Sabotage and betrayal II
Year: 19 BBY
Location: Coruscant Underworld
Ahsoka has broken her comlink after contacting Caleb. One might find it strange that a Padawan on the run would not only contact her friend and fellow Padawan, Barriss Offee, but also a Youngling she knows. Not even Ahsoka is aware of the truth in that matter, and all she knows is that she didn't want him to believe that she was guilty of the crime they accused her of.
After escaping the guards who recognised her, Ahsoka was suddenly attacked from behind by the now bounty hunter, Asajj Ventress, who wants to turn her in for the bounty on her head.
"Ventress, it was you, wasn't it? You were behind all of this, and you framed me!" Ahsoka accuses the former assassin.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Ventress claims.
"Yes, you do. So what are you now, a bounty hunter?"
"Yes, and someone who knows how to make easy money," Ventress says, pushing Ahsoka forward.
"Do you think you're just going to hand me over? And then what? Get a pat on the shoulder? You're a Separatist war criminal and a Sith. They'll have us both in prison before you say your name," Ahsoka says.
"I don't have to hand you over to the Jedi. I can hand you over to the bondsman and still get paid. I'm gonna get my money, whether you're dead or alive," Ventress argues.
"Heh, good luck. Despite what you hear, I'm still a Jedi."
"I'm afraid the other Jedi no longer see it that way."
"I hate to admit it, but you're right. That's why I'm going to need your help," Ahsoka admits.
"In what star system do you think I would ever help you?" Ventress asks, bewildered.
"A traitorous Jedi tried to blow up the temple and has framed me for that and other killings."
"Mmm, so the Jedi aren't that holy after all," Ventress smiles.
"I know Dooku tried to have you killed. I know he betrayed you. What if this is his new apprentice? I've fallen from my path, just as you have fallen from yours. We have a lot more in common than you think."
"What can you offer me that's better than money?" Ventress asks Ahsoka.
"If you help me, I'll speak to the Council and the Senate on your behalf. I'll get you a full pardon for your crimes."
"You have my attention. But I'm going to go where the tide flows. If the tide is flowing against you, don't think I'll forget about the bounty on your head."
"Fair enough," Ahsoka agrees.
"I suggest we find somewhere else to discuss this," Ventress says and points into the sky, where Anakin's ship has spotted them.
They quickly make their escape, erecting a forcefield and leaving the area. They travel further down the levels of Coruscant. Ahsoka uses a public holographic system and contacts Barriss.
"Barriss, it's me."
[It's good to see you, Ahsoka. Are you okay?]
"Yeah, I'm okay if you consider Anakin and a hundred clones on my tail a good space to be in."
[You were almost captured?]
"Once or twice, yeah."
[Where are you?]
"I can't say, Barriss."
[I believe I found a clue.]
"A clue? How? From where?"
[We don't have much time, Ahsoka.]
"Fine, I'm on level 1312," Ahsoka says.
[Three levels up, there seems to be an abandoned warehouse, where they used to build munitions that Letta visited during the time she was getting access to the nano-droids.]
"How did you find this out?"
[I told you I would do some checking.]
"Ah, thank you, Barriss," Ahsoka says.
[Be careful, Ahsoka.]
Ahsoka walks to Ventress.
"Well?"
"I think I have a lead."
.
Two figures are making their way through the underlevels of Coruscant. Both of them are wearing hoods, which they have pulled over their heads, hiding their faces and looks. No one knows about them, no one can know about them. The first figure starts to descend through the levels, making their way below and using the increasing unlawfulness as cover to go unnoticed. The first figure has a clear goal and knows where he or she is going. The second figure, on the other hand, doesn't have a clear goal, moving forward at all times.
Far below the skyscrapers of Coruscant, the lower city levels — often called the underworld — stretch out in a vast network of streets, alleys, and infrastructure. These urban canyon floors, located hundreds of stories beneath the surface, never receive natural sunlight. Surrounded by massive buildings, the lower levels trap air and moisture, creating a multi-layered microclimate. This leads to occasional rainstorms and unstable wind patterns within the city's lower depths.
Artificial lighting is the only source of visibility in these areas. For many citizens, the lower levels are the only affordable place to live. The environment is harsh: constant noise from machines, crowded streets, and a lack of basic services. Most of the equipment and infrastructure that supports life on the surface is maintained down here, adding to the sense of nonstop movement and activity.
The lower levels are home to a population larger than that of many star sectors. With so many people packed into tight quarters, law enforcement struggles to maintain control. Many neighborhoods fall under the influence of local gangs or criminal groups. Some residents turn to vigilantism, choosing to protect their communities when official security forces cannot.
Trash from the upper city is compressed into large blocks and stored deeper underground. The constant hum of machinery, combined with poor lighting and high humidity, creates a grim atmosphere. The infrastructure is worn down, and safety is often a concern. Danger isn't limited to criminals. The underlevels are home to several dangerous creatures, including cthon, Coruscani ogres, duracrete slugs, hive rats, conduit worms, taozin, and others. These species, often mutated by long-term exposure to pollution and poor conditions, can pose serious threats to anyone living or working in the area.
The two figures ignore all that distraction and make their way down the massive ventilation shaft. The second figure suddenly stops and looks to the side, seeing someone wearing a helmet. Quickly, the second figure makes his way into the alley and uses a pipe lying on the ground to knock the person out. Such a thing isn't anything special, since being lawful down here would be far stranger. The second figure takes off the man's helmet and puts it on.
.
Asajj Ventress and Ahsoka arrive at the abandoned warehouse. They had just fought with Wolffe, the Clone Commander under Master Plo Koon's command.
"There it is. That's where you're supposed to find this clue," Ventress says as they arrive.
The area looks as sketchy as it gets. However, Ahsoka is adamant about uncovering the truth and proving her innocence.
"I've done my part of the bargain, which means you're on your own from here. But don't forget, you now have to speak on my behalf. That was the deal," Ventress says, handing Ahsoka back her lightsaber.
"Agreed. Thanks for getting me this far, at least. I have to admit, I never saw us doing anything together ever."
"These are strange times."
Ventress leaves the area and makes her way to find another job. She is doubtful about whether it will work, but at least someone is willing to speak on her behalf. That's more than she had before. Making her way through the underground, she feels something and turns around.
"I thought we decided to part ways," Ventress says.
However, as she turns around, there is no one there. She shakes her head, thinking that it was nothing and turns around. But what greets her is a large metal container, hitting her square in the face.
*BANG*
"Urgh!"
Ventress groans and holds her head. A hooded figure stands above her and uses a metal pipe to knock her out. The assailant takes the former Sith Apprentice's lightsabers and her mask, moving in the direction from which Ventress came, back to the warehouse. A second later, the second hooded and now masked figure appears and looks at the scene. As the figure stands there, sounds of a lightsaber duel are heard, coming from the warehouse.
"Hmm."
The second figure makes its way to the warehouse and observes the lightsaber duel between Ahsoka Tano and the first figure using Ventress' lightsabers. However, the fight is coming to an end as Ahsoka is pushed off a platform and falls down into the midst of more crates of nano-droids.
"No, Wolffe, let me explain," Ahsoka says as Commander Wolffe appears with a squad of clone troopers.
The Commander fires his stun blast, knocking Ahsoka out. Anakin Skywalker appears a second later, with Plo Koon. They notice the explosives of nano-droids and take Ahsoka with them, back to the Jedi Temple.
.
The first hooded figure observes everything from the darkness and then walks away.
"You handled that marvellously," a voice is heard from somewhere.
The person stops and looks around, searching for the source of the voice. A moment later, however, the second person emerges from the darkness and reveals himself.
"..."
"I thought it was strange. There was something about you that didn't fit. That pathetic display you gave after the eulogy and the way you tried to 'help' a known fugitive... However, you made a mistake," the figure says.
"..."
"Why leave Ventress alive? It makes no sense. Why would you go to such lengths to not only bomb the Jedi Temple hangar, kill several clones, innocent bystanders and frame your supposed friend for it, only to then spare a former Sith Acolyte?"
"..."
"Still not talking? That's alright, Barriss Offee," the second figure says.
Hearing her name, Barriss ignites Ventress' lightsabers and rushes forward, slashing them. What she doesn't expect, however, is to be blocked by a blue lightsaber before she can kill him. She uses Jar'Kai, using both the lightsabers at he same time and attacking the person she now knows is a Jedi, but not who exactly. The voice sounds somewhat familiar, but is muffled through the mask.
Their lightsabers clash, and she tries to use pieces of wreckage to confuse and attack the Jedi. But nothing works. Her use of the Force to telekinetically hurl junk at the Jedi is not working at all. The Jedi suddenly goes on the offensive, starting to press her more and forcing her to concentrate and no longer be able to use the surroundings. The sheer skill of lightsaber combat is something she hasn't seen since she was a Youngling and stood before Cin Drallig.
The Jedi suddenly unleashes a strong Force Push at her, making her lose her footing. A large piece of metal falls from the ceiling and is about to crush her. She holds up her hands and blocks it using the Force. But that just gave the Jedi enough time to attack. He slashes his lightsaber through the air, cutting through the left lightsaber handle.
"ARGH!" Barris shouts as the handle explodes.
She jumps backwards, dodging the metal piece and tries to defend herself again. She starts to panic, seeing that everything she worked for is about to go down the drain. Anger begins to bubble inside her, giving her strength. But she has no idea who she is facing. Feeling the anger, the Jedi suddenly changes his wild and unpredictable lightsaber form, switching to Vaapad. The lightsaber zooms through the air, using the increased anger of Barriss and sending it right back at her.
"Wha-"
The Jedi uses Force Push on her centre and then immediately Force Pull on her head. She bends, and in the next second, a fist impacts her face hard, sending her to the ground.
"Who... who are y-you? And who... did... you find me?" she stammers.
"The hunter usually doesn't believe himself to be hunted as well. I followed you here from the temple. It's as simple as that."
*BANG*
The Jedi knocks her out.
.
Ahsoka has just been stripped of her Padawan braid in a symbolic gesture of having her be removed from the Jedi Order. She is to be put on trial before the Senate. In her cell, Anakin Skywalker walks in with Senator Padmé Amidala. Seeing her Master, the only one who still believes in her here, puts a smile on Ahsoka's face.
"Padmé has agreed to represent you before the Senate," Anakin says.
"I will do everything I can to prove your innocence, Ahsoka," Padmé says.
"I'm almost certain that the person behind this is Ventress, and you know I wasn't working with her. She was at the warehouse, in the room. We fought, but she got away. Didn't any of the clones see anything?" Ahsoka asks.
"No, none of the clones reported seeing Ventress at the scene. I thought you said Ventress left before you went into the warehouse," Anakin says.
"That's what I thought too, but then she attacked me when I got inside. I'd know her red lightsabers anywhere," Ahsoka says.
"Well if that-"
*beep beep*
"This is Skywalker. Who is this?"
[Greetings, Master Skywalker. Forgive my interruption, but on the floor 1315, there is something that might interest you and your Padawan.] a voice says through Anakin's comlink.
"Who are you? How did you get this-"
[Everything can be explained once you get to floor 1315. I shall await you there. Come alone.]
"What was that?" Amidala asks.
"I don't know. But I'll find out," Anakin says and rushes out.
Anakin makes his way to a ship and hurries back down the large ventilation shaft. He doesn't have a bad feeling about this for some reason. And yet, he still can't place the strange feeling he has concerning Ahsoka, as if something will happen soon. He lands in the vicinity of the warehouse and then rushes through it, looking all around.
"Hello!? I'm here as you asked! Show yourself!" Anakin says.
"There is no need to shout, Master Skywalker. I am right here."
Anakin ignites his lightsaber and points it at the masked figure. The person is small, but that doesn't reassure Anakin at all.
"That won't be necessary. I have what you need to prove Ahsoka's innocence right here," the figure says and reveals the unconscious Barriss Offee.
"Barriss? What did you do to her?!"
"If you would calm down, I'm sure you will notice that she holds Ventress' lightsabers. The very lightsabers that she used to attack Ahsoka and frame her."
"And why should I believe that? Why should I take the word of someone I don't know?" Anakin growls.
"Oh, but you do know me. The only reason I am using this mask is that I don't want the Jedi Council to find out I was involved. But I will gladly prove it to you," the person says and takes off his helmet.
"Uhh, Caleb? What are you doing here? What is going on?" Anakin asks.
"Allow me to explain, Master Skywalker."