Petro, seeing an opportunity, claims that he and the younglings are actually acrobats, and would welcome the opportunity to perform in Preigo's carnival act. Using their Jedi abilities, the younglings perform some impressive stunts, and are accepted into the circus.

Grievous, now in control of the Negotiator, heads for the bridge, where he's greeted by a hologram recording of Obi-Wan. The Jedi general admits defeat, but also reveals the nature of his "parting gift": the ship has been set to self-destruct, and he is safely away on an escape pod. Grievous hastily makes his way to a shuttle and manages to escape the blast, but all other droids aboard are destroyed.

On Florrum, the circus performance for Hondo and his pirate horde is about to begin. Hondo, very relaxed, carelessly reveals that he is in possession of Ahsoka's lightsabers, which is noted by Katooni. Meanwhile, Preigo personally introduces his newest performers -- dubbed "The Animal Instincts" -- to the pirate leader.

The younglings appear, all dressed in outlandish costumes that successfully disguise their identities from the pirates -- but Ahsoka knows instantly who they are. They perform high-flying acrobatics and stunts, but then ask for Hondo's participation.

The ruse works. Hondo, distracted and unaware while joining the carnival act, fails to notice when Katooni lifts the lightsabers from his person.

A failed stunt that sends Hondo flying through the air for a crash landing provides the distraction needed for the Jedi to make their move: Katooni uses the lightsabers to free Ahsoka from her shackles, and the Jedi begin their escape.

Realizing they'd been had, the pirates open fire on the younglings, who ignite their lightsabers for battle for the first time. Preigo quickly leaves the premises, fearing what Hondo will do to him.

Able to hold off the pirate attack just long enough, the Jedi commandeer a speeder, which they use to get away. Returning to the recharged Crucible, Petro acknowledges that the younglings disobeyed orders in rescuing Ahsoka, but the Padawan is reassuring. "I've learned from my Master," Ahsoka says, "that sometimes doing the right thing means bending the rules."