Chapter 13
Padmé had been very understanding of Ahsoka’s decision to return to the Jedi Temple. Anakin, on the other hand, seemed a little concerned but ultimately accepted her choice.
The first thing she did upon her return was report her findings to the Jedi Council. To her surprise, the older Jedi took her seriously, listening intently as she relayed everything she had learned. They even assigned Obi-Wan and Anakin to go investigate Kamino.
But there was one thing she didn’t tell them—Darth Sidious.
Something in her gut told her that revealing his name now wasn’t the right move. Not until she figured out why his voice felt so familiar.
As she walked beside Anakin on their way to the hangar, he shot her a concerned look.
“Are you sure you want to come along?” he asked.
Ahsoka sighed. “Yes, Master. Like I told you a hundred times, I want to do this. I need to get back into training.”
Anakin exhaled, clearly still uncertain, but he didn’t push the issue further. “If you say so.”
When they arrived at the hangar, Captain Rex was already waiting for them, standing at attention.
“General, everything is prepared. We can leave when you’re ready,” he reported. Then he turned to Ahsoka, his expression shifting slightly. “Oh—and welcome back, Commander.”
Ahsoka lifted an eyebrow at the odd look he was giving her. “What?”
“You… uh, you’ve grown quite a bit, sir,” Rex admitted.
She blinked in surprise. Now that he mentioned it, he wasn’t wrong. She had been gone for barely two months, but, as Padmé had predicted, her old clothes no longer fit quite right. Her head-tails had started growing as well—she could feel it in the occasional dull ache.
“It has been a while, Captain,” she said with a small smile.
Rex nodded but still looked a little thrown. Anakin, meanwhile, was smirking as if he found this entire exchange amusing.
“Well, we’ll leave as soon as Kenobi arrives,” Anakin said, turning back to Rex. “Get everyone on board in the meantime.”
Rex saluted before heading off.
Ahsoka felt a surge of excitement as she stepped out into the rain-soaked platforms of Kamino. The stormy sky mirrored the anticipation building inside her. She was ready—more than ready—to take down some clankers.
The only problem? There weren’t any. Not yet, at least.
While her intel had warned of an imminent attack, no one knew exactly when it would come. Anakin was leading the Republic’s fleet in orbit, while she and Obi-Wan were stationed at the base to assist with ground defense.
“Welcome, Master Kenobi. Padawan Tano,” Shaak Ti greeted them as they arrived.
Ahsoka bowed respectfully. “At your service, Master.”
The older Togruta led them through the sprawling clone facility, her expression calm despite the tension in the air.
“We’re well-prepared for an attack,” she explained. “We have a large number of troopers stationed throughout the facility, including ARC troopers on high alert. Still, there are key locations where Jedi assistance would be invaluable.”
She glanced at Ahsoka. “The DNA chamber is one of our most critical areas. The corridors there are narrow, making large-scale engagements difficult. I believe you would be well-suited to assist in its defense, Padawan Tano.”
Ahsoka nodded, straightening slightly at the assignment. “Understood, Master.”
Shaak Ti led her deeper into the facility, where the corridors grew smaller and more confined. Every few meters, a clone trooper stood guard, their stance tense but disciplined.
Finally, they reached the entrance to the DNA chamber. A small squad was stationed outside, their armor marked with distinct patterns of arc troopers. In front of them stood their commanding officer—a clone with a buzz cut and sharp, focused eyes. Unlike the standard troopers, they all carried customized firearms rather than a standard-issue blaster.
“Commander Colt,” Shaak Ti said, gesturing toward him. “This is Padawan Ahsoka Tano. She’ll be assisting in the defense of this sector.”
The clone removed his helmet, tucking it under one arm before giving a crisp nod.
“Thank you, sir,” he acknowledged before turning to Ahsoka. “Commander Colt, at your service.”
His demeanor was strictly professional, his posture unwavering.
Ahsoka met his gaze and returned the nod.
This could work out quite well.
It didn’t take long for the battle to begin. Anakin’s fleet had already dealt significant damage to the Separatist ships, or so the updates indicated. Ahsoka hadn’t heard much from Master Kenobi, who was coordinating outside, but she trusted that the older Jedi had everything under control.
Inside the station, however, no droids had appeared yet. The only signs of a battle were the distant sounds of small explosions.
The DNA chamber was deep within the facility. Ahsoka stood still, listening closely. Then, faint but deliberate footsteps echoed through the narrow corridor. They were too light to belong to a droid.
Red lights flickered, casting an ominous glow on the walls. Ahsoka tensed. At the other end of the corridor, there stood none other than Asajj Ventress, her pale face shadowed by her dark hood, a malicious glint in her eyes.
“Fire!” Commander Colt’s command broke the silence.
Ahsoka didn’t hesitate. Her saber snapped to life, its green blade humming to life in her hand. With a focused expression, she rushed forward, meeting Ventress in the middle of the corridor. Red clashed against green in a shower of sparks.
“I’m not surprised to see you here,” Ahsoka snarled through gritted teeth. “Of course, Dooku would send his dog.”
Ventress merely narrowed her eyes, twisting her blade in a fluid, mocking motion. She wasn’t bothered by the insult.
Ahsoka jumped back to avoid a quick thrust aimed at her midsection. “You know nothing,” Ventress threw back, blocking a blaster shot from one of the clones.
As the fight escalated, Ventress used her agility to maneuver around the clones, and with a sinister flick of her wrist, she lifted one of the soldiers into the air, sending him flying toward her blade. The poor clone’s body was dragged through the saber’s edge falling lifeless to the ground.
Ahsoka could feel the anger rising inside her—strong and sharp as ever. But this time, she had control. The anger wouldn’t take over. She took a quick deep breath. The strength the anger gave her was clear now. She would use it, but she would keep her head cool. Every strike was calculated. Every move was precise.
Despite Ahsoka’s best efforts, Ventress was relentless. The assassin kept targeting clones, forcing Ahsoka to shift her focus away from the fight and protect the troopers. She wouldn’t let them die.
“I’ve played enough. Let’s end this,” Ventress sneered, igniting her second red blade.
Ahsoka’s focus intensified. Now the fight was out of balance. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she ducked, dodged, and parried each vicious blow. The clash of sabers echoed in the narrow corridor, and the weight of every strike felt heavier.
“Get back, protect the door!” Commander Colt’s voice barked, but there was something strange. Why can I hear him so clearly?
“Thought you could use some help,” Colt said with a grin, stepping into the fray beside her.
The ARC trooper wielded a vibro sword in his hands, his posture every bit as disciplined as the Jedi’s.
“We’re ARC troopers. We’re trained for this,” Colt said, holding his ground next to Ahsoka.
Ahsoka couldn’t help but smile, a spark of relief filling her. Together, they pushed Ventress back, slowly driving her down the corridor. They were holding their ground much better now. Ventress was on the defensive for once, retreating step by step as their combined efforts forced her back.
For now, they had the upper hand.
At least until Ventress managed to land a powerful Force-enhanced kick that sent Colt flying backward. The clone hit the ground with a heavy thud, but he wasn’t down for long. Ahsoka’s gaze snapped back to Ventress as she readied herself for the next move.
“Catch!” Colt shouted from the floor, tossing his vibro sword toward her.
Ahsoka caught it easily with her free hand. Despite the difference in weight and design from her lightsaber, the sword felt surprisingly good in her grip. Two blades now—she could work with this.
“Fair game now,” Ahsoka said with a determined smile, her confidence returning.
It seemed Ventress recognized it too. She took a step back, her posture tightening as the pressure mounted under the constant barrage of Ahsoka’s strikes. Her confidence faltered, her eyes flicking from Ahsoka to the retreating space behind her. Slowly, the assassin backed down the corridor, her steps cautious but still calculating.
The corridor ahead split into two paths—left and right. Ventress, seeing an opportunity, broke into a sprint. Ahsoka followed, but her opponent’s longer stride and greater speed began to show. Frustrated, Ahsoka pushed herself harder, trying to close the gap. It was no use. Ventress was faster, her legs taking her to the exit at the end of the hall.
Outside, the weather had turned treacherous. Ahsoka barely had time to brace herself for the gusting wind and the heavy rain that lashed against her clothes. Within seconds, she was drenched, her soaked dress clinging to her skin.
But her focus remained on Ventress, standing at the edge of the platform, a dark silhouette against the stormy sky. Below, the ocean churned violently, massive waves crashing against the rocky coastline.
“There’s no escape. It’s over, Ventress!” Ahsoka shouted, her voice barely audible over the roar of the wind.
In truth, she wasn’t even sure if she could catch her. The platform was slick with rain, and each step she took felt like it could send her sliding into the abyss. But as she made her way toward Ventress, the assassin didn’t even move. She seemed calm, almost too calm.
And then, in a sudden burst of movement, a small ship emerged from the dark waters below, rising up from the sea like a specter. Ventress didn’t hesitate. With one final defiant glance, she leaped onto the ship, vanishing into the stormy skies above.
“Next time!” Ahsoka muttered under her breath, frustrated but resolute. “I’ll get you next time…”
It didn’t take long before everyone reconvened on the Resolute again. As Ahsoka entered the hangar, she heard Anakin’s voice from across the bay.
“Snips, I thought you were protecting a chamber, not taking a bath,” he teased, his lips curling into a smirk as he saw her drenched appearance.
Ahsoka rolled her eyes, her frustration from the chase melting away in the warmth of the familiar banter. “Very funny, Master,” she muttered, but she couldn’t hide the slight smile tugging at her lips.
She glanced at Obi-Wan, who was, unsurprisingly, just as soaked as she was. “Why don’t you ask him the same thing?” she shot back, raising an eyebrow.
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow of his own, a playful glint in his eyes. “Because I actually was swimming,” he replied smugly. “Aqua droids are generally better in water.”
Ahsoka sighed dramatically, playfully defeated.. So I’m losing to both of you now, huh?
She turned to Rex, hoping for a bit of solidarity. The clone captain only offered her an apologetic look, as if to say he couldn’t help her this time.
Ahsoka threw him a dramatic look.
Time for some dry clothes then.
On her way from her room in now dry clothes wanting to find some company, Ahsoka heard loud voices and laughter coming from the clone quarters. Curious, she made her way closer and saw the door ajar. She couldn’t resist taking a quick peek inside. Just a little. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Jesse stood there with a broad grin on his face.
“Commander, if you want to celebrate with us, you have to come in!” he said, motioning for her to join them.
Ahsoka felt her headtails darken a bit with embarrassment as she stepped inside. “What are we even celebrating?” she asked, her eyes scanning the room.
“Oh, you haven’t heard? Echo and Fives got promoted—they’re ARC troopers now,” Jesse explained, handing her a glass.
Ahsoka eyed the drink warily. “You know I’m not legally allowed to drink, right?” she said with a raised eyebrow.
“It’s just for a little toast,” Hardcase added with a grin.
Ahsoka smiled, shaking her head. He was probably right, and it wasn’t like she could refuse an important moment like this. “To Fives and Echo,” she said, raising her glass. The rest of the clones followed suit, clinking their glasses together.
The room was small and cramped, but the atmosphere felt warm and relaxed. The clones fell into conversation as they celebrated, and Ahsoka couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie she hadn’t experienced since the two months on her little vacation.
“Commander, is it true you fought Ventress with a vibrosword today?” Tup asked, a curious glint in his eye.
Ahsoka nodded, taking a sip from her glass. “Yeah, Colt threw it to me. Honestly, it felt way better to fight with two weapons instead of one.”
“Like Rex,” someone in the room commented, and chuckles erupted from the group.
“I told you two have a lot in common,” another clone added with a knowing look.
Ahsoka blinked, genuinely confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing, Commander, don’t worry,” Echo said, his grin widening as he took a sip from his glass.
“Anyways,” one of the clones said, eager to keep the conversation going, “why don’t you just get a second lightsaber? Jedi can have more than one, right?”
Ahsoka paused, considering the question. “I mean, theoretically, yes. But I’m not sure Skyguy would allow it.”
“Nah, even if he says no, we’ll help you convince him,” Jesse said, now clearly a bit tipsy as you could guess from is articulation.
Ahsoka chuckled. “I’ll try, I’ll try.”
A few hours later, as Ahsoka turned to leave, Tup stopped her for a moment.
“Here, Master Ti asked me to give this to you,” he said, handing her a small, sealed letter.
“Thank you,” Ahsoka replied, taking the paper. Now this was getting strange. Did Master Ti no longer trust the Holonet, or was there something else going on? Ahsoka hurried back to her room, eager to see what the letter contained.
She carefully peeled open the seal and unfolded the letter. Inside were only a few words, written in simple, concise handwriting.
The chips exist. I don’t know why or what they do, but I have a bad feeling about them.
Ahsoka’s heart skipped a beat. The more she uncovered, the stranger it all became.
How many more conspiracies were there to uncover? Were they all connected, or was this just coincidence? What were these chips? What did Dooku have to do with it all? And who was Darth Sidious? Why did his voice sound so familiar?