Anakin walked into my office in the senate, his face was angry, but his eyes were sad. I haven't seen them like this since I told him I loved him, and his mothers death.
"What is it?" I asked, hurriedly walking to him, putting my hand against his cheek.
"It's Ahsoka. I'm sorry I haven't told you. She's been charged of the attack on the temple."
I stare at him in shock.
"They've taken away her padawan status, and bound her from the order."
I cover my mouth with my hand. "That's impossible! What did she do?"
"She was charged with killing a prisoner and two clones. They found her in possession of nano droids." Anakin tells me, a dark look over him. I put my hand on his shoulder, he takes it and holds it close to his face.
"Is there anything I can do?"
"That's why I came to see you. I've missed you, Padmé. I want you to defend Ahsoka. Tell the senators in court that she's innocent."
I look up at my husband and nod. "Of course Anakin. I'll do anything for you."
I walk with Anakin to the cell where Ahsoka is being kept. We walk in, and she looks up, first at Anakin, then at me. She looks sad, depressed even.
"Padmé has agreed to represent you before the senate."
Anakin says as I walk into the room.
"I will do everything I can to prove your innocent, Ahsoka." I blink, looking at her then Anakin.
"I am almost certain that the person behind this is Ventress. And you know I wasn't working with her. Didn't any of the clones see anything?" Ahsoka says, looking at Anakin.
"None of the clones saw any signs of Ventress. I thought you said Ventress left the warehouse before you went in?"
I remained quiet, listening to both of them.
"That's what I thought too. But then she attacked me when I got inside. I'd know her red lightsabers anywhere."
Anakin sighs and glances at me.
"Well if that'd our only lead, then I know what I have to do."
He turns to leave.
"Wait," I finally intervened. "Where are you going? You can't leave now."
"Yes I can."
He turns to look at me. "I have to find Ventress and get to the bottom of this."
I walk towards Ahsoka. "Until we hear from Anakin," I sit next to her, "lets work on your defense."
"Sorry if I don't sound optimistic." Ahsoka replies, looking down at her feet. She looks across at me. "I thought I was apart of that order. But everyone except Anakin has abandoned me. I'm not holding out much help the senate will treat me any better."
I blink, thinking.
"Okay. Lets start out with Letta. She asked to talk to you."
"Yea," Ahsoka says, looking at the wall. "She was going to tell me who was responsible for the murders. Then someone- not me- started to force choke her. Before she told me the name, she was dead, by way of the force. Everyone blames me because I was in there. But I'm a Jedi, I would never, I repeat never, kill someone who is unarmed."
"I know." I say as the guards come in.
"It is time for former Padawan Tano to begin her court case."
I stand up, Ahsoka does as well.
"I promise you'll be found innocent Ahsoka. Anakin will come back with the truth. Have faith."
She smiles and shakes her head. "See you in a few minutes Padmé."
I pace the room, thinking about what to say. Of course she's innocent, but will the others see that? They say she was found with nano droids. But she could have been set up. I place a hand against my forehead and sigh.
"Anakin." I whisper, "I could really use your help." I say, placing my hand across my abdomen. The bell rings. I blink, regain my composure, and walk into the senate court room to begin Ahsoka's trial.
"Ahsoka Tano." Chancellor Palpatine begins, "you are charged for the attack on the Jedi temple. The actions of the senate will decide your fate."
I watch Tarkin make his opening statement. My face gets pale as e says Ahsoka will get the death sentence if she's found guilty.
Afterwards, she's not guilty. Barriss Offee is. I'm shocked, I can't believe a jedi could have done this. But at least Ahsoka can return to being a jedi. I return to my office in the senate, to finish a bill I was working on.
Anakin walks in, his face red. His eyes hurt. I rush over to him- again. "Anakin!" I put my hands against his cheeks.
"Ahsoka left the order. She's not coming back. She knows Padmé. She knows about us."
