The Second Padawan

Chapter Eight

Ahsoka had put Stinky on a shelf with a mini blanket, about an hour or two ago. He was sleeping, I had taken a half an hour nap on my seat.

I looked out the window and saw we had just exited hyperspace.

"I was hoping I'd never have to lay eyes on this dust ball again." Anakin said.

Ahsoka looked at me and I looked back at her.

"Okay...what happened?" She asked the question that was burning through both our minds.

"I don't wanna talk about it" he said quickly "How's Stinky holding up?" He changed the subject.

"He seems to be feeling much better." Ahsoka looked back at the sleeping Hutlet.

I got up and felt his head again, just for good measure. "No sign of the fever anymore." I smiled.

"Even you guys have to admit he's cute when he's sleeping." Ahsoka said.

"I'd admit I like him better when he's quiet, only a little." Anakin said.

"Okay fine...he's kinda cute, in a weird wormy way." I admitted.

"Haha, knew it. I wonder what he will be like when he gets older?" Ahsoka asked.

"I wonder if he'd remember us?" I pondered aloud.

"You two wouldn't like him when he's older, trust me." Anakin said.

R2 beeped something at Anakin.

"No R2, I want the cannon operational first. Leave the rear deflector shield for later."

"No rear shield Master?" Ahsoka said "That's awfully risky."

"Not protecting all of your weaknesses can leave you vulnerable." I said quoting a text I had read at the temple.

"Isn't that from a text?" Ahsoka asked me.

I nodded in response.

"Well...my training is kinda off the books." Anakin said "And besides, a strong attack eliminates the need for defense."

The radar started to beep near Ahsoka. She pressed a button repeatedly before banging the screen with her first.

"Attack ships closing!"

"Somebody doesn't want Stinky to get home in one piece!" Anakin said.

We got hit in the back causing the whole ship to shake. I nearly fell over. I took my seat back in my chair and strapped in.

"Wow, some welcome home party!" Ahsoka said sarcastically.

"Set the approach vector and get ready to land." Anakin told R2.

"Ahsoka activate the guns!" He said.

Ahsoka clicked the corresponding button.

"All the guns are locked in the forward position!" She said.

"I knew we should have repaired the rear deflector shields." I sighed.

"Not now you two!" Anakin hollered. "R2 see if you can unlock those guns!"

"Sometimes a good defense is the best offense." Ahsoka yelled over the gunfire.

"How about you go secure your little Hutlet friend?" He told her.

"None of us are secure with you flying!" She got up and took Stinky off the shelf and placed him on a side table.

The ship rotated almost knocking Ahsoka off balance. Anakin drove the ship downwards kicking Ahsoka and Stinky to the ground. Stinky awoke and started to cry.