-A Padawan's Journey-

Space battle

Blaring sirens jolted Valerie from her slumber in her room on board of the Aurelia. She bolted up and looked around her room. Her lightsaber had fallen to the ground. The ship shook again as Valerie found her footing.

"Master, what's going on?" Valerie yelled into her comms.

"Padawan!" Her master was quick to reply. "Get to the bridge right away."

"I'm on my way." Grabbing her lightsaber, Valerie quickly left her room and started running down the halls of the Venator. She ran past clones running back and forth. She had to run through the hanger and bumped into another clone.

"Sorry, commander!" The clone saluted her.

"It's alright, Jet." Valerie said. "But what is going on?"

"Pirates, sir." Jet said. "We were passing by Florrum when pirates started attacking." This was followed by the Aurelia shaking.

"Jet!" Another clone called for him. "We have to get these fighters fueled!"

"Scuse me sir." Jet nodded and ran off.

Commander Ortis to the bridge.

Commander Ortis to the bridge.

Valerie's name came over the loudspeaker. "Right bridge." Valerie continued running through the halls even with the Ventor taking damage with each hit from the pirates.

Valerie burst through the doors of the bridge and saw Admiral Foxtrot, Captain Rickshaw, Master Amon, and even R3-D3.

"General, there you are." Rickshaw nodded to her.

Valerie jogged next to R3, patted the little droid's dome and looked at the men before her. "We're being attacked by pirates?"

"Yes." Master Amon nodded. "It appears Hondo Ohnaka is in the mood of being a nuisance to the Jedi Order today."

"He is always a nuisance." Admiral Foxtrot scoffed.

"Padawan, you fought Hondo one time." Master Amon turned to her. "I have not had this luxury yet."

"I don't recall fighting him." Valerie stated. "He kidnapped me and Commander Wolffe saved me. I don't really remember much of that day."

"Hmm." Master Amon stroked his chin.

"What are your orders, sir?" Admiral Foxtrot asked.

"Rickshaw, get the clones ready for a space battle. I feel Hondo is looking to cause some chaos. Admiral, keep trying to get into contact with Hondo's mother ship, I might still be able to negotiate a peaceful outcome." Master Amon said.

"Yes sir!" Rickshaw saluted him.

"What about me master?" Valerie asked.

"I have something special for you." Master Amon turned to her. "You'll be leading the assault. Jet will get you settled in a fighter."

"Me?" Valerie tilted her head. "I-I can't lead the assault. I've never flown a fighter in battle before!" Master Amon started walking away from her and Valerie jogged to catch up to him. "Master? Master, wait!"

"My orders have been given." Master Amon waved a dismissive hand.

"Drake stop!" Valerie stomped her foot. Master Amon paused and slowly turned around. "I told you I'm not ready for a battle like this. I haven't been in something like this before. I'm just a kid!"

"Valerie..." Drake walked up to Valerie, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I have complete faith in you that you can do this. You won't be alone out there. Now go to Jet and fly this mission."