Mandalorian Jedi Assassin: A Star Wars and Assassin's Creed crossover

Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with either franchises.

Chapter 1

"Kriffing Boba Fett!" I swore as I blew another cannok away. They looked like a mixture between a pig and a dog, with huge mouths, bulbous eyes, and flabby bodies. They weren't that hard to kill, but they succeeded in being annoying.

Boma beasts were both annoying and difficult to kill. They were green lizards the size of lions with a tendency to charge straight for any poor kriffers that happened to come across its path. So far, I had taken care of three of them.

After an hour of traipsing through the jungle, I came to a small clearing, which seemed unusually quiet and still. I was about to move forward, but paused as I spotted boot prints just under the spot I was about to walk over. From their heavy indent, I could tell they were armored boots, and they looked just barely a day old.

I stared around the small clearance I was in, and turned on my Eagle Vision. Over a dozen Mandalorians surrounded me.

"The game's up, boys. I can see you, so you can stop hiding now."

There was a humming noise, and the Mandalorians shimmered into being, wearing various colors of armor and helmets, every one of them carrying a weapon of some kind.

I could hear them whispering one word between themselves: "Revan!"

I stored that away for the present, since they probably didn't trust me enough to give me a straight answer. One Mandalorian, perhaps the leader, stepped forward. His armor was the color of grey, shiny steel, and he carried a Concussion Rifle.

"So here you are, Assassin." His voice was deep and scratchy, muffled by the helmet. "If Fett didn't leave you here, I would have killed you on general principle."

I raised my eyebrows. "If you had wanted to kill me, you would have failed. I'm not so easy to kill. Just ask Fett."

The man grunted, sounding surprised.

I smiled slightly, remembering what Mara had once said: "There are times where you have to be diplomatic, but there are also times when you have to make sure that they know who they are dealing with!"

A chuckle made it's way through the pack of soldiers as I spoke to the supposed leader again: "Let's cut the scare tactics, Mandalorian. I didn't come here just to kill you guys for no reason. I came here to learn, if you actually have anything to teach me."

Handing the Concussion Rifle to one of his men, the leader stepped forward until he was inches away, our faces quite close.

Mandalore, looked at the young man. A strong body, highly confident, quick blue eyes, blond hair, carrying at least six blasters and two lightsabers. The thing that most intruiged him was the raw potential the kid exuded, and Mandalore would be the one to hone it.

"Speak with respect when you address me, boy. I am Mandalore!"

The young warrior paused, then bowed. "Forgive me, Mandalore. I was just making sure that you knew I was no pushover."

Mandalore grunted, pleased that he wouldn't have to beat the respect out of the boy. "I kind of figured that after you blazed a path through the jungle. Besides, Fett rarely brings us recruits. On top of that, your mother is one of the few women we fear. You have much to live up to."

I smirked slyly. "Oh, I'll live up to it, Mandalore!"

Mandalore nodded, grinning underneath his helmet. He liked this kid already, and he rarely took a shine to a recruit, especially one not of his own race. "Follow us, kid. Let's make a Mandalorian out of you!"

I followed as they led me to a huge campsight that spanned many acres, complete with barracks, garages, shipyards, a communication disk and antenna, and a power generator.

"Stang, Mandalore! How do you keep all this hidden from unwanted guests? This place is at least the size of a small city!" I asked, and Mandalore chuckled. "We have hidden defense systems for the unwanted guess. We've had this base for hundreds of generations. It is not impenetrable, but enough to ward away anyone who wants to harm us."

I nodded, and Obi-Wan's voice sounded in my head, his tone dry and somewhat resigned: "Oh, dear. What have I gotten myself into? Here I was, thinking I would have an interesting time with a fellow Jedi, and now this. These rustics are so uncivilized!"

I smiled. 'Sorry, Master. If it makes you feel any better, there's no one else I would have living in my head."

I could almost sense Kenobi raise his eyebrows. "That was affectionate of you, Greg. I didn't know you thought so highly of me."

I shrugged mentally. "What can I say? I could have had a Sith git in my ear, so I count you as a blessing."

I was pulled out of my internal conversation as Mandalore showed me a small alcove in a rock near his headquarters. "You can make do with this for sleeping quarters, right?"

I nodded. "Of course, Mandalore. Thank you."

Mandalore knew the meaning behind my words: 'I've slept on worse.' Chuckling, he nodded. "Make yourself comfortable then. I'll send someone to fetch you when we are ready to start. Oh, by the way, you'll need this." He finished, tossing me a black Targeting Visor, similar in shape to a helmet, with a clasp at the back that I undid to don the visor.

I straightened, and Mandalore hissed. With his dark robes, the visor, and his hood, the boy looked exactly like..."Revan!"

I frowned as the name Mandalore uttered echoed through the leader's helmet. "Who is Revan?" I asked, and Mandalore paused before answering. "Thousands of years ago, a great Jedi turned Sith led my people in a war against the Republic and the Jedi. He had a hood and targeting visor, just like you."

I removed the visor, and looked down at the face helmet. "Don't worry, Mandalore. I have no intention of going Dark or turning against the New Republic any time soon."

He nodded, and he left me alone in my new home.

I had a feeling that things were about to get really interesting, judging by Mandalore's tone.

Bring it on!

"Query: What are you doing in my cave, Meatbag?"

I whirled around, blaster drawn. Standing behind me was a tall, skeletal HK Assassin Droid, his large red eyes staring balefully at me in the dark.

"I'll be Kesseled, an HK Assassin Droid! I thought you went extinct." I said warily.

The droid let out a defeated sigh. "Reluctant Admission: Almost all of us are, but I'm still here, and I'm still quite efficient with a blaster."

The droid stepped closer to me, his deep mechanical voice making the cave thrum. "Observation: you are new here. Ah! You must be that Assassin that's just arrived. Word spreads quickly around camp. Is it true you are Mara Jade's son?"

I frowned. "My reputation preceeds me, it would seem."

The droid nodded. "Affirmation: You are the meatbag! Mara Jade's son, no less. Nobody, or nothing in my case, does not know of her."

He gave me a salute. "Excited Greeting: I am HK-78, at your service! We are going to have so much fun!"

Two Years Later

Mandalore grinned as he watched the young Assassin take down one of his best fighters with a deceptive ease that the kid was becoming known for.

At first, the other Mandalorians tried to make him regret setting foot on their planet, but the young Assassin took down every single Mandalorian in his way, giving each of them the fight of their lives, but his tenacity, quick dry wit, and ability to adapt were what really made him stand out.

Slowly, ever so slowly, the Mandalorians began to respect the kid.

He was not a heavy hitter, but was quick as lightning and exceptionally talented. He would be dangerous if he didn't have a soft heart, something that Mandalore alone secretly prized.

The kid was young, but his formidable skill and deft mind made him look like a veteran.

Mandalore had taught him Echani hand-to-hand combat, swordsman-ship, and how to think like a Mandalorian. It didn't take the young man as long as Mandalore thought it would. The youth was about as ready as he could be.

"I know you can do it faster and harder than that, Jade!"

I looked up at Mandalore and smiled through my mask, as I helped Balan to his feet. "Yes, Mandalore!"

Balan grunted, dusting off his armor.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to get me killed, Mandalore!" He tossed over his shoulder to our leader, and I laughed gently. "I could have sworn that's what you told me when we ran into that pack of Bomas."

Balan, a gargantuan man with a gravelly voice, shoved me playfully. "Thanks to you, Jade, my hair's greying. You've been more trouble than all the boys I've trained."

I snorted. "Rubbish! You're only about ten years older than me."

Balan shook his head. "And you make me older by the minute."

An impatient voice sounded next to Mandalore. "Eager Invitation: Master Jade, you could have killed that meatbag in the last five minutes if you hadn't wasted that time talking."

I laughed again, shaking my head, as a sigh came from Obi-Wan.

If there was one thing I didn't expect to get out of this adventure, it was to end up with a blood-thirsty, psychopathic Assassin Droid, an HK Assassin Droid at that.

At first, I tried to shake him off, but he was as stubborn as a pack of angry Bomas, claiming some kind of connection with me, which I found disconcerting.

Obi-Wan disliked him intensely, drily inferring that the droid represented the darkness within my heart, telling me as much at least twice a day.

After a while, the droid just kind of grew on me, an amusing but deadly companion. HK-78 wasn't going anywhere, calling me his 'master,' and following me around like a faithful Kath-Hound.

He became my friend, mostly because I sure as hell wasn't going to make an enemy out of him.

Speaking of the late Jedi Master, he had taken to teaching me Soresu, a Form of saber combat that focused on blaster deflection from more than one enemy. But, seeing as he was the master of the said Form, he taught me how to use during saber combat against single opponents as well!

We were interrupted by Mex, head of the sentries. A tall, swarthy man in blue armor, he was a gruff but dutiful man who had the best eyes of the camp, and was the best sniper.

Oddly, he had been among the first to welcome me without sneering at my race or Jedi powers. He was a practical man an excellent trainer, and a damned good friend to have.

"Mandalore, everything is prepared as you have ordered."

Mandalore turned to me. "You have passed all the tests I have placed upon you to make you the Mandalorian you are today, except for one test."

I folded my arms. "I'm all ears, Mandalore."

The training and education of being a Mandalorian had not been easy, but I have had the time of my life!

I had gained friends, family (all Mandalorians were my 'Brothers'), and also a new outlook on life as well as a sense of purpose that I hadn't had before.

Mandalore chuckled. "I thought you would be interested. There have been reports of activity in the jungle, a couple of Zakkegs being spotted in the south. You will put a stop to it, using any means necessary to do so. That is your last mission."

I rubbed my hands together, excitement coursing through me. "As you wish, Mandalore. I request the aid of HK-78 in this venture in tracking them, and I'll do the killing."

Mandalore nodded. "Of course, Jade. I wouldn't have it any other way! Mex and the other scouts will be watching you, so don't try anything stupid."

I nodded, and left the camp.

A few hours later, after a long southern trek, I was able to spot tracks near a canyon.

Sev joined me, peering over my shoulder. "Confirmation: Zakkeg prints, Master Jade. They are not even a day old."

I nodded, and spied a series of similar tracks. "There are certainly more than one of them, perhaps three of the kriffers. Mandalore sure knows how to make things difficult."

The three buggers in question we in the midst of a canyon, surrounded by rocks and cliffs, so there was nowhere to run except the entrance, which was just wide enough for one Zakkeg to enter. "Eager suggestion: Master, you could set proximity frag mines at the entrance."

I thought about it, then shook my head. "A good suggestion, but the explosions could trigger a stampede."

Sev raised his hand. "Eager Assurance: Let me deal with that, Master. It's been ages since I've killed something, and I have been a good robot, haven't I?"

I failed to suppress a smile, but he wouldn't have seen it anyway.

He seemed like a child sometimes, albeit a homicidal and sadistic one!

He was a loyal companion, more loyal than any of my brothers, and I wouldn't get rid of him, even if I could.

He was a friend, and that was that.

"And that's why you worry me, my very young friend." Obi-Wan said, and I smiled as I set the mines.

After this, I fired a shot at each of the beasts, and when they turned to me, I smiled. "Did I catch you at a bad time?"

All three charged straight at me, stepping onto the mines. Two of the three died instantly, but the third was unhurt.

I was about to add another explosive via a Frag Grenade, but it flew from my hands as the Zakkeg slammed into my chest, barreling into me.

Yelling in pain, I hit the ground with the thing trying to tear me apart with its teeth and spikes.

The blasted thing was quicker than I thought, I realized, as I finished the battle by decapitating it with my lightsabers.

That wasn't too bad!

I heard a roar and the thundering of paws and claws, and my heart sank. Kriff me!

About a dozen creatures were headed my way, without any signs of being attacked by Sev. Kriff me sideways!

I was going to have a long talk with that rust-collector when I got out of this, if I got out of this.

I was not stupid or arrogant enough to think of taking them all on, so I snatched my comlink from my pocket. "Brothers, is there no help for your fellow brother that you will give willingly?"

That was the phrase that Mandalorians used when in danger, and the response was instant.

Several Mandalorians burst from the trees and brush behind the beasts, mowing them down with blasters and grenades within a minute.

Mandalore walked up to me, and laid his hand on my shoulder. "Good. You have passed your test, which was to remember when to utilize your allies instead of taking them on yourself. Too many times, you have forgotten that your allies are vital and essential to your survival. Now, you have learned to call upon them. Now, we can call you 'Brother.'"

I nodded. "I'm honored, Mandalore."

Mandalore returned the nod. "It is we who are honored."

I was about to answer when my comlink chirped, surprising me. I had only used it to brief Mom on my progress once a month.

"This is Greg speaking," I said into the comlink, leaving the Sparring Area.

"We need to talk." Mara's voice said into my ear, and I shrugged. "So talk."

Mara chuckled. "As you wish. Keep an eye on the sky, because here I come!"

SHOOOOMMM!

Jade's Fire roared down from the sky, landing right next to me. Only you, Mom.

The Mandalorians crowded around me, yelling obscenities and instructions.

Mandalore, calm and unflappable, stepped up beside me, and gestured for silence. It wasn't so much the gesture that silenced them, but my mother stepping out of the Fire, and onto Dxun's fertile grass.

Before she could take another step, I wrapped my arms around her, and we held each other close for a long moment.

Mandalore had never seen the kid so emotional, being used to him having a strong grip on his outside emotions.

"I'd hate to break this up, but how did you know we keep our base?"

Mara stepped forward, and shook his gloved hand. "I used the Force. My name is Mara Jade."

Silence descended on the Training Grounds, as Mandalore chuckled. "So here you are, Mara Jade. You took your time, but your arrival is actually well-timed. I was just starting to wonder what I should do with my latest graduate."

Mara smiled, her eyes never moving from my second mentor's visor. I was surprised by the amount of respect in her gaze, mixed with the intensity that she was so famous for. "Things have changed, Mandalore, and my boy is needed again."

Mandalore nodded. "Good. I hope they soon realize what he is capable of, because he is one of the most formidable students I have ever had, and he is no boy now."

I turned red at the compliment.

"Brethren, let us bid farewell to our brother, and wish him good luck and good hunting."

Mandalore called, and with that, my brothers crowded around me, each offering his farewells and well wishes.

Last of all, Mandalore embraced me. "Should you find any of your brothers or sisters in the galaxy, you know where to send them."

I nodded. "Yes, Mandalore. Thank you for everything you have taught and given me. I am forever in your debt."

He patted my shoulder, and I grinned as I watched HK-78 help Mara into the ship as if she was not physically able to do so, almost shaking with excitement at meeting the great Mara Jade!

"Are you coming, Sev?" I asked him, and he nodded. "Joyful Exultation: Why yes, Master Jade! You'd have to blow me into little pieces to stop me!"

As we zoomed away from Dxun, I turned to Mara. "So, Mom, to what do I owe the pick-up?"

Mara sighed. "The Remnant has gone on the offensive, and we need information."

I nodded, and removed my hood and mask. "I'm listening."

Mara took one look at me, and swore colorfully.

Her son had changed. His light skin was now almost bronze from the Dxun jungle sun, his long blond hair cut to light brown bristles, his full beard was gone, and a Mandalorian tattoo had been branded on the left side of his neck.

"Calm down, Mom! I'm not that different."

Mara sighed, stroking her adopted son's cheek. "I've missed you, sweetheart."

I smiled. "Right back at you, Mom."

And then Mara jerked a thumb over her shoulder, in the direction of the living quarters, where the Assassin droid was polishing its blaster lovingly. "Interesting friend you picked up on Dxun. I don't know whether to be pleased or nervous that we have a rare HK droid in the family."

HK-78 looked up at hearing his new masters talking of him. "Confirmation: You should be most pleased, Mistress Jade! It's not every day that you meet such a gifted and infamous killer as myself, and I am most eager to prove myself. It's been so long since I've been allowed to kill, owing to the fact that Mandalore used me as only an instructor. The insult still rankles me! Is there anyone or anything you wish me to kill?"

Mara sent me a sideways glance, and then smiled at the droid. "As long as you keep us both safe from harm, and attack only when ordered and\or either of us is threatened, you are free to blast away!"

Sev nodded. "Yes, Mistress! It will be my pleasure!"

I was trying to keep a straight face through all this, but it wasn't easy.

"For the Force's sake, Greg! You really know how to pick them, don't you?" Mom growled at me, and I winked at her. "I get around. At least he likes us."

Mara snorted. "Wonderful! Our very own Assassin droid as a pet."

I laughed just as we entered Hyperspace. "I'll try and clean up after him!"

When we touched down in the Yavin Four Temple, Luke was waiting for us.

I donned my hood and visor as I left the craft, while Mara and Luke greeted each other with a kiss.

Luke looked me over uncertainly. "Greg? Is that you?"

I chuckled and bowed. "It's been too long, Master Skywalker. It is good to see you again."

To my complete surprise, Luke hugged me.

Luke Skywalker, the Master of all Jedi at the current time, actually hugged me.

I chuckled, patting him on the back. "Sith me! Who are you, and what have you done with Master Skywalker?"

Luke smiled, and shrugged. "I'm glad to see you back, Greg."

I smiled behind my mask. "I'm chuffed to see you too, Master."

At Luke's beckoning, Mara, Sev, and I followed him into the War Room, where I recognized Mon Mothma, who favored me with a genuine smile, unchanged by the few years I had been. "Good to see you again, Greg. It's been a long time, I see," she finished, after I removed my hood and mask.

I nodded. "It has, Ma'am. I assume you need my help, otherwise you would not have recalled me."

She nodded. "Very true. As your Mother no doubt has told you, the Remnant is on the offensive. Their forces aren't large, but they move with purpose. There is someone driving them, and sources have said that there is a man named Adreus, a man of high standing on the upper levels of Cloud City near Bespin, who knows something about this threat. I need you to find him, and persuade him to talk."

She pressed a button, and the head and face of a middle aged-looking man with short black hair, green eyes, and a round face appeared.

"Rules of engagement?"

She paused, then answered. "This might be a stretch, but feel free to neutralize any enemy that gets in your way. I'd also become acquainted with Lando Calrissian, the Major of the city. I'm sure that won't be a problem?"

I smirked at her, and nodded. "No, Ma'am!"

I looked behind me at Sev. "Sev, we have places to go, and people to kill. Are you with me?"

Sev's red opticals glowed. "Confirmation: Let me at them, Master! I have enough ammunition to take on a Star Destroyer!"

Before leaving, I made sure to touch the Force Crystal, gasping as the Force returned to me in a wave of emotions and sensations, as if greeting an old friend.

"Much better!" Obi-Wan intoned, sounding pleased.

Master Skywalker put me through a quick refreshment course for my Force powers, before I left for the Cloud City of Bespin, letting me borrow a Academy Shuttle for the trip.

Mom gave me a parting hug. "I wish you could stay longer!"

I kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be back soon, Mom. Don't worry."

As I approached said city, my comlink chirped, and Mon Mothma's voice flooded the shuttle: "I sent a message to Cloud City, informing them of your arrival."

I nodded. "Understood. Jade out."

Cloud City was a huge space colony, a large city in the clouds of Bespin, alluding to its name. It used the repulsion of air to stabilize itself in Bespin's atmosphere, and the brightly painted buildings and sizeable skyline made it seem like more of a vacation resort than an actual city.

Of course, Calrissian probably knew and exploited that fact.

I shrugged mentally. It was his city, and his business, and I didn't care either way.

I cleared my landing with the authorities before landing on a pad in the south end of the huge city.

As Sev and I emerged from the craft, we were met by what looked like security guards, their uniforms vaguely resembling that of Imperial officers, except these were the color of dark blue.

I sent Sev a signal to stand down as one of the guards stepped forward. He was a tall, thin, and dark-skinned with quick brown eyes and a nose that looked vaguely like a beak. "You are Gregory Jade, the Jedi Assassin?"

I nodded. "Yeah, that's right."

The man turned to Sev, who met his stare. "My great grandfather told me stories about the HK's, and most of them weren't positive."

Sev tilted his head. "Clarification: I am HK-78, Assassin Extraordinaire, meatbag!"

The man chuckled, and turned to me. "I'll be Kesseled! A droid with an ego!"

He shook his head. "My name is Officer Drax Mendo. Follow me. The Mayor is in Nar Shaddaa, but he should return soon, seeing as he requested your presence on your arrival."

With that, we made our way throw spacious corridors and walkways, passing a great number of people, species, and droids.

It seemed like any other city, except it seemed more...cheerful.

"Quite a city you have." I remarked.

Drax nodded, his clipped baritone voice did not betray the somewhat quick pace of our movement, signaling that the man was fit for duty. "She is quite the beauty. I've been here for my whole life, with generations of Air-Prospectors before me, including my parents."

I looked at him. "Your family bought and sold air for a living."

The man grimaced. "Close. True, we do buy and sell it, but we also collect it, sort of like farming, only a sight more complicated."

I nodded, unduly impressed. "Interesting. How have things with the Remnant been?"

Drax's face creased into a frown. "It's not them so much as-"

I shoved him out of the way of a Tonless bolt from a Disrupter Rifle, which hit a wall behind us, sizzling on contact. The Force had screamed a warning to me a second before the bolt came, and it had saved both our lives, since the bolt would have disintegrated us, had it hit.

Swearing in Mand'o, I threw myself out of the way of a second bolt, both coming from a high tower at least a mile away to the west.

From beside me, Sev shouldered his blaster rifle, and fired.

A few seconds later, a skinny Rodian wearing a white jump-suit screamed as it descended, falling out of my sight.

"Mockery: Give my regards to the atmosphere!" He shouted after the falling Rodian.

"-Not so much as that Rodian?" I asked, finishing his sentence for the officer as I helped him to his feet.

"You saved my life." He stated, and I nodded. "Don't make it a habit."

He stared at me for a long moment, and I gestured in to where the shooter had been. "Has the Remnant been using gangsters to create havoc?"

Drax shrugged. "I've not heard of any connections between them, but there have been recent problems with these gangsters, but it has gone to a whole new level now. They've never been this bold."

I nodded, filing the information away for later. With that, we made our way through the station.

After perhaps half an hour, he pointed me into a spacious room bedecked with comfortable furniture.

On one of the chairs sat a brown-haired man wearing a black flight jacket, his booted feet on the table in front of him. He had a cocky air about him that reminded me of a few of my brothers on Dxun, and he didn't strike me as a man who spent his time running a city.

A smuggler, perhaps?

"Well, what have we here?" His voice was deep and dry, and his eyes were full of amusment.

"You aren't Lando Calrissian." I said, and the man shook his head. "No, but he and I are good friends. I think you are in the wrong millenia, Mandalorian. You and the pet droid, whatever it is."

Sev drew himself up in outrage. "Outraged excalmation: I am an Assassin droid, and I could kill you sooner than-"

I silenced him with a look, then turned back to the confident man. "Sorry. He gets offended very easily."

With that, I removed my helm, and lowered my hood. "I'm a trained Mandalorian, but not one by race. I'm Gregory Payton Jade, Mandalorian Jedi Assassin."

The man blinked in surprise. "Wait. The famous Wraith of Corellia?"

I nodded, and the man grunted. "Han Solo, Captain of the Millennium Falcon."

I raised my eyebrows, as we shook hands. "It's an honor to meet you. You're one of the most famous smugglers of the galaxy right now, besides Mom and a couple of others."

The man shrugged. "That's what happens when you make the Kessel Run in record time, and I'm just as star-struck as you. What's Lando done this time to attract your attention?"

I shook my head. "It's not about what he's done, but about what he knows. I'm looking for a certain Remnant source. He has information that we need concerning connections between the Remnant and the Dark Side, and report back to HQ."

Solo rolled his eyes. "For Star's sake, another guy trying to find out information on the Remnant's Dark Side tendencies? Lando was talking about the same thing."

I shrugged. "Shockingly enough, these orders were from Mon Mothma."

Solo raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me she's a Jedi too?"

I shook my head. "I haven't sensed any Force auras around her, but the way she garners and commands complete trust from most of her underlings is quite suspicious."

Han chuckled. He liked this kid.

"So where's that famous Wookie of yours, Chewbacca?" I asked, and as if on cue, the door opened from behind me, and the huge shaggy beast entered. He had to be at least seven feet tall, huge and imposing, with large sharp canines, strong body covered with thick fur, and surprisingly intelligent dark eyes.

"Stand down!" I snarled at Sev, who was bringing his rifle to bear on the gargantuan figure, seeing that Chewbacca had a crossbow-like blaster pointed at my chest.

"So you must be the illustrious Chewbacca." I said in Shyriiwook (the Wookiee's language), stepping forward, and shaking the big beast's paw.

Han's jaw dropped, and Chewbacca's head tilted in surprise. "You speak my language? How?"

I smiled. "I've only learned a little, but enough to get around."

Chewbacca scratched his head with one of his huge paws. "Jade's nestling?"

I nodded. "That's right. It's a honor to meet you, mighty Chewbacca."

The beast gave me a friendly nod. "I could say the same thing."

Han interrupted. "I'd hate to break this up, but who are you looking for, exactly?"

I turned to him. "I'm looking for a Remnant insider named Adreus. He has vital information concerning the newest Remnant surge."

Han frowned. "I know that he lives close by, in one of the main towers. He's very secretive, and is an expert slicer, so I'm surprised that the New Republic is on to him."

I grinned, knowing I had a good lead, as he gave me the mark's address. "It's been great meeting you two, but I've got a job to do, so I must get going."

Han shook my hand as Chewbacca ruffled my hair. "We'll meet again, kid. I'll see you around."

After taking my leave, I donned my hood and visor again.

I made my way through the crowded city and streets until I came to the given address.

It belonged to a small nondescript apartment in the upper section of the city, and I turned to Sev. "Unless he has a weapon pointed at me, don't kill him. If he runs, take him down alive. Otherwise, follow my lead."

Sev checked his blaster. "Affirmation: Understood, Master!"

I nodded, and knocked on the door. After a moment, the door opened, and the face of the target appeared, looking confused.

"Adreus the Slicer?"

The man nodded, and I raised my hand at his sudden disquiet. "I'm just here to ask you a few questions. I come on the behalf of the New Republic."

Adreus frowned. "Why should I tell you anything, Republic scum?"

I moved aside so that Sev was in his sights. "I thought you might say something along those lines, so I guess we'll do things the old-fashioned way. See that HK Assassin droid? Their kind has been killing beings for millennia, and this particular model loves it. You're going to tell me what I need to know, or I will tell him to pull you apart, starting with the most painful parts. If you tell me what I need to know, I'll let you go free and unhurt, and you can go back to kissing Remnant ass."

Adreus swallowed, as Obi-Wan tisked dissaprovingly. "Really, Greg?"

I ignored the late Jedi Master, as Adreus visibly caved in, especially when Sev stepped up beside me. "What do you want to know?"

I smiled. "That wasn't so hard now, was it? I need to know what has been driving the Remnant currently."

Adreus looked less than pleased to tell me anything. "They will kill me if I tell you!"

I rubbed my visor, fighting back a headache. "You should be more worried about my droid skinning you with his bare claws."

The answer was quick, especially considering that Sev made an impressive gesture with his claws. "Shira Brie, that's the new Dark Sider. There's another who's her lieutenant, his name being Desann. That's all I know."

I nodded, and turned to leave.

I sensed and heard Adreus dive for something, and I whirled to see him bringing a holdout blaster to bear on me.

Too slow, Kriff-face!

My quick-draw took care of him before he could fire the shot.

"Nice try, scumbag, but you chose the wrong time to mess with a Jade!" I said, as I left the apartment, relaying the information to Luke and Mara.

I didn't wait for Lando to arrive, taking the time to give Drax my best before departing Cloud City, returning to Yavin Four.

Or at least, I tried to.

As I attempted to enter Hyperspace, out of nowhere and with no warning, TIE fighters appeared out of Hyperspace, peppering my shuttle craft with turbo-lazers.

I swore as my crippled craft descended onto a dark green planet.

"Sev, brace for impact!" I screamed over my shoulder.

A few minutes later, I crash-landed on the planet's surface, and was knocked brutally unconscious.

I woke up on my back, and instantly wished I hadn't, as pain thundered from what felt like a concussion. I used the Force to heal myself, then extricated myself from my destroyed ship.

A wet swamp surrounded me, and I was surprised and glad to find that I was lying on solid ground.

"So, alive you are."

I drew my blaster, and whirled to face my visitor.

I frowned, facing a spectral figure of a tiny green creature with sizeable ears. "And who are you supposed to be?"

Suddenly, Obi-wan appeared next to the creature. "This is Yoda, the greatest Jedi Master of his time. You are on the planet Daghoba."

I raised my eyebrows, lowered the blaster, and slipped it back into one of my holsters. "Sorry about that, Master. I can't be too careful these days."

Yoda nodded. "Correct, you are. Waiting for you, I have been."

I raised my eyebrows drily. "So those was your TIE fighters that ambushed me?"

Obi-Wan sighed. "You know what he means, Greg."

I smiled. "Master, you should realize that my sense of humor is always up for as much as it can get."

I turned to Yoda. "If you have been expecting me, Master Yoda, then I assume you have something in mind for me."

Yoda nodded. "A job, we have for you."

I nodded. "What about Shira Brie, and Desann?"

Obi-Wan waved his hand in dismissal. "I think you might find information about her while on your mission, and you will meet him soon enough: you are to return to that Katarn fellow, and help him navigate his way back to the Force, and to stay on the right path this time."

I groaned. "What's he done now? And while we're on the subject, why does everything always lead me back to him?"

Yoda raised an ethereal hand. "In time, come, the answer will."

I nodded. "I suppose I'll find out soon enough then, if I get off of this stupid rock, that is!"

Obi-Wan raised his hand. "That won't be too long at all. She is coming as we speak. We will be watching you."

After the spirits faded away, I called for Sev, who emerged from the bog and swamp. "Affirmative declaration: here I am, Master!"

And who should come minutes later than Jade's Fire?

"That's the third Academy shuttle you've destroyed!" She said, as Sev and I entered the ship.

"It wasn't my kriffing fault. TIE Fighters came out of nowhere, and blasted me on to this damn swamp!"

She turned serious. "About that: Luke sensed a disturbance in the Force, a big one. He needs you to go to Alzoc III, and investigate the Remnant there. Supposedly, there's Dark Side activity going on, and we can have that, can we?"

I shook my head, checking my blasters, which were locked and loaded, while Sev brandished his modified Blaster Carbine. "No, we can't! I'm ready when you are."

Mara nodded. "I'm dropping you off there, and you'll call me when you get things sorted out, as we can't seem to trust you with Academy equipment. Understand?"

I nodded, ignoring her smirk. "Clear!"

After a short time in Hyperspace, we came upon the ice planet, heading for a small outcropping of buildings.

A few seconds later, a bored but authoritative voice said through the intercom: "This is Alzoc III security. Identify yourself and your purpose here."

Mara answered. "This is Jara, and I'm dropping off cargo on the landing pad, then leaving."

The man over the intercom cleared them to land, and Sev and I dropped from the ship as soon as it landed.

Mara waved to us, and zoomed away.

"I've got a feeling things are going to get a bit nasty around here," I remarked to Sev.

"Eager Statement: I hope so, Master. This is going to be so much fun!"

Just after this, a squad of stormtroopers decided to investigate their new cargo.

I drew my blasters, and opened fire, Sev joining in. The squad didn't stand a chance.

Seconds later, we were forced to duck behind cargo boxes as blaster fire came at us from two pill boxes on either side of the door to the facility, and from several cat-walks above.

"Dry summarization: Master, I believe we have been detected. Clearly, discretion will not be the better part of valor here."

I nodded, chuckling as I withdrew a blaster rifle from my pack. "Couldn't have put it better myself. Time for Plan A: divide and conquer!"

With that, I leaped out of cover, my rifle blazing, taking care of the Remnant soldiers in the pill boxes in a volley of blasterfire.

Then I hid behind one of the boxes as Sev sniped the soldiers on the cat-walks with his usual incredible precision.

After they were all dead, Sev turned to me. "Ratio achieved! My sensors indicate ten dead Remnant meatbags dead."

I smirked, putting the rifle away. "Not a bad start to the day!"

We entered the door to the facility, replenishing our ammo from the stray blaster rifles dropped by the dead stormtroopers.

We went further into the facility, coming to an area of a circular path around a massive drop with a control panel sitting in the middle of said drop, led to by a small walk-way. A black-shirted Imperial officer stood at the panel.

Seeing us coming, he pressed something on the control panel, and a klaxon pealed throughout the room.

"Surrender, or I'll-" He began, but never finished the sentence, as Sev's blaster rifle sent a bolt into his face.

"Damn! That kriffer sounded the alarm!" I called, sprinting for the control panel.

Sev wasn't troubled. "Encouraging Rebuttal: but Master, this is not such a bad thing. It simply means more kills for us!"

I snorted. "Yeah, yeah, I bet! Just keep them off me while I turn this bloody alarm off!"

The HK Assassin droid saluted. "Confident Statement: Bring them on, Master! Come and get us, Bucket heads!"

I chuckled to myself, as I started to hack into the main system.

Anything short of a Laser Cannon wouldn't be enough to worry my friend!

A short time later, I succeeded in turning off the alarm, and grinned when I saw the high number of bodies Sev had compiled. "Well done, Sev! This has to be at least some kind of record!"

The Assassin droid saluted me. Smug Statement: I always hit my targets, Master. I'm just that good!"

Taking care of the garrison was not really a challenge for us.

What I encountered in one of the hangers was.

When we reached the doorway to the hanger, I stopped dead in my tracks. I felt it: a disturbance in the Force, warning me that something evil awaited me on the other side.

Obi Wan spoke. "A Dark Jedi. Not a powerful one, but you cannot kill him with a blaster so easily. It's time you used your Lightsabers, the true weapon of a Jedi!"

I nodded, and turned to Sev. "Contact Mom, tell her that everything is done, and have her meet us on the landing pad, and then wait for me there. There's one last thing I need to finish before we get off this freezing rock!"

The droid saluted me, and headed off.

"Good. No matter how useful that rust-collecter may seem, you won't be able to use him while in Saber combat."

I rolled my eyes. "There's no need to sound so smug about it. I know that you don't like Sev, but I'm keeping him around. He's useful in a fight, and I promise to hold him back if he gets overly violent. Happy?"

Obi-Wan sighed. "No, but we will discuss it later."

Sighing, I entered the hanger.

It was large and empty, save for a crimson-robed hooded figure, who seemed to be waiting for me.

It was a Dark Jedi, according to my Force Sense, but it was different from C'baoth, who was the last Dark Jedi I encountered: C'baoth eroded the Force with his presence, but this one? It felt as if the Force had been crammed into his body.

"I sensed your presence the moment you entered the base, Jedi!" His voice was deep and cold, simmering with pent-up anger.

I shrugged. "I bet you did. I don't suppose we can talk about this? After all, I hate easy kills!"

The man sneered, his eyes strangely blank and staring. "I will not be so easily defeated! I was an Imperial officer once, but I have been reborn in the glory of the Force. As a matter of fact, that is my name now: Reborn!"

I pretended to yawn. "Good for you, but we really don't have to-"

I was cut short as I was blasted backward by a Force Shove by the hooded Sith, landing on my back several yards away, sliding over the smooth surface of the hanger's floor.

"Excellent start, young Padawan!" Obi-Wan said dryly.

"Oh, shut up!"

I rose, Kenobi's Lightsaber blazing in my hand.

Over the years, I had developed a mix between using Obi-Wan's Soresu and Ataru against both single combatants and more than one opponent, and then mixing both with the Echani training I received from the Mandalorians to create what I thought to be an unbeatable way of combat.

The Ataru Form had been taught to me by Mara and Kyle, before the latter left the Jedi Order. It was the fourth Form of saber combat taught by the Jedi for millennia before us, a fast-paced, more acrobatic form of combat.

Also, there were times when I employed Djem So as well, using brute force to batter down defenses when Ataru wasn't working.

With all this in mind, I engaged him as his crimson Lightsaber came down on my head, batting it aside, before going low for his legs.

He stepped back, avoiding my saber.

I employed Ataru as he unleashed a fury of attacks, but he had no technique, no discipline in his attacks, and it was not long at all before I slipped under his defenses, and cut his right hand off with a flick of my saber.

I stepped back, powering down my lightsaber, as he screamed in pain and horror. "You probably should have learned at least one Form before getting your Lightsaber, Kriff-head!"

He screamed again, and I had to shout to make myself heard. "Oh, would you stop screaming? Now that that's over with, you probably had some higher-up who gave you that lightsaber! I need a name-"

Before I could finish, I had to leap back to avoid the Force Lightning coming from his other hand.

Before he could get another batch of lightning out, I ignited my lightsaber, and hurled it. It buried itself into his face, just above his nose, all the way to the hilt.

Shaking my hand, I retrieved Kenobi's blade. "Good talk."

With that, I rejoined Sev, taking the Reborn's saber on an afterthought.

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