"It is commonly believed that Humans originated from the Core worlds, possibly on Notron, but there are no worlds here that have proof of original human inhabitation. For this reason many theories have been proposed to account for this lack of an origin. Some suggest that humans fled their planet as it was destroyed by a dying star. Others go as far to believe that humans are from extra-galactic space. I however agree with one other theory and it is intertwined with the very founding of the Republic."- Excerpt from Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn's Holocron, Jedi Archives

Location: Office of the Supreme Chancellor, Galactic City, Coruscant, 41 days after Battle of Geonosis, Earth year 2035

It was another perfect sunset, one of Palpatine's favorites. Dark orange fading into blood-red with a small electrical storm in the distance, set against one of Coruscant's most polluted industrial sectors. Scanning across in the other direction was the darkening heart of Galactic City, its skyways bristling with traffic and its highest buildings cloaked in artificial light.

Yes, the view from Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's office was one that so many would die for... and, he thought, so many would. All of his plans were coming together perfectly. Nothing would stop the Sith now. However he couldn't help but to frown slightly while looking towards the Jedi Temple. The Jedi, he thought, their weakness is their blind faith in themselves and in the force, and their faith in those they lead into battle. But that would soon be their downfall, they wouldn't expect anything, but some would live just long enough to see how far they'd fallen.

At that moment something changed in the force, Palpatine could feel the ripple. It made him uneasy, it didn't feel right, and for once the Sith couldn't figure out what was causing it. That made his frown worsen into a sneer. It was the Jedi, it had to be. Something had changed and not for the better, for him at least.

Just then, an aide walked in and informed him that Jedi Master Mace Windu was here to see him. Mildly surprised he hadn't sensed the Jedi coming, Palpatine ushered the aide to bring him in.

In strode Master Windu, his Jedi robes trailing behind him. "Your Excellency," stated Mace, bowing slightly in respect. The Chancellor couldn't help but think that this was how the Jedi should always be, bowing before the Sith.

"It's always a pleasure to see you again Master Windu. Please have a seat, what can I do for you?" asked Palpatine cordially, sitting down at his desk.

"I have come to inform you that we have lost contact with two of our Star Destroyers, in the far Outer-rim. There have been repeated tries to raise them but none have been received." Mace sat down in front of the Chancellors desk; even he stole a quick look to admire the view from the Chancellor's office.

"Oh, I am sorry to hear that, this is the first I have heard of the situation... Are there any Jedi onboard?" asked Palpatine casually.

Of course the Chancellor knew all about the two Destroyers, and that two Jedi were on them. He'd been the one to issue the okay for their little side mission at GAR High Command. If there was one thing the Sith didn't like, it was not knowing about things. The section of space they'd headed for was unknown, even to Palpatine. He was genuinely interested in what they would find.

However, the only way he was able to get the Resolute and Negotiator out there was to have Count Dooku order the two Separatist Battle Cruisers to follow a fleeing Consular Cruiser. He'd told Dooku that Senate Representatives were onboard. In actuality though, Palpatine had no clue who was in the Consular Cruiser, or why they had fled the ambush. He was just happy that the coincidence had fit in so well with his plans.

"Yes, Jedi Master's Obi-wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are onboard the ships the Resolute and the Negotiator. Both the entire 501st and the 212th legions are on as well. We are planning on sending out a rescue party to look for them, in case of a Separatist ambush. However, the council wanted to know what you thought of the situation," answered Mace.

"Well, those two legions are the finest in the Grand Army of the Republic, are they not? And the tactical knowledge of Master Kenobi and young Skywalker are second to none. I think they can fend for themselves for a while, we are talking about two fully armed Star Destroyers, not some lost Consular Cruiser."

Palpatine laughed a little, downplaying the seriousness of the situation, before continuing, "No, if they do not call in within the next day then I will personally see to it that a rescue party is sent out at once." With that assurance he got up, along with Mace.

Walking with the Chancellor to the door Mace replied, "Very well then, I will inform the Jedi Council about your offer, I am sure they will find it... most assuring. We will keep you up to date on any changes in the situation when they occur."

"I am glad to be of assistance, as always, it's been a pleasure seeing you again Master Windu, and I am sure that Masters Kenobi and Skywalker will be just fine" finished Chancellor Palpatine as they neared the door passing his Bas-Relief of the Great Hyperspace War.

"Your Excellency," said Mace then with another slight bow, he exited the office.

Palpatine couldn't help but crack an evil smile and laugh when the Jedi left. Lies and deceit were the ways of the Sith. Oh how he would enjoy his victory over them, he could already feel it.

###

Mace Windu strode out of the lift at the bottom of the building. Something didn't feel right. Something in his conversation with the Chancellor was bugging him. He pondered over it as he got into a nearby transport for the Jedi Temple. It was only when he arrived and was walking into the Temple that he realized exactly what was bothering him so much.

Was it coincidence that the Chancellor had mentioned a missing Consular Cruiser? He was sure that he hadn't told the Chancellor why the two Star Destroyers had gone that far out. But there was no such thing as coincidence in the force. No, it seemed that the Chancellor might know more about the situation then he was letting on, and that worried Mace. With that last thought, he strode into the Turbo-lift to the Jedi Council, having more to report on now than just the Chancellor's shallow assurances.

Location: Far Outer Rim, Planet Earth, ISA-ECUCNA, Ground to Air Rapid Deployment Hanger, ISA-USAF Operations Division, 41 days since Battle of Geonosis, Earth year 2035

"This is Admiral Yularen of the Resolute calling Consular Cruiser 34B-1. Is there anyone there? Repeat, is anyone receiving?" The Admiral flickered to view on the Consular Cruiser's Holo-projector, his arms crossed behind his back, standing squarely in the Resolute's Bridge.

"Right'eye, why aren't they receiving our Holo-projection, the Admiral should be able to see us!" Tens asked frantically. They'd sent the kriffin 501st after them! He couldn't believe it.

"Umm, hold on a sec... Here we are!" exclaimed Right'eye reaching down to press a button.

The Admiral flinched slightly as their Holo-projection flickered on in front of him. He seemed surprised to see four clones in the cockpit of the Consular Cruiser.

"We read you sir; this is CT-20-1010 of the 442nd Siege Battalion. This is CT-23-0151 and those two are CT-23-1547 & CT-23-1549 who are also from 442nd. Boy are we glad to see you!" stated Tens while pointing out his fellow brothers for the Admiral. They all stood at attention in the cockpit. It wasn't quite necessary but Tens decided they would represent the 442nd professionally.

"Yes, well gentlemen, at ease... I'm glad to see that you and your men made it CT-20-1010," he appeared to expect more people, "Is there anyone else with you that fled the Churba system?"

"Umm, no sir, there's no one else with us that fled." Great, Tens thought, it looked like they were all going to get in trouble. Yularen's response was proof enough of that.

"I see... More importantly CT-20-1010, Why did you flee the battle, and in a Consular Cruiser? I shouldn't have to remind you that what you've done is against several of the GAR's Standard Operating Procedures, you could be Court Marshaled for this too..." Tens interrupted the Admiral before he could finish, another mistake perhaps. He wanted to explain why they had left.

"I am sorry sir, but during evacuation we all missed our escape pods; the Consular Cruiser was our only hope of escape from our Destroyer. As to why we fled the battle, I assure you sir, it wasn't completely intentional... I'd like to say that our Hyperspace controls malfunctioned but," looking at Riot, Tens continued, "I can't sir, just someone with bad piloting skills. We then suffered a serious coolant leak and couldn't risk returning to Republic space."

The Admiral followed Tens gaze and was now looking at Riot who seemed to shrink back behind Jumps.

"Well, I suppose accidents do occur sometimes..." continued Yularen before stopping again. General Skywalker himself stepped into the Holo-projector view looking first at the clones then back to the Admiral. It was the kind of look that said, 'that's it, that's all we came out here for, is four shabla clones'. Well that's what Tens thought the look said if looks could speak. Tens and his brothers once again stood at attention.

"At ease troopers! I see you're already acquainted with the Admiral so I'll cut to the chase. Our scanners are picking up a large amount of life on the planet you four are on. Can you confirm this and what kind of life are we talking about?"

Tens looked back to the Marines, they were right behind them, but were out of range of the Holo-projector. All of them except Trevor had their helmets on. Trevor was looking in wonderment at the Holograph. Tens wondered what they're told to do in a situation like this.

"Well sir, there is life here but I should, uh I'll be right back, sir," replied Tens. Both the General and Admiral appeared rather amused by his sudden departure. Tens quickly exited the cockpit, coming face to face with Sgt. Trevor.

"Look Trevor, I'm obligated to make a full report on this planet, including all information that I have received so far. However, I think your President would want to make a more official meeting between you and the Republic. So, how do you want to approach this? I trust you know what to do. Either way I still have to tell them." Tens cast an anxious look to the Holo-projector then back. He didn't like keeping the General and Admiral waiting.

"Trust? Really, you trust us? I find that hard to believe coming from a clone that was planning on killing off me and my team to get off planet!" replied Trevor bitterly. The revelation of Trevor's knowledge visibly surprised Tens.

"Oh, you thought I didn't know? Connor overheard your plan back at the lifts. I saw you all getting into position in this ship; if it wasn't for this little distraction I would've ordered my squad to kill you four. Now tell me, why should I trust you?" asked Trevor angrily.

Luckily he'd kept his voice down, but that didn't distract Tens from the fact that Trevor's gun was pushing into his lower chest plates. The rest of Delta Squad raised their guns too, pointing at the backs of his brothers in the cockpit. Right'eye was evidently covering for Tens in his absence. Riot and Jumps were distracted by that too, so none of his brothers even knew about the small confrontation going on behind them. If they had worn their helmets than their wrap around vision from their HUD's would have warned them but that wasn't the case.

Tens really wished Trevor would've brought this up earlier. Issuing a sigh, and putting his trust in the Marine, Tens conceded.

"Okay, it's true. I made a bad decision. It's not that I don't trust you and your squad it's just I thought that if we left, the seppies would too, giving your planet some time. I admit I was a di'kut. I decided though, before the transmission, to stay here and I called off the ambush. I never was planning on killing you or your men, and er, woman. Just incapacitate, there is a difference... If there is anyone to blame it's me, just leave my brothers out of it..." replied Tens quietly, still looking Trevor in the eye. He then continued, "For now we should discuss this later at a more appropriate time."

Trevor looked at Tens and then to his brothers. Looking back to his squad he raised his arm in front of his face, palm out, and signaled cease-fire. He would've verbally given the order but he didn't want Tens brothers to hear, just in case. The others immediately brought their weapons down, and to their sides. Trevor also lowered his gun from Tens chest.

"Very well, we have more important matters at hand anyways," replied Trevor coolly. Then leaning in closer, in a harsh but barely audible whisper he continued, "I'm letting this slide for now clone, but if you even hint at hurting my squad or anyone else here again, including the President, I will not hesitate to kill you or your brothers. Do you understand?"

Tens understood all too well how far one would go for his or her safety, and the safety of those who they cared for. Plus, Trevor was doing his job, just like Tens, though Tens didn't particularly like the tone in which Trevor had said 'clone'.

"Yeah Trevor, I do and I am sorry... Anyways, let's introduce you to General Skywalker and the Admiral, then hopefully we can set up a meeting between them and you're President," replied Tens slowly, not sure if the Marine was going to stay angry.

"Might as well. By the way I haven't a clue what di'kut means but I can guess... Hold on a sec, Tens, did you say General Skywalker? As in Anakin Skywalker?" Now it was Trevor's turn to look surprised. Tens was glad to see the Marine lightening back up, compared with his serious demeanor he displayed just seconds earlier.

"Yes, but we address him as General Skywalker or just General... Wait! How did you know his full name?" asked Tens incredulously.

"Oh, uhh yeah, Tens remember our conversation?" he asked, smiling slightly.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"We'll discuss it later." Tens wasn't satisfied with that answer and Trevor knew it. With another quick smile and a sarcastic laugh, Trevor followed an annoyed Tens into the cockpit.

Location: The Negotiator heading for the planet Earth, full speed, far Outer-Rim, 41 days after Battle of Geonosis, Earth year 2035

Obi-wan and Commander Cody sat at a table in the Commander's office onboard the Negotiator. The table was filled with flimsy sheets and data pads containing all the information Cody could unearth for this sector of space. There was nothing to go on. The Star System was far from any major, let alone minor Hyperspace Routes, and it seemed no one had really cared to venture out here until now. The only people who might have ventured this far out, Obi-wan supposed, were pirates and smugglers.

Both Cody and Obi-wan were watching a miniature split Holo-projection on the table. It showed both the Admiral and Anakin aboard the Resolute and the four clones on the Consular Cruiser. One of the clones had disappeared from view, CT-20-1010. He was of interest to Obi-wan. Something was different about him, something other than his seemingly natural ability to lead. Well, seeing what they had gotten themselves into, maybe he'd need a bit of work on that.

Suddenly, CT-20-1010 reappeared with a guest, a human to be precise. He was clad in black armor similar to a clone commando but less bulky. He also carried gun with him, a projectile weapon of some sort. Obi-wan leaned forward to get a better view, resting his head on his hands in contemplation. He was surprised to say the least. He hadn't expected to find a human inhabited world out here, especially on an uncharted star system. In the Holo-projection CT-20-1010 started talking again.

"General, Admiral, this is Marine Sergeant Trevor Kelly. He's from Earth and wants to set up a meeting between you and their President."

Earth, Obi-wan thought, an interesting name for a planet. He then noticed, with some amusement, the surprise both the Admiral and Anakin showed at seeing that this planet is inhabited by Humans.

"Hello General Skywalker and Admiral Yularen. As Tens said, I'd like to set up a meeting with you either in person when you arrive on Earth or by this, er, Holo-projection," Trevor stated nervously. He wanted to do this right; the only problem was that this had never been done before.

"You're Human? And you speak basic?" asked Anakin suspiciously.

"Yes I'm Human, and I speak English, if that's what you mean by 'basic'," replied Trevor annoyed slightly by how obvious that information was.

"Who exactly do you represent, Sergeant Trevor?" asked the Admiral, recovering quickly from the surprise at seeing Humans here.

"I am a Marine with the United States Military. We now have, as I am sure you are aware, a possible enemy ship barreling towards our planet. Tens here said it was a Separatist Battle Cruiser. If that is the case and they are not friendly, we may need help, or at the very least some advice. I was told to tell you that our President would like to ally ourselves with the Republic if you can provide help."

Trevor knew the President had a plan; they were in a larger universe than they could have ever imagined and one that was at war. She wanted the Earth to be on the winning side and she had the information to create that winning side. Trevor knew her beliefs in ethics so it didn't surprise him as to the side she had chosen. He just wished that the President didn't put so much trust in the clones. Sure they seemed nice enough, but if the movies were any indication they are dangerous and not to be trusted. Trevor's own experiences with the UN's secret cloning program showed how true that was.

"Our two Star Destroyers are fast but they're not that fast. There were two Separatist Battle Cruisers in your star system, but our star Destroyers just chased one away. For whatever reason they really want the Consular Cruiser, so the other one doubled its speed toward you. We will offer what assistance we can, but only when we arrive. No matter what though, they will arrive first," offered the Admiral.

"Very well. I will inform our President and we'll try to patch this signal through to a more secure site on Earth. Thank you for your consideration and possible support. I am sure that Tens will keep in contact with you so that we may coordinate our response to the Separatist threat." With that Trevor left the projector followed quickly by Tens. Tens left CT-23-0151 to continue communication with the Resolute.

Obi-wan couldn't decide what to think. The Republic had the advantage over these Earthlings; they aren't a threat so allying with them wouldn't be an issue. But what will the Separatist do? Surely they knew of the life readings before the one fled. They would surely return to investigate, and when they do, if the Republic allies itself with Earth, the Republic would end up having to defend the planet. Even this early in the war they couldn't afford the extra security.

"Cody, when they patch through the communications, I want us to be there for the meeting. I trust Anakin, but this is a very important meeting. Our scanners indicate that the population of this planet is likely in the billions, even a small Separatist invasion is likely to cause mass panic, they may need a lot of help. Prepare the men for rapid deployment to the surface for when we arrive. Make sure Captain Rex does the same, and tell Runt to jam the Separatist communications, just in case."

"Very well general. I will make sure Rex knows as well. Are we expecting to fight in populated areas, sir?" replied Cody. He was excited; they were finally going to see some ground action.

"Yes Cody, if they do land droids, we will be deploying to the ground, and they probably will deploy in an urban area. Just make sure to do a better job than the 501st. I'm tired of seeing Anakin beat us in droid fatality rates."

Cody just smiled, if there was one thing he would enjoy it was a challenge and showing the 501st who the better legion was.

###

A/N: Well, I really do hope that you enjoyed this late update. Never fear though, more updates ahead. I also suggest for Palpatine's POV playing the Sith theme in the background, sets the mood rather well. : ) As always suggestions and reviews are highly valued so please let me know! And just because, I do not own Star Wars or for that matter the Clone Wars. Have a good summer by the way.