Chapter 27: Brain Invaders
Hey everyone, I'm back with a new chapter. I wanted to get this chapter out before Halloween. This one definitely has all the spooky vibes of one. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
After capturing Poggle the Lesser, we see a shuttle arrive to pick up the prisoner. As it opens up, Ahsoka, Barriss, and Shun watch as the Geonosian was forced on board.
Coming up behind them, Ki Adi Mundi joins them.
"I'm afraid we have a complication." Ki Adi states.
"Don't we always?" Anakin smirks as Shun chuckles amused.
"I've just received a distress signal from our forces on Dantooine. Master Windu's defenses held but at a great cost to his men. They need medical supplies immediately. We can obtain these supplies at the medical station near Ord Cestus." Ki Adi informs.
We're delivering Poggle to Coruscant, and Cestus is not exactly on the way." Anakin cringed.
"The Republic must begin debriefing Poggle right away if we're to get useful intelligence from him." Luminara agrees.
"But those troops won't last long without help," Obi-Wan adds.
Getting an idea, Anakin walks over to Shun, Ahsoka, and Barriss.
"Master, I suggest we let our padawans handle the supply mission." Anakin declares.
Whatever needs to be done, Master. I'm happy to help." Ahsoka said eager.
"As am I." Barriss nods.
"I guess it beats cleanup duty." Shun smiles happy to help.
"Very well. Take a medical frigate. And after we've delivered Poggle to Coruscant, we'll rendezvous with you for the voyage to Dantooine." Obi-Wan said.
"Guess I better go ask Hunter to bring Haya back for me. She hates being away from me too long." Shun said.
Near the ruins, we see some clones getting some rest when an egg hatches revealing one of the worms the queen tried to use on Luminara.
Slithering towards a sleeping clone named Scythe, the worm crawls up his nose.
Approaching the squad, their captain fires some shots waking them up.
"Sorry, boys. Hope I didn't interrupt any pleasant dreams."
"Got another mission, sir?" A clone named Pulsar asks.
"You bet. We're making a medical supply run to Ord Cestus." The captain states much to Pulsar's annoyance.
"Ugh. Thought we were bred for battle, not running errands." Pulsar whines.
"Hey. We were bred to follow orders, Pulsar. You got a problem with that?" The captain asks. "No, sir. No problem." Pulsar said immediately.
"That's what I thought. Now move." The
"Scythe. Come on. Up, brother. Up and at 'em." Pulsar calls out looking at the clone the worm went into thinking he was still asleep.
As he grabbed his stuff, he didn't notice Scythe groan softly, and his body twitched weirdly before slowly rising. "Hey, Scythe. Welcome back to the land of the living."
"Thank you, sir," Scythe said in a grim tone.
Something was different about him, but no one knew.
Taking off, we see the three Padwans talking to Kit Fisto on the screen.
"We're ready to make the jump, Master Fisto," Barriss assures.
"Good, I look forward to your arrival," Kit said as they jumped to lightspeed.
Ahsoka and Barriss lay in their bunks in the girl's sleeping quarters.
While Barriss seemed to be asleep, Ahsoka was tossing and turning unable to get any sleep.
Rolling onto her side she glances at Barriss unsure if she should say anything.
"What? What is it?" Barriss asks revealing she is awake.
"It's too quiet. It's a big change from all the fighting the last few days." Ahsoka admits.
"You should enjoy this peace while it lasts," Barriss suggests.
"I can't. Let's go eat." Ahsoka admits. Getting up, the two of them walked across the hall to Shun's room and knocked on the door. "Hey Shun, we're going for a bite. Want to join us?"
But they didn't get an answer.
"Perhaps, he's sleeping." Barriss assumes.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Ahsoka opens the door to see Shun sitting in the middle of the room while BD-1 and his glider are nearby.
"Shun? Are you okay?" Ahsoka asks curious.
"I never pegged him for someone who was into meditation," Barriss admits.
"Hey, Shun we were gonna—" Reaching out to touch his shoulder, Ahsoka gasped as she froze up.
"Ahsoka?" Concerned Barriss reached out to grab her but she froze up as well.
Zooming out, the room around them began to glow blue, Ahsoka and Barriss looked in awe.
"What is this?" Barriss asks.
"You know it's rude to interrupt a conversation." A female voice calls out.
They were surprised to see the spirit of a tall woman with white face paint, black and red around her eyes, a golden headpiece on her head, wearing a green and brown kimono, and two metal fans strapped to her side.
"Who are you? You weren't here before." Barriss asks.
"I was here this whole time; you just weren't aware of my presence until now. Isn't that right Shun?" She asks as Shun opens his eyes.
"Yeah, we've been talking for a while now." Shun smiles startling them. "It's okay they're friends," Shun said turning to them. "Would you like to join us?"
Slowly both girls sat on opposite sides of Shun.
"Sorry, we uh didn't mean to intrude." Ahsoka apologizes.
"It's fine, I was just using this chance to talk to someone." Shun gestures.
"What is this? How is this possible?" Barriss asks.
"The Avatar is the bridge between the mortal world and the spirit world but since the Force has spiritual aspects as well I guess it allows you to be here too," Shun explains.
"Amazing," Barriss said before glancing at the woman across the room. "Uh, and you are?"
"I am Avatar Kiyoshi." She declares.
"Another Avatar?" Ahsoka said amazed.
"She was the last Earthbender Avatar before me." Shun points out. "When I began my Earthbending training they had me go to Kyoshi Island a few times to learn her methods and style. I had big shoes to fill. Which is saying something because Kyoshi had the biggest feet of any Avatar." Shun chuckles but Kyoshi isn't amused.
"You don't say?" Ahsoka giggles amused.
"Yes, thank you for that Shun." Kyoshi narrows her eyes.
"So you can talk to the dead?" Barriss asks.
"Not exactly. I mean I can't talk to just anyone. They need to have a strong spiritual connection, but every Avatar has been able to communicate with their past lives to help guide them on their path." Shun explains.
"Although it appears others might need my help if they can join us." Kyoshi points out.
"So what have you been talking to her about?" Barriss asks.
"Mostly this war. Kyoshi has a lot of experience in that area." Shun said.
"Really?" Ahsoka asks.
"Yes, I saw a lot in my time as the Avatar: The Camellia-Peony War, The Yellow-Neck Uprising, and stopping Chin the Conqueror from taking over my home." Kyoshi lists.
"Wow, that's a lot to do in such a short life," Ahsoka said impressed.
"She lived to be 230 years old." Shun points out surprising them. "Yep, the oldest woman in recorded history."
"How did you do it all?" Ahsoka asks.
"It was not easy. I faced many hardships in my time ones that tried to throw the world out of balance. I stopped them and the world entered a great era of peace. Often people questioned my methods and more often I found myself threatening anyone who didn't see my points of view and if they didn't listen, I made them." Kyoshi states.
"Sounds like another Avatar we know." Ahsoka smirks.
"Is that an Earthbender trait?" Barriss asks amused.
"We're not known for taking garbage from others very well," Shun admits.
"Agreed." Kyoshi nods.
"Can I ask you something?" Ahsoka asks and Kyoshi nods. "If you lived as long as you did, there must have been times when there was no fighting. How did you adjust?"
"Not easily at first, but I had a few projects to take my mind off things. As well as a few people to help me through the tough times. Peace is rare but unless you know to make the most of it you might as well spend your life on the battlefield." Kyoshi said.
"If you were in our position, what would you do?" Barriss asks.
"Shun has told me about the Clone Wars, and while I am unfamiliar with the struggles I would have done whatever it took to stop the ones who caused this." Kyoshi declares.
"Isn't that a little much?" Ahsoka asks.
"You Jedi hope to bring an end to this war so I offer you this wisdom, only justice will bring true peace," Kyoshi said turning to Shun. "And Shun, remember what I told you: be mindful of the Gray, and don't rush this."
"I will." Shun nods as Kyoshi disappears and the three of them snap out of the trance.
"That was incredible," Barriss said standing up.
"Shun…what did she mean?" Ahsoka asks.
"Kyoshi has experience making in what I was doing. She offered me some advice." Shun said standing up. "So, you girls were inviting me to eat?" Shun asks.
Seeing it was a sensitive issue, the girls led him away.
Making his way into the Clone Barracks, Scythe opens his bag revealing it was full of eggs.
Rolling the eggs across the room, they slowly cracked revealing more worms inside.
Slithering towards various clones, the worms went up their nostrils which made Scythe grin.
In the mess hall, the three Padawans were sitting at the same table.
"You just keep surprising us." Ahsoka smirks. "How often do you talk to previous Avatars?"
"Every so often. Usually when I'm dealing with important things." Shun admits.
"Did any of them advise you to make the Gray Order?" Barriss asks curious.
"No, that was my idea. They just helped point me in the right direction." Shun said.
"So Shun, what do you think you'll do when the war ends?" Ahsoka asks.
"Why do you ask?" Shun asks.
"Barriss said we should enjoy the peace while it lasts but as a Jedi, I don't know how to do that," Ahsoka admits.
"Oof. Another thing to add to the list. Have you ever thought of taking a vacation or having days off?" Shun suggests.
"Jedi don't get vacations," Ahsoka said but Shun rolled his eyes not surprised.
"What about you Barriss?" Shun asks.
"Master Windu has said we are keepers of the peace, not warriors. However, once the war is over, it will be our job to maintain the peace."
"Yes, but will we do so as keepers of the peace or warriors? And what's the difference?"
"I don't have all the answers, Ahsoka. Like you, I'm a learner. What does your Master tell you?" Barriss asks.
"Anakin? Oh, um, you might find some of his thoughts on the future, uh, a bit radical." Ahsoka said playfully.
"That's an understatement." Shun smirks.
"Really? Why?" Barriss asks.
"Let's just say my Master will always do what needs to be done. I'm not even sure how peacetime will agree with him." Ahsoka admits.
"That's for sure." Shun smirks.
"What about you, Shun? What do you plan to do when the war ends?" Barriss asks.
"That's a tough one, this war was the whole reason I wanted to join the Jedi. So, I could help. I guess if the war ends, I'll head back to my world and just be the Avatar maybe try to expand the Gray Order a bit." Shun pauses.
"Maybe you could build a temple on your planet," Ahsoka suggests.
"Ooh, not a bad idea." Shun smiles liking that.
On the bridge, some clones were navigating the ship when Scythe and two clones entered the room.
"Just come up to check on us, Scythe?" A pilot asks but none of them responds. "Well, we are on course, and all systems are green." He said when the other clones aimed their blasters at them. "What the?" He gasps before shots are fired.
"We have control of the bridge." Scythe declares.
In the mess hall, two clones walk in getting the Padawan's attention. "Evening, Ox, Edge. Would you like to join us?" Ahsoka offers but both just glared at them.
"Is everything alright?" Shun asks curious.
Raising their blasters both troopers open fire on them.
Igniting their lightsabers Shun flips over the table allowing Barriss to leap over it for cover.
"Troopers, stand down!" Ahsoka orders but they kept firing.
Growling slams his foot to the ground and the metal plates under the clones break.
Briefly ceasing fire, Ahsoka used a Force Push knocking them both against the wall.
"Someone wants to tell me what the hell that was?!" Shun asks when the door opens revealing Trap and Havoc and all three point their lightsabers at them.
"What are you doing?" Trap asks confused.
"That's what we'd like to know." Shun glares.
"Two clones just attacked us. What's going on?" Ahsoka asks demanding an explanation.
"Trap, do you know what happened to those troopers?" Barriss asks.
"Couldn't tell you, Commander. I'm just as confused as—" Trap starts.
"You're in charge of those men. Did you order them to kill us?" Barriss interrupts.
No, sir. I did not." Trap assures.
"What's happening? Why would they do this?" Ahsoka asks.
"We don't know. We heard shots." Havoc said.
"Why should we believe you?" Barriss asks.
"Look, no guns." Trap said as he and Havoc lowered their weapons.
Lowering their guard, both girls turned off their lightsabers.
"Why would they do this?" Shun asks slowly deactivating his.
"These men wouldn't just attack us without reason." Barriss agrees.
"My Master had a clone betray them once, a traitor who was paid off by Ventress." Ahsoka brings up.
"It can't be that simple. At least, it didn't feel like that." Barriss said.
"Excuse me, sir. We should make sure that we're still in control of the bridge." Trap suggests.
"Bridge, this is Barriss. Respond." Barriss said into her wrist comm but got no answer.
"We need to find out what's going on. Something's not right about all this." Shun suggests.
"But these two will be coming around any minute." Barriss points out.
"Havoc can watch them until we check on the bridge." Trap offers.
"Okay, let's go," Ahsoka said as all but Havoc left the room.
Meanwhile, on their command ship, Anakin, Rex, and Obi-Wan join Luminara and Ki Adi Mundi on the bridge. "The cargo ship failed to check in on schedule. I attempted to contact them. There is no reply." Luminara points out.
"I don't like it. Something's up." Anakin assumes.
"It is certainly most unlike either padawan to lose contact." Luminara agrees.
"They're in trouble," Anakin concludes.
"Anakin, have faith in your padawan," Obi-Wan assures.
"She would have checked in," Anakin assures.
"Like you always do?" Obi-Wan counters.
"Good point," Anakin admits.
"Sometimes I don't think you realize how alike you two have become," Obi-Wan said.
"I don't know if I can say the same for you and Shun." Anakin points out.
"He can make some questionable choices but his heart is always in the right place," Obi-Wan admits when Ki Adi Mundi clears his throat.
"We need to continue our interrogation of Poggle." Ki Admi reminds.
"Yes, agreed. He's being most uncooperative." Obi-Wan agrees.
As they turn to leave, Anakin glances at Rex. "Keep your ears open in case Ahsoka calls." He orders.
"Got it." Rex nods.
Back on the cargo ship, Scythe and other clones dragged away the dead pilots.
"Engage the autopilot and put up the security shields." Scythe orders.
Down below, the 3 Padawans and Trap arrive to see several shields glowing preventing them from entering the bridge.
"Someone doesn't want us going up there," Ahsoka said.
'Of all the times to let BD-1 rest.' Shun thought.
"I'll attempt to override the controls," Barriss said going to the control panel.
Narrowing his eyes, Trap took out his blaster but Barriss caught on. Just before he fired she slashed it in half with her lightsaber.
Growling Trap lunged at her knocking the lightsaber out of her hand. Opening his mouth a worm crawled out startling them.
"What the spirits?!" Shun gasps.
"He's infected!" Barriss gasps using the Force to get her lightsaber back and impaling Trap in the chest.
But the worm creature lunged at her wrapping around her neck.
"Get this thing off me!" Barriss panics as Shun yanked it off allowing Ahsoka to slash it in half killing it.
"Ugh, what is that?" Ahsoka asks grossed out.
"It's some type of parasite. It must be controlling their actions." Barriss assumes.
"Mind control? Ugh, no wonder it seemed like they were telling the truth." Shun realized.
"Trap was my friend, there's no way he would try to kill us," Ahsoka said.
"But how did these things get on the ship?" Shun asks bending down to examine the dead worm.
"They must have infected the clones back on Geonosis," Barriss said.
"We'll need to quarantine the ship," Ahsoka said.
"We should also contact Master Fisto and warn him of the situation," Barriss adds.
"Come on, let's go," Shun said as they made their way down the hall only to hear a familiar clicking noise.
"Wait a second that sounds like…" Barriss starts.
"Geonosian." Ahsoka glares.
Following the noise to the hangar, they see several clones surrounding another clone as he is held down.
Approaching him, one clone held out an egg containing a worm.
"We have to help him." Ahsoka urged only to see the worm enter the clone's nose putting him under their control.
"It's too late." Barriss declares as the clones begin speaking of Geonosian.
"Does anyone have any idea what they're saying?" Shun asks when a clone comes up behind them with his blaster drawn.
Firing a shot it narrowly missed them.
Startled and alerted, the three padawans ignite their lightsabers to deflect fire.
Using his airbending Shun hurls a blast of air sending the clone smashing into the wall.
With their cover blown, the other clones turned their attention towards the Jedi.
Grabbing three eggs, the clones approached them.
Using the Force, Ahsoka yanks the eggs out of their hands allowing Barriss to slash them in half.
Letting out a Geonosian shriek, the clones attacked them.
Using their lightsabers to deflect fire, the three of them ran behind some crates for cover.
Firing a blast of air, Ahsoka knocks over some crates forcing the clones to fall back as the crates came crashing down.
"We could take them but can we kill them just because of parasites?" Shun asks.
"Negative, we have to try and save as many as possible," Barriss said deflecting a shot fired.
"That's what I figured." Thrusting his hands forward the metal crates fly backward knocking some of the clones back.
Looking around Ahsoka spotted the vents high above them.
"Let's go for the vents. Shun! We need cover!" Ahsoka suggests.
Leaping backwards, Shun hurls fire creating a wall of flames to block the clones from advancing.
Leaping up towards the ceiling panels, Barriss yanks a vent open allowing them to crawl through and escape the clones.
In the vents, Ahsoka and Barriss crawled ahead while Shun followed from behind.
"Were we followed?" Ahsoka asks.
"No, we're clear," Shun said joining them. "We need to get control of this ship before we reach the medical station. If we don't, they could infect every clone stationed there."
"Shun's right. I'll go to the reactor room and disable the thrusters. You and Shun head for the aft comm center and send a warning to Master Fisto. We have to stop the ship from reaching the medical station." Barriss agrees.
"I don't know, Barriss. I think we should stay together." Ahsoka said worried.
"As do I. Unfortunately, that's not a luxury we have right now. One of us must succeed, Ahsoka. If you need to, you'll do what must be done. I know it." Barriss said.
"What does that mean?" Shun asks.
"Wait. What about the bridge? We need to get access to that." Ahsoka asks.
"I got an idea," Shun said activating his comm. "BD-1. Come in, BD."
In his room, BD-1 turns on and beeps signaling he got his call.
"BD, listen the bridge has been closed off by shields. I need you to find a way to hack the controls and get those shields offline." Shun said as BD beeped understanding him.
"Of course, the parasites only control organic beings. They don't work on droids." Barriss smiles in realization.
"BD-1 might be the safest on this ship," Ahsoka adds.
"I wouldn't go that far," Shun mutters. "Be careful and avoid contact with anyone other than me until I give the ok."
Nodding BD-1 beeps and slowly made his way out of the room.
"That's one problem down. But Barriss, I know you're afraid to give your life but please promise me you'll be careful." Shun pleads.
"I will. I hope you both will do the same." Barriss said.
"We will," Ahsoka said as she and Shun crawled down one path while Barriss went down the other.
Eventually reaching the comm center, the two of them send a message to Master Fisto at the medical station.
"As long as these things are on board, we dare not dock with the medical station." Ahsoka finishes.
"You must bring the ship in. The only way we can stop these parasites is to analyze them." Kit Fisto urges.
"Master Fisto, I cannot stress how bad of an idea that is. I'm not gonna waste my time with an insult. These things are horrible." Shun emphasizes.
"Shun's right. If even one gets loose, your entire station could be in jeopardy." Ahsoka adds.
"We will take precautions," Kit assured but both Padawans were unsure about this.
"I have a bad feeling about this, Master Fisto, but I will follow your instructions." Ahsoka complies.
"Consider yourself lucky I don't have any ideas at the moment. But please figure something out." Shun urges as Ahsoka hangs up.
"What do we do? We don't know anything about these things" Ahsoka asks when Shun realizes something.
"We might not, but our Masters are with someone who might." Shun points out making her gasp.
"Let's hope we're not too far away to get a signal." Ahsoka said plugging in the new numbers.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ship, Barriss made her way towards the thrusters.
As she walked through some doors a trap went off electrifying her causing Barriss to scream in pain and drop her lightsaber.
"If there's one thing we clones know, it's how to stop a Jedi." A clone said taking her lightsaber.
Looking up, Barriss gasps to see she is surrounded from both sides.
Walking towards her, Scythe held up an egg with a worm emerging.
"NO!" Barriss screams unable to get away.
In another hallway, BD-1 was carefully scanning the areas.
Beeping softly the little droid ran down the hall towards the shields blocking the bridge, peeking its head out, the little droid had to make sure the coast was clear.
Scurrying out, BD began hacking the shields but as one disappeared more clones came back.
Hiding behind a door, BD-1 narrowly avoids being spotted.
If they wanted those shields down he would have to time this right.
Back with Shun and Ahsoka, they sent out another call and this time Captain Rex responded.
"Cargo ship TB-73, this is Clone Captain Rex. Please Respond." Rex replies.
"Rex, this is Ahsoka and Shun. Boy are we glad to hear your voice." Ahsoka smiles.
"Likewise sir, I have someone who wants to speak with you," Rex said stepping aside revealing Anakin.
"Oh thank the spirits," Shun said grateful.
"What's going on? Are you both okay?" Anakin asks concerned.
"Well…not exactly." Ahsoka cringed.
"We have a problem. A big one." Shun starts.
Down the hall, we see Barriss walking alongside several clones.
While the clones went down one path, Barriss went towards the comm room.
"Make sure you have a wrist com. Keep it on. I'm going to interrogate Poggle. He might have some answers. Find Barriss and wait for my signal." Anakin instructs.
"Try to be quick about it." Shun urged as Anakin hung up.
As we zoom out, Barriss is on the opposite side of a chart silently gazing at them.
"Barriss, you're back," Ahsoka said relieved. "Were you successful?" She asks but Barriss doesn't respond.
"Barriss, are you okay?" Shun asks suspiciously.
As she raised her arm both of them gasped realizing what was happening.
"Barriss, no!" Ahsoka said as Barriss used the Force to shatter the chart screen and send the shards flying at them.
Throwing a punch, Shun blasts it away with fire bending.
We're your friends! Barriss, snap out of it!" Shun calls out but Barriss ignites her lightsaber in response.
Leaping at them, Shun activates his saber and blocks it. "Barriss, this isn't you! That worm is doing this!" Shun calls out as Barriss swings her saber at him.
Swinging his, Shun blocks it. Using the Form 3 lessons Obi-Wan taught him, Shun blocks Barriss' strikes as she forces him back.
Moving behind him, Ahsoka took a stance.
"Shun quick!" Ahsoka said as he jumped to her side.
When Barriss attacks both thrusted their hands forward releasing two blasts of air and knocking Barriss against the wall.
Groaning Barriss looks up to see the two of them making a run for it.
On the Republic Cruiser, Anakin approached the prison cell where Poggle was under watch.
"Leave us." Anakin orders as the clones step away. "You will answer my questions," Anakin said raising his arm as if to do a Jedi Mind trick.
Making a clicking noise, Poggle refuses.
"Your feeble Jedi mind tricks do not work on Geonosians. The other Jedi already learned this." The protocol droid translates.
"Mind tricks?" Pausing Anakin turns away only to spin around and knock Poggle to the ground. "I don't need mind tricks to get you to talk."
"I will never talk." The droid translates for Poggle.
Raising his arm, Anakin Force Chokes Poggle lifting him in the air.
"We'll see about that, Poggle," Anakin said refusing to back down.
Back on the cargo ship, Ahsoka and Shun were running for their lives with Barriss hot on tier tail.
"Time for those lessons with Master Jinora to pay off," Shun said running alongside her.
"I never pictured my first field test would be on a fellow Jedi," Ahsoka said as they entered a large corridor and turned around.
"Yeah well, life happens. Remember, be the leaf." Shun reminds as both take fighting stances.
As Barriss charges in, Shun hurls several fireballs at her.
Swinging her lightsaber, Barriss slashes them in half before using a Force Push knocking Shun back.
Spinning her arms in a wave-like motion, Ahsoka created a small tornado and swung it slamming it against Barriss.
Stumbling back, Barriss was about to attack when a metal pillar shot out of the floor and nailed her in the chest.
"Sorry Barriss, no hard feelings!" Shun said as they made their escape.
When Barriss tried to follow, she saw the hallway was empty.
Curious she continued her search unaware of a vent closing above her.
In the vents, Ahsoka and Shun sat down to catch their breath.
"Well, nice to know I can fight like an Airbender," Ahsoka said trying to look on the bright side.
"Ugh! This is a mess. Kyoshi warned me about things like this." Shun groans getting her attention.
"Kyoshi? What are you talking about?" Ahsoka asks.
Realizing he had blown his secret, Shun sighed.
"There's a reason I wanted to talk to her. Like me, Kyoshi made her own Elite group of Earthbenders, the Dai Li. They were supposed to become a group that protected cultural history but instead, they became the worst and most corrupt earthbenders in history." Shun starts.
"You were wondering about your Gray Order." Ahsoka realized.
"Ahsoka, it's been weeks since my trial and still the only members I have are you and Anakin.
"Shun, Master Obi-Wan always tells us about patience. You just need to be as well. You may not know it yet, but you inspire people. And sooner or later more people will come to your side." Ahsoka assures.
"Thanks, Ahsoka. If we make out of this, I'll take what you said to heart." Shun said.
"Really? That's it?" Ahsoka raises an eyebrow.
"We make it out of here I'll make it worth your while," Shun assures making her giggle.
A few halls down, BD-1 had managed to remove a few more shields and was down to the final ones.
Beeping, the droid was about to turn to hide when a clone came up behind it startling the little droid.
"Well, what do we have here?" The clone grins picking it up.
Beeping, BD-1 zaps the clone's hand making it cringe in pain and drop him.
Running between his legs, BD-1 raced to find a place to hide.
Taking out his blaster the clone aims toward a room just as BD-1 turns and fires and the little droid's screams echo followed by a thud.
Smirking the clone walks away having dealt with one less pest.
On the cruiser, Anakin walks onto the bridge where Obi-Wan, Luminara, and Ki Adi Mundi are waiting.
"I made contact with Ahsoka and Shun." Anakin declares getting their attention.
"What's their status?" Obi-Wan asks concerned.
"Geonosian parasites have infected the crew," Anakin states walking to the screens.
"How did they get on board the ship?" Obi-Wan asks.
"Poggle said the parasites must have needed a new host after we raided the Queen's temple," Anakin answered.
"You interrogated Poggle?" Luminara asks surprised.
"I did. There wasn't time to get the rest of you." Anakin said focused on his task.
"How did you get him to talk?" Ki Adi asks curious but Anakin isn't in a sharing mood.
"Look, all that matters is that he told me how to stop the worms," Anakin said avoiding the subject.
On the cargo ship, Shun and Ahsoka were hiding out in the vents as clones passed by.
"This is Ahsoka do you read me?" Ahsoka asks into her wrist com.
"Ahsoka, listen to me. The worms are affected by the cold." Anakin responds.
"Cold? That's how we stop them?" Ahsoka asks.
"I guess since Geonosis is a desert planet, they don't handle the cold very well." Shun assumes.
"Rupture the coolant system." Anakin orders as Ashoka covers the comm so the clones don't hear them. "Did you hear me? Rupture the coolant system."
"The coolant system. Got it." Ahsoka nods.
Waiting until the coast was clear, both made their way down.
"BD-1. What's your status?" Shun said into his wrist comm but got no response. "BD are you there? I'm worried, what if something happened to him?"
"Once we get this working, we'll go look for him," Ahsoka said as they entered the room.
Pressing a few buttons, Ahsoka pulls a lever causing the lights in the entire ship to darken as cold air fills the entire ship.
Coming out of hyperspace, the cargo ship was approaching the medical center.
"That's Ahsoka's ship. It just came out of hyperspace. Send out the tugs to help guide them in." Kit orders.
As two small tug ships flew out to meet them, Kit had his eyes on the screen.
"Warn all medical hazard crew that I don't want anyone boarding that ship until the parasites are contained. Raise the alarms and prepare all the subzero conduits." Kit orders as more clones run out to prepare.
"Engage tractor beam." A clone said as the tugs attempted to pull in the cargo ship.
Inside the ship, Ahsoka and Shun were running through the halls coolant system was doing its job.
Unable to handle the extreme cold conditions the clones were collapsing but as the cold air blew through the ship it became harder to see and the two padawans weren't exactly dressed for cold.
"If that doesn't slow them down. N-Nothing will." Ahsoka shivers.
Cupping his hands together, Shun used his fire breath to try and warm himself up.
"Come on, let's move while I can still feel my fingers." Shun urges
Looking up the two realized they would have to crawl directly through the cold air if they wanted to keep using the vents.
"There you are." Turning around Barriss approached them with a sinister tone that sounded completely different from her usual voice. "You can't hide from me."
Igniting her lightsaber Barriss attacks them, bending the water out of the cold air Shun makes a wall of ice to stop her.
"That won't hold her for long," Ahsoka said.
"Get to the bridge, I'll hold her off," Shun said.
"But Shun—" Ahsoka starts.
"Go! We're running out of time." Shun urged.
Seeing he was right, Ahsoka raced down the hall.
As Barriss slashes the ice wall, she attacks Shun who ducks and dodges the attack.
Spinning around Shun gets behind her and puts a hand to her spine.
Growling Barriss does a 360 spin slash forcing Shun to leap back.
Bending the water from the cold air, Shun flings a water whip at Barriss knocking her lightsaber out of her hand.
Before she could react Shun knocks her towards a vent causing her to get blasted by the freezing cold air at point-blank range.
Screaming in agony, Barriss drops to her knees and looks at Shun with a terrified expression on her face.
"Kill me, please," Barriss begs surprising Shun before the worm takes control again.
Lunging at him, Barriss pins him to the wall as the worm emerges from her mouth to try and take control of him.
"What…did I say? About being too eager…to throw your life away!" Shun remembers taking a deep breath he blew cold air directly in her face forcing Barriss to release him.
Screeching in pain the worm wiggled around trying to flee but, Shun swung his saber and sliced the worm in half freeing Barriss.
"I gotcha Barriss," Shun said putting her unconscious body on his shoulder.
Slowly making his way towards the bridge, he saw Ahsoka just standing there.
"Ahsoka what's wrong?" Shun asks but as he gets closer, his eyes widen in horror. There was still one more shield blocking the path to the exit.
Outside the ship, Fisto's forces were struggling to slow the ship down.
"It's moving too fast. We can't slow it down." One said.
"There's no one at the controls, the pilot must be dead!" The other said.
"We can't get past that shield. Which means we can't stop the ship." Ahsoka said.
"No. No. This is not how it ends." Shun said unable to feel his fingers. "Did we fail?"
"Failure is not the end, my friend." A male voice echoes followed by a familiar beeping
Eyes widening, Shun and Ahsoka saw BD-1 hacking the last shield making it disappear.
"BD?!" Ahsoka smiles.
"Buddy?" Shun gasped as they now had a clear path to the bridge. "Get going. Get to the controls." Shun urged.
Nodding Ahsoka ran ahead while Shun put Barriss down for a second.
Looking at the little droid, Shun saw his joints were almost frozen solid and there was a blast wound on the side revealing some loose wires and sparks, but BD-1 was still functioning.
"You are the toughest droid I've ever seen," Shun said amazed.
Slowly turning away, BD-1 showed a holographic video of Eno Cordova and BD-1. "No, failure is not the end my friend, but a necessary part of the path. Hope will always survive in those who continue to fight, like you BD-1."
Surprised, Shun looks at the little droid.
"I believe one day you will find someone who is as brave and persistent as you have been. And you will help them, just as you've helped me." Eno Cordova said bending down as if he was looking right into Shun's eyes. "I believe in you, BD-1 and I believe in whom you choose to replace me."
As the transmission ends, Shun turns to BD-1 as the little droid moves towards him.
"You believe in me too." Shun smiles weakly as BD-1 chirps back. "You're right, there's still a chance. For us, for the Gray Order." Shun said looking towards the bridge.
There Ahsoka was hard at work.
"We're coming in fast. This is Ahsoka Tano. I'm gonna shut down the engines and reverse the thrusters." Ahsoka said in the comm.
Trying to pull the switch, she struggled to see the last one was frozen in place.
"Come on," Ahsoka growls pulling when Shun comes in a joins her.
"Need a hand?" Shun asks.
"How about two?" Ahsoka gestures as they both pull the lever free and shut down the power to the engine.
"We got them!" The clones said successfully linking the tractor beam.
Pulling the ship in, they successfully docked.
"Attach the subzero conduits." A clone orders.
"The temperature's below freezing, sir." A clone said as Kit Fisto prepared himself.
"Let's board, then, but stay on guard. They may still be dangerous." Kit Fisto warns as they slowly board the ship.
Making their way to the bridge, they see BD-1 chirping happily to see them as Shun held Barriss and Ahsoka close to try and keep warm.
"You guys sure took your sweet time." Shun chuckles.
Smiling Kit bent down to look him in the eye.
"You did good. Get some rest." Fisto urges.
"Don't need to tell me twice. But please…help BD-1." Shun pleads before closing his eyes.
When Shun awoke, he was in a medical room with Obi-Wan and Anakin nearby.
"Look who's awake." Obi-Wan smiles.
"Master." Shun smiles weakly.
"Take it easy, you're still healing." Obi-Wan urged.
Slowly sitting back he looks at Ahsoka and Barris who are in nearby beds.
"Hey sleeping head." Ahsoka smiles revealing she is awake.
"Good to see you." Shun smiles back.
"Master Fisto said you three were almost frozen together. The clones couldn't get you and Barriss off of him." Anakin teases making Ahsoka blush.
"Wait, where's BD-1?" Shun asks.
"Your droid is fine and so are all the clones. Thanks to you both." Anakin assures.
"What were those things?" Ahsoka asks.
"I think I can help answer that." Walking in we see Kit Fisto along with a fully repaired BD-1 who looked as good as new.
"BD." Shun smiles happy to see he is okay.
"We had the parasite worms analyzed. They are the same type of creature you bot found on Geonosis." Kit said looking at Anakin and Obi-Wan.
"You know, if you hadn't killed the one, I got from the queen we might have figured it out sooner." Obi-Wan scolds glancing at Anakin.
"Really? Now?" Anakin asks annoyed.
"Can't think of a better time," Ob-Wan smirks as the two padawans chuckle amusedly. "We'll have to inform the troops on Geonosis. This parasite might explain how they recaptured the planet the first time."
"Sounds like it, and I really don't want to come back here a third time." Anakin agrees.
You have been through quite an ordeal, little ones." Kit assures.
"I don't think I want to deal with that ever again." Ahsoka sighs.
"I don't blame you but know that because of you two many lives will be saved," Anakin said.
Hearing this both padawans were at ease. The Geonosis fight was finally over.