Hey guys and welcome back to Converging of Era's. Like last chapter there will be a rather large author not, so bear with me.

I have done more work on CoE than just write this chapter. I basically George Lucas'd this story and rewrote most of it, like I said I would NOT do last chapter :P. While I improved overall spelling and flow of the chapters I will list a brief summary of the changes:

1 Maul and Savage are no longer in the story. I just had too many villains and couldn't fit them in like I thought I could be in chapter 19. In response Asajj Ventress (and perhaps Grievous) will play a larger role.

2 Bethany is less a 'perfect Jedi'. Several lines of dialog were changed to fit a more human Bethany who generally is easier to piss off and doesn't take shit from anyone.

3. Mandalore's Arc and the visit to Tython incorporate the changes from SWTOR: Shadow or Revan. To replace the lore I made mention of a new character who connects to Bethany's past, but who will not play a role in this story. Another example is that Bethany now was a Battle master of the Order, which is my new justification on why she sat on the old council.

If you don't want to re-read the entire story I recommend you go back to chapters 13 and 14 and then read 18 and 19. That should give you enough knowledge to continue on with this story.

Lastly, you may have noticed the title change. After this chapter I have resolved all major plot point I wanted to cover within the Clone Wars era. This means we will be going into ROTS territory soon. My plan is to mark this story as complete after the next chapter, which will be an Epilogue and then continue with a fresh story on this site. I still have some ideas for plot lines in this era but they are too incomplete to include now. Instead I will make a companion story to this one where I will add more stories to the Clone Wars.

0000

Green and Orange clashed in a shower of sparks when Bethany and Kira drew back and went for another bout. The two women had started a 'relaxation' duel in one of the training rooms while the both of them were confined to the Jedi temple.

"I just don't get it," Bethany grunted when she parried a swing of Kira's saberstaff.

"Well the temple was bombed and they are all pretty shaken about it. To close for comfort." Kira responded after trying to slice Bethany with the other end of her weapon.

"But how many kriffing times do we have to prove ourselves to them before they don't instantly suspect us?" Bethany growled following it up with a crossed blade stab.

"Aren't they grounding all Jedi who were present in the temple?" Kira asked.

"You saw the looks the council gave us, just because they weren't saying it- argh!" Bethany answered with a particular powerful swing which knocked Kira's staff out of the way. Kira recovered with a twist of her body and stabbed, only to be blocked by Bethany.

Shame about knowing each other so well was that it was hard to ever win these duels anymore. Both women now just treated it as anger management.

"I'm not saying I liked it-" Kira admitted during another assault "-but you got to admit it's pretty serious."

Bethany took a second to breathe "Yes and because Clones were killed as well Republic command is breathing down the council's neck. I really can't stand that Admiral Tarkin's face. You'd think he'd show more respect to those of the same rank. We are Generals after all."

"Typical political soldier, got into the military high because of connections and doesn't do anything but complain and enforce bureaucracy." Kira scowled before twirling her staff and charging again.

"Anyway, the council decided to have Skywalker and his Padawan investigate. Since they were off planet at the time of the bombing." Bethany stated while parrying the swings from Kira.

"Ooh, is Skywalker gonna try and interrogate me?" Kira smirked, trying a Force push.

"He tried with me," Bethany smirked back and jumped aside "He tried to be all tough and stern, I laughed in his face."

"And you wonder why the council suspects you-" Kira finished with a laugh before blocking an overhead slash "I can't wait till he approaches me."

"I don't think he will. This afternoon during the council meeting they said they found evidence in the hangar, traces of Nano-bombs. They are tracing it to one of the temple caretakers." Bethany explained while they crossed blades again.

"Why would one of the Caretakers wanna bomb the temple?" Kira wondered as they broke the lightsaber lock.

"More Salary?" Bethany joked while stepping back and lowering her guard "I think it's the CIS, you can accomplish a lot with a bribe or a threat to a non-Jedi."

Kira deactivated her lightsaber and made the customary bow, Bethany followed suit. "I'm starving let's get something to eat." Kira offered.

0000

That evening, while Coruscant was storming Bethany once again sat in her chair within the Council chamber. She was reviewing the footage from the Republic base security systems while Tarkin was on call, rambling on "-After further investigation there can be little doubt that the clone officers murdered in the escape were killed by none other than Ashoka Tano herself. She used a Jedi mind trick to convince the clone to open the door and then proceeded to cut him down along with five others clones along the way."

"I- do not believe that Ashoka could have fallen so far." Master Plo Koon said.

"The beliefs of the council are irrelevant." Tarkin continued "We deal strictly in facts and evidence and the evidence points to Padawan Tano being guilty of the attack on the temple and the murder of Republic officers. This is Sed-"

At that point Bethany had enough of the pompous man "Fact and evidence Admiral?" she interrupted "By whose interpretation? Surely you do not claim yourself to be an 'expert' on matters of the Jedi or the Force?"

The council looked to Bethany in surprise at that remark. But Bethany saw most masters agree in the assessment that Tarkin was taken quite a lot of liberty in his statement. Tarkin sputtered for a moment "There is no need for expertise to figure out what happened at the base." He sneered.

"I beg to differ, there are several things not adding beliefs of the council are therefor that more important." Bethany responded.

"Agree, I do." Yoda said "review the evidence, this Council will. And deal with the matter accordingly we shall."

"But-" Tarkin started

"Thank you for bringing it to our attention Admiral" Mace finalized before disconnecting the call.

The council sighed in relief when the call was over "While I agree with your assessment, I think it was unwise to antagonize the Admiral." Master Mundi said after a brief silence.

"The Admiral forgets he is addressing a room full of Generals, who are of equal rank." Bethany snorted.

"It does not mean he is not partly justified in his claim," Mundi responded "Skywalker," he the addressed Anakin "was there no way to stop your Padawan?"

Anakin stepped up "No master Mundi. Not without harming her." He said.

"The evidence, stacked against her it is. Believe she is innocent you do?" Yoda asked the Knight.

"I don't believe Ashoka killed the troopers or the woman responsible for the bombing. That is why she is running, to prove her innocence." Anakin answered the council.

"You mentioned some things not adding up, master Cross?" A hologram of Obi-wan said.

Bethany nodded "For starters, it is out of character of Ashoka to do these things. I may not know her as long as some here. But I'm sure Anakin and master Koon can back this up." Both Jedi nodded at that.

"She could have fallen and hidden it from us. Dooku did." Master Fisto offered.

"Count Dooku was a Jedi master. Ashoka is only a Padawan." Master Koon retorted.

"Furthermore I reviewed the security footage while Tarkin was rambling, and perhaps Skywalker can give his opinion," Bethany said "after the alarm sounded did Ashoka have opportunity to kill others?"

Anakin raised both eyebrows before glowering "what are you suggesting."

"Just answer the question." Bethany glowered back, not ready to challenge him now.

Anakin paced for a moment. "Yes she could have killed more. But she didn't!" he said at last.

Bethany smiled "Exactly, not adding up."

"What are you getting at Master Cross?" Mace asked.

"If Ashoka has fallen, Why not go on a rampage to get out of custody? Why mind trick and kill clones while the alarm was still off but then once she is pursued go to great lengths to avoid injuring or killing?"

"That is strange." Master Kolar admitted.

"Same goes for the murder of that woman. Why strangle her with the Force, while she knows that will tie her to the murder?" Bethany continued.

"Questions, right we are to ask. But only Padawan Tano can answer, find her we must." Yoda concluded.

"She is hiding in the lower levels. With her skills she will be hard to find." Mace stated.

"Two teams, we will send" Yoda answered "Master Skywalker, master Koon, know her best, you do. With clones you will go." Master Koon stood up and stepped up next to Anakin.

"Are you clear on your purpose, Skywalker?" Windu asked with a piercing glare.

Anakin growled "I rather capture Ashoka and find the truth than have her on the run because of a lie."

Yoda nodded "Go swiftly then, Skywalker. And bring back this lost child. Before it is too late."

0000

After a day the council was on holo-call with Admiral Tarkin again, concerning Ashoka's escape and re-capture "In light of these recent events the Senate is of the opinion that an internal Jedi trial is not sufficient and therefore requests that Ashoka Tano is expelled from the Jedi order to face a full military tribunal." Tarkin stated.

The Jedi council frowned at that statement "The council will do what it deems to be necessary. Thank you admiral" Windu stated in return. Fortunately Tarkin was satisfied with that and disconnects from the holo-terminal.

"Surely we cannot do what Tarkin suggest," Obi-wan asked incredulously "if anything we should stand with Ashoka in this."

"And yet there is evidence that she is indeed the mastermind behind the attack on the temple." Master Mundi responded.

A sigh came from master Kolar "She was found in possession of the Nano-droid explosives. This alone is enough to convict her."

"I understand your sentiment, Obi-wan," Mace said "but doing as you say may be seen as opposition to the Senate. I'm afraid we have little choice."

"Still," Bethany interrupted "there are again several things not adding up."

"What makes you say that?" Master Fisto asked.

"We found Ashoka in that warehouse with her weapons drawn. Yet she did not act hostile towards the clones. Who or why would she be fighting in a place that incriminates her?" Bethany explained her hunch.

"We know she had contact with Ventress." Master Koon stated.

Obi-wan nodded in agreement "A person who has both the motivation and the skill to frame Ashoka for these crimes."

"Exactly!" Bethany said "for all we know Ventress is manipulating poor Ashoka into committing these crimes."

"While you make a valid point, we must present an answer to the Senate." Mace interjected.

"A compromise, perhaps, the best solution is." Yoda said "To the Chamber of Judgement, summon Skywalker and his Padawan."

00000

Bethany took her seat inside the Chamber of Judgement. With its dark atmosphere and eerie lighting it gave her a brief chill. Down below she saw Anakin pace while Ashoka sat on a bench. Several Sentinels were guarding the two.

When all masters were seated the Jedi trial began. Ashoka stepped up onto the raising platform and was brought up to eye level with the council masters.

"Padawan Ashoka, serious charges have been levied against you. How plead you?" Yoda started.

"Not guilty!" Ashoka responded "I would never take an innocent live. The values of the Jedi order are sacred to me."

"There is evidence to the contrary," Master Mundi responded "you were alone in that cell with Leta Turmont when she died. Can you explain this?"

"Someone used the Force against her. But it was not me!" Ashoka answered.

"Which should bring us to Ventress," Master Plo Koon continued "Can you explain your association with her?"

"She- we had a mutual understanding. I thought she was helping me." Ashoka said.

"Help you obtain the Nano-explosives used in the temple bombing?" Master Windu accused.

"No! I- I was set up! Deceived, just as you are being deceived now." Ashoka responded.

Windu continued "Then the question is who is deceiving us. Ventress? You? Or someone else?"

"I am not deceiving you!" Ashoka heatedly responded "I assume Ventress is but- I can't be sure. My senses are- clouded."

Bethany perked up at this "Clouded how?"

Ashoka looked at Bethany "I- don't know exactly. There is something- I just can't put my finger on."

"Clouded by the Dark side, these things are, dangerously clouded." Yoda said "But not surrounding you per se, they are."

Anakin spoke from down below "You have already reached a decision haven't you? This meeting is just a formality!"

Yoda sighed "We have. Though not in total agreement we are."

Bethany could see Ashoka's face crumbling at that, the vibes within the Room and within the Force told her enough. Bethany interjected "We wish to believe you Ashoka, truly. But so far there is no counter-evidence to your case."

Windu continued "And with the demands from Republic command we have little choice. It is there for the council's decision to-"a moment of silence in which Mace glanced past the other masters "-temporarily suspend you from the Jedi Order."

Ashoka looked surprised, suspended? Not expelled? Anakin shared her thoughts "What does this mean?!" he demanded.

"Per the request of the Senate, Padawan Tano is no longer under the jurisdiction of the Jedi order," Bethany answered before Anakin would explode "temporarily of course, for the remainder of the military trial."

"Ashoka, we are not abandoning you." Master Koon said "Against the wishes of the Senate or not, we feel this trial is more complicated than Admiral Tarkin is making it out to be."

"Therefor Master Kenobi has offered to help with your defence before the tribunal, together with someone outside of the order, by your choosing." Master Windu explained "Furthermore Master Cross has offered to lead an independent investigation for this case."

"And I was hoping Knight Skywalker would assist me in this. Seeing as he knows Ashoka best." Bethany added quickly.

"Of course!" Anakin answered equally quick "So- Ashoka is fine?"

"We did not say that Knight Skywalker." Mace answered with a frown "The evidence so far is still against your Padawan. If Ashoka Tano is found guilty by the tribunal she will be permanently expelled and face the judgement deemed by the court. We only believe that there is more this case than what is known so far."

It was Ashoka who responded to that first "Thank you-" she said.

The whole room looked to her in surprise. Ashoka responded "I know you don't believe me. But I am at least glad you are willing to get to the bottom of this."

"And we will Ashoka," Bethany said "You can trust us on that."

0000

Anakin and Bethany joined Obi-wan in a visit to Ashoka, who was now being detained in a high security cell within the Republic base. On their way the three picked up Senator Amidala, who would represent Ashoka's defence together with Obi-wan. When they entered the cell Bethany smiled sadly at the devastated Padawan sitting inside. Anakin spoke first, explaining that Senator Amidala would help her in court. "I will do anything I can to prove your innocence, Ashoka." The Senator said warmly.

"Thank you," Ashoka sniffed before her face hardened. She spoke to Anakin "I know Ventress was behind this. She was there in the warehouse with me, we fought! But she got away; didn't any of the clones see anything?"

Obi-wan answered "Unfortunately not, which means it is just your word we have on that."

"I thought you said she left before you entered the warehouse?" Bethany asked.

"I thought so too, but then she attacked me inside, it happened so quickly and I didn't see her face but I'd recognize to two lightsabers anywhere." Ashoka admitted.

"Then that is our only lead. We need to go hunting for Sith." Anakin stated.

"What? You can't leave now!" Padme said.

"Don't worry Senator," Obi-wan responded "Anakin and Bethany are assigned to investigate while we prepare a defence. I agree Ventress would be our best bet."

"Then we'll go immediately, starting at the warehouse." Bethany said.

"Good luck." Padme said to the two Jedi's backs.

When the cell door closed again Obi-wan took a seat next to Ashoka. "Now I am afraid I must remain impartial during the defence, but I can and will help in any way I can."

"I understand master Kenobi." Ashoka responded.

"Well, while those two are off searching, let's prepare a general defence." Padme said taking a seat opposite of Obi-wan.

00000

Anakin and Bethany were in one of Anakin's 'less than legal' speeders cruising towards the warehouse "How will we even find her in this mess." Anakin growled.

"Well, for one we know its Ventress, which means we can track her Force signature. I'm sure you know it by now?" Bethany said.

"True but there is a lot of life around here, the Force is too muddled." Anakin said as he parked the speeder.

"I can help with that." Bethany said. She closed her eyes and calmed her mind, expanding her signature within the Force. Anakin caught on, most life forces would be drowned out by Bethany's supernova within the Force. The few remaining signatures were strong enough to be noticed and out of them Ventress stood out even more. It took Anakin a minute to track the Dark Side presence and then ran off towards it location. Bethany followed swiftly.

Anakin spotted Ventress walking down the street from a level up. It appeared she noticed him too, as was the plan, and took off in a sprint. Anakin used the Force to pursue her into an alley.

"Anakin Skywalker-" Ventress mused as she turned towards him.

"I know you're behind all this." Anakin growled.

"Then prove it!" Assajj mocked as she jumped up on a pipe hanging up above. However as she landed she heard the snap-hiss of two lightsabers and suddenly saw two orange light blades hover near her throat.

"Oh dear, at my mercy again." Bethany smirked from behind Ventress. She had done the opposite of before and hidden her signature behind Anakin's, surprising the Sith and keeping the fight short. Thought Bethany noticed Ventress didn't have her lightsabers on her anyway.

Anakin jumped up as well and joined his blue lightsaber with Bethany's. There was no escape for Ventress.

"Tell me what happened!" Anakin demanded angrily. To which Bethany raised her eyebrow.

Ventress, knowing she was outmatched now that she felt both Anakin and Bethany grabbing a hold of her with the Force answered "When I heard your little rat was on the run for a crime she didn't commit, I thought she might be persuaded to join me in the CIS, you know go all the way."

"You bitch-" Anakin growled again.

"Yet you changed your mind." Bethany interrupted.

"I admit I at first I was intrigued at the prospect of shoving your fallen apprentice into your face, Skywalker but then I realized we have a lot in common she and I." Assajj smirked

"How dare you compare yourself to Ashoka!" Anakin said.

"It's true!" Ventress replied "I was abandoned by that old bastard Dooku, and you left your precious Padawan to the wolfs. You betrayed her, you and your precious Jedi order."

"Your wrong about that, Ventress or I wouldn't be here. Now talk!" Bethany said with a frown.

"Fine," the Sith said "I helped your little pet track down the explosives and left her at that warehouse. I was walking away and thought she came up behind me to talk more. But I was wrong; someone came up to me and attacked me from behind. Not anyone can sneak up behind me; it had to be another Jedi."

"I don't believe you." Anakin said.

"Well, someone with her lightsabers but not necessarily her face attacked Ashoka inside the warehouse." Bethany said.

"It wasn't me. But whoever attacked me has my lightsabers. That's how you know who the criminal is." Ventress concluded. Both Bethany and Anakin did not sense any deceit, so they withdrew their lightsabers and gave Ventress some room to breathe.

"That leaves us at a dead end; you are the only one Ashoka talked to." Anakin lamented.

Ventress frowned at that "That's not true." She said.

"What do you mean?" Bethany asked the Sith.

"Your Padawan contacted the temple. She spoke to someone named- Barriss! That's how we knew to go to the warehouse in the first place; it was this Barriss that told us to go there."

"How would Barriss Offee know that kind of information?" Bethany said to Anakin.

Anakin walked up to Ventress and got into her personal space "If you're lying about this, I will end you." He snarled. Before jumping away towards his speeder.

"Such promises," Ventress mocked before realizing Bethany was still there. Ventress faced Bethany and raised an eyebrow.

Bethany knew she had to catch up to Anakin quick so she sighed and said "I guess it's your lucky day, but if you lied, Jedi or no, I'm not stopping Anakin." Before jumping after the retreating Jedi.

With a few Force leaps Bethany had just enough time to hop into the speeder before Anakin took off. "You know we let a known terrorist walk free there." She said.

"You didn't have to come after me, go and apprehend her." Anakin said with a sour look.

Bethany sighed again "No, helping Ashoka is more important right now."

"I- Thank you. I didn't expect-" Anakin said surprised.

"I was the one who suggested the temporary suspension. I like Ashoka, she reminds me of Kira." Bethany smirked "Which reminds me, as a Master I have to say you need to keep your emotions in check," Anakin frowned even more at that "That said, if it was Kira in this mess, I would do a lot more than threaten a Sith. So we'll keep this little meeting to ourselves." she added with a fire in her eyes that made Anakin shudder.

Meanwhile Ventress was watching the Jedi leave in their speeder and fumed. She lost her lightsabers to a Padawan, apparently, and she was apprehended by those two before the fight even started. She kicked a trashcan and paced around. So much for being the strongest. Perhaps that Scourge was her best shot at power now.

0000

Anakin somehow calmed down by the time they returned to the temple. Both he and Bethany were walking towards Barriss' quarters. Anakin pressed the doorbell and an "Enter" was heard from inside. The door opened and revealed a Mirialan girl no older than Ashoka meditating. Anakin walked in while he said "Barriss, we need to talk to you." Meanwhile Bethany leaned against the doorway, preventing it from closing.

"Master Skywalker, Master Cross, how can I help you?" Barriss asked politely.

"I was told you spoke with Ashoka before she was arrested," Anakin began while using the Force to grab Barriss' lightsaber "What did you say to her?"

"We've been friends for a long time; I was only trying to help her. I hope I'm not in any trouble." Barriss answered.

"It's no trouble," Bethany spoke up "we just need to know what you told her."

"And if you told anyone else." Anakin added.

Barriss looked from Bethany to Anakin "No? I thought I had a clue for her but I really couldn't tell her anything. Who told you I spoke to her?"

"Ventress told us." Bethany answered that question.

"Ventress?" came the response "Isn't she the one Ashoka thinks is behind all this?" Bethany found it odd to only get questions as answers

"That's what Ashoka says. But we think she is wrong." Anakin stated "Ventress thinks someone else is involved."

Barriss rolled her eyes "And you believe that Sith, who else could it be if not her? Surely not Ashoka."

"No," Anakin answered "We think both Ashoka and Ventress are telling the truth-" Bethany saw Barriss inch toward a pot in the corner and glanced at Anakin. He understood the signal and grabbed onto Barriss' lightsaber more tightly, signalling back Bethany who clipped hers from her belt "-But there is a simple way of finding out."

Within a second Anakin ignited the lightsaber and swung at Barriss. To the two Jedi their slight surprise Ventress' lightsabers floated out of the pot and into the Padawan's hands. She blocked the swing from Anakin and rolled towards the window, putting Anakin in front of Bethany who just missed with an orange double blade stab.

"Funny, those belonged to Ventress," Anakin said while he and Bethany went for another attack. Barriss was better at lightsaber combat than she looked and both Jedi weren't intending to kill or injure like with Ventress earlier. In the cramped space there was no room to swing five lightsabers so Bethany held back. "You should have gotten rid of them." Anakin grunted after a block.

"I think they suit me." Barriss smirked as she attacked. It was a feint though and within the limited space she slipped past both Jedi and into the hallway. This was her mistake though as now both pursuers had more than enough space to assault. Barriss ran with Anakin and Bethany in tow.

As they dashed through one of the massive halls Bethany used her Force leap to gain on Barriss and block her path. Anakin caught up and ignited his own lightsaber, making the total six. "Ashoka trusted you! And you betrayed her!" he snarled as he charged at the same time Bethany did.

"Padawan Offee you are under arrest!" Bethany added while the three crossed blades. Meanwhile a couple of Sentinels appeared around the corners and shouted "Cease all hostilities!"

Barriss noticed and leapt through the window, Bethany and Anakin right behind her. Below in the courtyard a class of younglings was practicing lightsaber swings. Barriss jumped down intend to use the children to gain an advantage.

Bethany did not like child hostages and from up top threw her lightsabers after Barriss who could barely block in mid-air. This gave Anakin the opportunity to jump down, grab a hold of her with the Force and shove her against a tree. Then a small army of Sentinels as well as the Master who was teaching the class got their lightsabers pointed at Barriss. There was no way out. Barriss dropped the red lightsabers and raised her hands in defeat.

0000

Earlier that day the trial was starting. Ashoka was led into the large courtroom by a squad of clones. To the sides the Jedi council as well as several Senators sat in attendance. In front of Ashoka, on top of a platform the Chancellor himself was preceding the trial.

From a door to the left Admiral Tarkin, in charge of the prosecution entered. And from the right Padme and Obi-wan showed up to represent her defence.

The Chancellor spoke "Ashoka Tano, you have been charged with sedition against the Jedi order and the Republic itself. This court will decide your fate."

"A moment please, your Excellency," Tarkin interjected "I believe the presence of Master Kenobi present a clear bias against the accused; I demand he be removed from this trial."

"Come now, Admiral," Padme answered smoothly and quickly "are you really starting this trial by accusing a Jedi Master of not being capable of impartial judgement?"

Tarkin opened his mouth to retort but had no response; a slight flush crept onto his face. Obi-wan added "The crimes committed are done by the use of the Force, therefor the Jedi order found it imperative that an 'expert' to be present in this trial."

"That- is a good argument," Palpatine admitted "I will allow master Kenobi to help in the defence, provided he can give an impartial opinion, should I suspect otherwise I will ask you to leave."

"We agree to that, of course." Obi-wan answered with a bow.

"Very well, prosecution, you may begin your arguments." Palpatine said.

Tarkin got over his slight embarrassment and started "Former Padawan Tano, I shall prove that you were the mastermind behind the attack on the Jedi temple. And that once your accomplices carried out your orders, you eliminated them one by one. When you are found guilty I ask the court that the full extent of the law is brought down upon you, including penalty of death!"

"I object!" Padme interrupted.

"On what ground?" Palpatine asked.

Padme pointed at Ashoka "Former Padawan Tano is a minor, and therefore cannot be judged as a full citizen of the Republic."

"But she is a Jedi;" Tarkin responded "surely this warrants special judgement."

"The Prosecution demanded that Ashoka Tano not be judged as a Jedi, she was suspended for that very reason," Padme retorted "It is hypocritical to now demand special judgment for the fact she was one."

Once again Tarkin was silenced "Furthermore," Obi-wan stepped in once again "Padawan Tano is just that, a Padawan. Part of the reason the Jedi order agreed to suspend her was because of this."

"Meaning?" Palpatine wanted clarified.

"A Padawan is not a full-fledged Jedi. And the responsibility for her actions falls partly if not fully under the responsibility of her master, in this case knight Skywalker." Obi-wan stated.

A murmur went through the courtroom. Surely they weren't going to judge the 'Hero with no Fear' in this trial?

Tarkin was fuming but did say "The prosecution will retract the demand for special judgement." Ashoka could not help but show a small smile towards Padme and Obi-wan.

Palpatine looked at both sides "Does the prosecution need time to deliberate?" he asked Tarkin.

"I propose the defence make their argument first, seeing as it seems they have more to say on the matter." Tarkin responded.

Palpatine agreed and motioned to Padme to begin her argument. The Senator in turn took a deep breath and began "Members of the court, I urge you to look at the facts. Leta Turmont called Ashoka to her cell to reveal the name of the true mastermind behind the bombing of the Jedi temple. Leta told Ashoka she was afraid. And that the mastermind was a Jedi. Before she could reveal the Jedi's name, Leta Turmont was strangled to death by ways of the Force."

"The only evidence is a holo-vid without sound," The Chancellor interrupted "could our 'expert' expand on this claim?" he asked.

"Certainly," Obi-wan responded "I have a statement from Jedi Master Bant Eirin, a doctor within the Halls of Healing, who we asked to investigate the late Leta Turmont's death. She confirms that Leta was killed by strangulation. And that the absence of fingerprints and bruises indicate the Force was used."

"There was no one else in that cell. Only Padawan Tano could have done it." Tarkin said

"A skilled Force user, one with the skill to set this attack up in the first place can perform such a feat from outside of the premise. Even more so if he or she was familiar with Leta Turmont's Force signature, which he would be if he manipulated her into the bombing." Obi-wan retorted.

"Are you suggesting another Jedi is responsible for Leta Turmont's death?" Palpatine asked.

"If Ashoka is not, then it must be." Obi-wan concluded.

"Why would it not be Padawan Tano?" Tarkin demanded.

Padme answered "Why would Ashoka kill Leta with a method that would so obviously tie the murder to her? You are painting this picture of Ashoka to be an evil mastermind. But then why would she make such an obvious 'mistake'? Members of the court a Jedi maybe responsible for the murder but that Jedi is not Ashoka Tano. You are prosecuting the wrong Jedi."

Tarkin clapped his hands a few times in mock appreciation "A valid argument, Senator Amidala. But if she is innocent then why was she seen conspiring with known Separatist terrorist Asajj Ventress?"

"Ventress set me up!" Ashoka stated "My master will prove that!"

"And where is your master right now?" Tarkin mocked.

Obi-wan spoke "Per orders of the Jedi, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker is currently part of an independent investigation towards this case, under the command of Master Bethany Cross. They are currently searching the lower levels for clue's maybe left unnoticed by those not Force sensitive."

"The Senate did not approve this investigation." Palpatine frowned

"This investigation is independent and therefor under Jedi jurisdiction." Master Windu said from the side line.

"Then it cannot be used as an argument in this case!" Tarkin responded

"In the case of circumstantial evidence, yes. But conclusive evidence cannot be ignored." Padme said.

"I agree," Palpatine said, stopping the debate "Though I will not extend this trial to wait for a conclusion to this investigation. You have until the end of this trial to present any evidence in Ashoka Tano's defence and judgement will not be altered if it comes afterwards."

"Very well, your Excellency." Padme agreed reluctantly.

"Are there any more arguments to make?" Palpatine asked the room.

"Oh, I have quite more to say on the matter, your Excellency." Tarkin smirked. Even though some of his arguments were debunked by Padme and 'expert' Obi-wan he continued to present Ashoka in a bad light, going as far as to insinuating PTSD from the war. After a few hours of debate and closing statements the jury was ready to render judgement.

A jury member stood up from his seat "The members of the court have reached a decision" he said rolling is r's heavily. He then pressed a button on a small holopad, which sent the judgement to Mas Amedda, who presented the results to Palpatine. Palpatine read the pad and nodded towards his second in command. He stood and began "Ashoka Tano by an overwhelming count-" he was interrupted by the door in the back opening, showing Anakin marching briskly towards the middle "Chancellor!" he demanded with a wave of his hand.

Four sentinels flanked a still hidden person and Bethany pulled up the rear with a grim look on her face. The Jedi in the stands looked surprised at the person in the middle and quickly looked towards Bethany. She in turn frowned and nodded, communicating non-verbally that this was happening.

"I hope you have a reason for bursting into our proceedings, Master Skywalker." Palpatine said.

Anakin addressed the room. "I am here with evidence and a confession from the person responsible for all the crimes Ashoka is accused of." He stepped away to reveal his prisoner "Barriss Offee!" he stated her name "member of the Jedi order, and traitor!"

Ashoka looked devastated towards her friend while the rest of the court looked on in surprise and unease. Even the Jedi council was perplexed.

"Barriss?" Ashoka managed "Is that true?"

Anakin growled towards Barriss "Tell them the truth-"

The Padawan stepped up "I did it. Because I have come to realize what many people in the Republic have come to realize. That the Jedi are responsible for the war. That we so lost our way that we have become villains in this conflict. That we are the ones that should be put on trial, all of us! My attack on the temple was an attack on what the Jedi have become. An army fighting for the Dark side, fallen from the light that we once held so dear. This Republic is failing! And it's only a matter of time."

Palpatine looked livid "Take her away!" he snarled. The Sentinels formed up again and Bethany nodded towards Anakin as she led the group out of the courtroom.

Palpatine addressed the room after the group left the room "In light of this evidence, I declare Ashoka Tano, not guilty of the charges pressed against her. Does the prosecution agree?" he asked Tarkin.

"All I was after was judgement for the actions committed against this Republic. With this confession I agree that Ashoka Tano is innocent." Tarkin stated.

"Then I declare this trial over." Palpatine concluded.

0000

That evening at dusk The Jedi council convened again. Ashoka once again stood in the middle of the room. Anakin was allowed to take a seat and started "I- am sorry, for everything Ashoka."

Master Koon spoke "You have our most humble apologies, little 'soka. We were wrong to suspect you."

"You have shown great strength and resilience in your struggle to prove your innocence." Master Kolar said. "This is the true sign of a Jedi Knight." Master Mundi added.

"You faced a great trial, one even a Knight might succumb under. While not there yet I suspect you might even beat me in becoming a full-fledged Jedi Knight." Bethany smiled. Then her smile dropped "That is, if you still wish to return."

Master Windu raised his eyebrow to that "What do you mean master Cross?"

Bethany looked Ashoka in the eye "For all intends and purposed you were expelled from the order. The decision to return lies with you. Though I hope I speak for us all when I say we would love to have you back. Padawan Tano."

Ashoka looked down for a moment "I- admit I had doubts on that decision at the beginning of all this. But your support in my trial has shown me that Barriss was wrong. That we still are the order I have come to call my family," she then chuckled "and someone needs to keep Master Skywalker out of trouble."

Obi-wan snorted, earning a glare from Anakin. Bethany laughed while placing a hand on Ashoka's shoulder "Then welcome back, young one."

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Thanks for reading this latest instalment. I hope you enjoyed it, leave a review if you want, they help me a lot.

Loretwister Out