The clone star fleet is under siege! Dozens of Republic warships have been destroyed in merciless surprise attacks that leave no survivors. Rumors spread of a terrible new Separatist weapon.
In the face of growing fear, the Jedi Council sends Master Plo Koon and Jedi Knight Ravakai to
hunt down the menace before it strikes again...
…
As they emerged from hyperspace, Plo Koon's Republic Fleet approached the Abregado system, where the Seperatist ship laid in wait. Onboard the Triumphant, Plo Koon and Ravakai, clad in clone armor with blue designs, complete with a standard issue helmet, stood at the bridge surveying the enemy ship.
"The enemy ship has reduced its speed, general," A clone commander known as Commander Wolffe reported.
"They must know we're tracking them," Plo Koon surmised.
"If that's true, they're probably waiting to catch us and destroy us," Ravakai voiced.
…
Onboard the Seperatist ship, the Malevolence, Count Dooku and his droid commander General Grievous watched the Republic ships approached.
"We're tracking three Republic cruisers," one droid reported.
"What should we do?" A second droid asked.
Grievous let out a roar as Dooku just narrowed his eyes.
"Jam their transmissions," he ordered.
…
"Looks like they're holding their position, sir." Commander Wolffe observed.
"I think it wise to report our position before we attack," Plo Koon decided.
"General Skywalker's not far from here," Ravakai recalled. "Last I heard, he was in the Bith system."
"Good," Plo Koon replied. "Perhaps he can provide support."
"From what I've heard, Skywalker's always ready for a fight," the clone commander voiced.
"Trust me, it's true," Rava quipped. "Honestly, he reminds me of myself."
"There's no one quite like you, or General Skywalker," Plo Koon remarked, activating the holo-transmitter.
Two images shimmered into view on the transmitter. One was Anakin Skywalker, the other his new padawan, Ahsoka Tano. She was a Togruta, and clearly a young one from the size of her head tails. Upon seeing Plo Koon, her eyes lit up and she bowed.
"Koh-to-ya, Master Plo."
"Koh-to-ya, little 'soka," Plo Koon greeted.
"Well, this is certainly a surprise, Skywalker," Rava quipped, placing a hand on her hip. "Who's your friend here?"
"I'm Ahsoka Tano, his padawan."
"Huh," Rava responded, turning towards Anakin. "Didn't take you as the padawan type."
"It's a long story," Anakin replied. "So, how's the hunt for the mystery weapon going?"
"We've tracked it to the Abregado system," Master Plo explained. "We need reinforcements."
"What about the Wild Cards?" Anakin questioned.
"We felt it best to leave them behind this mission," Rava answered. "Their specialty is infiltration and destruction, not tracking."
"Fair enough," Anakin replied. "I'll have to check with the Council about lending support. I was given strict orders to guard our staging area-"
Suddenly, the transmission began cutting in and out. Just as Ahsoka asked what was wrong, the message cut out all together. The commander attempted to reconnect it, but to no avail.
"What happened?" Master Plo questioned.
"Too much interference, sir," Commander Wolffe replied. "We lost them."
"I've got a bad feeling about this," Rava let out, drumming her fingers nervously on her helmet.
…
With Anakin and Ahsoka, the two Jedi were walking across the bridge of their own ship, the latter attempting to convince the former to heed Master Plo's call.
"You heard Master Plo. He needs our support. We have to go help him."
"We have to see what the Council decides first," Anakin shot down. "This is an important meeting, Ahsoka. Remember, be mindful and only speak when spoken to."
"Don't I always?" She replied sardonically.
Anakin gave her a hard look, then the two entered the communication room. The massive holo-message with the Jedi council and Chancellor Palpatine was already underway, the topic of discussion being the mystery weapon.
"This mystery weapon has struck in a dozen systems," Master Mace Windu reported. "And disappeared without a trace."
"We cannot afford to lose anymore ships, my friends," the Chancellor insisted before noticing the Jedi's arrival. "Ah, Master Skywalker. Have you had any success in finding General Grievous' secret weapon?"
Anakin hit a button, displaying a holographic image of the massive red planet that Grevious' ship was near.
"Master Plo and Ravakai were here in the Abregado system when we lost contact," Anakin reported.
…
Back in the Abregado system, the three cruisers were closing in on the Malevolence, and vice versa.
"The enemy ship is closing in!" a clone trooper let out.
"Prepare for battle!" Plo Koon ordered.
...
Onboard the massive ship, droids were readying the ship's weapons as Dooku and Grievous watched on.
"General, I believe this will be a suitable test for our new weapon," Dooku mused. "You may fire when ready."
Grievous chuckled cruelly, which devolved into a cough as he turned to the droids.
"You heard the Count," he snapped. "Fire the ion cannon."
The droids continued pressing buttons on the controls, powering up a large circular cannon on the side of the ship. It fired a purple energy ring right at the ships.
…
"Master!" Rava called out. "We're getting a massive energy reading! They're about to fire some sort of high powered weapon at us!"
"Open fire!" Plo Koon called out.
"We're not in range yet," Commander Wolffe informed him.
"Then brace for impact!"
The weapon went off, sending out a massive circle of electrical energy that blanketed all three ships. The impact caused all the ships to power down, the electronics completely frying.
"We're losing all our power!" the commander let out. "That energy field has left us defenseless!"
Suddenly, the lights cut out, as alarms began blaring and emergency power flickered on for the briefest of moments.
"It was an ion cannon!" Rava realized. "We need to restore power before-!"
Before she could finish, the Malevolence began bombarding the cruisers. With their power gone, their shields were disabled and they were utterly decimated. One of the cruisers exploded, the debris flying into the other two, rocking both ships and causing massive damage.
"They're tearing us apart, one by one!" Commander Wolffe realized.
"Quickly, to the escape pods!" Plo Koon ordered. "We don't have much time!"
Everyone began racing to the pods, the ship exploding around them. Plo Koon and Ravakai entered one with two other clones and the commander. Once the pods were filled to capacity, they fired into the debris field, one exploding upon impact with part of the destroyed ship.
…
Grievous seemed to smirk at the wreckage of the ships, despite his droid face.
"Another successful test, wouldn't you say, Count?"
"We must keep our position a secret," Count Dooku urged. "Send out the hunters. I want all those lifepods destroyed."
Grievous growled in frustration as one of the droids at the controls chuckled. A hunter was launched as per orders, flying off into the wreckage.
…
"We've had no further contact with General Plo Koon," Anakin reported. "The absence of a distress beacon indicates his fleet was-"
A distraught look from Ahsoka gave him a brief pause.
"That his fleet was destroyed like the others. We are about to prepare a rescue mission."
"Hasn't recent intelligence reported this weapon never leaves any survivors?" the Chancellor recalled.
"The Separatists are being unusually tidy," Obi Wan admitted, crossing his arms in speculation. "They don't want any witnesses."
Yoda looked down, adjusting his grip on his walking stick.
"Tragic are these losses," He lamented, "but prevent more, we must."
…
Inside their life pod, Plo Koon, Ravakai and the three clones all took stock of their situation. Ravakai attempted to try a few buttons, but nothing seemed to work.
"Scrap, the power grid's burned out. We've no communications, engine, or-..."
"Or life support recharge," Wolffe finished for her.
"So, we'll just sit here and hold our breath," one of the clones known as Sinker remarked.
"Someone will come looking for us," the second clone, Boost, reassured, though he looked more than a little unsure. "Right?"
Rava looked back at the clones, then nervously turned to her Master. His face was unreadable due to the respirator on his face.
"Let's get the power back on, so there will be something left to be found" He decided.
"Right away," Rava replied, turning to the control panel. "Sinker, Boost, give me a hand, will you?"
"Right away," Boost replied as the three of them got to work.
…
"All our battle groups are being reassigned to guard our supply convoys," Mace Windu relayed to Anakin and Ahsoka. "Including yours, Skywalker. I'm afraid we can't risk anymore ships with a rescue mission."
"Wait!" Ahsoka insisted desperately, holding out a hand. "Just because there haven't been any survivors before doesn't mean their won't be any this time!"
The Jedi generals all gave Ahsoka stern looks in response.
"Boldly spoken from one so young," Palpatine remarked.
"She is learning from Anakin," Obi Wan reminded.
"Excuse my padawan," Anakin insisted. "We will deploy as instructed, masters."
They all bowed in response as the hologram turned off. Once it did, Anakin turned angrily to his apprentice.
"Ahsoka!"
"If anyone could survive, Master Plo could," Ahsoka argued in her defense. "I don't understand why-!"
"What you don't understand is Jedi protocol or your place, my young Padawan."
Before the conversation could continue, the door to the holo chamber opened, allowing Admiral Yularen access inside.
"Admiral, we need to split up our ships to maximize our defense area. Meanwhile, I'll scout ahead for enemy activity."
"Isn't that a bit risky with the mystery weapon out there?" the Admiral questioned.
"It might be," Anakin's gaze dropped back to Ahsoka and his voice gained an edge, "but I know you won't argue my orders."
Ahsoka looked away in anger and embarrassment. Anakin made his way towards the hanger, pushing his apprentice along with him.
"Come on, Snips."
…
Meanwhile, Rava and the clones continued to try and get the pod's systems operational. Unfortunately, luck was not favoring them at the moment, and the air was beginning to get stale. Rava wiped her forehead, glaring at the control panel.
"We're running out of time, and out of air..."
"And what we've got left is a little stale," Commander Wulff commented.
"Blame that on Boost, sirs," Sinker piped up. "He only takes a bath when he's on leave."
"Oh shut up," Boost snapped. "Just keep working on the pod, not you're jokes."
"Generals..." Wulff let out solemnly. "Do you think we've got a chance?"
"I don't believe in chance, Commander," Plo Koon answered.
"Well, I believe that we can't just sit here and wait for death. We have to keep trying, we have to stay alive."
Plo nodded.
"Agreed. I know if we work together, we will make it out of this in one piece."
"With all do respect generals," Sinker spoke up. "Strategically, it doesn't make sense to come looking for us. If I was in command, I'd be hunting that weapon down."
"Oh yeah?" Rava asked. "Well, Master Plo and I value the lives of you and the rest of our men over finding that weapon."
"Sirs," Boost spoke up. "There's another pod!"
Spurred by this information, all the people in the pod turned towards the main window, looking out at another floating pod.
"Master, help me?" Rava requested.
Plo nodded and the two Jedi used the force to turn the pod around. Unfortunately, what greeted them was not a pretty sight. The viewport had been completely shattered, the clones inside floating aimlessly and unmoving. Rava winced, looking away in pain as she put a hand to her chest.
"They're… they're dead."
"Someone busted that pod wide open," Wulf realized.
"We are not alone out here," Plo Koon realized.
…
Meanwhile, Anakin and Ahsoka boarded their ship, the Twilight, and set out for space. Anakin prepared to jump before he glanced back at R2.
"Set those new coordinates, R2?"
The astromech beeped, rolling off to do just that as Ahsoka sat in the copilot's seat.
"Master, I should tell you why I spoke up before-"
"You don't need to explain anything," Anakin insisted.
Ahsoka retreated into her chair, grumbling a bit as R2 finished with the coordinates, allowing Anakin to make the jump to lightspeed.
…
As the Republic fleets began to converge, Obi Wan met with Commander Cody to check their progress.
"All ships are in defensive formation, sir," Cody relayed.
"Good work Commander," Obi Wan commended. "I'll check on Anakin's progress."
Cody walked off as Obi Wan turned on a video channel with Anakin's ship, making contact with Admiral Yularen
"Admiral, how goes escort?"
"All convoys are proceeding on schedule, General. No sign of enemy activity."
"And where's Skywalker?"
"Uh… the General felt a redeployment of this fleet would increase our defensive perimeter."
"I see… thank you, Admiral."
The call ended as Obi-Wan let out a sigh.
"Anakin's redeployed himself… again."
…
Meanwhile, the Twilight came out of lightspeed, its occupants instantly getting to work.
"R2, set up the scanner," Ahsoka ordered the astro-mech. "Modulate for incoming… mystery weapons."
R2 beeped and went to do as he was told.
"Actually, tune the scanner for lifeforms," Anakin corrected. "Highest sensitivity, please."
"Why would we need to scan for lifeforms to spot an enemy weapon filled with-" Ahsoka was cut off when she saw where they were. "Battle droids… the Abregado system?"
Anakin gave his padawan a smirk as she took her seat with a snort.
"So, it's okay for you to disobey the Council, but not me?"
"Obeying the Council is one thing, how we go about it is another. That's what I'm trying to teach you, my young padawan."
"So you always meant to come out here?"
"Lives are in danger, Ahsoka. We can't just turn our back on them."
"That's what I said back in the briefing room!"
"I know, but the way you said it was wrong. Now hurry up and switch on the Illuminator. Master Plo and Ravakai are waiting for us."
"Right, and it's only a matter of time before the fleet realizes we're missing."
…
Back in the escape pod, Ravakai and the clones were still working on trying to get the pod working again.
"No, this one goes here, and that one goes there," Sinker insisted.
"Are you sure?" Boost questioned. "We don't want to make things worse!"
"Boost, I highly doubt things could get much worse," Rava insisted.
"Be mindful when saying such things, my young padawan," Plo Koon instructed. "When you ask for trouble, you should not be surprised when it finds you."
"Master, trouble's already found us."
"I think I have an idea," Boost spoke up. "What happens if we connect these two wires here?"
Boost proceeded to connect the wires, restoring power to the pod.
"Alright, Boost!" Rava commended.
"Hey," Wulff spoke up. "I think I'm getting something."
Wulff did what he could to boost the radio signal, realizing it was another pod sending out a distress signal.
"-under attack! Is anyone out there?!"
"Another pod!" Sinker declared. "There are other survivors!"
"I repeat, we are under attack! Is anyone out there?!"
"That signal is weak," Plo Koon recognized. "They must be close by."
Over the radio, the five escapees could hear the sound of metal closing in on the pod, as well as the man growing more and more frantic.
"They've locked onto us! Our position is mark 12 at 0.26!"
"I have visual contact," Wulff pointed, gesturing outside.
The group looked out and saw a large metal claw clamped around the pod, with four droids trying to cut in from the outside.
"Pod 1-9-7-7, do you copy?"
"The droids are hunting for survivors! They're cutting through! They're-"
Just then, the pod was cut open, causing the troopers inside to be sucked out into space. Once again, Rava put a hand to her mouth, barely keeping herself from being sick.
"By the force…"
"Things just got a lot worse," Sinker dreaded.
…
Back on the Twilight, Anakin and Ahsoka continued scanning for survivors, to no avail.
"Scanners are practically useless out here," Ahsoka commented. "R2, anything on the emergency frequency?"
R2 beeped in response, seemingly coming up with nothing.
"Ahsoka," Anakin spoke up. "We… we may find something out here you probably don't want to find."
"I know, Master. But I have to believe."
There was a moment of silence before Anakin spoke up again.
"How do you know Master Plo, anyway?"
"He's one of my oldest friends." Ahsoka leaned back in her chair, her voice becoming somewhat wistful. "He found me on Shili, my home planet, when I was three and brought me to the Temple where I belonged. Now, he's lost, and it's my turn to find him."
R2 let out a beep, indicating a transmission. The two jedi exchanged looks, having a good idea who was hailing them.
"Admiral Yularen, or Master Obi-Wan?" Ahsoka questioned.
"Obi-Wan," Anakin replied. "It's always Obi-Wan."
Obi Wan's hologram appeared on the dash of the ship, looking rather peeved.
Anakin, where are you?"
"Oh, hello Master. Uh, we made a quick stop at the Abregado system."
"A rescue mission, I suppose. You had other orders."
"It was my idea, Master Obi-Wan," Ahsoka spoke up.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, clearly not believing what she said.
"Oh, I'm sure. Well, have you found any survivors?"
"No," Anakin lamented. "You were right. The Separatists don't want any witnesses."
"All the more reason for you to rejoin the defensive escorts. We need you, Anakin. You're going to miss the rendezvous with the fleet if you don't hurry."
"I know, Master. We're on our way." The transmission ended and Anakin turned to Ahsoka remorsefully. "I'm sorry."
Just as they were about to fly away, R2 let out some wild beeps, getting their attention.
"What is it, R2?" Anakin asked, getting more beeps from the astro mech.
"He thinks he's got something on the emergency channel," Ahsoka realized.
"Great work R2," Anakin commended. "See if you can trace it."
…
Back in the pod, all five occupants were watching as the pod hunter released its shattered prey, turning its sights on them.
"Scrap..." Rava let out. "I think they spotted us."
Sure enough, the droids that were manning the pod hunter began approaching at rapid speed, much to the horror of the five inside.
"It is time to go," Plo Koon declared, rising from his chair.
"Go Master?" Ravakai asked. "There's nowhere to go."
"We're going outside," Plo told her. "If we are to survive, we must destroy our enemy. I can withstand the pressure for a brief time, and your armour should protect you just as long. Now all of you, put your helmets on."
"If you say so, sir," Sinker spoke up.
"I will admit, this is a difficult situation, but there is still a possibility we will survive."
"Good enough for me," Boost announced.
"Same here," Wulff nodded.
Rava looked out the window at the approaching pod hunter, then snagged her helmet and put it on.
"May the Force be with us all."
Pretty soon, the claw clamped down on the pod, causing the lights to flicker.
"Wulff, keep that communication signal online," Plo Koon insisted. "It is the only way someone will find us."
"Assuming there's someone looking for us," Wulff remarked.
"Have faith, Commander," Plo told him. "There's always someone."
…
Meanwhile, the Twilight continued searching the debris field for survivors.
"We still picking up that distress signal?" Anakin asked.
"Yes," Ahsoka replied. "But why aren't we finding anything?"
"I don't know, Ahsoka… I don't know…"
…
Back with the pod, the droids all filed out to finish their job.
"Well, this looks like the last one," one droid noted. "Let's finish the job."
Before they could get started, one of the droids looked up and saw Rava, Plo Koon, and the clones standing on top of the pod.
"Hey, what are Jedi doing out here?"
Plo Koon and Rava then activated their lightsabers, prompting the droids to open fire on them. The two Jedi blocked the laser blasts as the clones opened fire. Plo Koon floated down and sliced through one of the droids with ease.
"Take cover!" the lead droid shouted.
The droids kept firing, the two Jedi continuing their assault. Rava managed to force push a droid back to gain some sort of advantage. The two other droids rocketed out of the way, making it harder for the clones to hit.
"I can't get a clean shot!"
"Time to put the squeeze on them," the lead droid declared, making the pincers begin to crush the pod. As the pincers pressed harder and harder, air was beginning to release from the cracks in the pod.
"Is anyone out there?" a voice over the radio asked. "Come in.. This is Ahsoka Tano."
"It's Ahsoka!" Wulff relayed. "She must be close."
"Keep the signal alive, commander!" Plo Koon ordered.
…
"R2, see if you can boost the reception," Ahsoka instructed.
R2 beeped in response, causing Ahsoka to groan in frustration.
"Patience, Ahsoka," Anakin insisted. "We're trying to boost power. Just hang on."
…
Back at the battle, Rava and Plo Koon continued deflecting the oncoming blaster fire while Wulff worked to establish contact.
"We're losing the signal!" Wulff reported. "The pod can't take much more damage!"
"We need to take that thing out, or we're well and truly toast!" Rava shouted.
"Be careful!" Plo Koon warned.
"Always," she replied, shoving off and sailing past the battle droids.
Once she was behind them, she wasted no time cutting the droids down with her lightsaber, allowing Plo Koon to cut the pod free of the pod hunter's claws. As soon as Rava climbed onto the other side and leapt back to the pod, Plo Koon force pushed the pod hunter away, causing it to crash into some nearby debris.
…
Back onboard the Malevolence, the droids picked up something from the sensors.
"Uh, sir? We've lost contact with the pod hunter."
"Perhaps some survivors are putting up a fight," Grievous surmised.
"That is something we cannot allow," Dooku insisted.
…
Back on Coruscant, Chancellor Palpatine was in the middle of a video message with Masters Windu, Obi Wan, and Yoda. All four of them were concerned about the mystery weapon, worry etched across their faces.
"We must find a way to destroy this mystery weapon," Windu insisted.
Master Yoda looked down, adjusting his grip on his cane as he looked down at the ground.
"In this war, a step ahead of us, Dooku always seems."
"Tell me," the chancellor requested. "Has there been any word from Master Plo Koon, or his padawan?"
"No," Master Windu dreaded. "We must fear the worst."
"Actually," Obi Wan spoke up. "I have just received word that Anakin has found the remains of Master Plo's fleet. He and Ahsoka are currently in the process of searching the debris for survivors."
"On whose authority?" the Chancellor questioned.
"His own," Obi Wan replied with a mild chuckle. "He found a way to circumnavigate our commands, taking the Twilight on a solo mission… again."
"Twice the trouble, they have become," Yoda spoke up. "A reckless decision, Skywalker has made."
"Let us hope it is not a costly one," the Chancelor remarked.
…
Ravakai, Plo Koon, and the clones all clung to the remains of their pod. They couldn't go back inside, and the seals on their suits weren't meant for prolonged space use like this.
"Well," Ravakai spoke up. "This certainly tops my list of harrowing situations I've found myself in, and I nearly got eaten by a Sarlacc once."
"Nice to know it hasn't dulled your sense of optimism, my young padawan," Plo Koon told her.
"Well unfortunately, that optimism is all but worthless," Sinker declared. "I knew no one would be looking for us. All we've done is prolong the inevitable."
"I would not despair so easily," Plo Koon reassured.
…
Onboard the Twilight, Chancellor Palpatine was contacting Anakin and Ahsoka.
"Anakin, the Council is furious. Why have you left your post?"
"I decided we couldn't just give up on Master Plo Koon, or Ravakai."
"A noble gesture, Anakin. But the Council feels your daring may put others in danger. Please listen to me, Anakin. Return at once."
After a moment of hesitation, Anakin bowed his head.
"Yes, excellency."
Ahsoka heard that and turned away, feeling like she failed Master Plo. That's when Ahsoka started to feel something. She closed her eyes, sensing the Force, and what it was trying to tell her. Suddenly, Ahsoka shot up in realization.
"We have to stay!" she declared.
"Ahsoka, I want to believe Master Plo is alive, but-"
"I know he is!" she insisted, taking the controls. "I can feel him! He needs us!"
"Ahsoka!" Anakin cried out as the ship swerved.
…
"Sinker, why are you so certain no one's coming?" Rava asked, both out of genuine curiosity and a desire to distract herself.
"We're just Clones, General," he explained. "We're meant to be expendable."
"Not to me," she reassured.
"Nor me," Plo Koon agreed.
Just then, a bright light began shining on them, causing them to turn and see the Twilight quickly approaching them.
"There!" Ahsoka shouted, pointing at the escape pod. "It's them! They're still alive!"
"Ready tow cable!" Anakin instructed.
The Twilight quickly pulled alongside the pod, aiming the rear cargo bay with it.
"Cable loaded, Master," Ahsoka called.
The rear hatch opened and the tow cable fired. It hit the pod, then began realing it in. The two Jedi and their clones all held on as it was pulled in, dropping hard to the ground as the artificial gravity of the Twilight hit them. All of them took several breaths, remaining where they fell as they all let the reality of their rescue sink in. Anakin and Ahsoka quickly rushed over to help their companions, the former opening the pod so Commander Wulff could step out.
"Anakin," Rava greeted, pulling her helmet off. "Fancy seeing you here. Thanks for the rescue… again."
"Hey, you'd do the same for us," Anakin replied before turning to a medical droid. "They gonna be ok?"
"The pressure suits offer some protection, but they'll need a medical frigate for a full recovery."
"We will live," Plo Koon insisted. "Thanks to you, Young Skywalker. And you, little 'Soka..." His face grew serious, despite his face mask not showing any emotion. "Tell me… were there any others?"
"No," Anakin answered. "Nobody else."
"Damn Pod hunters..." Rava cursed, holding her helmet close to her chest..
"I'm sorry," Ahsoka consoled.
…
While the medical droid was checking on the Clones, Rava, Plo Koon, Anakin, and Ahsoka made their way to the bridge.
"We tracked the mystery weapon to this system," Plo Koon informed. "That is when we found out it was an ion cannon."
"When we were discovered, the cannon was used to completely neutralize all to our ships," Rava added. "It left us completely defenseless."
Just then, there was a loud beeping sound coming from the radar.
"There's a massive vessel coming this way," Anakin reported.
"Kriff!" Rava cursed. "It's that ship!"
"Shut down the power systems before we're detected!" Plo shouted, already working to do just that.
The ship was quickly shut down, leaving the four Jedi floating in space. R2 beeped in anticipation, alerting the four jedi to his presence.
"The droid too!" Rava insisted, rushing over to R2. "Sorry, but this is for our own good."
R2 barely had time to let out a confused beep before he was shut off. This left the four to just sit in awe as the Malevolence cruised towards them.
"That is one big cruiser-crusher," Ahsoka remarked.
…
Onboard the massive warship, the droids were still trying to get in contact with the Pod Hunter, but were getting nowhere.
"There's still no signal from the pod hunter," a droid reported.
"Reduce speed and activate your scanners," Grievous ordered. "We will find who is responsible."
The ship continued forward, just passing over the idle Twilight. Inside, everyone was holding their breath, praying to whomever would listen that they would remain undetected.
…
Down below, the Clones were confused as to why the lights had suddenly shut off.
"What's going on with the lights?" Sinker questioned.
"Power has gone out," Wulff surmised. "Maybe that ship has returned. We should get up to the bridge."
He attempted to do just that, but his injuries stopped him. The medical droid caught him, easing him back down to the ground.
"You are too weak," it insisted. "Let me go see what is wrong."
…
The four Jedi just waited with baited breath as the Malevolence continued moving past.
"We're picking up a faint signal from a droid," one of the droids aboard the massive ship informed its two masters. "Not one of ours. They're right behind us."
Grievous growled in response.
"Move us into attack position!"
…
The Malevolence suddenly began turning around, much to the surprise of the four Jedi.
"What?" Rava let out. "How did they find us?!"
That's when the Medical Droid came walking in.
"Is there a problem?" it asked.
"We forgot to shut off the Medical Droid!" Ahsoka realized.
"Get the power back online, now!" Anakin called out, moving to the controls.
"Can I be of assistance?" the Medical Droid asked.
"No thanks. Just get in the back and take care of the clones."
Rava gave it a Force Shove back through the door, then helped the others get the power back on. The Twilight then instantly took off, hoping to escape before the Ion Cannon was fired.
…
"Sir," the droid spoke up. "The enemy is attempting to flee through the debris field."
"General," Dooku spoke up. "I don't want any witnesses."
"Energize plasma rotors!" Grievous ordered.
The droids quickly got to work powering up the cannon.
…
Back on the Twilight, Anakin and Ahsoka were frantically navigating through the debris so they could make their escape.
"R2, program the navi-computer! Be ready to get us out of here!"
"You forgot, we turned him off," Ahsoka reminded.
Rava quickly went over to R2 and quickly turned him on.
"Hey little guy," Rava greeted. "Think you can get us out of here?"
R2 beeped happily in response.
…
"Targeting range almost locked, sir," a droid reported to Grievous.
"They're not going to make it," Grievous mused.
…
"R2, program the hyperdrive!" Ahsoka let out.
R2 quickly wheeled over to the computer terminal and pulley in. He then beeped inquisitively.
"Anywhere! Hurry!"
…
"Enemy ship targeted, general."
"Fire!"
…
From outside the Malevolence, a ring of purple energy shot out towards the Twilight. The ships occupants all went wide-eyed, R2 letting out a terrified scream.
"Full speed ahead!" Plo Koon and Rava shouted.
Anakin maneuvered the ship as best he could around the seemingly endless sea of debris, all the while, trying to stay ahead of the energy ring.
"Master?" Ahsoka let out as she noted how close it was getting.
Anakin said nothing as he resumed piloting the ship, holding out hope beyond hope that they'd survive somehow. After a few seconds, R2 let out a beep, letting them know the navi-computer was ready. All that was left was to get clear of the debris field. With one last daring maneuver, the Twilight was now in open space.
"We're clear!" Ahsoka let out.
Anakin wasted no time pulling a throttle that activated the hyper drive. The Twilight instantly shot into space, leaving the Separatists in the dust.
…
Back on the Malevolence, General Grievous let out a growl of frustration.
"Now the Republic will learn of the Ion Cannon."
Dooku remained silent for a moment, causing a wave of uneasiness that could be felt amongst the Battle Droids.
"Your failure is most unfortunate," Dooku finally spoke. "I will have to discuss this with my master."
With that, Dooku turned to leave. Grievous just let out a roar of frustration, scaring the droids back to their posts.
"Get back to work!" he ordered.
A wave of 'roger roger's' erupted from the droids as they resumed their duties.
…
Meanwhile, the Twilight regrouped with the rest of Anakin's fleet, Plo Koon, Ravakai, and the clones all immediately tended to by the medical staff.
"Anakin," Rava spoke up. "Thanks again for getting us out of there."
"In truth, you have my padawan to thank for that," Anakin admitted. "She never gave up on either of you."
Rava smiled at Ahsoka.
"You'll make a fine Jedi Knight one day, Ahsoka. And I look forward to fighting by your side in the future."
"Likewise," Ahsoka replied.
"Skywalker," Plo Koon spoke up. "It is time to deliver our report to the council."
"Right," Anakin dreaded. "The council report."
The two started to walk off, only for Anakin to stop and turn back.
"Come on, Ahsoka."
"You sure you want me there?" Ahsoka asked. "I figured after what happened before-"
"Ahsoka, through it all, you never gave up. You did a great job."
Ahsoka's face lit up a little.
"But, if I'm getting in trouble for this, I'm bringing you down with me," Anakin tacked on.
Rava laughed, giving a shrug.
"Thems the breaks, Ahsoka. Better go face the music."
"Right," Ahsoka agreed.
With that, she walked off with Anakin and Plo Koon, leaving Rava to watch and wonder what the galaxy had in store for them next.