Review Replies

Ahsoka33: Thanks for your review! I love your enthusiasm. In fact, it's what inspired me, despite working 5 days a week and having things to do at home on my days off, to hurry up and finish writing this chapter. I hope you enjoy it!

Lord Dragonis - The Dragon King: Thank you! I know it took me ages to do this chapter, but it's finally here. The next chapter will be especially hard for me to write, because it will involve torturing a Jedi. It will also involve the arrival of the Republic fleet at Tygokor.

Chapter Four

A Bad Feeling

The Twilight exited Hyperspace right on the edge of the asteroid field that was up until a few days ago the planet Tygokor. Luke stared out the cockpit window, his eyes wide with fear. His emotions were rolling off him like a waterfall.

"What is it, Luke?" Ahsoka asked.

"I…don't know, Aunt Ahs…Master. It's just it feels so cold. I don't like it here." he said.

"I know, Luke. We're only here for a few moments to scan the field and then we're leaving. Artoo, how fast can you run the scans we need with the ships sensors?" Ahsoka said. Artoo made a few chirping sounds that told Ahsoka it may take a few moments, but they'd be out of here within 10 minutes, more or less. She looked to her apprentice. He was being remarkably calm and level-headed, given the situation, both of which were things her own former Master, his father, still had trouble doing. Sure, he'd act like he was doing just fine, but being his father's Padawan, she knew him inside and out, just as Obi-Wan and Padmé did. Still, she couldn't help feeling what he was feeling.

"Ahsoka, something doesn't feel right here. I feel as if something terrible is about to happen." Barriss said, breaking the silence as they finished their scans.

"I know, I feel it too. Still, we're done here and I don't want to stay here any longer than we have to. Artoo, program the navicomputer for Coruscant." Ahsoka replied. The droid let out an affirmative whistle and went to work.

"How's he doing?" Barriss asked.

"A lot better than his father would be doing right about now. I'm sorry to have dragged you into this at the last minute. I know you hate to leave your Padawan at Temple." Ahsoka told her.

"He'll be fine. I'll admit Zonder is restless, but he knows not to get himself into trouble, so he got himself assigned to guard the Holocron chamber for a few weeks." Barriss replied.

"I did that once when I was still a Padawan."

"I remember. It was during the stolen holocron incident, wasn't it?"

"Yes. I will admit, though, that it was scary after finding out how easy it was for them to steal it."

"I know what you mean. You and Master Skywalker did a good job mopping it up, though."

"You realize it took the death of a Jedi Master for us to finally catch up to Bane, right? Even after we couldn't catch him, and we had to go and save those force-sensitive children on Mustafar. That's one place I've been to twice and never want to see again." Ahsoka said. Barriss nodded in understanding, suddenly reminded of how they became friends back on Geonosis. It took a while for them both to get the nerve up to start talking again after the Geonosian worms incident, but when they did, they began to talk more often, sometimes being assigned missions together. Although she agreed that this assignment was very last notice for her, and she hated to leave Zonder at the Temple, she was glad she'd come along because she hadn't seen or spoken to Ahsoka in months. It gave them a chance to catch up. She was about to say something when the sensor panel lit up and began beeping.

"What's that?" Luke asked from behind them.

"It's just the sensors, Luke. Nothing to be worried about. Go in back and strap yourself in. We're leaving now." Ahsoka said as calmly as she could.

"Yes, Master." he replied, and went to do as he was instructed. As soon as he was gone, Barriss looked to her.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Three ships on scanners, and I'm pretty sure they see us because they're coming right for us."

"That's not all that has you worried." Barriss replied.

"I recognize those ships. Or at least, Anakin did. He told me about them in a vision he had before we left." she answered.

"Let me guess, we're about to be captured." Barriss said. As if on queue, a tractor beam hit the ship.

"Well…yes. At least one part of my Master's vision didn't come true."

"What part was that?"

"In his vision, we were all unconscious."

"I suppose that's a comforting thought." Barriss replied. Then they were towed into one of the other ships' hangars.

Back on Coruscant, Anakin awoke with a start. He'd had the same vision again last night, and it had only gotten worse. He had remained at the Temple, hoping he would be able to rest undisturbed for the night, staying in his own quarters. He quickly got dressed in his robes after probably the fasted shower he'd ever taken, and was almost out the door when Obi-Wan strolled in.

"Alright, what's wrong Anakin? Your feeling of worry got my attention from the Council chamber during a session which, by the way, you missed." he said, the last part as a joke intended to cheer him up. Anakin only smirked for a second.

"Sorry, Master. I didn't get much sleep last night." Anakin told him.

"What did you see?" Obi-Wan asked. Anakin knew he meant during his vision.

"It was the same as before, but it was very clear this time. I still don't know what those ships are, Obi-Wan, but I know who's leading them." he replied.

"Who was it? Is it someone I know?"

"You could say that, but you're not going to like it." Anakin answered.

"For Force's sake, don't tell me it's someone I despise." Obi-Wan said, but he had a feeling he was going to regret asking.

"It was Ventress, Master."

"Ventress? I thought she was dead. Didn't your Padawan kill her years ago?"

"That's what I thought. I don't blame her, though. I'm pretty sure Ahsoka didn't know. Master, if she gets her, she'll kill her, and probably Luke too. I have to help them. They're family to me, Obi-Wan." Anakin said.

"I know, Padawan."

"I'm not −"

"Yes, I know, you're no longer my Padawan."

"I should inform the Council."

"I'll take care of that. However, if Ahsoka and Barriss are incapacitated, you won't be able to defeat Ventress and whoever else she's brought with her alone. I'm sending Master Secura to help you, while I stay here and coordinate with the Council and General Cody. Don't tell me you don't need a babysitter, it isn't like that."

"I know. You think it's a good idea to make a clone a General?" Anakin asked, as they walked towards the hangar after leaving his quarters

"It's worked with most of the other clones we've given that rank to. Besides, they are only Clone Generals. They still answer to the Jedi Generals, the Senate, and the Chancellor for that matter."

"If you say so. I'm just glad it was Cody who got that promotion. If any of them from your unit or mine deserve it, it's him." he said.

"That's why I gave it to him. Did you know he actually wanted to refuse the promotion at first? He was afraid he'd be leaving his own men and myself hanging out to dry."

"What made him change his mind?" Anakin asked, curious.

"I told him it was only a promotion, not a transfer. He would remain attached to his own unit. The only difference would be that he would be the Clone in Command of the entire Third Systems Army. He seemed to like that idea." Obi-Wan answered as they approached the hangar and found Master Secura waiting by one of the LAAT's with Rex.

"General Skywalker, General Kenobi." Rex said formally.

"Commander, inform Admiral Yularen to prepare the fleet. We're leaving as soon as we board."

"Yes, sir. I'll contact him immediately, General." Rex replied, then boarded the LAAT as he contacted the Resolute.

"Anakin. I heard about your son's apprenticeship. You must be very proud." Aayla greeted him.

"Ahsoka's a great Jedi. She'll make an excellent teacher." Obi-Wan added.

"I know. I considered training Luke myself, but the Force seemed to be pushing them together. I might end up training Leia if that's what she wants." he said, casting a sidelong glance and lopsided grin and Obi-Wan.

"Oh no, don't even think it. I already have a Padawan. I can't possibly take another. It's against the Code." Obi-Wan said, putting his hands up.

"Come on, Master. I wasn't that bad."

"Need I really bring up the time you crashed a ship with the Chanc…."

"No, no, don't say it. I get the point."

"Besides, training you gave me enough gray hairs as it is." Obi-Wan said. That got him something closer to the smirk he was expecting.

"As much as I would like to keep this lovely exchange going, do we not have a rescue to perform?" Aayla interrupted.

"You're right. We need to get going before they run into the trap I fear Ventress has set for them. If she gets them before we do, She'll torture, perhaps even kill Ahsoka, and probably Luke too. I don't know what she'll do to Barriss though." Anakin said, trying not to rant.

"Don't worry. We'll find them and bring them home safely." Aayla told him. Anakin only nodded.

"I should be going. I must inform the Council. Do try to keep us updated this time. May the Force be with you."

"And with you, Obi-Wan." Anakin replied, and then he and Aayla boarded the LAAT with Rex, Commander Bly, and as many troopers as could fit.

"Admiral Yularen says he awaits our arrival, sir. He'll make the jump to hyperspace as soon as we dock." Rex said.

"Good. Pilot, we're clear." Anakin replied. The pilot nodded an affirmative and they took off for the Resolute.

I am SOOO sorry for the long wait! I know I promised faster updates, but things here at home have been really busy, plus the fact that I've had some personal issues to deal with. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I promise I'll update quicker this time!

Next Chapter: Ahsoka, Barriss and Luke have been captured by Ventress! As Ventress tortures the Jedi who once tried to kill her, Anakin and Aayla rush to rescue their friends.

Enjoy and don't forget to REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!