Welcome!
This is the story based before Star Wars: Clone Rebellion. As you know, certain plots within the story have not been answered and deserve the answers to be told. As I said, I'd be starting this right after I had finished Season 1 of Clone Rebellion. But I decided to start now. I probably wouldn't start at all of I don't start now.
As we know Ahsoka has returned to the Jedi Order and we know I have updated the Clone Rebellion story to explain small bits about her return. I also have Rex being titled as an ARC Captain. We never really did get the answer whether or not Rex was or wasn't an ARC Trooper. I am going to take the guess that Rex is indeed just a Clone Captain. As a result of this, I will explain certain plot elements such as characters bits in the story and how it leads to Order 66.
Also, since I am working on the other story too, updates on both projects will be twice as slow. Enjoy.
War reaching critical systems! The Confederacy of Independent Systems has made it's mark against the Galactic Republic by attacking critical point through out the galaxy! During these critical moments, many Jedi and Clones have been sent to multiple planets in the mid rim to avoid losing more ground! Anakin Skywalker and the 501st have been send to the planet Saleucami! Their mission is to save the last base belonging to the Republic in the outer rim before the enemy come closer!
Chapter 1 - Return of Snips:
501st Fleet:
Anakin Skywalker was on his bridge with his first man Captain Rex and Admiral Yularen. They were heading to the planet Saleucami to give support to a Republican base under attack by CIS forces. Anakin's fleet had four Venator-Class Star Destroyers as its main battle fleet. Surprising enough, there wasn't a Sep fleet here to 'greet' them here.
"We've arrived to Saleucami sir. But we haven't got any Droid fleets in range. I don't see anything hostile." Rex confirms.
"Well we can't let our guard down." Anakin says and directed his attention to Yularen. "Admiral, make sure we don't run into enemy traps while we approach. One worng move and it could cost us our entire fleet."
"Understood General, I'll make sure we don't fall into the enemy's hands." Admiral Yularen says.
"Rex, get the men ready. We can't risk holding up ourselves while we can lose this planet." Anakin orders.
"Right away General" Rex says leaving the Jedi General and Admiral.
"How many Clones are on the surface?" Admiral Yularen asks.
"From what I hear, there are just enough to last a quater of one rotation. Unless the Droids have gotten some new technology, then we'll need to get there faster." Anakin explains. "Remember Admiral Yularen. We must not lose our fleet, or we'll be stuck here."
"I'll make sure the pilots are on standby for when we come under attack. Good luck General. We're counting on you." Admiral Yularen says.
"You know me. We'll finish this in no time." Anakin says with a grin forging on his face.
Anakin walks to the turbolift nearby and Yularen just stares as the Jedi Knight departures from the Venator's bridge.
Anakin's Venator-Class Star Destroyer Hanger:
Anakin walked into his hanger and saw his Clones he would be taking along with him into combat. Knowing how battles usually end, some or most will probably not survive. He was proud to serve with his soldiers. They were his most trusted people. The Clones will be on foot or using Walkers during this campaign. AT-TEs and AT-RTs would be the main choice for heavy support.
All in total there was twenty two Clones standing around waiting for the General to brief them on the mission. Most of the other Clones were busy loading Walkers, supplies and checking to see if any vehicles were in anyway damaged. So far, there was no battles.
Rex stood with the large group of Clones awaiting their leader. Other Clones included was Fives, Jesse, Kix, Tup and the brief assistance of Delta Squad. The members of Delta Squad were named Boss, Scorch, Fixer and Sev. They were called to this mission because it is the last front in need of protection that is in the outer rim.
"Alright. This is the plan men. Jedi Master Fisto is in charge of the land forces and he doesn't have long before the Droids start breaching their base. Our mission of course is to give all we can for support and drive back the Clankers from our territory. We haven't got all day, so I'm counting on Snips to-" Anakin was disusing the plan to his men, but he forgot that she has been gone, even though it has been over half a year. His head was looking down to his right, expecting to find his one and only Jedi Padawan. Or ex-Padawan.
Anakin's facial expression changes from his serious General form to a sad and distracted look. He knew that when he saw Ahsoka go down the steps of the Jedi Temple, that it may be the last he would ever see of her. It was stupid! Ahsoka was turned on by almost everyone (where it not for Anakin and Padme there for her). Anakin heard about what Tarkin said to Ahsoka and he was outraged by his words. After the battle, maybe he should visit the Admiral and give him a piece of his mind.
Rex sees Anakin looking worried as his face looked over to his right. The General has been in pain for over half a year and Rex knew it was slowly growing into anger. Rex knew he had hate for the Admiral Tarkin, but now Anakin would obviously have a large grudge against the Jedi Council. It was easy to say at least that he actually hated he Council just a small bit. Obi-Wan however still seemed like his loyal friend and Master. Anakin's head seemed to drift uncontrollably into the clouds and into the dark thunderstorm of the Darkside. Lightening would be the sign of Anakin failing to control his emotions.
Rex walks up to Anakin who is ten feet away from the group and places his hand on his General's shoulder and Anakin stopped looking distracted in the direction he was faced. He looked into the Clone Captain's eyes who looked back at him with understanding and sadness within them. The Clone Captain had became fast friends with Ahsoka for the two years they had been serving along the line of the war.
"I'm sorry sir. We all here feel for you about Commander Tano leaving." Rex says.
"Thank you Rex." Anakin says now walking away from the group and having Rex follow. " But the pain is still in me. I mean, Ahsoka was almost executed and Barriss was just captured before she was sentenced. Even though I had brought Barriss in to trade with Ahsoka, she didn't get the death penalty! Ahsoka was almost killed and Barriss is spared! Where is the justice these days!?" Anakin asks banging his fist onto a LAAT and causing a large dent.
"We all do respect sir, but it has been over half a galactic year and you are still worried about her. I'm sure it's alright to let her go. She must be living the time of her life." Rex says.`
"Or maybe she's dead." Anakin whispers harshly.
"Sir, I am certain Ahsoka is fine. Remember you and her carry a Master and Apprentice bond and I'm pretty sure it is still strong." Rex assures.
"I just hope I see her again. She is very important to me and I would destroy anything if I find out she has been kidnapped or killed." Anakin says darkly.
'Sir, please get you mind off of this. We've still got a battle to get to, and I doubt General Fisto will hold out if we just stand around." Rex says.
"Just get the men inside the Gunships, Rex. I can barely think when Ahsoka isn't around." Anakin says.
"I understand sir. Please don't take to long. We need to head out ASAP." Rex says.
Anakin nods while turned back to his Clone Captain and Rex just gets back to his brothers. Fives, Jessie, Kix and Tup were now lined up leaning against one of the panel doors of the closest Gunship. Delta Squad was with the other thirteen Clones in a circle speaking among themselves. Rex decides to speak with the four men at the LAAT who fought on Umbara with him and survived Krell's rampage. Rex knew he didn't need to load all of the men strait away. Anakin was in a dark corner of the hanger sitting on a crate thinking and possibly moping about Ahsoka.
Fives was the first to speak. The ARC Trooper didn't like it when his General moped about Ahsoka. It seemed like that when he would think of Ahsoka, he'd cause more men to die due to being distracted. "Let me guess. General's upset again?"
"It hasn't been very easy for the General the past few months Fives. I'm just worried that he may try something extremely dangerous and suicidal." Rex says looking into the dark part of the hanger barely seeing Anakin.
"If he wants to do something to get his kind off Commander Tano, then he should just stop wasting time and get on with the mission. We know that since it is a large assault force on the ground against us, we probably won't make it on time." Fives says.
"General Skywalker said that we'd have six hours before the entire base is wiped out. I have tried Fives, but I think we have to wait for this matter." Rex says.
Fives just listened to Rex and looked back at the Jedi General who was in the dark still. He was so confused right now. Ahsoka was someone he dearly loved. She was- is his sister. He loved her as his family. Shmi was his mom, Padme is his secret wife and finally Ahsoka was his dear little sister. He just let her go without a proper goodbye. Anakin knew he should have offered to take her to Padme's place. She could have stayed there. Padme wouldn't mind. After all, Ahsoka did know they were married. She clearly mean't it when she had left. She had kept his secret and he didn't offer her Padme's place.
Anakin then stood up, knowing he had made his choice over six months ago. All he could do for now was wait to hear about news of Ahsoka.
Rex sees Anakin leave the shadows towards the 501st Soldiers. Rex knew that he should get everyone in right now. "Alright, everyone load up! Move it, move it!"
Coruscant Streets:
It was night time around this area. The sun is on the other side of the planet showing it's rays of warm light to what kinds of creatures or Droids would be there. It was quiet and dark in the underworld. Ahsoka Tano was walking down an alleyway with a backpack on her back. She was wearing her old uniform she had when she was still a Jedi, she had been taking in on Republican Bounty missions. She would never usually do anything involving bounties, but under these circumstances, she'd do anything to get her life back on track. Since leaving the Order, her thoughts were more clouded. This was not her path. This was not her destiny.
She went across an abandoned street and right to a grey metal door that blended in with the rest of just about everything down here. The door's main controls were on a panel to the left of it. It glows with red colored nobs. Ahsoka twists them around in circles and tapped in buttons on a touchscreen panel. After fiddling with the buttons long enough, the door in front of her opens slowly by pulling up. Ahsoka enters beyond the door and walks into the thick black darkness of a hallway.
Inside, she walks down a hell that was very long. it was round about fifty feet just to get to the end. As she enters the room past the hall, lights flicker on walls and the ceiling. There was racks of medical packs and food boxes all around. It was an abandoned warehouse similar to the Nano-Droid factory. However, it didn't have any vents full of flame all over the place. It was just a regular over sized abandoned factory that looked like it was a secret military base. Somewhere nearby, there were two Speeders parked near a garage door. They were colored white and red. It reminded Ahsoka of the Republic's traditional colors. They were actually original BARC Speeders that were modified beyond military standards. They were only modified so they'd be faster and stronger resistant from Blaster fire. They were still packed with the Republican weaponry. Blue lasers and with the weak damage effects.
"Well, well, I see you've returned!" A Voice called out to the Togruta.
"Of course I did. We've been working together for over half a year." Ahsoka says. "I've got our last jobs pay."
"Bring it here then." The voice commanded and out stepped Asajj Ventress.
Asajj was on top of a ramp to an even higher level. The ramp was laid diagonally from Ahsoka's level to Asajj's.
Ahsoka walked up the ramp patiently, pulling the metal strapped bag from her back and handing it to the ex-Sith. Ventress looks into the bag and gains a smile as she sees the contents residing from within it. Credits shinning gold reflects into the light despite the dark building being hard to see in.
"Well, looks like we'll be living a lot differently." Ventress says.
Much later, Ventress and Ahsoka were riding in a lane in Coruscant's night sky. Their BARC's making the wining sounds from their engines. They were looking for a place to eat some good food. With the amount of credits they had, they could pretty much spend freely.
Meanwhile, Ahsoka was in deep thought about her life. She was once a Jedi who proudly followed her sacred traditions and carried full respect for the Republican Government. But since her trial that she knew in the final seconds would have lead to her death, she lost all her faith in the so called peaceful Jedi Order she had worked under. Everyone had had decided to not stand by her, except Anakin and Padme.
She had taken a path that determined her to capturing dangerous villains in the planets underworld. While it did feel good that she was actually saving a lot of lives, she didn't really like accepting credits for work by the Republic officials who demanded the criminals capture. The latest they had taken to the Republican prison guards had earned them a lot of credits. Ahsoka had counted the credits before she had left the prison. There was at least 30,000 credits available to spend. The criminal they had gotten was one of twelve they had caught since Asajj and Ahsoka had started working together. Ahsoka have made sure that when she had started working Ventress that they would only go for official targets and ones that are wanted alive. The business was quite successful among both fallen Force wielders. While they did work that would be considered dirty, it did help the system that many though out the galaxy was trusted. As a Jedi, Ahsoka would do more than just hunt targets. As a Jedi, the possibilities were were quite endless. Now she was subjected to being a lone Togruta female with a female Dathomirian ex-Witch. Maybe she should just drop this business and get back to the Jedi Order. The more she spent away from her old home, the more she missed it. Despite all of the things the Jedi didn't help her with with in her trial, she always carried her attachments to the Order either way.
"Looks like a good place over there. Let's stop down here." Ventress announces to her partner in business.
"Yeah, right." Ahsoka says agreeing with the ex-Acolyte of Dooku.
Ventress could feel Ahsoka's emotions confusing her. They were at a mixed edge. Ahsoka must want to do something she hasn't decided on.
Soon, Ahsoka and Ventress were at a small restaurant. It contained a few tables. Most of them were inside and some were outside. Ahsoka and Ventress took seats at one outside quickly ordered their food.
The food was small, but it would fill them up for enough hours. Ventress just ate her food without hesitation. Ahsoka however just stares at her food with a sad look in her eyes. Ventress sees Ahsoka who hasn't tried anything to eat. It was easy for the ex-Sith to ignore Ahsoka's thinking, but seeing her like this made Ventress worry. She didn't really care if it affected her thinking, but it would affect their line of business. Ahsoka rethinking her life could risk everything they work for.
"What's got you so down?" Asajj asks.
Ahsoka just stares at her food for a few seconds, but soon looks to her partner who's eyes were aiming at the Togruta with an annoyed glance. It was one thing to feel distracted, but if Ahsoka is going to show distractions in person, it could be very costly to their deal.
"I dunno Ventress. It's just..." Ahsoka begins speaking, but it was difficult to explain. "I've been thinking about the way I've been living recently. This business we've been doing may have been successful, but I think I'd be doing better working as a Jedi again."
Asajj's eyes explode wide as Ahsoka said that. Ahsoka sensed Ventress' surprised reaction and quickly looked back up. Ventress looked at Ahsoka with a shocked expression. Ahsoka was surprised that the ex-Sith didn't jump her. Asajj was like a time bomb waiting for the right things to be said before she exploded.
"What in the Force would you want to work for them corrupt fools again?! They found false evidence on you and they just hand you over to the Senate awaiting to execute you. Plus you didn't even help me get a pardon for my crimes!"
Ahsoka looked at the ex-Sith like she was crazy, but Ventress had a right to be angry. Ventress held up her end of the bargin, but Ahsoka couldn't repay her for helping. The business deal they've been doing has kept them on their feet, but just barely.
"Yes, I know. But I just feel like it is my place to be. Skyguy did say that before I left, I would be making a huge mistake. Now I'm starting to believe what he told me. He was right." Ahsoka says finally taking the first bite of her food.
Ventress looked angry. Ahsoka knew she would explode in any minute. It was only a matter of time before Ventress attacked her for explaining her feelings to this motion Ahsoka was planing on taking. After a while, Ventress would have beat Ahsoka badly. Ventress didn't.
Ventress just dropped her angered expression and just leaned back on her seat. She sighs and just shares into the sky above her next to the tall sykyscraper hey were in front of.
Ahsoka just took another wide eyed look as Ventress didn't start hostilities.
"If you wish to rejoin the Jedi Order, then be my guest." Ventress says.
"Really?" Ahsoka asks.
"But. Be warned you will be turned on by your friends once again. Your Jedi Order will rip itself apart." Ventress says.
"I'm still surprised you didn't attack me." Ahsoka says.
"Why attack my business partner when I've gotten more rich." Ventress says not actually asking a question. "Besides, if Skywalker finds out you were injured or killed by me, he'd make me suffer."
After Ventress said that, she remembered Anakin's 'You're dead' line. He was dead serious about it too.
"That sounds like Skyguy." Ahsoka says. "I guess I'll just get back to the Order. This life is too much for me, and I doubt doing bounties is a clean line of work."
"Then what are you waiting for? Go!" Ventress says. She didn't yell, but it did sound like an annoyed voice. "But, do get a pardon for me. I can't stand carrying this burden of being wanted by the Republic. And come back to the secret base if it has worked."
"I will." Ahsoka says standing up and heading for her Speeder.
Ventress just looks at Ahsoka while she gets on her ride. It zooms into the Coruscant skies as she pilots it.
Saleucami Skies:
501st Gunships exit the Venator-Class Star Destroyers in the sky. There were fifty main Gunships carrying Clones and twenty LAAT's carrying Walkers. Y-Wings and Z-95 Headhunters were posing as the escorts to distract the enemy and destroy them.
Then out from the distance far in front, Vulture Droids and Tri-Fighters came to unleash their hostile weapons against them. The Republic Fighters speed off past the carrier Gunships to distract the Droids.
"OK, target the strongest Droids first, then we'll rip the rest out of the sky in no time." Gold Leader of the assault Fighters explained.
"Copy that Gold Leader. We'll take the Tri-Fighters out first." Gold two replied.
As the Fighters from each side get close enough, blue and red laser fire flies all over the area.
The Republic Gunships are not drawn in the fire and instead are taking this advantage of being ignored as a good sign to get to Master Fisto's position. But it turned out that there was lots of ground forces filled with Droids carrying anti-air weapons.
A few Droids aimed at the Gunships with Rocket Launchers and five Gunships down. Fifty Clones were lost in just seconds as the destroyed bodies of aircraft burn down to the ground.
"Put us down somewhere close by!" Anakin yells.
"Yes sir!" The pilot of his Gunship replies.
In Anakin's Gunship, his Clones were ready for the fight. Rex and Fives were going to use their dual DC-17 Hand Blasters as weapons. Kix and Tup were using DC-15S Carbines. The random unknown Clones inside this Gunship had DC-15A Rifles. Jesse this time was carrying a Z-6 Rotary Blaster Cannon.
As the Gunships find a place to land, Anakin jumps out and activates his blue bladed Lightsaber and charged towards Kix Fisto's location. Other Clones followed under Anakin's guidance. There was a large dust storm around their area and it was hard to navigate in. There was B1-Battle Droids ahead of them and Anakin charged for them.
"Look men, Clones!" One of the Droids yell.
The Group attack Anakin and the Clones. Four Clones die during the rapid Blaster fire attack. Anakin and other Clones bring down the hurt on the Droids and finish the group off.
AT-TEs and AT-RTs are quickly dropped and the Gunship carriers leave the area. In no time, the Walkers are piloted. AT-RTs charge down the path Anakin went on and dispatched Droids with Blaster fire and stomped on the ones that got to close. AT-TEs slowly walk following Anakin and destroying other Droids.
All Clones on foot followed along a path with their General in the middle front. Next to Anakin, Captain Rex and ARC Trooper Fives run aiming their duel Blasters at the enemy. All Clones and Walkers cut down more group of Battle Droids as they come in waves after Anakin and his 501st Soldiers.
Soon large assault waves of Super Battle Droids came and fired at the attackers. Anakin managed to charge up to them and slashes the Droids with simple cuts on the middle of their chests. The Droids slowly fell to the blue Jedi Lightsaber. Other Clones assisted their General by blasting other Droids near him with DC-15A Rifles.
Soon AATs came from over dusty hills in front of them. There were six brown and blue tanks. The tanks fired at groups of Clone traveling behind their General. each shot hit the ground but the resulting shock wave killed eight Troopers in total.
AT-TE Walkers fired at the tanks with their four front laser weapons. The tanks were extremely weak compared to the Walkers. The Droid tanks blow up as the laser fire completely obliterates the metal bodies.
A quarter of the Clones had fallen due to the major shock waves produced by the cannon fire. But at least the Clones weren't injured. They quickly got back up and everyone looked at their dead friends. Anakin knew he needed to move on, even with his Troops.
"Everyone, keep moving! We've still got a job to do!" Anakin yells to everyone on the battlefield.
Everyone keeps traveling and soon stumble upon a Droid Lander sitting out in the open in a wide space. Underneath the Droid Lander, there was two squads of B-1s, B-2s and a few Droidekas.
Anakin looks toward his temporary RCs with him. Anakin points out to them to take on the Droids. Delta 38, (Boss) nods to his temperary leader and makes his three other squad members follow. RC 62, (Scorch) changes his weapon to use the anti-armor attachment. Delta 07, (Sev) changes his weapon to use the Sniper attachment. RC 40, (Fixer) grabs his EMP Grenades and has his DC-17m stuck to his back.
The Droids see the Republic Commandos walk towards them, every Droid just stood there, but a yellow B-1 Commander spoke.
"Surrender Clones! There are only four of you and a lot of us!" The Commander Droid orders.
"Deltas, use aggressive force!" Boss orders to his three team members.
Sev, Scorch and Fixer send their attacks to the large waves and clear the Droids down in them. The Commander knew that it had lost.
"Uh-oh!" The Droid says. "Please, don't shoot!"
The Commander was the last standing Droid, but the Commandos show no mercy to the machine as they blast it down.
Boss calls Skywalker and confirms their success. Anakin and his Clones move ahead right near the Lander. Anakin saw that it didn't have orders to leave, so he called his AT-TE Walkers to blast the Lander to bits. The main cannons of the Walkers fire at the Troop Transport and cause it to have explosions all over its four wings and body.
The ship was all over the area, so everyone had to get around the pieces. The AT-TEs however had to make a detour before reaching the other side. Anakin however was impatient to the current situation and made his soldiers advance still.
"We haven't got all day. We must get to Master Fisto before it is too late." Anakin says to his men. The Clones just follow to his statement.
Meanwhile...
Master Fisto was on the front lines cutting down Battle Droids with his green Lightsaber. He was with a whole Company of Clone Troopers with brown armor. They were under the temporary command of Master Fisto.
Waves of B-1s and B-2s keep coming to the Clones who were being killed one by one. It was a fight that seemed to be one for testing their strengths. It was a slow death trap waiting to close on everyone at the base.
The Commander for the battlefield runs right next to his General with his DC-15S in hands.
"General Fisto, do we know where General Skywalker's platoon is located? We keep getting blasted out here and we won't hold out for long." The Commander says.
"Fear not Commander. I sense that Skywalker is not far off now. He'll be here very shortly." Master Fisto replies. "Now keep fighting and we'll be alright."
The Commander nods and returns to his Clones at the front gate of the base. He intercepts a whole large group with DC-15A Rifles. Other groups around the area were busy fighting B-1s- and getting killed too.
"Alright men, we haven't got long before General Skywalker arrives with the 501st. We need to make sure that the Clankers are given big and deadly surprises. Remember, we will be battling with the 501st on our side, and they know how to do the job right! Let's do this for the Republic!" The Commander says to his men.
The Clones let out shouts of the word 'yes' and 'that's right' to reply with the Commander.
"Now come on! We've got to show the Seppies what we Clones can really do!" The Commander announces.
The Clones roar and charge at the middle of the Droid waves approaching them. Clones and Droids alike get blasted down as they charge at each other in epic conflict. While Clones still got blasted and died, the Droids were being turned into scrap metal in just seconds.
"That's right! That's the stuff!" The Commander shouts to his brave troops.
Back with Anakin...
Anakin was in front with Rex, Fives, Kix, Jesse and Tup following directly behind. The RCs, other 501st Clones and AT-RT Walkers walked in a line in a random order.
Rex wanted to know how long they had before they would see Kit's forces, so he walked next to his leader to ask.
"General? How long before we see General Fisto?"
"Not long. I can already hear blaster fire from a long way away." Anakin replies.
"Really?" Rex asks.
"Yeah. In a few seconds you should be able to hear it too." Anakin says.
He was right. Rex could hear echos of DC-15As, Battle Droid Blaster fire and a Lightsaber cutting stuff.
"Yeah General, I can hear it." Rex says.
"Then get ready. We don't want to be open targets for the Droids to hit." Anakin says.
"Alright Troopers, time for battle! Get ready!" Rex shouts across to the back of the line.
"Yes sir!" The 501st replies to the Captain.
Anakin, his men and the AT-RTs run right towards Master Fisto's position.
Saleucami orbit:
Admiral Yularen is currently standing on his bridge waiting for this mission to end. He didn't care about Saleucami as it wasn't a major place to gain, nor lose.
"Admiral. enemy ships coming from hyperspace!" A Clone yells.
The Clone was correct. Sixteen Banking Clan Frigates and the Invisible Hand exit hyperspace. Instantly, Droid ships attack the Venator-Class Star Destroyers to destroy them and trap the Jedi from escaping the planet. The Invisible Hand goes in with the Frigates and fires powerful shots at the Venators. The Venators have explosion all over them on the mid-levels.
"All ships, fire at that Cruiser!" Admiral Yularen yelled and ordered.
Most of the Venators fire their big Turbolaser Turrets at the front of the Invisible Hand, but the damage was minimal.
The weapons on the Invisible Hand fire at the Venator Cruisers and cause considerable damage to the structure. Soon, one of the Venator Cruisers get's blown up, leaving three left with high damage.
Z-95 Headhunters and Y-Wing bombers desperately try to fight of the Droid fighters and attack the Cruiser's hardpoints. Were it not for the resistence of Droids, they would have attempted to attack.
Soon the other Venators slowly started to crumble and explode from the damages. Aldmiral Yularen's was the last one left.
"Contact General Skywalker, now!" Yularen yells.
Saleucami:
Battle Droids intercept Anakin and his 501st forces, which ending badly... for the Droids. Anakin had made it to Kit's group and the Clones quickly adapted to each other in teamwork.
Anakin uses his Lightsaber to block incoming Blaster fire while heading next to Kit. Once he got there Kit looks at the 501st General and gives his famous smiles he gives a lot.
"I'm glad you made it Skywalker. We'd be finished soon if we didn't get more Troopers." Kit says blocking more fire.
"Well, better to be here later than never, right?" Anakin asks sending a blast to a Super Battle Droid and finishing it.
"We need to drive of the Droids, do you have a plan for that?" Kit asks.
"Easy! I'll just send my Cruisers in and make them destroy the areas where Droids are arriving from. Shouldn't take that long." Anakin says with a smirk.
Anakin's wrist communicator beeps and he answers the call. "Admiral Yularen, what is it?"
"Bad news General. My ship is the only one left, and the others have been destroyed! The Droids are going to destroy the last one without any assistance!"
Anakin quickly loses his smirk and his eyes grew a whole inch wider. "No. We need a Cruiser to destroy the Droids spawning locations, or we won't hold out!"
"I'm sorry General, but rest assured we'll send a transmission out to Coruscant and hope for the best." Admiral Yularen says.
Coruscant:
Ahsoka's Speeder lands at the bottom of the stairs to the Jedi Temple. She saw that the Temple's outer lights were bright enough to see from the bottom.
"Well, here goes nothing." Ahsoka says.
Ahsoka walks up the stairs slowly to the top. It felt like forever since she had dared tremble upon this very place and re-enter it. It felt very awkward doing this. How will Anakin react to her sudden reappearance by his side? Will he be glad she is back? Will he be outraged that she left half a year ago and dared to return to him.
Ahsoka manages to get to the top of the stairs of the Temple without even realizing she had gone that far. If she did, then she probably would have felt the force of objecting to doing this.
Ahsoka takes fifteen steps forward on the flat path that only had some light on it. Then, in the darkness, two figures in white and grey step forward in the shadows. It was hard to make them out, but their bright colors reveals their positions. Then, yellow glows come from the white and grey figures. They have double bladed Lightsabers and held them in a defense pose. They were the Jedi Temple Guards.
"Leave immediately! Civilians are not welcome here!" One of the Temple Guards addresses the ex-Padawan.
"I am not a civilian! Or at least wasn't always..." Ahsoka says bring her head down.
"Leave!" The same Guard orders again.
Ahsoka doesn't speak for a second but looks up to the Guard who spoke again. "Please, let me go and speak with the Jedi Council."
"You have to have a reason to meet the Jedi Council." The Guard says.
"And I do. I wish to gain my title as Jedi Padawan once again." Ahsoka says expressing her wish.
"You were clearly expelled from the Jedi Order. Otherwise you'd already be within these walls. You offend us with you demanding to come back to an Order you violated." The Guard says accusing Ahsoka for treason against the Jedi.
"I did not violate the Jedi Order. I decided to leave it willingly by my choice alone." Ahsoka debates back.
"You fallen Jedi are sick. You are no better than the Sith." The Guard spat at her.
Ahsoka could feel rage building up in her. Being away from the Jedi Order had taken her inner peace to a unsupported level. But, since she wasn't thinking just then, she runs right past the Guards who think she is foolish to do something that stupid. The Guards response was to chase her.
"Hey, get back here!" The Guard yells.
Ahsoka runs down halls trying to reach the Jedi Council chambers Turbolift. She was near by until two more Guards at the front cut her off from the Turbolift and activate their twin blades. Ahsoka knew that she was trapped at this point. If she tried to go around, she would be cut down without any second chances.
"It's over intruder! We are taking you in!" Another Guard says while all of them close in on her.
Suddenly, the Turbolift to the Council Chambers opens, and Obi-Wan and Plo exit it. They saw the glowing yellow blades on their left and saw the four Guards trapping someone.
"You've caught an intruder?" Plo asks one of the Guards.
"Yes Master Koon. It is a female Togruta who claims to be an ex-Jedi who quit the Jedi Order. We told her not to dare enter the Jedi Temple, but she foolishly do so." The Guard explained.
Plo looks at Obi-Wan, who in return looked back. The two Jedi masters then looked at the Guard again. "Let us see this Togruta." Obi-Wan spoke.
The Guard steps out of the way and there in front of the Two Jedi Masters eyes, was the long missing ex-Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano.
"Little Soka..." Plo says softly, and a bit sadly.
"Ahsoka. It's really you." Obi-Wan also says.
Ahsoka looked at the two Jedi and replied. " Yes Masters. I wash to gain my title as Jedi Padawan once again. These Guards didn't believe me about it being my choice to leave the Jedi Order, so I bravely... and foolishly decided to do things my own way."
Obi-Wan sighs and chuckles to her explanation. "You are sounding just like Anakin right now."
"I guess I do. Where is Skyguy?" Ahsoka asks.
"He's on Saleucami. He is fighting with his company to save the last outer rim planet we control. If we lose it, we'll face lots of anarchy throughout the inter systems." Obi-Wan replied.
"I see. I hope I can see him soon. I just hope he isn't angry that I have left." Ahsoka says.
"Skywalker has been pretty calm lately, but he sometimes talks about you still." Plo says. "Now, you wish to rejoin the Jedi Order again little Soka?"
"Yes Master Plo. "Ahsoka replies. "I have learnt my place in my life. It isn't just walking around Coruscant looking for a job to survive off of. Instead, I wish to dedicate mine to the Jedi Order again."
Plo smiles behind his mask. He was glad she wasn't dead. She had survived her six months away from the Jedi. Now she wants her life back.
"This is very pleasing of me to here from you Ahsoka. Thank you for returning. We had better get the Council to understand that you wish to return. It has to be done officially and properly." Plo says.
"I know Master." Ahsoka says.
"Well, why are we standing around for? We might as well get this done as soon as possible." Obi-Wan says with a smile on his face.
In the Council Chambers...
Yoda, Mace, Saesee, Stass, Ki-Adi, Aayla and Luminara were sitting in the Chamber's chairs. In the center, the hologram footage of Yularen was standing before them. He had requested back up immediately.
"I'm sorry Admiral Yularen, but we don't have many Jedi available to send with and Cruisers. You'll need to get to your ship's escapes pods before it is destroyed. We'll send someone to give support when a battle is over" Mace says.
"Understood, Master Windu." Yularen says and shuts off.
"Trouble, coming it is." Yoda says with his eyes closed.
"I feel it to Yoda." Mace says. "General Grievous has been a dangerous threat to us for a long time and he still continues to show that side. We must take all the necessary action to bring down that menace. "
Then, the doors reopen at the Jedis exit and entry point. Plo, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka walked inside the Jedi Chamber. Each Jedi Council member stare at the ex-Padawan for a while. They were surprised that she dared to return to the place that scarred her for a long time.
"Ahsoka?" Luminara's voice called shocked to see the person who was almost executed because of her apprentice's dark actions. "Is that you?"
"Yes Master Luminara." Ahsoka says.
"I'm so sorry." Luminara says looking down to the floor.
"Ex-Padawan Tano?" Yoda's voice calls. "Came back to the Jedi Temple you have? Wish to return, do you?"
Ahsoka looked like she was going to hesitate, but her mind and heart told her that she shouldn't blow it now, just because she was afraid.
"Yes Master." Ahsoka replies. "My place is with the Jedi."
"Understand this, I do." Yoda says. "Desperate for assistance, the Jedi Order is. Need more Jedi Knights, we do."
"You do?" Ahsoka asks.
"Yes. Too many out on the front lines, being defeated they are. Skywalker's fate, close it is." Yoda says.
"What?" Obi-Wan asks shocked. "What do you mean Anakin's fate is close?"
"At Saleucami, Skywalker's fleet, destroyed it has been. Trapped, they are." Yoda explains.
"Then let me handle it. Anakin will need my help." Obi-Wan says.
"A mission, we had sent you on Master Obi-Wan. Follow it, you must." Yoda says.
"Understood, Master." Obi-Wan says not wanting Anakin to be in harm. "I have to leave now Ahsoka, I hope to see you sometime later." Obi-Wan says while he is walking out.
Once Obi-Wan is gone, Ahsoka and Plo turn to the Jedi Council once again.
"Ex-Padawan Tano. Welcome you back, we do." Yoda says. "A proper apology, needed it is."
"I couldn't agree more Master. No offense, but I think your last one wasn't a good one." Ahsoka says sounding shy to her confession.
The remaining Council Members didn't have any shocked reaction to this. They knew how she felt about it. She didn't like their conclusion of her trial being an by the Force claimed as a sign for being a Jedi Knight.
"I do admit that what we said did seem like a rotten thing to put in those wrong words, but we do believe this is a sign given by the Force that indicated you are a true Knight." Ki-Adi says in defense.
"Look, please be more considerate in future about who is guilty and innocent. It was distressing enough knowing I was almost executed." Ahsoka says.
"Agreed. Very sorry we are." Yoda says. "Restore you to your Padawan state we will."
Plo then walked right next to Ahsoka and put his hands into his robes. He then pulled out two metal items and placed them in front of him to Ahsoka's eyes. Ahsoka's eyes flash in surprise while looking at Master Plo's hands. She could never forget what these two items were. It was a signature for her.
"My Lightsabers!" Ahsoka says surprised.
"Yes, little Soka. I have kept them safe for you, for when you had returned." Plo says back.
"You may need to training again since many months of being away might have made your skills sloppier." Mace says.
"No need, I've been given training for melee combat since I had left the Jedi order." Ahsoka says. "My skills are probably better and I believe I am faster now."
"Who trained you?" Mace asks revealing a little bit of curiosity.
"Uh... Ventress." Ahsoka says awkwardly.
"The CIS criminal? You were working with her?!" Plo asks shocked.
"Me and her had a deal and was worth it." Ahsoka says.
"And what was this 'deal' you and Ventress had?" Mace asks.
"After I had left the Temple, she confronted me. I thought she would have killed me on the spot, but instead he offered me a deal to join her on doing bounties. I agreed, but I told her we would only be going after targets the Republic orders to be captured. And so we've been training and doing work for the past six months." Ahsoka explains.
"Hmmm, understand I do. A life or death situation, you were in. Did was was necessary to survive, you did. Did dangerous work for the Republic you did." Yoda says.
"Yes Master. It was hard, but I have learnt a lot of great experiences in my time away from the Jedi." Ahsoka replies.
"Then ready, do you think you are, Padawan Tano?" Yoda asks her.
"Yes Master." Ahsoka says.
"Then, a mission I have for you." Yoda says.
"A mission already, Master Yoda?" Ahsoka says.
"Commander Skywalker. Needs help on Saleucami, he does." Yoda says. "Sending you there, with Commander Appo's company we are."
"Wait. I am really going to save my Master by myself? Without a Master to command?" Ahsoka asks shocked.
"Dangerous times these are, Padawan. But, confident in you, we are." Yoda says.
Ahsoka nods to his statement.
"Master Plo, please send her to the hanger." Mace says.
"As you wish. Come little Soka." Plo says.
Ahsoka walks following the Jedi who brought her to the Temple when she was four, but then a voice behind her speaks up. "Ahsoka?"
Ahsoka turns around to see Luminara standing behind her with her hands at her sides and looking into the re established Padawan's eyes.
"I'm so, so sorry. About everything. Barriss was my fail, and as her Master, I had failed in teaching her the way she should have been." Luminara says sadly.
"Master, it's alright. Barriss did it to her own according and believed she saw the Jedi as the cause of death. You did all you could." Ahsoka says bring up a sad smile.
"Thank you Ahsoka." Luminara says with a grin growing.
"Anytime Master. Goodbye Master." Ahsoka says.
"Goodbye Ahsoka. Have a safe journey." Luminara says.
Saleucami Orbit:
"Everybody, into the escape pods!" Yularen yells to the final bits of crew left on board. There wasn't many 501st Soldiers on the ship or the surface, but no one knew that they'll be getting some friends soon enough.
The final four escape pods pop out of the ship and speed towards the surface contracting heat from the fast resistance against the sky. Soon the pods went crashing right near the Clone base very close by. Some scrape on the ground and hit solid walls while others just fly into the ground and smash right in. Each groups in the pods slowly crawl out and take a while to stand. The impact into the ground was merciless to the danger of the instant stop.
Upon exiting all the escape pods, all survivors of the vessel groan in pain rubbing their pounding pains within their heads. It was very painful to handle it for most. The ground of Saleucami was merciless to everyone, which caused the head drama in the first place.
Everyone could hear a battle maybe only a hundred feet away from their crash site. The pods all landed very close to each other, and very close to the battle between Jedi and Clones against the raging Droid armies.
Yularen knew that everyone needed to to get ready to move out asap. No matter how much pain they all have endured form the crash, they still needed to move out.
"We have to go, now!" Yularen says to the survivors and they all follow the ship Admiral's worlds.
Yularen chose to attempt to go behind the lines of the Clone base so they didn't become the executable targets for the Droids. They needed to get to the base right now.
With, the Jedi...
AT-TE tank Walkers had formed a line to keep the Droids away from freely entering the base. Dirt walls were created so Clones could duck and get cover from Blaster fire. It didn't have much strength, but it was hard to see where the Clones were from the enemy's line.
Anakin cuts down the Droids with no shown mercy for their programming. He didn't care if they screamed and pleaded for their powered survival, they were just machines created by an evil confederacy to fight the Republic and kill billions of innocent people in the process. He knew he'd never show a killing war machine any mercy, and he was glad for it. He enjoyed destroying them.
Anakin cuts down large swarms of B-1 Battle Droids who try all their best to avoid their destruction against this unpredictable Jedi know also as 'the chosen one'. Captain Rex, who is behind his General made sure he didn't let him get by Droids behind him. It was Rex's job at the moment.
Meanwhile, Fives and Tup are running up to a squad of Droids with four other random Clones. Fives and Tup use DC-15S Carbines to take down the front rows while the four randoms with DC-15A's choose their targets with interesting choices.
Then, Commando Droids appear in large waves coming in for the two Jedi holding their line. Anakin was the first to notice this, but pointed them out to the Jedi Master next to him. Kit was ready for the Commando Droids to shoot at him. He's encountered them before and now was no different from the other times. Droid programming never did seem to change in the past three years. Now was no different.
Anakin is split apart from Kit and the two Jedi are forced to battle groups of Droids on their own. The Droids then changed to holding their blades. At least for both the Generals sake, Clones would attempt to shoot the enemy around them so they wouldn't be surrounded.
"General!" Rex yells running out of his cover and charging toward the Commando Droids.
Kix was next to Rex and saw him doing something extremely dangerous. "Hey, Rex!"
Rex bravely runs towards Anakin who is now having trouble fending for himself and gets punched in the back by one Commando Droid. Anakin however didn't have much pain. He has been hit countless times during the war's process, it was only natural that it happened to him.
As Rex runs towards his General, he sees a dead 501st Clone who once held a DC-15A as his main weapon as his last weapon. Rex quickly without thinking takes the weapon and continues towards the ambushed Jedi leader. He then went up behind one of the 'Clankers', and slammed the Republic Rifle into the head, thus ripping it off with wires sparking and the body no longer moving. Rex was not only surprised that the Droid's body actually sparked, (they never really did killing them that way) but he was more surprised that he did something as foolish, yet brave as this.
Anakin and even the Commando Droids looked at Rex with speechless looks, Anakin in particular. Then the Commando Droids went around Anakin and went to teach the 501st Captain to not mess with them.
"Captain Rex!" Kix yells charging to assist Rex, even if he knew he'd be too late.
Rex just looked at the the Droids which jumped in mid air about to slash at him. He wasn't afraid, he accepted his fate. He stood like Tup when Krell almost killed that rookie Clone. Tup was now up to speed with the company he is in.
Two feet off, and the Droids are very close to hitting the Captain, and ending his Clone life.
"Rex!" Anakin yells, aiming his hands forward to the Commando Droids. The Commando Droids then fly into the air about ten feet up. Anakin then sent them flying at least thirty feet higher and they landed fifty feet away in many Clanker Commando pieces.
Rex, Kix and a few Clones just look towards their General who slowly turned back to his Captain with a not happy expression on his face. Anakin wasn't please that Rex did something foolish that almost got him killed. It seemed kind of unlike his second to do something like that. Anakin then walks closer to Rex, who's expression was reading, 'what is he about to do?'
"Rex." Anakin says with the utmost serious voice. "Don't do anything like that again. You almost got yourself killed."
"Sorry, General." Rex says looking down to the ground in front of him.
"But... thanks for watching my back Rex. I always knew I could count on you." Anakin says finally.
"Don't thank me General, it's all apart of my duty. I'm just a soldier." Rex says.
"Not to me. This company needs you Rex, and I couldn't pick a better person to act as Captain. Don't do anything to get yourself killed. I need you as a second in case I one day fall. Can I count on you Rex?" Anakin asks.
"Yes General. I promise you, I'll be more careful in the future." Rex says giving his General a confident salute.
"Now, back to battle. We still have a job to do." Anakin says.
"Yes sir!" Rex replies getting himself back together. "Alright men, continue to push the Clankers back!" Rex says to his company.
"Yes sir!" The Clones reply to their Captain.
Jesse, who was busy mowing down packs of Battle Droids which yell in agony as his Z-6 Rotary Blaster Cannon heated up their heartless shells being destroyed. He saw Rex just standing in one spot watching Anakin move forward against the Droids. The Clones Rex ordered run past him without asking why he isn't moving. But Jesse will. Jesse bolts right to Rex who was still holding the DC-15A Rifle.
"Hey, Rex!" Jesse calls to his Captain. "Are you feeling alright?"
Rex stands in that one spot for a few moments and directs his attention to Jesse. Jesse watch every move the Captain made to ensure there was nothing wrong with him.
"Yeah Jesse, I'm fine. Just stuff caught up in my mind." Rex says.
"Well, you had better get right up with General Skywalker. You are his right hand man, and he's had you at his side since you started working for the 501st. He'll see this as a disadvantage if you are not there." Jesse says.
"Yes, you're right. Thanks Jesse." Rex says now beginning to walk.
Jesse looks at the Captains back for a second before following and gives a small shake of his head.
"Rex, don't lose your cool." Jesse says quietly.
501st Hanger Bay:
Plo had taken Padawan Tano to the 501st Barracks and called for Commander Appo and the remainder of the 501st. They had all been sent to the Hanger where a lot of Star Destroyers would soon be lifting off. The remaining 501st Soldiers were maxed to 6,000 Troopers. Ahsoka knew that she wouldn't need that many to win the battle of Saleucami. But, the Invisible Hand was the issue. It managed with a few frigates to destroy four Venator-Class Star Destroyers, and Ahsoka knew she'll lose a lot of Soldiers just by flying past the Cruiser itself.
Ahsoka had been told it was the size of a Venator, but it was full of brand new battleship armor and deadly new weapons, which in the process made it a formidable ship to finish off. The extra Cruisers were useful in that sense.
"Ahsoka. I won't be going with you on this one, I'm afraid." Plo says calmly.
"But, Master Plo. How do I complete this mission without your guidance? I'll just mess up!" Ahsoka exclaims.
"Little Soka, I understand how you feel, but I promise you, you won't do anything you'll ever regret." Plo says. He then points to Soldiers in blue looking at them. "These men know what they'll be facing when they get to Saleucami, and they are ready for the big battle. They trust in you as their leader and you must have faith in them. Don't let your emotions hold you back. They'll only work against you."
Plo's words seemed to be a miracle work for her. They were rightfully chosen and they gave get comfort for her feelings. Ignoring what if's would be the best step to winning right now.
"You choose your words wisely Master Plo. Thank you." Ahsoka says.
Plo chuckles. "Don't thank me little one. I am just trying to help you in anyway as possible. Now get ready, you have a battle to win on Saleucami." Plo then leaves.
Commander Appo then walks up to the Padawan after finishing loading ammo casings into DCs.
"Commander Tano, sir! CT- 1119, nickname Appo, awaiting your orders sir!" Appo says sounding as professional as he could get.
"Lighten up Commander. We aren't on a battlefield just yet." Ahsoka says.
"Uh, yeah. Sorry Commander." Appo says rubbing his head and giving a sheepish look. "Are we leaving now Commander?"
"Have we done everything we can to prepare for battle?" Ahsoka asks.
"We'll apart from launching our capital ship, yeah we are 110% ready." Appo replies.
"10% more Appo?" Ahsoka asks giving Appo a weird look.
"Yes sir! I always make sure our Troops are always ready for a fight, even if we over do it." Appo explains.
"Uh, right. So yeah, we are ready to leave. Get the Cruisers up and ready." Ahsoka commander Appo.
"Yes sir!" Appo says running off to other Clones, telling them to get ready.
Soon enough, the ships were ready. Ahsoka thought that the amount of Cruisers was too high. A regular battle contained at lease three to six at the most. Then again, she has been away for half a year, so anything could have changed. So far Ahsoka has only seen the worst of the Republic. The Republic was losing the war, judging by the high system loses. What has the Chancellor been doing while billions of Clones lives from Kamino are wasted?
As Ahsoka looks at the blue hyperspace walls in front of the ship traveling in loops, she hears Appo calling to her saying they've got a transmission from Coruscant. The call was from the Jedi Temple. On the holo table, Masters Windu, Yoda and Luminara were standing.
"Greetings. Found your Troops you have yes?" Yoda asks.
"Yes Master. It was all thanks to Master Plo. I wouldn't have gotten this far without him. A lot seems to have changed." Ahsoka says.
"Remember, always in motion, the future is." Yoda says.
"Yes Master." Ahsoka says.
"Now, on to important matters, yes." Yoda says.
Mace then takes over. "The orbit of Saleucami is going to be though for your men to break through. The surface will not be any easier. The Invisible Hand is a very long ship, and regular Destroyers will be open to extreme haul damage since they don't travel as fast as fighters. The surface, many Battle Droids have been sending countless waves against the base. If you don't get there soon, Saleucami will be lost."
Ahsoka took in all the information and understood that her mission would be hard, even with the 6,000 thousand Clones on board the vessels.
"I understand Master Windu." Ahsoka says.
"Be very careful Padawan Tano. These are our last reserves of Clones we have, and they are vital to winning this battle." Mace says.
"Don't worry. I have it handled." Ahsoka says.
"Very careful, you must be. Many dangers, lurk ahead they do." Yoda says.
"I'll live Masters. Don't worry." Ahsoka says.
Before the transmission shuts off, Luminara speaks up. "Ahsoka, please don't do anything rash. I know you'll win this."
Then the transmission cuts off.
Appo looks at the Commander then speaks. "Sir, we have a fair bit to wait before we get to the planet. We should make sure everyone knows." Appo suggests.
"You go do that Appo." Ahsoka replies.
"Yes sir!" Appo replies.
Ahsoka then looked out the bridges window. She, after six while months of being away, would finally see her Master Skywalker again.
'Get ready Skyguy. Snips is coming back. Ahsoka says in her mind.
The end of chapter one!
I hope this was a good start to the prequels of the return of Ahsoka. It'll be a big project to complete.
Please like my Facebook page called 'Star Wars: Clone Rebellion' on Facebook. There is a URL on my account for it. I'll be posting updates whenever I wish about updates to the this story as well as my other one.
This chapter actually is the reason why Plo is Ahsoka's guardian in 'Clone Rebellion'. He wants to makes amends for thinking Ahsoka is on the Darkside and he'll continue to lead her to hope...
More answers of 'Clone Rebellion' that haven't been explained yet, will be sorted by certain bits too. ;) Just wait for it.
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