Chapter 26 - Ryloth

DISCLAIMER: We (unfortunately) do not own Star Wars. :P

Author's Note: Many thanks to loldelegate here on ff. net who has been giving us advice and suggestions for this fic! We never could have made so many unique plans without you! :D

Also, plot twist ahead! *evil grin* I wonder how many of you expected it... ;)

~ Amina Gila

Rex stands on the bridge of the cruiser next to his general, warily watching the Separatist ships blockading the planet in front of them. There's so many of them, and he can only imagine the results to the clones if they tried to force their way through it. He doesn't want to think about the losses they would sustain. (If they would succeeded.)

They're far away enough from the Separatists that they aren't currently engaging them, and... if what the Togruta said is true, it's not something they'll need to worry about.

He doesn't really know what to think about this, though. It's not legal.

Well, it isn't illegal either, but apparently she's done all of this without actual permission from the Council. (That's allowed?)

She assured him it would be fine, but... He can't help being worried. What if he gets in trouble and ends up... decommissioned for never saying anything? What if his General gets in serious trouble with her superiors?

"It's going to be fine, Rex," she replies, eyeing him. "If anything goes wrong, just blame everything on me." Rex blinks. Well, if she says so. "I'm your superior. I'm responsible anyway," she adds.

"Couldn't you... get in trouble for this, ma'am?" he inquiries, cautiously. He's worried for her, too.

She waves a hand. "I spoke with the Chancellor. He has authority over everyone."

That's... good to know. It makes him relax marginally, at least. "Yes, ma'am."

Right on cue, there's a loud beeping from the monitors on the bridge and moments later the bulk of the enormous ship appears on their scanners. Looking up, Rex sees the enormous ship come out of hyperspace.

He stiffens instinctively at the sight. The last time he saw this thing, it was when he and so many of the boys nearly died.

The Malevolence, full restored and operable, under Republic command.

"Open fire," General Tano calls into her comm.

"Yes, sir," comes a droid's voice, which only makes him tense up even further.

He definitely understands his General's reasoning but... having this weapon makes him uncomfortable, not that it's his place to say so. Besides it will save his brothers' lives and win the battle faster, and they're only using it on droids. If this is what the General believes is right, he'll go along with it.

The Separatist ships immediately start to scramble, sending out vulture droids into space to start attacking them, but it's too late. All the Republic cruisers are blocking any possible escape route also, so they can't try jumping into hyperspace.

Rex watches as the weapon fires up, and a blast of whitish-purple energy bursts from the side of the ship, engulfing all of the Separatist forces, the electricity crackling through all of their circuits rendering them completely inoperable.

He still remembers when the clones kept disappearing because of a weapon like this. It feels almost fitting that they're now using it against the Separatists.

Within moments, it's over.

The blockade is down.

**w**

Ahsoka watches with no small measure of satisfaction as the last of the Separatist droid ships disappears offline. It's the first test run of the Malevolence, and it worked. She can hardly believe it.

An almost child-like amount of eagerness floods through her. It worked. She doubts any of the other Jedi will be too enthusiastic about it, but it doesn't matter. Palpatine will support her, and besides, it's one step closer to winning the war.

Hopefully, whenever she has time to meet with Dooku again – is he intentionally avoiding her? – he won't refuse to cooperate because of it.

"Come on, boys," Ahsoka calls, "Let's get on board the command ship and see what we can find."

She briefly sends a message to Masters Windu and Obi-Wan that their troops are clear to come through – and doesn't take the time to explain how they won the battle so quickly – before heading to her shuttle along with Rex and a few other clones. They dock on the main Separatist control ship without incident, and head for the bridge.

She senses the movement in the hall up ahead of them, right before they round the corner. In a flash, Ahsoka's hands go to her lightsabers, and she sprints forwards, just as the Separatist in charge of the space battle – Mar Tuuk – tries to make a dash for the escape pods.

"Stop," she warns, igniting the blade and leveling it at him. All the clones raise their blasters.

It's almost too easy when he surrenders on the spot. Leaving a couple of the clones to deal with him, Ahsoka hurries on for the bridge.

"Hack into the central Separatist system and see what we can get on our hands on," she orders one of the droids with her as she scans the bridge. All of the Separatist droids are shut down, but everything could easily be powered up again.

Really, she has two choices right now.

Destroy everything so the Separatists can never get their hands on it, or take the ships and weapons and put them to actual good use.

She could use more droids on the Malevolence – Anakin helped reprogram the few she did have – since it doesn't have much of any other sort of crew at this point. And as for the rest, well, she has other ideas on what she could do with it.

There's no use destroying everything unless she absolutely has too.

Ahsoka paces back and forth, impatience and a sense of desperation nagging at her as she watches the droid work on breaking into the main Separatist network from here. There's so much information they could get here, since the droid she's using is a former Separatist one, and they aren't going to know that immediately.

It will set off security alarms almost instantly, though, because no one should be downloading information like this for no reason.

"They've kicked us off line," reports Rex, not even minutes later.

Ahsoka lets out a quiet huff of frustration. But hey, at least they got something. "Let's see what we got," she decides, "But first, we better get back to our own ship."

And then they can... figure out how to deal with the fried Separatist ships before Masters Windu and Obi-Wan show up. She doesn't think either of them are going to be happy about this.

Well, their loss.

**w**

Obi-Wan is very much not looking forward to the confrontation that he knows is about to happen. He definitely knew of the growing distance between Ahsoka and the Council, but he never expected she would go and do something like this without talking to them or anything.

How did she even do it, without anyone hearing about it? The Malevolence was badly damaged when they'd left it all those months ago, and it would have taken an enormous amount of repair work. Where did she even get the resources for that?

Technically, what she did wasn't illegal, but it's not legal either, especially when it's completely without approval.

It reminds him again of his discussions with Yoda and Windu, about how Ahsoka seems to be... after power far more than she should be. She should not have a weapon of mass destruction, especially not when it could so easily fall back into Separatist hands. It's better if things like this don't exist.

Maybe it would upset him less if not for the fact she intentionally kept it a complete secret from the Council until it was complete, obviously expecting that they wouldn't approve.

"That ship was supposed to have been destroyed," Windu says, eyes narrowed. Obi-Wan knows no one on the Council is any happier about this he is.

"It's far more useful under Republic control," Ahsoka answers calmly. "I kept it and repaired it." He's not even going to ask how she was able to do all this, especially without anyone finding out. She obviously had help, and –

Suddenly, he remembers Anakin's repeated excursions with Ahsoka – any questions he asked about it never really got the clearest answers – and he has to wonder if there's some connection. Would his padawan get involved in something like this and not tell him anything about it? Yes, he is going to be having some... words with him later.

"You did all of this without permission or authority from the Senate," accuses Mundi.

"Palpatine approved," she retaliates.

Obi-Wan exchanges a glance with Windu and Yoda. Times like right now, he really does not appreciate her friendship with the Chancellor. And really, it's beside the point if Palpatine approved. He isn't the Senate, and she still answers to the Council, something she... seems to be forgetting.

"I didn't need to waste Republic resources on it," she retorts, which is definitely an excuse. She might be speaking politely, but Obi-Wan doesn't miss the look of stubborn defiance in her eyes, and he doesn't like it.

"Jedi do not use weapons like this," Obi-Wan replies.

"It is a weapon of mass destruction and far too dangerous to be left in use," Shaak Ti argues speaks up.

Ahsoka's eyes narrow. "I took down that entire blockade without losing any of my men. If I'd engaged the Separatist forces, like how you were expecting, I would have lost thousands, and we may not have broken through."

"We understand your success over Ryloth," retorts Mundi, "But that is completely beside the point here. You used a dangerous Separatist weapon without permission from the Council."

"A weapon like this is too dangerous," argues Obi-Wan.

Ahsoka gives him a hard look and he returns the glare. "What, you think I would misuse it? It's only being used against droids."

"It is also far too easy for the Separatists to regain control of it," Plo speaks up.

"Agree, I do," Yoda replies, "Have the plans for it, the Separatists do. Easy for them to take it back, it will be."

"It isn't something I plan to use frequently. Only when absolutely necessary," Ahsoka retaliates, "It can help us win many battles that would be otherwise impossible."

"The Council does not approve of a weapon like this, and will not condone its use," Windu replies firmly. The veiled hint in his words that she's expected to get rid of the thing is obvious, though unstated.

Something tells Obi-Wan she has no intention of listening, though. After all this time she went through keeping it a secret, he supposes that shouldn't be a surprise.

"The Chancellor approves," she repeats, "And this will be a great asset to the Republic."

She obviously has no intention of backing down, and the Council won't rethink their position either. This is going to be a very long argument, and in the end, he doesn't think either side will get anywhere. They can't outright force her to destroy the Malevolence, especially not if it does have Palpatine's approval; the only thing they can do is go to the Senate about it and see what can be done from there. And well, technically they could take Ahsoka off the fronts too, but... That's something they'll have to discuss privately.

**w**

Obi-Wan's mind is still whirling from the day's events. Never in a million years would he have expected Ahsoka to do something so outlandish, and the Council concurs. They must do something to prevent her from taking such drastic actions in the future. He doesn't know how his padawan could have turned out like this.

Everyone in the Council was shocked, quite frankly, though Obi-Wan thinks they could have done without Mundi's overly elaborate imaginative claims of how she may have fallen to the Dark Side or something equally outrageous, because Ahsoka may be completely out of line, but that's a step too far. And of course, his far more accepted belief that they should remove her from the front lines no matter how much damage it does, because it would be more dangerous if she Falls, which... is true. Maybe. Even so, he refuses to believe his former padawan could Fall to the Dark Side.

"I admit my trust in her has been shaken," Obi-Wan confesses, despite the flare of pain that rushes through him. It's the truth, no matter how deeply it hurts him. "However, I must have faith she will find her way."

Windu and Yoda exchange glances. "She's dangerous," Windu replies.

"With all due respect, is she not the Chosen One?" he argues, "Is she not to destroy the Sith, and bring balance to the Force?"

"A chance there is, that misread, the prophecy could have been," Yoda objects.

"I don't think my master was wrong," he argues.

"It is a possibility we must face," Windu replies, "I understand your reluctance to accept this, but with the path the girl is on, she is by no means ready to destroy the Sith. She'd sooner join them, and we must prevent this risk at any cost."

Unease twists in his gut. "I understand." Obi-Wan does, even if he would much rather not think about it. He doesn't want to dwell on the possibility of his former padawan Falling, even if in many ways, it feels as if he already lost her.

**w**

From the moment he first arrived on Ryloth with Obi-Wan and saw the Malevolence again, Anakin's known that Obi-Wan is more than likely going to confront him about it eventually – even if Ahsoka promised him she wouldn't breathe a word about his involvement – and he is definitely not looking forward to the conversation. But he definitely knows it's coming the moment Obi-Wan shows up back at their apartment looking most unhappy.

"Anakin?"

"Yes, Master?" This is not going to be good. To be fair, he knew full well the Council would likely be very upset about it when he first agreed to help Ahsoka, but that doesn't mean he's prepared for this.

"I don't know how Ahsoka has managed to keep re-constructing the Malevolence a secret, but she's obviously had resources and other people helping her do it," Obi-Wan says seriously, almost angrily, "Did you know about this?"

He gulps.

"Anakin."

"Yes, I did." His gaze drops to the floor, carefully avoiding his master's gaze. He can feel the anger – and disappointment – swirling in his Force presence.

"And you never told me."

It's not a question and it doesn't really need an answer anyway. What could he say?

"You know the Council does not – and would never – approve of something like this. It's not a weapon anyone should be in possession of, and it's extremely dangerous. It could easily fall back into Separatist hands and be used against the Republic again."

Anakin had mentioned that part to Ahsoka, but she assured him she was keeping it somewhere it would be safe, and that she'd only use in the right circumstances so the Separatists would never be able to prepare for an attack against it. He doesn't voice the protest, though. Arguing with Obi-Wan only upsets him further, and besides, maybe he does have a point.

"You should know better than this, Anakin. I expected better from you."

"Ahsoka asked for my help and I didn't see a reason to refuse. I thought... she said it would help with the war," he mumbles.

"And you knew that the Council would never approve – that I would never approve – or you wouldn't have kept it a secret like that."

Well that he can hardly deny.

"We're talking about battle. You aren't free to do whatever you want without your superior's knowledge! Weapons of this nature are not the Jedi way, and they're far too easy to be misused. No one should have power of this nature. I'm very disappointed in you." The words sting, far more than he cares to admit.

"'m sorry," Anakin mumbles, gaze riveted on the carpet.

Is he? Maybe. Well, yes, to a point. Ahsoka had insisted it would be for the greater good and that the Council likely would not approve, but it would be better in the long run, and... He doesn't even know anymore. But facing his master's disappointment like this always hurts, more than anything else could.

"That doesn't change it," Obi-Wan retorts, "You are to stay here at the Temple without leaving until I tell you otherwise."

His head snaps up at that. "Master –"

"Is that understood, young one?"

So, he's being grounded indefinitely. Wonderful.

"Yes, Master."

There's more he could say maybe; he doesn't know. It doesn't really matter, anyway. It won't change anything. He'll still have done it and Obi-Wan will still be angry, and he supposes he probably deserves this. He feels small and worthless, right now. He was only trying to help, but he only ever screws things up, for some reason.

Obi-Wan leaves after that, saying he has other important Council matters to attend to, leaving Anakin alone to his thoughts.

**w**

Honestly, Ahsoka is this close to calling the Council 'idiots' right now. She knew they'd be upset, but she never realized how much until now. Palpatine is right. They don't trust her, and they're trying to hold her back, stop her from helping win the war and fulfilling the very 'destiny' they always preach she's meant to. She's never been anything more to them than some stupid tool they think they can use however they want.

It doesn't matter, anyway. She doesn't care what they say. She'll win the war for the galaxy, and then maybe she'll leave the Order. The only reason she's staying in the first place is because there's so much more she can do while she's a part of them. She can't only rely on favors from Palpatine. That wouldn't be appropriate.

She doesn't know what she'll do after the war, but... Settling down somewhere maybe with Kitster doesn't sound... bad. She banishes the thought immediately, though. Right now, it isn't important; her focus is the war and nothing else.

She's still silently fuming when she enters Palpatine's office.

"There is an uproar in the Senate over this," Palpatine informs her, "Some are in support, but many are not."

"I don't understand it," Ahsoka says, frustratedly, "They want to fight, but they don't want to fight to win!" Okay, she's generalizing, but she's too angry to care right now.

"You should know that Senator Amidala and Senator Organa submitted a bill to have the Malevolence destroyed immediately."

She blinks, the words taking a moment to sink in, before a surge another surge of anger rushes through her. And here she thought no one else would turn against her. It makes sense because Padme's always been a pacifist, but it's still infuriating.

"I'll talk to her," Ahsoka declares, trying to keep her tone level.

"The motion failed, but I thought you might want to know," Palpatine adds, "I find it very disappointing that so many fail to see the potential of this weapon. It may need better security to ensure the Separatists cannot reclaim it, but it will be a great asset to the Republic."

Well, at least someone is capable of reason.

"However," Palpatine continues after a pause, "There is a bill in the Senate now that the Malevolence be given into direct control of the Republic military. I will ensure that you are still in control, but a Republic officer will be appointed as it's official captain."

That, she supposes, isn't surprising. Although she doesn't know how much she likes the thought, considering that it is easy to misuse. That's why she wanted control of it. Still, it seems like it's about the best she can get. At least she won't lose control over it entirely. And it will still be in use to fight against the Separatists.

At least she'll actually be making a difference. And on that note... "On the last mission, I was able to break into the Separatist network," Ahsoka declares, "I found a bunch of information before we were kicked off-line. There's some on battle plans, and Separatist positions, and a bit on some of their weapon's designs. I found the model for that canon they were using on Maridun."

"This information will be invaluable," nods the Chancellor gratefully, "You are making great accomplishments, my dear. Do not let the Jedi hold you back."

**w**

Frankly, this doesn't make sense to Padme. First Ahsoka gives a speech in favor of ending the war quickly, and then, she pulls off something like this?! How can she think it's right to have a weapon of mass destruction?

She knows Ahsoka will be angry with her, but it doesn't matter. How can she even think it's right to have a weapon of mass destruction like this? Padme will do what she believes is right, regardless of what others say.

For everyone's sakes, though, she hopes they can leave Kitster out of it. He's... close with Ahsoka and even though Padme is pretty sure he agrees with her on this one, she doesn't want to put Kitster at odds with Ahsoka unnecessarily.

She's expecting it, of course, when a certain very angry Togruta shows up at the door, although Padme's actually not sure who's angrier between the two of them.

"I can't understand how you could do this." She gets right to the point.

"I could say the same to you," Ahsoka snaps.

"You were just saying you wanted a peaceful resolution to the war! This is anything but."

"Since no one is doing anything about a peaceful resolution, the only other option is to go all out and win it," Ahsoka retaliates, "That's what I'm trying to do since the Senate is hardly doing its job."

Padme doesn't think the general statement was intended to be pointing at her, but it almost stings anyway because she's fighting as hard as she can for a diplomatic solution, but no one is listening. "The Separatists are never going to agree to a solution when the Republic has such a weapon," Padme replies, stiffly.

"Then we'll make destroying it part of an official agreement to end the war permanently," Ahsoka shoots back.

She can see some of the logic there, but it hardly helps right now. "It's literally a weapon of mass destruction that shouldn't exist at all. I don't see how you can support something like this!"

"Because it's the only way anything is going to change. I saved thousands of lives by using that! Why is no one capable of understanding that?!" she yells, waving her arms.

Padme knows they should both take a break to calm down and think about this reasonably, but right now... "It's too easy to be misused. Maybe you won't, but someone might eventually."

"They're just droids!" Ahsoka snaps.

Maybe, but still. "That's beside my point! I don't see how the Council could approve of this."

"They didn't," she retorts, "I don't need their approval for it. This war needs to end."

Then how did she manage to get ahold of it, let alone keep it functioning? Padme has some serious questions now, but they aren't what's important. "We can both agree on that," she replies, "But this is not the answer."

"What is, then?" Ahsoka retaliates, "Standing by and watching my men die in battle after battle when I could do something about it?"

"I never said that," Padme all but snaps, "But there's other things you can do, like what you already were before this happened."

"It won't get results fast enough," she replies bitterly, turning away, "You do your work in the Senate. And I'll actually make a difference in my own way." She walks out without another word.

Padme lets out a sigh, staring at the now closed door. This was definitely not how she was expecting the day to go. She doesn't want to argue with Ahsoka, but she can't let this go either. It goes completely against everything Padme has ever believed in. They can both talk about this again, maybe, when they're calmed down.

Friends argue sometimes, so it shouldn't feel like... something between them irrevocably changed... and maybe even broke.

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