Author's Note: I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 24: Assassin
Criminals captured!
Jedi Master Plo Koon with Padawans Ahsoka Tano and Nadia Aomori successfully thwarted an attempt on Mace Windu's life killing bounty hunter Aurra Sing in the process.
Since that time, young Ahsoka and Nadia have both grown strong in the ways of the Force.
Now, after several harrowing adventures alongside their Masters, the three Jedi have returned to the temple on Coruscant to receive their next mission…
Anakin, Ahsoka and Nadia were in a meeting with the Jedi Council.
"Welcome, Padawans."Master Yoda declared with a smile."In order congratulations are shown your courage and strength yet again you both have."
"Job well done, Ahsoka, Nadia."Plo Koon remarked.
Anakin smirked as both Ahsoka and Nadia smiled and bowed at the Jedi Masters.
"And now onto more pressing matters."Obi-Wan stated.
"To Balith you must go, Skywalker."Master Yoda instructed.
"There's a large-scale civil war on Balith. They have requested our assistance."Obi-Wan exclaimed."Anakin, you will leave immediately to command the third legion."
"I've never been to Balith."Ahsoka said.
"Must be a really intriguing mission."Nadia suggested.
"You two will stay here, Padawans."Mace Windu replied firmly."We need your full reports."
Slight unhappy looks appeared on Ahsoka and Nadia's faces at Mace Windu's respond.
"As you wish."Ahsoka and Nadia answered in unison.
Afterwards...
Ahsoka and Nadia walked with Anakin towards the shuttle, where Rex and another clone trooper were waiting for him on one of the Jedi Temple's outside landing platforms.
Anakin glanced at Ahsoka when he felt her uneasiness.
"Ahsoka, I sense you're uneasy."Anakin said."What is it?"
"I…nothing."Ahsoka replied and then got an idea."Master, let me and Dia come with you."
"I agree."Nadia admitted."If we're not with you, who else will have your back?"
"You two stay here."Anakin insisted."Finish your studies and get some rest."
"You've said it yourself."Ahsoka reminded."I learn more in the field than I ever do here."
"Think of this as a chance to prove me wrong."Anakin stated.
Anakin rushed to the ramp and turning to face them as the shuttle started to rise.
"And stay out of trouble!"Anakin called out.
Then the ramp closed and the shuttle took off.
Ahsoka had a sad look while Nadia frowned as they walked away.
"I was really expecting Master Skywalker to let us come with him."Ahsoka complemented.
"Well, your Master isn't like any know Jedi, Soka."Nadia replied."He's the Chosen One and sometimes need to do things by himself."
Once they returned inside the Jedi Temple, Ahsoka and Nadia went to their rooms to take a nap.
Ahsoka's room had a small desk, a chair, a bed where she slept and a box that was filled with her belongings.
In Ahsoka's Dream...
Ahsoka was in a foggy yet ruined forest.
But when the female Torguta turned around, she saw Aurra Sing.
Aurra then grabbed Ahsoka by the throat before she could get her lightsaber.
"She will die and there's nothing that you can do."Aurra declared coldly.
Ahsoka gasped in shock as she got out of her slumber.
"She's still alive?!"Ahsoka whispered in disbelief.
The Next Morning…
After having breakfast, Ahsoka and Nadia went to the library to do some studying.
The two best friends found an unused data terminal and started to search a few data-cards.
"These should help with your studies, dears."Master Jocasta remarked.
The Jedi Liberian placed a few more data-cards on the desk.
"Thank you, Master Jocasta."Nadia thanked kindly.
Master Jocasta then walked away, leaving Ahsoka and Nadia by themselves.
"Study."Ahsoka scoffed."We should be out there fighting. Not in here studying."
Ahsoka flipped through different known criminals.
Nadia sighed as she opened to read a book about the Old Republic.
"It can't be helped, Soka."Nadia remarked."Study could be a boring chore, but it also helps us learn new things."
Nadia sweat dropped when she noticed Ahsoka was falling asleep.
"Or make us tired."Nadia mumbled.
The raven haired girl was about to shake her best friend awake, when the female Torguta woke with a gasp.
"Soka, what's wrong?"Nadia questioned.
Ahsoka rubbed her eyes and looked at her best friend.
"Senator Amidala's in danger."Ahsoka admitted.
"What?"Nadia said in shock.
Afterwards...
Padme was in her apartment with Threepio and Ferus.
Ferus, who just passed the Trials and got promoted to Jedi Knight and General, was helping his older sister pack up the luggage for their trip to attend a conference hosted by Senator Organa on Alderaan which was to address the increasing humanitarian problem of the war refugees.
Ferus was wearing a new outfit composed of a grey shirt, Mandalorian themed armour from Duchess Satine that has a plaque showing his new rank of General, a green camouflage poncho, blue and yellow striped pants, a silver belt that contained his blue lightsaber and black boots.
Then Captain Typho came in with Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Senator Amidala, General Olin."Captain Typho responded."Padawans Ahsoka Tano and Nadia Aomori are here to see the two of you."
Ahsoka and Nadia smiled at Padme.
"Senator Amidala."Ahsoka and Nadia said respectfully.
"Ahsoka, Nadia, it's so good to see you both."Padme remarked.
The Senator of Naboo hugged Ahsoka and Nadia as Ferus watched them with a smile on his face.
"How have you two been doing?"Ferus questioned.
"Despite not being in action with Master Skywalker at the civil war on Balith, the two of us are surprisingly doing okay."Nadia stated smugly."Speaking of whom, Ferus, Ahsoka and I wanted to congratulate you on passing the Trials on his behalf as well as our own and say we're sorry that our action days in the Clone Wars prevented the three of us from seeing your training through to the end."
Ferus lightly chuckled at Nadia's respond.
"It's okay, Dia."Ferus assured."You, Soka and Anaki had to team up with Master Billaba and Caleb to save the people of Kamino from being murdered by General Grievous and Ventress after your mission on Mandalore was complete."
Ahsoka looked at Padme with a hint of worry.
"I'm worried for you, Senator Amidala."Ahsoka admitted as she held Padme's arm."I sense you are in grave danger."
This caused Captain Typho and Ferus to be alarmed.
"What makes you believe that?"Padme asked.
"I've been having a bad dream."Ahsoka stated."Padme, I just know you're in danger."
"What kind of danger?"Captain Typho questioned.
Padme and Ferus sat together in the sofa as Ahsoka and Nadia explained to them the situation.
"I believe that a very dangerous bounty hunter is out to assassinate you."Ahsoka declared.
"Ahsoka believes it's Aurra Sing."Nadia stated."The third bounty hunter who attempted to help Boba Fett kill Master Windu to avenge his father."
Ferus looked at Padme.
"If she's still alive, that means trouble, sis."Ferus declared.
"Yes, Ferus. This is troubling."Padme complemented and looked at Captain Typho."Captain Typho, please take all necessary precautions."
Padme and Ferus stood up from the sofa.
"You're leaving?"Ahsoka asked.
"Yes, Bail Organa, Mon Mothma and I are leading a conference concerning the refugees from the War."Padme exclaimed."Me and Ferus leave for Alderaan in the morning."
"You're going to Alderaan?"Nadia said in surprise.
"But the threat to your life-"Ahsoka started.
"Ahsoka, the refugee situation is much to crucial to ignore."Padme admitted in a firm tone."I called this conference it could make an enormous difference in policy, it's vital that I go."
"Yes, Senator Amidala."Ahsoka responded.
"We understand."Nadia said softly.
Ferus smiled at Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Don't worry, you two."Ferus assured."I'll be with my sister the entire time, so I'll make sure nothing happens to her."
Ahsoka and Nadia simply nodded at Ferus though deep down both of them were unsure if their friend can handle protecting his older sister by the dangerous bounty hunter by himself.
Inside the Jedi Temple…
Nadia went to look for Obi-Wan and eventually found her Master in the middle of meditating in his room.
"Master Kenobi?"Nadia asked.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes to look at his student.
"What is it, young one?"Obi-Wan questioned.
Nadia went over to her Master and sat down with her legs crossed.
"Ahsoka had a bad vision about Aurra Sing."Nadia admitted."She saw Aurra survived the ship crash of Slave 1 and is out there to kill Senator Amidala as her next mission."
Obi-Wan frowned."That sounds most distressing."
"Can me and Ahsoka please go to Alderaan to make sure nothing happens to Senator Amidala, Master?"Nadia begged hopefully."I promise weI'll do an extra hour of studying and make sure to not wake up late for our training."
Obi-Wan was silent for a moment before giving his respond to Nadia.
"Very well, Nadia. You can go."Obi-Wan stated."But make sure to be on your best behaviour when you are on Alderaan and keep your promise, if you and Ahsoka return to your mission successfully."
A bright smile appeared on Nadia's face and stood up to hug Obi-Wan.
"Thank you, Master!"Nadia thanked gratefully."We won't let you down!"
Nadia went out of the room as Obi-Wan simply shook his head with an amused smile on his face.
A Moment After...
Ahsoka and Nadia went to the landing platform, where they saw Padme, Ferus, Captain Typho, Threepio and a small walker driod heading to a J-type Diplomatic Barge that will take them to Alderaan.
"Senator!"Ahsoka called out.
"Wait for us!"Nadia protested.
Padme, Ferus, Captain Typho and Threepio turned around to look at the approaching Padawans.
"Ahsoka, Nadia, what is it?"Padme asked.
"We can't just stay behind knowing about the threat to your life."Ahsoka admitted.
"Allow us to come with you, please?"Nadia insisted."Master Kenobi told me its fine."
Padme smiled at Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt."Padme said kindly."Besides, I enjoy your companies. Of course, you two can join me as my brother's temporary security partners."
"That's fine for me."Ferus replied.
Captain Typho nodded in agreement.
Relieved smiles appeared on Ahsoka and Nadia's faces.
"Thank you, Padme."Ahsoka thanked with a smile.
"And we promise we won't be any trouble."Nadia reassured honestly.
The group then walked to the J-type Diplomatic Barge before it took off from Coruscant.
In Space...
The J-type Diplomatic Barge was soaring through and heading to the planet known to be a peaceful world of lush valleys and snow-capped mountains.
Inside the J-type Diplomatic Barge...
Padme, Ferus, Ahsoka and Nadia sat in one of the parlor rooms.
Nadia was sitting next to Ferus while eating a carton of sushi that he brought before they left.
Ahsoka was playing a game of Dejarik with Padme.
The Naboo Senator notice the female Torguta was looking troubled.
"You'll learn to play in time, Ahsoka."Padme assured."Someday you'll even beat me."
"It's not that."Ahsoka admitted.
"What's on your mind?"Padme asked.
"I've been mostly unsure about my abilities on my own ever since my first awful dance with General Grievous on his spy station when I went there to destroy it and rescue Artoo."Ahsoka said with a hint of sadness."Usually Master Skywalker is there to guide me."
Padme went closer to Ahsoka to talk to her.
"When I was Queen, I felt the same insecurities as you do now."Padme explained with a smile."I had my advisors, but it was ultimately up to me to run the entire Naboo system and I was very afraid at times and my brother also felt the same way you do when he lost Master Tachi during the Battle of Azure Spaceport, even Anakin went through this after the Jedi Council assigned him to help Ferus and his Master protect me as their leader when Count Dooku was trying to kill me before the Clone Wars started."
Ahsoka looked at Padme with a surprised expression.
"Really?"Ahsoka asked."You, your brother and Anakin all felt unsure?"
"Oh, yes."Padme remarked."But we've all learned to trust in ourselves and you will too."
"That's amazing that you were one of the elected monarchs of Naboo, Padme."Nadia chuckled and glanced at Ferus."Anyway, I can't believe you actually felt unsure when Master Tachi was killed, Ferus."
A sad smile appeared on Ferus' face.
"Well, I did but that was also when I decided to enlist myself as my sister's bodyguard in case Count Dooku tried to make another attempt on her life."Ferus exclaimed."However, I promised the Jedi Council, I'd be there if they need me like when we launched that unsuccessful man hunt for the old rebel leader and when we saved those Force-sensitive kids from Darth Sidious."
Ahsoka smiled at her friends, feeling much better.
"Thank you."Ahsoka thanked with a smile and looked at Padme."One more game?"
"Absolutely."Padme replied.
Nadia looked at Ferus.
"I never knew that your sister was once the ruling monarch of Naboo when she was fourteen."Nadia whispered.
"Besides politics, my sister is pretty cool."Ferus commented."The same goes to my other older sister, Sola."
Nadia became silent at Ferus' declaration.
"Older siblings can end up being your role models as well as your defenders."Nadia thought with a sad smile."Jayden was like that to me in a way."
Afterwards...
The Senator of Naboo and the three Jedi decided to go to their rooms to sleep.
Nadia was in her room sleeping peacefully.
However, the moment of relaxing was disturbed, when Ahsoka rushed out of her room.
"The assassin's inside!"Ahsoka called out.
Ahsoka ran to Padme's room before activating her lightsaber.
Both Ferus and Nadia became alarmed and rushed out of their rooms to go aid Ahsoka.
Ahsoka jumped onto the bottom of the bed and took a defensive position as Padme was startled awake.
"Ahsoka!"Padme shouted in surprise.
"Stay down!"Ahsoka warned.
Ahsoka held her lightsaber up and turned her head to look around before Captain Typho, Ferus and Nadia ran into the room.
"What's going on?!"Captain Typho demanded.
Ahsoka looked around and saw Aurra Sing wasn't in the room.
"Nothing."Ahsoka replied before deactivating her lightsaber."False alarm. Forgive me, senator."
Nadia put a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder as they left the room.
Ferus checked on his adopted older sister.
"Are you all right, Padme?"Ferus questioned in concern.
"Yes, Ferus."Padme replied."I'm fine."
A Few Hours Later...
The J-type Diplomatic Barge arrived to the capital city of Alderaan known as Aldera.
Upon exiting the Naboo cruiser, Padme and her companions were greeted by Bail Organa, Senator Mon Mothma and a few royal servants of the royal household.
"Padme."Bail responded.
"Bail, it's so good to see you."Padme declared as she shook Bail's hand."Thank you so much for hosting this conference dealing with the refugees of this war needs to be our number one priority."
"Absolutely."Bail answered."Your presence here is greatly appreciated. Come. Senator Mothma and I will take you to your quarters."
The group walked through of the hallways of the Royal Palace of Alderaan.
Then Bail, Mothma, Padme, Ferus and the two little droids entered a room while two Senate Commandos stood guard.
Ahsoka sat down cross-legged in front of the door opposite to meditate while Nadia leaned against the wall behind her best friend.
Then Nadia decided to explore around the royal palace to do some exploring.
Due to the constant additions of new chambers throughout the centuries, the Royal Palace was a massive, sprawling labyrinth, in which its more modern rooms such as data centers and holo-chambers, coexisted with ancient stone rooms.
Although the palace did have towers and spires, none of them were designed to dominate the landscape.
In keeping with the exterior, the hallways of the palace were wide and welcoming, with nothing in their design that sought to intimidate.
The palace housed the Rhindon Sword and an intricate water sculpture as well as a landscape painting of Appenza Peak next to a lake which was painted with bleak colours.
Nadia stared at the areas in the royal palace in awe and found herself to be at the grand entrance hall.
The grand entrance hall had a gallery with high windows. Most of the interior masonry was silvery-blue, smooth, and lustrous. Even if it was at the height of summer, the hall appeared to be slightly cool.
"Whoa…"Nadia murmured in awe.
The raven haired girl got carried away by the beautiful Alderaanian gallery that she accidentally bumped into someone.
The person was a light-skinned woman with brown eyes and black hair that had a braided gold fabric into it and wrapped around her head with her whole hairstyle covered by a blue semi-transparent veil. She wore a blue metallic brocade gown with slit sleeves. The silk-like shawl had two long tails in front descending to above the knees and one tail reaching above the robe's hem, and was decorated with grey leaf patterns. The gown's collar was adorned with a gold buckle-like brooch.
"Sorry, miss."Nadia apologised."I didn't mean to bump into you."
The woman surprisingly gives a gentle smile instead of being angry.
"That is alright, dear."the woman said gently."What is your name?"
"Nadia Aomori, ma'am."Nadia responded."I'm the Padawan of Obi-Wan Kenobi."
"Oh. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Nadia."the woman admitted."I'm Queen Breha Organa of Alderaan."
Nadia became shocked and quickly bowed at the Queen of Alderaan.
"Oh!"Nadia gasped."Forgive me! I had no idea who you were, Your Majesty!"
Queen Breha covered her mouth to laugh lightly at Nadia's action.
"It is alright, Nadia."Queen Breha assured."No need to be so formal with me. You can just call me by my name."
Nadia calm down and smiled at Queen Breha.
"Alright, Your Highness."Nadia answered.
Nadia and Queen Breha then started hanging out together in the palace's royal garden.
The palace gardens had a large central courtyard featuring intricately-designed beds of ferns and flowers, including the night-blooming candlewick flowers which bloomed during spring and blue starflowers. Nestled within arrangements of ivy were statues of pure-white marble that served as frames. There were also polished stone benches which allowed the gardens' visitors to rest.
"So you and Padawan Tano are here to see my husband's conference on addressing the increasing humanitarian problem of the Clone War refugees with Senator Amidala and Mon Mothma?"Queen Breha asked.
"Not exactly, Your Majesty."Nadia responded."We're here to help Ferus protect Padme since a bounty hunter my best friend and I dealt with before will attempt to kill her."
"Oh my goodness."Queen Breha commented with a hint of shock.
"You don't need to worry."Nadia assured firmly."We'll make sure to capture Sing before anyone gets hurt."
"Thank you, Nadia."Queen Breha replied."Alderaan is known as the planet of beauty and peace. Nature, poetry, philosophy, art, couture and cuisine. We freely share all with all. We never want the ways of our planet to change."
Nadia nodded in agreement before she stood up from the bench.
"I have to go. I don't want to worry my friends."Nadia admitted and bowed at the Queen of Alderaan."It was an honour meeting you, Queen Breha."
Queen Breha gives a gentle nod.
"The same with you, Padawan Aomori."Queen Breha answered gently.
Nadia gives one more bow to Queen Breha before heading back inside the royal palace to go find her best friend and companions.
Later that Evening...
Padme was on a balcony watching the Alderaan's sun setting in the snowy mountains as Ferus, Ahsoka and Nadia walked up to her.
The Senator of Naboo wore a long-sleeved pleated brown dress that was covered by a tan sleeveless tunic that split at the middle while ornate designs traced the boarder of the split and a silver necklace around her neck. Her dark brown hair was bunched into two buns hidden by the high collar and had a silver headdress on it.
"Isn't it just beautiful?"Padme asked.
Nadia stared at the amazing view as her ruby red eyes watch the peaceful sunsetting.
"Yeah."Nadia remarked in agreement."My dad used to say the glittering capital city of Aldera actually sit on an island in the center of its beautiful lake."
Padme smiled. "You sure know your places, Nadia."
"I used to travel around visiting different worlds with my family when I was little girl."Nadia exclaimed with a hint of sadness."But that was when we were all together."
Ferus glanced at Nadia as Ahsoka brought her attention on Padme.
"I really must insist you go back inside."Ahsoka insisted."It's not safe for you out here."
"Ahsoka, I can't stop living my life."Padme reminded as she stood up."You forget, I have immediate family and close friends in the Jedi Order so I'm no stranger to taking risks just like you and Dia."
"And that's when I worry the most."Ferus chuckled.
Ahsoka leaned against the railing in thought.
"What is it, Soka?"Nadia questioned.
"I'm confused, Dia."Ahsoka replied with a troubled look."My visions are telling me one thing, but reality is telling me another. I don't know which to believe anymore."
Ahsoka looked at Padme.
"Perhaps I was wrong."Ahsoka answered."Maybe no one's out to kill you."
Nadia placed her hand on Ahsoka's shoulder.
"Ahsoka, don't ever doubt yourself."Nadia complemented."Yes, visions of the future can be tricky to tell and it can be many paths. What's more important is to choose wisely."
Ahsoka smiled at Nadia and gave her a hug.
"Thanks, Dia."Ahsoka thanked."I feel better now."
Later that Night...
Ferus, Ahsoka and Nadia were in the Conference Room with Captain Typho and three Senate commandos while they watched Padme, Bail and Mon.
"As the conflict that divides our galaxy escalates, we cannot lose perspective on the value of life and price of freedom."Bail declared as he stood up from his seat."No one knows this truth more than my distinguished friend Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo."
"Thank you, Senator Organa."Padme thanked before she stood up to give her speech to the audience."I wanted to first thank you all for coming. This is a cause that's very important to me. I can remember after the illegal invasion of my homeworld, Naboo, by the Trade Federation. How many lives were thrown into chaos? True in the grand scale of things, it was a small conflict and there was only one battle fought during the Invasion but let us examine the costs of that conflict. Hundreds of civilians on Naboo were forced from their homes to prison camps and the biological parents of my little brother Jedi Knight and General Ferus Olin were killed so Viceroy Gunray could make an example of what would happen to rebels while Royal Naboo Security Forces and the Gungan Army both incurred heavy casualties and the life of my close friend Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was lost at the hand of the fallen wicked warrior Sith Lord Darth Maul."
Nadia looked at Ferus to tell him something.
"Master Kenobi did say his old Master's wisdom was a good guidance."Nadia whispered.
"I know."Ferus said quietly."Anakin and my sister told me about him."
Ahsoka suddenly ran towards the closest exit to the upper area where a few Senate Commandos were, only to find them dead.
The two girls went past the dead Senate Commandos and found Aurra Sing, ready to shot Padme with her blaster.
"Hey!"Nadia snapped.
Ahsoka used the Force to push Aurra causing the attack from her blaster to hit Padme in the shoulder.
The crowd gasped in shock as the Naboo Senator hit the floor.
"Sis!"Ferus yelled out.
Aurra pulled out her blaster pistol and started shooting at Ahsoka and Nadia as they jumped onto two separate walls to avoid her blasts.
The two Padawans then activated their lightsabers before jumping off the walls to fight the bounty hunter.
Ahsoka and Nadia blocked a few blasts before Aurra started running away causing the two girls to chase after her.
The duo soon came to a small four-way intersection with a way up after losing her.
Ahsoka and Nadia then deactivated their lightsabers.
"Damn it."Nadia growled."She's gone."
Ferus, Senator Bail and the Senate Commandos checked on Padme, who passed out.
Ferus checked Padme's pulse and felt she was still alive despite the wound on her shoulder.
"Please be okay, Padme."Ferus begged with a hint of fear.
"Get a medical droid!"Senator Bail ordered."We need a medic!"
The Next Morning...
Ferus was pacing back and forth in worry outside Padme's room that was guarded by two Senate Commandos while Ahsoka and Nadia sat down next to each other.
Then a medical droid came out of the room, earning the Jedi Knight and the two Padawans' attention.
"Senator Amidala will be fine."the medical droid declared."It was only a flesh wound."
Ferus, Ahsoka and Nadia rushed into Padme's bedroom where Bail was watching over the Naboo Senator as she laid on the bed with a cast holding her arm up.
"Padme, we're so sorry."Ferus apologised.
"For what, Ferus?"Padme asked with a smile."The three of you did what you could."
"I didn't."Ferus responded in regret."Aurra was going to kill you and you ended up getting hurt."
Bail looked at Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Did you and Ahsoka find the assassin, Nadia?"Bail questioned.
"She ran off before me and Dia could get her."Ahsoka stated.
"She?"Bail asked in confusion.
"Yes, she."Nadia answered with a firm yet bitter tone and looked at Padme."Ahsoka and I are prositive now that Aurra Sing is still alive and out to get you."
Ferus brought his attention back at Padme.
"Pad."Ferus spoke up."For your own safety, you need to return to Coruscant immediately."
"Padme, I agree with your brother."Bail declared."It is far too dangerous for you to give your speech tonight."
"If someone wants me dead, they will follow me wherever I go."Padme informed.
"But you know our visions are all mixed up."Ahsoka reminded."What if what I saw was the attempt that just happened?"
"Padme, I'm not willing to gamble with your life."Bail commented.
Then an idea came to Nadia's mind.
"Wait a minute."Nadia remarked."I think I have a way we can get around putting you in jeopardy and have you attend the conference."
The raven haired girl earned a nod and smile from the Naboo Senator.
Later that Night...
A female luxury droid disguised as Padme with a hooded robe on and Bail were escorted into the Conference Room with Captain Typho at the lead.
There were three Senate Commandos between Bail and 'Padme'.
Two others on each side of it, Bail directly behind it, two guards beside him and three more behind him with Ferus, Ahsoka and Nadia coming up on the rear as the people clapped before taking their seats.
Captain Typho, Ferus, Ahsoka and Nadia stood in the same spot they had been before, while the droid took the middle seat this time and Bail took the left.
The luxury droid stood up before Padme spoke through it from her room while sitting on her bed and using a comlink, to address the people in the Conference Room.
"Fear, in these times, it is the greatest weapon wielded against those who would stand up for truth and justice."'Padme' declared."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."
Ahsoka looked around the room, but didn't feel Aurra's presence.
"Aurra's not here."Ahsoka stated.
"Huh?"Ferus said in confusion.
"What do you mean, she's not here?"Captain Typho asked.
Ahsoka and Nadia then looked around the area and saw no sign of the female bounty hunter.
"The soldiers who so valiantly, Fight to protect us must also be protected once their job is done."'Padme' continued.
Nadia glanced at Ahsoka.
"If Aurra is not in this room, Soka."Nadia murmured with a hint of fear."Doesn't that mean-"
"Let's hurry."Ahsoka insisted.
"We need legislation to defend the displaced from slavery, to protect our soldiers from feeling as if there is no future, beyond their warfare-"'Padme' started.
Ahsoka and Nadia stopped hearing the luxury droid's voice as they ran out the side exit and towards Padme's room.
Ferus, Captain Typho and two Senate Commandos followed after the two girls.
"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. To those that act as agents of chaos, I say this."Padme informed."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."
From inside one of the vents, Aurra took out her blaster to shoot Padme from behind the head.
Butn then Ahsoka jumped into the room and onto the bed with her lightsaber active as the door opened, deflecting Aurra's blast that would've killed Padme directly.
Nadia used her Force Judgement to open the vent and zap Aurra out from inside it as she activated her lightsaber.
Aurra fell onto her back with a grunt of pain before getting up quickly with her blasters out and glaring at the two girls.
"You two!"Aurra snapped angrily."I remember you, Jedi brats!"
Aurra then shot the door's control panel, destroying it and causing the door to close.
"Stand down, assassin."Ahsoka demanded.
"You two left me for dead."Aurra said coldly."Luckily, Hondo pulled me out of the wreckage."
"Surprised you're back to work so soon without any broken bones."Nadia admitted bitterly.
"Well, a girl's got to make a living."Aurra sneered with a cruel smile.
Ahsoka and Nadia stood in front of Padme to protect her.
Ferus, Captain Typho and the guards were outside the room.
"Get this door open now!"Ferus stated while holding his lightsaber out.
Back in Padme's Room...
Padme glared at Aurra while Ahsoka and Nadia protected her.
"Why are you doing this?"Padme asked."Killing me will not stop the relief effort."
The female bounty hunter laughed at Padme's respond.
"Honey, this isn't about your cause."Aurra said with a smirk and then frowned."This is about revenge. My employer wants to get even with you. Simple as that."
"Your employer?"Nadia scoffed.
"Who hired you?"Ahsoka demanded.
"Enough talk."Aurra stated and took out two of her blasters."Time to see what you're made of, kids."
Ahsoka and Nadia started to deflect Aurra's blaster fires.
Then in a few seconds Ahsoka cried out in pain as a bolt hit her below the shoulder and she fell to the ground.
Aurra started laughing evilly as Nadia backed away and revealed Padme had a hidden blaster on her sleeve.
Padme then shot a stun blast with her own, knocking Aurra against the wall before she could even do any more harm.
Nadia helped Ahsoka up back on her feet.
"Nice shot."Ahsoka praised with a smirk.
"I told you, I'm no stranger to taking risks."Padme said.
Then Ferus, Captain Typho and the two Senate Commandos came into the room.
"Are you three okay?"Ferus questioned.
"We're good."Nadia assured with a wink."No need to worry."
Captain Typho looked at Padme.
"Senator Amidala?"Captain Typho asked.
"Captain Typho, she's stunned."Padme declared.
Ferus pointed his lightsaber at Aurra while Captain Typho and the two Senate Commandos aimed their blasters at the unconscious female bounty hunter.
The Next Morning...
The group headed back to Coruscant and the barge landed on one of the Jedi Temple's outer landing pads.
Bail, Mon Mothma, Padme, Ferus, Ahsoka and Nadia walked down the ramp first and were greeted by Anakin, Master Yoda, Captain Rex and Fives.
Captain Typho and two Naboo guards escorted Aurra down the ramp and towards the prison as Captain Rex and Fives helped them out.
Anakin gave Padme a concerned look upon noticing her arm in a sling.
"Are you all right, Padme?"Anakin questioned.
"I'm fine, Ani, but without Ahsoka's foresight, I fear things would have gone quite differently."Padme replied.
Master Yoda looked at Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Served you well your visions have, Ahsoka."Master Yoda praised.
Ahsoka and Nadia smiled at Master Yoda.
"Thank you, Master Yoda."Ahsoka thanked."But we still don't know who's really behind this."
"Hmm, concentrate."Master Yoda instructed."Remember, what do you see?"
Ahsoka closed her eyes to find the culprit who hired Aurra to kill Padme.
"I see shapes. Large. Devouring. I hear...laughter?"Ahsoka said with a hint of confusion."Bizarre laughter. And Purple?"
Ahsoka opened her eyes.
"I don't know what it means."Ahsoka replied."None of it is familiar to me."
"Those details don't match any being that me and Master Kenobi know either."Nadia complemented.
A frown appeared on Ferus' face since he and his sister now knew who was the being who wanted her dead.
"Ah, it is to me and Padme."Ferus admitted.
"Ferus and I have been thinking during our return to Coruscant."Padme spoke up."Aurra Sing said the person who hired her simply wanted revenge for something I did to them."
"Well, that could be a lot of people across the galaxy."Anakin informed.
"Yes."Padme replied, agreeing with her husband."But with Ahsoka's added details, Ferus and I both know someone who fits the description."
Afterwards...
Anakin, Ahsoka and Nadia visited the prison area, where the criminals were imprisoned.
The trio were then brought to Ziro the Hutt's cell.
"Ziro."Anakin retorted coldly.
"You must be Anakin Skywalker."Ziro assumed.
"Have you met my Padawan, Ahsoka Tano and her closest companion, Nadia Aomori?"Anakin questioned.
Ziro's eyes went on Ahsoka and Nadia.
"Padawans."Ziro chuckled.
"We believe you have a grudge against Senator Amidala."Ahsoka declared.
"And what makes you say something so utterly ridiculous, younglings?"Ziro asked.
"It's because of Senator Amidala that you're locked up in this place."Nadia stated simply.
"The bounty hunter Aurra Sing attempted to kill Senator Amidala during the refugee conference on Alderaan."Ahsoka commented and smirked."We believe you hired her for the job."
Ziro glared at Ahsoka and Nadia.
"I did no such thing."Ziro lied.
This caused both Ahsoka and Nadia's smirks to grow more at Ziro's reply.
"I wouldn't lie if I were you."Nadia sneered.
"We have Aurra Sing in custody."Ahsoka said smugly."She told us everything."
"Wait! She told...she told you what?! Impossible!"Ziro asked nervously and scowled."I should've hired someone better."
Ziro then paled when he realised what he just said.
"You just got yourself an extra-long vacation in this lovely establishment."Ahsoka remarked.
"Do you see the conditions I'm living in?!"Ziro scowled as he moved in his cell."That insipid Senator put me in here! She deserves to die for leaving me to rot in this squalor!"
Anakin sent Ziro a hateful look while Ahsoka and Nadia looked unfazed by the Hutt's outburst.
"Well, thanks to you, Ziro, and that little confession, you just officially failed."Ahsoka informed.
"Enjoy your extra time in your luxurious prison cell."Nadia mocked.
Then Anakin, Ahsoka and Nadia then walked back towards the Clone Trooper as the cell of Ziro closed behind them.
"You'll never get away with this!"Ziro shouted angrily."You have no idea what I'm capable of!"
Ahsoka, Nadia and Anakin leave Ziro to serve an additional term in prison as the Hutt screamingly holler vows of revenge.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter
See you all in the next one:)