And another! I said I was dropping a lot of chapters today!

Last time: The memorial for Satine.

Now: Sasha receives a mission from the Chancellor.

Chapter 5- Special Mission

Two days later…

Sasha and Cayden were sitting at a desk in the archives working through stacks of homework together. They had exams coming up. Exams that if they passed they would be one step closer to their Knight test. And both padawans were eager to become Jedi Knights. As they worked through the stack, occasionally speaking up to ask questions to the other for help, Sasha's commlink went off. The beeping startled them and some other nearby Jedi who then shot Sasha a glare for not having it muted in the archives. Sasha pulled out her commlink and activated it.

"Monroe here," Sasha responded in a softer tone.

"Padawan," Obi-Wan's voice responded. "Please report to the Council chambers as soon as possible."

Sasha straightened. "Yes, Master. I will be right there." She then hung up the comm and looked to Cayden. "Will you be okay on your own with all of this until I return?"

"Yeah, I've got it," Cayden said with a smirk. "Now go. You don't want to leave the Council waiting. It's probably a new mission."

"I hope it is," Sasha said with a slight eagerness as she packed her work up and gathered it into her arms. "Master Kenobi and I haven't done a mission together in over a week. I'm ready to see some action again."

"Well may the force be with you, Sash," Cayden said with a wave.

"You too," Sasha said as she flashed a smile at him before hustling out of the archives.

Sasha briefly stopped at her quarters as they were on the way to the lift to the Council chambers to drop off the arms full homework. She then continued to the lift and up to the chamber. When the lift arrived, Sasha exited and walked over to the large door that separated the lift room from the chamber. She pressed a button on the door that was almost like a call button to let them know she had arrived. A moment later, the doors slid open to reveal the council chambers.

"Enter, Padawan Monroe," Master Windu's voice spoke up barely a second after the doors opened.

Sasha entered and stood at the center of the chamber. It was a full council session as every seat was filled with either a physical body or a hologram. She then turned to face Master Yoda, Master Windu, Master Plo Koon, a hologram of Master Ki Adi Mundi, and of course, her own Master. Sasha gave a small bow before the council then returned her gaze to the Masters.

"Thank you for coming, padawan, on such short notice," Obi-Wan said. After the memorial, her Master started doing better. Or at least he seemed better. At this moment, he definitely seemed to back to his old self, inside and out.

"Of course, Master," Sasha said. "May I ask what this is about?"

"You may," Master Windu responded. "We asked Master Kenobi to summon you here as we have another mission for you."

Sasha felt a smile tug at her lips. Finally, she thought. "What are the details of the mission, Master?"

"Received an urgent message from Datoonie, the Chancellor did," Master Yoda said. "In urgent need of supplies they are. Send help we must."

Sasha felt herself deflate slightly. A supply run? She was really hoping to return to the front lines or deal with Grievous. Something more exciting than a supply run. This was the fourth relief mission she has done in the last month. However, she kept her thoughts to herself. Supply run or not, she wasn't going to complain about traveling across the galaxy or aiding the troops when she can.

"We want you to take a squad of clones to Datoonie and deliver the supplies," Master Windu said then made a grim face. "The Chancellor has requested you for this assignment."

"Wait what?" Sasha blurted. She then bowed her head in an apologetic fashion. "I'm sorry, Masters. I'm just a little caught off guard that the Chancellor specifically requested me."

"Well it wasn't an exact request," Obi-Wan said. "The Chancellor contacted Master Yoda directly when he was in a meeting with myself, Master Windu, and Master Koon. When he informed us of this needed supply run, he offered up the suggestion of sending a padawan. He then mentioned you as a potential option among a few others."

"We agreed privately that you were the best one for this mission as you are currently available to receive missions," Master Plo added.

"Do you think you can handle such a mission?" Master Mundi asked, his voice wavering from the hologram signal.

Sasha nodded. "Yes, Masters. I would be honored to handle such a mission."

"Excellent," Master Windu continued. "Then we shall get a squad of troopers together to accompany you to Datoonie."

"Masters, may I suggest Lieutenant Scamp and his squad?" Sasha asked carefully.

The Masters looked amongst each other. They shared a small collected nod.

"That is fine. I will contact Scamp immediately and inform him," Obi-Wan said.

Sasha sighed to herself. The last relief mission she went on was with some random clones. She hadn't seen Scamp in a while and he was one of her closest friends. This also meant that doing this supply run would be fun as they could break out a game of Sabaac for the flight and Sasha still owed Scamp a beating from the last time where he won almost all of her credits.

"When do I leave, Masters?" Sasha asked.

"As soon as possible," Master Windu said.

"Then I shall go prepare," Sasha said with a bow.

"Dismissed you are," Master Yoda said. "And may the force be with you."

Sasha nodded and exited the chambers. Once back in the lift room and with the door closed, Sasha sighed. Whelp, time to go get ready for another mission.

After the Council dismissed her, Sasha had hustled back to her quarters to get a small bag together for the trip. She packed in some of her homework so she could continue to make a dent in it as they traveled to and from Datoonie. As soon as the bag was packed, Sasha made her way down to the hanger bay to board a gunship that would take her to the docks where the supply ship would be waiting for her. As she made her way down, she had contacted Cayden and informed him she would be leaving for Datoonie on a mission and that he was left to study alone for a while. He had said he was fine and told her to be safe. She had told him it was just a supply mission and that she would do her best to be safe. He was cute when he worried about her.

Soon Sasha reached the hanger bay. Waiting for her on at the end of the ramp that extended outside of the temple was a gunship. Sasha made her way over to the gunship.

"Sasha," A voice called from behind her.

Sasha slowed her pace and turned to see her Master hustling to keep up with her. She slowed enough until he was by her side.

"Master, what is it?" Sasha asked worried.

"Nothing," Obi-Wan said with a slight shake of his head. "I just wanted to see you off. I'm glad I made it in time."

Sasha beamed at that. "Thanks, but you didn't need to do that."

"I know. It's just…" Obi-Wan said then slowly frowned. "I am worried. I know you can handle yourself. And I am grateful you choose Scamp to join you on this mission. He is an exceptional Clone. It's just with Maul still out there… I'm worried is all."

Smiling softly at him, Sasha placed a hand on his arm. "I understand your worry and concern. Especially after everything. I will be careful and I will call you if there is any danger."

That made Obi-Wan sigh with relief. "I know you will, but thank you."

They reached the gunship and both came to a halt. Sasha turned to face her Master as she tugged the bag strap.

"May the force be with you, Master," Sasha said.

"And with you, Sasha," Obi-Wan said as he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze.

With that, Sasha boarded the gunship and it took off toward the docks. Sasha waved to her Master as it pulled away. He simply waved back.

Once the gunship was away from the Temple, Sasha thought about what her Master had said. He had every right to be worried about her traveling alone when Maul was still out there. And she could have consoled him with the idea that Maul doesn't even know she exists, but Maul figured out about Satine, so anything was possible. But the likelihood of running into Maul during a supply run to Datoonie was slim for a number of reasons. Number one was that it was nowhere near Mandalore and that was still where Maul was located. Number two was with Maul ruling over Mandalore at this time, he wouldn't just leave to deal with her. Would he? And number three was that even if he did come to deal with her, where would he know to go to find her? So Sasha was safe… for now.

The gunship arrived to the docks and Sasha felt herself smile as she recognized the familiar helmet design of Scamp as he stood waiting for her at the foot of the ramp to the supply ship. Once the gunship touchdown, Sasha hopped off and made her way over to Scamp. He saluted to her as she approached.

"Good to see ya again, Commander," Scamp said. She could hear the smile in his voice as he was most likely smiling on the inside of his bucket.

"You too, Scamp," Sasha said as she smiled. "At ease."

He dropped the salute and removed the helmet. Even though he shared a face with thousands of other clones, he had his own facial quirks that made him who he was. He had dark brown hair that was shaved on the sides, but a little longer up top. He also had a long scar on side of his face from one of their most recent dealings with Grievous.

As she smiled at him, she remembered the first time they met during the war. It was on Isa and he was helping her save her Master and the Duchess Satine from the wreckage of a gunship. Ever since then they had become like the dynamic duo of Jedi and Clone, well second to Ahsoka and Rex. Over time, he went from being one of the newest clones in the 212th to being one of their top clones alongside Boil and a few others. Sasha even remembered the first time she saw him after he had painted his armor with the gold of the legion. And when he received his rank as Lieutenant, she was so thrilled for him. However, she knew he was close to getting promoted to ARC Trooper. She just was told not to saying anything until after his next review with Cody.

"It's been too long, Scamp," Sasha said as she made her way up the ramp. "How have you been?"

"Pretty good, Commander," Scamp said with a smirk. "Just glad to finally return to the action."

"Well if you think a supply run is 'returning to the action' then we need to get you back to the front lines ASAP," Sasha joked.

Scamp chuckled. "You know what I mean."

"I know. I'm just messing with you," Sasha said with a giggle. "Now let's get this ship out of here."

"Aye, Commander," Scamp said with a salute that was more lackadaisical then the first one. He then hustled past her and toward the cockpit.

Sasha shook her head as she made her way to one of the small quarters on the ship. Once there, she dropped her bag off and headed to the cockpit. The cockpit was small. It only had two chairs that were for the pilots. Anyone else in the cockpit would have to stand. Scamp and the pilots were the only ones in the cockpit when she arrived. They had already moved the ship from the surface and had just broken the atmosphere when she walked in.

"Set in the coordinates for Datoonie," Sasha ordered as she took her place by Scamp's side in the cockpit.

"Coordinates laid in, Commander," the pilot said.

"Engage the hyperdrive," She continued.

"Yes, ma'am," the co-pilot said.

He pulled back on the lever and the supply ship launched into hyperspace.

Several hours later…

The trip to Datoonie was nothing but smooth sailing. They arrived in a manner of hours. Once they touchdown on the planet, they unloaded the supplies and checked in with the commanding officer. Sasha also contacted the Council to inform them she had successfully delivered the supplies. They informed her to return to Coruscant once they were finished. They finished unloading not too long after that. They then re-boarded the ship and started to leave the system.

"Alright, lay in the coordinates for Coruscant then take us home," Sasha informed the pilots in the cockpit as they guided the ship away from the planet and into open space. "If you need me, I'll be in my quarters.'

"Yes, Commander," the pilot responded with a nod.

Sasha turned and headed down the corridors that led to the small quarters. As she was walking along, she slowly came to a halt as a strange feeling in the force suddenly overwhelmed her. She furrowed her eyebrows as she tried to make sense of this strange feeling. There were no Separatists in this sector of space and it didn't feel like Dooku or Grievous' presence. So what was this strange feeling?

Suddenly, the ship shook as if it had come to a sudden stop. Sasha staggered for a second, but easily regained her footing. She looked around confused. She pulled out her comm and called the cockpit as she looked around.

"Pilot, what was that?" Sasha asked.

"Commander, something has latched onto us," the pilot answered.

"What is it?" Sasha asked.

"it looks like a ship," the pilot explained. "It seems to be pirate based off of the readings. It is latched onto the starboard side of the ship with grabbling hooks."

Sasha groaned. "Alright. Put us in hover. I'll deal with our unwanted guests." She then switched comm channels. "Scamp, gather your men and meet me at the connection tube. It appears we have pirates who want to say hi."

"Alright, be right there, Commander," Scamp said then hung up on the other end.

Sasha moved with a huff toward the tube. The connection tube was in the halfway point of the ship. It was singular tube that stretched out and connected to hatchways in the Jedi Star Cruisers lower hangers. Whoever their unwelcomed guest was knew exactly where to attach. Sasha reached the tube in record time as Scamp and his men, who were closer, arrived seconds after she did.

"Extend the tube," Sasha ordered.

One of the clones Sasha recognized as Bow, moved over to the control panel and extended the tube out to meet with the other ship. As she listened to the tube extend, she felt that feeling in the force grow stronger… and darker. Something was waiting for them on the other side of that tube and it wasn't friendly by any account. As soon as the tube attached to the ship, the door to the tube slid open, revealing the long stretched corridor. Sasha pulled her saber off her belt and held it inactive in her hand.

"Alright men, blasters at the ready," Sasha ordered. "I sense whoever is waiting for us is not a friendly."

The clones collectively nodded and raised their weapons. Sasha then led the troops through the tube to the other end where a small hatch sat. Once they reached the hatch, the force stirred uneasily for Sasha. Taking a deep breath, Sasha reached for the control panel and opened the hatch. The hatch opened to reveal a dark and cold interior of a large chamber in the ship. However, no one was there to greet them. Sasha could sense a presence on the ship, but it was a single lifeform. Her stomach flipped as she glanced back at the clones.

"Follow my lead," Sasha said as she activated her lightsaber that shined a brilliant teal-ish blue.

She then turned her gaze back to the opening. She slowly moved forward into the ship, her lightsaber providing a majority of the light.

"Head lamps on boys," Scamp ordered as he flicked on his own head lamp before following in after her.

As the clones boarded the ship behind her, Sasha looked around the large room she was standing in. There were crates and boxes scattered everywhere. It looked like a shipment that could belong to either a pirate or a cargo freighter. However, with there still only being one presence on board meant that they did all of this on their own.

"Stay close and keep your eyes peeled," Sasha said in a softer voice.

Together, they moved as a group through the cargo room. They scanned and searched every nook and cranny of the room. There was no sign of any lifeforms. From the look of the ship it was obvious that there was only one other place the person could be and that was the cockpit on the second level of the cargo room. Sasha and troops investigated that upper level and the cockpit. Nothing. The ship was completely empty. However, Sasha still sensed someone else was on board and that other feeling had not left her alone.

"It appears the ship is abandoned," Scamp stated. "What should we do, Commander?"

"Someone is here. I just don't know where." She looked around the ship, but still couldn't see anything. She shook her head. "Or maybe I'm imagining it. Let's get back to the ship and call the Council about this. Let's see what Master Kenobi says. But I'm going to detach us first, just in case."

Scamp nodded and ordered his men to return to the hatchway that lead back to the tube. Sasha watched as the troops returned to the lower level where the hatchway to the tube still sat open. She then turned and re-entered the cockpit of the ship. Searching for a moment, Sasha found the switch that deactivated the cables that this ship had connected to hers with. Pressing the switch, the cables detached and retracted back into their ports. With that taken care of, Sasha returned to the main cargo room. As walked along the second level platform towards the stairs, she noticed Scamp and his men were already down on the lower deck and were making their way toward the hatch. Sasha leapt down from the second level and landed just behind one of the clones, startling him a little at her sudden arrival. He turned on her with his blaster at the ready.

"Oh, sorry Commander," the clone, Zeke, said. "You just startled me is all."

Sasha smirked at the clone. "No worries. Just be more aware of your surroundings."

Zeke nodded eagerly. With that, they all continued toward the hatchway. Once there, the clones climbed back through one at a time. Sasha took one last glance back at the ship, that uneasy feeling still sitting in her gut. With a deep breath, Sasha turned to see Scamp finish climbing through the hatch. She started to take a step forward as if to climb through when suddenly… SLAM! The hatch slammed closed! Sasha staggered back slightly. If she had taken a full step forward into the hatchway, she would have lost her foot.

"Sasha!" Scamp's muffled voice called from the other side of the hatchway. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, but…" Sasha called back as she tried the control panel to the hatch. The panel wasn't responding. "The kriffing door won't open. Is the panel working on your end?"

"No," he said.

"Alright, stand back," Sasha ordered as she raised her saber. "I'm going to cut through."

"Roger that," Scamp said.

Sasha pointed the tip of the blade at the door and readied herself to carve an opening out of it.

"Sasha Monroe," a chilling voice spoke from out of nowhere.

Sasha froze in place.

To be continued…

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