53 Chapter 52

The case of Ahsoka turning against the order and the republic had shaken the Jedi order to its core. She was a hero. A role model for all younglings to look up to. Now it was being spread that she has become a traitor. This was a serious blow to the Jedi in the public eye as well. The already meager trust and good faith the public had has dwindled even more.

While such a dire situation prevailed, a meeting was being held in the council chamber. The atmosphere was somber. In the center, the holographic display showed Admiral Tarkin and two clones, while the seats were occupied by Jedi masters both present and through holo.

"After further investigation, there can be no doubt that the clone officers killed in the escape, were done by none other than Ahsoka Tano herself. She used her Jedi mind tricks to make the clone release her. Then she proceeded to cut him down along with five other clones along the way" said Admiral Tarkin in his omnipresent diabolic stoicism.

"I cannot believe Ahsoka would fall so far," said Master Obi-Wan in a depressed tone.

"The beliefs of the Jedi are irrelevant. We deal strictly in facts and evidence. And the evidence points to Padawan Ahsoka being responsible for the attack on the temple and the attack on republic officers. This is Sedition '' said Tarkin before cutting the call.

There was a brief silence in the chamber. The masters looked at each other with worry and shock.

"Skywalker, was there no way to stop your padawan before she escaped?" asked master Ki-Adi Mundi.

"No, master Mundi," says Anakin walking forward with worry and frustration evident on his face.

"The council believes Ahsoka may be guilty of the crime. Still believe they are wrong, do you?" asked Master Yoda.

"I believe she didn't kill the clones nor the women who blew up the temple. That's why she is running. To prove her innocence" said Anakin passionately.

"Now she is in the lower depths. With her skills, she will be hard to find. Plus, those levels aren't really under our control. A large gang controls them. The clone battalions from the garrison forces we sent down there were pushed back with very little effort" said Master Windu.

"Two teams we will send. Master Skywalker and Master Ki-Adi Mundi, with clones you will go" said Master Yoda.

"I think it would be best for Skywalker to stay here. Having you involved might make things worse" said master Windu leaning forward.

"With all due respect Master Windu. Ahsoka is my Padawan. Hence my responsibility" defended Anakin.

" All the more reason for you to stay back. You are too emotionally attached" retorted Windu.

"I would rather bring her in and prove her innocence than have her run like a common criminal," says Anakin through gritted teeth.

"Prove to us, you will stay focused, can you?" asked master Yoda

*Sigh*" I have already alerted security on the lower levels to keep an eye out for her," said Anakin.

"I don't think keeping Anakin out of this is the right move. He knows her and what she will do. Plus I will also have people ask around past level 1500. Our influence drastically decreases the further we go down from there" Obi-Wan intervenes.

"Very well. Hurry, you must" said master Yoda.

Both Ki-Adi Mundi and Anakin rush out of the council chambers to hunt for Ahsoka and hopefully get to the bottom of this series of dreadful events.

(POV Ahsoka)

My life has been turned upside down. I don't know who to believe. Who to trust.

The very Jedi I blindly believed have turned their backs on me at the drop of a coin. And here I am on the run.,

The only thing I have going for me is the poor security in these lower levels.

Most if not all of the security officials have been bribed by the cartel running these levels. The streets are run by them. I could see the cartel droids and goons walking around. Taking protection fees and standing guard menacingly. At least the people have proper infrastructure and living conditions. For the lower levels that is. And from the conversations, it was the cartel that had improved the living standard of the people down here.

As I turn around a corner I see a dozen security officers and cartel members having a meeting in a bi-lane. From the looks of it, they are having a meeting with the cartel. I sneak close enough to hear them.

"This is the latest list of wanted criminals running down on the lower levels. The most wanted fugitive is this young Padawan. She was the one who blew up the temple" said the guard captain.

"Looks like the Jedi are losing their heads as well. For something so young to be able to pull off such an attack. Their security must be lax" said one of the goons.

"Fuck the Jedi. Keep an eye out for this one. She is armed and dangerous." said the guard captain.

"You will owe me one for this. Plus you should know, scarier monsters are lurking down here" said the goon.

That's all I needed to hear. Soon even the cartel will be looking for me. As I start leaving I accidentally push over a few can lying around.

"What was that?" said one of the security guards.

They all start looking for the source of the noise. I had to run with all my might to get away in time. Sigh this just got a lot harder.

(Time Skip)

It's been two days. Two days on the run. I was able to scrounge up some food but it won't last long.

I need to find a way to end this farce. But how? I have got no leads. All the leads I have are dead now. I have no contacts I trust to call upon. Ummm, the force will show me a way. It always does. I just have to persevere.

I even had to go down to level 1313 just to avoid the security guards. Down here their influence is close to minimal. Well, that doesn't help the fact that the cartel might also be looking for me. And the fact that these levels are quite literally run by them doesn't help.

As I round the corner head buried in my thoughts I bump into someone carrying small crates. And unfortunately, I knock them and the crate over, spilling its contents. And from the looks of it, they were filled with machine parts.

"OUCH! For Kriffs sake watch where you are going!" cussed a young feminine voice.

"I am sorry. I didn't see you. Here let me help you" I started helping the girl pick up the spilled components from the crates.

"Yeah, we'll watch where you walk next time," she said in an angry tone.

"What are you doing with so many parts anyways. Couldn't you have a worker droid move them for you?" I asked.

"To use as paperweights," she said looking at me with a blank stare. *Sigh*" I need them to repair stuff. I run a small machine shop down the street. One of the most promising shops on this side of town," she said with a shrug.

"Let me help you carry one of the crates. It's the least I can do. The name is Ahsoka by the way" I introduced myself.

"Sure. The name is Trace" she said, leading the way.

"You don't seem like you are from these levels. What brings you here" asked Trace while we made our way to her workshop.

"Run afoul with the people in power on the top levels. Powerful people" I said with a sad sigh.

"Aah, an all too familiar story. Pissed off someone you shouldn't have. What did you do? Steal from someone?" Trace asked.

"No. But I was framed for something I didn't do. And I am stuck with no way to prove my innocence" I said in a downcast tone.

"Well, looks like you have it rough. Hang in there" she said with a shrug "Oh, we are here. Welcome to the Martex Engineering works. We repair anything from droids to ships," she said with a puffed-out chest.

As we entered the workshop I could see multiple speeders being worked on by droids and two ships at the back. Both YV-929s . One was fully kitted out while the other was being worked on.

We approach an older woman with striking similarities to Trace. She was supervising the droids' work.

"Hey, Mom. I got the parts that were stuck at customs. And unfortunately enough there were no transport droids available" she said.

"Good dear. Please stack them over there. Now maybe we can get some of these speeders out of the workshop. The clients will be all over us if we don't deliver on time" she then turns around and notices me "Who is this dear? You didn't tell me you were bringing friends"

"Well, I bumped into her on the way here. Quite literally. She felt bad for it and offered to carry the crates here. Plus she seems alright" Trace then turns to me "By the way Ahsoka this is my mother Maria. She helps me manage the shop"

"It's a pleasure to meet you Maria" I smile and shake her hands.

"What a well-mannered girl. You could learn some manners from your friend here Trace" she said while picking at Trace "What is a sweet little thing like you doing down here" asked Maria.

I was shocked. How can people easily figure out I wasn't from these levels?

"Haha. Don't worry about it, dear. The way you talk and move is different from those who were born on these lower levels. Plus those two lightsabers that you are hiding behind your back were a dead give away" she said with a kind smile.

"What?! You are a Jedi?" asked a shocked Trace. She must have seen them while I was placing the crate down. Sigh.

"You don't have to worry dear. Everyone has a story. Maybe we can help. Tell me your story over dinner" She said with a kind motherly love.

"But I don't want to impose on you," I said half out of courtesy and half out of worry.

"You don't have to worry about anything. I insist. Close up the shop Trace dear. It's closing time anyways" she said, before dragging me towards their home. I decided to go along with it. I sensed no malicious intent through the force.