(Short chapter. I need to go food shopping and cook dinner. I just moved into my college house yesterday so I need to get stuff situated. Longer chapter incoming this weekend. Enjoy!)
-Abregado System-
A huge field of debris was in orbit around the crimson planet. Large chunks of what used to be Venator Class Star Destroyers littered the space. Various escape pods also littered the field.
One light freighter dropped out of hyperspace. In this freighter, the Twilight, sat Anakin, Ahsoka, and R2-D2.
R2-D2 rolled up to the chair Ahsoka was sitting in and beeped a few times.
Ahsoka turned to the astromech. "R2, set up the scanner. Modulate for incoming… mystery weapons."
R2 beeped in response and started rolling over to the astromech console.
Anakin then turned from the pilot seat. "No, R2, tune the scanners for life-forms, highest sensitivity."
Ahsoka tilted her head in confusion. "Why would we scan for life-forms to spot an enemy weapon probably just filled with… battle… droids." She stood up and walked over to the windshield. "The Abregado system. Huh." Anakin smirked at her and she looked at him sassily. "So it's okay when you don't follow what the Council says."
Anakin shook his head and sighed. "Doing what the Jedi Council says, that's one thing. How we go about doing it, that's another. That's what I'm trying to teach you, my young Padawan."
Ahsoka was livid. "So you always meant to come out here for survivors?"
Anakin nodded. "Lives are in danger, Ahsoka. We can't just turn our backs on them."
Ahsoka gestured in frustration and sat down in the copilot seat. "That's what I said back in the briefing room!"
Anakin nodded. "I know, but the way you said it was wrong. Hurry up. Switch on the illuminator."
Suddenly, another ship dropped out of hyperspace and pulled up right next to them.
Anakin looked over and sighed. "Speaking of not following what the Council says…"
Ahsoka looked at the ship and laughed. Inside the cockpit of the fighter was Tyler waving while wearing a shit eating grin. "Is that who you learned this stuff from?"
Anakin laughed. "Well it obviously wasn't Obi Wan."
Ahsoka shrugged. "Let's establish a comm link. We haven't got much time before the fleet misses us."
Anakin pressed a button on the dashboard. "Master Draco, wasn't expecting to see you here."
Tyler laughed. "I had a feeling you'd be here. I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't make an effort to locate my friend's missing master. Anyways, open the cargo bay. I'll park in it."
Anakin nodded. "Done. See you in a few, master."
-GE-
Tyler and R2-F4 walked into the cockpit. "Yo, find anything yet?"
Ahsoka was pressing a few buttons on the dashboard. She shook her head in frustration. "The scanners are practically useless. Got anything on the emergency channel, R2?"
Anakin sighed and took a deep breath. "Now, Ahsoka, we might find something you don't want to find."
Ahsoka nodded. "I know, master. But I have to believe."
Anakin nodded. "How do you know Master Plo, anyway? I'll ask you the same, Master Draco."
Ahsoka sighed. "He's one of my oldest friends. It was Master Plo Koon who found me and brought me to the temple where I belonged. Now he's lost, so I thought maybe I could find him. What about you, Master Draco?"
Tyler sighed and thought back. It had been years since they met. "When I first came to the temple, I trained under Masters Yoda and Windu until I became a padawan. I met Vice Guild Leader Xander during my time in the temple. When it came time for us to become padawans, I was under Master Kit Fisto and Xander went under Master Plo Koon. Since we were good friends, we often had meals together in our off time along with our masters."
Both R2s started beeping urgently.
Ahsoka looked at the dashboard and then back to Anakin. "Incoming transmission master. I think someone noticed we're gone!"
Obi Wan's hologram popped up on the communications console. "Anakin, where are you? Oh, Draco… you're with them too. This ought to be good."
Anakin laughed nervously. "Oh, hello, master. Uh, we made a quick stop in the Abregado system."
Obi Wan shook his head. "A rescue mission I suppose. You had other orders."
Ahsoka was about to speak but Tyler cut her off. "I approved of this mission, personally. You know I have the authority to do that regardless of what the Council says. In terms of the Grand Army of the Republic, I do outrank even Master Yoda, you know?"
Obi Wan sighed. "Oh, I'm sure. Well, since you are already there and TECHNICALLY authorized to be there, have you found any survivors?"
Tyler laughed. "Not yet, we have just started after all. Worry not. After a quick sweep of the area, we will head back to our respective fleets."
Obi Wan nodded and sighed. "Very well. Join the defensive escorts when you are done. We need the both of you. You guys will miss the rendezvous if you don't hurry."
Tyler nodded. "We'll make it quick, Obi Wan."
Obi Wan sighed. "May the force be with you."
Tyler smiled. "With you as well." The call ended.
A few minutes passed and nothing was coming up.
Tyler sighed and leaned against the wall. "UGHHHHH, THIS IS BORING!"
Suddenly, R2-D2 started beeping.
Tyler perked up. "What is it, boy? Did you find a stick?"
R2 beeped angrily.
Ahsoka scoffed. "Don't be mean to him. He's not a dog. What is it, R2?"
R2 beeped some more.
Ahsoka lit up. "R2 thinks he's got something on the emergency channel."
Anakin got excited. "Can he trace it?"
R2 beeped and rocked back and forth.
Ahsoka nodded. "Let's get going!"