Chapter Text
“You’ve already made your decision, haven't you?!” shouted a furious Anakin. “This meeting is just a formality!”
Beside him, Aayla Secura shot the Councilmembers a dirty glare. Technically she shouldn't even be here, but she threatened everyone who tried to stop her, to shove her lightsaber where the Force doesn't reach. Ahsoka became like a sister to her. There was no way she was leaving her all alone in a situation like this. Not now. Not ever.
“Yes,” said Mace Windu. “Councilmembers. What is your final decision?”
Ahsoka looked at the Jedi above her, scared beyond belief. The Jedi we're her home. Her family! How could they turn their backs on her?! How dare they?!
“Guilty,” said Ki-Adi-Mundi.
“Guilty,” said Saesee Tiin.
With every word spoken, Anakin could feel himself slowly losing control. Ahsoka was innocent! How could they not see it?!
Aayla put her hand in his shoulder, squeezing it gently, hoping to provide some comfort.
“Guilty,” said Oppo Rancisis.
“Guilty,” said Mace Windu.
“Not guilty,” said Shaak Ti, making everyone look at her with wide eyes.
“Master Ti,” Mace Windu spoke firmly. “Care to elaborate?”
“I didn't see you asking the previous speakers this question, Master Windu” answered the Togrutan Master with a calm voice. “I will explain. But for Ahsoka’s sake.”
Shaak Ti took a deep breath, and continued:
“First of all, Ahsoka deserves a fair trial. Not one that is rushed by Tarkin of all people-”
“Master Ti-” started Ki Adi-Mundi.
“-who in all honesty should be grateful that Padawan Tano saved his life back at the Citadel” the Togruta continued, completely ignoring the Cerean Master. “Second - are we going to put a child on a military trial? One that most likely will be rigged? I think we all know that they’ll sentence her, without proper investigation, just because it's convenient.”
“You can't assume-” interrupted Mace Windu.
“I’m not finished, Master Windu,” said Shaak Ti sharply. “And lastly - Ahsoka wasn't even on Coruscant at the time of the bombing. Before that, she was constantly on missions on different planets. So, Force tell, how did she manage to organize the whole thing? The only way I see it is by using a clone or having some serious time management skills.”
“She could've just called Letta and her husband,” said Mace Windu. “And what about the evidence? It's enough to make her look guilty.”
“Guilty until proven innocent?” asked Stass Allie, a new addition to the Jedi Council, in place of her late cousin Adi Gallia. “Is that how Jedi Order operates nowadays? No wonder the public doesn't trust us, if we don’t trust our own. We should stand with Padawan Tano, not cast her away. If Adi was still with us, she would’ve agreed.”
“Besides, the ‘evidence’ you speak of, Master Windu has many flaws” came Plo Koon’s voice. “On the recording, it's clear that Ahsoka was trying to help Letta - not Force Choke her. Her palms are open. Even Count Dooku couldn't do that.”
“Your vision is clouded by an attachment,” said Oppo Rancisis. “You are the one, who brought her to the Temple.”
“Perhaps. But until I see solid proof, I refuse to believe in Ahsoka’s guilt.”
“Master Koon is right” added Kit Fisto. “The nanodroids we found could've been easily planted by someone else. After all, the Jedi Temple has been infiltrated before. It could be done again.”
“You all believe Padawan Tano is innocent, I take it?” asked Mace Windu.
Stars Allie, Plo Koon and Kit Fisto all nodded.
Anakin stood wide-eyed at the bottom and exchanged looks with Aayla. Four Masters said Ahsoka is guilty. Four said she isn't. That only left Obi-Wan and Yoda. He looked at his former Master.
“I agree with Master Plo,” said Obi-Wan. “Until I see solid proof, I refuse to believe in Ahsoka’s guilt. Besides, why would she bombard the Temple?”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Yoda. Ahsoka’s fate was in his hands. The Togrutan Padawan looked at the Grandmaster.
“Surrounded by the Dark Side, all is” he spoke. “But believe in Padawan Tano’s guilt, I do not. Sincere she was, in her explanation. Counfused, just as we are.”
Anakin and Aayla let out a sigh of relief, as did Ahsoka.
“Tarkin clearly said that they want Padawan Tano expelled,” said Mace Windu. “It will be seen as an opposition to the Senate-”
“Oh, to kriff with Tarkin!” yelled Shaak Ti, losing her cool demeanor. “If that's what you're all worried about, I'll go and personally tell him he can shove it! I'm pretty sure Knights Skywalker and Secura would go as well.”
Anakin and Aayla nodded, fully agreeing with the Togruta.
“But, the Senate-” started Ki-Adi Mundi.
“We are the Jedi. Not the Senate’s lapdogs, ready to bend backwards for their every call” added Stass Allie. “We’ve been doing that for far too long and it's time we finally stop.”
No one said anything to that. Master Yoda finished the trial and Ahsoka left the Chamber with Anakin and Aayla.
“For a moment I thought they’d expel me” Ahsoka admitted.
“I did too. But for once Council surprised me in a good way” added Anakin.
“You are not alone, Ahsoka,” said Master Ti behind them. “Remember that.”
“We are your family little ‘Soka” added Plo Koon.
The Padawan smiled. Suddenly, the future started to look brighter.