"Ahsoka!" Master Sinube called out as he saw the Togrutan Padawan talking to Master Skywalker.
"Master Sinube!" Ahsoka cried out running to the old Cosian embracing him in a very un-Jedi-like hug.
"Ahsoka," Anakin muttered, then bowed to Master Sinube.
"Sorry, Master."
"Nice to see you both, again," Sinube said smiling, "I have to talk to you about an important mission......"
"This sounds.....bad," Anakin said later on his face in a frown his eyes bright.
Ahsoka frowned too and swallowed hard. Master Sinube's story nearly overwhelmed her. She saw that Anakin was affected by it too. Was that a trace of tears I saw in Skyguy's eyes? she thought.
"I need your help. children. The people of S'alebac need your help."
"We'll help, Master," Anakin answered and looked over at Ahsoka who nodded.
"Master," Ahsoka said, "I'll let Captain Rex know we have a new mission."
Anakin nodded and turned to Master Sinube.
"This is a rescue mission , isn't it? Anakin asked.
"Yes, child, this will test all of your abilities. This planet is in peril. The orbit has shifted causing massive climate changes. I've reached out through the Force and felt how bad it is."
"Let me try, Master," Anakin said as he reached out through the Force as he layed a hand on Master Sinube's shoulder. What he felt was......
Fear, an overwhelming fear that was spreading like a disease.
"M...Master," Anakin whispered as he pulled his hand away. He blinked his tear-filled eyes and swallowed hard.
"Yes, child....we must help these people."
Anakin nodded.
Captain Rex of the 501st looked around at his troops. Some were veterans of many battles but most of them were "shinies" fresh from the vats on Kamino.
"Troops, General Skywalker needs us for a mission. This mission is unlike any we've been on before."
The troopers looked at each other then back at Rex and Sgt Coric standing to his right. Ahsoka was at his left. She started to talk:
"Men, the people of S'alebac are dying. Their planet has shifted its orbit and storms have nearly destroyed their only land mass. All the 501st isn't going only a few that Captain Rex will choose. This isn't a battle against a droid army or General Grievous, but a battle against nature itself."
"A rescue mission?" Trooper Billy D asked his strange blue eyes widening. He was a "shiny" but a capable soldier.
"Yes, Billy D," Ahsoka replied seeing the trooper's reaction at her knowing his name. He was told by Rex and Coric that General Skywalker and Commander Tano made it a priority to learn all the troopers names, even if they knew they probably would die in battle, "This is a rescue mission and most likely a recovery mission too. Jedi Master Tera Sinube will lead the mission with Anakin and I to help. Rex, you choose four of your men to aid us."
Rex turned to his troopers and looked at each and every man over. He hated choosing like this. Usually the men he chose didn't come back, but this felt different.
"Billy D? I want you along because of your excellent medic abilities," Rex said, "Eagle, you are our weapons expert. Raven, you are our best scout, and Finch...well you have a feel for people and can relate to them better than us."
The four troopers stood up straighter.
Ahsoka smiled having worked alongside the four of them at least once in a battle. Her love for the troopers echoed through the Force. She knew that Anakin felt the same way. She frowned knowing this mission could be the end for Billy D, Eagle, Raven and Finch. She hoped not....