Teth – Separatist Monastery, Upper Levels
Rain lashed against the stone walls as Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano moved swiftly through the narrow corridors of the Separatist stronghold, the tiny Huttlet, Rotta, cradled securely in Ahsoka's arms.
The winding staircase ahead echoed with the clang of marching droids.
"Spider droids on the high platforms!" Rex's voice crackled through the comm. "We can't hold this position much longer, General!"
Anakin grimaced, slashing down the last of a security droid and kicking its sparking chassis aside. "We'll meet you at the landing platform. Hold your ground, Rex."
Ahsoka shifted Rotta carefully in her arms, her expression softening as the Huttlet whined in fear. "We've gotta get this kid out of here fast."
Anakin nodded, eyes hardening as he reached out through the Force, sensing movement above.
"More droids incoming," he warned, stepping back-to-back with Ahsoka.
The ceiling above groaned — then buckled as two crab droids smashed through the stone, dropping into the hall in front of them.
Anakin's blue blade ignited with a familiar snap-hiss. Ahsoka's sabers flared to life at her sides.
"Snips, on my lead."
"Wouldn't dream of going first, Master," she shot back, smirking.
Anakin launched forward, driving his saber into the nearest crab droid's leg joint, forcing the machine to stagger. Ahsoka circled wide, flipping up onto its back, her sabers slicing downward into its optical sensors. Sparks showered the hallway.
The second droid fired its blaster cannon, sending debris flying. Anakin threw out his free hand, catching the blast midair with the Force and redirecting it into the wall beside the droid, causing a partial collapse that pinned its legs.
"Nice shot, Skyguy," Ahsoka called out, landing lightly beside him.
Anakin gave a small grin, deactivating his saber. "Come on. Let's finish this."
They pushed forward, blaster fire intensifying as they neared the landing platform — their only escape route.
Tatooine – Outside Jabba's Palace
Far from the chaos of Teth, in the blistering heat of the Dune Sea, a sleek Separatist shuttle descended near Jabba's palace. The ramp lowered with a hiss, and Count Dooku emerged, cloaked in his flowing black robes, accompanied by a squad of BX commando droids.
Bib Fortuna slithered forward to greet him, eyes wary.
Dooku's voice dripped with silk and poison. "Inform Jabba that Count Dooku wishes to offer his condolences for the loss of his son."
Bib hesitated, glancing toward the guards, then nodded slowly and gestured toward the palace.
Inside, Jabba rumbled in anger as Dooku approached, the Sith Lord offering a deep bow — mock sincerity oozing from every gesture.
"I regret to report," Dooku began smoothly, "that the Jedi's so-called rescue attempt has failed. Their true intent, I fear, was never to return your son… but to use him as leverage against your great power."
Jabba's eyes narrowed dangerously, tail lashing.
Dooku pressed on, gesturing toward the holo-display at his side. It flickered to life, showing a doctored feed of Anakin and Ahsoka fighting through the monastery — carefully edited to make it appear they were harming rather than helping.
"I warned you," Dooku said softly. "The Jedi cannot be trusted."
Jabba's booming voice echoed through the hall, demanding proof.
Dooku gave a slow, elegant nod. "Patience, Jabba. Soon you will see their treachery with your own eyes."
Teth – Landing Platform Chaos
The rain hammered down in sheets as the Republic gunships struggled to hold their position against Separatist fire.
Rex's squad was pinned behind fallen crates, blaster bolts sizzling overhead.
"We can't hold this LZ much longer, sir!" Rex called through the comm.
Anakin and Ahsoka sprinted across the final hall, Rotta still held tightly against Ahsoka's chest. The door ahead burst open as super battle droids marched through, blasters primed.
Anakin didn't break stride. With a shout, he flung his arm outward, crushing the lead droid squad with a wave of the Force, scattering their remains across the platform.
Ahsoka slid low beneath a blaster volley, keeping Rotta shielded, while Anakin carved a path forward, deflecting blasts back into the advancing droids.
"Rex, bring the gunship in closer!" Anakin ordered.
The gunship banked hard, hovering just over the platform edge as the side doors opened.
"Go!" Anakin shouted.
Ahsoka leapt aboard first, handing Rotta carefully to a waiting medic clone. Anakin followed, saber still ignited as he slashed down the last B1 droid before leaping onto the ramp.
The gunship engines roared as they lifted away from the burning monastery.
"Got the Huttlet," Anakin confirmed into the comm. "We're heading for hyperspace."
Ahsoka, still catching her breath, looked down at the small Huttlet curled up safely beside her. "Hang on, little guy. Almost home."
Tatooine – Dooku's Web Tightens
As the Separatist transmission reached Jabba, the Hutt growled low, glaring at the falsified footage once more.
"See how they endanger your son," Dooku said, voice calm as still water. "But I can bring him back to you… safely."
Jabba rumbled a question, suspicious but tempted.
Dooku gave a slow, polite bow. "The Jedi are not your allies, Jabba. But I… can be."
The shadows at the edge of the hall seemed to darken as Dooku smiled.
(Next: Anakin and Ahsoka's race to return Rotta — and Obi-Wan and Jace confront the consequences of Dooku's lies face-to-face with Jabba.)