Chapter 15 – Meetings, Trespassers and Revelations
It's been some time since I last updated my stories, but things in real life keep me busy and it's been difficult to get in a writing mood. Nevertheless, I intend to continue my stories for a while longer.
My apologies to those who requested updates in either reviews or PMs. I haven't been that active on fanfiction recently, so I haven't really been replying to PMs.
Onto the chapter, the meeting that the Republic 'requested' from Queen Ahsoka Tano. Let's see how it goes.
Hope you enjoy.
;-
Jedi Padawan Sirra Thashin was nervous. Also frustrated. The Togruta Padawan just couldn't understand why the Council thought this was a good idea. Tensions with her home planet of Shili were already so high right now. Ahsoka Tano's miraculous survival (or resurrection?) and her ascension to queen of Shili was something that no one could have ever expected. No one in the Republic had answers to what happened, but everyone wanted to have them, which is why she was here on Shili.
It was a stupid idea. It wasn't going to work at all. While a few members of the Council went along with the Chancellor and the other senators to meet with Queen Tano, she and several other Padawans were instructed to sneak onto Shili and search for answers themselves. There was doubt that Ahsoka would be willing to share the answers with them, so they wanted to get the answers by going behind her back. "It's not going to work. I just know it. I told them so," she thought annoyed.
So, here she was. She walked through Corvala's main spaceport with two other Padawans. They were told to pretend to be three tourists. Just three classmates taking a vacation to one of their home planets. It wasn't going to work. Both of them were Human, with her being a Togruta. That shouldn't be much of an issue, but both of them were also at least three years older than her. There's no way that anyone in their right mind would think they are classmates. Never mind that they had only met each other two days ago, so there was no way they could just pretend to be such close friends on a happy trip together.
"it's not going to work. There's no way," she thought as she did her best to fake the 'happy Togruta showing her friends her home planet' role. They were almost at the exit of the spaceport when they were stopped by a few natives. "Oh crap," she thought as she looked at them. Any Togruta would know that armor, royal guards. These were royal guards standing in their way.
"Would the three of you kindly follow us?" The female leading the group asked them.
"Is there a problem, ma'am?" one of her 'friends' asked. They were already found out. She knew it. She knew this would fail.
"Please follow us quietly. Let's not cause a scene, young Jedi," the female replied, shocking the other two Padawans.
Sirra sighed deeply. "I told them that there was no way this would work," she said as she lightly shook her head. She gestured for them to lead the way and began to follow them. The other two Padawans hesitated a moment, but then followed as well. Good for them, because if they tried something then she wasn't going to help them. She would do a lot for the Order, but there was absolutely no way that she was going to pick a fight with her people's royal guards.
;-
Queen Ahsoka Tano and her senator T'Rani Corso walked up to the leader of Shili's royal guard. Under Ahsoka's instructions, numerous warriors and other enforcers had spread out through Shili. He had been monitoring their progress and had an update for them.
Ahsoka was annoyed. She had begrudgingly allowed the Republic group to land on Shili, despite the way they had just turned up without warning, demanded an audience and not taking 'no' for an answer. Despite her undeserved generosity, they had also decided to try and sneak several Jedi onto Shili. She didn't know why or what their purpose was, but this breach of trust, privacy and professionalism was something that neither she nor her people appreciated.
She had sensed their presence the moment they entered Shili's orbit. They were arrogant to think that a group of Padawans would be able to hide their presence from her on her own homeplanet. Well, to be fair, they didn't know just how in tune she was with the Force on Shili. So, she had lead her warriors to the locations of the Jedi in question so they could be brought in.
"Hello Shaden, what do you have to report?" Ahsoka asked him.
The Togruta warrior gave a short salute. "Milady, we've successfully apprehended all of the Jedi in question. According to the reports, they all came quietly. They appeared to be quite shocked that they had already been unmasked. Expect for one Padawan, a fellow Togruta, she wasn't surprised at all. She predicted that this plan wasn't going to work and she was proven right faster than she thought she would." Shaden put the datapad aside. That last report had been somewhat amusing, despite the situation.
Ahsoka gave a slight chuckle. "At least one of them wasn't pretentious about their chance of success," she replied. "So all of them have been taken into custody?"
Shaded nodded. "Yes, all of them were located and brought in. With the exception of the one Jedi you mentioned. We allowed her to continue on her way."
Ahsoka nodded and smiled. "Excellent work Shaden," she replied. "Give the others my gratitude, they've done their duties well."
T'Rani turned to Ahsoka. "Milady, are you sure we should let this last Jedi roam around freely?" she asked. She couldn't help wonder about what might happen if their people learn that a Jedi had sneaked onto the planet, considering all of the circumstances.
"Yes, don't worry. I sense no danger from this in the Force," Ahsoka replied. "Instead, it will bring closure. I can sense that they both need it."
;-
Jedi Master Luminara Unduli walked through the streets of Corvala. Like a group of Padawans, she had been asked to sneak onto the Togruta homeworld and try to learn more about Ahsoka Tano's resurrection and ascension to queen of Shili. In her personal opinion, this was not a good idea. It had become quite clear that the people of Shili loved Ahsoka. Considering that both the Republic and the Jedi had wronged her so greatly in the past, tensions were already high enough between them. A group of Jedi sneaking onto the planet would not go over well. Especially after the surprise negotiations they had already sprung on them.
There was something in the Force guiding her along, but to where she didn't know. Earlier she had clearly felt eyes on her. Had she been identified? Had her cover been blown already? Strangely enough, she could no longer feel that pressure on her back. It was as if her pursuers had decided to no longer focus on her. It unnerved her if she was honest with herself. Why would they just stop if they knew who she was?
She did her best not to dwell on it and just followed where the Force was guiding her. She was closer to the royal palace now. The Force seemed insistent on this area, but she didn't know why. She just hoped she'd uncover the reason why before she encountered any of the royal guards. Shaak Ti had warned her about those warriors. Even with her skills, she did not want to have to fight them. If possible…
She froze. Her eyes were playing a trick on her. They had to be. She took a deep breath and took a step back. Then she calmly looked at the name plate of the house again. She took a shaky breath. She had seen it right after all. It read: Barriss Offee.
Luminara was stunned. After all of the horrifying news about Barriss, all that had happened. The Temple bombing, her bloody escape and some odd reports about her being sighted on different worlds and being responsible for so many deaths. After all of her attempts to reach her former Padawan, to find out the reasons why, to just learn anything. All of it resulting in nothing. And now, she just finds her house on the planet of the friend she betrayed? It felt like some strange fever dream.
Her senses picked up a presence close by her at the same time that a bond that had been dormant for a long time was brushed lightly. "Master…" a voice sounded quietly to her right. She slowly turned and there she was. Her lost Padawan Barriss Offee was standing a short distance away from her. After all this time searching for any real news, Barriss had just come to her.
"Barriss," she replied quietly as she took in the young girl. She looked well. After all of the horrid rumors about Barriss, she had not expected that. She wasn't really sure what she was expecting should she encounter her Padawan. Her being wounded or disturbed? Unstable? Force forbid, deranged like the former Sith assassin Ventress? Tainted with the Dark Side and twisted into a monster beyond recognition?
Instead, the Barriss standing in front of her now reminded her of how Barriss was before this horrid war broke out. She was obviously in good health and emanating a sense of peace and calm. No longer being weighed down by the horrors the war had forced them through. She looked like the Jedi that Luminara had seen in her when they started her Padawanship. Barriss definitely didn't seem like some kind of monster like she was being made out to be by many.
She didn't know what was going on, but one thing was exceptionally clear: there was far more going on with her Padawan than she realized.
Barriss smiled lightly. "So this is why Ahsoka told me to head on home," she said gently, studying her Master as well.
Luminara couldn't help but frown slightly. "How are you involved with Ahsoka?" she asked. With everything that happened with the bombing and the attitude Ahsoka now had towards the Republic, she wasn't expecting her to be on apparently good terms with Barriss.
"She freed me and no doubt saved my life as well." Barriss replied. She rubbed her arm lightly, a nervous gesture. The expression on her face darkened a little, memories obviously plaguing her.
Her words stunned Luminara. Freed her? Saved her life? A nasty sensation ran down her spine. Just like how it was with Ahsoka being accused and sentenced for the bombing, there seemed to be a whole lot more to Barriss' story than they were told. She didn't know what to say.
"W-would you like to come inside?" Barriss asked hesitantly while gesturing at the house they were standing by. "I think that… There's probably a lot to talk about."
"Yes, please," Luminara replied. "It seems that there is a lot that I need to know. That there is a lot more than we were told." She did her best to keep a straight face. She, and quite a few other Jedi, were doubting the Republic more and more every day. The information that the Order receives seemed to be filtered or incomplete. It made seeing the truth a lot more difficult.
Barriss gave a small smile. Then she gestured for Luminara to follow her into her house. Luminara nodded and walked alongside her. She felt Barriss' presence brushing against her through their bond. She returned the gentle touch. She had missed being able to sense Barriss like this.
;-
Ahsoka watched the screens displaying the meeting hall where the Republic party was currently waiting for her. They had arrived earlier and had been brought to that hall for the meeting they had demanded. They would have to wait a moment longer.
She studied the group. The Chancellor was there, no surprise there. Padmé was also in the group. She hoped that her friend had come of her own accord and had not been coerced into coming along in some attempt to abuse their friendship in this situation. Bail Organa of Alderaan was next to her. She didn't mind him. They had interacted briefly a few times and he was one of the few politicians that Obi-Wan actually liked, so that in itself speaks volumes about the man.
She didn't know the names of the other senators, nor did she care to know them. She had seen them before, of course. They were part of the loud group. Always screaming in protest during senate gatherings, making demands and being a general annoyance. She had seen the way they treated the clones. They were those types who felt they were above everyone else, despite the fact that they had less manners than toddlers. She strongly doubted that she would enjoy talking to them.
Moving on from the politicians, she focused her attention on the Jedi. Mace Windu, Shaak Ti and Obi-Wan Kenobi were there with the senators. She was a little surprised. Three members of the Council, more than a dozen Padawans and Luminara Unduli were all available for this trip. It made her frown. There had been so many incidents in the past where there hadn't been enough Jedi available to help, so the Order hadn't acted. Yet now they could spare so many Jedi? It irked her.
Pushing away such thoughts, she called on the Force. She let her presence drift into the hall. She could still very clearly sense the corrupt stench of the Dark Side. It was hidden, but obviously there. The fact that the Jedi were unable to sense it themselves… It amazed and horrified her at the same time. This Sith was obviously ways above Count Dooku. Was this the hidden Sith Master that the Order had been hunting for since the events on Naboo so many years ago?
She focused on the people in the room, but in such a way that they wouldn't notice her. With the enhanced senses she now possessed, it wasn't hard to notice an anomaly. She frowned. Palpatine's Force signature was clear. Far too clear. She concentrated on him a little harder and froze. It was like walking out of a warm, comfortable ship completely naked onto a planet colder than Ilum. The cold and the corrupt rot of the Dark Side radiated clearly from the Chancellor.
This revelation worried her. Palpatine, the Chancellor of the Republic, a Sith. Not just a Sith, but the Sith Master responsible for this war and who knows how much other suffering in the galaxy. She wondered, did he organize the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo? It was that event that had seen him chosen as Chancellor of the Republic. A position that he still held. A position that had kept growing in power as the war progressed. A position that was virtually untouchable by anyone, even the Jedi.
The Light came to her, excitedly and desperately. It was eager to reveal more of what It had been trying to share for years, but the Dark had been overpowering It, smothering Its voice. It could speak now and It was eager to do so. She focused on it, stretching out her senses and listening intently. More of Palpatine's schemes unraveled before her.
She opened her eyes. She would have to tread carefully. It was obvious that Palpatine's web of deception spread further than she could imagine right now. He was clearly playing the long game. Waiting for the right moment while playing all of his cards right. He had installed himself in a virtually untouchable position, being Chancellor of the Republic. He was constantly working on making himself look good and subtly criticizing the Jedi Order, ruining their image. That way, even if the Jedi found out about him being a Sith, it might not go their way at all. It would be their word against his. Without any physical evidence to present to the Senate, they probably wouldn't be believed.
She frowned. Such an action would get the Order accused of treason and attempting a coup of the Republic. They would be ruined. Palpatine would no doubt either push for the Order to be fully controlled by the Senate or him, of for the Order to just be eradicated.
It was a giant mess. There's no denying that. She would have to try and find a way to inform the Council about this, but in such a way that they wouldn't instantly try to confront Palpatine. There's no way that it would end well for them if they tried.
Another horrible thought entered her mind. Palpatine had always been subtle in his criticism about the Order. He didn't like to interact with any Jedi for longer than he had to. That went for all Jedi, except one: Anakin.
Her former Master had always spoken highly of Palpatine. He had known the man ever since he was just a boy. He was close friends with the man. He always spent a lot of time with him and considered him a mentor of sorts.
"Seeds of the Dark Side, planted by your Master"
The words echoed through her mind. On Mortis, the Son had become entranced with Anakin's power. He wanted them for himself and went to great lengths to attempt to claim Anakin for himself. There's no way that a Sith Lord wouldn't also be highly interested in Anakin.
Her former Master had some darker tendencies. She wouldn't deny that. It had shown very clearly during the whole Rako Hardeen mess. With the knowledge of Palpatine being a Sith Lord and his close connection to Anakin, she felt immense concern for Anakin. Palpatine was obviously a master manipulator. How long has he been messing with Anakin's mind?
Perhaps she could talk Anakin into staying on Shili longer. She might be able to help him. With her Light, breaking the darkness from his mind would be possible. She hoped that he would listen to her. If Palpatine had wormed himself too heavily into his mind, it might be a rough conversation.
She filed the thoughts away for the moment. Right now, she had to deal with this political situation. The Republic delegation was waiting for her. As tempted as she wait to make them wait even longer for their arrogance, it wouldn't do things any good. She sighed. "No point in putting this off any longer". She nodded to the guards with her. It was time to meet this delegation.
;-
Luminara looked around the room. She was currently in the living room of Barriss' house. It was certainly an unexpected situation, but she welcomed the opportunity. She had spent so many days and nights wondering about just what happened to Barriss and how she was doing. Now she was in her house. It felt surreal.
Her former Padawan was currently in the kitchen preparing some drinks for them. She was using the time to steady herself, Luminara could sense her Force presence flickering nervously. She would give Barriss all the time she needed. It gave her a chance to calm herself as well.
She studied the room in the meantime. Despite them being on Shili and this house being built in the style of the Togruta, it was quite clear that this was her Padawan's home. Her presence echoed warmly throughout the place. There were touches of Mirialan culture all around, similar to how Barriss had changed her quarters at the Temple.
One corner of the room especially drew her attention. It seemed like a collection of mementos and small gifts of gratitude. Handcrafted items and small notes were arranged neatly in the cabinet. They seemed to radiate the gratitude and well wishes of those who had crafted them. She felt Barriss walk back into the room and turned back to her.
Barriss noticed what Luminara was looking at and smiled slightly. She set the drinks down at the table and walked a little closer. "Those are all gifts from the local tribes that I've been to. I've visited many, sometimes to help them and other times to learn from them. The tribal healers have some fascinating ways of healing and medicine. It was fulfilling to learn."
Luminara smiled as well. Healing had always been a passion of Barriss, but during the Clone Wars she seemed more burdened by her healing abilities instead of proud of them. Barriss seemed a lot happier again about it now. "You've continued your path as a Healer here on Shili?" she asked.
Barriss nodded. "I've been to many different parts of Shili. With my healing abilities I was able to help a lot of people," she replied, then a blush crept on her face. "Ahsoka has called me a hero for some of the help I've provided in the past, but I'm not sure if I deserve such a title. Ahsoka insists on it though and a lot of people agree with her. It can be a little embarrassing at times."
Luminara found herself caught between wanting to smile at the situation and frowning in confusion at everything. Republic Intelligence stated that Barriss was going around the galaxy secretly, spreading death wherever she was sighted. But now here is her Padawan in front of her, sharing about her travels on Shili and her embarrassment at being called a hero. It was all very conflicting and confusing. Barriss was definitely being honest with her. She was certain in what she sensed. Unlike some intelligence agents she and other Jedi had spoken to, there was no feeling of things being left out or altered.
Luminara gave a small sigh. "It would appear that I am missing far too many pieces," she replied somberly. "Or perhaps, the pieces that I do have been given are falsehoods, wrapped in deceit and misinformation." She paused and looked at Barriss. "Could you please share your story with me, Padawan-mine? I would welcome the answers."
A flicker of uncertainty passed over Barriss' face. "Ahsoka mentioned there was still a hefty bounty on my head," she replied softly, letting out a humorless chuckle. She gestured to the seats in the living room.
Luminara moved to sit down and gave Barriss a moment to set out the drinks. Barriss took a moment after she sat down herself. She could tell that whatever happened, the memories were hard on her Padawan.
A short moment later, Barriss met Luminara's eyes. "My last conscious memory was speaking to you over the comms during that mission. We had just finished up and I walked outside to check on my troops. After that, it's all dark. Right up until the point where I woke up in a downed Republic prisoner transport. A transport in which I was the prisoner in. Before I could even figure out what was going on, clone soldiers opened fire on me and I was forced to run."
Luminara was silent as she listened to Barriss tell her story. The more she listened, the more horrified she became. Barriss had essentially awoken to a nightmare. The more her Padawan had learned, the worse the nightmare became. She described trying to avoid the clones. Of her learning what had happened with the bombing and Ahsoka. Her trying to lay low and the strange episodes of intense headaches. She spoke of how she had managed to sneak onto a ship, only to find herself on Shili. It seemed that she had been in the clear, but then the royal guards had suddenly cornered her and yet another head-splitting agony had her begging them for unconsciousness.
Barriss paused for a moment, a slightly shaking hand moving for the cup on the table. Luminara waited patiently for Barriss to continue. When she did, Luminara felt a wave of horror that she had thought impossible. Barriss had been attacked. Nano droids had taken over her mind, robbed her of all free will. She had become a puppet to some dark, unknown monster who used her Padawan to commit such horrors. While being moved to who knows where, something had gone wrong and that had mercifully given Barriss the chance to break free and escape.
Barriss explained waking up in the palace after being stunned by the warriors. How she met Ahsoka, who was still alive instead of dead. The answers to her missing weeks and being freed from the Nano droids completely. Ahsoka had pulled some strings and make some arrangements, so that she could remain here on Shili and be safe.
Having finished her story, Barriss set her now empty cup back on the table, hand trembling slightly. It was not an easy subject to talk about. With some hesitation, she looked at Luminara again.
Luminara could tell that Barriss was eager, no, desperate for her reaction. To know that she believed her. "Forgive me, Barriss. I need a moment," Luminara said slowly. "This… I had heard so many different tales, rumors and suspicions, but the truth is so much more horrifying than I thought it would be." Despite everything, Luminara felt a pulse of relief from Barriss.
"It was a true nightmare. One worse than anything my imagination could have dreamed up," Barriss said softly. Despite the heavy mental drain of the memories, she was incredibly relieved that her Master believed her.
Luminara looked at the younger girl. She felt horrible. Such horrors had befallen her Padawan, who she was supposed to protect and she hadn't even noticed. Hadn't even sensed that anything was wrong. "I am so sorry, Barriss. I should have felt that something was wrong. That you were in danger. I…" she paused, not knowing what to say.
"No! Master…" Barriss was shocked. "Please don't blame yourself. You were on the other side of the galaxy. Whoever was behind this is obviously very powerful and Dark. They hid everything impossibly well. I… There's no way that I can blame you for any of it." She stood up and walked a little closer.
Luminara was shocked and proud of Barriss' words. The fact that Barriss could go through such horrors and yet hold no resentment against her spoke greatly about her growth as a person. She felt a little overwhelmed as she thought back to the young girl that she had taken on as a Padawan learner all those years ago. She did not have the words for Barriss that could properly describe how she felt. Instead, she opened the Force bond between them. She poured her feelings along their bond, letting the Force convey to her Padawan what she could not put in words.
Barriss smiled happily, eyes shining with tears. She opened the bond on her end and responded in kind with her own feelings. Luminara stood up as well. Without hesitation, she hugged Barriss tightly. Her Padawan eagerly returned the hug. Around them, the Force sang happily at their reunion.
;-
Queen Ahsoka Tano slowly walked into the meeting hall where the Republic delegation was waiting on her. She had put up a bit more than usual with the getups and things that came with being queen. A few of her staff had suggested this, so she would fully look like a queen, regal and powerful. It would give a nice statement to the Republic that they could not bully her into anything, just because she had previously been a Jedi Padawan that had answered to them. She was the one in control here. They had no choice but to accept that.
She took her seat on the elevated steps of the room. Almost right away, she could easily sense the annoyance and disdain from a few in the group at her being seated higher than them. The implication of such a thing riling them up. In some ways it amused her. In some ways it disappointed her. Such a small thing was enough to shake them up? This would either be a long discussion, or a very short one, depending on what would be said.
With a nod from her, Senator Corso and a few of their advisors also took their seats. Not that she doubted they were actually needed, it just gave a good show to their guests. There would be no further discussions with the Republic until they displayed any efforts in cleaning up their corruption. With her very recent revelation about Palpatine's true nature, she highly doubted that they would be getting anywhere today.
Ahsoka then focused her attention on the Republic group. "I do not exactly appreciate visitors from offworld showing up unannounced and demanding an audience with me. For your sake, I hope you mind your manners. Because for the last trespassers who showed such hostility and disrespect, well… Let's just say that their actions had consequences." She spoke with a tone filled with authority, something that she had perfected over the time of being queen.
She let the words hang between them for a short moment. She hoped that the Republic would get the hint about not pushing their luck in this meeting. She doubted they would. She had seen the senators yell at each other like a bunch of overgrown toddlers far too many times.
"Despite your rudeness, I allowed you this meeting. And how do you show your gratitude to me?" she paused there a moment, noticing some nervous twitches in the group. "You send a group of Jedi to try and sneak their way onto our home. To go behind our backs." She noticed the stunned and surprised looks, even on the Jedi Masters. "Yes, I know about them. I already felt their presence and my guards have already taken all of them into custody." She gestured to the side of the room.
Everyone's eyes followed and widened at the sight of the two royal guards who stood there with clear, see-through cases. Cases containing over a dozen lightsabers.
"What was done with the members of our Order?" Mace Windu asked/demanded as he turned his attention back on her. "We will not accept any mistreatment."
Ahsoka looked at him, feeling a wide surge of emotions at his words. "Won't accept mistreatment? That is what you say to me? After the way I was treated by you and the Republic?" she asked in a cold voice. "Mind your tone, Mace Windu. Unlike you Jedi and the Republic, we do not just inflict harm on others. Your fellow Jedi have been placed into custody for both their protection and that of my people. When you leave, they will be escorted back to your ship." She locked eyes with him. "I recommend that you do not pull a stunt like this again. Be grateful that I don't persecute them for their crimes of trespassing. You know just how many laws they have broken by doing this."
"We thank you for your generosity, Queen Tano," Shaak Ti spoke up, silencing any rebuttal Mace might have had. "Please accept my apologies for this transgression. Opinions on this course of action were heavily divided. Not all were in favor of this. I hope our fellow Jedi have not caused any issues for your people."
Ahsoka nodded. "Good, I'm glad that that matter is settled," she stated simply. She let her gaze wander over the group again. "So, moving on, are you here to inform me of what kind of steps the Republic has taken to right its past wrongs?"
One of the senators spoke up. "We came here to discuss the possibilities of Shili joining the Republic. We were regrettably not giving any opportunity to meet with you earlier. There are many benefits to your people in joining the Republic and we hope to convince you of this today," he said in a practiced smooth voice.
Ahsoka frowned in annoyance, then she turned her attention at the royal guards. "Commander Zadane, you can escort all of our guests back to their shuttle. This meeting is at its end," she stated simply.
A flare of shock and protest immediately rose up from the Republic delegation. "B-but, we haven't even been given a chance to speak our points. This is hardly fair!" one of the other senators protested.
Ahsoka faced them again. "Was I not clear enough for you on Coruscant?" she asked. "I do believe my words were clear enough. Until the Republic shows that it cares about its own constitution and values honesty and integrity, we will remain neutral. Until the Republic shows that it is willing to root out the corruption that has seeped into its roots, we will not discuss any possibilities of Shili becoming a part of the Republic. We will not be drawn into your mess. We will not be drawn into your war. My stance on this matter should be clear to you. You stand here with no indication of any changes, so there is nothing further for us to discuss."
Chancellor Palpatine stood up from where he was sitting. "Oh, but my dear Ashoka," he said kindly as he walked a bit closer.
Ahsoka frowned again. The Chancellor had never bothered with any kindness towards her before. The times where she had been with Anakin at the Senate, he never showed interest in her. A fact made all the more obvious by his continued mispronunciation of her name. Intended, no doubt, to get some kind or rise out of her. His utter ignoring of her new title further signified how he felt about her. Yet, he continued to act out his role of kind and warm-hearted Chancellor.
"Surely there is no need for any hostilities between us?" Palpatine asked, keeping his voice calm and controlled. "We all simply want what is best for the galaxy and the people that live in it. The Republic is still a great institution of democracy and many benefit from the connections between all of the words that are a part of it. We simply came here to share this with your people. But we are greeted with such hostility. Even our young Jedi friends were imprisoned so swiftly. Is such a path really necessary? It would reflect so negatively on Shili."
Ahsoka felt senator T'Rani stiffen slightly next to her. It was clear what kind of games Palpatine wanted to play. How he wanted to shift things. To try and make her give in and abandon her points. He might have gotten his way like this plenty of times in the past, but he would fail today.
She focused more on the Force, to get a sense for him. There was confusion emanating from the Chancellor. At her survival, no doubt. Also rage and fury, that too was directed at her being alive. "He would likely need me dead to get his claws further into Anakin," she speculated. Underneath those emotions, she also felt greed and desire. "What for?" she wondered. She probed the Force lightly. "My survival? Does he seek ways to cheat death himself? Does he want the entire galaxy, forever?"
She hardened her gaze. "Chancellor, let's not go that way. The facts of these matters are quite simple. No amount of talking will change what has happened. I highly recommend you all leave Shili now. These talks are over. There is no point in continuing, for I fear that it will only lead to further problems. After all, you are the one who sentenced me to death. I already stated that I wouldn't pursue further actions against the Republic. So let's stay civil. Otherwise, this will become rather legally unpleasant for you."
Her words actually made his friendly little smile fall from his face. He did his best to hide his frustration when it became clear that she wouldn't budge. Nor that it was a good idea for him to keep pushing. Her survival had created a strange situation, with opinions varying immensely and not all were favorable towards him. He would have to tread carefully.
"I see," Palpatine replied. "It's such a shame that we won't be able to come to an agreement today. Both the Republic and the people of Shili could have benefitted greatly from an alliance between each other."
Ahsoka had to commend him, for all that she knew about the Dark Side and Its nature, Palpatine certainly was in great control of himself and his abilities. "Perhaps part of the reason why the Jedi are so utterly blind to his true nature."
She looked at him neutrally. "As I said, at this moment there will be no further negotiations between Shili and the Republic. Depending on how the Republic conducts itself, this stance may change in the future," she answered calmly. "Until then, this meeting is over." Palpatine seemed to realize that it was either a bad idea or just not worth it now to push things further now, so he did not reply.
"We are very sorry that these talks did not have a more positive result for everyone, Lady Ahsoka," Obi-Wan began as he stood up and walked a bit closer. "But I do have a one quick question for you." He waited a moment for her to give her consent.
Ahsoka wasn't too sure of what to make of her Grandmaster. How deeply he had been involved with her expulsion from the Order, she just didn't know. Did he protest? Was he overruled? Perhaps there would be more time to discuss such things on another occasion. She gestured for him to ask his question, given that he at least did show proper manners.
Obi-Wan nodded. "Thank you, milady. Now then, this might be a little embarrassing, but I seem to have misplaced my former Padawan, Anakin Skywalker. Have you happened to see him recently?" His voice betrayed nothing, but there was an amused twinkle in his eyes.
Ahsoka gave an amused smile. "Master Skywalker did arrive on Shili recently. He is currently a guest here at the palace," she replied. "I understand his ship might have a slight overheating problem with its engine. He is welcome to stay here until it is fixed." She could feel the amusement radiating from both Obi-Wan and Padmé at her words.
"I see," Obi-Wan commented. "Then, on behalf of my former Padawan, thank you for your generosity and hospitality. I do hope he hasn't caused any scenes. He can be quite the handful." He gave a bow and then walked back to join the other Jedi again.
Ahsoka regarded the group. "My guards will escort you back to your shuttle. They will do the same with your fellow Jedi. When you are all at your ship, their belongings will be returned to them as well. I hope to soon see some results of positive changes for the Republic." She gestured at the guards. With a brief salute, they began to take up escort positions.
"Now hold on just a moment!" one of the other senators in the group protested. "I must protest! You have not even given us a chance to make our case. This is highly inappropriate conduct! We deserve to be heard!" He walked up closer to the steps, the other senators following him and making themselves just as loud.
Ahsoka resisted the urge to groan and roll her eyes. Their loud nonsense was going to give them a headache. She was at least glad to see that both Padmé and Bail were not participating in this embarrassing display.
The other senators kept on their arguing, getting louder with every moment. They were really pushing her patience now. Making such a scene on her world. This was not their senate. They did not make the rules here, nor would she put up with their insolence and arrogance. When one of them began to move even closer, she drew the line, literally.
"Enough!" Ahsoka declared loudly. She drew on the Force and made a sweeping motion with her arm. The senators shrieked as a wall of white flame erupted in front of the steps. They stepped back in horror as they stared at the unnatural flames.
Ahsoka drew back on the Force, lowering the flames so she was visible again. "You have overstayed your welcome," she stated as she fully extinguished the fire. The senators were staring in horror, cowards as they were. The Jedi seemed shocked, unsure and uncertain about the ability and force she just displayed. Palpatine kept his face suitably shocked to match the senators, but she could clearly sense a curiosity stemming from a lust for power.
At the moment, she had no care for him. Nor any questions the Jedi might have. This meeting was over. "Guards, escort them back to their ship." Her tone made it clear that there were to be no further disagreements.
Bail Organa did take one brave step forward. "My apologies, queen Tano," he began. "This is most certainly not how we wanted this meeting to go. We will do our best in our endeavors to show you that we do care deeply for the values of the Republic constitution. It is my hope that if we prove this to you, we may hold further negotiations in the future." He gave her a respectful bow, then stepped back again.
Ahsoka looked at the Senator of Alderaan. "We also hope that you and your fellow senators will prove this to us. But until then, this is goodbye," she replied. With that, she made to leave the meeting hall. T'Rani and the others followed her as the guards began to lead their guests out of the room.
As they walked, she could sense the frustration and disgust in T'Rani and the others. She shared their sentiments. The way the Republic tried to handle this and just steamroll over their protests and arguments was quite revolting. How many times had they conducted 'negotiations' like this? How many times have the Jedi stood by and just allowed it?
She didn't fully know what to make of Shaak Ti and Obi-Wan. Her former Grandmaster did not seem to harbor any ill will against her. She felt only regret leaking from his signature. As for Shaak Ti, her presence had been her usual, signature calm, but there was definitely something simmering underneath it. However, these feelings did not seem to be directed at her. Perhaps, if she did indeed reached out to the Council about Palpatine, she might have more allies than she thought.
It was still unclear at the moment, but it at least gave her something positive. She was also glad that both Padmé and Bail Organa had chosen to mostly stay out of this ridiculous shouting fest. Padmé had not spoken at all. She wouldn't put it past her friend that Padmé had already worked out how this was going to go. By not causing a scene like the others, she would leave herself as a favorable senator to conduct potential negotiations with. A clever move on her part. It certainly gave them some political excuses to interact with each other.
Though, she was annoyed that it would have to go that way. Close as they were before this whole mess with her death, with the current tension between Shili and the Republic, she couldn't just invite her friend over to visit. T'Rani had already explained in detail how it could harm both Shili's position in these negotiations, as well as Padmé standing as a senator. It was all a righteous, political mess.
She hoped that things would be able to improve soon. Although, with a Sith running the Republic, this was probably far from over. This war was just his playing ground. He's been carefully setting up all the pieces, so that in the end he can sweep the board clean in one devastating move. They would have to tread very carefully to counter his plans at this stage.
She sighed and lightly rubbed her head. This was giving her a headache. There was a lot that she would have to meditate on.
She hoped that Barriss had a better time at least. That thought gave her an idea. If Master Unduli was still on Shili, then she might be able to quietly bring her warning back to the Council. The Mirialan Master might be calmer and more receptive to this news than Anakin would be. She send a quick message to Barriss, to see if Luminara could extend her stay.
The Force was swirling with eagerness and anticipation. She wondered briefly, is this how Mace Windu perceived his Shatterpoints? She didn't know, nor was she exactly eager to ask him that at this moment. There was a lot to do and they would have to be exceedingly careful. It would be a challenge, but she was confident, the Force would guide her forwards.
;-
That's the end of the chapter.
The Republic (Palpatine more than likely) tried to pull a few fast ones on Ahsoka, but she was ahead of them all. She won't be deceived that easily anymore, especially not with the support of her people. Barriss and her master had a warm reunion and Ahsoka learned some horrible news. Now she just has to find a way to solve things without others rushing and ruining it all.
I'm not sure yet which story I'll work on next. Besides my main stories, I've also made a separate Word-doc for story ideas, both smaller and larger ones. That list is already 26 stories long. I have too many ideas that I might want to work on. But I doubt I'll be starting another long(er) project until at least Gift of Light is finished. Maybe some small one shots here and there in-between.
Until next time.