Chapter 2

"Another research team was dispatched today, Little 'Soka." Plo Koon said, his arms crossed behind his back as they walked back from the Council chambers.

Ahsoka hadn't seen much of her old friend recently, with how busy she had been. Despite the troubled times, it was nice to see him and catch up with him. "Master Skywalker was telling me about it. This group sounds dangerous." Ahsoka crossed her arms as they strolled, rubbing her upper arms as the thought of the Strangers sent a chilling shiver down her spine.

Plo nodded his head slowly, "Indeed. The council are growing somewhat anxious. We fear their next target will be somebody within the senate. We may be thinking too much about it, but at this point in the war, we need to be cautious. We need as many supporters as possible." Plo spoke, his voice slow, almost sounding slurred through his mask.

Ahsoka almost cringed – it was times like this where she wished Plo didn't speak so slow. It only seemed to make the group seem more devious and creepy. She didn't like it.

Ahsoka tried to stay optimistic, "I'm sure everything will be okay. Anakin told me that in the past they usually only pick civilians off of the streets. If they want to stay private they wouldn't go as far as kidnapping a senator would they?" Maybe she was trying to kid herself.

Plo raised a hand to his chin, "That's a valid point, Little 'Soka. However, Skywalker may not be correct. We only have little information on this group and we are unsure if it is even reliable. Hopefully you are right – it would be a big setback for the Republic if a senator was taken."

"I dread to think about what the victims go through… Anakin told me that the images he'd seen were awful…" Ahsoka said, eyes downcast. Why couldn't she get this organisation out of her head?

Plo looked at her, concerned, "I know how you must feel, Ahsoka. You live to help people and when you can't, it upsets you. That's okay." He wrapped his arm around Ahsoka's shoulder comfortingly.

Ahsoka laid her head on his shoulder for a brief moment, thinking back to when Plo found her. It was comforting to think about when he had discovered her. How gently he had lifted her into his arms, his gentle voice greeting her with a soft "Koh-to-ya, little one".

It surprised her how she remembered that from such a young age, but it was a memory she never wanted to forget.

He withdrew his arm after a moment, "Try not to think about it, Ahsoka. The most you'll be expected to do is to escort a research team – you may not even be selected. It just depends on who is available and when."

Ahsoka sighed, "I understand, Master Plo."

..

Hours later, after a meal in the mess hall and a few games of holochess, the pair walked back to the council chambers. Plo certainly had taken her mind off of the Strangers. He was good at cheering her up – he always had been. He knew he better than anyone (minus Anakin) and knew exactly how to make her feel better and take her mind off things. After all, he had known her for almost her whole life.

Ahsoka decided to walk with him back to the council room so she could spend a bit of extra time with him even though it was the complete opposite direction than her living quarters. Anakin wouldn't be back until late anyway so she'd just be by herself. Not that she minded staying alone… sometimes it was just too quiet and sometimes the silence sent her crazy.

They stopped outside of the council chambers. Plo placed a hand on the shorter girls shoulder, "Try to not think about it, Little 'Soka. You'll only wind yourself up and that's not you. I'll see you soon."

Ahsoka nodded gently and they bowed to each other. Ahsoka turned and began to walk back to her quarters slowly. Anakin still wouldn't be back for a few hours yet. She figured she'd just have an early night and gather up some strength – after all, she didn't know when she'd next be called out onto a mission.

When she eventually reached her quarters, she collapsed onto her bed. Thinking too much exhausted her mind. Questions about this organisation filled her head. Were they force users? How many people did they hold at once? Were they based in a dingy underground bunker or a huge castle?

So many questions and she knew the answers to none of them. It was frustrating. She had thought about researching about them in the library but they had research teams for that. They were experts, professionals. It's what they did for a living. She most likely wouldn't find anything useful.

Knowing that there were people out there trying to gather crucial information was somewhat comforting but still didn't put her mind at ease. They had used research teams before and had been successful. Ahsoka had faith in them, knowing that they were excellent at their jobs.

So why did she feel so anxious?

Ahsoka wrapped her arms around her pillow and buried her face into it. Maybe if she smothered herself enough she'd pass out and wake up in two weeks' time and this would be all over? The research teams would've found them and taken them down with no problems at all.

Maybe that idea was a little unrealistic…

For hours she tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable. One minute she was too warm, next second she was cold or she just couldn't get comfortable. Her bed was luxurious compared to some of the things she'd slept on in the past, like when she had been captured by the Trandoshans and she spent her nights lay on tree roots on in some isolated cave.

She felt herself drifting off just as she heard Anakin walk through the main door of their quarters. She groaned in frustration and sat up, knowing she wouldn't be able to find sleep now. So much for going to bed early…

She opened her bedroom door, rubbing her eyes. She spotted Anakin spread out on the couch. He popped his head over the couch when he heard her door open, "Ahsoka what are you still doing up?"

Ahsoka picked up Anakin's legs and moved them to make room for her to sit, "I couldn't sleep." She said, stretching out her tired limbs. Her knees cracked awkwardly, as did her elbows.

Anakin laughed gently to himself, "That's a sign you're getting old."

Ahsoka propped her leg up beside her, leaning it against the arm of the couch, "If I'm getting old then Master Kenobi is ancient and I think we'll need to start organising a funeral pretty soon."

Anakin chuckled and stretched out his legs too. They didn't make a sound. "See, I'm perfectly healthy and fit. Maybe you need to visit the gym more often."

Ahsoka raised a brow, "I practically have a six pack. I don't think I need to visit the gym that often. Master Kenobi on the other hand…" She drifted off to add effect.

They both burst out into laughter. "We best not tell Obi-Wan that. You know how he gets when we make fun of him." Anakin said, pulling off his boots, trying to relax a little.

Ahsoka had changed into her bed wear a little over two hours ago. Some shorts and a baggy t shirt were comfy enough for her to sleep in. She rubbed her eyes again as she felt fatigue prodding at her mind again. She took a deep breath and scrunched her eyes shut.

"Ahsoka, why don't you just go back to bed? I'm turning in soon, as well. You'll be the only one awake." He ran his hand through his hair and rubbed his eyes as he spoke, making it evident how tired he was. Ahsoka yawned in reply and Anakin gave her a gentle shove, directing her to her room. "Just go to sleep, I'll wake you up if I need to. Tired Ahsoka isn't good Ahsoka." He laughed gently and she stood up and quietly walked back into her room. He could hear her flop onto her bed and he knew she'd fall asleep almost instantly.

Anakin rose to his feet as soon as he felt himself drifting off. He didn't want to risk a sore neck from falling asleep on the couch.

He mimicked Ahsoka's actions and fell onto his bed, his body crashing down onto the not-so-soft mattress. Why is it when you were so tired, everything felt comfortable?

Within minutes he was asleep.

ONE WEEK LATER

Anakin and Ahsoka had been in the sparing room for the past hour. After a hard training session they decided to call it a day and go visit Padmé for a relaxing lunch. Anakin had said it would be a nice surprise for her, since she had just returned from a trip from Alderaan.

Just as they were about to exit the temple and walk down the grand steps, Anakin's comm buzzed. He groaned, irritated, and rolled his eyes. He tried to make it sound that he wasn't at all aggravated, "Skywalker here."

"Skywalker, report to the council chambers immediately." Mace Windu's harsh voice crackled through the tiny comlink.

Anakin sighed before replying, "We'll be there right away."

Ahsoka groaned, "Do I have to come? They only asked for you." She really didn't fancy standing in a room surrounded by Jedi masters that looked like they were assessing you from all angles, picking out the flaws and judging you.

"Yes, Ahsoka. Nine times out of ten they want you to be present as well when they ask for me. So come on, stop moaning." He said, turning on his heel and walking briskly in the direction of the council chambers.

Ahsoka sped off after him, "There's no need to be grumpy because you can't see Padmé, Anakin. She'll be there tomorrow. You see her at least once a week too. Lighten up a little." She said as she caught up with him.

Anakin just ignored her and Ahsoka rolled her eyes. He had serious mood swings sometimes but she'd learnt to deal with them. Staying quiet and not saying much usually worked out. It gave him peace and quiet, enough to sort out his attitude problem.

She knew that Anakin wasn't too fond of the council, minus a few individuals such as Plo and Obi-Wan. Sometimes they made stupid decisions – even Ahsoka couldn't deny that.

It wasn't long before they reached the council chambers. Ahsoka side glanced at Anakin, who had a face that looked like he was ready to rip somebody in two – most likely Master Windu.

They entered silently and bowed in time when they reached the centre of the room. Ahsoka took note of who was present and who wasn't. Most of the council members were present in the flesh – the rest were just flickering blue holograms sat in their rightful seats. Ahsoka got the feeling that this meeting was important, especially because there were no vacant seats.

Mace Windu leant back in his chair and bought a dark hand to his chin, "All four of our research teams have returned. Nothing has been discovered in regards to the organisation. We are dispatching these teams again along with six more." He leant forward, his hands clasped together with his elbows on his knees. Just as he was about to continue, blue flickered and flashed in the middle of the room, exactly where Anakin and Ahsoka stood.

Confused, the pair glanced at each other before stepping aside to the left to make room for the foreign light. A hologram appeared of a man wearing a mask that covered his facial details. All that could be seen of his head was a small amount of dark hair peeking out from the mask.

Anakin and Ahsoka glanced at each other and then at the rest of the council members – they seemed just as surprised as they were.

The holographic man spoke, his voice rough and menacing, "Good day, Jedi."

Ahsoka spotted Mace narrowing his eyes out of the corner of her eyes. No one had a clue what was going on and that made Ahsoka slightly nervous.

He spoke again and Ahsoka swore she felt shivers crawling down her spine. She had a bad feeling about this. "You don't know who I am, but I certainly know who you are. Of course you are wondering who I am and how we hacked into your holographic system to send you this message." He chuckled before slamming his fist onto what Ahsoka assumed was a nearby table, "Do not come looking for us. Do not inform the media about us. Do not send out any more of your pathetic research teams. We have eyes and ears everywhere. You didn't even come close to finding us so give up now before you regret it."

If this guy's intention was to threaten, it certainly worked. Ahsoka technically wasn't even in the man's presence yet she felt so uncomfortable. She partly blamed it on the fact that you couldn't see his face – the mask hiding his face made it all the more creepy.

The man in the mask chuckled again, as if he could sense the discomfort radiating off of the teenager. "I hope I made myself clear. You've been warned." The hologram flickered away but a second later reappeared, repeating the same message.

Master Yoda flicked his wrist and the hologram disappeared. His deep voice broke the silence, "Disturbing, this is. Discovered that we are searching for them, the Strangers have."

Obi-Wan spoke, his hand stroking his beard thoughtfully, "The recording played more than once. It wasn't live, which means that it was pre-recorded and they've known about our search before now. They could've known for days." He crossed his arms and appeared deep in thought.

"Complicated things, this has." Said Yoda, eyes scanning across everyone present in the room.

Mace spoke with a booming voice, confident in his words, "We have to send out more teams. How else are we going to stop this organisation?"

Anakin was next to voice his opinion, "With all due respect, Master Windu, but you heard that maniac. That was a warning. Something will happen to us if we retaliate. We have to be careful about this."

Shaak Ti nodded, "I agree with Skywalker. We have to be tactical. They're clearly a fair few steps ahead of us." Ahsoka agreed with Anakin too – they'd no doubt do something terrible if the council decided to send out more.

Mace spoke again, "There is no other way. We've tried to be secret; there is nothing else we can do. These research teams are the best of the best."

No one spoke. The tension could be cut with a knife and Ahsoka felt like she was stood in the middle of some sort of hurricane. She agreed with Anakin but Mace was right – there wasn't exactly another way. These research teams were the best of the best – they all had incredibly high IQ's and some were even force sensitive, which helped a great deal. They were a dream team, they could solve any problem, any mystery.

Mace scanned his eyes over everyone in the room. The only sound that could be heard was the slight buzz from the holograms. "That's settled then, more search teams will be dispatched tomorrow. Skywalker, you and your Padawan will escort one of them. Report here tomorrow first thing. Dismissed."

Ahsoka gulped and bowed before turning and exiting the council chambers. What the hell was Windu thinking?

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Eh, sorry for the boring chapter. I'm just setting up the atmosphere, etc. Hope you enjoyed it anyway, please review? They really do inspire me, so if you want an update, please review! Also, thanks to the people who have reviewed already!