Episode aired September 26, 2023
On Coruscant, Syndulla faces a disciplinary hearing, with tribunal member Senator Xiono objecting to her reports of the secret Imperial Remnant conspiracy. C-3PO arrives and provides the tribunal with a fake authorization by Leia Organa, forcing the court to absolve Syndulla and convincing Mothma that the threat is real. Arriving at Peridea, the Purrgils run into an Imperial minefield left by Thrawn’s forces and retreat. Continuing alone, Ahsoka and Huyang are attacked by enemy fighters and hide in a debris field, compelling the Grand Admiral to adopt a more calculated approach. Ahsoka locates Wren through the Force and heads to the planet’s surface. Bridger, Wren, and the Noti are attacked by Hati, the bandits Wren had previously encountered, and Thrawn’s Night Troopers, while Skoll leaves to pursue his own agenda. Ahsoka’s intervention leads to Thrawn withdrawing his remaining Night Troopers and preparing his imminent departure. Hati is forced to retreat with the Night Troopers. Ahsoka, Bridger, and Wren are joyously reunited.
* * *
(SOFT ETHEREAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(SHIPS WHOOSHING)
We simply cannot allow a General of the New Republic Security Forces to go around acting like this is still a Rebellion.
This is a government, and it has rules and laws which General Syndulla seems to have no problem bending to fit her personal agenda.
My job is to protect the people of this Republic and that is exactly what I was doing in the best way I know how.
I see, and you protected the New Republic by ignoring direct orders?
No, I protected the New Republic by ignoring you.
(MURMURING)
Senator Xiono, can we at least agree that General Syndulla’s actions brought to light that there was an incident on Seatos?
XIONO: An incident, yes, but this report reads like a child’s fairy tale.
Jedi, false Jedi, star maps, star whales, distant galaxies.
Honestly, are we to believe any of it?
Morgan Elsbeth was leading a coordinated effort by the Imperial Remnant…
Objection.
“Imperial Remnant.” Such a sensational term.
There is no proof of any coordination between the scattered and dwindling number of Imperial forces.
What about the conflict on Mandalore?
Exactly my point.
Gideon was a warlord acting on his own.
There is no proof of a greater conspiracy and thus no immediate threat to this Republic.
If Thrawn returns, that will change quickly.
(SCOFFS) If.
I don’t know what frightens me more, the possibility of what might happen or your unwillingness to see it.
I’ll tell you what I see.
I see a General who abuses her authority for personal gain and I will not stand for it.
I motion that General Syndulla be court-martialed for disobeying a direct order.
GUARD: ID, please.
DROID: Oh. How rude.
Pardon the intrusion, but… Identification?
I do not need to show you identification.
Please let me through. I am C…
Threepio.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
Welcome.
But, why are you here?
Honored Chancellor, with respect, I am here on behalf of Senator Leia Organa.
May I speak?
By all means.
Thank you.
The honorable Senator Organa has become aware of an unfortunate situation and wishes to present this data transcript, which she hopes may resolve the matter.
I object in the strongest terms.
Thank you.
As I was about to say, the transcript shows that Senator Organa personally sanctioned
General Syndulla’s reconnaissance mission to Seatos, being, regrettably, unaware that Senator Xiono had held a vote against such a mission without her.
This is preposterous.
The court cannot admit evidence of this kind from a mere droid.
(CHOPPER CHATTERS ANGRILY)
Yes, well.
Senator Organa is willing to overlook this misstep, but asks that you address any further concerns to her directly in her role as leader of the Defense Council.
Well, that seems to settle the matter.
Unless you remain unsatisfied, Senator Xiono?
No, Madam Chancellor.
Court dismissed.
Mere droid? (SCOFFS)
Thanks, Threepio.
Well, it is my programming and my pleasure to be of service, General Syndulla.
Captain Teva…
General Syndulla, might I have a word?
Of course, Chancellor.
I don’t know what you and Leia are playing at, but I know she did not authorize your mission.
She did.
Eventually.
Put your personal feelings aside and don’t deny you have them.
How real is the threat of Thrawn’s return?
We have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
(INTENSE DRUMMING)
(WHIRRING)
(PURRGIL CALLS)
(GRUNTING)
In this war, you will face more than just droids.
General Grievous, Asajj Ventress, even Count Dooku.
You could face any one of them on the battlefield.
As your Master, it’s my responsibility to prepare you.
So, practice these forms often.
Or at least more than I do.
I won’t always be there to look out for you.
If we get separated or something happens, you need to be able to make it on your own.
Don’t be afraid.
Just remember what I taught you and trust your instincts.
I know you can do this, Ahsoka.
He made 20 or more of these recordings.
This was his last one.
Very thoughtful. I never realized.
He was a good Master.
Did you need something?
I think the whales may be reaching the end of their journey.
What makes you think that?
According to my instruments, their speed is decreasing.
Once we drop out of hyperspace, we find Sabine.
And how do you propose we do that?
If we have indeed traveled to another galaxy, our star charts will be useless.
She came here with the enemy.
We find the enemy and we find Sabine.
Direct and to the point as always.
Well, that’s my style.
I would point out that you are assuming the star whales have brought us to the correct galaxy, let alone the same system or even the same planet where Lady Wren was taken.
I think the odds are pretty good.
No. No, in fact, they’re terrible. Astronomically terrible.
Well, you should’ve said something.
I did. But you never…
(CHUCKLING)
(GROANING)
The worst part is I hope you are right.
I know you do.
(LOUD RUMBLING)
This is it. We are exiting hyperspace… now.
(PURRGILS DECELERATING)
(PURRGIL CALLS)
Let’s find out where we are.
Initiating scan.
(SHIP RATTLES)
(SHIP BEEPING)
I’m picking up a lot of interference.
Something’s wrong.
(LOUD RUMBLE)
(SHIP BEEPING)
I am detecting multiple objects in our path.
Let’s get out there.
Perhaps we are safer in here.
(LOUD EXPLOSIONS)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING)
(INTENSE BEEPING)
It’s an Imperial minefield deployed around the arrival point.
Head towards the planet. The field eventually terminates.
(MULTIPLE EXPLOSIONS)
At least the whales are providing some cover.
(PURGILLS ENERGIZING)
(POPPING)
You had to say something.
I was being optimistic.
(LOUD WHOOSHING)
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(MULTIPLE EXPLOSIONS)
We are almost through.
(SHIP WHOOSHING)
HUYANG: And we are clear.
Well, we found the enemy.
(SHIPS WHOOSHING)
Multiple fighters are closing.
I’m going to make for the debris field.
I would not recommend that.
Come on, where’s that optimism?
(FIRING)
(SPEAKING ALIEN LANGUAGE)
(FIRING)
(LOUD RUMBLING)
(AHSOKA GRUNTING)
I can’t find an opening. The field is too dense.
(FIRING)
(CRASHING)
There is nothing on the scope.
(SHIPS WHOOSHING)
(GRUNTING)
(EXPLOSION)
(QUIET HUMMING)
(LIGHT CRACKLING)
Grand Admiral, as you anticipated, the minefield was triggered by a pod of arriving star whales.
Among them was a T-6 class Jedi shuttle.
It would seem Ahsoka Tano is alive and well after all.
Here is everything the Inquisitorial database had on her.
Her Master was General Anakin Skywalker?
Yes.
You’re certain there’s only the one starship?
Correct, Grand Admiral.
Our fighters have engaged the target and pursued them into the debris field.
Excellent. That’ll be all, Captain.
Withdraw the fighters and have them stand by.
Why not allow them to follow?
There’s no need to waste our resources.
With due respect, Grand Admiral, without pursuit, we shall lose them in the debris field.
You’re quite right, of course. Jedi are very good at hiding.
They’ve been practicing that for years.
However, we are getting to know our adversary.
And if she’s anything like her Master, she will be unpredictable and quite dangerous.
Which is why we must control all variables.
Put her on a path of our own choosing so that no matter which direction she takes, we’ll always be one step ahead of her.
(WHOOSHING)
The fighters gave up their pursuit and I can see why.
We’re going to get pulverized if we stay out here much longer.
(LOUD RUMBLING)
I do not like this. How did they anticipate our arrival?
Thrawn is behind that attack.
Then the enemy has already found him.
It would seem so.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
I will run a scan to see if I can locate Lady Wren.
You get some rest?
A little, thanks.
(SPEAKS NOTI LANGUAGE)
EZRA: I never really thought about how much I’ve missed.
I’m still trying to process everything you told me.
The Empire was defeated?
Battle of Endor.
The Emperor died?
That’s what people say.
Okay. There’s a New Republic, Zeb’s training recruits, and Hera’s commanding a fleet.
I missed everything.
It’s been a while.
You know, I was beginning to think we’d never find you.
How did you?
What?
Find me. You never said.
It’s complicated.
The usual level or worse?
Worse.
Well, we could talk about something else, I guess.
But you know, getting home is kind of important.
Ahsoka took me on as her apprentice.
She what? Why?
I mean… congratulations.
(CHUCKLES)
Really? You?
Go on.
No, no, that’s great. Makes sense, of course.
You trained a little before, back when I was first learning.
I remember.
Yeah, so, where is Ahsoka? Is she coming?
(SIGHS DEEPLY)
That’s complicated?
Yeah.
(INTENSE DRUMMING)
(HOWLER SNORTS)
Great Mothers, I’m in need of your assistance.
We are at your service, my Lord.
Ahsoka Tano lies hidden within the graveyards.
Find her.
Yes, Grand Admiral.
(DEEP WHIRRING)
(SHIP BEEPING)
(BEEPING STOPS)
Nothing. I cannot locate Lady Wren.
Either my scans are being jammed or there is too much debris.
Shall I try again?
No.
We don’t need a scan.
There’s another way.
Do you think your bond is that strong?
(GENTLE HUMMING)
(ECHOING) Sabine.
It hasn’t been all bad. Obviously, I made a few friends.
The Noti have been great.
Took me in when I really needed help, set me up with this pod.
It’s good to be mobile here. So many bandits roaming the hills…
(ETHEREAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(ECHOING) Sabine.
(ECHOING) Ahsoka.
EZRA: Hey, are you all right?
Sabine?
I see her.
The Jedi is there.
(QUIET WHIRRING)
Captain Enoch.
You have the coordinates.
Open fire.
Something happened. What was it?
I don’t know. A feeling.
What kind?
Familiar.
(INCOMING FIRE WHISTLING)
(EXPLOSION)
They found us.
Don’t worry. I know where we’re going.
Wonderful. So, on our way.
(FIRING)
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(FIRING)
(AHSOKA GRUNTING)
Well done. We’ve flushed her out of hiding.
Shall we prepare our defenses?
No, we’re not the focus of the Jedi’s attention.
Tano will pursue Sabine Wren, whom we have wisely sent far from here.
Contact the fighter group and have them re-engage the opponent.
(SPEAKING NOTI LANGUAGE)
(SPEAKING NOTI LANGUAGE)
Friends of yours?
No.
(NOTI CHATTERING)
Contact Thrawn.
Kill Sabine Wren and Ezra Bridger.
And take your place in the coming Empire.
You won’t help?
Your ambition drives you in one direction, my path lies in another.
(ETHEREAL MUSIC PLAYING)
I’ve located Ezra Bridger.
Sending his coordinates now.
One parting lesson, Shin.
Impatience for victory will guarantee defeat.
(HOWLERS GRUNTING)
Grand Admiral, we received a signal pinpointing Bridger’s location.
Dispatch two gunships to assist the mercenaries.
If Lord Baylan proves capable, we may yet win the day.
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(FIRING)
(SPEAKING NOTI LANGUAGE)
Yuka! Yuka!
(EFFORT GRUNTING)
That’s charming. Any real weapons?
They’re peaceful people.
“Peaceful,” fine. You didn’t mention defenseless.
They’ve survived well enough.
(FIRING)
(LOUD THUMP)
(SPEAKING NOTI LANGUAGE)
(CREATURES GRUNTING)
(FIRING)
(SPEAKING NOTI LANGUAGE)
(LOUD CRASH)
(ELECTRIC CRACKLING)
(ELECTRIC CRACKLING)
(GRUNTING)
(SMASHING)
(LOUD RUMBLING)
We can’t leave them! I’m gonna circle up!
Wupa! Wupa!
(NOTI SCREAMS)
Get inside. I’ll handle this.
(NOTI RESPONDS)
(LOUD WHOOSHING)
(FIRING)
Who’s that?
She’s like you, but lacks your sense of humor.
Lightsaber?
Oh, yeah.
Great.
(SPEAKING ALIEN LANGUAGE)
We better get ready.
Lock the door.
(NOTI RESPONDS)
We’ll be fine. Now go.
(SPEAKING NOTI LANGUAGE)
(SHIP WHOOSHING)
I have to get down there.
We cannot land while under attack. Standard Jedi mission protocol states…
No need to land.
Oh, not this again!
Yes, this again.
Once I’m on the ground, draw the fighters away.
Yes, yes, of course. Just remember what happened last time!
You got the timing wrong.
And didn’t I feel terrible?
No!
On my mark.
Copy.
Three, two, one.
(GRUNTS)
Well, now, this is a surprise.
I didn’t expect to see you again.
Disappointed?
No.
However, can’t allow you to interfere.
I don’t have time for this.
That, I know.
(LIGHTSABER IGNITING)
(LIGHTSABERS IGNITING)
(LIGHTSABERS CLASHING)
What’s the plan?
Here, do your thing.
What thing?
It’s your lightsaber. Take it.
You keep it.
What?
I don’t need it. Besides, you’ve been training.
Very funny.
No, I’m serious.
Take it.
I gave it to you. It’s yours now.
At least take a blaster.
No, the Force is my ally. That’s all I need.
Well, I’m gonna need more than that.
(GRUNTING)
(FIRING)
(LIGHTSABERS CLASHING)
(GRUNTING)
(LIGHTSABERS CLASHING)
(STRAINING)
(LIGHTSABER IGNITING)
Close.
(STRAINING)
It’s not looking good for you.
(LOW WHIRRING)
Take her, now!
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
You can’t defeat me.
Perhaps. I don’t have to.
(FIRING)
(GRUNTING)
(NOTI SPEAKS)
No, I’m fine, I’m fine.
Just stay in there and shut the door.
NIGHT TROOPER: Move out. Move it!
Go, go, go!
This way. Go, go, go!
Move! Move!
Deploy teams one and two. Use counter-encirclement tandem.
We have them.
Our side is short one mercenary.
Where’s Baylan Skoll?
(LIGHTSABERS CLASHING)
(GRUNTING)
Advance on the target. Move up. Go, go, go. Take position.
(NOTI WHIMPERS)
(HOWLER WHINING)
Destroy them.
Wait, wait, wait!
We could… talk.
Or we could just… We…
Don’t you wanna take us as prisoners? As prisoners?
Or…
Fire!
(LOUD BANG)
Incoming!
(STRAINING)
Well, they’re all back together.
I hope I survive long enough to see the outcome.
(LIGHTSABER CLASHING)
(FIRING)
(INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(EXPLOSION)
(NOTI WHIMPERS)
What a rare sight. Almost like the Jedi of old.
Recall the gunships. Call off the aerial pursuit.
These are unfortunate, but acceptable losses given the absence of Lord Baylan.
In the grand scheme of things, one might even call this first match with Tano a success.
I see only our enemies reunited.
Let me show you what I see.
With our enemy distracted, the cargo transfer is now almost complete, which means we shall soon leave this forsaken place.
Ahsoka Tano has lost the one thing she could not afford to lose today.
Time.
Time is very much on our side now.
And I shall keep it that way.
(FIRING)
NIGHT TROOPER: Move out!
Fall back! Fall back!
(FIRING)
NIGHT TROOPER: Retreat! Retreat!
Back to the ship!
Surrender your weapon.
I can help you.
Ahsoka.
I thought you were dead.
And miss this reunion?
(CHUCKLING)
(LAUGHING)
Wait, you thought she was dead?
Clearly, I was wrong.
(SHIP WHOOSHING)
(SPEAKS NOTI LANGUAGE)
Hey, it’s okay. These are friends.
All friends.
(SPEAKING NOTI LANGUAGE)
Guys, I’m getting a feeling.
I think I might be going home after all.
(END THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
