Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight of the Galactic Republic, stood on the bridge of his flagship, the Endurance.
Clone pilots and troopers bustled around him, maintaining the vessel's systems, monitoring communications, and scanning for Separatist movements. It was demanding work, but such was the life of a Jedi during wartime.
More than a decade earlier, Anakin had been merely a slave boy on Tatooine. Once just a small-time podracer, he had now risen to become one of the Republic's most formidable military commanders.
The thought of Tatooine brought memories of his gentle, loving mother, Shmi Skywalker. Anakin closed his eyes briefly, trying to conceal the lingering pain of her loss.
"Master?"
"Skyguy?"
Anakin glanced down at his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, who stood beside him with concern etched across her features.
"Are you alright?" Ahsoka asked.
"Hmm? Yes, I'm fine," Anakin dismissed with a wave of his hand.
"Really?" Ahsoka persisted. "You seem troubled."
Touched by her concern, Anakin playfully ruffled her head-tails before pulling her into a brief hug.
"Look at that, my little Snips is old enough to worry about me now," he teased.
"Master!" Ahsoka protested, squirming in his embrace as she tried to break free. "Let me go!"
"Not likely, kid. I've got the high ground here."
"You only say that because you're taller," Ahsoka retorted.
"I see you two are finding creative ways to pass the time," a cultured yet warm voice observed from behind them.
Both Jedi turned to see Obi-Wan Kenobi approaching with an amused expression.
"Just delivering a friendly lesson in humility," Anakin replied casually.
Ahsoka responded by giving her irreverent master a light punch to the arm. Anakin clutched the spot with exaggerated pain.
Obi-Wan shook his head at their antics and gestured for them to follow.
"Come along, the others are waiting for us," he said, leading Anakin and Ahsoka toward the main briefing area of the Endurance.
As they approached the holographic conference chamber, they found Clone Commander Cody and Clone Captain Rex waiting outside.
Both wore customized armor that distinguished them from regular troopers—Cody's featured orange markings and plating, while Rex's displayed blue trim with distinctive pauldrons.
"They're ready for you, General," Commander Cody informed Obi-Wan.
"Then let's not keep them waiting any longer," Obi-Wan replied, entering the conference room.
The chamber was filled with Jedi Masters and their clone commanders, gathered for a high-level strategic meeting.
Jedi Master Plo Koon and Commander Wolffe were seated next to where Obi-Wan and Cody would sit. Aayla Secura and Commander Bly were positioned adjacent to where Anakin, Ahsoka, and Rex would take their places. Around the circular table sat Mace Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Luminara Unduli, Eeth Koth, and Grand Master Yoda. They were joined by Clone Commanders Ponds, Bacara, Gree, Lock, and Sear.
While everyone appeared focused on the meeting, Master Yoda seemed preoccupied. His eyes were half-closed, his expression suggesting deep contemplation.
"Master Yoda," Mace Windu addressed the ancient Jedi, "everyone has arrived."
"Hmm?" Yoda looked up, suddenly aware that the meeting had commenced. "Apologize, I do. Distracted by my thoughts, I was."
Though Mace Windu seemed curious about what troubled the Grand Master, he recognized this wasn't the moment to inquire, as Aayla Secura had already begun her briefing.
"Following Skywalker and Tano's successful operations on Teth and Tatooine, we've established a secure transit corridor through Hutt Space," Aayla explained, activating a galactic map on the holotable that highlighted Hutt territory and its boundaries.
"We've established several bases at key strategic points and strongholds here, here, and here," Commander Bly added, indicating several fortified positions within their newly secured region.
"We occasionally encounter pirates and other outlaws," Commander Bacara noted, "but typically only along the outer fringes of Hutt Space."
"What of our other ongoing operations?" Mace Windu asked, addressing the gathering.
"My fleet has departed to reinforce the 224th on Mimban," Eeth Koth reported.
"Progress well, my assignment does," Yoda continued. "Alliance negotiations with King Katuunko have concluded. A powerful ally, the Republic has gained."
Luminara Unduli considered for a moment before reporting, "Regarding Separatist forces, my fleet has encountered only scattered droid patrols. Our offensive against the main droid army has achieved limited progress."
"My experience has been similar," Plo Koon added.
"Waiting for the right moment, Dooku is," Yoda stated firmly. His expression darkened slightly at the mention of his former student. "His goal, to strip the Republic of peace entirely."
Obi-Wan contemplated what the Sith Lord might be planning. "Dooku has pursued this agenda since the war began. Despite numerous setbacks, he has never wavered."
"He might target an unexpected location for his next assault," Commander Cody suggested, following his general's line of thinking.
"And where might that be?" Mace Windu questioned.
The Jedi Masters and clone commanders fell silent, each attempting to predict Dooku and the Separatists' next move. It was clearly difficult to anticipate the Sith Lord's strategy based on speculation alone.
Suddenly, Yoda emitted a pained groan, immediately drawing the attention of several Masters and commanders.
"What's wrong, Master?" Commander Sear asked with concern.
Before Yoda could respond, every Jedi in the room either gasped or displayed expressions of shock as they experienced a massive disturbance in the Force.
"What's happening?" Bly asked urgently.
"Is everyone alright?" Cody questioned anxiously, moving closer to Kenobi, who appeared on the verge of collapse.
"Commander, can you stand?" Rex crouched beside Ahsoka, who had fallen to her knees, clutching her head in agony.
Anakin vigorously rubbed his forehead, wincing from the intense headache that had overwhelmed him.
"What in the galaxy is occurring?!" Luminara exclaimed weakly, barely remaining upright with Commander Gree's support.
"Great change within the Force, there is," Yoda declared solemnly. Commander Thire knelt beside him, ready to assist should the Grand Master experience the same reaction as the other Jedi.
"That's not quite it," Mace said, nodding gratefully as Ponds helped him to his feet.
"The Force..." Plo Koon murmured, leaning heavily against the table. "It doesn't feel hostile."
"What do you mean?" Bly couldn't help asking.
Plo considered before responding, "It seems to be... alerting us to something."
His assessment was met with nods of agreement from the other Masters.
"Your concern, we appreciate. Leave this matter to us, you can," Yoda addressed the Force itself, speaking on behalf of all Jedi present.
As Yoda finished, the disturbance subsided, and everyone began to recover. It appeared Plo Koon's interpretation had been correct. Before they could investigate further, Rex noticed a flashing indicator on the communications console.
"Generals, we have an incoming transmission," Rex announced, activating the comm link.
The holographic figures of Senators Padmé Amidala, Bail Organa, and Riyo Chuchi materialized before them.