Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Within a storm-lashed tower, lightning illuminates a darkened room in which the only other light emits from several lanterns. At his spacious desk, Count Dooku is in contact with a mysterious figure via hologram.

“An unexpected power from the fringes of the galaxy draws close,” says Dooku, eyes fully trained on his contact, whose visage is hidden by a cloak. Aside from sharp, glowing eyes and a massive silhouette, there are no indications of what this person looks like.

Dooku leans forward, his slow, commanding tone making it clear the other should be taking in every word he says. “Such a presence has not been felt in centuries, and now, the Jedi Council calls them to Coruscant.”

“What do you wish of me, my lord?” asks the contact, his voice low, snake-like, and treacherous.

“It holds unbelievable might in the Force. Discover the source of this power, and if it cannot be turned in our favor, eliminate it.”

“As you wish.” The contact bows and fades from sight.

On Coruscant, in the entrance hallway of the Jedi Temple, Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan Ahsoka Tano walk with their friend and Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

“Master Yoda says our guests will be arriving shortly,” Obi-Wan says. “The Council is preparing to meet them in the Temple’s courtyard.”

“I can’t imagine these ‘guests’ having more wisdom than Master Yoda,” young Ahsoka, age fourteen, replies.

“I can’t imagine anyone having more wisdom than him, period,” Anakin scoffs. “Master Yoda is one of the wisest beings in the galaxy.”

“Having wisdom doesn’t mean having all the answers, Anakin,” Obi-Wan reminds him. “Sometimes, it means knowing when to admit you don’t have the answer, and asking for help.”

“It must be serious if Master Yoda needs to ask outsiders for guidance,” Anakin says, his frown deepening.

Ahsoka raises an eyebrow. “Could it be more serious than the war?”

“More likely,” Obi-Wan strokes his beard thoughtfully, “it has everything to do with the war.”

The trio joins the rest of the Council at the Temple doors. Mace Windu nods a greeting, while Yoda stares off into the early morning sun.

A golden ship enters the atmosphere, gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight. It is bulky yet streamlined. Wide, flat wings unfold to carry it gently onto the courtyard. It lands gracefully, quietly humming.

The Jedi wait with anticipation as the ship depressurizes and lowers its door. A ramp smoothly extends. Finally, a small group, perhaps half a dozen in number, processes out.

The group consists of robed, bird-like people, covered in dark, stone-gray feathers and hooked beaks. They walk upright and have clawed hands on their wings. They are tall, but show great age. The eldest is hunched and walks with a staff. His ageless red eyes swirl with starlight only he can see. When he reaches Master Yoda, he folds his left arm across his chest and bows.

“My old friends, welcome.” Yoda respectfully bows back. “Dark indeed is this matter. Grateful I am for the Chozo’s arrival.”

“Chozo?” Ahsoka whispers.

“Never heard of ’em,” Anakin whispers back. “Must be from the Outer Rim.”

“Likewise, Master Yoda.” It is not the eldest who speaks, but the one on his right. His voice is simultaneously jarring and melodic. His red eyes are fierce and proud, but they, too, glint with wisdom. “Let us not dawdle more than necessary. I can only pray for time we may not have.”

“Agreed.” Yoda nods. “Come. Discuss this in the Council’s chamber, we will.”

The Chozo and the Jedi Masters depart in a group. Anakin and Ahsoka start after them, but Obi-Wan holds up his hand.

“This matter is for the Council’s ears only, I’m afraid,” he says. “You’ll have to wait until they’ve finished.”

Anakin scowls. Ahsoka opens her mouth to argue, but something catches her eye. Someone, actually. Anakin and Obi-Wan notice, too.

Behind the Chozo is a young human girl, perhaps a little older than Ahsoka, following closely.

“I didn’t see her before. Did she arrive with them?” Obi-Wan wonders aloud.

They watch as the Chozo who spoke before turns to her and says something in his native language. The girl protests in the same language.

“Guess so,” Ahsoka says, unable to keep from staring.

Obi-Wan narrows his eyes. “But why would this child be traveling with the Chozo? They say they haven’t made contact with outsiders in centuries.”

The Chozo repeats himself in an even sterner tone, and the girl hangs her head in admission. As the Chozo passes the trio, he casts an intense, fleeting glance towards Anakin, then continues as though he never saw him. The girl is left standing by herself.

“I have to go,” Obi-Wan tells his friends, already walking away. “I can’t be late.”

“See you around, then.” Anakin half-waves and turns back to Ahsoka. He leans in, playfulness replacing his annoyance. “As much as I’d like to find out what this is all about, I think she’ll connect easier with someone her age.”

“What, are you trying to get me to make friends?” Ahsoka says sarcastically, crossing her arms.

“Uh…yeah! You can’t follow me everywhere, you know.” Anakin starts walking backwards, rubbing the back of his neck. “Especially now, because I, uh…have somewhere to be. Somewhere very important.”

“More important than the fate of the Republic?” Ahsoka smirks at him, one eyebrow raised. “And where exactly is that?”

“That’s for me to know, and you to never find out.” Anakin is jogging off, shutting down any further questions his Padawan is bound to pester him with. “See you later, Snips.”

So Ahsoka is left in the courtyard with the girl. Oh, well. She was going to talk to her anyway.

The girl is about sixteen, clothed in a white jumpsuit, and a head taller than Ahsoka. Her long, blonde hair is tied back in a ponytail. She hears Ahsoka approach and turns toward her, but doesn’t make a move, choosing instead to stare the Padawan down with an intense blue gaze.

It’s at this moment Ahsoka spots the blaster holstered on her belt.

Slightly fazed, she opts for a friendly smile. The girl continues to stare, her stance guarded, yet not hostile.

Guess it’s up to me to make the first move, thinks Ahsoka, and takes a deep breath. “Hi, I’m Ahsoka Tano! I’m in training to become a Jedi Knight. It’s, uh… nice to meet you!”

She extends her hand, which the girl only stares at. Ahsoka stretches it further. “Uh…hello?”

The girl blinks, suddenly remembering her manners. But instead of shaking Ahsoka’s hand, she folds her left arm across her chest and bows. Her voice is polite. “Likewise. I’m Samus Aran. The Chozo have told me much about the Jedi, but I’ve never met one before.” She studies Ahsoka curiously. “Are you what they call a Padawan learner?”

“Yes.” Ahsoka nods enthusiastically. “I’m studying under Master Skywalker. You might’ve seen him here a minute ago, before he ‘secretly’ disappeared.” She makes air quotes.

“The tall, brooding one?” Samus cocks her head. “He looked so serious. I hope nothing’s wrong.”

Ahsoka laughs. “Oh, trust me— he’ll be fine. Now, that Chozo guy you were talking to? He looked dead serious.”

Samus scowls, hunching her shoulders. “I was so excited to come to Coruscant for the first time, but then Gray Voice told me to stay with the ship until they come back.” She heaves a sigh and scuffs the ground with her shoe. “And trust me, he’ll know if I’ve moved. They’ll probably be talking for hours.”

Ahsoka grimaces in sympathy. “If there’s one thing the Masters are good at, it’s droning on and on,” she agrees.

Thinking hard for a moment, an idea pops into her brain. She cracks a mischievous grin. “This courtyard isn’t exactly a good place to leave a parked ship. I can show you where our hangar bay is.” She eyes Samus meaningfully.

Samus’ frown is replaced with a similar smirk as she catches on. “Well, Gray Voice can’t say I didn’t stay with the ship!”

“You do know how to fly this thing, right?” Ahsoka’s knuckles are white against the chair’s arms as the ship’s wing narrowly avoids clipping one of the Temple’s spires.

“Sure I do!” Samus plunges the ship into a death spiral, slicing a few bricks off the wall in the process. “Gray Voice showed me how—” The ground flashes into view in the window.

“PULL UP! PULL UP!” Ahsoka yells, wildly waving her hands as if trying to catch the ship with the Force before turning into Padawan pulp. Samus sharply veers the ship upward in the nick of time, and manages to level out.

“Okay, he only showed me the basics yesterday,” Samus admits calmly, unfazed by their brush with death while Ahsoka remembers how to breathe. “But I’m a fast learner! Watch this!” Her eyes gleam with a daredevil’s mania as she fires the thrusters, rocketing them forward. Faster, faster. She performs a barrel roll, then an upward spiral, then finally plunging down again, this time in a more controlled arc. “Woooohooooo!” she whoops.

Despite the initial scare, Ahsoka finds herself breaking out into a wide grin. This girl was a crazier flyer than Anakin after a night at the cantina, but this was fun! After a couple more loops, she points back to the Temple. “The hangar bay entrance is over there!”

“Got it!” Samus pulls back on the controls, slowing their descent.

“You’re still going too fast,” Ahsoka warns, being the more experienced pilot. “Slow down some more.”

“How’s this?”

“That’s better, but—” Ahsoka yelps. “—not enough! Go around!”

“I can make it!” Samus insists. “The doors are opening!”

“Aah! Wai—”

SMASH. Samus busts down the half-open bay doors.

BANG. The ship’s bottom slams into the floor and skids several hundred feet.

They finally grind to a halt, and the engine breaks down. Smoke pours out of the vents, forcing Samus to feel around for the button to lower the door. Coughing, the two stumble outside, sooty but otherwise unharmed.

“Anakin always says the hardest part about going up is coming down,” Ahsoka says hoarsely, managing a weak grin.

“Gray Voice told me the same thing.” Samus dusts herself off. “But I think the Chozo will still be proud of me, because Old Bird said, ‘Any landing you walk away from is a—’”

BOOM. The engine explodes, shooting up a twenty-foot-tall red flame. Samus and Ahsoka watch numbly as attendants and droids rush over with fire extinguishers. “Nevermind,” says Samus, face devoid of emotion. “They’re going to kill me.”

Meanwhile, in the Jedi Council’s chamber, the Masters and the Chozo are seated. Every face in the room is grim. Gray Voice’s eyes are narrowed in focus. Seated to his left, the eldest Chozo, Old Bird, appears deep in thought.

“At first, we understood the shadow to be the Clone Wars,” Mace Windu speaks. “A shadow cast by war is widespread and overpowering, but lately, Master Yoda has begun to sense something…more.”

Gray Voice and the other Chozo turn to Yoda, silently awaiting an elaboration. Old Bird continues to gaze at nothing.

“Cast over us for years, this shadow has been.” Yoda bows his head, weighed down by the burden of his vision. “Yet within, deeper and darker, a splinter grows. Sinister, it is, roving through the Dark Side of the Force. Like a sneaking assassin, it evades and hides from sight. Unable to bring it into light, I am.”

The other Jedi Masters shift uneasily in their seats. Obi-Wan unconsciously strokes his beard. Luminara Unduli folds her hands tightly in her lap. Kit Fisto doesn’t feel remotely like smiling. Until now, the full extent of Yoda’s premonition was not known to them. If he, the strongest among them in the Force, could not glean meaning from his own vision, who could?

Gray Voice’s dark feathers ripple as he rises from his seat. “We, too, have sensed this shadow. Its presence frequently invades our minds, clouding our clairvoyance. We can no longer trust what we see.” He lifts his beak, holding his head high. “Our meeting confirms this much: the events foretold by this presence have yet to come to pass.” He shifts his gaze towards the window. “Yet, I sense it drawing closer…even as we speak.”

Old Bird’s eyes narrow slightly as the Masters and the Chozo fall silent, heads bowed as they ponder just how much time they have left.

Meanwhile, Samus and Ahsoka are roaming the upper halls of the Temple. The halls are mostly empty, with a few Jedi and droids passing through. The bright noon sun casts wide, cheerful rays through the tall windows as they talk.

“The Chozo have always been strong in the Force,” says Samus. “Eons ago, they were the fiercest warriors in the galaxy. Whole armies would flee at the sight of them!” She whips around an imaginary sword. “Then, they renounced war and turned to peace. Their days of fighting are over, but that doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten how.”

“They don’t sound too different from the Jedi,” Ahsoka remarks. “Were any members of the Order?”

“A few, but Gray Voice says it’s been ages since one joined. I’ve never met one.”

“So, how about you?”

Samus cocks her head. “What?”

“How did you end up with them? Until today, Master Kenobi said they haven’t seen outsiders in centuries.”

Samus stops walking. Ahsoka notices and stops several feet away, a shaft of sunlight between them, waiting for her to speak.

“My entire settlement was wiped out in a pirate raid,” she says finally, eyes lowered. “I was the only survivor. If Old Bird and Gray Voice hadn’t arrived in the aftermath…I wouldn’t be standing here now.”

Ahsoka crosses through the rays, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”

Raising her head, Samus continues, “Ever since that day, the Chozo have raised me, training me to be a warrior. And, one day, I’ll be a protector of the galaxy, like them. Like you, and the Jedi.” She meets Ahsoka’s gaze, her eyes catching the light. “I’ll find the ones who killed my family and prevent others from meeting the same fate.”

There is a glimmer of darkness in those eyes, hard to see beneath their shine. It’s not lost on Ahsoka, but she can also feel her strong sense of justice. There is no dishonesty in that.

“‘Protectors of the galaxy.’” Ahsoka nods. “I like that. And you will be.”

Another idea pops into the Padawan’s head, and she looks down the hall. “Come with me. I know something that’ll help both of us.” Jogging ahead, she waves at her friend to follow. “Come on!”

Not one to ignore curiosity, Samus takes off after her.

Outside, a pair of ragged, skeletal-looking creatures with giant crab claws for hands and wearing tattered cloaks scale the enormous wall of the Temple. Reaching the roof, they crouch in the shade of one of the massive spires, hidden from both prying and passing eyes. One opens a holoprojector of a massive figure cloaked in shadow.

“Have you arrived?” the figure hisses, his voice low and scathing like bubbling acid.

“Yes, my lord,” growls the creature in a scratchy voice. Thin yellow eyes glow slightly under his hood. “Moving towards the target now.”

“Good. Your presence among the Jedi can’t be concealed for long. Stick to the plan, and move quickly.”

“Yes, my lord,” the creature repeats. As he and his partner bow, the hologram shuts off. Then, keeping low, they bound across the roof.

Ahsoka and Samus stand on the center mat of a spacious dojo. On one wall, training sabers and droids are racked, awaiting activation. On the other side of the room, the wooden benches for spectators are empty; the two are alone.

“If you’re going to protect the galaxy, you need to be prepared against threats like the Sith.” Ahsoka powers her lightsaber down to training mode. “I’m guessing you’ve never dueled a Force user before.”

Samus shakes her head. In her hand is a wooden bokken, and she gives it a few experimental swings, twirling it like a short staff rather than a blade. Ready now, she meets Ahsoka's eyes and smiles. “Show me what you’ve got, laser brain!”

Ahsoka grins back and ignites her lightsaber. “Bring it on, bird girl!” she challenges.

Getting into position, they circle each other. Samus takes a low stance, holding the bokken diagonally behind her. Likewise, Ahsoka crouches, keeping her lightsaber in her signature reverse grip.

Both being on the impatient side, they rush in at the same time. They both swing up, blades clashing low between them. They push back, but neither one gives way.

Breaking apart with a grunt, they attack again. Ahsoka's steps are light, her strikes swift. She quickly gains the advantage, forcing Samus on the defensive.

The young warrior backs up under Ahsoka’s barrage, managing to block her attacks but struggling to find an opening.

Ahsoka leaps up, swinging her saber down. Kneeling and holding her bokken near the ends, Samus catches the blow in the center. It’s a stalemate again, until Samus uses her position to spring up and knock Ahsoka back.

As the Padawan stumbles, Samus closes in and thrusts the end of the bokken into her gut. Gasping, Ahsoka falls, but uses the momentum to roll back onto her feet. They’re both panting slightly, yet still smiling.

“Not bad,” Ahsoka concedes. “All that warrior training is paying off!”

“When my training’s complete, a staff and a blaster won’t be all I have!” says Samus, resuming her stance.

“Oh, yeah?” Once again, Ahsoka darts in low and fast. Her strikes come even faster, sweeping side-to-side. “Something even stronger?”

“The most advanced weapon ever created by the Chozo.” Samus is barely keeping up. To her eyes, the lightsaber is nothing but a stormy, green blur. “The Power Suit. A suit of armor designed to be worn only by whom it’s made for.”

At the precise moment the whirlwind’s speed reaches its peak, Samus thrusts forward and stops it cold. Ahsoka is surprised, but not unprepared. Instead of pushing back like before, she allows her lightsaber— and herself— to slide along under the bokken.

Before Samus can react, Ahsoka kicks her leg out from under her, sending her crashing onto the mat, the bokken skidding out of her reach. Samus turns her head a split-second before Ahsoka’s lightsaber points at her neck.

It takes a moment for the young warrior to process she’s been beaten. Ahsoka lowers her weapon, deactivates it, then holds out her free hand.

“It seems I still have a ways to go before I earn mine.” Samus accepts and is pulled to her feet. She grasps Ahsoka’s hand tightly. “That was fun. Learning from a real Jedi was an honor.”

“Thanks!” Ahsoka beams. “Seeing the Chozo’s fighting techniques firsthand was amazing. And, Samus?”

“Yes?”

“I have a feeling you’re closer to getting your Power Suit than you think.”

The warmth in Samus’ smile speaks volumes. “If it’s all right…” She holds out her hand. “Could I?”

Hesitating for a moment, Ahsoka passes her the lightsaber.

Samus studies the simple, sleek hilt, then presses the activation switch. The green blade ignites, humming and casting its bright glow on her face.

“Magnificent,” she breathes, waving it slowly in front of her. “One question.” She turns back to Ahsoka. “Is it true a Jedi can sense things before they happen?”

“Yep.” Ahsoka shoots her a cocky grin. “It’s why I kicked your butt.”

“You did not!” Samus playfully shoves her shoulder. “I almost beat you.”

“I wouldn’t call that almost,” Ahsoka teases. “Although, I have to admit, you kept up really well.”

Samus passes back the lightsaber. “Show me.”

Ahsoka walks over and plucks a droid off the wall.

Samus cocks her head at the sight of the little sphere. “What's that do?”

“Watch.”

Ahsoka activates it, and it flies into the air. As it hums and hovers about, the Padawan gets into position, lightsaber ready.

Samus watches the droid, trying to follow its random movements, then turns her attention to her friend. Not a moment too soon. Before her very eyes, Ahsoka angles her lightsaber a second before the droid fires. The simple blast is deflected into the wall.

Samus’ eyes widen. To her, it’s as if Ahsoka guided the shot rather than reacted to it. “How did you—?”

“The trick is to not rely your eyes.” Ahsoka deflects another blast with ease. “You have to stretch out with your mind. Trust your instincts.”

“And trust the Force?”

“Exactly.” Ahsoka relaxes and holds out the lightsaber. “Want to try?”

Though her expression is doubtful, Samus isn’t one to back down from a challenge. She takes it and readies herself, though unsure how to hold the lightsaber.

On instinct, she focuses on the droid, watching its every move. Then—

“Ow!” She shakes out the stinging arm the droid just blasted.

“Concentrate,” Ahsoka advises. “Remember: don’t rely on your sight.”

“Do I have to remind you I’m not a— ow!” Samus leaps back, rubbing her shoulder. “Okay, concentrate. Got it.” Gripping the hilt with both hands, she stays perfectly still in the face of the droid’s roving.

“Don’t think,” Ahsoka guides. “Just feel.”

As if taunting the young warrior, the droid darts back and forth without firing a single shot. Samus closes her eyes, Ahsoka’s words echoing over and over in her thoughts.

At the same time, in the Council’s chamber, the feathers of Gray Voice and Old Bird rustle lightly, as though stirred by a passing breeze. Yoda lifts his head. Ever so slightly, the eyes of Gray Voice narrow.

In Samus’ mind’s eye, for a single, brilliant moment, the clouds of doubt part— she can almost see it—

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

Her concentration breaks. The sound comes from her pocket; Samus immediately lowers the lightsaber and pulls out the source— a small, circular screen.

Ahsoka quickly powers down the droid, which automatically returns to its place on the wall. “That’s a proximity alert,” she notes, moving to look over her shoulder.

“Not just any alert.” Samus’ eyes widen. “It’s coming from our ship!”

Instantly, their eyes lock. They race out of the dojo as fast as they can.

Chapter Text

Thanks to Ahsoka leading the way, they soon arrive in the hangar bay. The sun, beginning its descent, casts a golden hue on their silhouettes. Their eyes search furiously for anything out of the ordinary.

However, everything appears in order. All they see are droids and maintenance crew hands going about their daily tasks. Two of these crewmen are bent by the closed door of the Chozo’s ship.

Exchanging a nod, Ahsoka and Samus approach. The hunched figures are oblivious to the pair walking up behind them.

“Hey!” Ahsoka says loudly, making them jump. “You guys didn’t happen to see any suspicious characters hanging around this ship, did you?”

“Uh… No…” the one on the left replies, pulling his hood lower over his face, trying very hard not to look at them. “We’re…very busy here. Go away!”

Ahsoka crosses her arms, while Samus puts her hand on her hip. They exchange another meaningful glance.

“Busy doing what, exactly?” Samus asks.

“Maintenance,” he growls in a voice like sandpaper. “We, uh, got a report that a couple of idiots crash landed here!”

“Hey!” the apprentices protest in unison.

“It wasn’t that bad!” Ahsoka adds.

“Er… Yes! It was! That’s why we can’t be disturbed!” the crewman snaps. “We have to repair this door, the thrusters, and, uh…” He starts rattling off a long list.

Ahsoka is only half-listening as she leans toward Samus. “Could they have triggered the alarm by mistake?” she whispers.

“Maybe,” Samus admits, eyes still boring into the crew's turned backs. “But my instincts tell me something’s not right. Is the Force telling you anything?”

“That’s the weird part. I don’t sense a thing. Maybe—”

“—And the wires in the cockpit are all jumbled up!” the crewman finishes, pointing towards the ship’s front. “A real mess, as you can see, so—”

Ahsoka feels the Force around them darken like a sudden storm. Samus draws her blaster and aims it at him. “Stay right where you are!” she shouts with a raw anger that astonishes Ahsoka.

“Samus, what…?” Ahsoka trails off. Where there was first impatience, there is now unbelievable rage surging off of her friend in waves. She senses the dawning panic of the crewman.

But there’s something else. Like a mask is slipping off. Ahsoka's eyes trail from Samus, to her blaster, to the crewmen, and finally to the left crewman’s outstretched hand.

Only, it’s not a hand. It's an enormous crab claw.

“Something tells me you guys don’t have a mechanic’s delicate touch,” Ahsoka tells him, drawing her lightsaber. “You’d better tell us who you are and what you’re doing here.” She ignites her blade. “And talk fast.”

“I can tell you ‘who,’” Samus says as the pair rise and face them, pale yellow eyes aglow with sinister light. “They’re pirates.”

Letting their hoods fall, the pirates advance on them, claws clicking and snapping. Wiry and covered with hard, sharp exoskeletons, they stand a little taller than Samus.

Knowing a fight is imminent, Samus and Ahsoka back up to create more space, keeping their eyes fixed on their enemies.

Samus tightens her grip on her blaster. Her eyes narrow, and her voice is low and deadly. “They’re the ones who destroyed my home.”

Ahsoka stares at her, eyes wide with shock.

The pirate on the right, on the other hand, shrugs like he doesn’t have a care in the galaxy. “You’re going to have to be a little more specific than that,” he sneers. “You think we remember every pathetic little colony we raid?”

Samus’ eyes harden. Grinding her teeth, she lets out a yell and fires several blasts at the pirate.

Anticipating this, they both spring in opposite directions. Flanking the apprentices, they open their claws wide like mouths. Blaster fire pelts out in rapid streams.

Samus dives and rolls to avoid it, while Ahsoka easily deflects the blasts coming her way. One rebounds into the pirate’s shoulder, making him cry out and fall. Ahsoka turns towards the other one, but Samus is already charging him head-on.

The pirate smirks and aims his claws directly at her. She doesn’t even seem to notice.

“Samus, wait!” Ahsoka holds out her hand, Force shoving the pirate backward and causing him to misfire.

As he falls, his blasts hit a pipe in the ceiling, causing it to explode. Smoke and fire pour out. Huge chunks of stone and metal piping fall. Any droids and real maintenance hands in the vicinity scream and flee.

Ahsoka can’t see where Samus has gone. The flames spread fast, and the smoke is too thick to see through.

“That girl is going to get herself killed!” she mutters to herself as she tries to find a gap. No such luck.

Unheard over the noise, the pirate she struck down stirs with an awful groan. Slowly, he hauls himself to his feet.

“Well, if I can’t go through it…” she decides, tensing her legs.

With his left shoulder useless and burning from its wound, the pirate raises his right claw and aims at her back.

“…I’ll just go—”

A gurgling scream splits the air, then immediately cuts off. Ahsoka whips around to see…

“Master?!”

Anakin Skywalker deactivates his blue lightsaber and lets the pirate’s corpse drop with an unceremonious thud. “You’re welcome,” he says casually as he strides over.

“What are you doing here?” she gasps.

“I sensed you were in trouble, and that you needed help, and— as usual —I was correct.” He gestures widely at the flaming bay. "You know, Snips, when I said to 'make new friends,' this isn't quite what I meant."

She folds her arms and raises an eyebrow. “You got here from the Senate Building awfully quick.”

He pauses in the middle of scanning the room, not looking at her. “What makes you think I was over there?”

“Call it my ‘usual’ assumption.” Ahsoka smirks.

Anakin quickly changes the subject. “So, where is she?”

“She ran that way.” Ahsoka points, and Anakin Force launches her clear over the flames.

She sticks the landing and looks around. Sure enough, Samus and the pirate are nowhere in sight, but there’s a huge hallway dead ahead perfect for making a getaway.

As soon as Anakin touches down beside her, they start running. As they do, she continues, “A couple of pirates were trying to break into the Chozo’s ship.”

“Any idea why?”

“What else? Doing what pirates do! But Samus recognized them from the group that orphaned her when she was young, and she just lost it! If we don’t catch up to her soon, she’ll get hurt. Or worse!”

“Take it easy, Snips. Try to sense where she is so we can find them faster.”

“Okay, okay.” Ahsoka takes a deep breath and concentrates. Stretching out her mind, she focuses past her own feelings, the confusion and panic of everyone else around her, and finally lands on that familiar, burning rage. “This way!” She makes a sharp right turn, Anakin on her heels.

At the end of the hall is an elevator. Checking to make sure it’s all clear, they leap down the shaft.

Samus and the pirate have each taken cover behind an enormous, ornately carved column and are continuing the exchange fire. The sound of their shots bounces off the walls, and both columns bear a multitude of smoking craters.

During a pause, Samus calls over. “I’ll bet you a million credits the Jedi know you’re here. Why don’t you just quit while you’re ahead?”

“I’d sooner die than surrender to the likes of them or you!” the pirate spits. He starts firing again with a vengeance. They whiz past Samus’ column, either hitting the side or missing it by inches.

“That…” Her back to the column and her blaster poised, she peeks around the edge, “…can be arranged.”

Still running as fast as they can, Ahsoka and Anakin show no signs of fatigue as they swerve around every passing Jedi, Padawan, and youngling in their path. They leap over a balcony and land several floors down. Glancing ahead, Ahsoka spies a security detail running in the same direction they are.

“That pirate’s headed for the Main Hall!” she realizes.

“We’ve got to stop him before he gets outside,” Anakin says. “You keep going this way. I’ll try to cut him off.”

“Got it!”

They split up. Ahsoka quickly overtakes the security team and leaves them in the dust. Her friend is in trouble. There’s no time to waste.

The pirate is still pinned, and his desperation only worsens.

He curses under his breath. Getting caught was not part of the plan. It was the exact opposite of the plan. Now, on top of everything, this arrogant child attempting to blast his brains apart was the sole obstacle between him and what would otherwise be a simple escape.

Sensing his momentary distraction, Samus finally flashes out, firing nonstop as she charges in.

Leaning out, the pirate keeps firing until she rounds the pillar and shoots at his face. He sidesteps in the nick of time. His enormous claw snares around her wrist like a vice and squeezes until she cries out and drops the blaster. He kicks it away at once.

As he does, Samus finds her footing and kicks his less armored leg, causing him to buckle. Twisting her arm free, she plants a second, hard kick to his gut to send him sprawling on his back.

She stands over him, glowering. “Had enough?”

Grunting, the pirate sweeps out his leg. Samus backflips out of its reach, and he uses the space to leap to his feet.

Taking a page out of Ahsoka’s book, she darts in low and fast. Her strikes to his legs, knees, and other joints come swift and painful. He’s reeling back. She cocks back her first and delivers the final blow to his jaw.

But the pirate ducks down. He meets Samus’ eyes with a wicked grin, showing ugly, pointed teeth.

Her own eyes widen as she realizes the trick too late.

The full force of his claw punches her in the stomach. All the wind is knocked out of her. Seizing her arm, he throws her as far as he can.

Samus hits the stone tile floor hard. She lies there, dazed, and by the time she raises her head, the pirate is too far ahead.

“So long, you little pest!” he calls over his shoulder.

“No!” She staggers to her feet, but loses her balance. As she falls, a hand catches hers. She turns her head and gasps. “Ahsoka?”

The Padawan steadies her. “I’m right beside you,” she says, touching her friend’s shoulder.

Samus, though grateful, is too busy watching the fleeing pirate. “He’s getting away!”

Stretching out her free hand, Ahsoka uses the Force to retrieve Samus’ blaster. “Not from the three of us, he won’t.”

Samus takes it from her, then her brow furrows. “The…three of us?”

As she speaks, the pirate is making his final sprint. The soft light of the Temple’s entranceway is tantalizing. He’s so close— a little further—

Out steps Anakin, directly in front of the entrance. “Going somewhere?”

“No!” The pirate skids to a halt, arms windmilling. They may be roughly the same size, but the Jedi’s intimidating stance, expression, and naturally, ignited lightsaber are enough to send him into a panic.

He targets Anakin, who deflects every single blast with ease and starts walking towards him, forcing him to back up.

His head swivels, only to see Ahsoka and Samus closing the distance from behind. Terrified, he aims one hand each at the approaching parties. He knows he is cornered, but he won’t go down without a fight.

Ahsoka takes the lead, moving in front of Samus to deflect them as they come, letting the young warrior concentrate fully on taking her shots.

The strategy succeeds, because as soon as Anakin slices off one hand, Samus puts a hole through the other. The pirate howls in pain as the two lightsabers, green and blue, converge on him at the same time, stopping an inch from his neck. It’s over.

Breathing heavily, Samus stands between the Jedi, blaster still clutched like a lifeline. Ahsoka notices her trembling hand and rigid stance. Anakin sees her eyes hollow as her rage wells up again, threatening to spill over.

“Samus,” Ahsoka says, her voice carrying a distinct note of warning. “We’ve captured him. We can take it from here.”

Behind them, a small crowd arrives. It consists of Temple Security, as well as the Masters and the Chozo, having sensed the disturbance and come to investigate. They all take in the sight— the pirate pinned by Anakin and Ahsoka, and the girl with an invisible darkness wreathing her entire body.

“They’ve killed hundreds.” Samus’ voice is tight. “It’s not right he should live.” She raises the blaster, pointing it between his eyes.

Several Jedi, including Obi-Wan, reach for their lightsabers. Gray Voice starts towards her, but Old Bird holds out his arm to stop him, shaking his head slightly. This is Samus’ choice.

Ahsoka, however, refuses to stand by. “Samus.” She keeps her voice low and firm. “I understand your anger, but this isn’t the way.”

“No, you don’t understand!” Samus snaps.

“I do. I can sense your pain and rage. I can feel how badly you want to hurt them.”

Samus’ eyes narrow. Her finger tightens on the trigger.

The pirate cowers. “Please, spare me!” he begs.

Fresh rage blazes in the young warrior’s eyes. “Did you spare my people when they begged you? Did you spare my parents when all they did was stand between your leader and a tiny child?” She presses the blaster’s mouth to his forehead, ignoring his shaking. “You don’t deserve mercy. You don’t know the meaning of that word.”

Anakin’s mouth is a thin line, watching Samus more than the pirate. In fact, all eyes in the room are on her.

Ahsoka shakes her head. “He’s harmless now,” she tells her friend. “If you let us take him as a prisoner, we can find out where he was sent from. We could prevent more innocent people from meeting the same fate as your colony. But, Samus, if you kill him now, it won’t be justice. It will be revenge. And that will only hurt you.”

Despite the vastness of the hall, all that is heard are the pirate’s whimpering and the pained, shaking breaths of the young warrior. Her hand and blaster remain frozen at the pirate’s head. Then, all at once, they lower.

She steps back, still staring at him with an unreadable expression. She doesn’t move, even as security cuffs and leads him away.

While Anakin moves away to speak to Obi-Wan, Ahsoka remains by her side. “You did the right thing,” she says.

Samus neither looks at her nor responds.

As Ahsoka thinks of what to say next, she is interrupted by the approach of the Chozo elders, headed by Old Bird and Gray Voice. Despite their simple robes, the Padawan instantly senses great power in the Force emanating from them. “Masters,” she greets, giving a small bow.

Gray Voice nods back. “Thank you for your aid, young Padawan,” he says. The gratitude in his voice is sincere, but there is also a sternness that hints at Ahsoka to give them privacy.

Once again, she wants to say something, but comes up empty. Casting one last worried glance at Samus, she turns and walks away, rejoining Anakin and Obi-Wan.

“I hope she doesn’t get in too much trouble,” she murmurs.

“She confronted her colony’s killers.” Obi-Wan strokes his beard as he observes them. “I imagine that would be a painful experience for anyone…”

Anakin says nothing, his face set like stone.

“…I’m sure the Chozo understand that.”

The Chozo stand grouped in an informal semicircle before Samus. She remains silent, unable to meet their gazes.

Old Bird is the first to offer his taloned hand. Gently, he cups the side of her face. “Samus.”

Sighing, she gives in and meets his swirling eyes. “I failed, Old Bird,” she says at last, her voice hollow.

“‘Failed’?” His gaze softens, and he slowly shakes his head. “Nonsense. You have taken a great stride forward.”

“I didn’t.” Samus backs away. “I wanted to kill that— that monster. I would have killed him. I—” her voice betrays a slight tremor, “—I still want to kill him.”

“Yet, you stayed your hand.”

“Only because Ahsoka stopped me!” Samus jerks away. “She was right, because in her heart, she’s a true Jedi. But I… I’m no Chozo warrior.”

“No, child. Ahsoka Tano didn’t stop you.”

“Yes, she did! Didn’t you hear her?”

“She reminded you of what was right, of what was good and evil.” Old Bird points the end of his staff at her heart. “But in the end, the choice was yours, and yours alone.”

Samus shakes her head, glaring at the staff but not pushing it away. “What’s the difference?”

“The difference?” Old Bird smiles. “Why, child, it makes all the difference in the galaxy!”

She stares at him, unable to comprehend his meaning.

“Samus,” Gray Voice speaks. “This will not be the last time you confront your past. Your day to act will come, and when it does, you must again choose.”

“But I can’t choose to do nothing, like I did today!” she answers with a frustrated wave. “That won’t save anyone. I will need to fight.”

“Yes, and what you can choose is how. You can fight righteously and with honor…or you can let your heart be consumed with hatred and vengeance.” Gray Voice’s red gaze bores into her. “That is the difference.”

Samus lowers her arms as his words sink in. The light in her eyes takes on a renewed glint, and she nods once.

“The time has come,” Gray Voice raises his voice, speaking not just to Samus and the Chozo, but so his words carry to all present in the hall. “Let the young warrior return home so she may undertake her final assessment…and at last earn her armor.”

The shock on Samus’ face is unmistakable. She hardly feels the congratulatory touches of her family as they gather around her in celebration. Most of the Jedi give various nods or smiles. Master Yoda especially seems pleased.

Past the robes and feathers of the Chozo, she catches a glimpse of Ahsoka, who grins and gives her the thumbs-up.

“Oh.” Samus suddenly grimaces and breaks away. “I suppose now’s the time to tell you… Our ship’s been relocated to the hangar bay for…repairs.”

The Chozo stop celebrating and stare at her. Old Bird is trying to hide a chuckle. Gray Voice cocks his head. “What happened?” he asks in a suspicious tone.

Samus looks at Ahsoka again, whose face is very much that of a deer in the headlights. She shifts nervously and looks back at the Chozo.

“Well, for starters—” She fakes a grin. “I didn't leave it!”

It is sunset now, and the day ends where it began: in the courtyard. The Chozo elders and the Jedi Council bow deeply to each other one last time. Then, the elders turn and process back into the newly repaired golden ship, though not without Gray Voice lightly cuffing the back of Samus’ head as he passes.

“I deserve that,” Samus half-laughs to Ahsoka as she rubs it. “I deserve a lot worse, honestly.”

“Don’t say that!” Ahsoka shakes her head. “You should be proud of yourself.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” Stepping forward, Samus embraces her tightly. “Thank you, Ahsoka. If you hadn’t reminded me of what it means to be a warrior…I would have become just like those pirates.”

Ahsoka hugs her back. “Will I see you again?”

They break apart, and Samus grins. “Count on it.”

She bounds onto the ship and waves one last time before the door closes. Humming, the ship rises and lifts off. One moment, it’s another speck in Coruscant’s sky. The next, it’s gone.

Seated in his tower, Count Dooku’s contact appears via hologram once again.

“Your agents have failed miserably,” Dooku says, letting his full disgust show. “Their incompetence has cost us, and it will be on your head.”

“Don’t be so certain, my lord,” hisses the contact, the last two words dripping with disdain. “Their mission was a glorious success.”

As the golden Chozo ship nears the Outer Rim, beneath a panel near the door access, a tiny yellow light blinks rhythmically.

A similar light gleams under the contact’s cloak. “This is only the beginning.”