CHAPTER 1

Ahsoka didn't know why her master Anakin was so hasty and easily provoked since the beginning of this mission. They've certainly been to many much more serious situations where he would simply show off, joke around and play score count with Rex and master Obi-Wan. He was cold and focused on the job to do, bossing her around a bit harshly. Now that they were on hyperspace, she thought she could start some conversation, since there wasn't much to do besides watching the green lights in Twilight's cockpit. That didn't go well at all. He was so cold that she just decided to let him be, before they argue again.

They were to rescue Senator Amidala, that annoying Naboo Senator who was always getting herself in trouble by playing the hero when she was really just another boring desk politician. And probably not even good at that, not of any importance at least... "Wait! I shouldn't be having those thoughts!" she pondered to herself. It was not the Jedi way. They were there to serve the Senate, and more than that; to protect people's lives. Maybe her master was right after all, she might had been openly disdainful of their assignment.

A few hours later and they were locked onto the freighter that matched the description in the distress signal. It was headed towards Umgul, a wretched hive of scum and villainy out in the Mid Rim. It seemed like an easy job, and Ahsoka was anxious to return to the battlefield, where Master Obi-Wan, Master Luminara, Dependable Barriss, Captain Rex and others were holding position. She still couldn't understand why Anakin would volunteer to abandon the field for this simple mission. It wasn't like him. But then again, she was avoiding to question her assignment and just sticking to follow orders, like a good Padawan would.

- Artoo; keep track of that ship, but don't make it look like we are following them. Ahsoka, is the equipment ready? - Anakin was still bossy, but it felt good to hear his voice finally breaking the silence.

- Double checked, master.

- Good. I hope you will stick to plan this time, Ahsoka. Everything depends on it! We don't know who's behind all this - Anakin gave her a quick, but hard stare. She felt a bit uncomfortable with all the formalities.

- Don't worry, master... ?! Everything will work out just fine.

Anakin didn't even bother to reply. His narrowed blue eyes were fixed in the HUD Panel for the very controls he was so used to. It wasn't difficult to receive landing permission and soon they were setting foot on the mist covered planet. Artoo didn't stay with the ship as usual; Anakin wanted his scanners to be nearby. Beeping his way among the crowd, he lead them to the cargo ship they were pursuing. As planned, Ahsoka went to distract the platform officer while her master was sneaking into the ship.

The ship wasn't locked, meaning there were still people in there. Anakin hoped he was quick enough to caught Padmé and her kidnappers still inside. Unfortunately, the only being aboard was a Rodian thug unloading some boxes, and he seemed pretty much surprised to have a lightsaber to his neck all of sudden.

- Where are they? And don't even try the "I don't know what you are talking about" talk if you want to live - Anakin's tone matched his anxiety and lack of temper.

- A Jedi? Here in Umgul? What is the Republic doing in...

- ... Don't stall me! - Anakin raised his hand and began Force-choking the Rodian.

- Wait... Gasp! Stop!.. I'll tell you, I'll tell you! - he replied as best as he could

- I'm waiting - the Jedi didn't release him, though.

- The... Senator... You are after... Yes? They... They took her... - While coughing and speaking with difficulty, the bounty hunter subtly reached to a button in his commwrist. Anakin didn't get any nicer.

In the platform, the officer seemed extremely bored with Ahsoka's talk concerning landing fees, when something on his desk panel suddenly caught his attention. Without giving any other word to the young Togruta, he simply bypassed her and rushed towards the stationed shuttle, asking for guards presence in his commlink. By the time he got close enough to investigate, he was Force-pushed against the landing gear.

- I'm sorry, mister! You seemed like a nice person... Come on, Artoo - Ahsoka ran into the ship and once inside she raised the boarding ramp. Soon enough she bumped into her master.

- Ahsoka? What are you doing here?! - As soon as Anakin saw his Padawan, he lowered his lightsaber and released the Force-choke. It was still obvious though that he and the Rodian weren't having any fun.

- What... Are you doing, master?! - Ahsoka stopped running and was now staring at the beaten thug.

- I told you to stick to plan, you...

- ... Plans just changed, master - blasters could be heard just outside, aiming for the ship. Maybe the people of Umgul were also short tempered - we better take off now!

Anakin ran to the cockpit with Artoo, while Ahsoka tended to the bounty hunter, removing all his communication devices and checking on his health, with much more care than her master would. After a fancy take off and boost of speed to baffle the guards' speeders, they could finally breath again.

- I'm sorry, Ahsoka. I got carried away - he said watching his Padawan come in with their captive.

- You are not being yourself today, master - Ahsoka's voice was still sweet and understanding. After all these months, she learned a bit how to deal with her master's unpredictable mood shifts.

- I know. I just have too much on my mind right now. It will all be alright after we are done with this - he gazed behind his shoulder. - This sleemo told me where they are headed. Ziro The Hutt's hideout, no less.