Chapter 74: Assassin
The future has many paths - choose wisely.
Recap: Criminals captured! Jedi Master Plo Koon and Padawan Ahsoka Tano successfully thwarted an attempt on Mace Windu's life, killing bounty hunter Aurra Sing in the process. Since that time, young Ahsoka has grown strong in the ways of the Force. Now, after several harrowing adventures alongside her master, the two Jedi have returned to the Temple on Coruscant to receive their next mission.
With the recent mission on Mandalore a success, Ahsoka and Twilight were to report their mission to the Jedi Council. The girls were joined by their respective partners as Jedi Master Kenobi, Yoda, Windu, Master Plo, and Celestia and Luna were sitting before them.
"Welcome, Padawan, Jedi Knight. In order, congratulations are. Shown your courage and strength yet again, you both have." said Yoda as the small green creature gave his thanks to both girls.
"Job well done, Ahsoka, Twilight," said Master Plo.
"And now, on to more pressing matters," said Celestia as she transitioned to why the four Jedi were called before the masters.
"To Balith, you both must go, Skywalker and Storm," said Master Yoda.
"There's a large-scale civil war on Balith. They have requested our assistance," said Luna.
"Anakin, you and Storm will leave immediately to command the Third legion," stated Kenobi.
"I've never been to Balith," said Ahsoka.
"You will stay here, Padawan; we need your full report," said Windu.
"As you wish," said Ahsoka as she simply nodded; she was a bit upset that she wouldn't be going with her teacher and friend on their mission.
Anakin and Storm were marching to the shuttle that was waiting for them. Accompanying them was Ahsoka, as Twilight stayed behind to brief the Jedi Council on their mission while she saw her friends off. As they walked, Anakin's senses went off as he looked at his student.
"Ahsoka, I sense you are uneasy. What is it?"
"Oh. I... nothing," said Ashoka as she didn't answer her teacher immediately. "Master, let me come with you. If I'm not with you, who else will have your back?"
"Gee, I don't know, Ahsoka. Who else can match Anakin's skills and is a way better fighter than you?" mocked Storm as he looked at the Padawan. Safe to say, the girl felt offended by what the Jedi Knight said.
"You think you're a better Jedi than me?" said Ahsoka as she felt a tad bit disrespected that Storm was downplaying her abilities.
"How much time we got before we have to leave, Anakin? Cause I could spare 2 minutes of whipping Ahsoka's ass with ease," said Storm as he wasn't backing down from his claim.
"Settle down, you two," said Anakin as he wanted to avoid bickering with his friends. "Stay here, finish your studies, and get some rest."
"You've said it yourself. I learn more in the field than I ever do here," stated the girl.
"Well, think of this as a chance to prove me wrong," said Anakin as he walked to board the ship.
"When do you ever get the chance to do that?" said Storm as he too ran to jump on the shuttle as it was taking off.
"And stay out of trouble!" said Anakin as that was the last thing he said before the ramp closed.
The girl saw the shuttle as it soared into the sky to board a Republic cruiser. It then began to leave the planet's orbit as Ahsoka sighed and turned to enter the Temple.
It was nighttime on Coruscant as everyone was fast asleep. Ahsoka was in her quarters as the Padawan was tossing and turning. She was having a dream, or rather a vision. Her vision showed the girl in some forest as dead, bare trees surrounded her. The Padawan had her eyes peeled as if scanning the area, looking for someone. A figure was shown sneaking up behind the girl as it was the bounty hunter, Aurra Sing. Ahsoka turned around, and the bounty hunter grabbed her by the neck to lift her.
"She will die, and there's nothing that you can do," said Aurra Sing as Ahsoka had a panicked look.
The Padawan then awoke as she sat up. She was breathing heavily as she clutched her head. Morning came as it showed Yoda, who was standing in his quarters. The small Jedi Master was standing by his window as he looked out of it when there was a knock on his door.
"Enter," said Yoda as he already knew who was at his door. "Have a seat, young Padawan."
Ahsoka entered the room as she sat on a small stool while Yoda was still looking out his window.
"Troubled you are, Padawan?"
"Yes, Master Yoda, I've been having dreams," said Ahsoka to the Grand Jedi Master.
"Hmm. Dreams, you say?" said Yoda.
"Yes, dreams... Or visions. I don't know, but they're so real, " the girl replied.
"Premonitions. Telling you something, they are," said Yoda as he sat on the stool across from Ahsoka.
"I know I reported otherwise, but I believe that Aurra Sing isn't dead. She's still alive and preparing to kill someone close to me."
"So, you begin to see the true power of the Force. Visions, they are. Underestimate them, you must not. Meditate. To see clearly, more experience you need." said Yoda as he gave some advice to Ahsoka.
Ahsoka gave Master Yoda a nod as she left. The girl was now in the library as she had her hand under her chin and tapped the desk. Approaching her was Jocasta Nu, who brought some things for the Padawan.
"These should help you with your studies, dear," said the librarian as she placed the small stack next to the girl and left.
"Study! I should be out there fighting! Not in here studying." said Ahsoka as she wanted to be in the field.
"Sorry, I'm late, Ahsoka. I was talking with Storm," said Twilight as the teen appeared.
"You called Storm?" said Ahsoka.
"W-Well, more like, he called me. He's never done that before. It... felt nice." said the princess as she couldn't help but blush and twirl her hair as she thought of the idea that Storm called her.
Ahsoka simply ignored Twilight's little daydream as she began to click on the computer in front of her. She was jumping from profile to profile of many criminals. It landed on Aurra Sing's profile as the Padawan had another vision at that moment.
It showed the Padawan running down a hall as it transitioned to Aurra Sing. The bounty hunter wasn't alone as the vision showed her talking with someone, but it didn't show their face.
"Kill her," said the unknown figure.
"With pleasure," replied the bounty hunter.
It then showed Padmé as Aurra Sing had a sniper in hand and was about to take the shot. At that moment, Ahsoka gasped as she jumped back in her chair. Twilight, still daydreaming about Storm calling her, noticed her friend's behavior.
"Ahsoka, what is it?" asked Twilight.
"Senator Amidala is in danger."
It was now evening time as Padmé was in her apartment. She, Rarity, and 3P0 were preparing their bags as they would leave in the morning to attend a conference.
"Is that everything, Rarity?"
"Just about Padmé. But I do need a second opinion on which dress I should take?" asked Rarity as she needed a before-dinner outfit to wear but couldn't choose between the many ones in her closet. Before Padmé could answer her friend's question, they were interrupted.
"Senator, Padawan Ahsoka Tano, and Jedi Knight Twilight Sparkle are here to see you," said Captain Typho.
"Twilight!"
"Rarity?!"
Both girls squealed as they rushed and hugged one another.
"I didn't expect to find you here," said the princess.
"Well, I didn't expect us to reunite so soon," stated the fashionista, as it had only been days since they came back from Twilight's home.
"Senator Amidala."
"Ahsoka, it's so good to see you," said Padmé as she hugged the girl. "How have you both been?"
"Honestly? I've been better. I'm worried for you, Senator. I sense you are in grave danger." stated Ahsoka to Padmé as both Twilight and Rarity also paid attention, not to mention Captain Typho also had a look of concern.
"What makes you believe that?" asked Padmé.
"I've been having dreams. Bad dreams.
"Padmé? I know you're in danger. I just know it."
"What kind of danger?" asked Captain Typho as he approached the Padawan.
"I believe that a very dangerous bounty hunter is out to assassinate you," answered Ahsoka.
"Well, that is troubling," said Rarity as she was now concerned for Padmé's life.
"Captain, please take all necessary precautions," instructed Padmé to Captain Typho.
"You're leaving?" said Ahsoka as she noticed the many nearby bags.
"Yes. Bail Organa and I are leading a conference concerning the refugees from the war. I leave for Alderaan in the morning." said Padmé.
"But the threat to your life!" said the Padawan.
"Ahsoka, the refugee situation is much too crucial to ignore. I called this conference. It could make an enormous difference in policy. It's vital that I go." said Padmé.
"Yes, Senator," said Ahsoka as Padmé left to finish packing.
"Tell me, Twilight. Is what Ahsoka said true?" asked Rarity to her friend as they sat on the couch.
"I don't know, Rarity. Recently, Ahsoka has been getting visions, as Master Yoda puts it. From what she tells me, they depict that Padmé is in danger."
"Then how come you can't see them as well? I thought all Jedi could do that?" asked the fashionista.
"It doesn't work exactly like that, Rarity. Yes, we Jedi can get visions, or in Ahsoka's case, premonitions. But not everyone can see or get the same vision as another person. If I'm not seeing the same visions as Ahsoka, there's nothing I can do. Only the Force decides." said Twilight.
"Well, vision or not, do you trust Ahsoka? Do you trust in what she sees?" asked Rarity.
"I mean, yeah. She's my friend. And as her friend, I'm willing to support her. If these visions are important to her, then I have to take them into consideration." said Twilight.
"You're a good friend, Twilight. I have no doubt you'll make a fine ruler."
"Thanks, Rarity. I'm glad I came here. Talking to a close friend like you helps ease my mind and worries."
"It's no trouble at all, darling. Speaking of which, where is Storm, by the way? I thought he'd be with you." asked the marshmallow girl.
"Oh, well, Storm had to leave the other day. He had to go help some of our forces. But he did call me earlier." said Twilight.
"He called you? Ooh, spill it," said Rarity as she wanted to hear the details of the boy calling the girl.
Twilight blushed a bit as she twirled her hair; soon, the princess told her friend that Storm had called her to check in, and they talked. All the while, Rarity had a big smile as she soaked in all this juicy gossip.
It was the morning of the next day as Ahsoka was walking in the halls of the Jedi Temple. The Padawan was heading to her room to do some meditation. She entered her quarters and sat down to begin her mediation exercises. The girl closed her eyes as, in an instant, more visions began to be shown.
It showed Aurra Sing emerging from a vent as she got in position. She put together her sniper rifle and took aim through the scope. She was now aiming at Padme and had it target her heart. The vision then ended before anything else could be shown. Ahsoka gasped as she opened her eyes immediately. The Padawan then met with Master Yoda as Twilight was also summoned by the Grand Jedi Master.
"I am sure now that it is Senator Amidala who is in danger," said Ahsoka to both individuals.
"Senator Amidala, you say?" stated Yoda.
"Yes, Master. I've seen it in my visions."
"Choose, you must, how to respond to your visions. But remember, always in motion is the future and many possible futures there are," said Yoda as he gave a warning to the Padawan.
"Yes, Master."
"So, Ahsoka, what are you gonna do? Whatever decision you choose, I'll support you 100%," said Twilight to her friend.
The scene now changed as it showed a landing pad. On it was a huge ship as Padmé, Rarity, and 3P0 were all walking toward it as it would take them to Alderaan. Just as they were about to board, a voice called out as two individuals rushed toward them.
"Senator!"
"Ahsoka, Twilight, what is it?" said Padmé as she was surprised to see both girls from yesterday in front of her.
"I can't just stay behind knowing about the threat to your life. Allow me to come with you, please," stated Ahsoka as she was hoping to convince the Senator's mind.
"I suppose it couldn't hurt. Besides, I enjoy your company. Of course, you can join me as extra security." said Padmé as she put her arm on Ahsoka's shoulder and smiled.
"Thank you, Padmé," said Ahsoka.
"And you, Twilight?" asked Rarity.
"Well, someone needs to watch Ahsoka. And as her superior officer, wherever she goes, I go. Plus, I get to spend time with one of my friends." said Twilight as Rarity hugged her.
"I'm glad to have you onboard. Undoubtedly, Fluttershy will also be happy to see us when we arrive. Just know that we'll have to figure out what you're going to wear. They didn't expect a princess to also arrive, but that doesn't mean you can't make a statement." said Rarity as she began to push Twilight onto the ship as she had some ideas she could do for Twilight's outfit.
Padmé merely smiled at how Rarity was acting about Twilight having to be formal. The teens soon got onboard, as did Captain Typho, as the ship prepared to take off.
It was a while into the trip, as all the girls were in Padmé's room. While Rarity was showing Twilight her small notepad of several designs she came up with, Padmé played a game of Dejarik. Padmé did her best to go easy on Ahsoka as she had never played the game, but the Senator was sweeping her even with that. Ahsoka made her move as her piece engaged Padmé's piece and lost.
"You'll learn to play in time, Ahsoka. Someday you'll even beat me," said Padmé as she tried to cheer up the girl.
"It's not that," responded the Padawan.
"What's on your mind?" asked the Senator.
"I've been mostly unsure about my abilities on my own. Usually, Master Skywalker is there to guide me.
"When I was queen, I felt the same insecurities as you do now. I had my advisors, but it was ultimately up to me to run the entire Naboo system,
and I was very afraid at times," said Padmé as she sat next to Ahsoka and offered some wisdom.
"Really? You felt unsure?" stated Ahsoka with a confused look.
"Oh, yes, but I have learned to trust in myself, and you will, too," said Padmé with a genuine smile.
"Thank you. One more game?" asked Ahsoka as she so badly wanted to beat Padmé.
"Absolutely. But first, Twilight?" said Padmé as she got the attention of the princess and Rarity.
Seems the Senator from Naboo heard from Storm about her skills and smarts regarding Dejarik. So she wanted to see for herself just how talented Twilight was. The Jedi Knight got what the Senator was going for as she sat down across from Padmé, and the two began to have a skillful and precision game that lasted for a good solid few hours.
The ship carrying the Senator and the girls was still flying through space. Ahsoka was in her temporary quarters as the girl was sleeping. She was tossing and turning as if she was experiencing something. More visions began to play in the Padawan's mind as it showed her running with the bounty hunter Aurra Sing, pulling the trigger of her sniper rifle. Then it showed Padmé on the floor. It then flashed back to reality, where Ahsoka rolled onto her right side, and Aurra Sing bent near the Padawan's bed as she opened her eyes.
"It's begun," said the bounty hunter.
At that moment, Ahsoka opened her eyes as it seemed she had a vision within a vision. The girl sat up and panted while looking around the room.
"Padmé?!" said Ahsoka as she jumped out of bed and began to make her way to the Senator's quarters. "The assassin's inside!"
The guard in front of Padmé's room stepped to the side and opened the door as Ahsoka rushed in with her lightsaber turned on. She jumped on Padmé's bed and looked around.
"Ahsoka!" said Padmé as she awoke and sat up.
"Stay down!" said the Padawan as she looked around, with her lightsaber about to give her some light, but saw nothing.
"What's going on?" said Captain Typho as he heard the noise and appeared. He wasn't the only one, as Rarity and Twilight were present with the former in her nightgown. Soon the lights came on in Padmé's room.
"Nothing," said Ahsoka as she could see nobody in the room. "False alarm. Forgive me, Senator." She turned off her lightsaber as she began to exit the room.
"Are you all right, my lady?" asked Captain Typho.
"Yes, Captain, I'm fine," responded Padmé.
Twilight peaked her head in the hallway as she saw Ahsoka walking away with her head down in shame. It wasn't much longer before the ship arrived at its destination. The planet Alderaan was in sight as the ship entered its orbit. They passed some lovely mountains and valleys as they arrived at Senator Bail Organa's place. The Senator himself was shown as he was walking to greet his guests. He was being accompanied by a familiar pink-haired girl.
"Padmé."
"Bail, it's so good to see you. You as well, Fluttershy," said the Senator.
"You didn't run into any trouble, did you?" asked the buttercup girl.
"No, but I did pick up a passenger. One you might know," said Padmé as she gestured behind her, and there was Rarity and Twilight.
"Twilight? Is that you?" said Fluttershy as she was only expecting Rarity to be accompanying Padmé. It made her happy to see the princess and one of her friends just days after arriving at her homeworld.
"Fluttershy!" said Twilight as the princess walked over to her friend and hugged her. "It's so good to see you."
Soon Rarity joined in as the three girls began to talk amongst themselves.
"Fluttershy really has grown out of her shyness. To think, it only took some special friends for her to grow," said Organa as he was happy to see the girl he considered a niece enjoying herself among others. "Thank you so much for hosting this conference."
"Dealing with the refugees of this war needs to be our number one priority," said Padmé as the pair returned to their previous conversation.
"Absolutely! Your presence here is greatly appreciated. Come. Senator Mothma and I will take you to your quarters." said Organa as he began to lead Padmé inside the place.
The others followed as Twilight was still chatting with Rarity and Fluttershy while Ahsoka was behind them, still feeling remorse for what had occurred the previous night. They entered the place as they were heading to where Padmé would be staying. While the Senators entered the room, Twilight and her friends talked among themselves as Ahsoka sat on the floor. The girl closed her eyes as she began to meditate.
Another vision was shown as it had Aurra Sing crawling through what looked like a vent. It then showed the assembly hall in which Padmé was giving her speech. The audience all stood up as they applauded. Just then, a shot was heard and shown as it hit Padmé, who fell to the floor with everyone gasping and surrounding her body.
Ahsoka opened her eyes as she approached the door. Twilight noticed it as she excused herself from Fluttershy and Rarity.
"Senator, might I have a word with you in private?" asked Ahsoka.
"Of course, Padawan Tano. If you'll excuse me," stated Padmé. She got up from the couch and went to Ahsoka as Twilight was listening from the doorway.
"I know I made a mistake last night, but that doesn't mean the threat to you is any less," said the girl as she apologized.
"I haven't lost faith in you, Ahsoka," said Padmé.
"I know, and I appreciate that."
"I don't mean to interject, but now is not the time for this. Senator Amidala must prepare for her summit," said Captain Typho to the Padawan.
"But I believe the attempt on your life is going to happen tonight," said Ahsoka.
"Why tonight?" asked Padmé.
"I had another vision, and it was much clearer. I could see more than usual, even a location. It was a large room; you were giving a speech." explained Ahsoka.
"This room, could you recognize it if you saw it?" asked Captain Typho.
"Yes, I think I could," responded Ahsoka.
Soon they all made it to the room as it was the same assembly that Ahsoka saw in her dreams. They entered as they began to look around.
"So, does anything look familiar?" asked Captain Typho.
"Yes, this is it. This is the place I saw in my vision," said Ahsoka.
"Where would the assassin be?" said Captain Typho.
"That's the part I'm not sure of," responded the Padawan, as her vision didn't show where exactly Aurra Sing was going to strike from.
"We are taking all the necessary precautions, correct, Captain?" asked Padmé.
"Yes, my lady."
"But Aurra Sing will know what you plan to do. She'll find a way in."
"Ahsoka, in your vision, does Aurra succeed?" asked Padmé.
"I... I can't tell," answered the girl.
"Well, then, at least we have a fighting chance," said the Senator.
"Twilight, what's going on?" asked Fluttershy, as the girls were in the hallway as they listened.
"It's complicated," said the princess as she began to explain to the animal-loving girl about Ahsoka and the visions she saw.
It was now later as the summit was about to take place. Other representatives had arrived as they were looking forward to Padmé's speech. Twilight and Ahsoka were with the Senator as they watched her while she prepared.
"Isn't it just beautiful?" said Padmé as she was on the balcony of her room and admiring the view.
"Yes, but I really must insist you go back inside. It's not safe for you out here," said Ahsoka as she felt like Padmé was in severe danger by being out in the open.
"Ahsoka, I can't stop living my life. You forget I'm a friend of the Jedi. I'm no stranger to taking risks." said the Senator to the girl.
The Padawan sighed as she leaned over the railing.
"What is it?" asked Padmé.
"I'm confused. My visions are telling me one thing, but reality is telling me another. I don't know which to believe anymore! Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe no one's out to kill you." said Ahsoka. "And I'm sorry for dragging you along, Twilight. You probably would have spent more time studying or talking with Storm."
"I'm not mad," said the princess as she approached her friend and put her hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. "Even if your visions aren't real, I still would have gone with you. I'm your friend; if you think that something horrible is about to happen, then as your friend, I'm willing to lend a hand. Helping a friend is more important than reading a book or... talking with Storm."
"Thanks, Princess," said Ahsoka as she smiled at her friend.
It was now time for the conference as everybody was gathered. Organa and Padmé were seated at the front table facing the audience. Rarity, Fluttershy, Ahsoka, and Twilight were off to the side with the guards. Both Jedi were on high alert as the moment anything suspicious happened, they would spring into action.
"As the conflict that divides our galaxy escalates, we cannot lose perspective on the value of life and the price of freedom," said Organa as he stood up.
From behind a vent was a guard, unaware of a figure snuck up behind. The figure then snapped his neck before dragging him back.
"No one knows this truth more than the distinguished senator, Padmé Amidala of Naboo," said the man as he introduced her.
"Thank you, Senator Organa. I wanted to first thank you all for coming. This is a cause that is very important to me. I can remember, after the illegal blockade of my home world Naboo by the Trade Federation, how many lives were thrown into chaos." said Padmé to everyone.
As she spoke, Ahsoka and Twilight scanned the room from their position. The figure that attacked and killed the guard was shown putting together a sniper rifle.
"True, in the grand scale of things, it was a small conflict. And true, there was only one battle fought during the occupation, but let us examine the cost of that one conflict. Hundreds of Naboo were forced from their homes, Naboo security forces and the Gungan army both incurred heavy casualties, and the life of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was lost."
While Padmé spoke, the figure adjusted their weapon when their face stepped into the light; it was revealed to be Aurra Sing. The girls' instincts went off as they quickly slipped away.
"And yet, now I find myself a party to and witness of a full-scale war that has divided our great Republic in two," spoke Padmé as the sniper barrel peaked through the grate.
Captain Typho noticed the girls were gone, as did Rarity and Fluttershy. The girls were shown running through the vents as Ahsoka turned the corner first and saw Aurra Sing about to pull the trigger. The girl put her hand out as she used the Force to shove the bounty hunter to the floor. The sudden jerk caused the shot to strafe.
"Already more than 100 Jedi..."
Padmé fell to the floor as it seemed even with the strafe bullet, it still managed to find its mark as the Senator dropped. It made everyone gasp as they saw what had happened. With the girls, Aurra Sing began to fire at them as they bounced off the wall and pulled out their lightsabers. They soon began to chase her as they turned the corner and came to a crossroads. Both girls looked at each other before they split up as each took a different path.
"Get a medical droid! We need a medic!" shouted Senator Organa.
It was later as it seemed that neither Twilight nor Ahsoka managed to track down Aurra Sing. It seemed the bounty hunter got away, and to make matters worse, the Padawan's vision of Padmé being killed might have come true. The girls were outside Padmé's room as they paced around. Fluttershy and Rarity were also there as they were concerned. Soon the doors opened, and out emerged the medical droid.
"The Senator will be fine. It was only a flesh wound," said the droid as it got all the girls to let out a breath they didn't know they were holding in.
With that good news, they all rushed in to check on Padmé.
"Padmé, I'm sorry."
"For what, Ahsoka? You did all you could," said the Senator as she had her arm cast due to her being shot.
"Did you both find the assassin?" asked Organa to both Jedi.
"Unfortunately, she ran off before we could get her," answered Twilight.
"She?" said Fluttershy.
"Yes, she. I am positive now that it is Aurra Sing who is out to get you. Please return to Coruscant immediately, for your own safety." pleaded Ahsoka.
"Padmé, I agree with the Padawan. It is far too dangerous for you
to give your speech tonight," stated Organa, as he was also concerned for his friend's safety and life.
"If someone wants me dead, they will follow me wherever I go," said Padmé as she knew that even if she returned to Coruscant, the assassin would not stop till she was gone for good.
"But you know my visions are all mixed up. What if what I saw was the attempt that just happened?" said Ahsoka.
"Padmé, I am not willing to gamble with your life," stated Organa as he tried to get the woman to listen to the Jedi.
"Wait a minute," said Twilight as the princess had a thought cross her mind. "I think I have a way we can get around putting you in jeopardy and have you attend the conference."
Organa was now walking while accompanying Padmé, who wore a cloak. They walked into the assembly room as everyone stood up; they applauded the Senator for being alive and wanting to continue her speech even after almost getting killed. Behind them were the girls as Ahsoka and Twilight scanned the room for signs of Aurra Sing.
They soon arrived at the front of the room as the girls and Fluttershy stood beside Captain Typho. Aurra Sing was revealed to be emerging from a vent as she continued to crawl down the shaft.
"All clear, sir," said one of the guards as they were on the upper level where Aurra Sing was.
"The upper levels are cleared, Captain," said another guard as they were doing a perimeter on the bounty hunter's previous level. "Sweep complete. The area is secure."
At that moment, Padmé stood up and began to speak.
"Fear, in these times, it is the greatest weapon wielded against those who would stand up for truth and justice. We have a responsibility as the elected representatives of the Republic to face our fears and challenge those who threaten the safety of its people. I stand before you today, bruised but not beaten. The voices of the people shall be heard, and together we shall represent them. The homeless shall no longer
be homeless and faceless."
As Padmé spoke, Aurra Sing continued to crawl through the vent as she had a smile on her face. Twilight and Ahsoka scanned the room, using their Jedi senses to sense where the assassin might strike.
"Aurra's not here," said Ahsoka as she and Twilight didn't detect the bounty hunter.
"What do you mean she's not here?" said Captain Typho as he didn't understand what the girls meant.
"The soldiers who so valiantly fight to protect us must also be protected
once their job is done."
"She's not in this room," said Twilight as Padmé's kept on her speech.
"We need legislation to defend the displaced from slavery, to protect our soldiers from feeling as if there is no future beyond their warfare, and we must open channels through diplomacy so that we can end this war."
Ahsoka and Twilight began to book it as their Jedi senses went off. They ran out of the room as Captain Typho, Senator Organa, and Fluttershy saw them leave while everybody was distracted by Padmé's speech. But as it turned out, the figure in the cloak was not Padmé but rather a service droid who was projecting her voice. As it turned out, the Senator was in her room, sitting on her bed as Rarity was with her. Twilight's plan was to have the service droid give Padmé's speech via telecommunication."
"I know there are those among the Separatists who would end this conflict, and I know there are those individuals in the galaxy who would seek to promote fear and spread chaos."
Both Jedi were running through the halls, hoping to get to Padmé's room before it was too late. Aurra Sing was shown crawling through the vents as she came to a grate. She looked in, and there was the Senator; the bounty hunter could see through the plan by Twilight as she began to initiate her plan.
"To those that act as agents of chaos, I say this. I stand resolute and unyielding. And if you strike my voice down, know that a chorus of thousands shall rise up in its place. For you have no dominion
over the righteous. We are the defenders of truth."
The bounty hunter pulled out her blaster and was about to shoot. At that moment, the doors opened, and in came Twilight and Ahsoka. The girls immediately jumped and turned in mid-air as they blocked some shoots that would have hit Rarity and Padmé. Ahsoka then used the Force to pull the grate open, and Aurra Sing as she fell to the floor.
"You! I remember you, Jedi brats!" said Aurra Sing as she got to her feet and saw the girls. She then shot the lock on the door as it closed.
"Stand down, assassin!" said Ahsoka.
"You left me for dead! Luckily, Hondo pulled me out of the wreckage."
"Heh, your boyfriend must have felt real pity for you," said Twilight as she remembered it was Aurra who caused Storm to be out of commission during that time.
"Surprised you're back to work so soon," said Ahsoka.
"Well, a girl's got to make a living," replied the bounty hunter.
"Get this door open, now!" Captain Typho told the guards.
"Why are you doing this? Killing me will not stop the relief effort," said Padmé.
Ahsoka was in front of the Senator as Twilight had Rarity stay behind her.
"Honey, this isn't about your cause. This is about revenge. My employer wants to get even with you, simple as that." said Aurra as Padmé secretly pulled out her blaster that she hid in her arm sling.
"Who hired you?" asked Ahsoka.
"Enough talk! Time to see what you're made of, kids," said Aurra Sing as she twirled her blasters and dual-wielded.
The bounty hunter began to open fire as both Jedi were twirling their lightsabers around, blocking the barrage of blaster shots. Neither side was giving an inch as Aurra kept on the assault as both girls kept blocking. However, a shot made contact with Ahsoka as it grazed the skin of her arm as she fell.
"Ahsoka!" shouted Twilight, as she successfully blocked every shot sent her way due to her level of experience and saw her friend fall to the floor.
Aurra chuckled at seeing the Padawan fall. At that moment, Padmé had her blaster aimed at the bounty hunter.
"No!" said Aurra as Padmé pulled the trigger, and a stun blast hit the bounty hunter.
"Ahsoka!" said Padmé as she bent down to check on her friend.
"Nice shot," said the girl as she was impressed by what Padmé did.
"I told you, I'm no stranger to taking risks," said Padmé as Twilight bent down and pulled out a stim. She put it to Ahsoka's arm as it would temporarily numb the bullet shot, but she would still need to have her skin taken care of.
"Senator!"
"Captain, she's stunned," said Padmé as the doors opened and Captain Typho came in with the guards.
On Coruscant, a ship was shown heading toward the Jedi Temple. Emerging from the Jedi Temple was Master Yoda, as well as Anakin and Storm. The boys had returned from their latest mission, and they were surprised to find their respective partners were gone and with Padmé. The ship soon docked in front of the males as the ramp extended. They saw Padmé, Ahsoka, Senator Organa, and the girls. Anakin gasped at seeing his wife with an arm sling but kept it hidden.
"Padmé, what happened?" asked Storm.
"Are you all right?" asked Anakin to his wife.
"Without Ahsoka's foresight, I fear things would have gone quite differently," said the Senator as Aurra Sing was being led away.
"Serve you well, your visions have, young Padawan. And excellent work, Princess. Sticking by a friend, you have displayed great leadership skills when uncertain."
"Thank you, Master Yoda," said both girls as they bowed at the small Jedi.
"But we still don't know who's really behind this," said Ahsoka.
"Hmm. Concentrate, remember. What do you see?" said Master Yoda.
Ahsoka closed her eyes and listened to the voices trying to speak to her. The girl was now starting to see things.
"I see shapes. Large, devouring... I hear laughter. Bizarre laughter. And purple? I see a color, purple. I don't know what it means; none of it is familiar to me." said Ahsoka as she opened her eyes and looked at the group before her.
"It is to me. I've been thinking, Aurra Sing said the person who hired her
simply wanted revenge for something I did to them," said Padmé.
"Well, that could be a lot of people," said Anakin, as even he knew that his wife had her fair share of enemies.
"Yes, but with Ahsoka's added details, I know someone who fits the description," said the Senator. "Rarity, does slimy ball ring a bell?"
"Oh no!" shouted the girl as she knew exactly who Padmé was talking about.
The prison cell on Coruscant was shown as both Anakin and Ahsoka were shown on a transport. They were approaching a cell as they were looking for the prisoner that Padmé said was the one who hired Aurra Sing to kill her. They came to the cell as the doors opened, and the pair entered.
"Ziro."
"Oh. You must be Anakin Skywalker," said Ziro the Hutt, Jabba's uncle who tried to overthrow his nephew to take the throne.
"Have you met my Padawan, Ahsoka Tano?"
"Padawan," chuckled Ziro as he saw the girl.
"I believe you have a grudge against Senator Amidala," said Ahsoka.
"And what makes you say something so utterly ridiculous, youngling?"
"It's because of Senator Amidala; you're locked up in this place. The bounty hunter Aurra Sing attempted to kill the Senator. I believe you hired her for the job." said Ahsoka to the Hutt.
"I did no such thing!"
"We have Aurra Sing in custody. She told us everything," stated the girl.
"But... What? She told you... She told you what? Impossible. I should have hired someone better. Oh." said Ziro as he just now realized that Ahsoka tricked him into confessing.
"You just guaranteed yourself an extra-long vacation in this lovely establishment," smiled Ahsoka.
"Do you see the conditions I'm living in? That... That insipid senator put me in here! She deserves to die for leaving me to rot in this squalor!" shouted Ziro.
"Well, thanks to you, Ziro, and that little confession, you've just officially failed," said the Padawan as they began to exit the cell.
"You'll never get away with this! You have no idea what I'm capable of!" shouted Ziro as the doors locked.
While Anakin and Ahsoka were dealing with Ziro, Twilight gave the details of her report to the Jedi Council. Storm was waiting for the girl as soon the doors opened, and she emerged. The princess smiled as it seemed the Council thanked her and asked that she give Ahsoka their gratitude when she saw her.
"So, how did your mission go?" asked Twilight as she wanted to know the details of his and Anakin's adventure.
"You busy? 'Cause if not, I could tell you the story over some lunch. If you're down." said the boy.
"Y-Yeah, I'd like that," said Twilight as she began to walk with her partner.
Twilight instinctively reached over her and grabbed Storm's hand as they walked. The boy noticed it as the princess simply smiled. He, too, returned the gesture as he just let it slide, and the pair went off to eat.
Author's Note: As many are aware, the Force can sometimes give Jedi visions of things yet to come. However, just a vision is merely a vision as Yoda said, there are many possibilities that can happen because one gets a vision. Sometimes they can be good or bad, depending on what the person sees. In the end, it all depends on interpretation. The future is always in motion, so trying to interpret it becomes difficult. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts.