Think Twice

Chapter 12

         “Lightsaber forms are hardly the most important aspect of combat,” he said as he slowly circled where she was kneeling with her eyes closed in the center of the cargo bay. “They are a small, but necessary component. Like the backbone, you need them to survive, but them alone cannot support life.” He reached into the force and pulled her lightsabers to his hands. She didn’t react as she sat deep in meditation, concentrating on his lesson. “They are but a jumping off point. Performing them well is important, but only if you also have the rest of the components.”

            He studied her lightsabers in his hands. They were well built, both similar in design but one was smaller. He clipped the smaller one to his belt and turned on her main one. The green blade burst to life and he moved it around in the air getting a feel for the hilt. It was a bit clunky for his taste, but it had a nice balance to it. 

            “Performing the forms perfectly or knowing all of their history is a waste of time.” He turned off the one he’d been studying and glanced at her. “Fighting isn’t about winning, it’s about survival. Sometimes you survive by winning. Sometimes you survive by escaping.” 

            He stopped in front of her and watched her for a moment. She sat on her heels, her hands crossed on top of her knees. Her head was bowed just slightly. She looked a little tense, but otherwise appeared to be holding her concentration. He had to give her credit for her determination. Now that she’d found out the truth about Sidious, she was focused and ready to learn; no longer hesitant of his lessons. He could still feel the pain he’d sensed from her earlier, but she’d dropped her constant questioning and was letting him lead. 

            “True power comes not from a perfect form, but from purpose. While your focus during combat should be only on survival, your purpose is what fuels your ability to survive. It is the root of all power; good or evil. You may think you know your purpose, but you don’t.” She flinched ever so slightly but didn’t argue. “You’ll know when you know; it pumps through you like blood, it lives in every fiber of your body and soul. The Sith call this passion, I disagree; passion is married to recklessness. Purpose will drive you, test you, focus you and strengthen you. I can’t tell you what your purpose is, only you can decide that.”

            She tilted her chin back and looked up at him. “My purpose is to serve the people, and justice.”

            “Yet you knowingly follow a Sith who would be found guilty and executed for the things he’s done.” He crossed his arms. 

            “I follow you because I know there’s more to you than being a Sith. There’s good in you,” she said. 

            “Perhaps,” he murmured, mulling over her words. “Perhaps not.” She narrowed her eyes. “But the same could be said for every other being out there; any Jedi, any Sith, any monster... so what makes you, Ahsoka Tano, the judge and jury for the crimes of others? You think because you were a Jedi once that you’ve never done wrong? Do you think that because the Jedi supposedly represent the light side that they’ve never done evil things? Count Dooku was once a Jedi, do you know why he left the order? The Jedi council blindly follows the orders of a Sith, obeying his commands under the false belief they’re saving people. A Jedi is likely responsible for the temple bombing you were accused of. And more and likely that same Jedi framed you.”

            “What’s your point?” she asked in annoyance. Her cheeks reddened and she crossed her arms.