2 Calm Before The Storm

Ahsoka's eyes brightened as she noticed his approaching figure, her expression a mixture of curiosity and excitement. As they met in the center of the hangar, she greeted him with a smile, her voice tinged with anticipation,

"Master Revan?"

...

..

Revan nodded in acknowledgment, his masked visage unreadable as his gaze lingered on her, silently appraising.

Ahsoka's smile widened at his confirmation, "I'm Ahsoka Tano," She introduced herself eagerly, "Master Yoda sent me as your new Padawan."

Revan's response was brief, his tone neutral as he muttered, "Follow me." Without waiting for further discussion, he turned and led the way out of the hangar.

Ashoka didn't mind his attitude as she simply followed him from behind.

But as they walked through the corridors of the ship, she couldn't help but be captivated by the presence of her new Master. There was an overflowing aura of power and energy surrounding Revan, as if he were a beacon of the Force itself.

Yet, amidst this undeniable strength, there was also a sense of warmth and comfort in his presence, as if being enveloped by the force.

'It's like he is the Force.' Ahsoka muttered inwardly, her thoughts swirling with wonder and disbelief. But she quickly shook her head, dismissing the notion as foolish, 'No, that's ridiculous... Right?' She questioned herself, though a lingering sense of uncertainty remained.

Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, they arrived at a door, its panels sliding open to reveal the command center beyond.

As they entered, Ahsoka's attention was immediately drawn to the bustling activity within, filled with clones and one certain Admiral at the center, who approached them.

"You must be Jedi Master Revan," The Admiral began as he had his hands behind his back, "My name is Admiral Yularen, and I am the temporary Admiral for these ships sent by the Chancellor."

"I see," Revan replied, his tone calm, before motioning beside him, "And this is Padawan Tano." The two greeted each other briefly as he continued, "But let's skip the pleasantries... Are all ships ready?"

The Admiral nodded, as he slightly smiled at the Jedi Master's battle-ready attitude.

"Yes, General, all the ships are ready for take-off," Admiral Yularen confirmed, "But if I'm not mistaken, are we not supposed to go with Jedi Master Yoda's ships also?"

Revan slightly shook his head as he answered, "Since Master Yoda will take time, we decided we will go on our own first; he'll meet us there later."

With a decisive nod, Admiral Yularen issued orders to the crew, "We're leaving now for Geonosis! Inform the rest of the ships!" He commanded, his voice resounding through the command center.

As the clones sprang into action at Yularen's directive, Revan turned to take his leave.

The Venator and other Acclamators loudly hummed with energy and machinery as they rose in altitude, and immediately went into Hyperspace.

Acknowledging Revan's departure with a glance, Admiral Yularen returned his focus to the task at hand. Meanwhile, Revan and Ahsoka made their way to another part of the command center, where a hologram table awaited their attention.

"Actually I have a question." Ahsoka suddenly spoke.

"Hmm?" He simply looked at her, indicating for her to continue, as she did,

"I, uh, couldn't help but notice something... weird about you." She began hesitantly, her words stumbling slightly as she tried to articulate her thoughts, "It's like this... presence, I guess? It's kinda hard to explain, but it's definitely there. What's the deal with that?"

Revan regarded her silently for a moment, his gaze thoughtful and contemplative. Then, without preamble, he posed a question of his own,

"Have you ever heard of the ability called Oneness?"

Ahsoka shook her head, intrigued by the unfamiliar term.

Revan then continued, as he explained, "Oneness is the ability to become one with the Force itself, where your consciousness merges seamlessly with its energy, granting unparalleled insight and power. It requires an unparalleled understanding of the Force and the strength to wield it."

Ahsoka listened intently, absorbing his words with rapt attention, "So you have this ability?"

Revan chuckled softly, shaking his head in response, "No, not quite," he admitted. "But I am attuned to the Force in a way that few others are, giving me the highest chance of attaining this ability. Perhaps even more so than Master Yoda himself."

Ahsoka's eyes widened in surprise at the bold claim, "Really? But isn't Master Yoda like 900 years old?"

Revan's smirk was practically palpable through his visor as he replied, his voice tinged with amusement, "Let's just say I don't differentiate between the two sides of a coin, but rather acknowledge that it's simply one coin."

Ashoka rolled her eyes in response, "As if that answered my question."

Ignoring her words, Revan turned his attention back to the holographic table before him, tapping a sequence of commands into the interface.

"So then, what are you doing?" Ashoka's curiosity got the better of her as she leaned in closer, peering over his shoulder at the illuminated display.

Revan glanced briefly in her direction before returning his focus to the task at hand, "I'm bringing up a map of Geonosis so that I can devise a plan." He explained, his fingers tapping across the holographic controls with practiced precision.

As the holographic representation of Geonosis materialized before them, Revan paused, pressing his comlink to issue a command to all available commanders.

"All available Commanders in the Venator come to the Command Center. As for the rest you on the other ships, include yourself through Holo-Communications." He instructed, his voice authoritative.

Returning his attention to the holographic map, Revan continued to manipulate the controls, overlaying known enemy positions and strategic landmarks onto the display.

And soon after they were interrupted by the approach of two Clone Troopers in distinctive armor. One clad in navy blue armor and the other in green-striped armor, they stood before him with disciplined poise.

"Sir, you've called for us?" The navy blue-clad trooper spoke, his tone respectful and attentive.

"Commander Bang, Commander Zephyr, where are the rest of the Commanders?" Revan questioned pointedly.

"Sir, the rest of the Commanders are spread out among the other 6 Acclamators to ensure operational readiness." Commander Bang replied promptly.

"I see..."

Revan then turned his attention back to the holographic display, ready to lead his team in planning a strategy for the mission ahead.

As they began to discuss the details of the operation, holographic projections of the other captains and commanders materialized above the table, each one ready to contribute their expertise to the planning process.

****

Time slipped by, as the planet of Geonosis loomed large on the viewscreen of the command center.

Revan, Ashoka, and Admiral Yularen stood at the forefront, their eyes fixed on the distant brown sphere.

"Inform the Squadron Commanders of the Acclamators to prepare for landing procedures. We're approaching Geonosis." Revan commanded.

Turning to Ashoka, he issued further instructions, "Ashoka, head down to the hangar and ensure our troops are primed for deployment. I'll join you shortly, and we'll board a Gunship together toward the lower atmosphere."

Ashoka nodded in acknowledgment before swiftly departing from the command center.

Addressing Admiral Yularen, Revan continued, "Admiral, once all designated ground forces have disembarked from the Venator, return to orbit and maintain blockade protocols. We can't let any escapees slip through."

The Admiral, though hesitant, awkwardly smiled as he replied, "With all due respect General, allow me to lead the space forces while you take charge on the ground."

Revan didn't even give him a glance, as he headed for the exit, "Very well, Admiral. May the Force be with you."

Disappearing behind the bulkhead of a door, he headed toward the hangar.

Once arriving, he noticed the room packed with energy, Clones quickly entering Gunships and checking their weapons.

Revan himself headed toward one specific Gunship which Ahsoka was standing in, as he stepped inside, Ahsoka turned to speak to him.

"Master, everything's ready for departure." She reported, her voice steady despite the anticipation.

Revan nodded, his masked gaze unwavering. "Good. We proceed as planned."

But abruptly, Ahsoka seemed apprehensive, "Hey, um, Master Revan," Her expression softened, as her turned voice slightly nervous, "I've, uh, heard stories about how you handle things in battles. Any tips for a Padawan about to dive into her first real fight?"

Revan's lips quirked beneath his mask, a faint semblance of a smile, "Actions speak louder than words, Ahsoka. Just observe me and learn."

Ahsoka seemed surprised at the response, before firmly nodding, a silent understanding passing between them, as Revan took his place beside her.

In the next second, the gunship's engines roared to life. The vessel lifted off the hangar floor, ascending out of the opening of the ship.

Before promptly descending toward the surface of Geonosis, Revan himself remained focused, his mind sharp and alert. He knew the stakes were high, and failure was not an option.

Ahsoka glanced at him, sensing his seriousness, and couldn't help but ask another question, "Master, what should we expect down there?" 

This time, Revan's voice seemed emotionless as he answered,

"Death."

_____________________

Not too shabby, eh?