Mr_Toast
Chapter 1: Orto Plutonia
What's up everybody. So this is my first fanfic in the realm of star wars, and I just want to talk about what I have planned for this story. It will follow the timeline of the Clone wars up to season 7, and from there I'm not sure if I'm going to follow the Rebels timeline, go towards an AU, or do a bit of both. I'll figure it out since It's going to take a long time to get to that point. Most of the main characters in this Fanfic will be similar to the ones from the Fanfiction, and I'm not planning on adding too many OC's, but we'll see. I'm not going to go overboard on adding too many of my ideas, and I'm going to try to keep it close to all the lore that already exists around the clone wars, but I might pull stuff from legends but ill try to stick to canon. Also. Yes, This will be an Ahsoka/Riyo fanfic, but It's going to start with them just being friends and growing from there, So don't freak out if nothing happens in the first few chapters, but rest assure, It's in the works. That's all for here, hope Y'all enjoy.
(Disclaimer: I don't make any money for publishing this and I don't own star wars or its characters)
A young Togruta female was currently running towards the landing pad at the senate building, dodging crowds of senators, aides, senate guards, and all the other people that filled the hallway. Most people were smart enough to get out of her way, though there were a few who were lost in thought or had their face buried in a datapad that she had to maneuver around.
Upon reaching the hangar that housed what she was looking for, she found herself staring at a familiar sight. Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi were standing beside a Republic Gunship talking amongst themselves, while several clones loaded supplies onto the ship.
"Master!" The Togruta yelled, getting the attention of Anakin Skywalker.
"Snips?" Anakin said surprised, seeing that his Padawan Ahsoka Tano was making her way towards him with much haste. Anakin was surprised to see her here, as she was supposed to be at the temple spending some time studying.
"I came as soon as I heard about the mission to Orto Plutonia Master. When do we leave?" Ahsoka asked, catching her breath, and watched as the two Jedi Masters stared at her with a confused gazed.
"If by 'we', you mean Obi-Wan and I, we'll be leaving when our senator gets here," Anakin said, and watched as Ahsoka looked puzzled. "You're staying here to rest and continue your studies at the temple." Anakin finished and saw her look go from puzzled, to unamused.
"But Master you always said that there are somethings that a book can't teach you. Besides, isn't it your job to oversee my Jedi training? How are you going to do that if you won't even be here?" Ahsoka said, not wanting to be stuck at the temple reading books while her Master was off on some mission where she would be of far more use.
"If I may," Obi-Wan chimed in, and upon seeing no objection, Continued. "Master Shaak Ti has just returned from Kamino with the Kaminoan Senator, and I'm sure she would be willing to spend her retreat overseeing your studies." Obi-Wan finished.
"But-" "I can live with that," Anakin said, cutting off Ahsoka who was trying again to argue with her Masters to let her come. "Why don't we see if she would be willing to escort my Padawan back to the temple once she is done here," Anakin said to Obi-Wan.
"Certainly," Obi-Wan agreed, moving over to a device to contact Shaak Ti.
"Master, This isn't fair," Ahsoka continued. "I should be out there fighting alongside you." Ahsoka said, not understanding what good could come from her being stuck in the temple. There was a war going on right now, and every droid she cut down was one step closer to victory.
"Hold on there snips. How did you even find out about this mission?" Anakin asked, knowing for a fact that she wasn't at the briefing.
"I met with Senator Amidala today and she told me. I just thought that you could use my help in taking back the planet from the separatists" Ahsoka said and saw an unamused look on her Master's face.
"First of all, There's not going to be some big fight. We've lost communications with a base of the planet of Orto Plutonia. It's probably just a broken antenna from a storm. The chairmen of Pantora wants us to investigate and asked for the Jedi to get involved. Secondly, You're a Jedi, not a warrior. It's important that you maintain and expand your knowledge of the force and spend some time away from battle, and who better to teach you than Master Ti?" Anakin said, and saw that Ahsoka didn't seem to be convinced, but understood her position, as he had been in this spot many times when he was Obi-Wans Padawan.
Ahsoka wanted to keep arguing but knew that if she did, she would anger her Master and that was the last thing she wanted. "Yes, Master," Ahsoka said.
"Master Shaak Ti will meet with you on landing platform B-6 within the hour. Better get going. You don't want to keep her waiting." Obi-Wan said, joining the conversation once again.
"Yes, Masters," Ahsoka said turning around and making her way towards hanger B-6 to meet with Shaak Ti. This was one of those situations where no matter what she did, she was going to be stuck having to do something she didn't want. Being Anakin's Padawan sure had its advantages, but this was one of those times where she wished she was a true Jedi Knight so she could ask the council directly to be assigned to this mission.
Ahsoka's train of thought abruptly came to a halt when she collided with something and found herself face down on the cold hanger floor, wondering what, or who she had run into. Upon looking up, she saw a small Pantoran girl who looked just as dazed as she was, struggling to get up, and quickly rushed up to help her.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going." Ahsoka said, offering her hand out to the girl, and helped her up. Once she was up, Ahsoka felt a strange feeling in her gut when she gazed at her. This Pantoran girl was the same height as her but had blue skin, lavender hair, gold eyes, and two yellow tattoos on each cheek, and to top it all off she was wearing an ornate gold headdress with a blue outfit that went well with her skin tone.
"It's fine, I'm just as guilty." The Pantoran said, sounding flustered and nervous, blushing a deep indigo blue, causing Ahsoka to blush a little in response. Ahsoka realized that they were still holding hands, and quickly let go.
"Well, I must get going. Platform B-6 awaits." Ahsoka said unenthusiastically, remembering that she had to meet Shaak Ti, and being late wouldn't make things any better. Ahsoka began to turn around and make her way towards where the Pantoran girl had come from, hoping that no more distractions would come up.
"Wait," The Pantoran called out, and Ahsoka turned around, wishing she hadn't thought about distractions. "Platform B-6 is towards the east wing of the building. That hallway leads to landing platform A. Platform B would be that exit there." She said, pointing towards an exit that led towards the east side of the building.
"Oh, thanks," Ahsoka said, glad that the Pantoran told her that, otherwise she would have been running circles around the senate building and then definitely would have been late.
"Of course. I'm senator Riyo Chuchi," Riyo said, holding her hand out in a handshaking gesture, and Ahsoka shook it.
"Padawan Ahsoka Tano," Ahsoka said and watched as Riyo appeared to be surprised. Riyo wouldn't have expected that the person she had run into would have been a Jedi, but upon looking closer, she saw a lightsaber clipped to her belt, confirming that she was a Jedi.
"It's nice to meet you Padawan Tano, but unfortunately I must be going now, I have to meet the chairmen of Pantora later today," Riyo said, bowing respectfully.
"Likewise, I also should be going. Best of luck with the chairmen Senator Chuchi." Ahsoka said, bowing in return, and watched as Riyo walked away towards where Anakin and Obi-Wan were. Ahsoka stared at her for a while, watching as she approached the two Jedi with caution before turning away and heading in the direction of the exit that Riyo had told her about.
Ahsoka was walking in the direction of the platform she was supposed to be going to, passing landing pad after landing pad, and making her way past everyone who was either arriving or departing. After what took longer than she had expected, she finally laid her eyes upon landing pad B-6 and saw that it was empty.
Ahsoka knew that she was either early, and no one had shown up, or they had grown tired of waiting for her and left without her. Once she reached the landing pad, Ahsoka looked around for any signs of Shaak Ti and began to worry when she didn't see any. Knowing that there was only one thing to do in that instance, Ahsoka sat down and closed her eyes, beginning to meditate.
If no one showed up by the time she had finished meditating, it means that she was too late, and she would have to find her own ride to the Temple, but if she gave up to soon, then she could leave before anyone arrived. This was one of those times where she could hear her Masters say the word 'Patience'.
Ahsoka focused on the force, opened up to it, and allowed it to flow through her as she had been taught to do in the past. She focused on the feeling she got when she laid eyes on Riyo, trying to figure out what it was. Whatever it was, she couldn't make sense of it. It felt like fear but at the same time, it carried this feeling that made her feel balanced. Fear was a path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. And balance within was something that a Jedi had to Master to become a Knight, or even one day a Master.
This was one of those times Ahsoka wished there was a how-to book she could read that would just tell her what she needed to know and get straight to the point. No metaphors, hidden messages, or critical thinking are required. Just a straight answer that anyone could understand, but then again, simple was something the force had never been to her. Ahsoka was drawn from her meditative state when she felt a hand placed on her shoulder and looked up to see that Master Shaak Ti was looking down at her, with a questioning look on her face.
"Master," Ahsoka said, getting up, and then noticing the T-6 Jedi shuttle that was behind her and a few senate workers prepping the ship for departure, making her wonder how she had meditated through all that commotion.
"Padawan Tano," Shaak Ti replied, motioning towards the shuttle as they began to walk in its direction. "It's comforting to see such a young Jedi practice meditation." Shaak Ti said, knowing that Anakin wasn't one who meditated and often solved his problems with a lightsaber rather than with his mind.
"Oh... Of Course" Ahsoka said, not wanting to mention the fact that Anakin had never once told her to meditate when she was trying to solve her problems as that might make him look bad. "Thank you for letting me ride with you back to the temple," Ahsoka said, glad she wasn't going to have to hunt down a cab, or even worse, public transportation.
"We are not going to the Jedi Temple. We are going to Shili," Shaak Ti said while acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Ahsoka was surprised by this, as it was her understanding that she was supposed to study while her Master was gone.
"I don't understand. Master Skywalker said that I was supposed to go to the Temple and spend my retreat studying," Ahsoka said, not minding at all that she would be going on a mission with Shaak Ti to Shili, but didn't want to undermind what her Master had said.
"And you shall, on Shili," Shaak Ti replied, stepping onto the Shuttle and disappearing beyond the door. Ahsoka stood there for a few moments, still unsure of why there had been a change of plans, but decided to comply with her for now, and boarded the shuttle.
Once on the shuttle, the door closed behind her, and she felt the ship gently take off from the landing pad, and began ascending. Ahsoka made her way towards the cockpit and took her spot in the co-pilot's seat, silently watching as Shaak Ti navigated her way into space, and plugging in the coordinates for Shili.
"I sense something is troubling you Padawan." Shaak Ti said softly, seeing out of the corner of her eye that Ahsoka had been staring at her ever since she arrived.
"I mean no disrespect Master, but I'm conflicted between obeying Master Skywalker's wishes and yours," Ahsoka said and looked over to see that Shaak Ti appeared to be smiling to herself, which Ahsoka thought was almost a little uncharacteristic of her.
"Your loyalty to your Master is admirable Padawan Tano, but in Skywalkers absence the council has assigned me to oversee your training until his return, and at the request of Master Kenobi, how I oversee and instruct your training is entirely up to me." Shaak Ti said, pulling a lever back and sending the shuttle into hyperspace.
Whether she liked the plan or not, this was yet another one of those times that Ahsoka was going to have to trust in her Master's decision on knowing what was best.
Senator Riyo Chuchi was currently aboard a Republic Cruiser making its way towards Pantora, staring out of the windows on the bridge at the blue and white tunnel as the large vessel moved through hyperspace. Riyo found it relaxing to gaze at, and it took her mind off the fact that she was going to have to meet with Chairmen Cho shortly, who was known to be a very strict and unforgiving person. Riyo had heard the stories of what happened to those who disappointed the Chairmen or failed to carry out his wishes, and she did not want to end up like one of those people, so this was something that she had to do flawlessly.
"Senator Chuchi," Riyo heard from behind her and turned around to see a clone officer standing behind her at attention. "We'll be exiting hyperspace shortly and we'll be joining with Chairmen Cho's warship in orbit of Orto Plutonia" He finished, before turning around and walking back towards the command center.
Riyo gazed back out the window into hyperspace, but this time found no comfort in it. Warship. A pantoran warship was nothing like a republic warship. It wasn't meant for large space battles or to sustain heavy fire, but they were still ships built for war nonetheless. Riyo knew that there had been a loss in communications with the republic base, yet she still thought that it was overboard to bring a pantoran warship into the mix, as they hadn't even been able to find the cause of the problem yet.
The blue and white lights of hyperspace ceased as the ship exited hyperspace just in front of Orto Plutonia, and cast in its shadow was the pantoran warship that Chairmen Cho was on. Riyo turned around, not wanting to have to stare at it any longer, and began to make her way towards the command post to meet with the Jedi.
"Senator Chuchi," Obi-Wan said as he noticed her approaching.
"Master Jedi," Riyo greeted as she arrived at the command center.
"We'll be meeting with Chairmen Cho in the main hanger shortly. He's requested that you meet him immediately when he lands." Obi-Wan said, before returning to talking with the Clone officer. Riyo looked over at Skywalker to see that he was doing something to his astromech droid and was far too busy to notice her.
Riyo let out a shaky sigh, before exiting the command center and making her way towards the elevator. Once inside, she hit the button with the letter 'H' on it and began her decenter down to the main hanger. On the way down, Riyo worked out any imperfections in her wardrobe. She pulled the wrinkles out of her scarf, made sure her headdress was balanced, tucked her bangs away, and retied her shoes to perfection. This was her first time meeting in person with the Chairmen so she had to look her best.
After what felt like far too short of a time, the elevator came to a stop, and the door opened, exposing her to the hanger that was filled with gunships that looked to be prepped for a ground assault. Riyo stepped off and began to make her way to the only empty landing zone around, watching as groups of clones were working around her as if she were some sort of ghost, invisible to them.
As Riyo was walking towards the spot, the ship vibrated slightly as the main hanger doors began to open, and Riyo watched as the pantoran warship entered and began to land at the designated spot. It was a tight fit, and it was obvious that this cruiser wasn't meant to house a ship that big in its main hanger, but the pilots were able to make it fit.
Riyo stood just outside of the designated landing zone, directly in front of the ramp so that she would be the first person the Chairmen saw when he stepped off his ship. Riyo quickly checked herself one last time, making sure there wasn't anything wrong with her appearance, before standing up straight, and putting on a serious expression.
The ramp to Chairmen's Cho's warship slowly opened, releasing a hiss as the pressurized air escape, before lowing and making contact with the hanger floor. Riyo could feel that her heart was racing within her chest. It took every bit of willpower she had not to fidget with her fingers and keep completely still.
Riyo saw an elderly man begin to make his way down the ramp, closely followed by two pantoran foot soldiers who were his guards. She immediately recognized him at the chairmen and waited for him to finish his descent.
"Chairmen Cho," Riyo said once he reached the bottom of the ramp, bowing respectfully, and could feel that her legs were shaking. When she finished bowing, she looked back up to see that he was looking down at her with a look of dissatisfaction, before moving past her not saying anything.
Riyo's heart sunk, and she felt like running off to the nearest refresher to vomit, but she couldn't. She had to show the chairmen that she had what it took to be Pantoras senator, and with that, she turned around and caught back up. Riyo walked beside the Chairmen, avoiding looking up at him out of fear he would catch her staring.
"Trooper!" Chairmen Cho called out, and one of the clones stepped up and saluted him. "I want these Gunships ready for a ground assault immediately. Contact me as soon as they're ready for departure." Chairmen Cho finished, moving past the trooper and on to the mobile command center that was set up in the hanger.
After pushing several buttons, the ice-covered republic base on Orto Plutonia popped up, and the Chairmen looked to be studying it. Riyo quietly walked up to the command station and began to look over the base.
"Senator Chuchi," Chairmen Cho said in a sudden an authoritative tone.
"Y-yes Chairmen," Riyo quickly replied, and mentally cursed at herself for studdering like that and hoped that he didn't pick up on it.
"Tell me, What do you think about a full-frontal assault on the base, while keeping reserve units to each flank, focussing our fire on the bridge of the outpost. Their shields won't hold out forever." Chairmen Cho said, pointing to the diagram as he spoke.
"Well... respectfully chairmen I think that we should not use hostilities until we understand what the situation is. I recommend we send out a scouting party to see whether or not the base is operational and who is in control before we mo-" "Senator Chuchi, I did not ask for your opinion on how to handle the situation. I need to know that I have your support in this decision to attack. We will need all hands on board to take an outpost of this size if it is in the hands of the enemy." Chairmen Cho said, cutting Riyo off before she could finish.
"Well... I-I Believe in a less aggressive approach. Perhaps it's a simple technical difficulty with the antenna." Riyo said, struggling at this point to keep her composure.
"And perhaps the separatist have set up a beachhead that they intend to use to enslave all of Pantora. I will not see my planet go the way of Christophsis, Senator Chuchi. I don't want war but war might already be upon us. Diplomacy won't stop the separatists from attacking Pantora, Senator. Action will." Chairmen Cho said, returning to the map.
"Yes, Chairmen. But even if there is an enemy presence, It's still worth exploring diplomatic options first before resorting to aggressive actions." Riyo said, hoping that Chairmen would see the benefit in a peaceful resolution. Riyo saw that disgusted look return to his face and knew this was a disaster. It would have been better off to have just agreed with whatever he said.
"Senator, tell me, have you ever fought in a war, or even seen one up close?" Chairmen Cho asked, already knowing what the answer would be.
"No, Chairmen. I-" "Typical. Tell me, Senator, what weapon suits you best, Blaster or Sword." Chairmen Cho said, cutting her off.
"Well, respectfully Chairmen I'm a Sen-" "Ah, yes. A Senator. You fight your battles with words. Well let me tell you, something Senator, words don't win wars. Men do. Men trained to fight. Men trained to kill. Men who aren't afraid to die for their people." Chairmen Cho said, cutting her off once again.
"Chair-" "Sir," Riyo went to say but was cut off for the third time by a clone. "The gunships are ready for a ground assault. The generals are on their way to the hanger and we'll be taking off as soon as they brief you, Sir." The trooper said standing at attention.
"No time trooper. We leave at once. They can brief me on the ground" Chairmen Cho said, pushing past Riyo as he made his way towards the gunship, rallying the troops on board. Biting back tears at this point, Riyo calmed herself and quickly caught up as not to be left behind. Once onboard, the blast doors closed, and Riyo prepared herself for the worst, knowing that with Chairmen Cho in command conflict was almost certain if there was something hostile down there.
Ahsoka was staring out into space, wondering why she had to go all the way to Shili just to do her Jedi studies. As far as Ahsoka was aware, there weren't any Jedi temples or places on Shili that had a strong tie to the force, so going to Shili made little sense.
"Padawan Tano," Shaak Ti said, bringing the younger Togruta back to reality. "Please keep the ship on course." Shaak Ti finished, pushing a button and delegating control of the ship to the co-pilot. Ahsoka nodded and watched as Shaak Ti picked up a brown case, and walked out of the cockpit and into the medical bay, shutting the door behind her.
Ahsoka was curious as to why Shaak Ti had gone into the medical bay, and to what was in the brown case, but didn't want to ask as it didn't concern her and one thing Jedi Masters liked was their privacy. Ahsoka checked a few on the gauges and monitors in the cockpit, making sure they were on course and that all systems were working properly.
After a short while, Ahsoka heard the medical bay door open and heard the footsteps of the master approach, and when she looked over, she was shocked. Jedi Master Shaak Ti, who like many Jedi wore traditional Jedi robes, had ditched her robes and was now wearing an outfit that looked to be the outfit of a Togruta living in the wild of Shili.
Her left wrist was wrapped in a type of fabric native to Shili. The same fabric was wrapped around her legs starting at the knees and going down to her feet, which were uncovered as a part of Togruta culture. Her right arm was adorned with several bracelets and an armband. A simple piece of cloth covered her breasts down to her pelvis, and then draped down towards her knees. Another piece of cloth covered her groin and rear, connected by two strings on both sides. Finally, she had a beaded belt that wrapped around her waist that housed her lightsaber. Ahsoka noticed further that Shaak Ti had white tattoos on her right thigh, left arm, and right forearm that were previously covered up by her robes. Ahsoka was shocked. She never would have thought that someone like Master Shaak Ti would wear such an outfit, and never knew that Shaak Ti valued her Togruta roots so much.
Shaak Ti took a seat and pressed a button, and pulled the hyperspace lever back. Ahsoka felt the ship come out of hyperspace, and she was now staring at the familiar and recognizable plant that she was born on. Ahsoka saw Shaak Ti press a button on the dash of the shuttle, and the ship began to initiate the landing sequence and bring the shuttle down the planet. The landing coordinates had already been programmed into the ship's computer, which means where ever they were going was hopefully going to be familiar. The ship slowly began to enter the atmosphere, before descending to a large plain just outside of a forest.
"Padawan," Shaak Ti said, getting Ahsoka's attention. "Your lightsaber please," Shaak Ti finished, holding her hand out gesturing that she wanted her lightsaber. This was one of the very few times that a Jedi would willingly give up their lightsaber, and Ahsoka unclipped her lightsaber from her belt and handed it to the master. Ahsoka watched as Shaak Ti stood up and clipped it to her belt, before beginning to walk out of the cabin.
"Leave your comlink on the ship, and remove your boots and bracers before stepping off." Shaak Ti said, as the ship gently landed in an open field. Shaak Ti stepped out of the cockpit and pressed a button on a control panel that lowered the ramp.
Ahsoka sat still for a few moments, wondering why Shaak Ti had taken her lightsaber and wondered why she had to leave part of her outfit behind. Knowing it was not wise to argue with a Jedi Master, Ahsoka did as instructed. Ahsoka pulled her bracers off her arm, with her comlink still attached for convenience. Next came her boots. Ahsoka slipped them off, resting her heels on the edge of the chair as she did so, and set them on the floor next to the chair. Ahsoka went to stand up, and upon putting her feet on the floor of the cockpit, jolted them off the ground once again. Ahsoka hadn't realized it but the ship's floor was freezing, making her wonder how Shaak Ti was able to stand going barefoot in space.
Ahsoka quickly made her way out of the cockpit and down the ramp, with each step feeling colder and then the last before she was finally met by solid ground. Upon stepping off, the ramp to the ship began to retract, and the engines began to spool up. Ahsoka turned around and watched as the ship, which included half her belongings, all their food and water, and their long-distance communicator lifted off the group and made for space.
Ahsoka stared at it hopelessly and watched as the ship slowly began to get smaller and smaller before finally, it was nothing more than a sparkle in the sky reflecting light down towards them. Ahsoka turned around to see that Shaak Ti was standing on the edge of a hill overlooking a large plain.
"Master," Ahsoka said as she made her way over to where Shaak Ti was standing. "Wouldn't it be better if we stayed with the ship? That way if we are needed the council can contact us directly, and there is already enough food on board to last us for months." Ahsoka finished, wondering why Shaak Ti let the ship leave.
"I have made the necessary preparations to account for our absences, and if we are truly needed, the council will send a ship for us. As for food and water, the planet will provide that for us." Shaak Ti said.
"But what about the ship. With no way to contact it how will we get off this planet?" Ahsoka asked. Unless Shaak Ti was planning to borrow or buy a new one, they weren't going to be leaving Shili any time soon. What made matter worst was that they had no way of contacting anyone, as neither of them were carrying a comlink that could reach long distances, and only one of them had access to a weapon.
"The ship will return when we are ready for it." Shaak Ti said, as she sat on the ground, and entered a meditative form. Ahsoka wasn't sure what to say, or do, so she sat down next to the master and looked out at the plains, wondering what she was supposed to do while she waited for her Master.
Riyo was currently looking down at her feet and was standing in the doorway of the elevator at the Republic base of Orto Plutonia, when the door closed in her face, leaving her there with a heavy feeling in her gut. Ever since they had landed on the ice planet, the Chairmen had done nothing but ignore her pleas to take less aggressive approaches. If Riyo didn't know any better, she would say that the Chairmen wanted war.
"Senator, I am willing to fight and die for my people. It's time to ask yourself if you are brave enough to do the same."
Those were the last words that he had said to her before the doors closed, and Riyo wasn't sure what to make of them. Just because you were willing to die and the fight didn't mean you had to. Riyo wanted to do right by her people and to her, that meant finding a peaceful solution and only resort to fighting when all diplomacy had failed. Even though it was evident that an attack had occurred, it was obvious that it wasn't the separatist, and It could have been a misunderstanding, and a peaceful settlement was still possible.
Riyo sighed and walked back to the window, and lookout. The storm outside was made it impossible to see, and the only thing she was able to see was the poor reflection of herself off the glass. Riyo thought she looked like a little schoolgirl after having just been yelled at by her parents. Riyo had spent years at the academy on Pantora, studying law, civics, and politics to one day serve as a Senator, or an Assembly Women, or some other position that would allow her to lead her people to a better and brighter future.
Becoming a Senator had become a dream come true for herself. She saw herself leading her people in the Senate, creating alliances, and making Pantora noticed and respected by other systems. Not pitying her reflection as she held back tears of self-doubt. Riyo continued to breathe in and out, feeling that awful feeling in the back of her throat, and a stinging sensation in her eyes.
Riyo felt Worthless, Useless. Incompetent. She needed to keep the peace for Pantora, but couldn't figure out how to when someone like the Chairmen was going around looking for a fight, and never listening to her or taking her seriously.
It all started to make sense to Riyo now. Chairmen Cho didn't appoint Riyo because he believed in her, he appointed her because he didn't. He saw her for what she was. Nothing more than a shy, vulnerable little girl, who was soft-spoken and insecure. The chairmen appointed her senator knowing full and well that she would let him boss her around, and do as he said, meaning that he would effectively control both the Senate and the Pantoran Assembly.
Riyo felt unbelievably naive. She should have seen it sooner. A seventeen-year-old girl fresh out of the academy with no experience being appointed to represent her planet in the galactic senate? Almost unheard of. There were hundreds. No. Thousands of other Pantorans far more capable of executing the role of Senator, but Chairmen Cho needed someone who he could control, and she was the only one weak enough for him to do that.
"No." Riyo thought to herself. She needed to stop thinking like that. Even though it was true, there were more important things to worry about. She might not be the most experienced, or the smartest, or even the bravest person for the job, but she still had the job, and by the moon goddess, she was going to do her job. She had to.
Riyo turned around and walked over towards the elevator door, pushing the button to call for the Elevator. The door immediately opens, and Riyo steps in. On the way down to the hanger to rejoin the with Chairmen, Riyo is contemplating the best way to go about this. She had to brave, but she didn't know how to. One wrong move and the chairmen could see to it that she never gets another job on Pantora again.
When the doors opened, Riyo stepped out to see that the Chairmen was waiting at the back of the hanger, looking impatiently at the doors. Riyo slowly walked towards him, wondering what he was waiting for, as the Jedi had still not returned from checking the canyons.
Just as Riyo was about to say something to break the silence, a loud mechanical noise sounded on the far side of the bay, and Riyo looked up to see that the large doors that were safeguarding them from the outside began to open, and two speeders were pulling into the hanger. Riyo looked over and watched as the Chairmen impatient marched his way towards the returning speeder, and upon closer examination of them, saw that the Jedi had returned.
Riyo quickly caught back up with the chairmen, tidying her outfit up as she walked closer out of habit. Once finished, she looked up to see that Master Kenobi was making his way over towards them with Anakin conversing with Clone Captain Rex.
"What did you find?" Chairmen Cho asked.
"It seems we've stumbled onto an inhabited planet." Obi-Wan replied, confusing both Chairmen Cho and Riyo. At this news, Riyo was happy, as this meant it wasn't the separatist and that peace was possible after all.
"Impossible. Our explorers have spent much time here over the long history of Pantora. No one lives here. They're trespassers." Chairmen Cho said, knowing full and well this planet wasn't inhabited, and that these trespassers were the cause of this massacre.
"With respect, Chairman Cho, these creatures, the Talz, aren't advanced enough to master space travel. I think they may have been here longer than Pantora." Obi-Wan added, not believing that the Talz could have come from another planet or even system.
"Whoever they are, they belong to us. This whole system belongs to us." Chairmen Cho said, not caring at this point where they came from or who they were, but only caring that they were here and that they belong to him.
"Your Majesty, if there are life forms here, then the Senate must decide jurisdiction." Riyo said, stepping in. At first, she feared stepping in like this as it might have caused the Chairmen to get upset before remember that it was her duty as a senator to decide what happens with the Talz.
"Look at what they've done. They've slaughtered your troops." Chairmen Cho said to Riyo, wonder how she could be thinking about helping these creatures after what they have done.
"They only want to be left alone. The droids attacked them, and I'm afraid our outpost got caught in the middle." Obi-Wan said.
"They must be subdued. They're dangerous. Captain Rex, prepare your troops for battle." Chairmen Cho ordered, pointing towards the speeder bikes, wanting them ready to move at his command.
"We promised their chief there would be no retaliation." Anakin said, knowing that they couldn't let the Chairmen attack the Talz.
"We've arranged a meeting between their high council and you and the Senator. They want peace." Obi-Wan said, not seeing why the Chairmen was acting as if they were some large threat to their moon.
"We can't send troopers. They'll think we lied." Anakin added, knowing that mobilizing troops to the meeting would only provoke the Talz as the droids had.
"These creatures are little more than animals. You can't lie to an animal. They can't be trusted." Chairmen Cho replied, wondering how the Jedi saw them for anything more than just savages and animals.
"But, Your Majesty-" Riyo began to say.
"No! It is obvious these creatures are not covered by the Convention of Civilised Systems. Their Council has no say in the matter." Chairmen Cho said, cutting off Riyo, wanting to make it clear that this was his call, and that the decision as to what was going to happen to these creatures was entirely up to him.
"If the Jedi are able to communicate with them, their status is in doubt." Riyo said. Since the Jedi could communicate with them, it was a good indicator they were sentient and capable of intelligent decision-making, meaning that an attack on them under such circumstances would be illegal.
"Do you stand against your Chairman, Senator?" Chairmen Cho said, menacingly towering over Riyo.
"Of course not, Your Majesty." Riyo replied, looking down at the floor. Once again, the schoolgirl. To afraid and weak to look someone in the eyes and stand up for what she believed in out of fear that she would be punished.
"If we are going to meet with Thi-Sen and his council at the arranged time, we will have to leave now." Obi-Wan added, believing it best not to keep the Talz waiting.
The group separated, with the Chairmen making his way towards the back of the hanger, and Anakin moving behind them in conversation with Captain Rex, while Riyo stood there completely still, mentally scorning herself. She had the chance to call him out for being unfair and abusing his executive powers, but instead she coward away, and because of that, an entire unit of clones was going to be involved. This was her fault.
"You look, un-well Senator," Obi-wan said, noticing that she hadn't moved and had a wan looked on her face.
"Oh, Yes... Master Kenobi. I'm fine." Riyo said, not wanting to get into her feelings with a Jedi, after all, they weren't supposed to let their feelings affect them as hers had.
"Very well. We should be leaving. It's best not to keep the Talz waiting." Obi-Wan said as he walked past her, entering his speeder and beginning the start-up cycle. Riyo stood still once again, processing what Obi-Wan had just said. The Chairmen conversing with a species that was already easily provoked would be a disaster, and at this point, she had lost the ability to do anything about it. Riyo began walking towards one of the bikes, hoping that this would somehow turn out well, but knew that deep down inside that something bad was going to happen.
"Master," Ahsoka said for the first time since they had sat down.
"Padawan," Shaak Ti replied but continued to hold her meditative state
"You said you brought me here to become a Jedi. How is this supposed to help me become a Jedi?" Ahsoka asked. If meditating was all it took to become a Jedi, then she would have been knighted a long time ago.
"You share your master's impatience." Shaak Ti said, finding her lack of discipline and impatiences concerning. Ahsoka felt troubled by this and wasn't sure why. She didn't know Shaak Ti that well but the fact alone that she wasn't doing a very good job at impressing her made her feel like she was a disappointment to her.
"Sorry Master... I just don't understand why I'm here other than I was ordered here." Ahsoka said, wanting to be able to get to the bottom of this.
"You need to start looking at this planet as more than just an obstacle on your road to knighthood little one." Shaak Ti said. Ahsoka disklike being called 'little one', 'youngling', or any other title that made her sound as if she was some small and insignificant child, and was starting to lose interest in what Shaak Ti was saying. "I sense you have had something on your mind that has been bothering you ever since we left Coruscant." Shaak Ti added and saw that Ahsokas demeanor changed when she said this.
"No Master, I'm just confused about my Jedi training." Ahsoka said. She wasn't lying when she said this, as she was, but the last person she wanted to know about that Pantoran girl was Shaak Ti. Ahsoka saw that Shaak Ti had a look on her face that told her she wasn't completely sold on what she said and knew that she wasn't going to be as easy to fool as Anakin was.
"I just want to be with my Master on Orto Pluntonia is all." Ahsoka admitted, not liking the fact that she had to stay behind to meditate.
"You may return to your master when you are ready." Shaak Ti said, finding Ahsoka's lack of interest in her Jedi studies to be a result of Anakin's unorthodox teaching method.
"With all due respect master, how will I even be ready when I don't even know what I'm trying to do." Ahsoka said. It seemed that ever since they had landed here Shaak Ti had done nothing to answer her questions. Ahsoka watched as Shaak Ti opened her eyes, and looked over at her, making her wonder if she shouldn't have said that last statement.
"Clear your mind Padawan," Shaak Ti started, standing up and walking over towards Ahsoka. Shaak Ti kneeled next to Ahsoka and made physical adjustments to her posture so that she was in the proper meditative position. "Focus on what's been bothering. Fear, anger, jealously, sadness, greed." Shaak Ti added and watched as Ahsoka did this. "Let them go. Let them flow down the river, so that similar to a river, the force may be able to flow through you." Shaak Ti finished, watching as Ahsoka concentrated on doing what she had said, and Shaak Ti could feel through the force as Ahsoka let go of her emotions, and the reached clarity on some of the things that had been stumping her recently. It was a slow start, but if she kept this up, it wouldn't be long before Ahsoka was able to see the true meaning of them being here.
Shaak Ti sat down in front of Ahsoka and joined her in meditating, focusing on the energy flowing through Ahsoka, and being able to read her similarly to how Master Yoda could. The two of them stayed this way, continuing to meditate and work at the things that were inhibiting Ahsoka's road to becoming a better Jedi.
The meeting between the Talz and the Chairmen couldn't have gone much worse, apart from war breaking out in the very room they were in. The Chairmen was offered a peaceful resolution twice, and both times refused it, sticking to the idea that the Talz were some race that he would rule over. Riyo was walking in the cold, unfazed by it, as the cold feeling she felt in her chest was far worse than that of the storm, staring hopelessly into the snow, not knowing what she should do in a situation like this. Riyo continued to slowly walk before a voice broke her from her trance.
"Senator, you know a preemptive strike is illegal. Isn't there anything you can do to stop it?" Anakin said, knowing that if the Chairmen proceeded with his plan, that the republic would hold him accountable for his actions.
"I'm afraid not. He has proclaimed this conflict an internal affair." Riyo responded. Riyo knew that this was illegal, but unless the Talz petitioned the Senate to act against the Chairmen, which would be nearly impossible for them to do, there was nothing the republic could do whilst it was an internal affair.
"You could petition the Jedi Council for an intervention." Obi-Wan said, knowing that by doing this, they wouldn't need the approval of the senate and could act as protectors for the Talz against the chairmen and his forces.
"You mean without his authorization?" Riyo said. Riyo knew she had to do something about this, but if she did this, then it would be she could be committing treason and would lose her job as senator and would probably never find a suitable job to replace it.
"There must be someone on your moon who could approve it." Anakin said, knowing that Pantora wasn't a dictatorship and that someone had to be able to keep the Chairmen in check.
"The Speaker of the Assembly. He has the power." Riyo said with a smile. If she could convince him that what Chairmen Cho was doing was out of order then the Pantoran assembly would vote against his actions here and he would be forced to withdraw or be removed from office.
"Let's get back to the base. The storm is letting up. Maybe we can get a transmission through." Obi-Wan said, leading Senator Chuchi to one of the Ships so that they could send a transmission to Pantora.
Upon reaching the base, Riyo quickly made her way to the coms terminal and entered in her communications code, and paged into the assemblies frequency, knowing that her status as Senator would give her priority over everyone else who was trying to call in. It wasn't long before a hologram of a secretary entered the display.
"Senator Chuchi, how may I help you?" The women said.
"I need to speak to the Speaker of the Assembly. It's urgent." Riyo said, adding some urgency in her voice in hopes that it would speed the process up.
"I'm afraid that's quite impossible right now. The Speaker of the Assembly is in an important meeting right now and won't be available for another hour. You'll have to call back later." She said.
Riyo was done taking 'no' for an answer. Today had been nothing but other people telling her the way of things and nobody taking her seriously. "Secretary. I'm not asking you. I'm telling you. You need to get me the Speaker of the Assembly right now, as there is going to be a war on Orto Pluntia and if you can't, then it will be on your hands!" Riyo said with authority in her voice.
"I... Uh... I'll... Please hold." The women said, sounding flustered, and Riyo watched as the screen when into the hold as she patched through. Riyo felt bad for raising her voice, and part of her wanted to apologize to her for being harsh, but it seemed that nowadays being harsh was the only way to get things done. Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged looks of surprise, not thinking that the Senator had it in her to be so assertive towards people, but we're glad that she wasn't going to let herself be bossed around anymore.
After a short wait, the Speaker of the Assembly came into view on the hologram and made eye contact with Senator Chuchi.
"I hope you have a good reason for this interruption Senator Chuchi." The Speaker said, seeming to have some resentment to taking her call.
"Of course Speaker. I believe that Chairmen Cho is out of order, and I ask that the Assembly reviews Chairmen's Cho actions here on Orto Plutonia and vote in favor of a Jedi intervention." Riyo said and watched as the Speaker didn't look sold on her idea, and was surprised that the newly-elected senator would make such accusations against the very Chairmen that voted her in. There was a long pause between the two of them, and the Speaker looked to be in deep thought on whether he should bring her plea before the assembly.
"Very well Senator. Has he committed any crimes that you are aware of?" The Speaker asked, wondering if she had anything that he might be able to work with.
"He has refused a peaceful settlement multiple times now ever after one has been presented to him at no cost to Pantora, and is leading a preemptive strike against the Talz whilst there being no direct threat to Pantora, which is a direct violation of our constitution." Riyo responded, knowing full and well that the Chairmen refusing a peaceful settlement and initiating a preemptive strike against a still peaceful enemy was against pantoran law. The Speaker was surprised by her accusation but decided to take her plea before the Assembly and get back to her as soon as they were done.
"How long does it take for the Assembly to review these kinds of things?" Anakin asked, not knowing how long things took in the Pantoran assembly.
"I'm not sure Master Jedi. It could be hours or until tomorrow before we hear back from them, depending on how long they are in session for." Riyo said, hoping that it didn't take any longer than a few minutes.
"Ill ready the gunships in case we hear back from them any time soon. There's a comlink you use can in the ship" Anakin said, moving past Riyo and Obi-Wan, knowing that it wouldn't be long before the Chairmen went looking for trouble, and the sooner they could leave, the better. Riyo followed the Jedi to the ship, and once inside, it wasn't long before light on the communications relay began to flash, and Riyo quickly answered it, not wanting to keep the Speaker waiting.
"The assembly has decided that the actions of Chairmen Cho are out of order. Senator Chuchi, you're given the authority to negotiate a peaceful settlement between the sovereign planet of Pantora and the Talz." The Speaker said, and Riyo lit up inside. Finally, she was going to be able to do what she should have been doing this entire time, making peace with the Talz.
"It is decided then," Obi-Wan said.
"Pilot, let's get moving." Anakin added, activating Rex's tracking beacon so they could rendezvous with the rest of the clones and the Chairmen.
Riyo was glad that the Assembly voted in favor of a peaceful settlement, but a new problem was now posed. Pantora had already shown hostility to the Talz and they didn't leave on good terms, so gaining their trust was going to prove challenging.
"Senator, now that you have the authority, how do you plan on making peace with the Talz?" Obi-Wan asked, knowing that she was young, and probably didn't have must experience in this field.
"Actually, Master Jedi, since you are far more experienced, I was hoping that you could negotiate on Pantora's behalf." Riyo said, feeling that it would be best if the Jedi handled this, as they were better when it came to peaceful negotiations.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, Senator," Obi-Wan replied, having been prepared for her to ask him to negotiate.
"But I don't understand. The Jedi serve the Senate. I must order you-" Riyo started, but then was respectfully interrupted.
"Senator, it is your people the Talz are at war with. If the violence is to stop, it is you who must represent your people." Obi-Wan said, knowing that even if the Jedi were able to come to a peaceful settlement, the two sides must come to respect and trust in one another for peace to be possible.
Riyo wanted to plea with him further but knew it was no use. He was right. She had to do this for Pantora. Riyo was mentally preparing herself to carry out her peace plan, when she felt the ship touch down, and the doors opened.
Riyo was met with the horrific sight of dead clones, and an army of Talz ready to charge. Riyo felt queazy after gazing at the dead bodies of the clones, and when she laid eyes on the mortally injured Chairmen Cho. Riyo adverted her eyes to the carnage as she made her way to the Chairmen.
"Chairman, can you hear me?" Riyo said, kneeling beside the Chairmen, wondering if he was even aware of his surrounding.
"Senator. Good. You must avenge me. As my final command as Chairman of Pantora, I order you to destroy the Talz." Chairmen Cho said, out of breath and in a panic. He elected her senator under the idea that she would do as he said, and he knew she wouldn't refuse an order from him.
"I'm afraid I cannot do that Chairman. The Pantoran Assembly has called you out of order. I am to negotiate peace." Riyo said. It felt weird to disobey the Chairmen, even with the proper authority, but she pushed those feelings aside, as her duty was to her people, not the Chairmen.
"No. Impossible! Peace? Never! I'd die for our people." Chairmen Cho said, before finally succumbing to his wounds. Riyo gazed at his body and felt sorrow. It didn't have to end like this, but Chairmen Cho's fate had been sealed by his actions.
"Senator, now is the time." Obi-Wan said from behind her. Riyo knew he was right, as this wasn't over yet. Riyo grabbed Chairmen Cho's hat and stood up, before walking over to a spear and lifting it out of the snow. This was it.
"Protocol Droid, come with me." Riyo said as she turned around a look at C-3P0, knowing she would need him if she were to communicate with the Talz.
"3PO, get going." Anakin Said.
"Yes, Master Ani." C-3P0 responded.
The walk felt long, and in the distance, Riyo saw Ti-Shen dismount the large creature he was riding and met them in the middle. If it weren't for the high winds and layered clothing she was wearing, everybody would see that she was shaking, and it wasn't from the cold. This was either going to go over well, and they would all go home, or it wouldn't, and she would die.
"Droid, translate for me." Riyo said once they were face to face.
"Yes, Mistress," C-3P0 responded.
Riyo lifted the spear into the air, before thrusting it down into the snow so that it stood up on its own. "To die for one's people is a great sacrifice. To live for one's people, an even greater sacrifice." Riyo said putting Chairmen Cho's hat on the spear, proud of her statement, and was confident at this point that it would be enough to sway him into wanting peace. Riyo waiting for C-3P0 to finish translating, before continuing. "I choose to live for my people. What do you choose?" Riyo said, knowing that she had done all she could do, and it was up to Ti-Shen to decide what was next.
Riyo watched as Ti-Shen began speaking his native language, before lifting his spear in the air, as if to strike her down, but when he thrust it down, he made it overlap her spear. "He chooses to live as well." C-3P0 said.
"We will leave Orto Plutonia under the watchful eyes of the Talz from this day forth, and recognize your sovereignty as a free and equal people." Riyo added, and the two bowed to each other in respect. Riyo looked past Ti-Shen and saw that the rest of the Talz and their creatures were bowing down in respect, and couldn't help the urge to smile at her success. Riyo stopped bowing and watched as the Talz began to turn away, moving back to their village, and Riyo did the same, returning to the Ships.
"Well done, Senator." Obi-Wan said, acknowledging her victory.
"Yes. Most impressive." Anakin added.
"Thank you, Master Jedi." Riyo said as they began to walk back to the ships.
"Now that you have created peace between your people and the Talz, remember one crucial thing." Obi-wan started.
"Yes, Master Kenobi?" Riyo asked.
"Make it last, Senator. Make it last. And be an example to others, so not only this war, but every war waged may come to an end as well." Obi-Wan said, hoping that this would be the end of any conflicts between Pantora and the Talz.
"I will. I promise you." Riyo said, knowing that as long as she was alive and in office, she wouldn't allow her people to violate the rights of the Talz. Riyo stepped onto the ship, and felt as it lifted off the ground, taking them back to the cruiser that was still in orbit.
Ahsoka opened her eyes for the first time since she had started meditating and saw Shaak Ti sitting in front of her. Past her, she could see that it was a different time of day, meaning that she must have been in meditation for some time. Ahsoka wasn't able to tell why, but she felt different meditating right now than she had before. She wasn't sure if it was due to a master being close by or if it was her connection to the planet due to her being Togruta. Ahsoka heard as Shaak Ti breathed out, and opened her eyes, and met Ahsokas gaze.
Ahsoka watched as Shaak Ti stood up and offered her a hand up when she was up. Ahsoka took her hand and stood up, and saw that the sun was now setting between two mountains in the distance.
"It's getting late. I'm calling the shuttle back." Shaak Ti said, moving away and hitting a button on her comlink.
Ahsoka knelt down and pick up some loose dirt at her feet, and let it fall back down between her fingers, and repeated this process over and over. Ahsoka felt connected to this planet somehow, and it was like she could almost communicate with the planet, which seemed crazy. Ahsoka heard footsteps coming in her direction, and turned to see that Shaak Ti was returning to her, and knelt beside her.
"Do you understand now?" Shaak Ti said, brushing her hand on the dirt and leaving streaks in it.
"I think so. I was so caught up in the war that I never took the time to see that all of this is... a part of me." Ahsoka said, being able to connect with the force in a way she had never done before, albeit with the help of a Master.
"The force connects all things Padawan, you must learn to see this connection if you are ever to progress in the ways of the force." Shaak Ti said, before standing up and waiting for the shuttle to arrive. Ahsoka followed her lead, and once the shuttle arrived, she stepped on it a wiser Jedi than when she had left it.
Riyo felt the gunship land in the hanger of the cruiser, and the doors opened to the sights of service clones approaching the gunships to refuel, re-supply, and repair anything that might have broke. The first things that Riyo noticed were that Chairmen's Cho's warship was gone, and a much smaller pantoran shuttle was in its place, meaning that someone was probably here to see her.
"Senator Chuchi," Obi-Wan said, getting her attention. "We'll be on the bridge," Obi-Wan said, before making his way to the elevator with Anakin. Riyo watched them as they walked away, and when she looked back towards the pantoran shuttle, she noticed an elderly man wearing red robes was approaching her.
"You must be Senator Chuchi," He said upon reaching her.
"I am, and who might you be?" Riyo asked, having never seen or met this man in her life before.
"I am the newly elected Chairmen Papanoida," Papanoida said. Riyo quickly bowed in respect to him, not having realized that a new Chairmen had been elected so quickly, and was further surprised that he had come to visit her.
"It's an honor to meet you, Chairmen. I wasn't made aware of your visit, and I apologize for being unprepared." Riyo said, feeling like she was the first person in pantoran history to meet two Chairmen for the first time in one day, as this was almost unheard of.
"I must say Senator Chuchi, I was gravely disappointed with Chairmen's Cho decision to have you represent us in the Senate." Chairmen Papanoida started, and Riyo felt as her heart felt like it was being crushed. He wasn't here to congratulate her for her peaceful negations, or to meet her acquaintance. He was here to fire her and get rid of her.
"I... I understand..." Riyo said and was trying to hold back tears. She should have seen this coming, but let her victory blind her. "I'll... be in my quarters..." Riyo said while barely being able to keep her voice from cracking and turned around and let the tears fall as she silently began to cry.
"Senator Chuchi, I'm not finished," Papanoida said. Riyo stayed where she was, but didn't turn around, as she didn't want him to have to witness her crying. Riyo wondered what more he had to say to her, as he had already told her he didn't believe or want her, unless he wanted to further belittle her.
"I thought you lacked the character and experience to lead our people, but I have never been so wrong about anyone in my life Senator," Paponoida added, surprising Riyo. "I would be honored if you'd continue to serve our people the way you have served them today." Papanoida finished.
"Of... of course your majesty," Riyo said, wiping away the few stray tears still stuck to her face as she turned around. "It would be a privilege to represent Pantora," Riyo said.
"This situation has been very trying to you Senator, perhaps a few days on your home moon would do you well." Papanoida offered, knowing that she endured something that no one her age should have to be put through.
"I would love to... but there are several important senate meetings this week and I must attend them." Riyo said, knowing that she shouldn't sit out on meetings if it was still her first year as the new senator.
"Of course. Good day to you Senator." Paponida nodded, before turning around and boarding his Ship. Riyo watched as his ship lifted off the hanger, and exited the ship between the two large doors, before making its way back to the moon of pantora that was just inside her field of view.
Riyo turned around and began heading to the elevator, with a smile on her face, grateful that the new Chairmen saw in her what Cho overlooked. Riyo knew it wouldn't be easy, but at least Paponida believed in her. With that, Riyo entered the Elevator and made her way to the bridge. From there, it was a straight shot back to Coruscant.
Chapter 1 done. About 10,700 words not including the intro and ending. Hope y'all enjoyed it. As I said earlier, there won't be actual romance between them until MUCH later, so either skip ahead when those chapters come out or enjoy their friendship for now. This was a pilot chapter, just meant to get things started, and I do have a lot of ideas in the work, but if you have any of your own, feel free to share them. I will admit that this chapter was mainly to establish the characters and may have seemed very boring, especially Ahsoka scenes lol, so I hope y'all will stick with me until Chapter 2. Also, don't worry, Ahsoka and Riyo will interact much more in chapter 2, so hopefully, you stick with me until then. That's all for now. No idea when Chapter 2 will be coming out, but I plan for it to be within a month or so. Thanks for reading, and take it easy.