Forces of Destiny—Ahsoka & Padmé

Publisher's summary

The Star Wars Forces of Destiny initiative is a celebration of the inspiring narratives featuring renowned heroes hailing from a distant galaxy.

Star Wars Adventures has joined the celebration by launching an exciting weekly comic book series. This series delves into various aspects of the Star Wars universe, highlighting how both significant and minor choices ultimately influence the destinies of beloved characters such as Princess Leia, Rey, Padme, Ahsoka, and Hera, as well as soon-to-be fan favorites from The Last Jedi, Rose and Paige!_

Fans will be thrilled to discover these narratives, crafted by talented individuals from Star Wars novels, comics, and animation, including Delilah S. Dawson, Elsa Charretier, Beth Revis, Jody Houser, and Devin Grayson!

Plot summary

Within the Jedi Temple, Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee, both Jedi Padawans, engage in a lightsaber duel as part of their training regimen. During the sparring session, Ahsoka is pushed back using the Force. In response, she hurls one of her lightsaber hilts toward Barriss' head. This allows Ahsoka to jump over Barriss and compel her to surrender. Once the match concludes, Ahsoka praises Barriss for her performance, but Barriss disagrees with Ahsoka's tactics, specifically the lightsaber throw. Barriss expresses her belief that training should prepare them for real-world scenarios and battles, rather than focusing on winning through any means, regardless of realism. Ahsoka counters by explaining that she seized an opportunity when she saw it. Barriss, however, feels that Ahsoka gained no valuable lessons from the encounter. As they exit the training area, Ahsoka mentions that her master, Anakin Skywalker, believes that the method of victory is inconsequential as long as one achieves it. Barriss retorts that their masters employ vastly different training methodologies, as Master Luminara teaches her that form requires patience. Barriss then takes Ahsoka’s lightsabers and demonstrates the forms that Ahsoka had forgotten to focus on in practice. Concluding that their masters have different ways of training and that no one is like Anakin, they thank each other for the match and head their separate ways.

Subsequently, Ahsoka retreats to her personal quarters to meditate, aiming to clear her mind. While contemplating her need to think like a Jedi and her perceived inadequacy, she hears a knock at the door. Senator Padmé Amidala enters and extends an invitation to Ahsoka to attend a dinner party she's hosting for Arthurian delegates the following day, requesting her to be vigilant due to the event's significance. Ahsoka expresses hesitation, suggesting that someone more experienced should handle the task. However, Padmé convinces Ahsoka by explaining that Anakin is away on a mission and that she trusts her. She also assures her that while Dormé has returned to Naboo for a family matter, Captain Typho will still be present. The subsequent day, Padmé addresses her handmaidens before the dinner party, emphasizing the crucial roles they will each play. She elucidates that the Arthurians place great importance on proper etiquette and are considering joining the Republic due to the Separatists' disrespect toward their planet, Arthuria. Formal attire is mandatory, white is a color of respect only worn by authorities, they have taste buds in their hands so utensils are insulting to them, and eye contact should only be made when speaking to them. While she affirms her trust in their abilities, Ahsoka patrols the perimeter, ensuring the area is free from potential threats.

After rejoining Padmé, Ahsoka notices the presence of utensils on the table and questions their placement. When the handmaiden Karté begins to walk away, Padmé commands her to halt and demands an explanation for her actions. In response, the handmaiden brandishes a blaster and initiates gunfire. Ahsoka swiftly moves Padmé to safety behind an overturned table. As Ahsoka deflects the blaster fire with her lightsabers, one shot ricochets back toward Karté. Upon collapsing, Karté's face reverts to its original form, revealing her to be the Clawdite bounty hunter Cato Parasitti in disguise. As Ahsoka approaches the incapacitated Cato, the bounty hunter discards the handmaiden's attire and throws a thermal detonator onto the table. Padmé reacts by kicking the table toward Ahsoka, who uses her lightsabers to isolate the section containing the bomb and employs the Force to throw it out the window. Padmé concludes the encounter by incapacitating Cato with a decorative vase. Two handmaidens enter the room and report that Karté was found unharmed inside of a storage container with her robes stolen.

Ahsoka and Padmé then engage in a discussion about the events, noting the similarities they share with Anakin, particularly Ahsoka's unwavering commitment to helping others. Ahsoka questions whether this is enough, and Padmé assures her that her passion is what makes her a good Jedi. Ahsoka remains uncertain, citing her impulsiveness, but Padmé reminds her that Anakin is impulsive too but that’s used to his advantage. What’s important is that she takes a stance, knows what to fight for, and never gives up. The two then make a toast to peace and friendship.

Media

Editions

• UPC 827714014624; January 24 , 2018 ; IDW Publishing ; First printing [1] 00111; Cover A; Valentina Pinto 00121; Cover B; Elsa Charretier & Matt Wilson 00131; Cover C; Animation art

Cover gallery