THe RESOLUTE came out of hyperspace not far from S'alebac. Admiral Yularen frowned at the reading on the clone officers' consoles. Even though S'alebac was still aways off it could be seen that the planet was in trouble. It appeared to be wobbling on its axis. Dark clouds covered the surface and flashes of lightening shown through the maelstrom.
"S'alebac," Master Sinube said as he closed his eyes and opened himself up to the Force.
Anakin and Ahsoka watched him and did the same thing. What they felt through the Force was not unlike being hit by a blaster bolt.
Ahsoka began to sob and even though her eyes were shut, she sought out Anakin's hand. Anakin, in turn, was shaking so hard he teeth chattered. Tears leaked out of his closed eyes.
"Children!" Sinube yelled grabbing them by the arms."
"M...Master!" both young Jedi cried out as they opened their eyes.
"Close yourself off to what is going on down on the planet. I know it hurts to feel what they are going through."
Both Anakin and Ahsoka nodded their heads wiping their teary eyes. They swallowed hard and through the Force, Master Sinube felt them calming down.
"I've never felt anything like that before," Anakin said as he shivered slightly, "It felt like every nerve in my body was crying out in pain."
"It...hurt..." was all Ahsoka added.
"We have to remember to keep out focus on this mission. Put up a Force barrier against the stronger emotions, especially you, Anakin. Obi-Wan has warned me that you have a habit of overreacting."
Anakin just frowned but nodded knowing Master Sinube was right. What he had felt almost made him physically ill.
"These people will need our help and we can't be falling apart while doing it. Master Yoda had informed me that neither one of you has ever been on a mission such as this. Think of it as a test of your abilities as Jedi Knights. The S'alebacians will be looking to you and I for strength. Captain Rex and his troops will aid in the recovery part of the mission since there will be alot of fatalities. From my last...impression when we left Coruscant, alot of the inhabitants of this planet are...dead."
Anakin frowned his blue eyes narrowed with the anger he tried to keep inside when any being was in peril.
Ahsoka just stood up straighter and cleared her throat of the tears that still treatened to fall. Her resolve was cracking some. Anakin layed a hand on her shoulder. She felt the anger her Master was broadcasting through the Force.