//------------------------------//
// Chapter 42: Children of the Force 
// Story: Star Wars: The Great War 
// by ShootingStar25 
//------------------------------//

The first step to correcting a mistake is patience.

Recap: A thief hunted! In a daring assault, Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan, Ahsoka, along with Storm and Twilight, boarded the warship of cunning bounty hunter Cad Bane to recover a stolen holocron containing a list of the galaxy's Force-sensitive children and future Jedi Knights. After a desperate chase and duel with the villain, Anakin and his troops defeated Bane but were forced to evacuate his doomed vessel without the holocron.

(A few seconds ago)

The shuttle zoomed forward and out of the docking bay just as an explosion went off. In the hangar, the shells blew up as the explosion made the whole ship explode. Our heroes had safely made it away as in the background, the Separatist warship was soon no more. They were heading back to their Republic cruiser as they entered their hangar bay. The ship opened up as the Jedi were talking with each other.

But we're staying back a bit to hear what was said with the clones while Anakin and Storm talked with Admiral Yuleran at the tail end of the previous chapter.

"How many made it off this time?" asked a clone.

"Just us," replied a clone before looking at his comrade, who had the injured arm from his scuffle with Bane. "Hey, Denal, good job frying that bounty hunter."

"Yeah, let's get some grub," said another clone as he walked and turned to another comrade. "You hungry?"

"I'll catch up in a bit," replied the other clone. He then looked at the floor as did Rex as they saw something.

"So, what now?" asked Ahsoka.

The scene changed to Ahsoka talking with Anakin and a clone. In the background, there was Denal who exited the ship as he still held his injured arm. Also in the background was Twilight speaking with Storm as they were having their conversation which was soon followed by the girl hugging her partner.

"We get the injured to the medical bay," said Anakin.

"Generals, there's something I think you should see," shouted Rex to both boys.

Storm had just broken from the hug Twilight had given him, and the two were about to walk in separate directions when the clone commander got their attention. While Storm, Anakin, and Twilight approached the commander, Ahsoka noticed Denal walking away.

"Hey, Trooper, are you all right?" called out the Padawan to the clone as she was concerned. He didn't respond as he kept on walking with the girl following close by. "Must've been hit in the head," whispered Ahsoka as she chased after the soldier.

Meanwhile, with the Jedi Knights...

"It's blood, sirs. And it sure isn't from any of our men," said Rex to both boys as they bent down to look at the small liquid trail.

Both Anakin and Storm then touched the blood between their fingers as they were examining it. Thoughts were running through their head as they were trying to piece the mystery.

"Sparky?" 

"Yeah, Storm."

"Can your droid do something about this?" asked the boy.

"Who do you think built her?" asked the girl with a smug smile. "TS-01!" The droid then appeared beside her master as it beeped. "Identify the substance."

The droid then scanned the blood and pulled out a dropper as it absorbed some of the liquid. It then opened its chest and put the thing inside as the eyes were running zeros and ones as it calculated the substance. It soon projected an image that had charts and graphs as on the bottom was the result it concluded on.

"Substance identified as green Duros blood. Belonging to a humanoid species common in the galaxy native to the planet Duro," said the droid as she informed the group of their details.

That piece of info confirmed the suspicion of both Anakin and Storm as they quickly rushed out of the shuttle. They scanned the area as they saw Ahsoka talking with the clone.

"Wait! You're injured. That might be serious." said the Padawan as she stopped in front of the clone. She then grabbed the arm to examine the wound when she noticed something. "You're no clone."

"Ahsoka!" shouted Anakin and Storm as they ran and tried to warn the girl.

The clone kneed the girl in the chest as he ran. Anakin kept on chasing after the imposter as Storm checked on the Padawan to make sure she was okay. The clone was making his way to a fighter ship as he took off the backpack he was wearing and swung at the two clones who tried to capture him. He hopped into the fighter as he powered up the engine. Anakin had jumped on the fighter and knocked the helmet off the clone as the ship was taking off. Turns out that it was none other than Cad Bane as the bounty hunter wasn't dead after all. 

The rest of our heroes were chasing after the ship as Anakin rolled to the other side of the ship and tried to get Bane. The shield closed on the ship as Anakin jumped off as the ship exited the hangar bay as was getting ready to leave into space. The Jedi Knight rolled through and kept on running as he watched the ship about to make its escape.

"Admiral, lock down the hyperspace rings! Hurry!" shouted Anakin to his comlink.

"What could have possibly have happened since I last spoke with you?" asked the admiral.

"It's Bane! He's alive and trying to escape. So lock those rings, now!!!!" yelled Storm to his comlink as well.

The bounty hunter had made it to the outside as his ship attached to one of the hyperspace rings.

"No, lock them all down. Hurry!" shouted the admiral to the space crew.

"Deactivating hyperspace rings," said the clone navigator.

However, Bane had already inputted the coordinates as his ship then disappeared as our heroes were too slow in stopping him. All the Jedi saw the ship fade from sight as they had looks on their faces. For the boys, they had a scowl on their faces as they couldn't believe they had the enemy under their noises and it was their fault he got away.

"Luna is really gonna have my ass now," stated Storm.

"We'll have to inform the Council," stated Anakin.




Back on Coruscant, all four Jedi had made it to the temple. They were reporting the details of their mission and what went down with Bane. It was a full house as every member of the Jedi Council was present for the meeting, whether by hologram or not, all the Jedi Masters were listening to the details provided by the four. They sat in their chairs as they took in what was said.

"It is most unfortunate Bane was allowed to escape again," said Obi-wan.

"With access to the names and locations of the most Force-sensitive children in the Republic," added Windu.

"Inflict devasting damage on the Jedi Order, he could," spoke Yoda. 

"We've discovered Bane's working with the Separatists," said Anakin.

"There are thousands of children on that list," stated Celestia.

"The question is: Which one will he go after first?" responded Luna.

"Small chance there is, through the Force, the Council may detect them," said Yoda to everybody.

Elsewhere, Bane was in a hidden place as he was contacting Darth Sidious to update him about his mission.

"I have delivered what you wanted. The Jedi were no problem. Anything else I can help you with?"

"I need test subjects. Choose four children and bring them to Mustafar. I will take care of them." said the dark lord.

"Kidnapping innocent children?" said Bane with a confused tone. "Seems like a small-time crime for the likes of you."

"Among the children of the Jedi, there are no innocents," stated Darth Sidious.

"Sure, sure. As long as I get paid, it makes no difference to me," said Bane as he dusted off his hat and put it on.

With our heroes, they were now gathered in a meditation room. Yoda had stated that they could use the Force to figure out which children on the list Bane might go after. Present were Yoda, Kenobi, Windu, Luna, and Celestia. However, they had asked Anakin, Storm, and Twilight to join them in the mediation to help search through the Force to find their answer. Of course, they had to leave Ahsoka behind as the girl was merely a Padawan and not a Jedi Knight like the rest of her friends.

Now all eight Jedi were sitting in a circle. They had their legs crossed and eyes closed as they each cleared their mind. Listening and attuning to what the Force was trying to tell each one. While also sifting through the many distractions it was trying to put in their path as they searched for the answers they wanted.

"Hmm. A jungle world. Dome cities, I see." spoke Yoda. "Rodia, it is."

"A house in Key Tap Square," said Obi-wan.

"Yes, I see it too," said Celestia.

"There's an ocean planet, home to Nautolans," stated Windu. 

"Glee Anselm?" asked Luna.

"Glee Anselm, I see not," answered Yoda.

"I sense... a place I've been to before," said Anakin.

"Same here. Waterfalls. Naboo." responded Storm.

"Jan-gwa. A village, southern sector. Sense it strongly, I do." said Master Yoda.

"The Gungan child is screaming," said Anakin as he could hear the echoes of crying for help.

"The future you see, young Skywalker. To Naboo, you and Storm must go. Cad Bane, you will find." said Yoda opening his eyes as did everybody else. "With you, take both of the girls." The boy nodded.

"You're certain there is no child on Glee Anselm?" asked Windu to Yoda.

"Into the shadow of the dark side take the child was. Shroud is his fate from us. Great, the loss is. But more children in danger there are." said Yoda to the whole group.

"I shall leave for Rodia immediately," said Obi-wan as his pals would take Naboo.

"Find more younglings we will," said Yoda to the group.

Soon they were dismissed as the Jedi Knights began to prep to leave for Naboo. Luna and Celestia wished both their students good luck and hoped that they would get there in time to save the child and hopefully capture Bane before more innocent kids were put in harm's way.




On the planet Rodia, there was a city that was inside of a protective dome. Our heroes were correct in their suspicions as Bane who was wearing a Jedi robe to impersonate a Jedi was talking with the parents of one of the children on the list. A small ball was shown levitating to the kid as he smiled.

"Your son is strong with the Force," said Bane as he could see the power that the toddler had. "He will make a fine Jedi."

"Master Ropal said the day would come for him to go to the temple, but not for some time," said the mother of the child as she saw her son using his powers.

"Master Ropal was unaware of the danger your son is in. Jedi imposters have been roaming the galaxy stealing the future younglings. For your son's protection, I'm going to have to take him now." said Bane reaching out for the child.

"He is my only child," said the woman putting her arm around her kid and pulling him away as she was concerned about letting her son go away.

"Look into this. It will relax you," said Bane as he pulled out a spinning device and had the women look at it as it was shown in her pupils.

At that moment, a ship emerged out of hyperspace. R4 gave a beep to her pilot.

"Let's hope we have arrived in time," said Kenobi.

His ship disengaged from the hyperdrive ring as he zoomed ahead to enter the planet's orbit. He entered the atmosphere as the dome entrance slid out for the ship to enter. It landed as Obi-wan got out and ran to the house that the child was in. He rang the buzzer and knocked on the door hoping for an answer.

"If you're looking for my son, Jedi, he's not here," said the child's mother as she opened the door slightly. 

"Where is he?" asked Obi-wan as the door closed. The Jedi Master then heard the sound of a child crying. "Open the door!"

Obi-wan then used the Force to slide the door open as he rushed in. He entered, and he was soon met with a blaster as the woman pointed the weapon at him.

"You'll never get him," said the woman.

"Where is the bounty hunter?" said Obi-wan as he waved his hand in front of him to do the Jedi mind trick.

"Bounty hunter?" said the woman clutching her head as it worked. "He was a Jedi."

The woman realized that she had been tricked as Obi-wan used the Force to yank the blaster out of her hand and into his.

"Jedi do not carry blasters," said the Jedi Master as he tossed the weapon to the side. 

"What have I done?" said the woman.

The crying was heard once more as both turned to another passageway in the house. There stood Bane with a smile as he had the child in his arms. He then activated his rocket boots as he zoomed into the air. The child put his hand out reaching for his mother. Obi-wan then took out a cable and hook as he tossed it to the building that Bane was flying by. The Jedi Master swung to the side of the building as he wall jumped to the top, but at that point, Bane was already in his ship as he fired the engines up. In a matter of seconds, it exited the domed city as Kenobi made a fist of disappointment.




On Naboo, a gunship was shown flying towards the city. It landed in the hangar as the doors opened, and inside were Anakin and Storm along with their partners.

"General Skywalker, General Storm, they told us you were coming," said Captain Typho as he arrived with some guests.

"Has the Gungan family been notified?" asked Anakin.

"Yes. Captain Lunker here is in charge of the operation," said the captain gesturing to the Gungan standing next to him. "He will take you to Jan-gwa city."

"Let me take the lead, Master. I've got a score to settle," said Ahsoka as she was looking to get some payback against Bane. 

"All right, go with the Gungan. Twilight, go with Ahsoka as backup," stated Anakin to his friend as she nodded. "We'll be there shortly."

Both girls left as the boys began to discuss some things with the Captain. Soon a ship exited from hyperspace. It was none other than Bane's ship as the bounty hunter entered the planet Naboo's orbit. It was nighttime when the bounty hunter landed on Jan-gwa city. The bounty hunter entered the city as he snuck around making his way to his target. The female Gungan was shown cradling her baby as she placed her child in his crib. She then left as Bane jumped down and approached the crib. He pulled off the child's blanket and was welcomed to a doll. At that moment, a secret compartment opened and out popped the girls.

"Don't move, sleemo," said Ahsoka as she and Twilight had their lightsabers out.

"You weren't the child I was expecting to find," said Bane with his back still turned to the girls.

"Obviously," said the Padawan.

"You two are quite clever but naïve," said Bane.

He then whipped out a cable and it wrapped around both of the girls' lightsabers as he yanked them out of their hands. He then began to dual shoot at them as the girls rolled behind some cover. Bane then pushed a button on his wrist as he activated his rocket boots and left through an opening. The girls used the Force to grab their lightsabers as they chased after the bounty hunter.

Bane left through the opening of the home as he was looking to get away. However, on the roof were Anakin and Storm as they ran and jumped into the air. Both boys managed to grab ahold of the bounty hunter's legs as they dragged him down. Storm landed on the roof as he slid down while Anakin was on the bounty hunter as both were rolling while sliding down.

They soon landed as both Jedi Knights rolled through as Bane tumbled. He landed by the girls' feet as both had their lightsabers pointed at the bounty hunter.

"Looks like I win," taunted Ahsoka with a smile.

Bane was then placed into custody as Ahsoka grabbed her Padawan braid that the bounty hunter stole from her.

"I think I've earned the right to wear this again," said the girl as she put the braid back on.

The boys then took away Bane as the girls looked at the family they saved. They approached the female Gungan as her child was in her arms. the child gave a cooing sound as the girls tickled her cheek.

"Your daughter is safe now," said Twilight to the mother.

"Do you really believe that?" said Bane as he looked at the Jedi.

"Shut up!" said Storm as he got a punch in on the bounty hunter as his face turned. He gave a thumbs-up to Anakin as his friend returned the gesture.

After putting Bane in cuffs, the Jedi had brought the bounty hunter to meet with Obi-wan, Windu, and Luna. They were in space, aboard a cruiser as the bounty hunter was being interrogated by the Jedi.

"We know you've taken at least two children. Where are they?" asked Obi-wan as Windu and Luna circled Bane.

"Beyond your reach," responded the bounty hunter.

"Who are you working for?" asked Windu.

"I work alone."

"It is only a matter of time before we locate the holocron. Make it easier on yourself," warned Luna as she was unlike her sister when it came to interrogating people.

"What are you going to do, Jedi, torture me?" taunted Bane.

"I think the fear of whoever you work for outweighs your fear of us," stated Windu.

"This conversation is over," said Bane as he slumped into his chair.

The Jedi Masters merely left the cell as that answer gave them insight. Approaching them were the boys and girls as they had returned from searching the bounty hunter's ship.

"We tore the ship apart," said Storm.

"There's no sign of the holocron or the kids," added Anakin.

"Did you check the ship's navigation records?" asked Windu.

"They were wiped clean before he landed on Naboo," answered Ahsoka.

"We'll have to use the Force to make him talk," suggested Anakin.

"I don't think Bane is that weak," said Obi-wan to his student as he gave some credit to the bounty hunter.

"Maybe if we concentrated on his mind together," suggested Twilight.

"Hmm. Using the Force to compel a strong mind to cooperate is... risky," said Luna to the group. 

"There is a danger that his mind could be destroyed in the process," added Windu.

"Well, do we have another choice?" asked Anakin to the Jedi Masters.

Bane was sitting in his cell when the ray-shield door opened. In walked all the Jedi as they stood before the bounty hunter. Ahsoka was behind them given that she was still a Padawan and couldn't do what three Jedi Knights and three Jedi Masters were about to do.

"You sure?" whispered Twilight to her partner.

"Just follow my lead, Sparky. I'll be here to guide you," whispered Storm to the girl about what they were about to do.

Bane raised an eyebrow at seeing the Jedi. Anakin then began as he put his hand out and closed his eyes.

"You will take us to the holocron," said the Jedi Knight as he applied the Force on Bane's mind.

"Jedi mind tricks don't work on me," scoffed the bounty hunter.

"You will take us to the holocron," said Anakin as now Obi-wan joined in by doing the same gesture.

"Forget it," said Bane.

"You will take us to the holocron," said Storm as Twilight followed the lead of her partner and joined in.

"Never!" said Bane as he was struggling with his mind.

"You will take us to the holocron!" said Windu and Luna as they joined in as all the Jedi said it in unison. 

"I... I... I... won't," said Bane as he could feel his mind starting to break.

"And you will take us..." started Windu.

"NOW!!!" shouted all the Jedi.

"I... I will take you," said Bane. "No! Get out of my head!" shouted the bounty hunter as his mind was reaching the limits as soon it would suffer some permanent damage. 

Ahsoka was watching the bounty hunter scream in pain as she saw what her pals were doing. The power they had along with some of the most powerful Jedi Masters, all of it was starting to take a toll on Bane's mind. The Jedi were using their power on the bounty hunter as their hands were looking to make a fist that could potentially do some major damage to their enemy. Before they could do that, they let go and opened their eyes. Bane soon slammed his fists on the table as he was panting and sweating hard at how his mind was that close to being damaged badly.

"Uh," panted Bane.

"Perhaps we should try... again," said Anakin showing no mercy to the bounty hunter.

"I... I've had enough of that," panted the bounty hunter as his mind was this close to breaking. "I'll take you to the holocron. You'll get your children back."

The Jedi and Padawan all exited as they prepared their plan. Storm gave Twilight a thumbs up for doing a move that Celestia hadn't spent much time with her compared to him and Luna. The princess smiled as they kept on walking with the rest of their pals. They were in the hangar as the Jedi Masters prepared to leave with Bane to retrieve the location of the holocron.

"The Chancellor wants a report on our progress," said Windu.

"Tell him this is not Republic business," said Obi-wan as he didn't like that the Chancellor wanted to know. "It's an internal Jedi affair."

"I'm sorry to disagree, but as long as the Jedi are acting as a military, we should report to the Chancellor, even on internal matters such as this," said Anakin to the Jedi Masters.

"You're not being serious, right Anakin?" asked Storm as he stared at his pal. "This has nothing to do with him. This is our problem. No disrespect or anything, but we don't need to concern him with matters that don't need it."

Safe to say, that little bicker between the two friends was on display. Both boys couldn't help but glare at one another at the disagreement they had. Before it could be taken any further between the two pals, Obi-wan was able to ease the tension between his friends as he got in between and placed both of his hands on their shoulders.

"Well, Anakin, if you're so insisted. Then you just volunteered to go. Give the Chancellor my regards," said Obi-wan with a smug smile.

"Now wait a minute," said Anakin as he didn't expect him to actually go meet the Chancellor.

"I agree. Report back here when you're finished," ordered Windu as he began to leave with Kenobi.

"Storm, you and the girls will go with Skywalker to Courscant," instructed Luna to her student as he nodded.

"This could be a trap, Master," said Anakin to his teacher. "You sure you don't need us to go?"

"Of course, it's a trap, Skywalker," said Windu as he and the others knew that fact.

"I will contact you when we find the children," assured Obi-wan.

"What if they don't find those kids?" asked Ahsoka.

"They will, Snips. Come on," said Anakin as he began to lead his friends as they had to report to the Chancellor.

The ship containing Bane, a few clones, and the Jedi Masters was starting to prep for hyperspace.

"The coordinates," asked Windu.

"The coordinates are... 67. 31. 17 cross 7RB71," said Bane.

"That will take us into the far Outer Rim. Neutral space," said Obi-wan as they all looked at the bounty hunter.

"Do you want your holocron and your kids or not?" asked Bane as the Jedi Masters were doubting him.

"You better not be lying, or I'll give you another one," threatened Luna.

"Another what...?" asked Bane as he was then punched in the gut by the Jedi Master as he fell out of his seat.

"Luna!" said Obi-wan.

"Fear not, Kenobi. I just needed to relieve some stress is all. And there was a perfectly good punching bag nearby. I'm calm and collected as a woman should be." said the Jedi Master as she sat down in her chair. She fixed the small strand of her hair that was messy and crossed her legs while placing her hands on them as she got her composure back. "Now then, gentlemen. Let's get going, shall we?"

"I... see... where the boy gets it from," said Bane as he got back in his seat as was still in pain from being hit by the Jedi Master, all while Luna had a smile on her face as she checked her nails.

Windu then pushed the lever forward as their ship entered hyperspace and zoomed away.




Meanwhile, on Coruscant, the boys and the girls had made it to the Chancellor's office as they were to report the progress of their mission. Storm was still unsure about this and how Anakin had told the Jedi Masters that they should, but he had to follow the orders given to him by Luna. All four approached the office of the Chancellor as he was waiting in the doorway for them. But most specifically, one person.

"Ah, Anakin, it is good to see you," said the Chancellor.

"Your Excellency," said Anakin doing a nod, as did Twilight and Storm out of respect.

The Chancellor then looked at Ahsoka, to which she did a nod, and then at Twilight and Storm.

"Excuse us," said Palpatine to the Padawan and two Jedi Knights as he wanted to talk with Anakin alone.

The Chancellor then grabbed Anakin by his shoulder and began to lead him in. Anakin looked at his Padawan as he made a face that he would be alright. He then looked at Storm for a second as everything moved in slow motion when the two friends locked eyes. In that second, there was a glare between the two. As if they were fighting without any physical altercation. Everything resumed back to normal speed as the door closed. Ahsoka put her head down and then left as there was nothing to do but wait. Twilight was following her friend as Storm still stared at the door with his glare. Like he had x-ray vision and could see his friend talking with the Chancellor. All the while his hand remained on his lightsaber as if he was ready for a fight to break out.

"Hey? You okay?" asked Twilight seeing how her partner was behaving.

"Yeah," replied Storm as he turned and left with the princess being more concerned about her partner. Especially how he acted towards his friend.

Inside the officer, Anakin was speaking with the Chancellor.

"I understand you made an important arrest in the plot to destroy the Jedi. To think a simple bounty hunter could create such a plan," said the Chancellor to the Jedi Knight as they walked to the window.

"I believe someone else, someone much more powerful, was behind this. And I don't think it was Dooku," answered Anakin.

"Oh? And have you any clues as to who it may be?" asked the Chancellor.

"Not yet, Chancellor."

"Have patience, my boy," said the Chancellor patting Anakin on the back as they looked towards the window and the city of Coruscant.




On the planet, Mustafar, there was a facility that was shown. And in it were some medical droids as well as a special guest who appeared via hologram.

"There, there, child. Soon you will cry no more," said Darth Sidious as he looked at the small toddler in its holding pin.

"Master, subjects of this age rarely survive the slave conditioning procedure," said a medical droid to the dark lord.

"I'm afraid the risk is necessary. The natural talent these children possess is too great to be wasted by the Jedi," said Darth Sidious before going to another table that had another baby. "I foresee an army of Force-talented spies in my service trained in the dark side to peer into every corner of the galaxy from afar. And my enemies would be helpless against such a vision. If the surgery fails, I will have lost nothing."

Back with the Jedi Masters, they had made it out of hyperspace. They were in a small asteroid field as they were approaching the station that Bane told them about. They attached themselves to one of the ports as the doorway connecting them opened.

"We'll be fine, Cody," said Obi-wan to his right-hand man as he and the other Jedi Masters walked with Bane in tow. "Stay here and watch the ship."

"Yes, sir. I'll keep the ship running," said the clone commander to his general before closing the door.

The Jedi Masters and Bane entered the elevator as they were being taken upwards to the station.

"I do not sense any children nearby," said Obi-wan.

"Neither do I," replied Windu.

"Where are you keeping the children?" asked Luna as she made sure to crack her knuckles loudly to get the message across to the bounty hunter.

"The children are safe. But first, there is your precious holocron," said Bane as he gestured behind the Jedi Masters.

There in the distance, on a table, lay the object as it shined in the darkness.

"Let me get it for you," said Bane as he began to walk.

"No more of your tricks," said Windu as he yanked back Bane.

The Jedi Master took a step off the platform but was unaware of the trap laid out. The moment he took a step, the bridge's sensors went off.

"Blast!" shouted Windu.

"You certainly stepped in it this time!" shouted Luna.

Turrets now popped out as they were aimed at the Jedi Masters. All three pulled out their lightsabers. The guns fired shots and lasers as all three Jedi Masters were deflecting and flipping out of the way. They soon began to reflect all of it at the guns as they were destroyed. While they were distracted, Bane took the opportunity to approach an escape pod. Obi-wan and Luna saw the bounty hunter as he looked to escape, the girl was also able to block a laser without looking as she kept her eye on the prisoner.

"So long, Jedi," said Bane as he disappeared.

Both Obi-wan and Luna backflipped as another turret popped out and fired at them. They both landed near Windu as they all stood back to back.

"Now, what do we do?" asked Windu.




After discussing the progress with the Chancellor, the group of Jedi Knights and Padawan were back aboard the Resolute. They were once again checking Bane's ship as they were hoping to find some clue.

"Well, the piloting systems are clean," said Anakin as he was in the cockpit looking at the screen.

"Check the landing gear, Ahsoka?" asked Storm as he was leaning on the ship his friend was in.

"Double-checked it," said the Padawan as she rolled out from under it.

"Nothing on my end," said Twilight as she held a small device as her droid was next to her with R2 digging into the ship's inner functions.

"I have the feeling Master Windu, Luna, and Obi-wan could've used our help," said Ahsoka.

"Look, I don't like being out of action, either, but somebody's got to do this job," said Anakin to his student.

"And it always ends up being us. Hmm," said Ahsoka to her pals. She was about to roll under again when she felt something on her fingers. "Bane picked up a lot of volcanic ash on his travels."

"Volcanic ash?" said Twilight as she bent down to look under the ship as she tested it on her fingers. "TS-01, examine this."

The princess' droid heard the command as its hand turned into a small vacuum and sucked in the ash. The droid was now running logarithms and calculating the source of origin of the stuff. At that moment, R2 also had something as it was plugged into the ship.

"What have you got, R2?" asked Twilight.

"Looks like Bane erased his navigation records, but not his fuel computer," said Anakin as Ahsoka rolled out from under the ship and sat on the ship looking at the screen as the others also looked.

"So?" asked Ahsoka.

"Well, if we cross the list of planets we know he visited with the distance he traveled..." said Storm as he was thinking outloud what his friend was suggesting.

"We may be able to calculate where else he went," said Twilight as she finished her partner's train of thought. "Huh, good thinking, Storm." Safe to say, the princess was impressed by the boy's intelligence.

"It's an old Jedi trick we use to track down smugglers. Ok, let's see," said Anakin as he began to work his magic. He then began to point at the planets on the screen as the others watched him.

"Glee Anselm, Rodia, Mustafar, Naboo."

"Wait. Mustafar?" said Ahsoka. "There were no children on Mustafar."

"Search, complete," spoke Twilight's droid as she showed the results on its chest as the girl looked at it.

"Seems that's where this is ash is from also." stated Twilight.

"It's a mining world, very remote. Probably stopped there to refuel," said Storm as he didn't think much of it.

"Like Twilight said, that explains the ash. But it was six systems out of his way. Maybe he met up with whoever he's working for. It's worth a look, isn't it?" said Ahsoka.

"Well, anything to get out of this hangar," said Anakin as he hopped out of the ship and began to walk.

The others began to follow as did the droids. They all boarded a shuttle as they entered space. They entered the coordinates for the ship as they entered hyperspace.




"I've got the holocron," said Obi-wan as he had the object in hand.

"Then let's move!" shouted Luna as the Jedi Masters were still dealing with the lasers and blasts. 

The door was now starting to close as all three were heading towards the entrance while deflecting any attacks at them. Luna slid under the door, she was soon followed by Obi-wan. Windu was the last one as he had to roll on his side as the door was that low. His lightsaber fell off as it was seconds from being crushed by the door. He had his hand out as he used the Force to grab it just as the door shut. The whole station was now self-destructing as explosions could be seen from the outside. They had made it back to where they entered as Cody saw them enter.

"Anytime, Cody," said Kenobi to his commander.

The clone commander began to push some buttons as he fired up the ship. They detached from the station and zoomed away just as the whole thing blew up. With our other group of Jedi, they had exited hyperspace.

"We're coming up on Mustafar," said Ahsoka.

"R2, TS-01, begin the landing cycle," said Anakin to the droids.

Their ship was now entering the orbit of Mustafar. On the planet in the facility, the experiment was beginning as a droid was listening to the orders given by Darth Sidious as he was present via hologram.

"Master, a starship is approaching," said a droid as it came rolling into the room. "It is not the bounty hunter."

"This was unexpected. Evacuate the children to my secondary facility. I'm afraid this installation is lost. We must destroy all the evidence." said Darth Sidious. "Turn off the gravity supports and let the building sink into the lava."

"I beg your pardon, sir," said a droid.

"Just do as I say!" shouted the sith lord before he disappeared.

The shuttle landed as the Jedi and droids walked out.

"You sure this is the right place?" asked Ahsoka.

"We're gonna find out," stated Anakin.

"Well, one thing's for sure. It's hot as hell here!" shouted Storm as he started to feel the heat and fan himself.

"Let's hurry. Cause this place does give me the creeps," said the princess as she was slightly scared.

The group followed the droids as they came to the droid at the end of the path. The droids then plugged in as they gained access to the door and opened it. The moment it opened, a rush came over all four Jedi as they had their eyes widen.

"I sense something, Master, and I don't like it."

"It's the dark side, Ahsoka."

"Then this is the right place," stated Storm.

All four now entered as they were running along the corridor. They turned the corner and kept on running as they all had their lightsabers in hand in case of anything they might run into. While they were running, the droid that was instructed by Darth Sidious was starting to move the toddlers when it let out a cry. Which didn't go unnoticed by our group.

"Did you guys hear that?" said Ahsoka.

"Yeah, I heard it," replied Anakin.

"The question is, where are they?" said Storm as they were at a crossroads of paths.

Both girls had their eyes closed as they were using the Force to guide them. Soon it told them their answer as they opened their eyes.

"This way!" stated Twilight as she pointed down a corridor.

All four and their droids began to book it down the hall.

"All gravity supports off," said a droid.

"Quick, the Jedi are coming," said the other droid as it handed the baby to its ally.

At that moment, the group turned the corner and came to a door. They all plunged their lightsabers at it as they were cutting it down.

"Turn out the lights. Hurry, hurry," said one of the droids as it saw the sabers.

The other droid managed to shut off the lights just as our heroes finished cutting through. It fell off as they all leaped inside in a battle stance. They looked around the darkness as bits of visible things could be seen. They cautiously took some steps forward as they scanned the area. Ahsoka noticed one of the beds as she approached and looked inside which resulted in her shaking her head.

"We're too late."

"I can sense they're still here," said Anakin.

All four felt it as they quickly turned on their lightsabers as the four colors lit up the room a bit. Out from the shadows came a droid as its eyes glowed and had one of the babies in its grasp. Another droid appeared behind the boys as it tried to attack them to which they moved out of the way.

"Be careful of the younglings," said Anakin as the droids were trying to swing at him and Twilight.

"I know! I know!" said Ahsoka as she and Storm were dealing with the other one.

While it was easy to defeat them, the hard part was that the droids held the toddlers in one arm as they tried to hit the Jedi with the other. So, if our heroes tried to swing with their blades, they would run the risk of hurting the kids with their weapons. Not to mention they didn't want to get hit. 

"We can't keep dodging forever!" shouted Storm as he ducked and leaned back. He grabbed Ahsoka's hand as he spun the girl around him to avoid her getting hit.

"I'm open to suggestions!" shouted Twilight as she and Anakin weren't faring any better. The Jedi Knight grabbed the princess by her shoulder and leaned her back to which she did a standing backflip to get some distance.

To make matters worst, the whole facility had been set to drop. The terminals flashed a warning sound, and alarms went off as that got the attention of everyone.

Ahsoka and Storm had their blades out in an attempt to intimidate the droid into backing off as they were still cautious about hurting the kid. The droid went for an attack as both leaped into the air. Ahsoka spun while Storm did his signature corkscrew as both evaded the attack and landed. The ground below them cracked open as they could see the lava that was miles down. Twilight and Anakin each had the droid they were dealing with surrounded on both sides as they had their weapons turned on. They managed to back it up as with the other pair they were still trying to evade.

Storm and Ahsoka took a step back as the ground below them now cracked open. Tons of alarms went off. The ground now tilted as the pair was on the higher end while the droid holding the baby was near the edge. The Padawan took the opportunity to turn on her blade as she sliced the arms off the droid and grabbed the youngling. Storm now grabbed her hand as he held her from falling over the edge and began to pull them up. 

With the other duo, they were about to make their move when the floor below them collapsed. Anakin and Twilight barely managed to grab ahold of something as their friends were worried. The droid slid down the edge as it grabbed onto the top piece of the floor as the baby was still with it. Anakin put his hand out as he used the Force to bring the youngling to him. He then let go as the youngling held onto him. The Jedi Knight landed on the droid as he not only made it fall but then pushed off of it, to wall run back to safety. Storm slid down to Twilight as he grabbed the princess's hand. The girl held onto her partner as he got them back up the slope and with the rest of their friends.

"Uh, the panel's fried," said Ahsoka trying to open the door.

"Where are the droids?" asked Anakin.

"Hello," said TS-01 as she and R2 managed to open the door at that moment.

"Good job," said Twilight as she grabbed her droid in her arms and ran.

Storm used the Force to grab R2 as all four were running for their lives. The facility was falling apart at a rapid pace. The group soon made it back to the shuttle with the kids and droids just as they could feel the platform being to give way. Anakin handed the baby to Twilight as he and Storm began to fire up the engines.

"Shh. Be quiet. Shh." said Ahsoka trying to calm the kids down.

"It's okay. We're gonna get you back home," said Twilight also trying to deal with the crying younglings.

The boys managed to get the engines up and running as a post nearby fell. It hit the platform as the whole thing fell in an instant. Luckily, they managed to get the ship up in the air just a second before, it now zoomed away from the destroyed place and the planet.




Sometime later, the four Jedi were on Coruscant. Once again, they were in front of the Jedi High Council where every Jedi Master was present to listen to the details of their mission.

"The base was completely destroyed, Master, and so was any clue who's behind this," said Anakin.

"Hmm. Most unfortunate this is," spoke Yoda.

"Well, at least we still have Bane," said Storm.

The Jedi Knight's response didn't sit well with Obi-wan, Luna, and Windu. That coupled with the expression that Yoda made said he managed to slip through the Jedi Masters' grips.

"Ugh, he got away again?" said Ahsoka.

"The important thing is that the children are safe, and we have recovered the holocron," said Celestia trying to save face for her comrades for failing.

"The list is intact, and there is no evidence it was copied," said Windu.

"Still, the future of all Jedi uncertain is. Move forward cautiously, we must," ordered Yoda to everyone in the room.

The Jedi Knights and Padawan bowed as they were dismissed. They turned to leave the room as behind them, Obi-wan, Luna, and Celestia cracked small smiles on their faces to see that their students were successful in their mission. The group then split off as they each had to do some duties assigned by the Council. Twilight was with Storm as she was talking, but the boy wasn't fully listening to his partner. 

"Storm? Storm!" shouted the princess.

"Yeah, Sparky?"

"You okay? You usually call me a nerd when I say something like that," said Twilight as she was referring to her latest book to which she expected her partner to make fun of her by using the word she didn't like to be identified as.

"Just... tired... is all," said Storm as he kept on walking with the girl following close behind.

The real thing that weighed on Storm's mind was the planet Mustafar. He didn't say this, but upon stepping foot on the place when they exited the shuttle. He was suddenly given a rush to his mind. It was brief, but the Force was sending the boy a message. What it was he didn't know as to when he sensed it, only silhouettes of figures were shown. He did hear some voices that belonged to the shadowed figures, but even then it was muffled as he couldn't make out who they belonged to. What the boy didn't know is that he had been given a little preview of an event that would take place in the future.

"You've allowed this dark lord to twist your mind!"

"If you're not with me, then you're my enemy!"