Chapter Text
CORUSCANT - LOWER STREETS
Ahsoka aimlessly wandered the lower streets of Coruscant, homeless on the most densely populated planet in the galaxy.
She had no credits, having spent what little she had on an air taxi to get her as far away from the temple as possible. The temple had been her home and her family, but they had cast her aside the moment there was any suspicion against her, just to protect their already dwindling reputation.
Not even Obi-Wan or Plo Koon had tried to help her, the latter instead hunting her down.
Now more than ever, she felt that the Jedi Council had lost their way. They had become so invested in the war that they were failing to uphold their very own beliefs and ideals. There were few Jedi left that could even be considered true followers of the Jedi Code; the intergalactic war bringing a certain arrogance to many Jedi.
A couple walked by who gave her a suspicious glance. Ahsoka could sense their feelings of unease as their eyes glazed over her worn battledress and fatigued features. For the first time in a while she felt truly vulnerable.
At least she could be comforted by the fact that Anakin had never lost faith in her; nor had Padmé, who’s help in the trial had been most appreciated.
Ahsoka had already considered going to her for help, but she didn’t want to become a burden for the Senator. Padmé had already risked her reputation in the trial, and for that Ahsoka would be forever grateful.
“Hey, watch where you’re going kid!” yelled a Quarren she seemed to have walked into, lost in her own thoughts.
“I’m sorry, I-”
“You should be more careful! Now get out of my way.” he shouted, pushing past her with a glare.
Ahsoka spun around, watching as the angry Quarren stormed away. About to shout something back, she suddenly felt a strong urge from the force. She closed her eyes and attempted to locate the source.
A blurry vision started to overtake her sight. There was a small building, yet crowded and busy. Many species were drinking and gambling, with a bar fight taking place in the corner of the room. An Ithorian was attempting to break up the fight as a twi'lek dancer hopped around the chaos.
Ahsoka opened her eyes, knowing exactly what she had just envisioned.
“A bar,” she muttered quietly to herself, “worth a shot I guess.”
It looked pretty rundown at first glance. An old sign above the door reading ‘Kendar’s Bar’ showed signs of wear and age, but considering she was on the lower levels of Coruscant, Ahsoka wasn’t expecting much else from the place.
“Hopefully it’s better on the inside.” Ahsoka thought to herself as she neared the old door.
Kendar’s bar was exactly like her vision.
Busy - very busy.
Without the security of her lightsabers, saying she was cautious would be an understatement. This wasn’t exactly somewhere she was accustomed to, so she made sure to be on high alert.
Walking over to the bar, Ahsoka took a seat and waited for the bartender. She watched as the Ithorian, Kendar she presumed, poured a glass of alcohol for one of the locals. He seemed harmless enough, and Ahsoka felt no warnings from his force signature.
Eventually, he strolled over to her as he polished a small glass with his large hands. He looked her up and down curiously before saying anything.
“What can I get ya?” he asked in an exhausted tone. Considering the amount of people in here Ahsoka wasn’t surprised at his fatigue.
“I’m looking for some work, got any leads?”
The Ithorian considered her request for a second, “Hm, I might have a few errands you could run for me, if you need the creds.”
She nodded at him, and the Ithorian leaned closer, “My brother owns a small droid stall a few blocks away. If you could deliver a holodisk to him I would be sure to pay you well.” Kendar said, pulling the disk out of his pocket and placing it on the bar surface.
“Sounds easy enough, how much are we talking?” she asked, picking up the disk and inspecting it briefly.
“Five hundred credits should compensate you for your time.”
Ahsoka looked at him; eyes wide, “Five hundred credits?”
‘Maybe it’ll be harder than I thought to survive down here’ she thought.
“I would say that's more than enough for a simple job like this. I’m afraid that’s all I’ve got, so unless there’s anything else you want?” Kendar said nonchalantly as he looked down at her, arms crossed.
“Right...I guess I’ll do it. It’s just- I was hoping for something that would pay well.” Ahsoka said, unable to keep eye contact as she sheepishly glanced around, “I’ve been out of work lately and I need the credits.”
Ahsoka knew that she couldn’t give away that she was once a jedi. Public opinion for the jedi is very low as it is. Even if it did mean having to be more secretive about her past.
“More credits? In this economy? It's the best I can do for ya right now." the Ithorian said, "You’ll be paid once returning here of course. The stall should be easy enough to find, but if you get lost just ask for Oren’s Droids. One of the most well known droid merchants in the lower city. Someone will know where to find it.” Kendar stated, handing her the holodisk. “Once you’re done, come back here and I might have another job for ya.”
Ahsoka nodded, taking the disk and standing up to leave. “What exactly is on this disk?” she asked, her inquisitive nature getting the better of her.
“Sensitive business information, that’s all.”
“Why sensitive?” Ahsoka asked, puzzled.
“Enough questions,” Kendar snarled, “I’m not paying you to start an investigation. Now if you don’t mind, I have a bar to run.”
Ahsoka gave him one more glance, then turned back towards the door, even more curious about the contents of the holodisk. Regardless, she needed the credits and for now this was the best she had.
JEDI TEMPLE - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
“I fear we have made a grave mistake in letting Ahsoka go.” Obi-Wan stated, “We've abandoned her when she needs us most.”
“That may be Obi-Wan, but we gave her the chance to come back to the Order. It was her own choice to leave.” Windu replied coldly.
“And do you blame her for turning it down, how could she trust us after all that's happened? We put her on trial for a crime she didn’t commit!”
Mace frowned as he prepared to respond, but then Yoda interfered, “Clear it is, that we were in the wrong. Trust now in Ahsoka’s abilities, we must. Learn from this, we shall”.
Obi-Wan slunk into his chair, distracted in thought. Ahsoka was only seventeen, and now she was on her own in the depths of Coruscant. Not only was worried about her, but he also felt a heavy sense of guilt. The council hadn’t even fully apologised to her, instead claiming it was the will of the force. He had lost some respect for Windu after that statement, Obi-Wan was sure that was what turned her away from the order for good.
“Moving on, we have more pressing matters to discuss.” Windu stated, “The Separatists have occupied Ringo Vinda, and it is critical that we send a strike force there to retake the planetary ring.”
“I agree,” spoke Ki-Adi Mundi, who was keen to move on from the previous uncomfortable subject, “the ring is an important communications facility and command centre for our forces in the Mid Rim. It’s imperative it is recaptured.”
“But do we have the forces to spare? Our troops are stretched thin as it is.” Sassae Tinn said.
“Indeed, but we can’t let that station fall into Seperatist hands.” Mace Windu said, glancing at Yoda with a face etched with concern.
“Agree I do, retake Ringo Vinda we must,” Yoda sighed, “Sense a great disturbance in the force; the dark side clouds everything. Deception, I sense. More to this occupation, there is.”
“Generals Tiplee and Tiplar are already enroute to intercept the Separatist fleet, but I do not believe they alone will have the forces needed to take back the planet.” Kit Fisto said as he glanced around the room, “Perhaps we could send in some troops to reinforce them?”
“But who to send?” Mace Windu asked.
This time, Obi-Wan sat up, “Well, I know that Anakin and the 501st are currently on Coruscant, we could redeploy them to Ringo Vinda.” Obi-Wan stated, then frowning with concern after thinking through what he had just suggested, “Although maybe now wouldn’t be a good time. He’s just lost Ahsoka and, well, you know how he can be.”
“Reckless and impulsive” Mace suggested, gaining a look from Obi-Wan and making the rest of the council somewhat uneasy.
“Perhaps there is another battalion we can send?” a holographic Plo Koon suggested.
“No,” said Yoda, “Go, Skywalker must. No other forces to spare, are there.”
“Then I shall inform him immediately.” Obi-Wan stated.
“Very well then, this meeting is adjourned.” Mace said, holograms fading and members standing up to leave.
Obi-Wan remained seated, as did Yoda, the latter sensing he had more to discuss with him. They sat in silence until everyone had left the room.
“Something more you wish to discuss, hm?” Yoda then asked, looking at Obi-Wan patiently.
“Yes Master. I worry about Anakin. I feel that this ordeal with Ahsoka’s trial has taken away his trust in the council, something we were trying to avoid.”
Yoda nodded, and so Obi-Wan continued, “Sending him on an assignment now is only going to make him more frustrated with the council. Perhaps we can give him a few more days leave?”
Yoda closed his eyes, sighed, then looked back up to Obi-Wan. “Understand your fears I do, but at war we are. Assignments, the rest of the council has, including yourself. No one else there is, so trust in Skywalker we must.” Yoda said.
Yoda understood that sending Anakin on an assignment now was risky, but he was one of the most gifted knights in the order, not to mention the chosen one. Logically he was the best choice for the mission.
“Then maybe we can send someone with him, someone he trusts.” Obi-Wan said, “Perhaps we could track down Ahsoka? Give her a second chance?”
“Made her choice she has, Obi-Wan. Trust in Skywalker. A very talented Jedi he is, more than capable for the task, hm?”
“Very well, thank you Master.” Obi-Wan said, standing up and bowing.
He only hoped Anakin would understand.
PADME’S APARTMENT
Anakin had gone straight to Padmé the moment Ahsoka had left.
She was one of the few people Anakin knew that he could confide in, alongside Palpatine and Obi-Wan. Although, after the Rako Hardeen incident and now this, even Obi-Wan was starting to lose his trust.
The rest of the council were deceptive, arrogant and power hungry; he hated their little meetings where all they ever seemed to do was talk about inconsequential matters.
He'd always felt had neglected him ever since he had arrived on Coruscant with Qui-Gon all those years ago. Despite being the ‘Chosen One’, a status he didn’t even want, they treated him with little respect. The title gave everyone high expectations of his abilities, and they never seemed impressed by his actual accomplishments.
Anakin still didn’t fully understand what he was supposed to achieve as the Chosen One. The Father of Mortis claimed that he would bring balance to the force one day, although how he would do this was still a mystery.
“What’s wrong Ani?” Padmé said softly to him, bringing him a glass of water.
He hadn’t even managed to tell her what had happened yet. Ahsoka and Padmé had become quite good friends over the few years they had known each other. This news would break her as much as it had himself.
His thoughts still dwelled on Ahsoka’s last words. ‘I know’
Did she really know about his marriage with the senator? It was a question he would need to ask her if he ever saw her again.
“She’s gone.” He said bluntly, voice nearly breaking as the flashbacks replayed in his mind.
Padmé was a little confused, but remained patient, “Who’s gone?”
“Ahsoka. She- she left the Order.” he managed, a few tears welling in his eyes.
Padmé swiftly sat next to him, pulling him closer and letting him know it would all be okay.
After a few minutes of silence, Padmé decided to press him for more information. “Did the Council not welcome her back?” she asked.
“They did, but she refused. Not like I blame her, I would have done the exact same thing in her position."
He tightened his fist, "I can’t believe the Council, they didn’t even apologise to her!”
Padmé was silent, unsure what to say.
“It’s Windu’s fault,” he continued, “if he could’ve admitted his mistake-”
“Anakin.”
“Not to mention Obi-Wan. He didn’t even try to stop the rest of them. It’s like he forgot everything they'd been through together! He doesn’t even care!”
“Anakin stop it!” Padmé shouted, “Of course Obi-Wan cares about her. He's your friend, he cares about you and Ahsoka both.”
She didn’t like to shout, but sometimes Anakin could get too carried away with his emotions and feelings. Something that was occurring more and more often lately.
“Now, tell me exactly what happened. From the beginning.” Padmé said softly, holding his hand in comfort.
And so Anakin explained everything to her. The duel with Barriss, the Council’s lack of apology, and Ahsoka's final words to him.
Along with the concern that their relationship was known to Ahsoka, Padmé was in disbelief that the Council had made no effort to track Ahsoka down for her own safety.
The thought of a young Togruta alone on Coruscant made her skin crawl. But she trusted Ahsoka, knowing that if things got that bad she would definitely seek out help.
Anakin too had faith in Ahsoka. He knew she was resourceful and was more than capable of defending herself if things took a turn for the worse. He just wished that he had the opportunity to give Ahsoka her lightsabers back.
He had the Clones bring her lightsabers to him once Ahsoka was captured, as he had hoped to return them to her once she came back to his side as a padawan.
Despite her leaving, he’d decided that he would hold onto the lightsabers. Just in case.
Anakin was broken from his thoughts as his communicator began to bleep.
Pulling it from his utility belt, he wondered who would be calling him at this hour. Surely not the Council already.
He glanced at Padmé, who gestured to him to answer the call as she got up and gave him some space. Anakin sighed, then answered the comlink.
“Anakin, are you there?” came his Master’s voice through the communicator.
“Yes Master, what is it?” he replied, somewhat irritated. He was planning on spending the night with Padmé tonight but he knew that if Obi-Wan was calling him this late, it was probably urgent.
“Anakin, I’m not sure how to put this, but the Council wants you redeployed with the 501st to Ringo Vinda immediately.”
Anakin hesitated, “Immediately?”
“Yes, I have already contacted Captain Rex. He is preparing your troops to depart, and they will be ready to leave in one hour.”
“But- are there no other Jedi that could go? What about Master Plo or Mundi?”
“I’m sorry Anakin but their decision is final. Our forces are stretched far too thin as it is, and the rest of the Council have been given assignments already. You will be reinforcing General Tiplee and Tiplar who are already enroute. Capturing the facility is of the greatest importance, it holds-”
“The command and communication centre of the Mid Rim, I know Master. I'm already on my way.” Anakin said in a frustrated tone.
“Thank you, Anakin.”
The call ended, and Anakin looked straight to Padmé who was stood outside on the balcony.
Their eyes met, and no words spoken or necessary as Padmé’s eyes explained it all.
Guilt, frustration, but mostly sadness. Anakin couldn’t wait for a time when the war was over, so he could spend more time with the woman he loved.
CORUSCANT - LOWER STREETS
Ahsoka was yet to find the market, as Kendar’s directions had been less than helpful.
She expected the reputation of Kendar’s brother, Oren, to be somewhat exaggerated. Droid merchants were numerous on Coruscant, and they were all the same. They would sell anything to make a quick profit.
She also didn’t like all the secrecy and did not want to be dragged into something larger than she could manage right now. But, she needed the credits, and if it got her more work then she saw no other alternative.
It was getting late, and the busy streets of the lower levels were starting to die down.
Most of the bars and nightlife were in a more densely populated region of the lower levels, leaving streets like this empty once the night started to draw in.
Ahsoka enjoyed the silence however. It was a welcome opportunity to clear her head.
So much had happened over the last few days, she was surprised she hadn’t had a full mental overload. Being framed for a murder she didn’t commit, abandoned by her only family, stripped of her status and sent to trial; possibly executed if not for Padmé. Not to mention being betrayed by one of her closest friends, Barriss.
It was all becoming too much for her, and she was actually somewhat grateful that she could escape from it all; the war and especially the politics. Friends were hard to come by, and she wasn't even sure who she could trust anymore.
All she had known was warfare, and whilst it had made her into a fine warrior and battlefield tactician, she had never experienced what people would call a ‘normal life’.
Ahsoka was drawn out of her thoughts by a slight disturbance in the force. She was being followed.
Subtly glancing behind her, she noticed that three figures were following closely, and her senses were screaming hostiles.
She knew she could easily take them if they were unarmed thugs, and even if they did have blasters she was certain she could still subdue them. Yet she still felt a sense of unease, not liking the lack of familiarity she had with this area.
What was clear though was that whatever was hidden on this disk, somebody else wanted it. At least she could ask for more credits for the trouble she was about to go through.
Ahsoka stopped walking, and turned around to the three figures following behind her. They stepped out of the shadow, revealing them to be Weequay, a species she had encountered numerous times with Hondo’s gang.
“You have something we want,” their leader in the middle stated, stepping closer, “so how’s about you give us that holodisk, and we won’t make this harder than it needs to be.” The other two laughed, pulling out knives and pointing them at her.
Ahsoka didn’t even acknowledge the knives and stood vigilant.
“What do you want with the disk?”
The thugs laughed, as their leader raised an open palm, “I don’t see why that’s any concern of yours. Now hand it over.”
Ahsoka raised her fists, “Not a chance.”
The leader chuckled, “This should be interesting. We’ll play it your way then.”
The lead thug quickly pulled out a knife and rushed forward, lunging for her chest. Ahsoka easily evaded him, grabbing his arm and twisting it firmly, forcing him to drop the knife and fall to the floor in pain.
The other two tried their luck, but to no avail. Ahsoka effortlessly dodged their attacks, throwing in the occasional kick to tire them out. Then, she started to press the offensive.
In a flurry of kicks she knocked them to the ground, leaving them both clutching their stomachs as they gasped for air.
Their leader pulled himself up and charged Ahsoka before she could react, knocking her to the ground.
Attempting to knock her unconscious, he raised his fist as he held her head to the ground.
Ahsoka struggled against his grip, moving just in time and letting the thug punch the ground with all the force he had gathered.
He screamed out in pain, and Ahsoka used this to her advantage, kicking him in the midriff and pushing him to the ground.
She stared at the other two who had only just recovered. They quickly saw they were outmatched and fled, leaving Ahsoka alone with their leader.
“Wha- what are you?” he gasped between breaths as he tried to crawl backwards, “Some kind of- ugh- bounty hunter?”
“It’s like you said, it’s no concern of yours. Now, you’re going to tell me exactly what is on this disk and why you need it.”
“I won’t tell you anything! My employer will kill me!” he gasped, attempting to stand up. Ahsoka quickly pressed her foot on his back, forcing him back on the ground.
“Please- let me go, I don’t know anything. I swear!” he said, trying to get loose.
Ahsoka pressed her foot harder, causing him to curse under his breath as he continued to squirm around. “Okay, okay. I will tell you what little I know as long as you let me go.”
Ahsoka smiled, “I’m listening.”
“My boss wanted the disk, something about an important cargo delivery. Very valuable to his contact.”
“But what would a simple droid merchant have that is highly valuable?” Ahsoka questioned, the situation not quite adding up in her head. Obviously there was more to this Oren than she had expected.
“I don’t know, I was just paid to steal the disk, no questions asked. Now let me go.” the Weequay said, getting frustrated.
Ahsoka relented, releasing her hold upon him. The thug quickly got up and ran away.
The whole ordeal had Ahsoka asking herself lots of questions, but she had to keep moving to get the disk to Oren, who was probably waiting for her arrival and eager to close up his shop for the night.
Luckily she soon found it, only being a five minute walk from where she had been ambushed.
Oren looked very similar to his brother, except he wasn’t as tall. His stall was fairly big, but she was right about his reputation being exaggerated. The droids that were on display were mostly damaged and probably weren’t functional in any way. The stall itself looked like it was better maintained than the bar she had been in earlier, but it was clear that business wasn’t exactly booming here.
“How can I help you?” the Ithorian asked as Ahsoka approached the stall. He was already starting to pack up for the night.
“I have something for you. A holodisk,” Ahsoka said, taking the disk from her utility belt and showing it to the Ithorian, “I guess this was worth all of the trouble in getting it to you?” she probed.
“Trouble? What do you mean trouble?”
“Thugs - three of them. They ambushed me just a few streets from here.”
“I see. They must be after the information inside.” he stated simply, taking the disk from Ahsoka as she handed it to him. “My brother and I are ordering a large amount of parts to set up our new business. We’re transforming his bar into a workhouse so we can manufacture our own speeder bikes.”
“Speeder parts, huh?” Ahsoka asked, somewhat disappointed but not entirely buying it. He was hiding something, but she decided to play along with it for now.
“Yes, speeder parts. Anyhow, it is getting late and I’d like to close up now. Here’s some credits, get yourself a taxi to wherever you need to be. You deserve it.” the Ithorian said, “Oh, and make sure to check back with my brother to get your payment, I will let him know you called by with the disk.”
Ahsoka walked away as he started to pack away his remaining equipment. She was still suspicious of Oren, but the credits were a generous gift.
What she did know was that she was tired and hungry, and she hoped that ‘Kendar’s Bar’ at least had some lodgings she could rent for the night.
Ahsoka walked in silence as she wandered back down the street, still wondering what the Ithorian could be covering up, if he was even covering anything up at all...