Old Friends Not Forgotten
3RD Person
Ahsoka was on Coruscant in the Martez sister's hanger. She was in a closet where she contacted Axle. "Hey how are you holding up?" the ex Jedi asked. Ahsoka just smiled at him, "I'm just happy to hear your voice. It's been rough lately. Where are you now?" "I'm currently on Tannab. Ellisia is finishing a lesson with me. Also, I've been working on my Vaapad techniques. I wouldn't call myself a Master yet, but I'm pretty good." Axle answered. "Well.....I'm...fixing a bike." Ahsoka laughed. Axle laughed with her. "When can I expect to see you?" Ahsoka asked. Axle gave her a smile, "Within a week I'll be by your side again. And Ahsoka," "Yes?" Ahsoka says. "Nothing. I'll tell you when I see you." Axle responds. "Ahsoka, are you in here?" Trace asked. "I have to go." Ahsoka says. "Good luck fixing that bike." He laughed and ended the transmission.
Trace then walked in, "I heard someone else. Who were you talking to?" Ahsoka hesitated. "Wait don't tell me. It's your boyfriend." Trace screamed in excitement. Ahsoka chuckled a little, "I guess he is." realizing the facts. Trace just continued to scream, "EEEE MY BEST FRIEND HAS A BOYFRIEND!!!" Raffa then walked to them, "Wait wait wait. You never said you had a boyfriend. What other secrets have you been hiding?" "Oh calm down Raffa. If she wanted to keep it a secret, she has her reasons." Trace said. "Ugh whatever. As long as you don't cause us trouble." Raffa responds. Trace continued to ask questions, "How tall is he? How long have you been together? Is he cute? Are you gonna get married?" Ahsoka just smiled and answered, "He's about my height, if not taller. If you must know, we got together about a year and a half ago." Trace kept rambling on, "Did you two....You know....Do it?" Ahsoka looked up at the ceiling and felt Axle's presence through the force. She smiled, "I'd rather keep that to myself."
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After the trio end up on Oba Diah, Mandalorians hide on a rooftop. "She can help us, but we need something to convince her we aren't her enemy." Bo Katan says. She then got an idea, "Contact him." Ursa spoke up, "But he might not believe us either." Bo then answered, "Oh he will. Once he finds out she's involved, he won't hesitate."
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Trace, Raffa and Ahsoka are on their way back to Coruscant. "I can't believe you are a Jedi. Is your boyfriend a Jedi too." Raffa asked. "He was. He left the order before me. After I left, he helped me raise some credits, but he had to leave for a month to follow his own path." Ahsoka answered. "We never got his name. Is it a cute name?" Trace asked again. "Axle. His name is Axle." Ahsoka answered. Trace smirked, "Axle. That name makes him sound tough. Is he strong? Does he have strong arms? Oh what about the abs?" Ahsoka then smirked too, "He is pretty rip." Trace just bit her lip.
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When they landed back on Coruscant, another ship landed next to them. "Wow Mandalore class. What are Mandalorians doing here?" Trace said. The ramp opened. "Get behind me." Ahsoka orders. A figure walks out, "Oh so you're not happy to see me?" Axle laughs. Ahsoka just dropped her guard and ran toward him, "AXLE!!!" "Ahsoka." Axle responded as she jumped into his arms. "I thought you weren't coming back for another week." Ahsoka says through her small tears of joy. Axle just stared into her eyes, "Well I heard that you were in trouble and I couldn't wait." Trace then geeked out again, "EEEE, THIS IS YOUR BOYFRIEND? HE'S SO CUTE. WOW AND SO STRONG!!!" as she ran over and felt his arms. Axle stared at her then back to Ahsoka with a confused and weird look on his face. Ahsoka just smiled and chucked. "Is this how Obi-Wan felt when we were younger?" Axle laughed. Ahsoka cringed and laughed. Bo Katan and her Mandalorians walked out of their ship. "What are they doing here?" Ahsoka asked. Axle put his hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry they're with me. They have some important information." Bo Katan then explained about Maul. "How am I gonna face Maul in this?" Ahsoka said, pointing out her mechanic outfit. "Don't worry. I found some stuff on my travels. It was supposed to be a gift." Axle answered. Ahsoka just stared into his eyes once again and smiled. Ahsoka looked back at the sisters. "You should go." Trace said. "Yea. This is what you were meant to do." Raffa answered. Ahsoka then turned around and walked next to Axle who put his arm around her shoulders as they boarded the ship and flew off to meet with the Republic fleet.
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Anakin and Obi-Wan arrive at the bridge, "All right Admiral. What's so important that you brought us all the way back here....." Ahsoka and Axle turned around to face him on the holo-communicator, "Hello Master. It's been a while." "A....Ahsoka....Axle.....wha....I don't believe it. How are you? Where are you? Are you ok." "We're alright. Thank you." Ahsoka answered. Axle nodded, "How goes the sieges?" "Axle, I can't believe you're talking to us.....after what we did."Obi-Wan sighed looking down. "Believe me Master Kenobi, my trust has been shaken too much for a quick forgiveness. But I do believe that you personally have earned some of my respect again." Axle replied. Ahsoka looked back at Anakin," I wish we had more time to talk, but we have urgent information for both of you." "What is it Ahsoka?" "Lady Bo Katan, Axle and I have located the renegade Sith Lord Maul. And if we move swiftly, we believe we can capture him."
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Axle and Ahsoka walked down the ramp of their ship along with the few Mandalorians. Anakin was overjoyed, "Axle, Ahsoka I'm so glad..." "We'll have to catch up another time." Ahsoka interrupted. Bo Katan stepped up, "Every minute we waste here, gives Maul an opportunity to slip away." Anakin looked down. Master Kenobi nodded, "We understand. Please follow me." Axle walked over to Anakin, "Don't worry, she's happy to be back. It's good to see you again Anakin." Anakin smiled.
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After the discussion, Axle, Ahsoka and Anakin were left alone in the command center. "I'll meet you in the hanger." Axle said. Anakin quickly nodded and winked at him before he turned and walked out. "Come on. I have a surprise for you." Anakin said to Ahsoka.
"They shouldn't salute me anymore. Not since I left the order." Ahsoka responded. Anakin smiled, "It doesn't matter to them. It's a sign of respect. They know what you went through for them. Day after day. Battle after battle. Loyalty means everything to the clones." The door to the hanger opened. Axle, Rex and Chase all faced her, "COMPANY, ATTENTION!!!." Anakin smiled again, "Go ahead they've been waiting to see you." Ahsoka walked down the line of clones. "You knew about this?" Ahsoka asked Axle. "Anakin quickly contacted me after our discussion on the commlink." He answered. "You weren't thinking she was the only one getting a surprise right?" Anakin asked. Axle looked at him confused, "What do you mean?" Anakin then activated a holo-projector revealing Master Mace Windu who smiled. "Axle. It's good to see you." Axle just stared as the Jedi Master continued, "I know you can never forgive me after what the council has proven to be. I am not asking for forgiveness, but after Commander Chase and the others told me you were coming back, I allowed them to meet with you. They will help aid in your struggle." Then Axle turned around revealing a squad of 338th troopers with their newly painted helmets as they saluted him. "I....Thank you." Axle responded, addressing everyone. Mace then gave one last smile and ended the transmission.
"Oh I have one last surprise for you." Anakin said, holding out a box to Ahsoka. All of a sudden, alarms started going off as Master Kenobi rushed in, "Anakin, Rex prepare all forces. We're jumping to hyperspace immediately." "Yes sir. MEN WITH ME!!!" "So the Attack on Mandalore was approved?" Anakin asked. Kenobi shook his head. "No it's Coruscant. Grievous has attacked the capital." "And the Chancellor?" Anakin asked again. "Shock-ti has been sent to protect him, but Master Windu has lost contact with her. Not to worry. Our fleet can be there within the hour" Kenobi answered. Axle spoke up, "I just talked with Master Windu. The attack just happened?" "So that's it. Your abandoning Bo Katan and her people?" Ahsoka added in anger. "Ahsoka, Axle, surely you understand that this is a pivotal moment in the Clone War. The heart of the Republic is under attack." Obi-Wan answered. "I understand that as usual you're playing politics. This is why the people had lost faith in the Jedi. Did you not see that when Axle left? Did you not see that after what you did to me?" Ahsoka countered. Axle then got aggressive, "You always choose to protect who you think is more important. People on Mandalore are waiting for liberation and you're going to abandon millions to rescue a single soul?" Kenobi crossed his arms. "That's not fair." Ahsoka and Axle gave a glare, "We're not trying to be." "Even if we take the 338th, we still need more than one company to secure Mandalore." Axle informed. "I'll divide the 501st. Make a new division under Ahsoka's command." Anakin suggested. "Unfortunately Ahsoka, nor Axle are a part of the Grand Army of the Republic." Obi-Wan replied "No that's not entirely true. Axle is still considered a leader to the 338th. He's of age to be put in charge as General." Anakin answered. Kenobi rolled his eyes, "We still can't just merge our forces with the 338th without proper clearance." Anakin thought for a moment, "We'll promote Rex to Commander and he can lead and merge with the new division. Ahsoka can go with them as an advisor. What do you say?" Ahsoka nodded. "I accept. That is if Axle and Obi-Wan agree." "You know I'm in." Axle says. Kenobi finally gave in, "Very well." Ahsoka and Axle lifted their glares and smiled toward the Jedi Master. Kenobi smiled back, "May the force be with you. Oh one more thing. I've killed Maul once. Best to capture him. He doesn't seem to stay dead." Kenobi then walked away.
"Thanks for the support as always." Ahsoka said. Anakin smiled, "That's what friends are for." Axle and Ahsoka looked at each other and nodded. Axle then spoke up, "Anakin. I think it's time to tell you..." He was interrupted by Skywalker, "That you and Ahsoka are in a relationship?" Anakin just raised an eyebrow and smiled. Axle flipped out, "What? Who told you? It was those pesky younglings wasn't it?" Anakin just laughed, "Next time try a better excuse than extra pillows." Axle and Ahsoka stared at each other. She raised her eyebrow and squinted at her partner, "What? You try something better." Anakin then realized something, "Wait, the younglings knew about it?" Axle quickly interrupted, "Forget about what I said." "If you knew, then why didn't you say anything?" Ahsoka asked. "Because after I came to realize your relationship, I figured you've been together a while. I saw how happy that made you two, and I didn't want to take that away." Anakin answered which made them all smile. "If you're gonna face Maul, you'll need these." as Anakin presented the box to his former Padawan. Ahsoka opened it revealing her lightsabers. She took them out and tried out her new blue blades. Anakin grinned, "You two take care of Maul, I'll handle Grievous and with any luck, this will all be over soon." Ahsoka and Axle looked at each other, "Master Kenobi said there's no such thing as luck." Anakin smirked at the two, "Good thing I taught you otherwise." "Well then it's a good thing we paid attention." Axle jokes as they all chuckled. Anakin then started to walk toward the door. "Anakin..." Skywalker turns back toward the two. "Good luck." They both say as he gives a smile and walks off. Ahsoka and Axle then turned around and headed toward the gunships where Chase and Rex were waiting.
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The gunships flew down toward Mandalore. A clone came over the comms, "Commander, I have Prime Minister Almac on the Comm." Rex nodded, "Put him through." "What is the meaning of this invasion?" Minister Almac shouted. Bo Katan put on her angry face, "Your time has come Almac. We know you're Maul's puppet. And we are coming for him." Almac smirked, "Ah, Mistress Bo Katan. Siding with the Republic will make you an enemy in the eyes of the people." Bo Katan rolled her eyes, "I'm fine with that." Ahsoka smirked, "You're nothing like your sister." Axle laughed, "Well she is a Mandalorian Warrior."
Bo Katan contacted one of her warriors, "Ursa...Can you confirm the target's location?" "I can only confirm Maul has not left the capital. Any other attempts to trace him have been blocked. Almac is already deploying his defenses." Ursa replied. The gunship started to rock. "We've got incoming." The pilot reported. Missiles started to whiz pass the gunships as they tried to dodge them. The side doors opened and the Mandos flew off to engage the enemy. "What are you waiting for? Get out there." Bo Katan yelled as she jumped off the gunship. "Sorry didn't think to bring you a jetpack." Rex says. Ahsoka smiled, "Don't need one." Rex just smiled at the two. "Race you boys to the surface." Axle got excited, "You're on." They both jumped off the ship to aid in the battle.
Axle and Ahsoka jumped from ship to ship taking out enemy Mandalorians and aiding fellow troopers. Ahsoka jumped onto a damaged gunship as it slowly fell from the sky. Axle jumped up in front of her and deflected anti-aircraft fire. Ahsoka managed to slice the cockpit window open as the pilot quickly ejected.
The two ex Jedi then jumped off the gunship and landed on the landing docks. With perfect skill and precision, the two deflected the bolts away as the rest of their forces landed. "Beat you." Ahsoka said to Axle. "You mean I beat you." he answered. "I clearly hit the ground first." Ahsoka smirked back. Axle chuckled, "You clearly did not." as the two ran off toward the battle. Rex and Chase landed behind them and heard their fun argument. "Some things never change." Rex said. Chase just laughed, "Some things don't have too." as they followed their Commander and General.
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Gunships, Mandalorians, and clones flew overhead as the command group talked about their next move. Rex and Chase landed next to them, "No sign of Maul yet." Bo Katan spoke up, "We can't sustain a long siege. I'll head for the throne room and deal with Almac. You must find Maul." she said as she flew off. Ahsoka then addressed Rex, "I want you to support Ursa at the docks. We must ensure Maul doesn't escape." "if he's here. If he's not, then all of this plays right into his hand." Rex answered. "Chase, take your lead squad and scout the rest of the enemies defenses. If it was this easy to take half the city, we need to know what their next move is." Axle ordered. Chase then responded, "Yes General." "Commander's this is CT-0292 I think we have something." "Ahsoka and I will be right there Captain." Axle answered. As they all left for their duties.
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Axle and Ahsoka then arrived at Vaughn's location. "Captain Vaughn. What have you got?" Ahsoka asked. "We were cutting off this access point to the under city, when we engaged one of the leadership. Gar Saxon. He disappeared through there." Vaughn said pointing into the passageway. "Seemed in a hurry." The Captain finished. Ahsoka and Axle looked down the tunnel. Axle then addressed the men, "Rifles up. On me." "Let's move in." Ahsoka added as they walked down the tunnel.
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After walking in the sewers for a while, a figure appeared up ahead and fired a missile at them. "GET DOWN!!!" Axle ordered as Ahsoka helped direct the missile away, but it pushed the two off their feet. The clones then ran off toward the Mandos. "VAUGHN WAIT!!!" Ahsoka yelled. Axle and Ahsoka ran after them. Baster fire could be heard and small screams echoed off the walls.
They found what was left of their friends and saw Vaughn was barely alive. They rushed over to him. Ahsoka grabbed his hand and with his dying breath, "I'm sorry......Commander." Vaughn's hand dropped to the ground. Ahsoka looked back at Axle who had a sad look. Just then, more Mandalorians came through the tunnels and the two ignited their sabers. "I've got your back." Axle said. "And I've got yours." Ahsoka responded as they went back to back.
The clanging sound of metal was coming from the empty tunnel behind them. Ahsoka and Axle quickly turned toward it. A tender, but ferocious voice then filled the tunnels. "I.....was hoping for Kenobi..........Why are you here?" Maul then came into view and the two teens gritted their teeth.