Piracy in space. Infamous outlaw Hondo Onaka has committed a heinous crime of attacking a Jedi transport carrying six younglings and Padawan Carmine Jinn, who just received their lightsaber crystals. So rare are these crystals that Hondo knows he can sell them on the black market for a small fortune. In a desperate attempt to save the younglings and her Master's twin brother, Ahsoka Tano has been captured by Hondo and his pirate horde.

Now, with a damaged ship, the younglings are stranded and alone.

Katooni tried to make contact with the Republic fleet, and someone answered.

"This is General Kenobi. We have your transmission." said Obi-Wan.

"The General Kenobi?" Petro said with astonishment.

Carmine activated the hologram.

"Obi-Wan, thank the Force you answered." said the pop star.

"The pirate Hondo has attacked and severely damaged our ship." Katooni explained. "and taken our chaperone, Ahsoka Tano."

"I'm dispatching Commander Cody to bring you back." Obi-Wan promised. "We shall deal with Hondo on Florrum."

"Will Ahsoka be alright?" asked Katooni.

"Hondo would be even more of a fool than I think he is to hurt her." Obi-Wan said. "Once we've picked you up, we'll focus on rescuing Ahsoka."

"But we could help Ahsoka a lot sooner than you can." said Petro.

"You've shown great bravery, but these pirates-"

"It was us who managed to drive them from the ship."

"You will not jeopardize your safety trying to be heroes, understood?""

"Yes, Master."

"That goes for you as well, Carmine."

"Yes, Master." Carmine bowed.

And the call was ended.

As for Cody, he was stuck on the ship as enemy fleets jumped from hyperspace where Obi-Wan's fleet was, and there was no telling how long they would be fighting.

While R2 and Carmine got to work repairing Huyang, the younglings returned to building their lightsabers. The children concentrated, and slowly and gently completed construction of their lightsabers.

Petro was the first to ignite his. It was blue.

"What do you think?" Petro asked.

"I think you finished your lightsaber." said Katooni. "Doesn't mean you know how to use it."

"She's right." Carmine said. "You'll hurt yourself if you're not careful with that thing."

"Well, if you hurry up, or Padawan Jinn takes his out, maybe we could find out." said Petro. "Where is your lightsaber, anyway?"

"Hidden away." Carmine said.

"You lost it?"

"Of course not."

Carmine reached behind his head and pulled out something that was tied in some strands of his long hair.

"You can hide things in your hair?" Ganodi asked.

"It's an old trick guardians of Solaris used to hide relics or wands." Carmine explained. "My grandmother taught me it."

Gungi ignited his lightsaber. His was green. Byph's was blue, but Katooni's wasn't working yet.

"I'll finish mine when I'm ready." said Katooni.

"Seeing as how our rescue party has forgotten us," said Petro. "You'll have plenty of time."

Carmine ignited his lightsaber, and his was orange.

"Whoa!"

The younglings were astonished too.

"I've never seen an orange lightsaber before." said Petro.

"I thought they didn't exist." said Gungi in Wookie.

Carmine deactivated his weapon and hid it back in his hair.

"The rescue party probably just got delayed." said Katooni.

"Delayed? Ahsoka needs our help, and we're sitting around like children." Petro said, spinning on a stool he sat on.

"We are children. Carmine is the only adult here."

"I vote we mount a rescue mission."

Gungi agreed.

"Gungi is with me. Byph?" Petro said.

Byph was on board as well.

"That's three votes for and..."

"One against." said Katooni.

Just then, Zatt and Ganodi came in.

"Perfect timing." said Petro.

"There's a problem with the ship." said Ganodi.

"What kind of problem?" Katooni and Carmine asked.

"Breaking away from the pirate ship ruptured the entire filtering system." Zatt said.

"What does that mean?" Petro asked.

"It means she's venting coolant, and if we don't land soon the engines will explode. We'll have to land and let the system reset."

"Then it's settled. We stay out here and we'll die. We go to Florrum, let the engines cool, and rescue Ahsoka.

"A rescue mission?" said Ganodi.

"Ahsoka's not just a chaperone. She's family." Carmine said. "And family means no one gets left behind."

Meanwhile, the pirates were enjoying themselves, drinking and lounging about. Ahsoka, however, was a prisoner.

"It would be wise if you would let me go." Ahsoka said.

"No, it would be unprofitable if I would let you go," said Hondo. "and why would I do something as shortsighted as that?"

"If you don't let me go, you will wish you had been born a protocol droid."

Hondo chuckled and said, "Sometimes I do anyway. But you are really in no position to make threats, young lady." Hondo held up his cup to Ahsoka. "You look stressed. Are you thirsty? A drink, perhaps?"

Ahsoka tried to take a sip from the cup, but Hondo pulled it away. "Sorry, but I do not like to share."

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan's fleet was still neck-deep in battle.

"Our forces are being overrun." said a clone. "The droids are sending out boarding parties."

The ship rumbled a bit.

"We must get to the main hangar to repel them." said Obi-Wan. Then he looked at Peppermint and remembered the younglings needed help. "Peppermint, you go help Carmine and the younglings as best you can."

"On it." Peppermint said, and she ran through a hall to activate her shoes.

The younglings soon came across Florrum's atmosphere.

"Florrum." said Ganodi.

"It's a pretty shady place." Carmine said. "Trust me. This was one of Count Crescendo's least favorite places to do concerts."

"Guess we're in the right place." said Katooni.

Suddenly, Peppermint appeared in the cockpit.

"Peppermint?" Carmine said.

"Hello, Carmine." said the unicorn. "Good to see you alright. And the younglings?"

"All okay. We're just landing to let the ship reset."

The ship was carefully landed, and that also gave time for Carmine to properly introduce Peppermint to the younglings.

Now, with the ship landed, they had work to do.

"R2, finish reassembling Master Huyang, will you?" said Zatt. "I hate to see him like this."

"Ganodi, you stay with the ship." said Petro.

"And who put you in charge?" Ganodi said.

"No one did. Ahsoka put me in charge though. I'm the oldest." said Carmine.

"And that automatically makes you the boss?" Petro said.

"I have a child of my own. I know what I'm doing."

"Look, we're going to need to make a quick escape, and Ganodi's the only one that had flight simulator training at the temple."

"That is a valid point, I'll give you that."

"Oh, seeing as you put it like that," said Ganodi.

"Peppermint, watch Ganodi while I keep an eye on the other kids." Carmine told the unicorn.

"Yes, Prince Carmine." Peppermint bowed.

The kids exited the ship and looked around.

Katooni looked through some scopes.

"I don't see anything. There's no one." she said. "Are we sure we even landed near their base?"

"Well, we couldn't land too close, could we?" Petro said.

"Again, very smart." Carmine said.

Zatt looked at his device and confirmed that a strong power source was somewhere near that had to be the pirates' base.

"You have no idea how we're going to get inside and find Ahsoka, do you?" Katooni asked Petro.

"I'm working on it." said Petro.

Byph said they should keep moving.

"Byph is right. We better get moving." said Petro. "We'll figure out a strategy on the way."

And so, the kids and Carmine began heading on their way.

"You know the Republic won't pay a ransom for me," Ahsoka told Hondo. "and the Separatists can't be trusted. They'll betray you and kill us both."

"Yes, I know this, my dear." said Hondo. "The Separatists are no friends of mine. Don't ask me why, but Dooku holds such a grudge against me since our little 'I held him hostage' affair. Pah! The truth is, I have my sights set on more nefarious criminals than I, a businessman who will pay handsomely for a Jedi, a female Jedi at that."

"You don't scare me, Hondo."

"Oh, by the way. They don't care if you're dead or alive. I mean, I prefer alive. Less messy. But I find my mood so changeable these days."

Ahsoka really hoped someone would come and get her out of there.

Carmine and the younglings kept moving across the land until Byph spotted a craft of some kind.

Petro looked through Byph's scopes and caught a look at the ship.

"The side of the ship says, 'Preigo's Traveling World of Wonder." Petro said. "They're a traveling carnival act."

Preigo, the Doug ringmaster of the carnival demanded his creatures move faster.

"Oh, Hondo will be furious if we're late." said Preigo. "You hear me?"

The circus ship stopped as the drivers saw five children and Carmine up ahead.

"I said faster, not stop." said Preigo.

The kids then approached.

"Sir. Are we to understand you are on your way to the pirate stronghold?" said Petro.

"Yes, what's it to you?" asked Preigo. "Who are you? How did you get out here?"

"Sir, our ship crashed and we've been stranded, but our misfortune is to your benefit."

"Oh, really? And, uh, how is that, my curious friend?"

"We are... acrobats." said Petro. "Entertainers."

The kids then did some movements, and Carmine did some backflips and a handstand.

"We'd love to join your act and travel with you to your next destination." Carmine said, upside-down.

"Really? All of you wish to join my act, huh?" Preigo said. "You would like to come with us when we go entertain Hondo and his pirate horde?"

"Very much so, yes." said Katooni.

"Oh, no, no, no. The pirates are an unforgiving audience. I couldn't possibly-"

And the kids stacked themselves into a pyramid. To Preigo's surprise.

"How did you?"

"If you're still not convinced..." Carmine said. "What would you say if I told you I could get Count Crescendo to join in for the show?"

"The famous singer Count Crescendo? How would you do that?" Preigo asked.

"Well, I just so happen to be his choreographer and I know that he is not far from here. I will go fetch him."

While the kids continued to sell Preigo with some amazing tricks. Carmine contacted Peppermint on his phone.

A few minutes later, Count Crescendo made an entrance with Peppermint, who was given a makeover to look like she belonged to a professional pop stars. The younglings almost lost their balance as Byph got excited to see his favorite singer there. The younglings were some of the majority of the Temple who didn't know Carmine and Count Crescendo were the same person.

"Oh, ho, hi, welcome to the show! All of you!" Preigo said. "Wait, where's your choreographer?"

"He's back at the ship." Crescendo said.

And so, the younglings and Crescendo all boarded the carnival ship.

On the way, Crescendo got right to warming up his voice, but the younglings got curious.

"How did you get here so fast?" Petro asked.

Crescendo smiled and quietly said, "I'll tell you something, if you can all keep a little secret."

The younglings all gave a solemn promise to keep a secret.

Luckily, the younglings and Crescendo were in a part of the ship with a curtain for privacy.

And Crescendo lifted the front of the white and blue hair he disguised himself with, revealing the face of Carmine underneath.

"Hi, kids." Carmine smiled a bit awkwardly.

Byph could hardly keep from freaking out, and so could the other kids. They couldn't believe they'd just done the Gathering with Count Crescendo, and Byph especially couldn't believe Count Crescendo was the one who held his hand and helped him through a scary tunnel.

The kids, naturally, had a lot of questions, but Carmine told them, "All in good time." And he resumed his disguise. "For now, just stick to the acts."

Preigo's circus soon arrived at Hondo's lair, and many acts jumped in to entertain. The younglings all put on disguises to avoid being recognized.

"You'd better know what you're doing, because I don't see Ahsoka." Katooni told Petro.

"Patience." said Petro.

Down below, Preigo was ready to announce the next act.

"I, Preigo, your humble servant, have searched far and wide, oh, illustrious plunderer of the universe, and found you a most special entertainment."

Hondo laughed with delight. "Good. I would hate to be forced to cut off their heads like I did you last act. You remember those guys."

That frightened Byph, and Crescendo/Carmine a little too.

"You are a brave man to come before me again." Hondo continued.

Petro noticed Hondo had Ahsoka's lightsabers

"I'll get them." said Katooni.

"Where is my Jedi?" said Hondo. "I would hate for her to miss the show, which I'm hoping will be better than last time."

"It will be." Preigo promised. "We have a very big star joining us tonight. A big superstar by the name of Count Crescendo."

Many pirates and Ahsoka were all surprised by that. Even nefarious criminals like Hondo had heard of this pop star.

"You are joking, right?" Hondo asked.

"Oh ho, it is no joke."

"Then let the show begin!"

"Of course. May I present... Count Crescendo and the Animal Instincts."

"Oh, no." Ahsoka said quietly, noticing Crescendo had some pretty young backup dancers for this concert.

Red and yellow lights of magic flashed as music began to play, and out came Count Crescendo in his white and blue ringmaster themed outfit. Peppermint carried him in as he stood on her saddle and began to sing

There's only two types of people in the world

The ones that entertain, and the ones that observe

Well, baby, I'm a put-on-a-show kind of guy

Crescendo jumped down and landed perfectly on his feet.

Don't like the back seat, gotta be first (oh-oh)

I'm like the ring leader, I call the shots (call the shots)

I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot

When I put on a show

I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins

Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break

I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage

Better be ready, hope that you feel the same

The younglings, all in disguise began performing various flips and athletic tricks.

All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip just like a circus

Don't stand there watching me, follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor just like a circus

There's only two types of girls out there

Ones that can hang with me and ones that are scared

So, baby, I hope that you came prepared

I run a tight ship, so beware

I'm like the ring leader, I call the shots (call the shots)

I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot

When I put on a show

I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins

Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break

I'm like a performer, the dance floor is my stage

Better be ready, hope that you feel the same

Crescendo: Everyone make some noise! Whoo!

Crescendo then held out a hand, inviting Hondo on stage.

"What is this business?" Hondo asked over the loud music.

"I believe he, uh, wants you to be a part of the next stunt." said Preigo.

Hondo laughed and said, "He does now, does he?"

"Come with us." said two Twilek females, and they helped a drunk Hondo up.

"I may not be as young as I once was, but I'm older!" Hondo laughed.

Crescendo: All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus

When I crack that whip everybody gon' trip just like a circus

Don't stand there watching me, follow me, show me what you can do

Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor just like a circus

Hondo was brought to the lower end of a lever, and Katooni swiped Ahsoka's lightsabers. And from high on the top of the ship stood Byph with two tridents of pink flowers, and he was riding Peppermint on her back. Jugglers created a beat on the drum as they waited for the performers to jump.

Let's go

Let me see what you can do

I'm runnin' this (like-like-like-like a circus)

Yeah, like a what? (Like-like-like-like a circus)

Katooni snuck over to Ahsoka.

"You shouldn't be here." said Ahsoka.

"Don't worry. We have a plan." said Katooni. A cymbal crashed. "I think."

There was silence.

"Let's go." said Crescendo into his mic.

Peppermint tapped her hoof three times, and with Byph on her back, jumped and did a front flip, landing on the high end of the lever, flipping Hondo high into the air.

"I'm flying!' Hondo shouted out, having the time of his life... until he crash landed into a pile of junk.

Fortunately, by that time, Katooni managed to free Ahsoka from her restraints, and they began to make a run for it.

"It's those bleeding Jedi kids." said a pirate.

"What? The children are Jedi?" asked Hondo. And he fell down.

The kids and Ahsoka took out their lightsabers and deflected the pirates' blasters while Peppermint and Crescendo blasted magic. Carmine knew if he took out his lightsaber now, the pirates could easily find out his identity, if they hadn't put two and two together already, and potentially harm his family next.

Two pirates got to some speeders, and the circus began fleeing for their lives.

"Quick, get to that speeder!" shouted Ahsoka.

The group got onto a speeder and sped off as fast as they could to get far away.

"How do you feel?" Katooni asked.

"Better." said Ahsoka, taking a canteen of water. "I could pretend to be angry, but you were all very brave. Thank you."

Crescendo took the time to change back to Carmine.

"Much better." Carmine said, cleaning his glasses and putting them back on.

"You took a pretty big risk bringing Crescendo out." Ahsoka said.

"I had to do something." Carmine said.

"I still can't believe a famous superstar is actually in the Jedi Order," said Katooni. "And we were in The Gathering with him."

"I was as surprised as you," said Ahsoka. "And even more surprised to find out my master had a twin he didn't know about."

"We disobeyed orders." said Petro, changing the subject.

"Well, I've learned from my Master that sometimes doing the right thing means bending the rules."

Petro then contacted Ganodi and told her they needed to take off.