Meet You at the Dark Side

Chapter 12 - Mission to Kamino

"Ahsoka, you have a very important mission," Dooku's voice rings through the room. "You will go with Grievous to Kamino to help him stop the production of the clones." Something about how serious he sounds gives Ahsoka the feeling he has something else to say, something that's far more important. She doesn't say anything, waiting for him to continue his instructions.

"You must retrieve the clone's DNA. And..." he pauses again for a moment before continuing, "I understand that Skywalker is likely to be there. I want him eliminated."

Eliminated?! Ahsoka's head snaps up to meet her master's gaze. He's perfectly serious. He wants her to kill Anakin? How could he even think she could? It doesn't make sense but the thought itself sickens her, never mind she knows full well she'd never be able to do it willingly. She should... but it doesn't really matter now, does it? Everything is so confusing. Truth is, she's hardly certain what's right anymore, but she can guarantee that killing one of the only actual Jedi in the Order is not right. Not like she'd be able to, anyway. He's too strong. And why is Dooku asking this of her, anyway? She already knows that Sidious has an interest in Anakin... All Dooku's assassins know, or at least have a good idea.

"I thought Lord Sidious wanted him alive?" Ahsoka blurts out finally before she can stop herself, still struggling to come to terms with this. If only they could get Sidious out of the picture. Then Dooku wouldn't have a hard time properly restoring the galaxy to a peaceful state.

The Sith Lord fixes her with a look. "Indeed. And that is why he must die."

Ahsoka blinks in confusion, wanting to ask more questions, but deciding better of it. He probably won't be happy. Finally, she nods, however reluctant she actually is. Her vision and conversation with Asajj over a month ago flit through her mind, again reminding her. She needs to be incredibly careful whatever she does. "Yes, Master."

"Remember. The galaxy will suffer the consequences if you fail."

"I understand, Master." Not really. A shiver runs down her spine. This is serious, and she knows there's much more going on than he'll ever tell her. It was a warning, yet one she has no idea how to heed.

It's not long before Ahsoka makes it to Kamino along with the underwater attack team. It was surprisingly easy. It's ironic. She was working with Grievous last time she ran into Anakin, too.

"I have the exact locations of both the clone DNA room and the clone trooper barracks," Ahsoka informs the cyborg over the hologram to his starship. Thankfully. At least she isn't stuck with him. Ahsoka has no desire to be any nearer to that haughty clanker of a general any longer than she needs to be. After all, she hasn't exactly forgotten how he nearly abandoned her the last time she ran into Anakin. All the Separatists are like that. It's sad she can practically trust two Jedi more than her own forces.

"Both shall be annihilated under my hand," Grievous growls, and then coughs, brandishing his metal fist.

Ahsoka suppresses an eye roll. "Our hands," she retorts, eyes narrowing. "Count Dooku gave both of us this job."

"But of course, assassin," he hastily acknowledges, clenching his fist again. Why does he keep doing that? Maybe it makes him feel strong or something stupid like that. Ahsoka doesn't know or care, but it's dumb. And why must he be so haughty? "I look forward to meeting you again." Good to know, but the feeling is not mutual. She'd like to have a galaxy between them, thanks for the offer, Grievous.

Ahsoka nods curtly as the hologram finally flickers off and she turns to the nearby waiting battle droids. "Are the aqua droids prepared for phase two of the plan?"

"Yes, mistress," it confirms, dutifully bobbing its head up and down. At least they stopped calling her 'sir' but 'mistress' is arguably worse. Why not just something simple like "ma'am"?