Part Two: Toil and Trouble

Ahsoka, along with General Hera Syndulla, journeys to New Republic shipyards, where they stumble upon an unforeseen discovery.

Sabine Wren, recuperating from a lightsaber injury, has a flashback to an earlier discussion with Ahsoka Tano concerning Ezra Bridger. Later, Wren informs Tano that she successfully unlocked the map, revealing two galaxies and a connecting pathway. When Tano inquires about the location of the path within their galaxy, Wren explains that assassin droids destroyed the datapad containing her recorded findings and absconded with the map before she could fully interpret it. Upon Tano's inquiry about the number of droids involved, Wren recalls two, but confirms she destroyed one. Wren volunteers to assist, but Tano advises her to rest, acknowledging her efforts. Subsequently, Tano departs the hospital room, heading towards Wren's old communications tower.

Simultaneously, Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati make their way to a sacred ruin located on the planet Seatos. Skoll positions the star map on a central pedestal within the site and instructs Hati to contact Morgan Elsbeth, conveying his belief that the reflex point is situated on Seatos.

Tano visits Wren's residence and employs Force Echo to examine the premises. She also encounters Murley outside the door, who appears uneasy. Tano enters Wren's study, where she activates a holoprojector recording featuring [Ezra Bridger](/article/ezra_bridger]. Observing from the window, the loth-cat growls, and Tano senses an approaching presence. A HK-87 assassin droid, which had accompanied Hati, ambushes Tano, who swiftly decapitates it using one of her white lightsabers. Tano expresses her hope that the assassin droid would still be present. Murley then displays a calm smile and purrs contentedly.

Tano brings the severed head of the assassin droid back to Wren's hospital room in Lothal's Capital City. Wren examines the droid's head and believes she can extract information, provided Tano didn't damage its capacitors during the slicing. Huyang and General Hera Syndulla are also present, with Syndulla appearing via holoprojector. Wren notes that HK assassin droids possess remarkable resilience, similar to herself, due to their multiple built-in backup systems. Huyang mentions that the droid's memory core remains partially active even after termination. Sabine states that if the power levels are correct, the droid's memory could be recovered to determine its origin.

Syndulla inquires about the consequences of incorrect power levels, prompting Wren to warn of a potential explosion. Huyang, concerned about the explosion risk, suggests relocating the operation. However, Syndulla and Wren advocate for immediate action, and Tano concurs. Tano connects a device to the droid's head and activates it. An indicator illuminates with a single yellow bar on a connector between the head and the machine. Additional bars rapidly light up until all bars turn red. Huyang identifies overheating and disconnects the device. Wren manages to decipher the droid's origin before Huyang disconnected it.

Wren reveals that the assassin droid originated from the planet Corellia. When Syndulla asks if the droid is linked to the New Republic shipyard on Corellia, Tano recalls that Morgan Elsebeth also maintained factories on Corellia, which were supposed to have been dismantled following the Rebellion. When Tano inquires about the factory's dismantling, Syndulla offers to meet Tano there. Wren expresses her desire to accompany Tano to Corellia, but Tano insists she needs to rest.

After Tano's departure, Syndulla commends Wren on a job well done. Wren reflects on her reunion with Tano after years of separation, noting its unexpected turn. Syndulla observes that both Wren and Tano are challenging individuals, which she believed would foster a successful partnership. Wren counters that their arrangement has broken down. When Syndulla suggests that Tano needs her, Wren retorts that Tano explicitly stated she did not need her help. Syndulla assures Wren that Tano does need her assistance but advises her to rest before their next mission.

Elsbeth arrives on Seatos via a shuttle, accompanied by two guards. Skoll remarks that the ruins were not constructed by the Jedi and asks Elsbeth about their origins. Elsbeth explains that an ancient civilization from a distant galaxy built them and invites them to witness its function. She approaches the central pedestal and manipulates the sphere containing the map without physically touching it. A green flame elevates the sphere, projecting an image of their galaxy. A holographic dome emanates from the perimeter of the dais, encompassing the site.

The star map then projects a golden beam of light between a crescent shape carved into the top of one of the stone slabs. Elsbeth points to another galaxy at the top of the sphere, identifying it as the location where Grand Admiral Thrawn was exiled during the Liberation of Lothal. When Skoll asks if this beam of light represents the pathway to Peridea, Elsbeth acknowledges that some would refer to it as such. Skoll recalls Peridea being mentioned in fairy tales at the Jedi Temple. Elsbeth asserts that these fairy tales are rooted in elements of truth. Skoll observes that the path is obscured.

The group then hears unusual voices. Elsbeth explains to Skoll and Hati that Thrawn is communicating with her across time and space. Skoll dismisses this as dreams and scattered hopes. Elsbeth counters that the threads of fate do not lie before deactivating the map. She instructs Skoll and Hati to ensure everything is prepared for the arrival of the Eye of Sion, which is en route. Following Elsbeth's departure, Hati asks her master about the implications of finding Thrawn. Skoll responds that it will signify war for some and a new beginning for others. When Hati inquires about their role, Skoll promises her power beyond her wildest dreams. Skoll instructs his apprentice to proceed to Corellia and assist Marrok with the final transport.

Tano arrives at the shipyards of Corellia aboard her T-6 shuttle T-6 1974. She lands her shuttle next to Syndulla's modified Sheathipede-class transport shuttle Phantom II. Syndulla introduces Tano to the regional supervisor Myn Weaver, who is accompanied by an RA-7 protocol droid. Weaver informs General Syndulla that upon the collapse of the Galactic Empire, all Imperial assets, including those held by Elsbeth, were dissolved and redistributed. Tano requests permission to inspect her former facilities and operations.

Weaver initially claims to be occupied but Syndulla hints at a more formal arrangement. Weaver then provides Tano and Syndulla with a tour of Elsbeth's former facilities. Chopper remains in the Phantom II's astromech socket. With Weaver as their guide, Tano and Syndulla tour Elsbeth's former facilities on an astromech droid-driven hovering personnel carrier. During the tour, Weaver explains that Elsbeth supplied raw materials for the hyperdrive generators of Imperial-class Star Destroyers. Weaver states that his workers are dismantling and refitting them for the New Republic Defense Fleet.

When Tano asks if any of her former staff are still employed at the facilities, Weaver confirms that they are retained for operational purposes. He points out that the transition from the Empire to the New Republic was not instantaneous and that former Imperials are present at all levels of the New Republic government. When Syndulla questions their loyalty, Weaver replies that the average worker is indifferent to galactic politics and remains loyal to their employers. When Syndulla inquires about Weaver's allegiance, he claims to be a businessman loyal to his investors, leaving politics to her.

Syndulla comments that Tano's reconnection with Wren has proven beneficial. Tano grumbles that Wren lost the map, but Syndulla emphasizes that she at least unlocked it. Tano retorts that they still lack the map. When Syndulla points out that Wren's clues led them to Corellia, Tano asks about her intentions. Syndulla suggests that Tano consider reinstating Wren as her apprentice. Tano believes Wren is not prepared. Syndulla argues that having Wren as an apprentice would provide her with structure. When Syndulla asks Tano what determines readiness, the former Jedi replies that it is a gut feeling.

Back on Lothal, the medical droid removes the bandages around Wren's stomach, revealing that Hati's lightsaber wound has healed into a scab. Huyang enters the room and comments on her recovery. He notices that Wren has inherited and modified Ezra Bridger's lightsaber, making it her own. He asks Wren if she has maintained her lightsaber training. Wren admits that she has not. When Huyang suggests resuming her training regime, Wren replies that Tano believes she is not ready. Huyang disagrees, calling it a poor excuse for neglecting training.

Wren claims that Tano abandoned her. Huyang advises her to move on. Wren asks if Tano would have come to Lothal had Huyang been able to unlock the map himself. Huyang dismisses this as irrelevant, but Wren disagrees, asking if this was part of Tano and Syndulla's plan to bring her back. Huyang explains that General Syndulla believed Wren's insights would be invaluable, and Lady Tano concurred. Wren believes that Tano did not want her back. Huyang replies that Wren never indicated that she wanted to return. Tano replies that Huyang is annoying but the droid says he is logical.

Wren asserts that she never possessed the talents or Force abilities that Bridger had. Huyang agrees, noting that Wren's aptitude for the Force would fall short of the numerous Padawans he has encountered over the centuries. Wren declares that she will not waste more of Tano's time. Huyang disagrees, stating that she is only wasting her own time and hands her lightsaber to her. Wren reluctantly takes her lightsaber.

Weaver escorts Syndulla and Tano to his command center on Corellia, where his staff monitor the ships being constructed from the dismantled Imperial Navy. He asserts that they repurpose Star Destroyer parts for various sectors, using the funds to support New Republic reconstruction programs. When Tano inquires about "other things," Weaver explains that their boards and primary investors have priority access to all unique hardware, including pricing and distribution.

Observing from the viewport, Syndulla notices a hyperdrive core being assembled. Weaver explains that it was refurbished from a Super Star Destroyer and is ready for a new life serving the Republic. Weaver states that the shipyard has produced nine of these models. General Syndulla points out that the New Republic's Defense Fleet is not building anything of that size and asks what kind of starship it is intended for. Weaver consults a datapad and claims that the information is classified and requires authorization to unseal. Syndulla requests authorization for its declassification.

Weaver summons the protocol droid C1-D1 to assist with the protocol. When Tano asks about other droids in operation, Weaver mentions standard protocol types, CCLs, IW-37 pincer loader droids, HV-7s and other load lifters. Tano asks if he has any HK-types, but Weaver denies this. Tano asks if he has any reprogrammed HK models, but Weaver denies this as well. C1-D1 recalls seeing HK droids, mentioning that a HK droid prevented her from completing her inventory duties recently. When Tano asks when this occurred, C1 says that this was five rotations ago.

Weaver asks C1 why she did not report it. C1-D1 replies that the droid carried a high-level security clearance. Tano asks where is the droid and C1-D1 points out that it is departing on a ship right now. Syndulla orders that the ship be stopped but the command crew claim that it has been cleared for depature. A male crew shouts "For the Empire!", which gives the signal for the command crew to attack the two New Republic visitors. Syndulla shoots several with her blaster in self-defense while Tano deflects a blaster bolt with one of her white lightsabers.

Tano urges Syndulla to retrieve the Phantom II while she jumps out the window. Weaver seeks cover behind C1-D1. Tano pursues the modified ship but is intercepted by the Inquisitor Marrok and a HK droid. Meanwhile, Syndulla instructs Chopper to start the Phantom's engines. Syndulla starts up the shuttle. Back at the shipyard, Tano ignites both her lightsabers and engages in a lightsaber duel with the HK droid and Marrok, who unlocks his cloak. Tano manages to separate Marrok and the HK droid, and focuses on the former.

Syndulla contacts the runaway Transport CT-O5, ordering the ship to stand down and return to port. The starship's rear cannons instead fire at the Phantom II, which aggravates Chopper. Syndulla tells Chopper to keep his lid on. Elsewhere, Tano impales the HK droid with one of her lightsabers and uses it as shield while attacking Marrok. Marrok slices the HK droid to pieces and the two face down. Marrok switches his double-bladed spinning lightsaber into twin lightsaber mode.

Above the Corellian shipyard, the Phantom II evades fire from Transport CT-O5. Chopper in Binary suggests shooting down the ship but Syndulla warns that would cause it to crash into the port city. She tells Chopper to prepare a homing beacon and not to miss this time. Tano fights Marrok, who proves to be a formidable adversary. Chopper struggles to find the tracking device. After arguing with Syndulla, he locates it under the back-up battery. Syndulla tells him to hurry up before the ship jumps into hyperspace.

Tano uses her Force powers to push Marrok back. Just then, Marrok's vambrace begins pinging and he hurls his lightsaber like a boomerang at Tano. He then sprints towards an Eta-class shuttle, which strafes Tano. Tano survives the blaster fire and watches Marrok on the gangplank with Hati. Marrok also summons back his lightsaber with the Force. In the space above Corellia, Chopper manages to attach the homing beacon to the runaway transport just before it jumps into hyperspace. Syndulla updates Tano about the "good news."

Back on Lothal, Wren returns to her weather station home where she is greeted by Murley. Wren retrieves a bag from a cupboard and takes out the components of her armor. Finally, she retrieves her Mandalorian helmet. Wren mediates before a helmet on a makeshift altar and fidgets with a knife. She then uses the blade to cut her hair.

On Corellia, Tano and Syndulla watch as New Republic law enforcement authorities arrest Weaver and several Imperial loyalists among the shipyard workers. When Syndulla asks why people would remain loyal to the Old Empire, Tano replies that they are motivated by loyalty rather than greed. Syndulla then asks Chopper for progress on the tracking device. The droid says he is working on it. Syndulla promises to update Tano when they have more information.

Aboard her ship, Tano is contacted by Wren via holoprojector. Wren has cut her hair into a bob haircut and donned Mandalorian armor. She tells Tano that she is ready. Tano departs on her ship while Syndulla is chatting with New Republic police.

Later, Wren visits the memorial in Capital City where she gazes at a mural of her Spectres comrades including Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Syndulla, and Chopper. She is joined by Tano, who has arrived in her ship. Tano compliments Wren for her haircut. They are joined by Huyang, who relays news from Syndulla that the runaway transport was traced to the Denab system. Huyang reports that the transport is remaining in orbit around Seatos. The group depart Lothal in Tano's shuttle. Tano allows Wren to take her ship into hyperspace.

The runaway transport docks with a large circular starship above Seatos. Inside the command bridge, Elsbeth talks with Hati, Skoll and Marrok via holoprojectors. She informs her confederates that the installation of the final hyperdrive has begun. She tells them that the Eye of Sion will be complete and that they will be able to deliver Grand Admiral Thrawn from his exile in the far galaxy. Several HK droids man the bridge.

Skoll says the sooner the better. Elsbeth asks if Tano's presence on Corellia troubles him. Hati thinks that they have made a clean escape and that Tano would not be able to track them here; unaware of Chopper's tracking device. Elsbeth asks Skoll about what he sees. Skoll meditates in the Force and says that Tano's presence in the Force is elusive but that she is coming. Elsbeth says nothing can prevent their journey. Skoll confides that he is unwilling to kill a fellow Jedi like Tano. Elsbeth describes this as sentimental but Skoll says he is being truthful. The holograms disappear and Elsbeth resumes overseeing the final construction procedures.