Meanwhile, in the cargo bay of the *Star Falcon*, Ahsoka was practicing with her lightsaber.
The cargo bay was packed with 450 B-1 battle droids, leaving only a few dozen square meters of open space in the center, which served as her makeshift training ground.
Holding her training lightsaber, she repeatedly practiced the combinations Solo had taught her, her movements becoming increasingly fluid. The horns of her Togruta headpiece swayed gently with each turn of her body.
"Humans can gaze upon three things forever: flowing water, burning flames, and the dance of the Jedi sword," Solo's voice suddenly rang out from the doorway.
He had just emerged from the Senator's quarters, intending to find a quiet place to sort through his thoughts, when he spotted Ahsoka, deeply focused on her training.
Ahsoka paused and turned to look at him, a hint of anticipation on her face. "Master, what do you think of my practice?"
"Very graceful. Your movements are much smoother than before," Solo said, walking over to her, his tone approving. "But if you used a red lightsaber, it would look even more imposing."
"Master! I'm not a Sith!" Ahsoka immediately retorted, her voice tinged with displeasure. She hated nothing more than being compared to the Sith.
"Oh? Is that so?" Solo chuckled, pulling a sturdy rope from his pocket. He drew out a length and effortlessly severed it with his lightsaber. "Give me your lightsaber."
Though puzzled, Ahsoka handed over her training lightsaber.
Solo threaded the rope through the loop on the lightsaber's hilt, tied a secure knot, then walked over to her and fastened the other end to the safety ring on her belt.
"Master, what are you doing?"
Ahsoka swung the lightsaber, the rope tautening and restricting its range of motion.
"Long ago, Jedi used lightsabers tethered to power cells on their belts by cables—a design called the 'Jedi sword,'" Solo explained. "The type you're using now, with the power cell integrated into the hilt, is actually a Sith Empire modification. The Dark Lords simplified the lightsaber's structure, making it more portable and practical for combat."
Ahsoka stared in astonishment at the lightsaber in her hand, never realizing that the weapon she wielded daily originated from Sith design.
*Hutt, Master's started rambling about his weird history again,* she grumbled inwardly, yet her curiosity was piqued. "Then why do all Jedi use these 'Sith swords' now?"
Solo patiently explained, "Long, long ago, around five thousand years in the past, Naga Sadow invaded the Republic, sparking the Hyperspace War. At that time, the Sith were already using integrated lightsabers, while the Jedi still wielded traditional Jedi swords. Because they hadn't had time to master this new technology, it wasn't until after the Sith's defeat that the Jedi discovered the advantages of integrated lightsabers and gradually adopted this design."
"But... even if we use their technology, that doesn't mean we're Sith, does it?"
Solo's smile was faint. "Technology itself is neither inherently good nor evil. It all depends on the user."
Ahsoka nodded, still somewhat confused, and tried to swing her lightsaber. The ropes binding her forced her to adjust her movements, compelling her to move faster and more precisely to avoid tangling the ropes.
After practicing for about fifteen minutes, she finally stopped and looked at Solo. "Master, if lightsaber technology itself is neutral, why can't we use red blades?"
Seeing her serious expression, Solo couldn't help but chuckle. "Of course you can."
Ahsoka's eyes widened in shock. "Master, you're serious?"
"Of course not. I'm joking."
Watching his apprentice's expression change, Solo laughed even harder.
"Ah... Master! You tricked me again!"
Ahsoka was both amused and exasperated. She raised her lightsaber as if to strike, but the ropes held her back, forcing her to lower it helplessly.
***
The *Star Falcon* finally arrived at London's orbital station, and Solo immediately requested landing permission from the local control center.
A courteous voice from the communicator guided them along the route to the government palace complex, where the negotiations were to take place.
The spacecraft slowly glided into the palace's spacious hangar, large enough to accommodate four additional Consular-class frigates.
Solo hurried to the bridge and issued orders to Captain O'Connor and the crew: "Keep the shield generators on standby, engines warmed up, and be ready for emergency launch at any moment."
"General, if we encounter hostile action, do we have authority to retaliate?" the frigate captain asked, his tone cautious.
After all, this mission was nominally for peace talks.
"Fire immediately upon any perceived threat. No hesitation necessary," Solo replied firmly. "I will take full responsibility."
After settling affairs on the bridge, Solo joined the Senatorial delegation.
A Rendon Guard official, dressed in the London government's uniform, was already waiting in the hangar, conversing with Senator Amidala and Senator Organa and guiding them toward the negotiation hall.
Solo signaled for six Clone Commando members to follow. These elite guards carried light weapons like blasters and concussion grenades, appearing as ordinary escorts but concealing their true capabilities beneath their unassuming attire.
Ten space troopers had already quietly disembarked from the ship, taking up strategic positions around the hangar, their rocket launchers and rotating blasters ready to respond to any emergencies.
As Solo walked toward the negotiation hall, he frowned. He had imagined this building to be bustling with activity, but apart from a few guards, he saw no one else.
He used the Force to sense, but he couldn't detect the presence of any intelligent life.
Clearly, everyone was hiding.
His ominous premonition grew stronger.
What made him even more wary was that through the Force, he sensed the escort official's emotions were filled with fear and anxiety, yet he was forcing himself to appear calm.
As the group entered a corridor leading to the central atrium, Solo could no longer contain his suspicions.
He suddenly stepped forward, seizing the official by the throat and pressing him against the wall. With his free hand, he gently waved it before the official's eyes while using the Force to influence his mind. "Don't panic. Tell me, what exactly are you planning?"
"Nothing... just normal negotiations..." The official's gaze began to unfocus, his voice growing sluggish.
The influence of the Force was slowly taking effect.
"Warrior! What are you doing?" Organa immediately stepped forward to intervene, his voice indignant. "This will destroy the negotiation atmosphere!"
"Shut up," Solo said, not turning his head, his gaze fixed on the official as he pressed his interrogation. "What do you plan to do with the Senators?"
The official's mental defenses crumbled completely, spilling out the truth like a puppet. "We... we intend to capture you and use you to extort ransom from the Republic... Two battalions of guards have set up an ambush... London has decided to side with the Confederacy..."
"And me?" Solo pressed, his voice icy. "What do you plan to do with a Jedi like me?"
"Count Dooku... sent someone capable of dealing with a Jedi... The Witch has already arrived..."
The official's voice trembled.
"Witch?" Ahsoka frowned, instinctively reaching for her lightsaber at her waist.
Solo's heart sank. He immediately guessed that the "Witch" the official spoke of was likely Asajj Ventress.
He gave the official one last look and asked, "What do you plan to do with Senator Amidala?"
"Nute Gunray... will pay well for her head..."
This confirmed Solo's suspicions.
Without hesitation, Solo struck the official unconscious with a hand strike. He immediately activated his communicator and issued encrypted commands: "Longsword Team, this is an emergency! Proceed to the hangar immediately and assist the Senator's evacuation! O'Connor, initiate emergency launch procedures and open the cargo bay ramp! OOM-DF-2356, execute 'Swarm Rush' protocol!"
During their journey, Solo had specifically trained this B-1 Battle Droid Commander. The core of the "Swarm Rush" protocol was to have all 450 B-1 Battle Droids in the cargo bay disembark and attack all non-friendly targets within a two-kilometer radius of the ship.
Though individually limited in combat capability, their sheer numbers were enough to distract the enemy and buy time for the evacuation.
"Warrior, what exactly is happening?" Amidala approached Solo, her voice tinged with shock. Though she had experienced crises before, she never imagined London would set such a direct trap.
"The negotiations are over, Senator," Solo replied calmly. "They intend to use you as leverage. We need to return to the *Star Falcon* immediately."
But at that moment, a sudden, intense warning of danger surged through the Force.
A concentrated wave of Dark Side energy was rapidly approaching.
"Ahsoka!" Solo spun around and barked orders at his apprentice. "Take the Senators, follow the Clone Commando, and get back to the ship immediately! Run!"
Without hesitation, Ahsoka organized the Senators to follow the Clone Commando and led them toward the hangar.
"Master, what about you?" She took a few steps, then stopped and turned back to Solo, her eyes filled with concern.
"Don't worry, I have a 'date' to keep here." Solo smiled, his tone light but firm. "Protect the Senators and ensure they board the ship safely. Wait for me there."
"A date?"
"Commander Tano, follow your orders!"
Solo's stern voice left no room for argument. Ahsoka quickly hurried after the Senators.
The last Clone Commando disappeared around the corridor bend, their footsteps fading into the distance.
Solo donned his helmet and pulled the hood of his cloak over his face, silently waiting for the Dark Side to arrive.
Behind him, the mechanical whir of the cargo ramp opening echoed, followed by the rhythmic clatter of B-1 Battle Droids. The Swarm Rush protocol had been activated. The robot army advanced down the corridor, clashing with the ambushing Rendon Guard. The sounds of explosions and energy blasts erupted in rapid succession.
Just then, the familiar hum of a lightsaber ignited behind him.
Not one, but two.
Solo turned around and saw a woman standing ten steps away, clad in black combat gear with tattoos on her face. She held a crimson lightsaber in each hand, its ominous glow casting an eerie light.
Asajj Ventress.
Ventress sized him up, her gaze lingering on his armor and helmet. Her voice carried a hint of curiosity. "I didn't expect the Republic to send such an interesting Jedi..."
"I was expecting Dooku to send a worthy opponent, not a 'tattoo enthusiast' who fancies dual blades." Solo's voice rang through his helmet speakers, laced with mockery. "Am I right, Asajj Ventress?"
He hoped to provoke her, perhaps finding a weakness in her defenses.
"You know my name?" Ventress's eyes sharpened, her lightsabers trembling slightly. "Who told you my name?"
"Everyone in the galaxy knows that Count Dooku has an apprentice who relies solely on the Dark Side to compensate for his lack of skill." Solo deliberately stalled, subtly shifting his stance as he gripped the hilt of his lightsaber with his right hand.
"Who dares to be so brave?"
"I'm Solo Victor. Pleased to meet you."
"Surrender, Jedi. You'll die... more quickly."
"What's next? Are you going to try and persuade me to embrace the Dark Side?" Solo deliberately scraped his foot against the ground.
"Hahaha!" Ventress burst into laughter. "But I rather like you. How about it? Why don't you join us?"
"I can't deny... this offer is as tempting as a Hutt, but my answer is... no. The red lightsaber is tolerable, but a tattooed face isn't my style."
"It seems you understand the Sith well enough," Ventress sneered, her lightsaber spinning in her hand as she adopted the starting stance of the Jarkai Dual-Blade Style. "You... Jedi scum... you don't understand the true power of the Dark Side!"
"Sigh..."
Solo sighed, shrugged off his cloak to reveal the hidden armor beneath, and activated his lightsaber simultaneously.
The blade pointed straight up, held above his head.
Ventress immediately recognized the Shi-Cho form.
Long ago, her first Master had taught her this very form.
Now, the Jarkai Dual-Blade Style had become the essence of Ventress's combat.
She pushed off the ground, leaping into the air. Crossing her two swords, she unleashed a fierce double strike at Solo.
Solo stepped forward, parrying the attack with a horizontal lightsaber strike. The clash of the blue and red blades emitted a grating metallic screech, the force of the impact causing both combatants to stagger slightly backward.
Upon landing, Ventress seamlessly transitioned into close-quarters combat. Her swords flashed like lightning as feints, thrusts, and slashes flowed in rapid succession, the crimson blades carving dangerous arcs around Solo's body, probing for weaknesses in his armor.
Relying on his Shii-Cho foundation, Solo barely managed to block the relentless attacks, gradually losing the initiative.
Suddenly, Ventress lifted her left leg, delivering a vicious kick to Solo's helmet.
Caught off guard, Solo toppled backward. However, he swiftly adjusted his posture mid-air, landing with a roll and regaining his footing, his lightsaber raised just in time to block Ventress's follow-up strike.
Amidst flying sparks, Ventress's blade finally struck true, cleaving into Solo's shoulder pauldron. Yet the armor's deflector shield instantly activated, deflecting the attack.
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