It Takes Two to Tango

A New Beginning

"Ahsoka Tano," the Chancellor stated, his voice bouncing off the walls. "You have been charged with sedition against the Jedi Order and the Republic itself. This court will decide your fate. Prosecution, you may begin your arguments."

Admiral Tarkin strut to the end of the platform beside her, his hands behind his back. "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." She couldn't help but feel amused. Admiral Tarkin, of all people, had the biggest bias against the Jedi Order in general, and the Chancellor himself had appointed him to be the prosecuting attorney. She didn't know what game the Chancellor was playing and certainly didn't like it. "When you are found guilty, I ask the court that the full extent of the law be brought down upon you, including penalty of death."

She took a step back, her eyes wide. It was absolutely absurd. The death penalty was only issued out in extreme cases for extreme criminals, neither of which applying to her. Though she was legally an adult, she had just turned seventeen. It wasn't right, and she hoped the court would see that.

The Chancellor stepped forward. "Thank you, Admiral. Defense, you may take the floor."

Padme nodded. "Thank you, Chancellor. My esteemed colleagues, based on the evidence provided, Ahsoka Tano should not be found guilty of the attack on the Temple or the murder of the Clone officers. Look at the facts: Letta Turmond called Ahsoka to her cell to reveal the name of the true mastermind behind the bombing of the Jedi Temple. Letta told Ahsoka she was afraid. She told her the mastermind was a Jedi, and before she could reveal the Jedi's name, Letta Turmond was strangled to death by way of the force. Why would Ahsoka kill Letta with a method that would so obviously tie the murder to her? A Jedi may be responsible for the murder, but that Jedi is not Ahsoka Tano." Padme took a moment to look each juror in the eye. "Members of the court, you are prosecuting the wrong Jedi!"

Ahsoka couldn't help but look around herself. The room was enormous. She couldn't see the floor beneath her platform, which could potentially be a problem should there be a need for a quick escape. She wasn't planning on running again, but she liked to keep her options open. Though there were plenty of life forms present, the room felt hollow.

Admiral Tarkin clapped sarcastically. "Well said, Senator Amidala. However, if she is innocent, then why was she seen conspiring with known Separatist terrorist Asajj Ventress?"

She was mad. He just didn't know when to quit. Padme had told her to remain silent for the trial and let her to the talking, but she couldn't stand it anymore. "Ventress set me up. My master will prove that!"

"And where is your master?" he sneered.

"He's trying to find the real murderer!"

"Then maybe he should be looking at you."

She took a deep breath and remained quiet. Letting emotions get the better of her had never worked in the past, and she didn't expect it to start now.

The Chancellor stood up. "I'm sure many of you look a this former Jedi and think, 'surely she cannot be this murderer or saboteur that they speak of?' And yet think of all the times we have been fooled by the Separatists and how they have infiltrated the Republic and ask yourself: is this not another Separatist scheme? Another way to rip the Jedi, and subsequently all of us, apart?" He allowed for an uncomfortable period of silence before he spoke again. "Please take the next few moments to reflect on what you heard today and come to a conclusion to decide the fate of the accused."

Ahsoka didn't know what to think anymore. She was innocent, and this was definitely not the work of the Separatists. A Jedi bombed the Temple because they disagreed with the war. Letta had told her this, but no one believed anything she said. Tarkin said himself that he dealt with facts and evidence, which deemed anything Letta had said useless because they had no record of it. Whoever did this had to know Ahsoka fairly well; they hit every nerve in her body single-handedly. Besides Lux. This case had helped her straighten out her priorities, though Lux was still high up on the list.