Think Twice

Chapter 19

            “We are grateful for your assistance in repelling the invasion and putting an end to the war, Skywalker,” Master Windu said and she almost elbowed Anakin in glee, but then she felt the pause hanging in the air and her spirits instantly sunk. “But I’m afraid you’ve committed far too many crimes against the Republic prior to this battle that cannot go unpunished.” She made a move to argue but Anakin squeezed her arm. “However…” She looked up hopefully. “After Master Kenobi’s report of what transpired in the senate tower, we are inclined to offer you a choice. Face trial in front of the senate for your past transgressions or commit yourself to the light side of the force and remain here, as a Jedi.”

            She stared from face to face of the council in disbelief. They were willing to give him a chance to be a Jedi? She glanced to the side, excited. At least until she saw his face.

            “Ahsoka Tano,” Obi Wan addressed her and she straightened out of habit. “The council owes you an apology for everything that happened involving your trial and expulsion. You have proved, in spite of it all, that you have never strayed from the light, goodness and honor.” Her heart was racing in her chest as she stared at her master. Were they going to give her another chance to become a knight? If so, and Anakin stayed here... they could... well... she dropped her gaze to the intricate marble floor suddenly not feeling very good about any of it. “In light of your actions today and your leadership, witnessed by all those present, we grant you the title of Knight. From hence forth, you will act as representative and peacekeeper for the Galactic Republic; and the arm of justice as required.”

            “Back into the order, you may come,” Master Yoda said, and she looked at him for just a moment and then back at the floor. Wasn’t this what she’d always wanted? 

            Obi Wan stepped forward and reached out a hand. She stared at the beads that denoted the rank she’d longed for. There it was, her future, her greatest dream. The summation of everything she’d worked so hard for, but... if she stayed here, they wouldn’t allow her to be with him, even if he stayed too. And the choice they’d offered him... what kind of choice was it really?

            She could feel him sinking where he stood barely a foot away. She’d freed him from one master only to shackle him to others. And maybe being a slave to the Jedi was way less bad than Sidious, but she hadn’t worked that hard to let him remain a slave to anyone. No wonder he’d left when he’d had the chance. Why hadn’t she just gone with him? Now, because he’d come back for her, he was facing two very lousy options, neither more desirable than the other. 

            “With all due respect, masters,” she said finally, keeping her hands at her sides. “I have no desire to return to the order. Thank you, for your offer, but I’m not staying here. And...” She hesitated a moment. “And neither is he.”

            “That’s not your choice to make, pada... Ahsoka,” Master Windu started and she swallowed hard and puffed out her chest.

            “I begged you to listen to me before,” she said, feeling a rush of purpose race through her. Purpose, and passion. “I begged you to free him from his evil master. I told you if you did that, the Republic would win the war. But beyond that, it was the right thing to do. You failed to free him when I asked, and also as a slave on Tatooine, despite his assistance to you years before he became a Sith. You willingly left him to suffer because you claimed, his fate was unfortunate, but there was nothing you could do. Well, you’re wrong. You were wrong then, and you’re wrong now. Sidious enslaved him by torturing everything that he cared about. He had no choice but to follow his teachings. But at his core, in his heart,” she touched him softly on the chest. “There is only light.” She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment as emotions overwhelmed her, then she glared from face to face. “He rescued me from death when you failed me too. He offered me a way to save the Republic that I’d fought for my whole life. He repeatedly helped me complete my missions and save thousands of lives. He may be a Sith, but it was never his choice.” She took a deep breath preparing to continue but he put his hand out to stop her and he stepped forward.