The Archer

Chapter Five: Exile

It can't be true.

Ahsoka never would have done that. Never. Not in this millenium.

I didn't know why I was so certain about that. Master Nu hadn't been specific but told me there was „incriminating evidence" against her. And still there was not a single part of me that was even remotely debating whether Ahsoka Tano committed the attack.

Because it just wasn't up to debate.

And I knew. I knew from our conversation, from the way we immediately bonded, from the way she looked at me when she talked about the Order being her family, from the way she was just a little bit like me...

After receiving the news from Master Nu, I had retreited to a quiet corner of the library to assort my thoughts. Somehow I knew exactly what I had to do – or at least what I desperately wanted to do. Needed to do. I needed to help her. But how could you?

I felt like I could use definitely use some advice right now and quickly reached for my comlink. To my surprise, Professor Mo answered the call in just a matter of seconds.

„(y/n)? I'm so relieved to hear from you. Are you alright?!"

His words made me realize I had almost forgotten about the bombing for a few minutes. This morning seemed like it happened forever ago. The explosion. The alarm. Anakin taking me out of the Temple...

I ignored my heart skipped a beat thinking of our encounter.

„Yes, yes, I'm alright," I quickly told him. „I'm actually calling for other reasons – I need your help on something..."

„Of course, (y/n). What's wrong?"

„Look, if someone is being accused of a crime – but they did not, in fact, commit it..."

„My god, (y/n)!", Professor Mo gasped. „Are you in trouble? What is going on? Are you under suspicion? I was worried something like that might happen ... They cannot target you simply because you are an extern. I will have a word with the Council..."

„No, no! It's not about me," I quickly reassured him. „I promise you. This is about someone else. Someone I want to help. This person is suspected to have committed a very serious crime, and there appears to be some evidence speaking against her – but she's innocent. I know. "

Professor Mo sighed deeply, but he didn't try do argue with me. „Well, I suppose if the allegations are really untrue, there are only two options: prove leaving no doubt that the suspect is innocent... or find the actual criminal."

„Makes sense." Me getting involved in any investigation? Pretty much impossible. They'd never let that slide. And I don't have any detailed information on anything.

„Some other ideas?"

„Without even knowing what we're talking about? There's hardly anything I can say, (y/n)..."

I'm sorry, Professor, but I really can't tell you more, I thought to myself.

„Mhh." I could almost see him thoughtfully scratching his beard. „I suppose looking into old, similar cases and how they where handled by the Council doesn't hurt. It might help the defense, negotiate how to deal with the situation and the suspect..."

There was a brief moment of silence.

„Although I really have to warn you. Whatever this is about, if that individual you're talking about is really innocent, they are probably being set up by someone. Be careful, (y/n)."