Survival: A Star Wars The Clone Wars Story

Chapter 7

AN - Sorry again for the long wait. This is not really edited but I just wanted to get something out there, because its been too long since the last chapter! Oh well, enjoy, and May the force be with you!

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Ahsoka could no longer stand back and wait, not now it was obvious how much danger Luminara and Barriss were in. She had to take action now, but she knew the council wouldn't approve, which was precisely why she wasn't going to tell them. Well, she thought to herself, I'll make one more attempt for them to hurry it along, but if they say no, Im going to have to go myself. Masters Anakin and Obi-wan were still on their mission protecting senators on Aeten II, which seemed utterly ridiculous to Ahsoka. Surely that is a job that the clones can do, what do they need Jedi for, even if it is really important?

She sighed and began to pace around the communications tower, her footfalls making almost no sound on the soft, carpeted floor. Without warning, she turned on her heel, and strode out towards the lift, after all, she wasn't any use in the communications tower anymore. Formulating a plan in her head, she made her way down to the temple library.

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The mid-afternoon sun was beating down on Ahsoka by the time she left the Jedi temple. Combine that with the dark, heavy coat she was wearing, to try stay unnoticed, and Ahsoka felt like she was in an oven. Fortunately, she laughed, ironically to herself, the place I'm going will be in the shade. She was now out of the temple courtyard, and was following a path that lead into a typical street of the upper levels. Each side was lined with apartments sporting frequently cleaned windows and shiny metal framework. The air was breathable, but still had undertones of dirt and smog that were carried up from the lower levels. Not even breathable air was free on Coruscant.

Ahsoka arrived at what she assumed must have been her destination. It was an infamous lower level cantina, that should be avoided at the best of times. The entrance was wedged between what looked like blocks of seedy, run-down state housing. The side of the building was depressing shades of grey and scattered with a few broken windows. Above the small, arched doorway was a neon sign reading The Gundark's Lair in orange block letters. She hurriedly snatched a look over her shoulder, then readjusted the cloak over her face and stepped headfirst through the entrance.

The cantina was almost as dark and dingy inside as it was outside. The strong stench of body odour and various alcoholic drinks clogged Ahsoka's nose. The room was scattered with tables, off to the right appeared to be some kind of band playing a slow jazz song. However, Ahsoka had no desire to stick around, and made a beeline for the bar. She made a quick, quiet coughing sound to get the attention of the bartender, an Ithorian who looked like he had seen better days. He swivelled his large head around to face Ahsoka.

"Can I help you, missy," came the low, electronic growl of the translator around his neck.

Research in the Jedi temple library had told Ahsoka who to ask for. She had begun to formulate a plan on her way out of the communications tower earlier that day. Step one would be to acquire some reprogrammed battle droids who would sneak her into the citadel as a prisoner; step two, break out Luminara and Barriss as a prisoner transfer and then step three, get out as fast as possible. It made sense to Ahsoka and she was going to do it. The Jedi had wasted enough time. And now here she was, making the first preparations for her plan.

Leaning slightly further over the bar table, she looked down at the bench and said: "Tell me where I can find Jet Kando."

The bartender narrowed his eyes and stopped polishing the glass he'd been cleaning.

"You're wasting my time." He said gruffly, and was about to turn around when Ahsoka dropped a few Republic credits on the table. Slowly, he turned back to her and eyed the credits with suspicion. After a long pause he spoke.