Author's Note: Dearest friends and readers, we've officially made it to a new milestone. As of today, "The Frozen Force" is 100 CHAPTERS long! Thank you so much for adventuring this far with me and I'm so excited to continue the journey. None of this is possible without awesome people like you. I hope you enjoy the 100th chapter and May the Force be with you!
We are back to review shoutouts this week! We're sending a fleet of starfighters to fly in smiley-face formation...and they're celebrating:
CJG, Krieg Schnee, CoconutColonoy, 0x15, Jake, and one Guest Reader! Thank you for your kind words. As always, your reviews are appreciated.Long Live Imagination,
~ Michael
Chapter: 100 Blighted Order (Part II)
"We only believe in what we wish to see."
Terrorism on Coruscant! The heart of the Republic has been targeted after a bombing at the Jedi Temple. While many strive to heal, others seek to uncover the masterminds behind such a devastating attack. But every lead falls short and raises more questions than answers. Just when the Jedi thought they'd found their surviving culprit, Letta Turmond, she was found dead by a Jedi's hand. With Padawan Ahsoka Tano in custody for Letta's murder, the mystery of the temple bombing only thickens...
Thunder boomed over the Republic Capital. Bright streaks of lightning were as chaotic as the disorder placed on Coruscant's citizens. Many lay awake at night, not knowing if the temple bombing was a sinister end...or cruel beginning. Chancellor Palpatine could've given a hundred speeches to reassure the public. Celebrities could've held hands while law enforcement insisted the city was safe. No gesture was enough to shake the city's overwhelming sense of dread. Ahsoka Tano's arrest had only spurred more mistrust, as Coruscanti wondered why a member of the Order would attack her own. Yet while so many eyes remain fixated on the bombing, Coruscant's underworld festered in its own squalor.
Many of the undercity's inhabitants lacked the time to worry about Jedi affairs. They were too busty wondering how they'd last the night. How they'd provide for their families with dead-end jobs or make it down the block without being mugged. Those who dwelled on levels like 1313 knew it was 'Eat or be eaten.' Rusty speeders expelled nauseating exhaust across the streets and shrouded a Twi'lek couple. Their living conditions hadn't been kind, but outcasts like Vivi and Crujik knew better than to wallow away in pity. Her violet skin lay juxtaposed against his deep blue complexion. The stains on their weathered tunics could tell enough stories to fill a holobook. Oil splatters detailed their instances of droid and vehicular theft. Faint, multi-colored blood splotches made them no strangers to violence.
"How much further?" Vivi whispered.
Crujik gave his girlfriend a nudge and motioned towards a dilapidated alleyway. "There," he said. She followed him in as the desperate hollers of street urchins faded behind them. Flickering signs cast grim shadows over the duo as they stepped deeper into the dark alley. "My tip says some squatters left supplies behind."
"Or someone killed them for it," Vivi worried.
"Relax," Crujik assured. "If it looks shady, we leave."
"It's 1313," Vivi mumbled. "It's all shady."
Crujik huffed at her remark and proceeded into the shadows. He ran his gloved hands across a pile of rotten planks until something caught his eye. The very edge of the pile was metallic in nature and revealed a hidden crate of sorts. Crujik smirked at Vivi, who was earnestly surprised that he'd found anything. "Help me get these planks off," he whispered sharply.
Vivi hastily assisted in overturning the rotten wood. "The sooner we get this supplies-" she replied. "-the sooner we-"
Crujik felt a sense of unease as his girlfriend stopped talking. He swallowed hard as she dropped the plank nearest to her and became frozen in fear. "Vivs?" he beckoned. "What? What is-"
As Crujik glanced over, he observed Vivi staring at the dimly-lit wall. A third shadow had risen above both of their heads and a long weapon was stretching from it. "Hands up," a woman intoned. "Back away from the crate...slowly." Vivi's eyes swayed to Crujik as he cautiously nodded. The couple obliged and raised their hands in surrender. As they backed away, the woman spoke again. Her voice was deep and foreboding. "Turn around," she said.
As soon as Vivi turned, she had to bite back a gasp. The Twi'leks found themselves face to face with a hooded stranger. Although her cloak was haggard and torn at the hem, it was far from less intimidating. Long, greasy, brown curls poured out from her hood. While the rest of her face was obscured, the Twi'leks looked upon a stern and dark-lipped scowl. The stranger's tan hands barely cleared her bulky sleeves as she clenched a blaster rifle. Crujik glanced at the weapon and noted its rusty barrel. He observed his adversary's tired hands gripping the stock.
"Eyes up here," the stranger demanded, yet only Vivi obliged. "You too," she told Crujik.
"Babe," Vivi whispered. "What are you doing?"
"That gun isn't loaded," Crujik hissed and caused the stranger to tighten her grip.
"Don't test me," the hooded woman said. "You can still walk away with your lives."
Crujik never took his eyes off of the weathered rifle. "Can that thing even fire?"
"Is that a chance you really want to take?" the woman asked. She slowly swayed the rifle towards Vivi. "One she wants to take?"
"Crujik!" Vivi panicked.
"Relax," he told his girlfriend. "She won't shoot. Dressed like that...hiding out here. She's just as desperate as we are."
"Desperate enough to kill," the stranger intoned.
"Oh I don't doubt it," Crujik insisted. "Just not with that old prop in your hands. We're nobodies in your eyes. And being on a level where police only look out for themselves, you'd have nothing to lose by pulling that trigger."
"Babe!" Vivi fretted.
"I said relax," Crujik intoned. "If she could shoot us, she would've done it already." He turned back to the stranger and set his hands down. "Isn't that right?" he jested while walking towards her. No amount of sturdy aiming could stop Crujik in his tracks. "Go ahead," he implored. "Shoot me." The stranger gritted her teeth, yet no blast came. As he advanced, he squinted to try and see under her hood. Vivi slowly dropped her hands while Crujik chuckled, "That's what I thought. You know, it's dangerous to threaten people in the undercity. Particularly for woman to do so." Vivi's brows furrowed as Crujik continued towards the stranger. "Particularly for a woman alone."
"What makes you think she's alone?" a gravelly voice beckoned from the shadows. The tromping of boots had both Twi'leks tensing up. Their lekku swished with their frantically turning heads as a new figure emerged. A pair of ragged coattails swayed into view. The bulky attire still reeked of its murdered, previous wearer. Piercing blue eyes stood prominent beyond any scraggly beard or dry skin. One didn't have to be a galaxy-wide spacer to recognize Captain Barbossa. As the pirate kept his hands buried in his pockets, the Twi'leks started theorizing. Crujik and Vivi's imaginations ran wild, wondering what kind of weapons he could have stashed away. Barbossa's reputation was enough to carry his bluff. "Ya tailheads best be heading off," he threatened. "Like ya said. The law around these parts doesn't care much for anyone other than themselves. I doubt they'd search for...let alone find the bodies of you and your lass out here."
Before Crujik could utter a single word, Vivi clenched his hand. The sheer terror in her eyes was enough to snap him back into their fragile reality. Without another thought, the Twi'leks fled back out into the street. Once they were gone, Dia Veritaz finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her palms had numbed from gripping the broken rifle so tightly. "You alright?" Barbossa asked.
"Fine," she murmured. "Wasn't sure if Bry had returned."
"It isn't safe to be out here." Barbossa said. "Not when we're this close to leaving."
"I can do whatever I want," Dia retorted. "It's my hideout."
Barbossa scoffed. "Aye. And that be your broken rifle too. What good would that have done you?"
Dia ignored the pirate's remark as he returned to the shadows. She was about to join him when a sudden blur caught her eye. Dia looked up beyond the alley's ramshackle walls. Her tired, hazel eyes fixated on a narrow space between the rooftops. Dented pipes and rickety signage was all that remained of the blur. A figment. A concept she merely thought she saw. Being on the run has me jumping at shadows, Dia told herself. There's nothing there. Darkness is there, and nothing more.
In that instant, a firm hand fell upon her shoulder, startling Dia into a gasp. She yelped, spun around, and shook herself free of any suspicion. Prepared to defend herself, she swung her rifle against the man who'd touched her. Despite her mighty strike, the decrepit firearm fell to pieces mid-swing. Its rusted grip and barrel clattered to Bry Clayton's feet as he glared at her.
"Well then," he quipped.
Dia swatted his shoulder with an empty palm. "Are you insane?" she scolded. "You know how tense things are right now."
"I didn't think you'd take a swing at me," Clayton confessed. A bizarre clatter had Dia raising her brow. "But hopefully these make up for it." He raised a mahogany sack and let its contents jingle.
"Are those what I think they are?" Dia asked.
"I had to trade half of our food on the black market-" Clayton explained. "-but if Barbossa's plan works, it'll have been worth it." He followed Dia into the shadows as she tugged away a mucky curtain. The inky veil revealed a safehouse filled with dusty furniture and cracked walls. A dimly-lit power cell made Barbossa's hunched silhouette flicker. Clayton knelt beside him and untied his bountiful bag. Dia and Barbossa observed a trio of weapons as they clacked against the ripped carpeting. A sleek, DL-18 hand blaster slid out beside a DC-15 carbine. While Barbossa claimed the pistol, Clayton recovered the Republic DC-15. Dia's heart sank as she observed the third weapon to fall out. A bulky sidearm clunked to the carpet. Its unique shape, scope, and barrel had Dia holding her breath.
"I remembered the stories you'd shared," Clayton whispered as she stared at the firearm. "I figured you'd want something...familiar."
"Yeah," Dia barely uttered as she reached for the DL-44. Her fingers had only grazed the heavy blaster's grip, and it was enough to pull her back into memories long suppressed.
She recalled poisoning Elsa Dellian on that fateful night in the Senate Building. Glimpses of fighting her former slave, Taline, came flashing back to her. "You think I'm nothing?" she heard the Mirialan yell while striking her. "Who cares what you think? How do you like being struck down? You vile, wicked, sleemo!" Taline had inevitably overpowered Dia that night and held her at gunpoint. While she'd never managed to pull the trigger on that DL-44, there was a part of Dia that wished she had. Despite all Dia had done and stood for, she had subtly wanted Taline to end her life on that desk. But as fate would have it, Coruscant was conveniently bombed that night...and Dia would live to see another day.
Dia forced herself to pick up the pistol. She shoved any essence of self-loathing deep within and nodded graciously to Clayton. "Thank you," she mumbled and stashed the DL-44 beneath her cloak. From senator, to prisoner, to outcast, she thought. How much lower can a 'lady of Corellia' get?
"You can actually shoot someone now," Barbossa cackled while tucking his pistol away.
Dia rolled her eyes at his remark and observed the safehouse. Once used by the 'Coruscant Killers', Dia never imagined that she'd be slumming away in her assassins' hideout. "Alright, old man." Clayton jeered. "It cost me plenty to get these guns. What's your plan for getting us offworld?"
Barbossa smirked and ran his dirty nails across an old transponder. "There be chatter on the smuggler's channels," he said. "Something's caught the Republic flat-footed in the upper city. All of the law's attention attention has been redirected. Smugglers are seizing the moment to get offworld. If we hurry, there's a nerf-rustler who called out for extra hands. Goes by the name of Slim. I reckon he's our ticket outta Coruscant."
"And what if fleeing with this 'Slim' puts us in his debt?" Clayton questioned. "I spotted a better opportunity on my way back from the arms dealers. Caught a glimpse of this...kid working on her own freighter. She was building a ship at the edge of 1313's portal. The three of us could easily overpower her and claim the ship as our own. Debt free."
"That's if whatever she's working on actually flies," Dia scoffed. "Damn kid's just trying leave this hellhole like the rest of us. We're not dragging an inexperienced child into the mix. If we're escaping, it might as well be with another outlaw."
"I'm trying to look out for our interests," Clayton placated.
"Oh please," Dia murmured. "While the heroic flattery is appreciated, let's be honest with each other. None of us got to where we are by looking out for others. We don't know what loyalty means, and I wouldn't count on us to learn of it anytime soon." While Barbossa subtly nodded, Clayton shook his head in denial. "When the chips are down and all bets are off-" Dia continued. "-we'll always choose saving our own skin." She leaned over and met Clayton's dark gaze. "Always."
"We've stuck together this long, haven't we?" the hunter retorted.
"Because we've had to," Dia corrected and snapped him back to reality.
In that instant, a sharp crackle came through the transponder. Barbossa hurriedly tuned it as the trio listened in. "All units be advised," a voice alerted. "Fugitive is considered armed and dangerous. Set up checkpoints along the portal. Establish marked perimeters."
"I knew these police scanners would serve me well," Dia remarked.
"What do you think's going on?" Clayton questioned.
"It doesn't matter," Barbossa grumbled. "Tis our opportunity to slip out in the chaos." He stepped towards the hideout's entrance and offered his associates a serious side-eye. "Pack your things. We're leaving," he declared.
"Looks like it's now or never," Clayton huffed and retrieved what belongings he could. He stuffed the bare minimum into the emptied mahogany sack while Dia packed a satchel. Barbossa double-checked his pistol and tucked anything he could salvage into his coat pockets. "Did Slim specific a rendezvous?" Clayton asked.
"Terminal 04," Barbossa answered. "If we lay low and keep to the shadows, we'll make it within the hour."
Dia followed Clayton and Barbossa back into the alley. While they hadn't departed yet, she longed for a change of scenery beyond Coruscant...even if she felt like she didn't deserve it. Although they had a plan in place, Dia's paranoia returned as a blur shifted in the corner of her eye. Her head snapped upward as she glared towards the rooftops. The dark void above seemed endless. As if staring into such a shadow was creating more fear than what was actually present.
"Dia?" Clayton worried as she hardly looked over. "Dia," he beckoned once more to garner her full attention. "What is it?"
"Nothing," she sighed. "I just thought I saw-" Dia froze as her gaze returned to the rooftops. A fully-hooded figure stood precisely where she'd stared before. Its daunting, slender silhouette stood idle betwixt the narrow space.
"That can't be good," Clayton whispered while Barbossa reached into his coat pocket.
Without so much as flinching, the hooded figure shifted its legs and dropped from the rooftop. The lanky being darted into the alley like a shadowy projectile and landed with haunting grace. Thin, black boots scraped against the mucky ground as the figure raised its head. An expressionless, skull-like helmet emerged from under the hood. When the being spoke, its voice was grizzly and distorted beneath the helmet. "Surrender and make this easier on yourselves," the mysterious woman demanded. "You're worth more alive-" She pulled her robes back just enough to reveal a pair of lightsabers on her belt. "-but you're worth enough...dead."
The trio of fugitives remained still while staring down their opponent. All was eerily silent in the alley as Barbossa eyed the adjacent street. A trash can rattled beside both parties and suddenly toppled over. As a feral tooka tumbled out, Barbossa siezed the opportunity to draw his blaster. He was quick to fire, but the bounty hunter was quicker. She summoned her hilts with the Force. With a furiously flick of her wrists, both lightsabers ignited to deflect Barbossa's shots. Her blades were as bright and fiery as the pirate's incoming lasers. Without hesitation, she dug her lightsabers into the duracrete and sprinted forward. The resulting maneuver sent sparks and crumbled stone spewing through the air.
Their pursuer was a master of intimidation as she forced the trio back. "Run!" Barbossa brayed. While Dia bolted beside the pirate, Clayton provided covering fire. His blaster's blue bolts were no match for their foe's agility. She lunged forward, and batted away Clayton's shots before leaping towards the wall. Using the Force to carry her momentum, the mysterious huntress dashed against the bricks. With a rigorous spin, she left her bulky robes behind and revealed a versatile tunic. Pale skin barely showed beneath her gear as she continued her pursuit.
"Any time you'd like to help, Dia!" Clayton blurted while hurriedly backing up.
Dia reluctantly drew her DL-44 and took aim. Her wrist siezed up in the presence of another lightsaber-wielding adversary. Still, she shook off her daze and angrily pulled the trigger. High-powered blasts struck the alley walls. While many of the stray shots left miniature craters behind, the bounty hunter took advantage of the heavy blasts. She spun her lightsaber and deflected one of the DL-44's lasers back to her.
"Look out!" Clayton warned and pulled Dia inches from the blast. The trio dashed down the street, their hearts pounding as speeders narrowly missed them. Drivers hollered from swerving vehicles while the bounty hunter followed from above. She launched herself up to a series of low-hanging holosigns and used them to cut across.
Realizing that they wouldn't get far on foot, Barbossa readied his pistol and brought one of the speeders to a halt. Its bumbling Ithorian driver barely had time to put his hands up as the pirate stormed over. "Off the controls!" Barbossa growled. "Now!" he dragged the Ithorian out at gunpoint and unlocked the rest of the vehicle. "C'mon!" he hollered to his cohorts.
Clayton was almost to the speeder when a dark silhouette zipped in from above. Although he braced himself, the stranger leapt over and targeted Dia instead. She landed atop the former senator and brought her lightsabers to her neck. "Dia!" Clayton gasped.
"Hurry, lad!" Barbossa barked. "Like ya said. It's now or never!"
Pinned by her faceless adversary, all Dia could do was peer beyond the scarlet lightsabers. She stared directly into Clayton's conflicted eyes as his boots shifted about. The rifle rattled in his hands while his mustache quivered. "To hell with it," Barbossa sputtered and started to accelerate the speeder.
Unwilling to be left behind, Clayton lunged to join him. Dia didn't bother calling out to him as much as he couldn't fathom apologizing. For watching Clayton choose Barbossa only proved her point. They were survivors, and they'd always choose to save their own skin.
The bounty hunter didn't even bother with chasing the others. She tilted her helmeted visor to get a closer look at Dia. Noticing the Corellian's extinguished morale, she withdrew her lightsabers. Using the Force, she pulled Dia's blaster away and latched it to her own belt. "Dia Veritaz," the woman spoke. Her voice was husky and haunting, even beneath the helmet. "You've got quite the bounty on your head."
"Will you get enough for me dead?" Dia scoffed. "It would save me a lot of trouble."
The bounty hunter glared at Dia. She leaned in, as if using the Force to search her feelings. Rather than answer Dia's question, the bounty hunter forced her to turn around. As she did so, one of Dia's sleeves fell and revealed several scars on her wrist. "Start walking," the bounty hunter demanded and siezed Dia's satchel. She guided her bounty down a series of cold and vacant pathways. There seemed to be no end to 1313's eeriness. Any strangers who saw Dia being escorted were quick to hide in their slums. As the former senator was well aware...no one ever wanted to get their hands dirty. Especially if there wasn't anything in it for them.
As they traversed the decrepit paths, the bounty hunter continued to analyze her target. She sensed great conflict in Dia. There was a darkness to Dia that was as complex as the scars against her skin. "You didn't want me to kill you," the bounty hunter said.
Dia came to a halt. "You have no idea what I want," she murmured.
"If you had a death wish, you wouldn't have fought this hard to stay alive," the bounty hunter said.
"What do you care?" Dia snapped and glanced over her shoulder. "You'll get your money either way. If you turn me in quick enough, you might still catch the others. Or am I worth more than both combined?" The bounty hunter's silence had Dia chuckling to herself. "Of course I am. I wouldn't expect the Senate to pull any punches with me anyway." Dia sighed. "So what are you? Some kind of rogue...Dark Jedi?" The bounty hunter didn't answer. "I wouldn't blame you for seeking out fortune. Stars know the Jedi Order doesn't pay."
"Keep walking," her captor intoned as Dia huffed. As they rounded a corner, a trio of datascreens flashed new bulletins for the sector. Each alert displayed the same, youthful visage as the bounty hunter paused. "Stop," she demanded.
"Keep walking or stop?" Dia groaned. "Make up your-" The hunter forced Dia to a halt by snagging her collar. She turned to see her captor glaring up at the datascreens. Images of a stern-faced Togruta emerged alongside several Aurebesh warnings. "A wanted Jedi?" Dia whispered. "Armed and dangerous?" She glanced at the bounty hunter and asked, "Friend of yours?"
"Something like that," the stranger hissed. "Do you believe in a second chance, Dia Veritaz?"
"I think it's a fool's folly." Dia scoffed.
"It isn't exactly about the chance-" the bounty hunter began. "-it's about your ability to make a choice. Chances are limited, but choices are infinite. They let you set the rules over where your life will go."
"Why are you telling me this?" Dia mumbled.
The bounty hunter raised a skinny digit to her helmet. Upon pressing the apparatus, it receded and revealed her pale face. Her icy blue eyes and dark lips had found their way on several HoloNet postings. "Because tonight's your lucky night," Asajj Ventress said. "And I am making the choice to let you go."
"Asajj Ventress?" Dia uttered, still coming to terms with her predicament. "Releasing me? Wait, why?"
"Maybe it's luck," Ventress said and tossed Dia her satchel back. "Or maybe you're not the only woman who's been dealt her series of bad hands." She spun the DL-44 and returned it to Dia. "Either way, I'm giving you the chance to make your own choice next." Ventress put her helmet back on and jabbed a finger. "Don't waste it," she asserted before leaping into the shadows.
Astonished over Ventress' words, Dia was left clenching her pistol under wanted postings for Ahsoka Tano.
"This can't be happening...this can't be happening." Stel Sovan worried. Like many Jedi in the temple, the youngling was unable to sleep with such a turn of events. He knelt in one of the mid-level lounges while Elsa fixed his Padawan braid. Her student's nervous fidgeting had become so extreme, that he'd completely unraveled his hair. Elsa calmly gathered his unknotted, blue strands and wove them back into place. In a way, braiding Stel's hair was helping to keep her calm as well. "How could Padawan Tano do this?" Stel panicked. "We've all heard the stories. She's as amazing as Knight Skywalker! She saved other younglings from pirates! Why would she attack us?" He lurched forward and almost undid his master's braid-work.
"Stel," Elsa spoke calmly and kept him in place. "We don't know if Ahsoka bombed the temple."
"Then why did she kill someone?" the young Theelin panicked. "And why is she running? Why wouldn't she just turn herself in and explain that-"
"I don't know," Elsa admitted while tightening his braid. "But I do know that Ahsoka was one of my first good friends I made as a Padawan."
"R-really?" Stel inquired.
"Oh yes. She came to sit with me in the cafeteria when no one else would. And she helped teach me proper lightsaber technique." Elsa sighed. "In truth, apprentice...I don't know what is going on. But Ahsoka has always possessed a noble heart. She would never harm any of us," Elsa said while observing skeptical Jedi in the lounge. "If she's running, she has her reasons. I have to believe the Force will show them to us." She finished tying Stel's braid and rubbed his back. "Good as new," she complimented.
"Your faith is greatly appreciated," a familiar voice beckoned. Elsa and Stel turned to see Obi-wan entering the lounge. The master's eyes were exhausted from council debates over Ahsoka. It was earnestly refreshing to hear from someone else who trusted in her. Obi-wan grabbed a fresh mug of caf from the dispenser droid and approached the duo. Eyeing Stel, he offered a gentle nod. "I don't believe we've met," he said while sipping caf.
"Master Kenobi," Elsa greeted. "This is my apprentice, Stel."
"Apprentice," Obi-wan sighed. A kind, yet faint grin formed beneath his beard. "You've come far, Elsa."
"Thank you, master," she replied.
"Please," he insisted. "Call me Obi-wan." Elsa swallowed hard, yet ultimately nodded. She bit back any rising giddiness while Stel approached a snack droid. "He's in good hands," Obi-wan said as he observed the boy. "We must find the good wherever we can these days."
"I heard about Mandalore," Elsa lamented. "I'm sorry...about Duchess Satine. I know you two were good friends."
Her words had Obi-wan lowering his mug. His brows briefly furrowed as if staving off a suppressed memory. And as the caf dispenser whirred from the counter, it sounded far too much like the Darksaber's ignition. If he let himself feel enough, he could still hear the strike. Obi-wan could see the light slowly leaving Satine's saddened eyes. He could feel her gentle hand reaching for a face she'd never hold again.
Grounding himself in the Force, Obi-wan raised his head and nodded to Elsa. "Thank you...for your condolences," he whispered.
"Sometimes it feels like we lose more than we can ever gain," Elsa confessed.
"It doesn't feel that way," Obi-wan corrected. "It always has been that way, Elsa. It doesn't matter who we are or how we boast to the contrary. We'll always fail more often than we win in life. You don't have to be a Jedi to realize it. Even now, Ahsoka's out there somewhere fighting to prove her innocence."
"You believe in her too," Elsa realized.
"Of course I do," Obi-wan replied. "Because even when darkness persists, we must have hope. For while failures are numerous, they are far from permanent." Obi-wan gently smiled and looked into Elsa's eyes. "And when the dawn shines again and a new hope emerges...all of us will still have each other."
"Mast-...erm...Obi-wan," Elsa inquired. "How do you stay so steadfast through all of this?" Obi-wan's brows furrowed as Elsa delved deeper. "Respectfully, you've endured so much pain and loss. Yet still you stand here speaking of hope. Is it really just your devotion to the Force that keeps you strong?"
"The Force is my ally," Obi-wan affirmed. "But I stand here against the tide-" The master's beard shifted as if he was searching for the proper answer. "-because someone has to," he said simply. And as Elsa let that three-word response sink in, she considered the power behind it. She thought to herself that perhaps such an inclination to purpose alone...was enough.
Anna Dellian's fingers drummed at Hans' bedside. Frustrated and impatient, she repeatedly checked her datapad for HoloNet updates. Repeated alerts for Ahsoka's captured made her stomach churn. "What the hell is going on?" Anna whispered to herself as a figure emerged in the doorway. Bracing herself for Master Gaston's return, Anna was surprised to find another stranger entirely. A fully masked and hooded temple guard stood before them, leaving Anna perplexed. "Can I help you?" she asked.
"Knight Westgard," the guard spoke in a monotone voice. "Has he awakened?"
Anna relaxed her shoulders and brushed several locks from her tired face. "Not yet," she confessed before growing suspicious. "What's it to you?" The guard didn't respond at first and entered the recovery room. "Hey," Anna asserted. "I asked you a question, guard."
"I've been tasked with checking on the bomb victims," the masked man answered.
"Well he needs his rest," Anna defended. "If Gaston put you up to this, Hans is innocent. You should be checking that sleemo out instead."
The guard ignored her pleas and continued to observe Hans. "An awful tragedy...what happened in the hangar," he remarked. "And now, there's a Jedi on the run."
"Then you'd better go catch her," Anna scoffed. She stared the mysterious guard down as he departed without another word. "What the kriff was that about?" she muttered to herself.
"Is he gone?" a voice whispered and had Anna slowly turning. She raised a brow and saw Hans discreetly opening one of his eyes.
Anger beat out relief as she asked, "How long have you been awake?"
"I'd say about twenty minutes or so," Hans confessed. "It was nice to get some downtime though. Plus, hearing all of those heartfelt things you-"
Anna lunged at the bed and siezed him by his collar. She shook Hans to the point that she might as well have sent him into another coma. "Do you have any idea how worried I've been about you?" she cawed through gritted teeth.
"Calm down," Hans blurted and swatted her hands away. "I was just taking some me time. What the hell happened? Some kind of fuel leak? I knew that kid looked incompetent."
"You time," Anna reiterated while shaking her head.
She stood up and paced across the room, making Hans knit his brows. "Anna," he inquired. "What happened?"
"There was a bomb Hans. People are dead, including that kid you just mentioned."
"Kriff," Hans cursed and tried to sit up. As he did so, he felt a distinct and shooting pain in his right thigh. "Oh no," Hans gasped. "No no no!" he hurriedly flipped over the covers and sighed in relief to see his leg. "I thought it would be gone."
"The doctors say it's only still there because of Kristoff," Anna explained. "He saved you."
"I'm sure that's an exaggeration," Hans griped. "They'll say anything to make that idiot look relevant."
His comment had Anna scowling. She toned down her anger and said, "A call came for you."
Her words were enough to have Hans stiffening up. Despite his concern, he acted unknowing. "Oh?" he asked.
"She seemed worried about you," Anna explained. "Very worried."
Hearing 'she' had Hans' eyes briefly widening. His heart rate monitor spiked as he quickly steadied himself. "Who was it?" Hans asked.
"Oh don't play dumb," Anna groaned as Hans squinted. "Don't. She said she was a 'good friend' of yours."
Hans took his time to answer and observed Anna's twitching frown. "What?" he snapped. "You...Oh my-...Anna, seriously? Really?"
"Is it that Pantoran I caught you with on Tatooine?" Anna asked. "Or someone else?"
"By the Force, do you hear yourself?" Hans growled. "I wake up from a traumatic kriffing bombing, and now I'm getting accused?"
"Answer the question!" Anna yelled back until her voice cracked. "I trusted you, so kriffing answer me."
Hans took a deep breath. "First of all, you didn't 'catch me' with anyone on Tatooine. I told you I was trying to complete the mission and that Pantoran tramp was a means to an end. You messed up my mission that day, so let's get that cleared out. Secondly, I don't know who the hell this 'good friend' you're talking about is."
Anna crossed her arms and leaned against the furthest wall. "She seemed awfully upset to hear me answer the call."
"Whoever called was probably intimidated by you," Hans said. "It was probably one of those scammers I had been telling you about, spamming my damn comms. At least you were there to tell them off, right?"
Anna slowly shook her head. "But this felt different. She wasn't selling anything. She just wanted to know about you."
"Rookie," Hans sighed. "That's how they rope you in, babe. These scammers weave whatever story they want just to keep you talking. Then, they use special droids to intercept signals during the call. They're probably trying to hack the temple or get info after the bombing." Hans capitalized on Anna's confused complexion. "Are you really so insecure?" he asked.
"Wait, what?" Anna stammered.
"To think that I was cheating on you...again," Hans spoke in a nearly scolding tone. "I poured my heart out to you. Let you see pieces of myself that no one else has. And you still think so little of me. How dare you."
"Hans," Anna choked up. "Look...I'm sorry. It's been a very stressful time. I thought I'd lost you, and then this coma..."
It was as if he'd merely flipped a switch. Hans swapped his angered facade for a grinning demeanor. "Hey," he spoke soothingly. "I get it. It's been rough and you're just looking out for me." He raised his arms to embrace her. "Come here. I love you."
Anna sighed and let her feelings steer her into Hans' hug. She leaned against his bedside as he pulled her close. "I love you too," Anna murmured while he stroked her hair. With his face out of view, Hans dropped his smile. His sneer intensified as he thought about Celenia calling Anna. Any other ruminations were cut short when his lover's comlink chimed.
"Anna," Master Mattias called in. "The Deathchasers have arrived. I've met them just as you've asked, but they're awaiting your orders."
"I'll be right there," Anna sighed and ended the call. "Hans-"
"Go," he insisted. "I'm sure that squad's as worried about you as you were about me." Anna bit her lip until Hans winked. "I'll be fine," he assured. "Now go." As soon as Anna departed, Hans' glower returned. He eyed the container of his recovered belongings and slowly sat up.
"General!" Sergeant Blazer rejoiced. His voice echoed throughout the vacant, temple atrium as he aggressively threw his arms around Anna. His gesture quickly turned into a group hug as Sparx and Speedy joined in. "I'm so glad you're alright."
"As alright as I can be anyway," Anna professed. "It's good to see you, brothers."
"Is what they're saying true?" Speedy asked. "That a Jedi really bombed the temple?"
"That's what we're gonna find out," Anna devised.
"While I appreciate your enthusiasm-" Mattias lauded. "-the council has placed all other members of the Order on standby. Only Knight Skywalker and Master Plo Koon have been assigned to search for Padawan Tano."
"We're no strangers to taking matters into our own hands," Anna whispered. "The council might be trying to keep this investigation under wraps, but we have a contact on the inside."
"Who?" Lieutenant Sparx queried.
"They say Ahsoka's escaped into Coruscant's underworld, right?" Anna remarked. Mattias raised his brows, for he knew exactly who she had in mind.
Although Coruscant was holding its breath, Elsa had to maintain her levelheadedness. But even lightsaber training reminded her of the lessons Ahsoka had once inspired. She'd seldom entered the temple's dojos, making her memories within them all the more solidified. "Steady yourself, Stel." Elsa intoned as she raised her lightsaber. She ignited both ends of the double-bladed hilt while Stel readied his saber. Their blue weapons hummed in unison as he nodded to his master. "Now," Elsa whispered. "Form I." She slowly swung twice from above and then returned to 'ready' position. "Again," she said while Stel mirrored her motions. "Good."
"But how can I duel anyone if I'm swinging this slow?" the Theelin asked.
Elsa sighed. "This exercise isn't about speed, Padawan. It's about technique."
"Does technique even matter if my opponent is faster?" he asked.
"YES," Elsa blurted and had to watch her tone. "Stel, every amount of practice that you put in will show in real scenarios. While I advise you not to seek out conflict, it will still find a way of seeking you out. Such is the life of a Jedi, and you must be prepared." Elsa lowered her weapon and faced Stel. "The slightest misstep-" She lifted her sleeve and revealed the scar on her arm. "-can be catastrophic."
"Woah," Stel gasped. "Is that from a lightsaber?"
"A pirate's vibrosword," she corrected. "But just as deadly. Now, back to ready position." Stel cautiously obliged and followed Elsa's maneuvers. His wild imagination pictured vibroswords swinging in from every corner. Playing in to his thoughts, Stel pretended to fend them off and forced Elsa to turn around. "Padawan? What are you-" She sulked as he broke formation and battled imaginary foes. Yet despite his disobedience, he was as happy and eager as could be.
As if snapping from his distracted trance, Stel regained focus and looked to his master. He lowered his saber, ashamed of his actions. "Sorry, master." Stel mumbled. "I-"
"Did you get them all?" Elsa inquired, playing along with his fantasy.
Her curious grin had Stel fidgeting with his hilt. "I-...I think there are more pirates in the corner there," he proposed and pointed towards an empty portion of the dojo.
"Well you'd better defeat them," Elsa insisted. "As long as you use the proper form I taught you!"
Giddiness overwhelmed Stel as he propelled himself into the invisible fray. She watched him express more enthusiasm than he ever had with their normal lesson. He was ducking, rolling, and jabbing towards unseen foes with an eager grin on his face.
Alright Stel, Elsa thought to herself. I hope I'm reaching you.
Her inner words were interrupted by a familiar, yet chilling presence. Barriss Offee was considered by many to be the nimblest of her class. Elsa hadn't even heard the Mirialan come in as she glimpsed movement beside her. "Barriss," Elsa whispered, unwilling to interrupt Stel's exercise.
"Elsa," she barely replied while eyeing the boy. "How goes his training?"
"Slow...but unique," Elsa remarked.
Barriss faintly smiled beneath her hood. "He is young," she said. "You have all the time in the galaxy to train him. The question is, what will he become?" Elsa wrinkled her nose as Barriss continued. "As his master, you hold the keys to that child's future. Will he become one of the true Jedi you continue to speak of? Or will he become a soldier like so many of us?" Barriss shook her head at the joyous Stel. "Look at him, Elsa. Look how happy he is. How innocently, blissfully, and ignorantly unaware he is of what's really going on. He witnessed the horrors of war on Carida, and now he's back here playing."
"We all need to find peace," Elsa asserted. "As this war twists the Republic and our Order into things that sicken me, we must stay strong. They need good Jedi, Barriss. They need us."
Barriss' azure eyes twitched at Elsa's words and she slowly turned to her. Disgust fell to genuine shock as she uttered, "How do you know what a good Jedi is?"
"Because amidst all of this chaos, I have seen what our kindness does for this galaxy. Even if only a select few ever recognize it."
Barriss shook off her astonishment and hardened her heart. "Careful, Knight Dellian. The galaxy you speak of sounds as imaginary as the one your Padawan's playing in."
Elsa looked past the Mirialan's jeer. "Barriss," she implored. "I know you're hurting like so many others. I can sense your conflict."
Barriss stiffened and clenched her fists. "Wh-what?"
"It's okay," Elsa reassured. "I'm hurting too, for these are difficult times. But why don't we take a moment together? You, Stel, and I. We can meditate as one and clear our thoughts."
Barriss knitted her brows and hung her head. "I don't know about that," she answered.
"Please," Elsa insisted. "A few deep breaths together and you might feel better about whatever is troubling you."
Barriss swallowed hard and cleared her throat. Her gaze frantically alternated between Elsa and the floor. The eldest Dellian's extended palm beckoned Barriss forward, yet she struggled to move. A whirlwind of emotion kept her grounded, even when offered a chance to clear her mind. Elsa stood with unmatched patience, kindly awaiting the Mirialan's response. Barriss felt like she could burst until a sudden chime came to her comlink. It was enough to have her heart pounding and fingers tingling. "Apologies," Barriss muttered. "I-...I have to take this." Rather than answer the call in front of Elsa, she scurried towards the dojo's exit. "Privately."
"You're welcome to meditate with us after your call," Elsa invited. "How about in the gardens?"
"I'll be there!" Barriss hollered before urgently vanishing behind the doors. As Elsa continued to watch over Stel, she wondered if the Mirialan was alright.
Coruscant's night seemed eternal as hours continued to tick by. Determined to find Ahsoka, Anna had turned her personal quarters into a planning room to gather intel. Lieutenant Sparx was combing his datapad for Republic records while Blazer and Speedy loomed over his shoulders. Meanwhile, Anna and Mattias tried to connect an old holoprojector to their contact. "I thought you said this thing would work," Anna huffed.
"It was Master Zodra's spare," Mattias grumbled while fiddling with the projector's wires.
As he kept working, Anna checked on her Deathchasers. "Anything, boys?" she asked.
"Coruscant Guard reports a squad getting beaten up by Commander Tano," Sparx read. "In the company of-" Anna raised her head as Sparx gulped. "-known Separatist war criminal, Asajj Ventress."
Anna's eyes widened. "Ventress?" she reiterated. Just thinking of her old rival was enough to make Anna's blood boil. "That witch is alive? No. It's got to be some sort of trick. And if it isn't, she's obviously behind all of this."
"Got it!" Mattias rejoiced as the holoprojector came online. "We haven't used this frequency since your first mission, but let's hope it still works. Three...two-"
Anna approached the projector as a masked individual flickered into view. Her hologram consisted of heavy leathers and a bulky helmet. Mechanical coverings remained tightly fastened to her eyes. The perpetual, yellow stare left any onlooker wondering if the officer was an alien, human, or something else entirely. Such an appearance was necessary to survive in Coruscant's foulest reaches. But the fact that this woman had answered the call eliminated any factor of anonymity.
"Officer Byra?" Anna inquired.
"Anna Dellian?" Byra realized. "Master Mattias? Kriff, it's been a while. Terrible time for Jedi these days."
"I'll get right to it," Anna said. "We need your help."
"Doesn't everyone?" Byra scoffed. "My hands are full with your rogue Jedi running about."
"At least give us an update," Anna urged. "After everything we helped you with. Please, the Order's keeping us in the dark."
Byra sighed and checked her surroundings. "Some of my officers engaged her on Level 1313. It was a damn mess down here. We pursued her through a train station, but she evaded capture." Byra slouched. "It's not looking good. Between sightings of Asajj Ventress and the assault on a clone squad, I don't care what this Ahsoka did...she seems guilty in my book."
"You don't understand," Anna asserted. "I fought alongside Ahsoka for the Republic. She would never do something like this. Something isn't adding up." The officer paused, prompting Anna to grow impatient. "Hello?" Anna inquired. "Hello!"
"Officer Byra," Mattias spoke calmly. "What is it?"
Byra took a deep breath as she set down a second receiver. Her tone had only deepened as she said, "A call just came in from one of my teams. They reported an explosion at a warehouse on Level 1315. The military got involved and-"
"And what?" Anna desperately asked.
"They found Ahsoka Tano in possession of more bombs," Byra said as Anna's jaw dropped. "She's been taken into custody. I'm sorry kid." The room grew eerily silent as Anna's knees started to wobble. Noticing that she might fall, Blazer rushed over and helped her sit.
"Thank you for your update," Mattias grieved before ending the transmission. The master hung his head as he stood in darkness. "Anna," he began.
"She didn't do it," his former student whispered while the clones rubbed her back.
Mattias sighed. "Let's just-"
"She didn't!" Anna yelled. "I know Ahsoka! She'd never!" The knight rose to her feet and recomposed herself. "Come on," she ordered her Deathchasers.
"Where are we going?" Speedy asked.
"To find the truth," Anna answered. "I don't know how, but we'll turn the undercity upside down if we have to. Prepare yourselves. I'm gonna get Hans."
As Anna stormed out of the room, Blazer took a moment to glance at Mattias. "Do you think Tano's innocent, sir?" he asked.
"I don't know," Mattias confessed. "But I don't want to imagine her as the culprit, so I'll choose the opposite."
Anna raced down the temple corridors and returned to the Halls of Healing. "Hans," she beckoned while entering his recovery room. "Are you okay to travel-" Anna froze, for the room was vacant. She frustratedly squinted at an empty bed, which was conveniently free of his personal belongings.
Hans' stomps were as profuse as they were resonant. Obscured by his Jedi robes, he ascended a shadowy stairwell and approached a familiar door. His furious knocks were nearly deafened by music from the nightclub downstairs. But the room's occupant heard him all the same. Celenia quickly threw a bathrobe on and approached the door. Peering through the peephole, she glimpsed Hans' prominent chin and smiled. But as the Twi'lek opened the door, she found anything but a welcoming Jedi.
"Hans," she rejoiced, only to have him aggressively advance on her.
"You called?" he growled.
Taken aback by his approach, Celenia's voice cracked. "I-...Hans?"
"You called?" he bellowed and made the Twi'lek lose her footing. His limp was ominous as he closed in. She tripped on her carpeting and clung to the nearby bedpost for support.
"I heard about the explosion!" she blurted. "I was worried about you!"
Hans leaned forward and spoke through gritted teeth. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? How much you risked? I could've been expelled!"
"But it was your personal number," Celenia replied, her breaths hastening. "I didn't know your partner was going to answer. I didn't even know you had a partner."
"You're lucky she didn't suspect anything. You know attachment is forbidden in the Order. I could've lost everything because of you."
"The Order has given you nothing," Celenia uttered and tried standing. "You've told me this." Hans' eyes widened with rage as Celenia dared to continue. "Attachment may be forbidden, but you've surely come back for a reason," she placated.
"You're right," Hans murmured as the Twi'lek started to smile. Any joy was short-lived as he added, "We're done."
"Wh-...what do you mean?" Celenia gasped.
"That was too close," Hans spoke sternly. "You ruined everything. This...'thing' we have needs to stop. Goodbye."
"Just like that?" Celenia objected as Hans made for the door. "Hans...no. Please! I understand that you're upset but-"
"Goodbye, Celenia." Hans intoned.
"I'm sorry about the call!" the Twi'lek yelled out of sheer exasperation. She chased after him and tripped over her bathrobe as she neared the door. "But you can't deny all that we've shared! The future we could have!" Hans halted at her words. "I love you!" she declared and reached for him. From the moment her fingers merely grazed his shoulder, Hans turned with unmatched savagery. Celenia yelped as the knight fiercely siezed her wrist. He twisted until Celenia's pale skin reddened and she was forced to her knees. As Hans glared at her wincing, weeping face...he issued his demand.
"Don't you ever call me again," he threatened and squeezed until Celenia's arm went numb. "Lose my holonumber. Don't even see my face." With a ferocious thrust of his hand, he released Celenia and sent her further tumbling to the floor. Her flailing limbs struck the nearby dresser and sent accessories toppling over her. Shock and horror kept her frozen in Hans' wake. As she peered up beyond her tears and running eyeliner, Celenia watched her assailant depart. His cruel figure was gone as quickly as it had appeared. Before Celenia could collect herself, Hans sent a powerful Force-push to slam the door shut and frighten her into silence. Her muffled sobs and desperate apologies were nothing to Hans as he continued downstairs.
"That's that," he told himself and shrugged.
Though calming in nature, dawn brought little relief for the citizens of Coruscant. In fact, the Jedi Temple had descended into an entirely new level of inconceivable tribulation. While some Jedi remained steadfast to the council's most recent deliberation, others were outraged. Elsa Dellian's pace quickened as she sped down the corridors. "Master?" Stel worried and tried to keep up. "Master! Slow down!"
"Wait here, Stel," Elsa asserted as she glimpsed a familiar elder. Once she locked eyes with Yelena outside the Chamber of Judgement, it was as if nothing could stop her. Stel held his breath and watched as Elsa stormed up to her former mentor. "Master Yelena," she beckoned in the harshest of tones.
Yelena was already closing her eyes and bracing herself. "Elsa," she winced.
"Did you know?" the knight asked. "Were you part of this...'decision'?" Yelena's silence had Elsa shaking her head. "No more lies," she whispered sharply. "Tell me the truth."
"No," Yelena confessed as Elsa's frown deepened. "I wasn't," the master intoned. "As if you'd believe me anyway."
"But you're part of the Jedi Council," Elsa implored. "The council had to reach this decision."
"I was on a different assignment," Yelena refuted in a hushed tone.
"Right," Elsa replied, hardly believing her. "Then why did the rest of the council make this choice?" She leaned in as her eyes ached with heartbreak. "Why...how could they expel Ahsoka?"
Yelena swallowed hard. "It's like I said, Elsa. The council didn't side with you during your accusations either. This was to be expected, as they turn Ahsoka over to a military tribunal."
"Because clones and civilians were killed," Elsa realized. "Can we still not side with Ahsoka against these indictments?" Yelena's somber expression spoke volumes and Elsa backed away. "No," she realized. "The Order has to appease the Senate. That's it, isn't it?"
"Elsa," Yelena began in a grim tone. "You have always been wise beyond your years. I have no reason to hide any of this truth from you. Amidst this war and rising unrest, the Order is striving to pacify tension in the Senate. They believe it is the only way to work in balance." Yelena cringed at the thought of what was to come. "Even if it costs us one of our own."
"In good faith-" Elsa inquired. "-what are Ahsoka's chances of being favored by the Republic courts?"
"In good faith?" Yelena replied. "Slim to none." She stepped away and left Elsa to process the saddening news.
"Master?" Stel worried as he inched up to her side. Noticing that she was on the verge of tears, he gently took her hand.
"We must be strong, Padawan." Elsa sniffled. "Stronger together than we ever have been." As the Theelin nodded to her, Elsa noticed Barriss lingering around the Chamber of Judgement. She seemed to be in quite a hurry as Elsa called, "Hey."
The beckoning startled Barriss, who appeared exhausted and on edge. "Oh," she mumbled. "Elsa..."
"I take it you heard about Ahsoka's expulsion too?" the eldest Dellian inquired.
Barriss' eyes darted towards the floor. "Yes," she admitted. "This is all so terrible."
"I was telling my apprentice that union is what we need most now. I understand that you were busy before. Honestly, everyone is in these seemingly endless hours. But I can see the tiredness in your eyes-"
"And that is precisely why I wish to retire to my room," Barriss suddenly snapped. Her brows relaxed when Elsa shuddered. "I'm sorry," she sighed. "I think I've just...had enough."
"I understand," Elsa replied and gave the Padawan a respectful bow. "Take all the time you need."
Anna and the Deathchasers had assembled a vague holomap of the undercity based on common knowledge. Utilizing Byra's intel, they were huddled around the map and trying to make sense of Ahsoka's ordeal. In that instance, a sudden knock came to Anna's door. "It's me," Mattias said to lower their guards. As the door opened, Anna noted the nervous expression on her old master's face. "I don't know the truth behind all of this-" he began. "-but if anyone's willing to find it...it's him." Mattias stepped aside as another Jedi stepped in.
Anna speedily rose from the floor as the clones swiftly saluted. "Knight Skywalker," she greeted.
"We're against the clock here," Anakin asserted. "Ahsoka will appear before the Republic courts soon. Master Mattias tells me that you also believe she's innocent."
"Completely," Anna affirmed.
"And you trust these men?" Anakin asked while observing the Deathchasers.
"With my life."
"You risked that life to deliver a vaccine to Malastare," Anakin recalled. "I'm asking for that same perseverance now to find Asajj Ventress and prove Ahsoka's innocence."
"Hunting that witch and saving my friend?" Anna replied. "Let's do this."
"I'll cover for your absences," Mattias assured as the group observed Byra's schematics.
It sounded ironic to say such...but Coruscant's underworld had calmed down. At least it had for Dia Veritaz. She wandered out of the filthy slum district and plopped against a dented bench. A snoring and stocky Weequay hogged up most of the seating arrangement. Short on money, Dia would've pickpocketed him if the bum had anything worth stealing. Like many denizens so deep into the underworld, their only possessions were the clothes on their backs.
A dimly-lit edifice caught Dia's eye from across the way. If the poor lighting wasn't alluring, the raucous whir of washing machines would be. Dia squinted towards a scrounged up and repurposed piece of signage.
RAFA'S LAUNDRY
From the bench, Dia watched as a young woman operated the vacant establishment. Her fur coat desperately fought to give off any semblance of authority in the underworld. But nothing could overshadow her obvious youth. I wonder how much business a little skug like you gets down here, Dia thought. Businesses stick around...but I won't. She drew her DL-44 and stared down at it. The kid will make more credits, Dia reassured herself. I need the money now. She's probably never fired a shot in her life. In fact, she's probably been robbed before. No one has to get hurt.
Dia took a deep breath and examined the building. She planned how quickly she could storm in and hold up the place. Yet no matter how elaborate her plan felt, Ventress' words lingered as she looked at her gun.
"Or maybe you're not the only woman who's been dealt her series of bad hands. Either way, I'm giving you the chance to make your own choice next. Don't waste it."
Dia's fingers trembled as she clenched the firearm. She gritted her teeth and desperately glared at the laundromat. "Kriff," she cursed under her breath. Hesitation nipped at her heels while she fought to make her own choice. Whatever Dia decided would be on her own accord. There'd be no Detro nor Bertz to groom her. No Crimson Dawn nor pirate crew to hold her oath at gunpoint. For the first time in far too long...she was judge, jury, and executioner over her destiny. And that long-sought freedom was terrifying. Dia's eye twitched as she realized she was entirely responsible for her next actions. Given a second chance and battling desperation, Dia rose from the bench.
Her boots shuffled, unsure whether to walk away or barge into the laundromat. Her racing thoughts waged war on each other as the gun clacked in her palm.
She's just a kid.
So was I.
And that gives you the right to traumatize her? To possibly take her life?
I've killed before. I've hurt before.
Have you learned nothing? Even when another chance is thrown in your face?
There
is no second chance! I enslaved, tortured, and murdered! I destroyed lives!
Yet you are still here. Go back to prison if you think yourself deserving of such punishment. Or do you seek retribution?
I don't know.
Then what do you know? What will a handful of credits from this poor girl's register do for you?
I don't know!
Shaking off her mental mayhem, Dia made her choice. "Just this once," she whispered to herself. "Just this once and then I'll go straight. I need the money. I'm a survivor." Mustering her courage, Dia walked up to the laundromat. Keeping the DL-44 tucked behind her sleeve, she eyed the door and prepared to rush in. Seconds before she could, a second girl came sprinting into the establishment.
"Rafa!" she cheered giddily. "Rafa!" Dia stopped dead in her tracks, and watched the youth's poofy hair bob with her leaps. She surprised her companion with an unwanted embrace, but Rafa seemed to humor her.
"Slow down, Trace." Rafa chuckled. "What's going on?"
"I actually did it! I did it! I did it!" Trace was ecstatic as she flailed her arms. "Sis," she declared and steadied herself. "The Silver Angel is gonna be spacebound before you know it. Because I was able to rewire the hyperdrive's axial stabilizer! A few more coil adjustments...a modification here and there...then boom! We're outta here."
Rafa smiled sympathetically, yet enjoyed her sister's enthusiasm. It was the happiest she'd seen her in a while since their parents died. The sight of two young girls still trying to get by had Dia reconsidering. The Corellian stepped back just as Rafa noticed her by the door. "Hold on, Trace," her big sister grumbled. "You're blocking the door to a customer." Trace shrunk back as Rafa made way for Dia. "Need a wash, stranger?" Rafa asked.
Dia's heart sank as she swiftly shook her head. "N-no," she uttered and pulled her hood back over her head. As Dia left the Martez sisters bewildered, she tried not to look back. Sporadic, aggravated tears ran down her cheeks while she fled down the sidewalk. Although she hadn't committed a crime, just hearing a police siren was enough to have Dia ducking behind a dumpster. She scrubbed her tears away and peeked as a cruiser landed along the walkway. An underworld police officer rolled down her window while her passengers disembarked. Dia raised a brow as she observed both Jedi and clone troopers.
"Streetcams on this level put your target on the lower block," Officer Byra reported from the vehicle. "Happy hunting."
"Thanks for the lift," Anna said and offered Byra an amiable salute.
Anakin shut his eyes as if feeling through the Force. He murmured to himself and searched beyond his mind's frigid obscurities. "She's here," he said. "I can feel it." A chill ran down Dia's spine as she considered if they were looking for her. "Have your squad secure the perimeter," Anakin told Anna. "I don't want her doubling back this way. And keep your comms on if things change."
"Let me go with you," Anna implored.
"I can handle this," Anakin assured. "Just lock this sidewalk down." While Anna reluctantly obliged, he pulled down his hood and leapt to the lower walkway.
"You heard him," Anna sulked. "Sparx and Speedy, watch the bridge. Blazer, you're with me."
Dia's brows furrowed as she recognized Anna's voice. "Elsa's sister?" she whispered to herself. Her heart skipped a beat when Speedy investigated the dumpster. Preparing for the worst, Dia discreetly reached for her blaster. She observed Speedy's shadow and prepared to strike until Sparx hollered. "Trooper!"
"Huh?" Speedy blurted.
"The heck are you doing?" Sparx asked.
"Coming, lieutenant." Speedy replied and stepped away from the dumpster. Dia breathed a sigh of relief as the Deathchasers established their perimeter elsewhere.
Sparx was quick to report in as Anna and Blazer secured their side. "We're clear on our end," the lieutenant said.
"Copy that," Anna replied. "Hold position." She nervously fidgeted her thumbs until delving into the Force. With a deep breath, Anna tried sensing her surroundings just as Anakin had. The vast cacophony of background noise had her scoffing.
"I'm sure General Skywalker will call if he needs backup," Blazer reassured.
"Does he look like the type to call for reinforcements?" Anna grumbled.
"He strikes me as your type, general." Blazer quipped. "Lead first...call for help later."
"Fair," Anna relented until her comlink chimed. Blazer had never seen her answer so swiftly. "Skywalker?" Anna inquired.
"Get down here," Anakin instructed. "All of you." There was a sense of foreboding in his deep tone.
With a firm hand signal, Anna commanded her Deathchasers to rappel down with her. They traced Anakin's call to one of the hidden alleys and discovered two figures. While his was easily distinguishable, so too was a foe Anna had long forgotten. Her breaths quickened as soon as she locked eyes with Asajj Ventress once more. Acting on instinct, the Deathchasers trained their weapons on her.
"You got her," Anna said, sounding almost surprised.
"And now I have a lead," Anakin answered.
"Don't you mean we?"
"Not if she's lying," Anakin growled as Ventress sneered. "I'm going to investigate it. Make sure she doesn't go anywhere."
"It would be my pleasure," Anna asserted and sparked up her lightsaber. Unfazed by the green blade, Ventress crossed her arms and leaned against the nearby wall.
"Officer Byra," Anakin called in while springing towards the upper levels. "I need immediate pickup."
Anna took a step towards Ventress while ordering her squad. "If she so much as twitches in our direction-" the knight began. "-shoot her."
"Four against one," Ventress snarked. "How noble." Noticing Anna's rising frustration made Ventress chuckle. "I'm kidding. If I wanted to, I could kill the four of you right here and now."
"Is that a challenge?" Anna snarled and raised her lightsaber.
"A fact," Ventress answered nonchalantly.
Anna kept herself grounded and stepped back towards her clones. "I thought you were dead," she said. "But bombing the temple and framing Ahsoka to put yourself back on the map?"
"Oh spare me the lecture, you little pest." Ventress groaned. "Skywalker knows everything already. And I fight for my own future now. Not the Separatists'. Your accusations are empty words to me."
"You think you can just start fresh?" Anna derided. "After all of the terror you caused? The Jedi I watched you kill?"
"Do you want an apology?" Ventress asked and raised a thin brow at Anna's silence. "That's what I thought," she hissed. "You don't even know what you want beyond an excuse to run your blade through me. But you won't find that here." Ventress shook her head while peering at Anna's armored body. "Look at you...A Jedi playing soldier. As blind as the pets you have at your sides."
"Quiet, witch!" Blazer barked.
"Tell me I'm wrong," Ventress insisted. "None of you can."
"Can we stun her, general?" Sparx suggested.
"Or at least gag her?" Speedy murmured.
"No," Anna huffed while glaring at Ventress. "She's just talking nonsense." Her brows furrowed as she lowered her lightsaber. "Let her talk."
Kristoff and Sven were utterly exhausted. Their acts of heroism had cost them dearly in the eyes of Lyn Ferix. The cadet officer believed swift punishment was in order. For disobeying her direct commands during the crisis, she had the duo working back-to-back patrols. To her, saving lives meant little if it nearly cost you your own. Lyn could only hope her discipline would knock some sense into them. Kristoff dragged his feet along the temple carpeting. His jingling backpack echoed throughout the empty corridor. Noticing his tiredness, Sven gave him a nudge to at least keep him hobbling in a straight line.
"Thanks, buddy." Kristoff told him and tried straightening his posture. It wasn't long before Sven was nudging him again. Irritated, Kristoff swatted at his companion. "Okay!" he sputtered. "I'm good now!" Sven's sudden and alarming snort had Kristoff looking up. "Sven?" he worried. The Cevrian's ears were fully perked up and rotating towards a peculiar sound. "What is it?" Sven's eyes widened and he tilted his antlered head toward the outer training grounds.
Having spent so much time with him, Kristoff knew when Sven detected danger. Cevrians had a heightened sense of awareness, and the most recent tragedies meant leaving nothing up to chance. "Officer Ferix," Kristoff called over comms. "Sven has something! Requesting backup at the training grounds!"
"You've gotta be kidding me," Lyn responded. "Sit tight, blondie. And don't get yourselves killed."
Kristoff followed Sven to the temple's grandiose exterior. Shattering glass had the guards slowing down and cautiously gripping their blasters. "What was that?" Kristoff asked and scoured their surroundings. Sven grunted and peered ahead at several ignited lightsabers. A class of Jedi younglings could be seen backing up behind their instructor. To the guards' shock, Anakin Skywalker was locked in a deadly duel with someone. Her thin frame weaved beneath his saber swings as she retaliated with two, crimson blades. Anakin made short work of her offhand, squeezing the woman's wrist until she was forced to drop one saber.
Temple guards dashed past Kristoff and Sven. With their yellow, double-bladed lightsabers ignited...they proceeded to box in the combatants. Refusing to yield, the mysterious assailant leapt at Anakin and fell directly into his trap. He used the Force to catch her in midair and then pushed her back across a training platform. Nearby younglings flinched as Anakin pinned his foe against a sacred tree. With the woman subdued, all looked upon her with shock and dismay. Crisp sunbeams crept through the tree branches and shed light on Barriss Offee. Gasps emanated throughout the training grounds as Anakin closed in. Advancing on the perimeter, Kristoff kicked Barriss' stolen lightsaber away while the Jedi apprehended her.
The alley's silence was as deafening for Anna as its heaviness was unbearable. Ventress watched as the Jedi fiddled with her kyber necklace. Anna focused on the unique, yellow crystal as she asked, "Why me?" Ventress squinted betwixt the silence, wondering if she should know what that meant. "That day on Scarif," Anna elaborated. "You could've taken anyone. Why take me and kill so many others?"
Ventress leered at Anna. She searched past any sense of false bravado and found the suppressed pain within. "It's tormented you, hasn't it?" Ventress inquired. "Kept you up at night wondering why." Anna pursed her lips and slowly nodded. "It was...part of the mission," Ventress explained. "My former master wanted me to find the strongest young Jedi for his 'initiative'. Even I was unaware of the full scheme. Everyone else was expendable." Ventress' final word had Anna's eyes twitching until she continued. "Little did I know...I was just as expendable to Dooku." Anna glanced at Ventress. "There isn't an apology in this star system that you'd ever accept from me. And frankly, I don't think either of us owes the other a blasted thing. I served my superiors just as you did, blindly questioning authority. But those days are over, and I carry my own choices into today's outcomes. Whether you hold my new future against me is your problem, not mine."
Anna's comlink blipped before she could offer a rebuttal. "Talk to me," she responded.
"Let her go," Anakin called in as Anna bit back a gasp. "We have the culprit."
"Are you sure about this?" Anna asked. "Who is it?"
Anakin's sigh was heavy and frustrated. "Just get back to the temple when you can." The call's abrupt end left Anna staring at Ventress. The former Sith shrugged, waiting to see what she'd do. Anna considered Hans' words to her. How the power they possessed had often been overlooked and made Jedi fall short of victory. One word, and she could have her squad execute Ventress. A very much unarmed Ventress. Anna's breaths shortened. Her next choice was as much Ventress' as it was hers. If people like Jee could change, could she? Then again, Jee didn't murder Jedi. Thinking of the Order and Anakin's instruction, Anna reluctantly uttered, "Stand down."
"General?" Blazer worried.
"Stand down," Anna intoned. "And you," she growled at Ventress. "Go...before I change my mind."
Ventress stepped away from the wall and ascended towards the nearby railing. "I doubt our paths will cross again," she hissed.
"They'd better not," Anna taunted. "For your sake."
A smirk formed against Ventress' dark lips. "You would've made a powerful Sith," she said.
"I suppose you're going to say that's the side I should've picked." Anna scoffed.
"No," Ventress insisted. "They would've used you just the same. Because those in power will always suppress a threat." Ventress glanced over her shoulder and gave Anna one last look before leaping into the shadows below.
"Did...she just compliment you, ma'am?" Speedy asked while Anna glared at him.
Some citizens of the Republic might've considered Ahsoka's trial to be monumental for Coruscant's historical archives. But no one could've expected Anakin Skywalker to arrive in court seconds before the final verdict. And as he delivered the true mastermind behind the attack to justice, her confession would be broadcasted throughout Galactic City. While this was done to establish trust in the Jedi Order, all it did was sever things further.
"I did it," Barriss admitted before the holocams.
Back at the temple, countless Jedi watched her confession with astonishment and disdain. Elsa held Stel's hand and was unable to take her eyes off the datascreen. She didn't even realize how tightly she was squeezing her apprentice.
"Because I have come to realize what many people in the Republic have come to realize. That the Jedi are the ones responsible for this war!"
Yelena worriedly peered over at Mattias and Zodra. The masters pondered over Barriss' words as she continued.
"That we've so lost our way, that we have become villains in this conflict. That we are the ones that should be put on trial. All of us!"
Hans sipped his caf from one of the temple lounges and glared at the datascreen. He crossed his arms and judged Barriss with a skeptic's brow. Meanwhile Tori and her Trandoshan friend, Vedkan, nervously watched an adjacent screen.
"And my attack on the temple was an attack on what the Jedi have become," Barriss declared. "An army fighting for the Dark Side...fallen from the light that we once held so dear."
Anna and the Deathchasers had stopped to watch the broadcasted confession from the upper city streets. Barriss' words had nearby civilians leering at Anna and her squad.
"This Republic is failing!" Barriss hung her head as her outburst fell short. "It's only a matter of time," she warned.
"Take her away," Supreme Chancellor Palpatine could be heard commanding. Under his direct order, a group of temple guards escorted the guilty Barriss out of the chamber. While several of the masked Jedi remained dutiful to their directive, one guard kept peering over at Barriss.
Barriss' expressions stayed seared into the guard's mind long after he returned to the temple. The sun was setting over Galactic City by the time he reached Hans' room. Two swift knocks had the young Westgard grumbling, "What?" Rather than say anything, the guard knocked again. Forced to get up, Hans hobbled over and opened his door. "Look, it's been a long day and-" He froze, never expecting a temple guard to visit him. "You?" Hans scoffed. "I'm off duty, Utapau. Besides, I take orders from Master Drallig. Not you. That's if there were any orders for me anymore." The masked Pau'an didn't budge. "Did you not hear a word I said?" Hans scolded.
"I know who you are," the Pau'an spoke deeply. "What you've done...and what you have to hide."
Hans' eyes narrowed. While his brain raced to formulate a response, he also tried to figure out what the guard was talking about. Had Celenia contacted the temple? Hans thought. Did they find my father's body?
"Refresh my memory," Hans said smoothly. "What exactly have I done?"
"You cannot hide your secrets. At least not as well as you think. I know about you and the Dellian girl."
Hans shrugged off his theory. "Oh...I just give her extra saber lessons. That twerp can be so clingy."
"I believe her dueling skills surpass yours if she's leading a task force," the Pau'an jeered and made Hans roll his eyes. "Enough games. I heard you two arguing in the hallway."
"I knew that was gonna catch up with us," Hans sighed. "So if you knew, why are we having this conversation? Shouldn't you have reported us to Master Drallig? Led a whole inquisition against me? What's your angle, Utapau?"
The Pau'an paused. His expressionless visage peered out of Hans' nearest window. "Today I watched a student of the Light Side fall to darkness," he said. "When I'd heard of similar, treacherous instances from Masters Dooku and Krell...I had found myself filled with disbelief. Anger even." The guard turned back to Hans. "But today was different. Any broken rage I felt towards Padawan Offee was rooted in grief. I don't think she failed our Order. Our Order failed her."
Hans scoffed. "Why are you telling me this?"
"I was going to turn you and Dellian in. Report your attachment before the council. But perhaps you too have been failed by the Order." He glanced at his pale, gloved hands and balled them into fists. "I was present for Padawan Offee's confession. Her actions were unjust, but her words were clear. The Republic is failing and so is the Jedi Order. We have forsaken our next generation in the decadence of this war." The Pau'an shook his head. "I will not report you, nor your lover. For if the price of prohibition is greater retaliation, it's not a risk I'm willing to take. No matter what becomes of this bombing and trial-" the guard lamented. "-everything will change. Everything...has." Hans was left to leer at the Pau'an as he stoically departed from his room.
The temple gardens had long served as a place of solace and solitude. Restless, Anna couldn't understand how Elsa could be so calm with her apprentice. She had to believe that her big sister was just as upset about Barriss as she was. Elsa's worrisome glance at Stel had Anna reconsidering her harshness. Despite her quick judgement, Anna had to consider what it was like to have a Padawan. Better yet, she had to factor in everything Stel himself was going through. The Order as he knew it was proving to be more dangerous and less trustworthy.
Elsa tried to keep Stel grounded and urged him to focus on meditation. The only reason Anna had joined them was in the hope that she too could find some form of 'mental stillness.' She should've known better, as her heart and mind were too busy racing. Anna's alertness heightened when Elsa suddenly winced.
"Master?" Stel worried as his mentor clutched her chest.
"Elsa," Anna beckoned. "What's wrong?"
She and Stel advanced to Elsa's aid. The eldest Dellian shut her eyes and tried to recollect herself. An unsettling tremor in the Force left her feeling as concerned as she was drained. A brief flicker of distant times returned to her mind.
"Mind if I sit here?" a familiar voice called to her from memory.
"By all means," Elsa had responded.
But unlike the fond thought, the being never sat down. She never arrived. She...and the memory...faded away.
Elsa opened her eyes as Anna and Stel sat with her. "I...felt a great disturbance in the Force," she explained. "As if a bright light was glistening throughout our temple...and was suddenly extinguished."
As Anna tried to make sense of Elsa's 'vision', she noticed Anakin trudging behind the temple windows. "Skywalker," she realized and dashed back inside. The young knight's scarred visage was somber and defeated. His gaze was unwavering as he struggled to control his breathing. "Hey," Anna called to him while Elsa and Stel observed. "Skywalker...What's wrong?...Anak-"
"She's gone!" he snapped at her. His cybernetic digits twitched beneath his glove.
"Wh-what?" Anna asked. "Who?"
Anakin's shoulders fell forward. He hung his head and whispered a single, solemn name. "Ahsoka."
Anna furrowed her brows. "But I thought she was cleared of all charges," she replied. "The council was to welcome her back. They should have!"
"They did," Anakin asserted. "Only after they turned their backs on her. But Ahsoka isn't coming back."
"Wait," Anna realized. "Are you saying Ahsoka just left?"
Even reiterating his Padawan's actions was enough to make Anakin sneer. "What's done is done," he murmured.
"Oh come on," Anna retorted. "She's one of us. We've gotta go after her-"
"What part of it's done do you not understand?" Anakin yelled as Anna stiffened. "It doesn't matter who was truly responsible. Ahsoka left because we failed her when she needed us most."
"Are you talking about us?...Or the other Jedi?" Anna asked.
"Is there any difference?" Anakin uttered. Flustered, he pressed his fist towards the nearest wall.
"I'm sorry," Anna lamented. "Maybe you're right about her being gone. But it isn't right to make yourself part of the blame for this." Anakin grew misty-eyed as he angrily held back tears. "You found the truth, and that's more than anyone else did. Don't torture yourself for a loss like this. I promise that you'll be the only one who suffers from it."
Anakin shook off any teariness and firmly nodded to Anna. "You're right," he told her.
"And you're not in this alone," Anna insisted. "I'm here for you, as are the rest of your friends."
Anakin recollected himself with a deep breath. "When this war first began, my master had told me to be prepared for the unexpected. After all that I've experienced in this conflict, I doubt even he could've been prepared. Ahsoka made her choice, and I have to go on believing that she did what was best for her." As Anakin stepped away, he took a moment to glance back at Anna. "Thank you," he mumbled. "For seeing things through with me."
"I think we make a good team," Anna replied.
Her words left Anakin pondering as he continued down the hall. Meanwhile, Elsa was still processing Ahsoka's departure. Given all which the council had put the Padawan through, Elsa could understand what would make her leave. Still, learning of Ahsoka's choice shook her to the core. Stel's light touch had Elsa peering down at him. "Master?" her student worried. "Are...you going to leave too?"
The Theelin's question sent a chill down Elsa's spine. She'd be lying if the thought hadn't crossed her mind. If it hadn't crept along like a tempting whisper against constant disappointment. But as she looked into her Padawan's innocent eyes, she saw a child that she couldn't possibly fail. Stel needed a Jedi to believe in where others would turn their backs. Forcing a reassuring smile, Elsa rigorously shook her head in denial. "No," she asserted and narrowed her gaze. "No, of course not. We're in this together."
Stel gulped, yet found comfort in Elsa's words. "Good," he answered and stopped fidgeting with his braid. Before Elsa could speak another word, Stel suddenly threw himself upon her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed as tightly as he could. As Stel pressed his face against Elsa for comfort, she ultimately accepted his gesture. Her astonished hands dropped and returned his embrace. And as she held Stel close, she could only hope her company was enough.
News outlets hadn't stopped talking about the temple bombing and its ensuing murders for hours. The fact that a Jedi had masterminded the attacks and framed one of her own was unfathomable to many. As Galactic City strived to return to any level of normalcy, some wondered if such calmness had ever existed. Crime rates had only increased and less was making sense each day. At this point, no one would even question a luxury airspeeder parked on Level 1313.
The vehicle's pristine condition contrasted against the undercity's grimy ambience. Its windows were completely tinted, obscuring the chauffeur droid and its single passenger in the backseat. A pair of outcasted Twi'leks stood beside the vehicle and repeatedly looked over their shoulders. Vivi and Crujik's nervous reflections shifted as the passenger lowered a window. Contrary to the street's frigid air, the speeder's interior emitted tufts of comforting warmth. Curious, Vivi peered into the vehicle and observed its fine leather seating. A pair of fair-skinned hands emerged from the shadows. As the passenger plucked a teacup from a serving tray, Vivi noticed a cluster of credits stacked on a napkin.
The Twi'lek's gasp was met by the passenger's voice. "Ah ah ah," the woman said before sipping her tea. "Tell me what you know first."
"We were foraging for supplies," Crujik talked over his girlfriend. "And she was in the alley, just like you said." Even Vivi appeared surprised by Crujik's coordination with the woman.
"Did you see her face?" the passenger asked and gently set her tea down.
"Well-" Crujik gulped. "No..."
"Droid," the woman commanded her chauffeur to leave.
"Wait!" Crujik begged until she raised her hand. He took a deep breath and chose his next words carefully. "The pirate was with her. B-Barbossa. Rumors say they escaped together!" While he had often been the more levelheaded Twi'lek, Crujik's nerves were starting to show. He clasped his hands together and awaited a response from the mysterious passenger.
With a tiresome thrust of her hand, she flung the bushel of credits at the couple's feet. She took a moment, watching how desperate the outcasts were to scrounge every chip from the filthy ground. "We're done here," she told her droid while rolling up the window.
As the luxury airspeeder ascended from the underworld portal, the woman reached into an overhead compartment. She plucked a tabac stick from its velvet container and sparked it up. Each flicker briefly highlighted the lower half of her face. The flame's reflection appeared in several flawless sapphires on her necklace. Once ignited, she pressed the tabac stick to her bright red lips. Blowing her first tuft of smoke relaxed her enough to sink into the cushion. Long and wavy, vanilla blonde tresses encapsulated her head as she leaned back. "Dia Veritaz," she spoke in a sultry tone. "Where are you?"
Author's Note: My dearest friends and readers, thank you. You've officially read 100 CHAPTERS of "The Frozen Force!" Thank you so much for joining me on this ongoing journey. With twenty chapters left in Season: 4, we've got one heck of an adventure ahead. I'll see you next Friday for Chapter 101: Skywalker's War (Part I)!