Star Wars: Emergence

Chapter 1- Battle on Alderaan

The minute their gunship touched down on the landing pad at the Jedi Temple, Ahsoka fought the urge to run straight to her quarters and jump in bed. What was supposed to be a stealth mission turned into a weeklong skirmish. She was both sore and exhausted. After turning in her mission report and grabbing a quick bite to eat, she finally retired to her room. Just as Ahsoka's head touched her pillow, her commlink went off.

"Ahsoka, we have been summoned by the Council. Meet me there in 5 clicks," Anakin informed her.

"Yes Master," Ahsoka grunted, slipping her boots back on. Standing up, she groaned. Normally, she would be excited for a new mission, but it had been so long since she had had a good night's rest. Ahsoka hurried to meet her master outside the council chambers.

"You look rough," Anakin commented as she approached.

"You're one to talk," Ahsoka retorted, "Besides, I was about to get some rest before you called."

"Hey, don't blame me! I'm just the messenger," Anakin replied.

Just then, the doors opened. Anakin and Ahsoka entered, crossing to the center of the room.

Ahsoka always felt nervous being summoned to the council chambers. Each of the council members exuded such wisdom and authority. Though she was young for the level she was at, Ahsoka longed to share the Jedi masters' experience and skill.

"We've just received news that the capital of Alderaan is under attack by the Separatists," Mace Windu stated. "Skywalker, you and your apprentice are to take a battalion of clones and help defend the capital."

"Yes master," Anakin said. He and Ahsoka bowed.

Ahsoka sighed internally. So much for that good night's rest she had been longing for. She was also confused. For the entire Clone Wars, up until now, Alderaan had remained peaceful and avoided conflict. It was a core world, and a longstanding part of the Galactic Senate. They would not be easily forced to join the Separatists.

After receiving the details of their mission, they exited the council chambers and made their way to the main fighter hangar.

"Why would the Separatists attack Alderaan? It's a peaceful planet," Ahsoka asked.

"My guess is it has to do with Alderaan's support of the new trade bill," Anakin responded.

Ahsoka nodded, her curiosity quieted for now.

"It sucks they're already sending us out again after we just got back from Florrum."

"Yeah, but just think about all the experience you're getting," Anakin told her, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, well-"

Suddenly, Ahsoka stopped as her vision went dark. Instead of walking in the Jedi temple, she was on the ground of an empty throne room. Standing above her was a dark figure with yellow eyes. It was a Sith, but not one she recognized. She tried to inch away, but the figure raised its hands and shot a ray of lightning at her, making her vision go dark again. This time, when Ahsoka opened her eyes, she was back in the Jedi temple. Anakin was standing in front of her with a hand on her shoulder and a concerned look on his face.

"Ahsoka, can you hear me? Are you alright?" he questioned.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Ahsoka replied, trying to shake off that prickling feeling she felt creeping up the back of her neck.

"What happened?"

"Nothing, I'm-I'm fine."

Ahsoka glanced at him, seeing the concerned look on his face. She smiled slightly, hoping it would convince him. Seemingly, it did.

As they continued on, Ahsoka couldn't stop picturing the face of that mysterious figure she saw in her vision. Surely, she was just sleep deprived and needed some rest.

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Obi-Wan greeted the pair as they entered the hangar. Ahsoka addressed him with a nod.

"Obi-Wan, are you joining us?" Anakin asked his former master.

"Sadly no, I have just been assigned to report to Anthan Prime to deal with a local arms dealer."

"Seems low profile for a Jedi master," Anakin retorted.

"Not all of us get the flashy missions like you two."

Anakin chuckled, "You're welcome to join in on the fun when you finish up on Anthan Prime."

"Yes, well, don't destroy all the droids before I get there. May the force be with you both," Obi-Wan responded before leaving to find his fighter.

Anakin and Ahsoka loaded a gunship with Captain Rex and several other clones.

"Ready for some more action?" Rex asked them as they got ready to take off.

"I think we've still got some fight left in us, right Snips?" Anakin answered, nudging Ahsoka.

"Huh? Oh yeah. Ready to go," Ahsoka, replied tiredly.

"You sure you're up for this?"

"Of course," Ahsoka told him, "Just a little tired is all."

"Ok," Anakin said, eyeing her carefully.

Ahsoka knew he wasn't entirely convinced, but he didn't fight her on it, either.

As the fleet entered hyperspace, Ahsoka let her thoughts drift. Her eyelids were just about to shut when she was jerked into another world. It was the same place as before, except Anakin was there, fighting the unknown Sith with her. The figure was highly skilled with a lightsaber, and easily fought both Jedi at the same time. Suddenly, he kicked her out of the way and force pushed her master, slamming him pretty hard into the closest wall.

"Master!" she cried out before the vision ended and she was back in the gunship. 

The fleet was coming out of hyperspace and getting ready to enter the atmosphere. The pilot landed several kilometers from the enemy front lines. As soon as the doors opened, Anakin, Ahsoka, and the clones were met with heavy fire. Droids had already infiltrated the outer section of the city and were making a heavy push for the city center, where the Queen's palace was.

"Take cover!" Rex yelled, using the nearest infrastructure to shield from the enemy fire.

Anakin and Ahsoka activated their lightsabers and ran to the front to help shield some of the clones.

"We can't let them reach the palace!" Anakin yelled.

"Got it," Ahsoka yelled back, running to meet the frontline of droids that was quickly encroaching.

Though she was tired earlier, now that the battle had begun, Ahsoka had found her second wind. She deflected incoming shots and sliced her way through the mass of marching battle droids.

Her master joined her, quickly cutting down any droids that stood in his path.

Two droidekas rolled up and began to shoot at the Jedi. As they blocked their shots, two droid poppers rolled underneath their shields, electrocuting and disabling them.

"Don't worry, I've got your back!" Rex called back as he continued forward, shooting down droids.

Anakin and Ahsoka glanced at each other and smiled. What would they do without Rex?

The assault continued for a little while longer before the droids fell back to regroup. Ahsoka was grateful for the break as her second burst of energy was dying down.

"Why don't you get some rest, Ahsoka," Anakin told her, "Rex and I will take first watch."

"You sure, Master?"

"Yeah, you look like you could use it," Anakin replied, winking.

Ahsoka rolled her eyes, but she didn't argue because she knew he was right. Any amount of rest, no matter how short, would do her some good.