Chapter 10 Clone Wars Part 3

Ahsoka was in the copilot seat playing with the baby Hutt, but her mind was elsewhere. She remembered her training with Master Yoda. He used to say that balance was what kept us standing, and losing this balance brought trouble.

That was a lesson Ahsoka often heard from him, and it wasn't a coincidence because despite her outstanding skills, she could be reckless and act hastily, disobeying orders, only to end up in trouble later. But this could be balanced, and she did…

Well, as long as she didn't feel like she would lose herself by dismissing her emotions and feelings to the Force, but everyone did the same, even Master Yoda. Being a Jedi didn't mean being a machine without feelings, and each of them could, after certain limits, say what they wanted to discard or not. But her master…

What balance was there in her master? Was he living multiple lives at once? That wasn't balance, it was a disaster.

…

Some time later, they arrived on Tatooine, where they were supposed to deliver the baby Hutt, and where her master used his Death Star-like starships attached as weapons platforms on the old ship they were on, shooting down four pursuing fighters. Ahsoka could only blink. Her master smiled at her.

"Not everything is bad about knowing the things that will happen," her master said, and Ahsoka tensed. Were her thoughts so obvious? Or could he also predict what she was thinking? Her master smiled, and Ahsoka tensed.

"They've prepared a welcoming committee for us, so let's approach calmly," her master said, descending to thirty kilometers from their target.

…

They descended into a sea of dark, cold sand; it was night at the location. Her master led the way at a brisk pace since they hadn't brought anything to crew.

"Count Dooku, so after a year of sending your apprentice to bring me gifts, you finally decided to come deliver them in person, how considerate of you," her master said, as the shadows of a dune turned into an old man with a groomed beard and a wise bearing. Behind him was Ventress. Ahsoka drew her saber.

"Ahsoka, you watch his apprentice, I'll handle him," her master said, and advanced.

"Skywalker, as arrogant as ever, but if I recall correctly, the last time we fought, you couldn't do anything to me," Count Dooku said, taking his saber but not activating it. He and her master stood ten meters apart, with their lightsabers in their hands but making no offensive moves or activating them.

Ahsoka was a bit worried hearing what Dooku said about their confrontation, but her master exuded confidence, and Ahsoka didn't have much to do other than watch Ventress holding a saber in her hand, which wasn't hers, perhaps a spare one after her master destroyed the ones she had before.

"Dooku, arrogance is your sin, not mine," her master said.

"Arrogance is the sin of all Jedi, and I know, because once, I was one of them. Skywalker, they are corrupt, just like the Republic, and you know it, I've heard of your constant struggles against them," Dooku said, and Ahsoka understood why he hadn't attacked earlier. This was more than an ambush, it was a meeting, and her master had accepted it.

Ahsoka was stunned; there was nothing to talk about with the separatists, they were responsible for the war…

"The Republic is corrupt," her master said, and Ahsoka was shocked. Dooku smiled. "But the Jedi Council is merely obstinate, too inflexible, and even fearful of change, and that is one of the reasons for this war," her master said. Dooku didn't seem satisfied. He shook his head.

"No, young one. The Council is corrupt, and everything they claim to defend is a lie, as they bend their own rules when it suits them, but refuse to do so when it also suits them.

"Skywalker, you yourself are proof of my words. You have refused to obey, you have broken the rules. You obey the politicians and use them as a shield to do your will. If they truly upheld their laws, they would have expelled you long ago, but they don't, because that would make them look bad, as you are a hero of the Republic, and every time you refused to obey, you did it for the good of others, but they are blind to the truth," Dooku said. Ahsoka didn't understand why her master continued this conversation…

His master laughed, and he did so heartily, furrowing Dooku's brow.

"Dooku, don't try to win my trust with foolish lies, so I'll empathize with you. It's true, we both disobeyed the Council for the sake of others, we've seen the corruption and know the Republic is decadent. But as for our relationship with the Jedi Council, we are not in agreement at all, and the reasons I'm allowed to stay are not what you say, and we both know it," her master said, and for a moment, Dooku tensed. "It's no secret, Dooku.

"I know about the prophecy, from the moment I entered the order. The chosen one. Nonsense!" her master declared bluntly. "But the Jedi Council is not willing to take a risk, or at least the majority of them are willing to sacrifice their own beliefs and rules to believe in me, and believe that the Force is wise, and in the end, the best will happen. That's why I remain in the Jedi Council, to this day, not for my fame, fortune, or contacts. So your point is false.

"In fact, my remaining a Jedi means there is hope in the Council. That they are not the old bitter ones you once thought they were, although I must admit that until recently, I thought the same," her master admitted. Ahsoka could only blink at this conversation. The Jedi Council didn't expel her master because of a prophecy about a chosen one of the Force. "Chosen for what?" Ahsoka wondered, seeing that Ventress was equally stunned.

"No, Skywalker. There is no hope in the Council. They are blind to the truth time and time again. You yourself have said it, it's nonsense, the Force has no chosen ones, and their belief only means their path is wrong," Dooku said with regret.

"Dooku, I never said I didn't believe in what they believe, because I think their beliefs are nonsense because the facts show they are wrong, and the proof is there, behind you and behind me. It's in me, and it's even in you, Dooku. We are all chosen by the Force, among the billions of beings inhabiting this galaxy.

"The Force has chosen you to be its bearer, just as it has done with me, but like the Council, you refused to listen to it and even went further, you succumbed to hatred step by step. You were already walking a dark path when you were a Jedi, Dooku.

"All those times you refused to act beyond what was your duty because the law didn't require it of you. Every time you chose to be cruel. Every time your helplessness overwhelmed you and you decided the end justified the means, that's what led you to lose your own way, Dooku.

"The Republic is corrupt! Before, you could use that as an excuse, but now there's nothing of that left in you, just a thirst for power. That's why you started this war…" her master said.

"I did not start this war!" Dooku interrupted angrily, but then quickly regained his composure. Her master said nothing and held his ground, nor did he attempt to speak further. Dooku squirmed uncomfortably at his outburst. "My apologies, Skywalker," he muttered, "but I did not start this war.

"This war began because those in power felt entitled to impose burdens on those just trying to make a living in what they decided were their domains.

"If you're willing to defend them, I'll give you an easy example: Naboo. They, supported by a corrupt Senate, blocked access to the planet's resources and also imposed absurd taxes and exorbitant prices that had nothing to do with production and extraction costs.

"Their excuse was that it was their world and they should use its natural riches to help their people. The fat, rich merchants were privileged people who had to pay taxes for the benefit of the people. But that way, they became rich themselves. Their world became a paradise, and now they were the fat, rich ones. They had no excuse anymore, and according to their own excuses, it was their turn to share with the unfortunate.

"But what did they do with all their wealth? Nothing, there was only corruption in Naboo. The rise to the throne of your friend, Senator Amidala, has its own dark history behind it. So, who were the bad guys in the Naboo blockade? Did the Trade Federation do anything different from what the inhabitants of Naboo did themselves? What gives the inhabitants of Naboo the right to become rich and fat by exploiting the natural riches of a planet that wasn't even theirs in the first place, but when someone else tries to do the same, they stop them and claim justice?

"There is no justice in the Republic, young Skywalker. Everything is corrupt, there is no equality, only interests. There is no freedom, only totalitarian ideas, like those held by your friend Senator Amidala. She talks about peace, at what price? It's peace in exchange for freedom. It's peace in exchange for free thought. It's peace in exchange for justice. What she preaches and what her planet represents are nothing more than a mockery," Dooku concluded. Her master reflected for a few seconds.

"At least that is the truth," her master admitted, leaving Ahsoka incredulous. "Dooku, in honor of this truth, I will not argue ideas and philosophies with you. I will use facts as an example. Nor will I use any separate facts, for I will use your own example to respond to you, Naboo.

"For Naboo, and what the Trade Federation did there, is a clear example of what will happen to the rest of the galaxy if the separatists win this war, subjugating thousands of worlds under the banner of freedom, just as they did on Naboo by taking control of it. And I remind you that they also had no plans to share their wealth.

"So, Dooku, do you defend freedom? Do you defend justice? Your results only show that your struggle has nothing to do with those two causes. Your results, throughout this war, each of them, only demonstrate your thirst for power and your absolute belief in yourself. Dooku, you are the embodiment of what you accuse the Jedi Council of. An old blind man who is too arrogant to see his own corruption and is blind to it.

"You desire power, Dooku, and you are incapable of giving it up. I know you don't believe it, and right now you think I'm stubborn and blind, but I'll prove it to you," her master said, extending his hand to Dooku. "Come with me, Dooku. Join me, and together, let us fight for what you claim to believe in. You accuse me of being blind, but I can see that Padmé is wrong. The peace she seeks is forced, which is why it will never work. But you, you cannot see how wrong your own ideas are, and when you see the results of them, you convince yourself it's for a greater good."

"The greater good is now, Dooku. Join me. I will leave the Jedi Order and the Republic. I will go with you, and together, we will end this war. Together, we will end the corruption and achieve true balance. Renounce the war. Renounce the power you currently hold that is blinding you.

"Sacrifices are not necessary, Dooku. Look at your results. They are not good today, and they will not be tomorrow," her master concluded.

Ahsoka was paralyzed. Something was happening. The Force was pressing on her, as if screaming in her ears. Ahsoka had to steady her feet in the sand to keep from stepping towards her master, who looked at Dooku with sadness as he offered his hand with a feeling of sincerity and trust overflowing…

Dooku gritted his teeth and took a step forward, but his lightsaber ignited at the same time and he lunged at his master, who activated his own lightsaber and also attacked. Ahsoka stopped feeling pressured, but the Force still surrounded her. Although the conversation ended abruptly, neither her master nor Count Dooku tried to continue speaking or said another word.

Ahsoka ignited her lightsaber, as did Ventress, but the battle between Count Dooku and her master was very strange. They didn't move a meter from where they clashed, their lightsabers clashed at a speed Ahsoka could barely see, and the Force vibrated around them, dark and reluctant on Count Dooku's side, sad and resigned on her master's side.

Dooku wielded his lightsaber with a fast and aggressive style, he was the best Form II duelist Ahsoka had ever seen in her life. His movements were so natural that he seemed to be walking on the beach instead of fighting. There were no surprises or tension in his gaze, he was serious and solemn, as if watching the sunset.

Her master maintained the same expression and almost the same aggressive movements as Dooku, but with the Force and the power of Form V behind him. Ahsoka kept her lightsaber active, but as if by silent agreement between her and Ventress, neither of them interrupted the dance their masters performed in the center of what was a minute ago a debating arena, and now, right in its center, had become a fighting arena.

…

The lightsaber dance continued for ten minutes, with neither of the masters stepping back. But when Ahsoka thought they would spend hours there, Dooku gritted his teeth and stepped back with an expression of reluctance that Ahsoka didn't understand. Her master did not pursue him and lowered his lightsaber, standing in place, causing Dooku to lose his composure. After stepping back, he advanced again to exchange several more lightsaber clashes, but barely seconds later, he retreated again with an expression of reluctance and non-acceptance.

It was as if he didn't want to leave the battle and someone was forcing him to do so, but Ahsoka only saw Ventress, who looked just as confused as she did.

"Skywalker, it seems the Force does not want our encounter to continue," Dooku said, stepping aside and deactivating his lightsaber. Her master did the same.

"Dooku, the Force is only telling you one thing right now, and that is to test your beliefs," her master said, offering his hand again, but Dooku recoiled as if being aimed at with a weapon, turned around, and left. Her master lowered his hand a minute later and grimaced.

"Ahsoka, my strength remains limited," her master complained. "You're a monster," Ahsoka thought, but she didn't say it. She already understood how it was possible for Ventress, whom she could barely match in combat, to be easily defeated by him. She didn't stand a chance.

"Ahsoka? Are you okay?" her master asked, approaching her and examining her with a concerned expression.

Ahsoka hurriedly nodded with some embarrassment and, to conceal it, checked on the baby Hutt, whom she had completely forgotten about. Her master quickly moved away, sensing her discomfort. Ahsoka was once again stunned. He had misinterpreted her and believed that his closeness was overwhelming her. Ahsoka felt very stressed.

"Master, you told me before that if you overwhelmed me, I should hit you, so with your permission, I intend to do so. But until I do, please don't walk away from me as if I kicked you, that's uncomfortable. I don't want people to think I intimidate my own master," Ahsoka said seriously before anyone saw that reaction and thought poorly of her. That would be terrible because she hadn't done anything. Her master squirmed uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry, I'll keep that in mind from now on, but don't hit so hard," he said trying to make a joke, but it didn't work because it lacked humor. "And tell me, what bothered you earlier?" he asked, seeing that redirecting the attention elsewhere wasn't working. Ahsoka started laughing, but it sounded forced. She wasn't going to answer that question.

"Master, you're very funny," Ahsoka said, and continued laughing.

Her master grimaced at her obvious theatrics and turned away to start walking. Ahsoka sighed with relief and hurried to walk beside him, although the breeze blew and threw some sand at her, but her master made a hand gesture as if shooing away a fly, and the breeze went to bother someone else. Ahsoka felt as if he had put a protective arm around her shoulder, and with it, managed to protect her from everything.

"Master, you're spoiling me," Ahsoka said.

"That didn't sound like a complaint," her master said with a smile.

"Correction. Master, I think you've already spoiled me," Ahsoka said, because this wasn't her fault.

"That didn't sound like a complaint either," her master said, and they both laughed.

…

Upon arriving at the Hutt palace ruling this den of scoundrels planet, they were awaited by Master Kenobi, who had been sent to negotiate, and he sighed upon seeing them arrive. Then he took them to the baby's father, who welcomed them with open arms, and then asked who had his son, and if they had killed them.

Her master gave him several holograms showing Dooku and Ventress, pointing them out as responsible, and telling the Hutt that if he wanted justice, he should let them use his transportation routes. The Hutt agreed and the meeting ended, but not the mission, as there was a cruiser waiting for them, and Master Kenobi took them there.

…

Upon reaching the cruiser, Master Kenobi hurried to take them to the communication room, where Ahsoka tensed, as they awaited communication from the Jedi Council, and they were all there.

"I didn't do anything, I've only been his Padawan for a couple of days," Ahsoka complained bitterly in her mind as she walked dragging her feet.

"Masters, is something the matter?" her master asked calmly, and it was a genuine calm.

Ahsoka thought what they said about him was true. "He admitted it himself," Ahsoka scolded herself. It was evident that her master was already accustomed to being dragged before the council to give an account.

"Knight Skywalker, has anything happened on your journey?" Master Plo Koon asked.

"Dooku set an ambush for me on the way, we crossed blades a few times, and then he retreated when he saw he had no advantage. The usual," her master said.

Ahsoka could only look at him stunned, but when the gazes of the entire council focused on her, she regretted her outburst. In moments like this, she regretted not having tight control over her emotions.

"I just thought that nothing like this has ever happened to me before, so I don't think they're usual," Ahsoka said, managing to say nothing and, at the same time, not lie. Fortunately, her brain was always there to get her out of trouble.

"Knight Skywalker, you have been in too many battles lately. Return to the temple for two days for proper meditation," ordered Master Windu.

"They haven't bought it, they haven't bought it at all," thought Ahsoka. Her master, who feared no death, nodded, and the council communication ended.

"Anakin!" reprimanded Master Kenobi.

"Master?" asked her master innocently.

"Anakin, the Force was screaming everywhere. You did something dangerous, confess at once," said Master Kenobi.

"Master, I have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't feel anything. How do you know you weren't the one causing it all?" asked her master boldly. "Yes, he fears no death," thought Ahsoka. Master Kenobi rubbed his face with frustration and helplessness. He looked at her. Ahsoka flinched, but before they started interrogating her, her master intervened.

"Master, please remember your position. Don't intimidate other padawans," said her master, placing his hand on her shoulder to lead her away.

…

The journey to Coruscant was filled with strategic withdrawals on Ahsoka's part, evading the pursuit of a concerned Master Kenobi, and when she didn't succeed, her master always appeared to rescue her.

…

Upon arrival, Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief because they were not immediately taken before the council for interrogation, but she knew it was only a matter of time. Perhaps it would be better to pretend to be sick so her master could leave her behind.

"Master, I think I'm feeling a little unwell. I'll go to my old room to meditate alone," said Ahsoka.

"Well thought out," praised her master. Ahsoka blinked. Somehow, she felt that something was not right in this relationship. She didn't feel like she was learning acceptable ethics from her master. Still, Ahsoka ran without looking back, rushed into her room to lock the door, and then leaned against it, sighing with relief…

"Ha!" screamed Ahsoka upon seeing half of the council seated in her room, looking at her curiously.

"Master, I've been ambushed," thought Ahsoka, terrified.

"I saw nothing, I heard nothing," said Ahsoka, who just wanted to cry.

"Things you saw, things you heard, Padawan Tano," said Master Yoda, shaking his cane as he nodded. "But tell us you must, because important it is," he concluded.

"Masters," said Master Shaak Ti, getting the rest's attention. They looked at her, and a few seconds later nodded. Master Shaak Ti looked at her. "Padawan Tano, will you speak if we offer you immunity for you and your master, regardless of what you may have said or done?" asked Master Shaak Ti. Ahsoka, still leaning against the door, looked at them stunned.

"Does that exist?" asked Ahsoka before she could stop herself.

"Consider it done," said Master Shaak Ti with a smile, offering her a seat.

Ahsoka hurriedly nodded, accepting the pardon, as some very ugly things had been said in her master's conversation with Count Dooku, and without a pardon, repeating them would practically be considered treason.

Ahsoka sat on her knees, nervous but no longer terrified.

"Padawan Tano, tell us how your master's encounter with Count Dooku has been," said Windu. Ahsoka nodded and told them everything from the beginning to the incomprehensible end.

"Stay he did. Reluctant to leave, Dooku seemed," murmured Master Yoda.

"Can one return from the dark side?" asked Master Shaak Ti, confused.

"This is a surprising revelation," said Master Plo Koon.

"The chosen one will bring balance to the Force," said Master Adi Gallia, and the other masters looked at her reproachfully, except Master Yoda, who remained pensive.

"Masters, may I know what happened?" asked Ahsoka, as she didn't understand anything. The masters looked at her, and Ahsoka shrank.

"A struggle of wills, that's what you saw," said Master Yoda. "The Force trying to restore balance, you witnessed," he explained.

"From what you've said, Dooku doubted himself. Knight Skywalker dealt a heavy blow to his will, and that's supposed to be impossible, as Dooku's will is tied to the dark side, and it's corrupt. You can't accuse him of being corrupt and expect a response from him," explained Master Windu, confused.

"I don't think he accused him of being so…" Ahsoka shrank again when all the masters focused all their attention on her. Master Shaak Ti looked at the rest, who hurried to withdraw their focus from her Force.

"Please, continue," said Master Shaak Ti. Ahsoka just wanted them to leave her room so she could faint in peace.

"I don't think it was him accusing my master of being corrupt. What made Count Dooku angry was when he told him that in the end, his results would be the same as they are now and that there was no difference between what he claimed to fight for and what he fought against. He was just going to remove someone from one place and put another person just like him. Considering this, his current actions were empty and had another purpose behind them, which was to gain power. That's when he got angry," explained Ahsoka.

"Then, Knight Skywalker offered to resign as a Jedi, and even from the Republic, to join the separatists, only on the condition of ending the war and fighting the corruption Dooku mentioned," said Kit Fisto, understanding.

"If the war ends, Dooku will lose all his power, but not his ideals. Still, he couldn't give up power and realized that his ideals were false, and Skywalker was right about him. That's what caused his will to fall," said Master Shaak Ti. "It was a direct blow to his heart," thought Ahsoka, which is why he seemed so distressed when her master offered him his hand.

"Without will to sustain it, weak is the dark side. The Force should have prevailed, but worrisome that withdrawing has achieved," said Master Yoda.

"Master, are you saying someone intervened?" asked Kit Fisto and looked at Ahsoka suspiciously. Ahsoka was stunned; she didn't know what she had done.

"What the padawan has seen and heard she has recounted. Powerful was the presence that intervened, if she has not noticed it. Very worrisome what this poses," said Master Yoda, chewing on his own saliva with an expression of regret.

"Master Yoda, do you mean there is someone else behind Dooku?" asked Adi Gallia, and Ahsoka widened her eyes. "There are more Sith… no, they said he was very powerful, that means there is another Sith Lord," thought Ahsoka with shock. There was another Sith Lord in that battle, and she didn't notice at all.

Master Windu looked at Adi Gallia disapprovingly. Then he looked at Ahsoka, and by the way he did, Ahsoka wondered if they were going to make her disappear so that this information wouldn't come to light.

"Padawan Tano, your punishment will be severe if the assumptions raised in this meeting come to light," threatened Master Windu. Ahsoka hurried to nod, and the masters got up and left, so Ahsoka proceeded to faint.

Her master arrived to the rescue a few seconds later, and Ahsoka knew the masters had blocked her surroundings so that her overprotective master wouldn't feel her shock, but as soon as they left, he arrived.

"Master, I've obtained amnesty for us," said Ahsoka with a sigh, but she didn't get up from the floor; this had been the most terrifying experience of her life. Her master sat beside her on his legs and raised an eyebrow.

"No scolding, disruptions, or fights?" asked her master.

Ahsoka promised herself to flee with all her might when her master was about to speak to the council. Her master placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Padawan, from now on, you will be our team's representative to the council," declared her master. Ahsoka fainted for real.