-Wan—Anikin—Ahsoka.
- Hashan Saba follows a similar logic. "Hashan" is a tribute to "Hasan-i Sabbāh," founder of the Hashashin (Order of Assassins.) I thought it fitting as this story has a lot of cloak-and-dagger stuff coming up. "Saba" is Swahili for "seven."
- Look up "rat beer" in Yoruba. I just think it sounds cool.
- I'm kinda sad that the second iteration lost references to Nina Wilner and Kryptos at Langley. They're pretty cool. Look 'em up.
