Star Wars the Clone Wars: War Refugees

Fire and Stones

First: Be warned: There's a lot to this chapter...hope it's enjoyable. For some reason this one was tough.

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Obi-Wan's POV

Obi-Wan helped another unsteady clone to his feet from where they stood in the shadows of the burning ship, "Are you alright?"

The man shook his head, "I am. Thanks to you General. Thank you."

"It was nothing." He laid a hand on his shoulder, "You'll be fine."

The clone nodded and walked towards the rest of the 501st. Few had been caught in the blast of the ship. The three that did, were no longer with them.

Obi-Wan sighed to himself, what had happened to the simple mission? Lately the war seemed to be amounting to more and more violence. Like it was building up to some great event that, he felt, would change everything. He shook his head, such distracting thoughts weren't going to help them. He turned from the clones and headed to Anakin, they needed to make a plan.

"We have a problem." Anakin said, as Obi-Wan approached. The young General was peering down at a stone he and Ahsoka were using for a table.

Kenobi raised his eyebrows, "What now?"

Ahsoka leapt up from a small rock she'd been sitting on. "Our communicators aren't working."

"How is that possible?" He glanced at his old Padawan worriedly. "Anakin?"

"Someone is jamming our signals," Anakin said, looking up from his dismantled comm, "and I'm guessing, its the same someone that blew up our ship."

"It must be the Separatists Master, who else would have the technology?" Ahsoka glowered at the comm Anakin had tried to modify. "I say, we follow the tracks, and see who they lead us to."

Obi-Wan stroked his beard in thought. "I agree with Ahsoka. We can't sit here waiting to be attacked again."

Anakin frowned but nodded. "Ok, I'll gather the men, you two be ready to move."

Ahsoka's POV

Ahsoka stood beside Obi-Wan, trying not to shuffle around. She was anxious to discover who was waiting for them, and why they hadn't revealed themselves.

"Men! Today we have lost fellow soliders to a cowards attack!" Anakin shouted pacing before the 501st. The clones watched devotedly, not one of them distracted.

"They were our friends, and our allies."

The dying fires from the explosion made flickering shadows dance across Anakins face. Ahsoka noted it made him look dangerous.....and angry.

"They have destroyed our ship and communications, leaving us stranded with little resources!" He paused and pointed out past the ruins, "We're going to show whoever's out there who they messed with!"

The 501st cheered loudly. Ahsoka watched as they brandished their weapons and fists towards the sky.

"Form up!" Anakin called, and the men moved to comply.

Turning towards his fellow Jedi he mumbled, "We don't know who's waiting."

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30 minutes. 30 minutes and still no sign of anything out of place. Ahsoka slunk through the rocky canyon, keeping her eyes on the ground. Studying the tracks so hard, she was sure she'd never forget the shape.