Chapter Text
Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin prided himself in being one of the most successful people in the Republic. Thanks to his genius strategies and strict command, he quickly climbed through the ranks during the Clone Wars. He emanated a cold presence, only one of his glares being able to shut up whole battalions. He had no limits and incredibly loose morals.
In other words, he was frightening.
What's more, no one has ever managed to scare him. Threats? He was merely annoyed. Assassination attempts? Amused, at the pathetic methods to end his life.
Tarkin couldn't be bought, couldn't be threatened. Nothing could prevent him from doing his job. Which now focused on making sure that Ahsoka Tano got sentenced. Preferably to death, for treason against the Republic. He presumed it was only a matter of time before the Jedi Order expelled her and she'll stand a military trial. The evidence was sketchy at best, but a few well-placed bribes here and there and no one will question it.
Ah, how he loved his job.
Unfortunately for Tarkin, some people were on their way to make his life a living nightmare.
--------------------
The four Jedi entered the building where Tarkin's office was located. No one dared to interrupt them or try to stop. One didn't have to look at the group to feel the anger radiating off them. Only someone brave, or stupid enough to look at the Jedi could see their facial expressions. And that was enough to remove any obstacles in their way.
The most pissed off was of course Anakin Skywalker. With his fists tightened and teeth gritted, he looked like he could blow the whole place up. That actually wasn't far from the truth, because Anakin actually suggested hurting Tarkin, before he was persuaded otherwise by his fellow Jedi. Tarkin screaming in pain and agony, as tempting as that perspective was, wouldn't help Ashoka's case.
Next to Hero With No Fear marched Aayla Secura. The Twi'lek's anger wasn't as visible as Anakin's, but she still was a force to be reckoned with. Especially since she had a bone to pick with the Admiral. Tarkin once made a huge mistake of doubting her abilities as a General because 'her revealing outfit distracts the soldiers and is unprofessional'. Aayla, taking a lot out of her Master's curse word arsenal, told Tarkin exactly where he can shove that opinion.
The third member of this odd group was Plo Koon. His facial expression remained mostly neutral, but inside he was boiling with anger. There was absolutely no way he'll let this man harm his daughter (yes, he considered Ahsoka his daughter, sue him). Not to mention, Tarkin held little regard for Clones. To him they were expendable, and Tarkin didn't care for casualties, as long as the outcome was effective. So naturally, Plo wanted to do something about that.
The Clone matter was part of the reason the fourth and final member of the group tagged along. Master Shaak Ti, who supervised the Clone training on Kamino, may or may not have accidentally adopted the Grand Army of Republic. For a long time, she thought that Tarkin had to be knocked down a few pegs, especially since Master Piell's death. Shaak Ti walked to Admiral's office with a smile on her face. No. Not a smile. A grin, that showcased her sharp teeth and on a calm individual, such as Master Ti, seemed almost maniacal.
The four Jedi entered Tarkin's office. Upon entrance, Admiral shot them a look. He was unimpressed with Skywalker's and Secura's anger, seemed indifferent to Koon's neutral face, but visibly paled seeing Ti's grin.
"Admiral Tarkin, can we talk?" asked Shaak Ti and not waiting for an answer, sat in front of the man. Her fellow Jedi followed in her footsteps. Even though it was Tarkin's office, there was no denying who commanded the power in that room.
"General Ti, I'm a little occupied at the moment..."
"We came on behalf of Ahsoka Tano."
That picked up Tarkin's interest. He smiled. "I assume Tano's been expelled from the Order?"
"No," answered Plo Koon, before adding: "Ahsoka is innocent and we came here to ensure you'll hold a proper investigation."
A more intelligent person would've agreed. Or remain silent. But not Tarkin. He just laughed. Meanwhile, Anakin growled, while Aayla cracked her knuckles. "Tano's guilty. All the evidence point to her, There's no sense making an investigation. And if you Jedi think of using those Force Tricks of yours, don't bother. It won't work on me."
The Jedi exchanged a look. Then Anakin activated his comlink and said: "Artoo, now."
Suddenly all the power in the building has been cut off. Tarkin's office turned dark, but not for long. A lightsaber ignited, as Anakin moved forward, pointing his weapon at Admiral's face. Tarkin laughed again. "You think I'm scared?"
"You should be," the young Knight replied, before pointing his lightsaber lower. At Tarkin's crotch. "I wonder how loud you'd scream if I cut your dick off."
"Anakin, you can't cut off something that doesn't exist," said Aayla, also igniting her lightsaber. "I'd say aim for his tongue."
"You won't get away with this!!!" said Tarkin, gulping audibly. He was not sweating. He was not scared. He did not just shit his pants.
(He totally did).
"He's right, we can't harm him," said Plo Koon. "But there are other ways to make him miserable."
"Skywalker, are you still on good terms with Senator Amidala?" asked Shaak Ti.
"Yes, why?"
"I'm sure she'd love to hear about Admiral doubting our abilities just because we're women. And more importantly, she'd love to spread the word around the galaxy," the Togruta answered, while Anakin grinned in response.
"While we're at it, we can give him to the Clones," suggested Aayla. "Bly's been dying to punch him."
"The entire Wolfpack's the same," added Plo. "They won't hold back once they get their hands on him."
"Now that you mention it, Rex mentioned something about shoving AT-TE cannon up his ass."
"Are you sure it'll fit in there? That stick probably takes up a lot of space already," stated Shaak Ti, which made Anakin chuckle.
"What. Do. You. Want?" asked Tarkin through gritted teeth.
"Simple. Hold a proper investigation before accusing anyone. That's all we ask," said Plo Koon, crossing his arms.
"And what if I refuse? I could just tell everyone that you assaulted me."
"I don't think so," said Aayla smirking. "You see, one of my Jedi colleagues is brilliant at finding information that some would rather take with them to their grave."
"I don't understand."
"Let me put it another way. Does the name Ellson Birecan ring a bell?" Tarkin paled. She's bluffing. There was no way... "So it does. Good. You know, she was surprisingly talkative for someone who's supposed to be dead."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me, bitch."
"I'm not following," said confused Anakin. "Who is Ellson Birecan?"
"She was a politician on Tarkin's homeworld on Eriadu," explained Plo. "She was exposed as corrupted and responsible for several citizens' deaths. She was assumed dead in an explosion of her house."
"Tarkin helped her escape," Aayla continued. "In exchange for all the dirty secrets she had on everyone." Tarkin was fuming with rage so much, that it was a surprise that smoke didn't come out of his ears. "Fine. I'll hold a... proper investigation."
"I'm glad we're on the same page," said Shaak Ti, her wide grin even scarier in the dark. "But to ensure you won't betray us, we'll assign a Jedi to help you."
"Who?"
"Quinlan Vos. He's charming, I'm sure you'll get along."
Admiral groaned.
----------------------
"Aayla. That. Was. Amazing," said Anakin, as the four Jedi exited the building. "Really, I could kiss you right now!"
"Don't let Kit hear you, Skywalker," said Plo Koon, with a hint of amusement in his voice. "He will get jealous." Aayla blushed, while the other Jedi burst into laughter.
---------------------
Tarkin thought that nothing could scare him. That he was always the one holding all the cards. The one with aces up his sleeve.
That day he was proven wrong. He clearly underestimated the bonds in the Jedi Order.