Barriss Offee

Ahsoka could hardly believe her eyes as she shook her head before looking again to make sure she was not just seeing things. But the figure looked just like Barriss! Well, perhaps not just like her. The facial tattoos of a Mirialan that Ahsoka had fantasized about kissing (Stop it! focus!!) decorated her cheeks, but it was her attire that was different. She wore a dark cloak that engulfed her whole body save her face, but as she walked the group could see the green skin of her feet revealed as well the flesh spreading further up her legs. Was she wearing nothing underneath?

“Barriss? Is that you?” Aayla called out, exposing herself from her cover though still holding her saber in caution.

“Yes, Master Secura. It’s good to see you.” Barriss replied with a soft smile. Then she turned towards Ahsoka, her smile maintained. “And you as well, Ahsoka.” She added.

“Barriss! Thank the **** you are safe! What happened to you? And where is Master Luminara?” Kenobi asked, now stepping forward himself.

“I’m sorry that we worried you, Master Kenobi. My Master and I are both unharmed, as are our troops. The Temples occupants thought us a threat and sealed the doors to protect themselves, but we have since made peace. Master Unduli is still with them now.” Barriss explained.

“The Temples occupants? Just who lives here?” Anakin now spoke, stepping forth.

“A religious order of sorts. They are not hostile, simply defensive. But I can only explain so much, it will be easier to have them answer your questions instead. Please, follow me.” Barriss said, beginning to turn towards the corridor behind the doors.

“Wait! Barriss we thought you and Luminara were in danger! Please, let us take you back to the Jedi Temple for now.” Master Secura pleaded.

“There is no need, Master Secura. I assure you, Master Luminara and I have the situation under control. But if you wish to see it for yourselves, you’ll have to let me lead you. This is a big place, and it is easy to get lost.” Barriss replied reassuringly.

“What about your clones? And what about the occupants of this place? Can they not guide us themselves?” Anakin now asked.

“The clones are assisting the occupants in some tasks as we speak. As for guidance, they are still defensive as I said. They’ve asked me to be a mediator as it were. Please, we can get everything explained if you’ll just follow me…” Barriss explained then asked again.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this…” Rex grunted, and Ahsoka looked over to him.

“I know but… maybe this really is just a big misunderstanding? I trust Barriss.” Ahsoka said to both Rex and Anakin.

“It would be preferable if this situation could be resolved peacefully, but Rex has a point. Something doesn’t seem quite right. What do you think, Anakin?” Obi Wan added, glancing at his old Padawan.

The Jedi Knight looked to his Padawan for a moment, paused, then looked back to Barriss, thinking of what to do.