Flashback-
Jaune Arc was running through the Emerald Forest. Dodging tree after tree that would occasionally get in his way; occasionally he would hear the roars and screams of the approaching Grimm that fallowed behind him.
The young man's grip tightened onto the empty stump of his missing right arm with all the strength he had left to muster, as his blood continued to flow out; pooling into puddles beneath him as he continued onward. Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead as he vaulted over a massive tree root.
Stopping breathy, he slumped down to the ground momentarily to catch his breath. "Haah... Haah... Haah..." Jaune panted out, all the while he strengthened his grip on his missing limb. Wincing hard due to the pain which rushed into his stump. His vision was starting to be blocked out by black spots - as if the sandman himself was forcing Jaune to sleep - but, would be Huntsmen in training knew he couldn't sleep. Not here. Not now.
Jaune continued to run onwards, but at a much slower pace now. His fear continued to grow within his heart and mind, which in turn lured more Grimm to his location. The likelihood of surviving this was slim - he knew that - but he couldn't just give up now.
And that's when he saw it.
It looked to be a building of some kind; about over a couple hundred meters in the distance. However, this building looks more advance then any Atlesian Frigate Jaune had the pleasure of seeing, or any Atlesian for that matter. So jaune made the appropriate decision. Hide in it, and hopefully calm himself down enough to keep the Grimm away from him.
The would be Huntsmen eventually made it to his destination, although in a much worser state than he was before, as he unceremoniously barged into the unknown building. Closing the buildings heavy double doors behind him with a lot of effort, Jaune proceeded to then back up from the two doors.
He could hear the roars and screams of the Grimm on the other side - most likely Beowulves - while his blood continued to drip from his stumped limb onto the unknown metal which make up the buildings floor. Though apparently his blood hit something important, because just a moment later a faint blue glow was produced where his blood landed.
The glow slowly spread throughout the entire room; causing Jaune to turn slightly and narrow his eyes. Iniveortably tightening his grip on his stumped arm, just in case he needs to run. Though thinking about it, where would he run to? It was ether stay in here with the weird lights, or go back outside to be mauled to death by Grimm.
"Genetic Material Detectied. Running Databanks... Running, Running. Genetic Material Found. Identification: Human." A mechanized voice exclaimed before a holographic figure of a fish-like creature appeared infront of Jaune. This creature appeared to be a slightly see-through hologram, which manifested in a light blue tint. "Greetings primitive. You have stumbled across one of many advanced Rakata Library's. After being shut off for over a millennia I am pleased to meet an organic to serve."
Jaune was wide jawed to find such a creature - or was it a machine? - looking at him like he's expecting orders. "U-Uhhh... who-No... what are you?" Jaune asked, causing the fish creature to tilt his head before recognising that they are being questioned.
"Ah, my apologys Master. Unfortunately my designation will be far to complex to pronounce in your tongue. Though if you require you may for now call me Alpha. What is your name?"
Jaune was so slack jawed at such this technological marvel. He looked around seeing technology far beyond even what Atlas was capable of, but he looked back at 'Alpha'. "I'm Jaune Arc... short... sweet... and... Oh whatever... It doesn't matter..."
Alpha hummed at this. "As you wish Master Arc."
Jaune chuckled lightly at that, but winced feeling the pain coming from his stumped arm once again. "Master Arc. You are currently missing an Appendage. You require immediate medical treatment." Alpha states the obvious.
Jaune meanwhile limped slowly towards the A.I. "Y-Yeah... Could you... help... me?"
"Acknowledge. Though this facility has no medical supplies Master Arc." Alpha stated. "Do you see the device on top of that pedestal?" Jaune turned his head in the direction the hologram was facing. On top of a pedestal next to a platform of some sort was a high tech wristband.
"Yeah." Jaune confirmed. Prompted the A.I to respond once more.
"Pick it up and place it upon your wrist. Once your done then step onto the platform next to it." Jaune fallowed it's orders without any disagreements. Grabbing the wristband with his blooded arm, he slipped it on with relative ease - surprising himself upon how it easy it was - before he walked onto the platform, causing a similar blue glow to surround Jaune and the platform.
What Jaune didn't know that the platform he just stepped onto was - in actually - a trans-galactic teleporter, which could only be operated by the Rakata Species. Though with such an advanced race now extinct, this was the first use of this long abandoned piece of technology in over a millennia.
-Meanwhile -
At a similar Rakata Library underneath the Republic's Galactic Senate building on the deep core world of Coruscant, a squadron of first generation Clone, Shock Troopers of the Coruscant Guard were working fast to assess the situation as the once thought inactive machines around them had suddenly activated.
"I want troopers aiming at that platform now!" The Clones' Sargent shouted to his men, as the platform slowly started to glow blue. Two of the red armoured Clones slowly advanced towards the glowing machine; pointing there DC-15S blasters carbines at it in the event of anything hostile were to appear.
An elderly man soon entered the room, flanked by two figures wearing brown and lighting tan robes. One of them was a middle aged man by name of Mace Windu while the other was a much small, and green skinned, alien by the name of Yoda. Both individuals being prominent, and leading members of the Jedi Council. "What's going on here Troopers?" Mace questioned the Shock Troopers' Sargent.
Looking back to the Jedi, the Sargent gave his answered. "Sir. The machine had started up, and from what we know about the Rakatan's Technology, nobody could have activated it."
The elderly man - who identified as Supreme Chancellor Saave Palpatine of the Galactic Republic - spoke out his thoughts. "If that were the case, then why is it now active?"
Yoda, who was currently looking at the piece of ancient technology, started to slowly walk towards with the aid of his walking stick. "Pain, I sense..." Mace looked to the old master of the Jedi order with a questioning gaze.
"What do you mean Master?" He asked, though not getting a response, as he stopped to stare as a humanoid figure just appearing out of the teleporter - shocking everyone within the room. He looked to be a tall young man, with blonde hair, and a missing right arm; a piece of what looked like Rakata Technology located on his remaining wrist.
Jaune Arc looked at everyone within the room, as he slowly started to step off the portal platform before his eyes proceeded moved to the back of his head, his body falling into unconsciousness. Within a instant, Yoda called upon the force to catch the young man, placing him down gently on the rooms floor.
The Shock Troopers soon gathered around the unconscious blonde, proceeding to giving him some basic treatment to hopefully stem his loss of blood. The other three individuals present simply watched the scene play out. "What just happened?" One of the Shock Troopers questioned to himself as he finished calling for a medical team, though, it allowing Mace to let out his honest thoughts on the situation.
"I'm unsure trooper... I'm, truly unsure..."
-Flashback End-
Jaune woke up within an instant, as he stared at the familiar sight of his quarters durasteel roofing. Jaune appeared to be much older now. It has been just over 16 years since he first arrived during the starting months of the Clone Wars. His arrival still haunted his dreams to this very day.
Jaune - as he was now - had multiple scars and burn marks which where scattered all over the surface of his body. Caused by the multitude of battles he's been apart of throughout the years. But the most unique change was the appearance of a black and gold plated, robotic arm, which served as a replace for his missing missing one. Jaune raised his mechanical arm, before proceeding to closed and reopened his robotic fingers a few times.
Back on his old home world of Remnant, not even the Atlas Military had the technology to make mechanized prosthetics to this extent.
"Good morning Master Arc." Jaune moved his robotic arm away, instead looking to his other arm; soon seeing his A.I companion Alpha appear on the wristbands screen. Apparently the wristband and the A.I were specialised piece's of technology belonging to the Rakata Species before they suddenly, and mysteriously, died out.
"Alpha, I keep telling you to stop calling me Master..." Jaune explained to his companion, with a noticeably more deeper voice, showing that he must of gone through puberty at least a few different times.
Proceeding to get up from his rather large bed. He began to stretch his now extremely buff and well toned body. Noting that his quarters were empty of any other individual. 'She must have got up early to prepare for our departure. That's so her.' Jaune thought to himself with a soft smile before Alpha gave his response.
"Acknowledged Master." The Rakata A.I answered, completely dismissing Jaune's order; causing the blonde man to sighe in defeat.
Going through his usual morning routine: showering, a shave, and eating a large breakfast, he soon finishes with him standing in front of a full length mirror so he can manage and get into his naval uniform. "What do we have to do today Alpha, well before we have to return to the Fleet that is?"
Alpha remains silent for the time being, as he goes through Jaunes schedule, message, etc... Just to make sure that Jaune doesn't have anything else he is needed to do. "You have to address the senate to ease there concerns-"
"Cancel that. I was informed the meeting was pushed back till next week, which will be around the time we should be arriving in the Outer Rim territory's." Jaune interrupted, and informed the A.I.
Alpha form nodded from the confines of the bracelet Jaune had taken from the 'library', as the A.I would usually call it. "Understood. Canceling event." Alpha continued his search before stumbling upon an important event. "Master. I have looked through your messages for today, and I have come across one directly from the High Chancellor himself. He requests a meeting with you regarding a secret mission to the Outer Rim. Do you accept?"
Jaune remained silent for the meantime thinking about the meeting. If it were a strictly secret mission to the outer rim, there would be no doubt that the Jedi Order will end up sticking there noses in a purely military matter that didn't involve them. "Respond back that I will arrive shortly."
"Yes Master."
"Stop calling me Master!"
After about twenty minutes of traveling through the bustling sky's of Coruscant, Jaune soon arrives at the Senate Building.
As he walked briskly through the building curved, and decretive blue and grey hallways - in his white naval uniform, with golden epaulets: A now notable sign of his authority as a Grand Admiral - another figure fallowed, in accompanying white armour, merely a few steps behind the decorated admiral. This was Clone, Marsal Commander Bolt, of the 120th Clone Tooper Corps.
The Marsal Commander was currently in possession of the standard issued Phase 2, Clone Trooper Armour - currently marked out with accompanying golden, yellow lightning bolt design - which incorporated additional protective measures in the form of a yellow stained commanders kama and pauldron. He was also in possession of a set of micro-binoculars attached to his helmet.
"I thank you for allowing me to accompany you Grand Admiral." Jaune smiled. Nodding pleasantly at his companion words.
"It is of no issues Commander. I am simply glad you were able to accompany me. There are only a small few individuals who I can truly trust to have my back." He responded back to the Clone Marsal Commander, before continuing onward.
Eventually, the two individuals arrived at the waiting area which into the Supreme Chancellors Office. As Jaune proceeded to alert the occupant of the office of his presence, Bolt noticed two other distinguished Clones in the room with them.
One of the Clones - who's armour was marked with blue stripes - possessing an almost similar set armour modification as Bolt currently did, although instead of a set of micro-binoculars he had a range finder. While the other Clone - who's armour was marked with section of orange stripes instead - had burly any distinguishable armor attachments, aside from an additional visor module on his helmet, as well as several antennas attached to his helmet and shoulders.
Bolt - leaving his Admirals side as he waited by the door - walked towards the two Clone Officer's. Both soon acknowledging his arrival by turning to face the newcomer.
"Captain. Commander." The Clone in blue - Rex - chuckled lightly at his fellow officers formal attitude in open situations.
"Commander. How is the Grand Admiral Arc? I heard he got into some nasty business back on Nar Shidda?" Bolt chuckled lightly at Rex's comment, as he remembered having to send in a invasion force due to a hostile take over from the Separatist Alliance.
"Indeed. He's only just returned to active duty today form what occurred their. But, he is still a soldier. He'll persist through it. He always has; to then come back even better than before."
All of their helmeted heads nodded to each other until a voice called out to Bolt, prompting the 120th's Marsal Commander to turn around to face his C.O. "Commander. I am heading in now. Await for my return here." Jaune explained, earning a nod from the Clone as he left, entering the Chancellors Office.
Bolt simply watched the event play out until the sliding doors to the office completely closed. Prompting Bolt to hastily turn back towards his fellow Clone Officer's, proceeding to get a questioning - helmeted - stare from the both of them.
"Captain. Comander. Tomorrow is the admirals birthday and everyone from Lightning Company has been planning a large celebration for him, and - if you are willing to - I could use some more assistance."
Both Clones looked at on another before looking back to Bolt. "I believe that could be arranged, though we need to clear this with our generals first." Rex voiced his concern, as Cody nodded in agreement. Though, truthfully Rex did want to help. The Admiral was the man who gave him his name during the starting months of the Clone Wars, back when they hard to re-train their command style's under Alpha 17.
"That will be fine Captain." Bolt stated, though he personally had his doubts. The Admiral never got on that well with the Jedi, especially General Skywalker. He only hope General Kenobi would be more lenient, he usually was.
-Meanwhile-
Within the large red, grey, and golden, ornate office was located the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic - Sheev Palpatine - who was currently seated at his desk busy writing up a few things that every high ranking politician feared more then anything. Even if he was secretly a Sith Lord.
Yes. Jaune knew about the Chancellor's secret identity of cause, but the Chancellor also knew about Jaune's secrets. Therefore - no matter what - the two were at a constant stalemate with one another; for if one spoke out the other, it would cost them both. Most likely resulting in mutual destruction.
"Chancellor." Jaune announced to the Dark Lord causing the old man to look to him with a caring smile.
"Ah Jaune. Thank you for coming on such short notice. Now we merely need to wait for Master Kenobi and Master Skywalker in order to start this meeting."
Jaune raised an eyebrow at the Republic's High Chancellor. Even if Palpatine was secretly a Sith Lord, Jaune respected the mans great ability to lead a galaxy spanning military. Though on the other hand, Jaune - like many admiral within the Republic - didn't think the Jedi has the same natural drive. "Sir. Is it wise for you to bring the Jedi in for this meeting?"
Immediately, Jaune saw an amused look on the old man face, who apparently had a similar feelings. "I understand your skepticism Jaune. But the Jedi have been annoyingly persistent in that they take part in all meetings that could potentially cause a negative effect to fall onto the Republic."
Jaune had a noticeable twitch in his eye, something he'd often get during times of overwhelming irration. Despite being on good terms with Master Kanobi. Skywalker was a different story. Honestly he felt that the Jedi has no place within the Republic's military. "But Sir. The Jedi Order is an independent religious organisation of 'Peace Keepers'. They have no right to make such a demand. Meetings such as these should be comprised by actual military operatives."
Jaune would of continued to vocalise his opinion, and irritation about the Jedis continued involvement during the Clone Wars, but Palpatine simply rased his hand slightly, as a way to politely say he wish to interject. His kind smile barely once left his lips. "As much as I would like to agree with you Jaune. It's not my place to say... Yet." Palpatine indirectly exclaimed his master plan to Jaune, since he knew that the Grand Admiral couldn't really do anything.
"Right... Anyway. Did you require any of my reports relating to the 26th Fleet before I leave for the Outer Rim?" Jaune asked his Commanding Officer, who held an amused smile.
"Hows the 'Weapon' coming along? Is it preforming as intended?" Jaune gave a knowing smirk to the Chancellor.
"It is working perfectly. The 'Proto Cannon' is performing beyond my expectations. Though, I must thank you Chancellor for giving me the proper... 'supplies' needed to maintain it's power consumption."
"That's wonderful to hear Jaune. I'm glad you could use such a weapon to it's full potential."
After their little conversation finished, it was as if an hateful silence consumed the room, with the two individuals present having an almost unseeable battle with one another.
These two men knew the darkest facts about each other, but they couldn't make a move without compromising themselves in return. So this was all they could do, until one made a fateful, and irreparable, mistake.
The consuming presence was thankfully lifted though, once two male figures entered the room.
One of them men was wearing a dark red and blue robe, with a metallic cylinder present on his belt; he had shaggy, darkish brown hair with a scar going over his right eye. "Master Skywalker." Jaune greeted, earning a disgruntled grown from the Jedi who simply continued to walk towards the desk alongside his master. Obi Wan Kenobi.
The man in question was currently wearing the lightish tan robe, alongside some plastoid clone armour. He as well possessed a similar, yet thiner, metallic cylinder attached to his belt. "Master Kenobi." Jaune greeted again to the other man, who simply gave a smile to the Grand Admiral.
"Apologize for our lateness Chancellor. There was a matter that needed to be discussed in private." The older of the two man explained there reason for being late, earning a nod and a friendly smile from the Chancellor. All of the hatred from before was gone, almost as if it wasn't there to begin with.
It was always a surprised to Jaune that the Jedi still had no idea about Palpatine's true motives. Just another reasion for him to dislike them so, he suppose.
"It's quite alright Master Jedi. I was simply having a pleasant conversation with the Grand Admiral here." Anakin looked over to Jaune, who held firmly a look of professional indifference.
"What did you two discuss? The 'Grand' Admiral's apparent distaste for Jedi?" Jaune looked over towards Anakin, though didn't say anything since Anakin already knew Jaune view of the Jedi, and how their 'interfere' in Republic matters.
"Well... that was... one of the matters we discussed, yes..." Palpatine explained, before coughing into his hand so he could continue with the meeting. "Anyways. As I was saying Master Jedi, I have gathered you three here to discuss a matter of great importance. I believe it is time that we secure an edge against the Separatists. I have received information that Jabba the Hutt is willing to divulge the Hutt's secret hyperspace routes. All that is left is to send a negotiator to reach a reasonable trade agreement between ourselves and the Hutt Clan."
Anakin twitched at the mention of the Hutt. It reminded him of his time as a slave, though the twitch had caught Jaunes eye. The Grand Admiral had become privy to such information relating to the young Jedi's past. A small part of him felt for the Jedi, slavery was a disturbing, and distasteful practice.
Though he reminded himself quickly that this was hardly the time for an emotional moment. In fact, it only proved his point more that the Jedi weren't meant to be military leaders. They were just to compassionate for their own good. How ironic.
"I don't need to remind you that we need those hyperspace routes. Grand Admiral Arc, I believe it's your time to be the negotiator." The Chancellor issued him the mission, looking towards Jaune who just held a look of curiously.
"Sir? I am a soldier, not a negotiator." Jaune stated. Wondering why the Chancellor would wanted him to spearhead the negotiations with Jabba the Hutt.
"That is true Grand Admiral. But you have negotiated peace between two species who were biologically made to attack each other. If that does not explain your power with words then I'm not sure what does." Palpatine chuckled at the achievement, ever since he saw Jaune all those years ago he knew the boy would turn out great with such potential to lead, and he was right. "Though if you feel so strongly against the idea Admiral, I could always leave this assignment to Master Kenobi. He has quite the experience in regards to negotiation missions." As the Chancellor said those last few words, Jaune looked to the Jedi Master besides him momentarily before coming to a conclusion.
Jaune looked back at the chancellor with a look of determination clear in his war-torn eyes. "I accept the mission Sir." And with those five words, Palpatine smiled at the Grand Admiral in victory. Jaune knowing full well that he was baited into agreeing to spearhead the mission.
Getting up from his chair, Palpatine began to type out the necessary information on the tablet he was currently holding, before sending the information to the Alpha A.I Jaune had under his command.
"Information received." Alpha reported the transfers completion, before going back into his idle state of silent.
"Good. You are all dismissed." And with those last words, the three individuals left the Chancellor's office.
Outside said office - as expected - stood the three, heavily distinguished Clone Officers. Awaiting patiently for their respective commanders to rejoin them.
"I wish you luck Grand Admiral. I have had experience with Jabba in the past; he is a highly dangerous Crime Lord. Keep you wits about you." Master Kenobi informed him in the Jedi's usual flamboyant fashion, before leaving with Cody following crisply behind him.
Jaune gave a quick glance towards Skywalker, to see if he wished to start anything again. Thankfully, he apparently chose to ignore the Admiral completely. Simply choosing to take some of his masters advice for once and leave, Rex follow behind him a few moments later. Though not before giving his respects to the Geand Admiral with a quick nod.
Looking to Bolt - who was currently typing something down onto a data pad, before he noticed that Jaune's attention was now directed at him. "Commander. Is everything in order?" Jaune asked, as he waited for his Commander to be finished so that they could leave.
"Just some new strategic plans Sir. I will complete them once we return to the fleet. Once they are complete I will run them by you. With your permission of course." Jaune smiled lightly at the Commander, as he chuckling softly.
"Permission granted Commander. Come now, we must return to the Aurora."
All the edits goes towards my good friend MidKnightMoonGlow99 who actually put in the first review; check him out hes a great guy and he makes awesome stories.
also this is for people who dont want to wait for the next chapter so go on either wattpad or Archive of our Own to read the unedited chapters.
this will have the same Title while wattpad is CloneCaptainBriggs and Archive of our Own will have the story under RubyRubanRose