Chapter 169: To Catch a Jedi
Never become desperate enough to trust the untrustworthy.
Recap: Ahsoka Tano on the run! After an attack on the Jedi Temple, Anakin Skywalker's young Padawan found herself accused of murdering the person responsible for the bombings. With no choice but to run, she was chased by her master, who begged her to turn herself in. Knowing there is little hope of being cleared of the crimes, Ahsoka decided to find out the truth and prove her innocence on her own.
At the Jedi Temple, the Jedi Council held a meeting as they tried to find the best way to catch and find Ahsoka.
"After further investigation, there can be little doubt that the clone officers murdered in the escape were killed by none other than Ahsoka Tano herself. She used a Jedi mind trick to convince the clone to open the door and then proceeded to cut him down along with five other clones along the way," said Admiral Tarkin as he was relaying the information to the Jedi Council and Anakin who stood in the middle of the room.
"I do not believe that Ahsoka could have fallen so far," responded Master Plo.
"The beliefs of the Jedi Council are irrelevant. We deal strictly in facts and evidence, and the evidence points to Padawan Tano being guilty of the attack on the temple and the murder of the Republic officers. This is sedition." said Admiral Tarkin as his hologram disappeared.
The Jedi Masters were all left to look at one another and process what was said.
"Skywalker, was there no way to stop your Padawan before she escaped?"
"No, Master Mundi," said the Jedi Knight to the Jedi Master.
"The Council believes that Ahsoka may be guilty of the crime, still believe they are wrong, do you, hmm?" asked Yoda.
"I believe she didn't kill the clone troopers or the woman who used the nano-droids to blow up the temple. That's why she's running. To prove her innocence." said Anakin, trying to vouch for his Padawan.
"Now she's in the lower depths," said Luna as she received word from Storm when he returned after Ahsoka barely escaped him. The boy told his Master where she was, and now the entire Jedi Council knew because of him.
"With her skills, she will be hard to find," stated Master Windu.
"Two teams we will send. Master Skywalker and Master Plo Koon, with clones, you will go," instructed Master Yoda.
"I think it would be best if Skywalker stayed here," suggested Celestia, as she knew Anakin would let his feelings for his student get in the way of doing his job properly.
"Having you involved may actually make things worse," clarified Master Windu, backing up Celestia's statement.
"Master Windu, Master Celestia, with all due respect, she is my Padawan," said Anakin.
"The reason for you not to go," chimed in Luna.
"I think we're being foolish if we take Anakin off this mission," said Obi-wan as he interrupted. The Jedi Master wasn't present, as his hologram was shown. "Who knows her better?
"He's emotionally tied to her," said Windu.
"Probably too emotional to do what needs to be done!" Luna glared.
"I'd rather capture Ahsoka and find out the truth then let her run because of a lie," responded Anakin to the Jedi Masters.
"You must prove to us that you will stay focused. Can you?" demanded Yoda with a stern expression.
"I've already alerted security on the lower levels to be on the lookout for Ahsoka," said Anakin with a heavy sigh, knowing it was a tough call to make to track down his student.
"Go swiftly then, Skywalker, and bring back this lost child before it is too late," said Yoda.
"Yes, Master," sighed Anakin.
The Jedi Knight and Master Plo began to head out of the room. The Jedi Council all took a moment to process what was happening. Master Yoda was shown meditating with his eyes closed. The Grand Jedi Master then looked to his left, eyeing Luna as he nodded to the woman.
"Send in my student," said the Jedi Master.
The doors opened as in came Storm accompanied by Twilight. The two teens stood before the Jedi Council. Storm with a serious expression, Twilight had a more concerned one as many thoughts filled her head after hearing of Ahsoka's escape.
"You summoned me, Master?" said Storm.
"The intel you provided us has helped, my apprentice. As such, we have assembled a team to track down Padawan Tano. However, we don't fully believe that Skywalker will listen to orders and let his attachment to his student get in the way, which is why we're also sending you. You will accompany your friend, but your true mission is: Capture Ahsoka by any means possible. If that means taking over the mission from Skywalker, then so be it. You have full permission to rule Anakin out." said Luna.
"I understand, Master. I will not let you down," responded Storm as he bowed to show his mother the proper respect she deserved.
"Twilight!"
"Y-Yes," said the princess as Celestia got her attention.
"You are to assist Storm in this task. He is in charge, and you will listen to him. Am I understood, my pupil?" said the woman.
"Y-Y-Yes, M-Master," sighed the girl.
"Do not let your feelings for your friend get in the way. Jedi don't form attachments, right?" glared Celestia, giving her student a look as a reminder of their conversation a while back.
"Yes, Master," Twilight reluctantly agreed with her teacher as she put her head down.
"Go forth, and may the Force be with you," said Yoda as he dismissed the pair.
Storm bowed as he and Twilight began to exit the room. The duo was now heading to meet up with Anakin and Master Plo as their mission to capture Ahsoka was given. The princess was still trying to figure things out as she didn't want to hurt her friend; she felt like something, or someone was framing Ahsoka. But... she couldn't disobey her Master, or she'd risk being a Jedi no longer.
"Storm..."
"Focus on the mission, Sparky!" responded Storm.
Twilight gasped after hearing how serious her partner was, as if he didn't care about helping Ahsoka.
"Storm..."
"I'm not gonna disobey Luna's orders. She's done too much for me. And I will not disappoint her. You should consider yourself lucky that you're not on the run with Ahsoka." said Storm as he turned to look at his partner. "Now... let's go catch a fugitive!"
The underworld of Coruscant was shown as many ships and transports were going in and out. A police transport was shown landing as the sirens blared, and many people were walking about the market street. The guard inside the transport handed a tablet to ones patrolling the street.
"This one just came in. Looks like the Jedi are after one of their own," said the guard as the tablet showed a photo of Ahsoka. "She's armed and dangerous. Alert all units."
"You heard him," said the security intel as they all began to spread out and look for their target.
Emerging from across the street after the police left was the person in question. Ahsoka was shown walking down the street as she rubbed her arms. The girl turned the corner as she stopped and activated her comlink.
"Barriss, it's Ahsoka."
The Padawan was contacting her friend. She knew she couldn't contact Twilight for help on the account that Storm might be nearby or that she might tell him. Even if she told Twilight, she'd doubt she'd tell Storm because she barely survived against him in their duel. To be the most safe, she had to keep the princess out of the loop and trust in her other friend for help.
"Ahsoka, I'm so glad you're safe," said Barriss as the Padawan was in her quarters when she received the call from her friend.
"Safe but on the run," responded Ahsoka.
"Where?" questioned Barriss.
"I can't tell you, but someone is definitely trying to frame me."
"It's not safe for you to call me using the Jedi communicator. Find another way to contact me."
"I will."
"In the meantime, I'll do some digging and see if I can find anything out to help you on my end."
"Thank you, Barriss," said Ahsoka, glad to have a friend in her time of need.
"Be safe," said the Padawan to her friend as their call ended.
Ahsoka took off her comlink and tossed it to the floor before stomping on it. The device was destroyed as she managed to avoid the Jedi tracking her signal. She then noticed a Gotal sitting in front of her, lying against a wall with a bottle, asking for spare credits from passing individuals.
"Hey, buddy, are you hungry?" asked the girl as she bent down to look at the Gotal.
"Yeah," responded the Gotal.
"Let's make a trade," smiled Ahsoka as she pulled out a ration bar. The Gotal took it and sniffed it before looking at the girl.
"What do you want?"
"Your cloak."
A section of the market was shown as Ahsoka, now wearing the cloak she got off the Gotal, put the hood over her head to disguise herself. The girl headed to a nearby station as the train pulled in. She took a moment to take a deep breath as she got on, unaware that two security guards were getting on just a few meters from her left.
The Padawan was now on the train as it began to race along the tracks. She kept her head down and face hidden to avoid attention. However, when she glanced up, she noticed the two security guards coming to her section of the train and asking people for their passes.
"Passes, please."
Ahsoka quickly moved to the doors, hoping she could get off at the next station before they saw her. The guards were getting closer as people showed them their passes while walking down the middle. The train was pulling into the station just as the guards were about to be on her. The doors opened as Ahsoka looked to get off; however, more guards were standing there, and she was taken aback.
"That's her. The rogue Jedi!" shouted one of the guards as they saw her face.
The guards backed up Ahsoka as she put her hand out. She used the Force to knock some out of the train onto the station. The doors closed as the train raced off. The remaining guards looked to corner her as she began to book it.
"All units respond. We have located the rogue Jedi," said one of the guards, that was knocked out as he got up.
Ahsoka was running through the different carts as the guards pursued her. She was flipping over people and using her parkour skills to bounce about the carts as she looked to distance herself from her pursuers.
"Get out of the way. Look out! Stop her!" shouted one of the guards.
"I've got her," said one of the passengers as he got up to grab Ahsoka.
The Padawan managed to free herself and flung the person into the guards. One of them tackled her to the seats as she kicked them off. She jumped to grab the railing pipe overhead and used her legs to kick the remaining guards to the floor. She then ran to the door and opened it to reveal the fast train. She lunged and dove out as she rolled onto a station and quickly skidded to a halt with the training zooming away.
"Dupa-la zuga lu!" shouted a bystander at Ahsoka for almost crashing into them.
The Padawan dusted herself off and began to walk.
"Sir, look!" said a guard as they noticed Ahsoka a few meters away.
Ahsoka saw the guards and ran.
"Stop!" shouted one of them as they gave chase.
The Jedi leaped over the paying gate as she ran toward the elevators. She cut off the person trying to get in as it shut behind her. The guards saw the elevator and began to shoot at it as the console was short-circuited.
"Not good," said Ahsoka, who was back against the wall and saw the destroyed panel.
A second later, the elevator then began to drop down rather quickly. Ahsoka glanced to her right and noticed a young Twi-lek boy was also on the elevator with her and was scared.
"Don't worry, little guy, I'll get us out of this. I'll... I'll think of something," stated Ahsoka as she panicked. "Maybe I can cut a hole in the roof."
The Jedi clung to the roof like a spider as she pulled out her lightsaber to begin slicing.
"Ya kumay na. Ya kumay na," said the Twi'lek boy.
"Almost there," said Ahsoka.
"Kumay na."
"Almost got it."
"Kumay na. Kumay na. Kumay na."
The Twi'lek tried to get the Jedi's attention, but Ahsoka was too focused on getting them out. The Twi'lek then pushed the button on the side as the elevator stopped falling and came to a halt. It jolted Ahsoka as the girl fell to the floor. She looked up to see that the Twi'lek was trying to tell her just to push the button, as that was the simple solution.
"Huh. I, uh, guess I'm not exactly on my game these days," said Ahsoka as she used her lightsaber and approached the glass. She cut a hole before grabbing the kid and jumping to the ground below. "Thanks, kid. I owe you one."
The kid saw his mother as she was worried about her son. He raced to her as she picked up her child. Ahsoka looked back at the elevator and knew to keep moving as the police would not give up. She kept on walking and put her hood up to cover her face. Watching the cloaked figure was someone as their mask was shown.
"The lower-level police claim to have spotted Commander Tano heading to level 1312," said Rex to Anakin and Storm.
"All right, let's bring her home," said Anakin.
The ship began to descend into the lower levels. Behind them was another ship, as on it were Twilight and Master Plo. The Jedi Master was informed about the two teens' mission: to capture Ahsoka by any means necessary if Anakin couldn't finish the job.
Ahsoka was still traveling among the lower levels as she hopped over a pile of metal. The Padawan was walking the street when the masked individual who spotted her earlier was shown again. They'd been tracking the disguised Jedi as they leaped off the edge of the overhead bridge to grab a support beam and rotate on it before extending a kick at Ahsoka, who fell to the ground. The masked individual got on top of her as two red lightsabers popped out and left marks on the ground before stopping at the girl's neck.
"Well, well, I didn't believe it when I first heard it, but I guess it's true, the Senate has put a bounty on your horned little head," chuckled the person through the helmet. They then pushed the button on the side as it pulled the mask back to reveal the person's face. "And I'm going to be the one who collects," stated Ventress as her voice was no longer modified.
"Ventress, it was you, wasn't it?" declared Ahsoka as the bounty hunter took her lightsaber while being pinned down. "You were behind all of this, and you framed me!"
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Ventress as she was honest to the Jedi while threatening their life.
"Yes, you do! So what are you now, a bounty hunter?" glared Ahsoka.
"Yes, and someone who knows how to make easy money," responded the assassin as she got off of Ahsoka and pushed her forward.
Images of her wanted poster appeared as they passed by.
"You think you're just gonna hand me over? And then what? Get a pat on the shoulder? You're a Separatist war criminal and a Sith. They'll have us both in prison before you said your name." Ahsoka stated as the pair walked.
"I don't have to hand you over to the Jedi. I can hand you over to the bondsman and still get paid. I'm gonna get my money whether you're dead or alive." Ventress stated as she firmly grasped Ahsoka's arm to ensure she didn't let her prize get away.
"Heh, good luck. Despite what you hear, I'm still a Jedi," scoffed the girl.
"I'm afraid the other Jedi no longer see it that way," responded Ventress.
"I hate to admit it, but you're right. That's why I'm going to need your help," suggested the Padawan.
Ventress removed her grip and pushed the button on the side of her helmet to reveal her face.
"In what star system do you think I would ever help you?" asked Ventress to the young girl.
"A traitorous Jedi tried to blow up the Jedi Temple and has framed me for that and other killings," confessed Ahsoka.
"Mmm, so the Jedi aren't that holy after all," laughed the assassin.
"I know Dooku tried to have you killed. I know he betrayed you. What if this is his new apprentice?" said Ahsoka, inciting that Sunset maybe had something to do with this. "I've fallen from my path just as you've fallen from yours. We have a lot more in common than you think."
"What can you offer me that's better than money?" asked Ventress as she grabbed Ahsoka's arm.
"If you help me, I'll speak to the Council and the Senate on your behalf. I'll get you a full pardon for your crimes," said the Padawan to the former Sith warrior.
"You have my attention," said Ventress as she was intrigued by the Jedi's offer, "But I'm going to go where the tide flows. If the tide is flowing against you, don't think I'll forget about the bounty on your head."
"Fair enough," accepted Ahsoka as Ventress handed her her lightsaber.
"I suggest we find somewhere else to discuss this," stated Ventress.
The assassin was looking past the Padawan as descending were the ships the Jedi were on. They were closing in on Ahsoka's position.
"Shine the light over there!" shouted Anakin.
The spotlights obeyed his command, and the lights revealed Ahsoka and Ventress.
"Stay where you are!" shouted the pilot.
Ahsoka and Ventress began to run as Anakin and Storm jumped down. The pair began to give chase to the pair; Ventress pushed some buttons on the side as she made a force field come up just as Anakin and Storm were about to catch them. Both Jedi Knights halted as they looked to see the assassin being in cahoots with Ahsoka.
"Ventress," said Anakin as a glare formed on his face.
Ahsoka turned to look at her friends before Ventress put her hand on her shoulder. The pair turned and kept on running.
"Looks like she's in league with that witch!" stated Storm as he glared.
"Send out the probes. I want them found now!" shouted Anakin.
"Sparky, get your ass down here! We're following them on foot!" commanded Storm.
Twilight sighed before jumping off the ship as they began to leave and looked to track both Ahsoka and Ventress from the air. The probes released all scattered as a few passed through the force field.
"Follow me, Sparky!" growled Storm as he leaped up and wall-run upward.
Twilight looked at her partner and Anakin as she sighed. The girl began to wall run as Storm jumped and slipped through a small gap that led to the other side. The boy landed as Ahsoka and Ventress turned to see the Jedi Knight. Storm turned on his lightsaber as Ahsoka instructed Ventress to run while she fended off her friend.
The two began to exchange attacks as Ahsoka managed to get Storm to chase her. The girl led the boy down an alley as she jumped over a fence while Storm slid under it and began to chase his friend through an alley of obstacles. Storm was about to grab Ahsoka when he stopped and avoided a sneak attack from Ventress. The assassin and Jedi began to engage as the boy held his own against his dual-wielding foe.
Ahsoka took that moment to climb up a building to escape. The Padawan got to the roof before looking over to see Ventress holding off Storm, but barely. The girl turned back to face forward as there was Twilight, the princess waiting for her.
"Ahsoka..."
"Please, Twilight. You have to trust..."
"I do. I believe you," said the girl to her friend, knowing she wasn't at fault.
"Then you have to help me."
"I... I can't," said Twilight, knowing Celestia had given her direct orders. By her Master to bring her friend in. And she... couldn't disobey Celestia, of all people.
"Twilight, please..." stated Ahsoka as she pleaded with her best friend.
The princess was shown with her lightsaber in her hand as it shook. Storm kicked Ventress into some boxes before looking up at the building Ahsoka climbed. He jumped and began climbing; he reached the roof and saw Twilight looking over the side. He approached her and looked where she was looking as Ahsoka was already getting away.
Storm growled as he turned to see Twilight walking away. The princess was looking to escape when her partner grabbed her forcefully by her left arm.
"What happened?!" demanded Storm as he looked at Twilight.
"She... got away," said Twilight as she didn't look at her partner.
The boy glared at the princess as he began to back her up against a wall. Twilight found herself pinned as Storm held her by her shoulders. The girl had no escape as she stared at her unhappy partner. Storm raised a hand as he grabbed Twilight's chin firmly.
"Our orders are to bring her in, Sparky! We need to capture her! Are you with me or not?" asked Storm as he raised his voice.
"Y-Yes," responded the princess.
Storm kept his scolding gaze on the girl as he grazed Twilight's cheek. The boy removed his rough grip from the princess and walked off with a more serious expression. Twilight sighed as she looked up; she hoped that letting Ahsoka go wouldn't come back to bite her. She got off the wall and followed her partner to track down their friend.
After getting away from her friends, Ahsoka followed Ventress as they went further into the under levels of Coruscant.
"Nice place you have here," commented the Padawan as she examined her surroundings.
"Not everyone on Coruscant lives in a luxurious temple on the surface," remarked Ventress.
"I guess I'll have to get used to that," said the girl, knowing that if she was gonna be on the run, she would have to know how to live down here.
"Just make the call," stated the assassin as they approached a public holographic system before walking away.
Ahsoka turned to the device as she bent down and began to mess with the wiring under it. Meanwhile, Ventress was leaning against a wall with her arms crossed.
"Adding another criminal act to your record?" snickered Ventress at seeing Ahsoka tampering with public property.
"I don't want them to be able to trace it," said the Padawan as she continued to mess with the wires. Soon she stood up and began to use the booth while Ventress looked away.
"Barriss, it's me."
"It's so good to see you, Ahsoka. Are you okay?" asked the Padawan to her friend.
"Yeah, I'm okay if you consider Anakin and a hundred clones on my tail a good space to be in. Not to mention Storm chasing me down like a wounded animal."
"You were almost captured?" said Barriss, as she was shocked to hear that she survived Storm, given how powerful of a Jedi he was.
"Once or twice, yeah," said the girl.
"Where are you?"
"I can't say, Barriss."
"I believe I've found a clue," stated Barriss.
"A clue? How? From where?" said Ahsoka.
The Padawan was unaware of one of the probe droids that Anakin sent out. It turned the corner and noticed the girl speaking to the booth as it zoomed in on her and listened to her conversation.
"We don't have much time, Ahsoka," stated Barriss.
The probe then transmitted the Jedi's location to some clones.
"Fine, I'm on level 1312. A holo-booth at the corner of 12th and G." said Got it." said one of the clones as they began to close in.
"Three levels up, there seems to be an abandoned warehouse where they used to build munitions that Letta visited during the time she was getting access to the nano-droids," said Barriss.
"How did you find this out?" wondered Ahsoka.
"I told you I would do some checking."
"Ah, thank you, Barriss," smiled the girl to her friend.
"Be careful, Ahsoka."
The hologram of Barriss disappeared as the call ended. Ahsoka then turned at Ventress.
"Well?" asked the assassin.
"I think I have a lead," said Ahsoka.
The clones were nearby as they took cover behind a wall and peeked out to see Ahsoka and Ventress.
"It doesn't seem like you need my help," stated the assassin.
"That's not true. We need to find an abandoned munitions warehouse on level 1315. We should be able to find some information there." stated Ahsoka. Ventress made a face after hearing that as the Padawan took notice of that. "You know the place I'm talking about, don't you?"
"Yes. I can get you there," said Ventress.
Footsteps were then heard as the clones appeared from their cover and surrounded both of them.
"Listen to me. I don't want to fight," said Ahsoka as she raised her hands.
"I do," stated Ventress as she touched the button on the side of her helmet to make her mask go down.
"We're taking you in now, Commander!" shouted Commander Wolffe.
"That's not gonna happen, trust me. Now I'm not going to hurt any of you... We're not going to hurt any of you..." said Ahsoka as she looked over at Ventress while saying, "But you're not taking me in."
"Commander, we are taking you in!" said Commander Wolffe.
"Let's play," responded Ventress before leaping into action with her lightsabers turned on
"Take 'em out. Ah!" said some clones as they took some steps back to avoid the lightsabers of Ventress.
"Ventress, don't!" shouted Ahsoka as a clone grabbed her shoulder. The Jedi kicked the clone away before engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the clones.
The Padawan could take down the clones surrounding her while Ventress used her lightsabers to slice their blasters off before turning them off and engaging in a fistfight. It seemed the assassin stuck to the word of Ahsoka as she was taking down the clones without killing them. Soon both knocked out the clones as they all lay on the ground and groaned in pain.
"See?" stated Ventress as she put her mask up. "Didn't kill one. It's the new me."
"Ahsoka!" yelled Storm as his voice echoed. By how loud it sounded, it meant the boy was nearby and honing in on the Padawan.
"Run!" said the girl, not wanting to deal with her friend again.
The pair ran past the pile of clones as Storm and Twilight turned the corner. They saw their soldiers all laid down as they bent down to help some of them. Storm was helping Commander Wolffe sit up as the clone touched his comlink.
"General Plo Koon, we had Commander Tano, but she escaped with the help of Asajj Ventress."
Storm made a glaring expression after hearing that. He looked in the direction that Ahsoka and Ventress went in as he continued the hunt for his friend. Twilight sighed after seeing her partner continue his mission of hunting down Ahsoka. The princess was struggling to accept that this was the boy she had feelings for when he was hunting down their friend like some common criminal.
With the information provided by Barriss, Ahsoka, and Ventress made their way upwards to the level that housed the nano droids used for the terrorist attack.
"There it is. That's where you're supposed to find this clue," said the assassin as they stopped in front of a warehouse above them. "I've done my part of the bargain, which means you're on your own from here. But don't forget, you have to speak on my behalf now. That was the deal."
"Agreed. Thanks for getting this far, at least," said Ahsoka as she took her lightsaber from Ventress. "I have to admit, I never saw us doing anything together. Ever."
"These are strange times," responded Ventress before she took her leave and disappeared.
Ahsoka looked back at the warehouse as she made her way toward it. A while after Ventress split from the Padawan, she was shown walking through a street. She was clutching her arms when she heard the sound of a clatter. It caused the bounty hunter to look behind her to see if someone was there. To her surprise, there was a shadow of someone who looked much like Ahsoka.
"I thought we decided we were going to part ways," shouted Ventress to the Jedi. She was shown reaching for her lightsabers as the shadow got closer.
It then got smaller as it turned out to be a cat walking out from the alley she just came from. The feline screeched at her before going down the opposite way and into the night. Ventress shook her head and turned back forward as a barrel hurled into her face. It knocked the assassin to the ground as she clutched her head. The figure began to approach her as it grabbed a pipe and whacked the bounty hunter on the head once more, knocking her out completely. It then bent down to search her body and take not only her lightsabers but her mask that was a few meters away, leaving into the shadows.
Ahsoka had made her way to the warehouse and was inside. The Padawan silently crept around, trying not to set off any alarm or security systems that might be active.
"How am I supposed to find a clue when I don't even know what I'm looking for?" said the girl.
At that moment, the shadow that attacked Ventress appeared inside the warehouse. It jumped down and ran up a conveyor belt that led into the next room where Ahsoka was. It leaped and turned on both lightsabers as the Padawan sensed it and turned on her single lightsaber to block her attacker.
The figure jumped back and went for a strike as Ahsoka slid under her and was now behind it. The two began to exchange attacks as a fierce duel was taking place. The figure was looking to use an overhead strike, but Ahsoka managed to kick them in the midsection to send them back a bit. The figure grunted as it lifted one of the red lightsabers to its face to reveal the mask that Ventress was wearing.
"Ventress! I see you've had a change of heart!" shouted Ahsoka, thinking that the bounty hunter had gone back on her word and was looking to kill her.
The figure stuck its hand out as a crate came down on Ahsoka. The girl looked up to see it and quickly backflipped out of the way. Dust picked up as Ahsoka coughed and waved her hand about. She saw the figure climbing up a wall as it was looking to escape. Ahsoka followed the shadow up, which was gone when she reached the top. She looked about with her lightsaber, ready for anything.
"Why bring me here? Answer me, Ventress. Why?" yelled the Jedi, hoping to make sense of all this.
The figure was behind a pole near Ahsoka. It stuck its hand out and used the Force to make some things fall over. The clattering got Ahsoka's attention, and she turned toward the noise. The figure then turned on its lightsabers and attempted a sneak attack as Ahsoka turned to block it in time.
The two began to engage again as Ahsoka stepped over and jumped the swings from the figure, attempting to slice her legs off. It soon turned to regular attacks as both blocked and tried to get the upper hand. Eventually, the figure knocked the Padawan back into the crates as she groaned. Ahsoka got up and looked at the figure who turned and ran up a metal ramp. It jumped to another level and sliced off some rope holding a set of barrels together. The metal containers began to roll as it felt to Ahsoka's level, who had to jump over or out of the way of them to avoid being crushed. She lay flat on the railing she was on to let the last bit of barrels go over her. Once they were done, she began jumping and reached the level her attack awaited.
The Padawan quickly attacked with some swings as the figure was ducking them before jumping back to get some distance in between. Ahsoka was now on the offensive as she attacked and spun to deliver a counterclockwise lunge as her lightsaber stabbed into one of the metal beams. She pulled her lightsaber out and chased her attacker.
They made their way to some barrels; they spun and kept low to the ground as they continued their fight. The attacker sliced its lightsabers into the barrels as steam came out, with one of them blasting Ahsoka in the face as she winced in pain. More slashes occurred as more steam was let out and made a sound. The figure used that to run toward some more barrels as she hopped over them and pushed them forward using the Force. The barrels slid toward Ahsoka, who recovered from the steam and leaped out of the way. The barrels sliding along the floor make sparks. When they stopped, the steam caught on fire as flames erupted.
Ahsoka sensing the danger, quickly ran. She jumped behind a giant metal sheet just as the explosion went off. It was so powerful that she tried to hold the giant sheet in place before it was picked up and sent flying with her under it. The explosion was so big that it caught the attention of some local police guars dealing with someone speeding. They turned to look at the flames before one of them turned on his comlink.
"Calling all units. Suspicious activity on level 1315."
Rex and Anakin picked it up as they were in a gunship, searching from the air for Ahsoka. The Jedi Knight nodded at his clone general as they began to head in that direction. It was also picked up by Storm and Twilight as the boy quickly took off; now, knowing the location of his target, he was going to take down Ahsoka by any means necessary. Twilight quickly ran after her partner, hoping to get there first to avoid him hurting Ahsoka too badly.
As for the Padawan, she was currently under the sheet of metal she used for cover. In the background, the figure approached her, lifting the metal off her and throwing it away. It grabbed Ahsoka from behind and threw her into a nearby wall as the Jedi wobbled. She couldn't stay up straight as she somehow managed to turn on her lightsaber to defend herself, but that might have been on instincts alone. The figure kicked a small container out of the way as Ahsoka backed up, still wobbling and panting heavily.
The figure thrust its hands out, sending the girl into the stack of stuff behind her. Her lightsaber flew out of her hands as it fell below. Ahsoka noticed her lightsaber as she got up. Despite not having her weapon, she was still determined to defend herself. She wobbled toward her attack, putting her hands up, and went for roundhouse kicks. However, they were slow and allowed her attacker to dodge them easily. They then grabbed her arm and turned their back to her, extending it above their head before bringing it down. The figure then kicked the Padawan back before spinning into the air and delivering one final kick to her face that sent her over the edge. Ahsoka was now falling as she crashed through several floorboards and down several levels before hitting the ground.
There at the bottom, laid the Jedi. She began to stir as she groaned slowly. As Ahsoka got to her hands and knees and regained her senses, she noticed something in front of her. There were a large number of crates that all had a familiar symbol as well as a label.
"Nano-droids?" said the teen.
Ahsoka looked up at the hole she made when falling. Just at the tippy top was the figure as it looked at her before disappearing. Before Ahsoka could do anything, another crash was heard as Storm appeared before the girl, giving her a startle. The boy growled as he was shown landing onto a knee before coming up as he looked like someone with a purpose. Without her lightsaber and weakened state, the girl barely had any chance of taking down her friend. To make matters worse, clones appeared from around the corner as they aimed their blasters at her.
"No, Wolffe, let me explain," said Ahsoka as she raised her hands.
"Take the shot!" stated Storm without even hesitating as the clone approached her.
"Wait..."
The girl tried to reason with her friend but was stunned by the clone before falling unconscious. Storm then began to approach his friend as he bent down.
"Oh, Ahsoka," sighed Storm as he put his hand on her head and rubbed it, "Why do you have to make things difficult for me?" The boy didn't want to do this, but she wasn't giving him any choices. So, he had to put her down.
At that moment, Twilight arrived and saw her friend lying on the ground. The princess was too late as Storm got to Ahsoka first. She put her head down as Anakin and Rex, and the rest of the forces appeared. The Jedi Knight and Master Plo saw Storm as he turned around, now holding Ahsoka in his arms. The two buds glared at each other, knowing they had to capture Ahsoka as it was their mission. Anakin approached his student as he couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
"Explosives," said Commander Wolffe as he was shown reaching into a nearby crate and pulling out a bomb. "These are the same types of nano-droids that were used to blow up the Jedi Temple."
"I can't believe it," said Anakin, as it seemed that Ahsoka might be guilty after all.
Storm began to walk with Ahsoka in his arms as he was looking to carry the girl back to the ship. He stopped by his friend and looked at Anakin.
"I'm sorry, bud," said the boy with a genuine tone, knowing this wasn't what he wanted to find out.
With that, Storm continued to walk forward as he passed by Twilight. The princess saw her partner with Ahsoka in his arms, as she couldn't believe that one of her best friends and someone who was like a sister to her, could be linked to the crime. In the end, their mission was a success. They had captured Ahsoka.
The ships were zooming out from the lower levels of Coruscant as they were heading back to the Jedi Temple. On the ship containing Ahsoka was the Jedi as they were contacting Master Yoda to update him on their mission.
"Captured she has been?"
"Yes, Master Yoda," responded Master Plo to his Jedi Master brethen.
"Without incident?"
"No, she was subdued by the clones and found in possession of explosive nano-droids."
"It still doesn't explain Ventress's involvement," said Anakin to both Jedi Masters as they hung on.
"We saw her with Ahsoka," stated Storm.
The only ones in the Jedi Council room were Master Windu, Yoda, Mundi, Celestia, and Luna, as they took in what was said about Ventress being associated with and helping the Padawan.
"I think there's more going on then we know," sighed Anakin.
"By Ahsoka or against her?" asked Master Windu.
"That remains to be seen," responded Master Plo.
"We're bringing her back to the temple," stated Anakin.
"Let's just hope we can keep her here," glared Celestia.
"And Storm... good job," said Luna, smiling at her apprentice for doing his task.
"Thank you, Master," smiled Storm, knowing he made his mother proud and didn't let his feelings get in the way.
The transmission ended as the Jedi resumed their course to the Temple. Twilight looked down and saw some clones holding Ahsoka upright to her right. The Padawan was still knocked out as the sun started rising on the planet.
"Ahsoka... What's going on?" said the princess, knowing this mystery still had unresolved answers.
Author's Note: Storm's mission to capture Ahsoka has proven a success. Though, it seems Twilight might have hesitateda bit when it came to completing the mission. These are strange times we're in during the final year of the war. And things are being more complicated than they were when things started. Now there's a ton of evidence that's presented to convict Ahsoka. It's now up to the hands of the Republic to decide her fate. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.