Chapter 21 - Forging the Future

AN:

Hi everyone, first of all, a quick note to all who might be interested, I am looking for at least one Beta to help clean the story up. If anyone is interested, please PM me and we'll have a chat.

Secondly I apologise for the time taken between chapters, but since I finished the last chapter, I have maybe two hours to myself a day if that. Life is very busy and stressful for me at the moment. So please be aware that I will update when I can.

Thanks everyone and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Xora frowned at the image of Harry, "So what do we do now?"

Harry shrugged, "I'm not sure. I've had a chance to think about things and in its most basic form, there are three core results. If I reveal the truth of Order 66, then the Jedi turns on its army and the CIS wins, Dooku leads the galaxy and his Master Sidious rules through him. If a command code is given all the droid forces without my upgrade will shut down, the clone troopers defeat the core of the CIS and then focuses their entire attention on us, the republic wins, Dooku is captured or dies and Sidious wins. Then there's when the Jedi go after Sidious, Sidious gives the Order, the Jedi die. Either side can conquer the other and Sidious wins. Hell, if he just thinks someone is going to go for him, he might just send the order and use the chaos to escape or claim his attacker is a Jedi ally."

Xora tapped her chin, "Well planned, thorough and covering all eventualities, except for the Harry factor."

He smiled at her, "Go on."

"His plans never included you, he has to adapt them on the fly. Decades of preparation disrupted and in some cases no longer valid. When you built the new programming for the droids, did you tell anyone about removing the control code?"

"Dooku knows, I don't know if he told Sidious."

"Presuming he knows, then that plan is no longer fully valid. He can't just win with the sending of a message. He would require Dooku or yourself to give the command to surrender. I have a few ideas, let me work on those and I'll update you later on that front. As for the Jedi being told, the moment they find out, we force Sidious' hand, he will just trigger the clones to remove the threat, plant false evidence afterwards to cover himself. We can't tell the Council or the Jedi in general, but we could try to warn a few and let them decide what to do. It's unlikely they will believe us, but some might listen. I'll be damned if I let Sidious win without a fight, I'll dig around; see what we can disrupt to throw things into disarray. It will at least buy us time."

"I agree, have fun and keep safe."

She smiled at him, "I always do. What about the senator?"

"Have you given her the offer?"

"I did, she seems tempted but confused."

"Show her some trust, give her access to Pantora's records to look through. All of them, even their black ops and secret records. Hide nothing; let her search for whatever we're hiding. She'll soon see we're telling the truth and that her world's hands are not as clean as she imagines. Give her comms access to her family, monitor it, but let her say what she will."

Xora smirked and nodded, "Should be interesting, a chance to see how smart and paranoid she is." She calmed and sighed at the image. "You're going to speak to him aren't you?"

"Yes. I need answers, especially now."

"Just... be careful, I'll have a shuttle sent to wait for you in your usual docking bay for when you need to leave."

"Xora. Thank you." With a smile and a nod he disconnected.

Xora rested her forehead against the panel beside her, sighing in frustration. "Why do I let you do this to me?" Quickly putting in the orders, she began to prepare for when he came home after the confrontation that was about to happen.

The Sergeant shut the door and triggered the security system.

His brothers sat around, members from a dozen armies. Each shared small jokes and stories, passing on information and tactics, many sharing their pain at their brother's deaths.

The Captain stepped onto the raised platform. "Brothers, we are here to plan for our vengeance. We have watched and listened, fought and bled, suffered and died. The Alor'be'haran has played with the Jedi, used them. And we have suffered for it. No more."

At the muted cheering he nodded and continued. "Today, we will return to our brothers and we will spread the message. We will make sure all of our kin know of his secrets, how he fights, how he bleeds. We will spread and do our utmost to destroy him, to scour the galaxy clean of his taint. We will do whatever is necessary, we will sacrifice our lives to merely give our brothers the chance to kill the Alor'be'haran. Every drop of blood offered by us and taken from the Alor'be'haran is a sacrifice to our brothers memories."

He raised his fist holding a collection of dog tags within his gauntlet. "For the Fallen!"

The roar of anger and approval echoed within the room as the Captain smiled at his brothers and began to explain the plan in more detail.

Dooku lay in his bed, his body still aching after the surgery to repair the damage. His leg still tingled and his eye itched, minor phantom pains that would pass as he got used to the replacements. Sixty odd years in combat, not a single major injury that would require cybernetics. One fight and now he had broken that record. Even worse was that he had done it to himself. He sighed in annoyance before freezing as a presence suddenly appeared beside his bed with a soft pop of air.

"You know, this is the closest to sulking I've ever seen you."

Dooku chuckled slightly, "Self-pity is not something I like to partake in, but I imagine you can guess why I am so frustrated."

Harry conjured a chair and sat in it. "I would love to just chat and reminisce about the past and your injuries, but we both know that's not why I'm here."

"Indeed, I must clarify however, is this a social call or business?"

"Social for now. I must admit my curiosity as to wondering what drove you to do what you have."

"How much do you know?"

"Not everything but Set was very thorough in his records and tried calling it something else, but I call it snooping into your personal files."

"Ah."

"Yes. Ah. I knew you had a Master, but to imagine that he had such a hold over you. It was rather disappointing to learn that."

"I imagine it was. So, what do we do now?"

"We talk. I need to know why you turned on me and then tried to rescue me. I'll never be able to trust you like I did before I discovered the truth, but we might be able to rebuild something between us. Better to have a working relationship than me destroying everything you stand for isn't it?"

Dooku sighed. "Indeed. Know that I tried my best to protect you, twisting orders, sending inept minions, omitting facts in my reports. I even implied that Ventress was my apprentice and that you were a mere tool in my service. But He knows. He knows exactly what you mean to me. I swear on the family name that I went to Coruscant to rescue you, I brought a squad of commando droids to aid me, but I don't know what happened to them."

"Temple Guardians destroyed them."

"Unfortunate. But an acceptable loss if they were of use in your escape."

"Not really, but I may be unaware of their assistance in some fashion. So, you came personally to rescue me, after offering a prisoner exchange to the Senate."

"Indeed, I needed them doubting the Jedi's actions to please my Master and to distract the council to give me an edge in my mission. I have made the offer and will follow through on it, I may even give them the Jedi as a little stab at their reputation. That I can keep my word, but they can't. Although I did get asked whether Senator Riyo Chuchi was one of my prisoners, you wouldn't know anything about that would you?"

"I acquired her during the investigation into Mina's death."

Dooku winced, "Ah, yes."

"Indeed. I had hoped, almost prayed that you weren't involved. I had ignored any sign of such until Set provided me a number of records to review. Not complete or with a full accounting of all the facts, but enough. I am still incredibly angry and upset about that by the way. I almost destroyed the transport I was in when I learnt that you had ordered her death."

"One of my many regrets, at least it was quick and painless, I made sure of that, she did not need to suffer."

"I take it that she was a target of your Master rather than a personal one then?"

"Indeed, I don't know why she was chosen, but I managed to ensure only she was targeted, her son is alive because of your friendship with them. Should he begin disrupting things however, then my orders are very clear on the matter." He raised an eyebrow at the surge of anger in the churning presence in the force beside him. "I can feel your power and control holding your anger in check, it is impressive, and you have grown much since we last had a chance to talk in person."

"More than you can imagine, but even my control has limits. Do not test them."

"No, I imagine that would end poorly for me. The Apprentice has surpassed the Master." He sighed for a moment before continuing. "I am sorry, for what little it matters, I rather liked Mina, she was a good influence as well as a good friend for you."

Harry rubbed his eyes with one hand and sighed as if an immense weight rested upon his shoulders. "I want to destroy you so much right now. But it will not change the past. So why come to rescue me?"

Dooku frowned, "Why wouldn't I? I take it you are unaware of my requests to Yoda?"

"I arrived too late to hear that."

"Very well, I asked him to return my son to me, he refused, we fought, I won."

"Your... Son? After everything you have done to me, you call me your son!?"

Dooku winced in pain as he sat up, making sure he made eye contact with Harry. "What else are you to me? You may not be my son in blood, but you are in spirit. I brought you into my home, restored your flesh, assigned the best tutors wealth and influence could acquire and personally trained you. Then I gave you an important role and position in the CIS. I trusted you to do what you needed to do in such a role. I watch your endeavours and victories with pride, I will admit confusion and frustration at times, but I am still proud of what you have achieved. As my apprentice you have surpassed me in your fields of study, I have little if anything of value to teach you now, as I have already told you, you have moved beyond apprenticeship." He cut off any response with a harsh hand gesture. "No, you are my son and heir, and I will not deny it. I would happily shout it for the entire galaxy to hear. You are destined for greatness Harry, and I have done what I can to prepare you for that. Even if you cut me down, I will be proud of the strong man before me. As would your friends and family."

Taking a deep breath, Harry centred himself once more, his rage and pain coiled within his gut ready to be unleashed. "So, will you stand up against your Master or will you remain kneeling?"

Dooku sighed, the weight of his slavery once more a burden upon his shoulders, Harry winced internally as the powerful man seemed to age before him. "I shall kneel. As long as I do so, you have some protection from Him. Darth Sidious is powerful and connected, vigilant and well prepared. He has plans that are decades in the making and almost at fruition. I suspect that he already has a replacement in mind for me, but that plan is not ready yet, otherwise we would not be having this conversation. Every day he focuses his power and dominance over me is another day for you to grow stronger and be able to withstand him."

Harry sat back and pondered the information he had. Male, decades of work, powerful and connected, subtle enough to avoid the Jedi's vision but powerful enough to bind Dooku to his service. He knew about Mina's contact with Amidala, the goal of peace which would disrupt his plans. Not from the CIS side, but the republic side. Amidala must trust him to give him the information. Abaddon's gift during the merging allowed him a clear unbiased view of events he had witnessed. Only five individuals came to mind immediately.

Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jar-Jar Binks, Senator Bail Organa and Chancellor Palpatine.

Binks appeared to be a bumbling fool and lacked the public support required to lead the republic, he might be a war hero, but there were better options to lead over him. Crabbe or Goyle would make better leaders than him. Harry didn't know how old the gungan actually was, nor their average lifespan to really judge his capacity to be involved. He was also too lucky, too competent when he stumbled into events, it is almost as if he planned everything and pretended to be a fool to throw off suspicion. Or it could just be my paranoia, he might just have the same sort of luck I have. The Jedi were both too young for the role, Kenobi maybe, but the clone army had taken years to produce in time for the start of the war. Organa was popular, a voice for moderation, honour and noble causes. He put himself at risks and was a skilled orator. Palpatine was Amidala's mentor and advisor whilst she was queen of Naboo. Connected, skilled, influential and respected. His position as Chancellor would allow him to enact Order 66 directly and to control everything once the war was over.

But was he the puppet or puppet master. He cleared his mind and sank into his occlumency techniques; Abaddon focused his attentions upon specific memories, recordings of the senate when Amidala began her proposal for peace. Organa had been surprised whilst Palpatine had not been. Palpatine knew what was coming.

Finally he opened his eyes and focused on Dooku. "Darth Sidious, it's Palpatine isn't it?"

Dooku sighed in resignation, "Indeed. Keep as far as you can from him. He is more powerful than you could imagine, you would stand no chance in combat with him. He has already won, the Republic just does not realise it yet. And the Jedi, they are blind to the danger advising them with poisoned words." He took a deep breath and readied himself. "So, now that we have discussed everything important. What are you going to do?"

"Now... Now I am going to do the most vicious revenge I can think of for you. I am going to be merciful, I forgive you. For all your betrayals, for all your lies. I forgive you, but I will never forget. I will never trust you again. I will look at your advice as if it were tainted. You get to live knowing that your choices destroyed my faith and trust in you. You chose your master over your self-declared family, you get to live and deal with the repercussions of your actions. No easy way out through your death, no suicide, no glorious last stands, you will do your best to live for as long as you can. Live with the pain you caused. Do you understand?"

Dooku looked into the now cold eyes of Harry, "Yes, I understand."

Harry nodded, "Good, now rest and heal. You will be a busy man trying to fix everything in the next few days." He looked back and Dooku saw the pain and burning rage in Harry's eyes. "Goodbye… Father." With a final nod and a crack of air, Harry was gone.

Dooku whispered to the now empty space, "Goodbye. My Son."

Elia Tanna calmly followed the Temple Guardian into her new chambers in the guest section, luckily the corridors were empty at this time of day so she didn't have to worry about others staring at her.

The halls had been cleaned up from all the chaos that had not long ago occurred, but here and there were little reminders, scorch marks and blood spatters on walls. The living areas had avoided most of the trouble, but not all.

The Guardian opened the door to the rooms and watched as she entered, she felt him leaving and looked over the room.

It was spartan but larger than she had expected, two doors were likely to lead to bedrooms whilst a third led to the bathroom. A sliding glass door led outside to a balcony which held a sand garden.

At the heart of the garden sat a swirling sphere of sand, within was a focused but calm presence in the force.

Curious about her jailor, she stepped into the garden, the moment her foot touched the sand, the sphere stopped moving and split apart into tendrils. The figure at the centre was a human male in basic Jedi robes, he motioned her to join him. As she moved to sit before him, she saw that he was neither handsome nor ugly, brown hair, his eyes were closed. Thin scars spread across his right side of his face and he was missing his right arm at the shoulder although the sleeve wasn't pinned up.

Settling onto the sand opposite him, she watched as the tendrils returned to the sphere and began rotating once more, it was pitch black inside, no light from outside making it in past the swirling mass of sand.

The noise was relaxing, like waves washing over each other.

His voice broke the quiet as her mind drifted slightly.

"My name is Aran Kato, Knight of the Jedi Order. I have been assigned to you as a polite form of jailor, just as you are my own." She frowned in confusion as he chuckled. "Sorry, I have been told my jokes are rather bad, but rather accurate in this instance. I have been given a basic overview of your situation, it is only fair that I give you my own and allow you to expand on the details I have been given should you wish. I will offer you the same."

He took a deep breath before continuing. "The sand will protect our words from outside observation, so fear not on that matter. You have been quietly punished for following your oaths to heal. Your patient was a suspected Sith who upon recovery proceeded to escape most likely due to the fact that the suspicion was accurate. At the same time at least one other faction attempted to either rescue or kill your patient. You were rendered unconscious during those events. Strangely the Sith did not kill or kidnap you and you were found unhurt with your lightsaber. Strange actions for a Sith to take unless you were an accomplice, however an accomplice would have either escaped as well or would have been wounded enough for a cover. How am I going so far?"

"Pretty well, he was actually being possessed by a Sith spirit which I freed him from. The man who escaped was a force user and not a Sith. I don't know his loyalties but I could not stand by and do nothing whilst he was sent to a prison for another's actions."

"That's good enough for me. Your room is the one on the right, mine is the left. I have been relieved of other duties for the foreseeable future in order to observe you and to protect others from any danger you may cause."

"Very well, you know about me, but what about you. What's your story?"

The man grunted in amusement, "Fair enough, my story." He sighed for a moment before continuing. "I was a barely adequate Padawan to Orsin Kato, a skilled healer who was rather vocal about his belief that we should not be leading armies in the war. Before you ask, I took his name for my own to honour his memory. I had little ability with the force, but my master still chose me over others more powerful than I, more skilled. I don't know why but I shall be forever grateful for his choice. My Masters' viewpoint was that we should perform humanitarian missions only, to protect the innocent and to try to negotiate peace, to stand between armies and not lead them. During a mission on a backwater world called Arbra, we were assigned to guard the medical supplies as they were being quietly delivered to the front lines."

"I heard about that, the Arbra Massacre. I thought there were no survivors."

Aran grunted at that, "In a way, there weren't. Who I was died there, and in a weird way I was reborn in the aftermath. The convoy was bombarded by artillery during an ambush, our vehicle was hit. I was pulled from the wreckage and almost died of blood loss there and then. My right arm was shredded and torn, the bone shattered. I had been bored and was playing with my lightsaber when the blast hit, fragments of metal and crystal were embedded in my ruined flesh. My master cut the limb at the shoulder, his lightsaber cauterising the wound. I was soon high on pain killers, barely conscious and able to focus on what was happening around me. The Trooper's field medic was doing everything he could to keep me alive for an evac that was blocked by heavy anti-aircraft fire. Then the droids came. Marching in unison, their ranks sharp and precise, their Roger Rogers echoing around the pass, a wall of blaster fire tearing into the clones. I remember my master sadly smiling at me as he built a barricade of rock around me to protect me, before he moved into the fight, deflecting blaster fire and cutting droids down. I watched as his own arm was torn away and his body jerking as the blaster bolts tore into him. I remember screaming in anger and rage and pain. The next thing I know is that I awoke, manacled to a bed as medics were carefully examining me. Three months after the ambush."

"Do you know what happened?"

"Apparently the Jedi Council had worried that they had heard nothing from us in a while. They sent someone to investigate. When she arrived, she investigated the situation and the natives informed her of the Massacre and that it had awoken a vengeful spirit they called the Reaper. They told her stories of how the Reaper hunted any metal men it could find, appearing from the forest shadows and disappearing into the mists when it was done. The Reaper had destroyed three bases and all the droids based in them. Wreckage of ships scattered around the ruins. She heard that the CIS commander had retreated and barricaded himself in his command base, the last CIS location left. Every droid that remained was there. The locals told her that it would be a misty night and if she wished to see the Reaper, then she had best hurry."

"What did she find?"

"I don't know exactly what she found as the report has been sealed by the council, and no-one is saying anything about it. I know she returned to her ship carrying me and the base had been destroyed. Since then, I've remained in the temple, no missions other than to assist around the place and to help out in the library. They promoted me to Knight to keep people from prying too deeply, but that was it. No padawan of my own, no further lessons, I am watched and nearly every master I have come across frowns slightly at the sight of me, like they're not sure what to make of me or whether to trust me. After a year of nothing, they assigned me to watch you."

"I noticed that you are still missing your arm, did you not want a replacement?"

"Ah, that. No, unfortunately I have rather violent nightmares, the arms don't survive, however I have no need of such things, the Force is my Ally. Come I will show you as we go and get something to eat."

As he stood up the sand flowed back to the carefully sculpted garden and fragments of metal drifted from the sphere as it collapsed, they swiftly gathered at his shoulder and quickly formed an arm. Carefully he flexed it and she watched in awe as the metal moved like muscle and bone with his thoughts. He reached out with it and pulled her to her feet with a slightly knowing smirk, his pale grey eyes twinkling in amusement. "To think, the masters once pondered sending me to the Agri corps rather than to become a Padawan."

The small shuttle docked and Harry walked down the ramp, the moment the bulkhead sealed behind him and they had privacy Xora grabbed him and held him as he broke down and cried into her shoulder. After a short while they separated and he cleaned the tears from his face.

"Better?"

He nodded and smiled at her, "Thank you. I didn't think it would hurt me so much to do that."

"Is he alive?"

"Yes, I know he's dangerous but I couldn't do it. Although, it might have been a mercy to do so in the long run. His Master is not going to be pleased with what we do next."

"Are you going to be okay?"

"No, but I'll manage. Work will let me focus. What's the plan?"

"We have a meeting this evening with the Sluissi priests, before that we need to talk to Senator Chuchi, get her on board. Then at some point we need to speak with your supporters to find out what happens now."

"We'll discuss matters over a meal with Senator Chuchi, then meet the Sluissi. Tell me about her."

Sidious was glad his hood masked his features as he pondered the words he had just heard. "What did you just say?"

The agent knelt before his image and shook in fear of his Masters anger. "My Lord, the samples were flawed, They must have been contaminated somehow, we barely managed to recover a quarter of the samples."

"And what exactly happened?"

"We are unsure, a strange acid-like substance is involved, it melted through a number of sample containers and destroyed what was within. We managed to salvage a few if them, but we are unsure if they have been damaged or not by the incident. We're looking into it further but I believe that we can, with care and a little more time, begin the project. It won't be at the original predicted number, but if the samples are viable, we may be able to produce a few, maybe a dozen with the right support."

Sidious looked to one side and skimmed the agents record before nodding, a quick hand gesture and the man began chocking until his head suddenly moved ninety degrees to rest against his shoulder.

"Agent Kovin, step forward."

The image showed two others carrying the body away as another agent moved to kneel before his master.

"Congratulations on your promotion, salvage as much of this debacle as you can and ensure the remaining samples security. You will have the requested support and more. Deliver them to Project Titan and acquire anything the good Doctor Boll requires."

"As you wish my Lord."

Cutting the link, Sidious rubbed his forehead, What was it with Evan Jade, why did nothing go to plan. It was almost as if the Force was protecting him. Sidious scoffed at such an idea before opening a new comm channel.

"My Lord, how may we serve you."

"Dr Nuvo Vindi is in a republic prison on Coruscant. He is held in maximum security in isolation. Acquire him and transfer him to Theta Site."

"Yes my Lord."

Sidious cut the link and triggered another.

A few minutes later the network connected, Dooku knelt before his master's image, curiosity in his voice at the sudden summons. "What is your bidding my Master?"

"Jenna Zan Arbor, I require her services, transfer her to Theta site alongside her staff."

Dooku glanced up with a raised eyebrow, "As you wish Master."

"One final matter Dooku, your failures annoy me, there will be no more. Is that understood?"

Dooku looked at the floor, "Yes Master."

Sidious abruptly cut the link. Moving to his chair he re-evaluated his plans. Things will need to be accelerated. Reaching over to his public comms he sent a message.

"Chancellor?"

"Ah, Anakin. It has been too long since we last talked, perhaps we could meet and catch up?"

"I'm sorry that would…" Anakins image frowned as he glanced to one side, before smiling as he looked back at Palpatine. "Actually, you know what, that would be excellent, when and where?"

Sidious hummed for a moment, "Have you eaten yet? I have heard of a marvellous restaurant that has just opened."

Harry stood in his uniform ready for dinner examining the wand in his hands.

If there was a distinct sign he had changed, this was it.

Where once merely holding the wand would have felt warm and comforting, almost like he imagined coming home to his parents would feel like. Now, it felt dull, muted. His power flowed through the wand sluggishly and with resistance.

This must have been what Neville felt all those years, no wonder he lacked confidence if he thought that was normal. He must have been a powerhouse if he had managed so well forcing his magic through something that matched him so badly.

Placing the wand down he sighed in disappointment, it felt almost like losing a hand, the memory of the sensations there but muted and dull.

His lightsaber jumped into his hand with a thought and with a twist of his wrist came apart above his open palm. Pulling the heart of the blade from its casing he reached out with his magic and felt a connection similar to how his wand used to feel.

Restoring the saber and placing it to one side he held the crystal within a clenched hand and whispered "Lumos."

The brilliance amazed him, he could see his bones through his flesh as the light flared brightly within his grasp. A whispered "Nox" ended the experiment and he placed the crystal on the table.

It appeared that Abaddon's theory held water, he pondered over his collection of samples of wood and smiled, he had just the thing. But it would have to wait until after dinner.

It was time to produce a suitable droid to make the wands as well. Dooku had once mentioned a droid that specialised in such a field that the Jedi used for lightsabers, perhaps a little research along those lines would be of use.

Mallie Marek sat at the window of their hut watching as her new husband prepped the speeder to deliver her message to their contact in the city. A message which would soon be sent to her old master. She stroked her pregnant belly and her son within.

The Shaman knelt beside her and nodded sagely, "He will be strong, powerful, a great warrior."

"I know old friend, I have seen fragments of his future and I weep for him."

"You are strong, your mate is strong. Your son will be as strong as both of you. Why do you fear so much?"

She turned to look at him, one eye a milky white, blind but still capable of seeing the truth. "You will understand. When the long night comes and fire falls from the skies, Death will stride across the forest and the years of nightmare shall begin. Promise me. Take my son and hide him, take him far from here and keep him safe. Tell him about his parents and how much they love him."

The shaman placed his hand upon her shoulder to offer support, "You will tell him yourself."

She sadly smiled at her friend. "No. I won't."

Standing to greet his guest, Harry smiled as she entered the room. "Senator, a pleasure to finally meet you. Xora has told me much of you." He quickly guided her to a seat and pushed her chair in before repeating the action for Xora.

She smiled politely but nervously at him, her gold eyes however searched him for clues and signals, always aware. "Only the good I hope."

Xora chuckled at that, "I tell Evan everything."

Harry smiled at her, "Indeed you do. I prefer that my advisors are close and trusted. I want to know everything, even when they think I am wrong. Especially then. I am not some god or perfect being. I am human and mortal, I make mistakes, some of them bigger than others admittedly."

"And what do you do when you are wrong?" Chuchi's eyebrow was raised in interest.

"First of all I admit it, then I see how I can fix it and if possible put things right, if not then I try to repair the damage as best I can. If an enemy makes a mistake then I will use it ruthlessly. I wish you to understand something, I have no interest in this war, I don't want to lead an army, however it just seems to happen to me, all I want is to find a way home."

Chuchi caught a flicker of pain from Xora at that comment. "And what will happen if the war ends and you get what you want?"

He wistfully smiled at her and appeared to be seeing someone else in the room. "Then I make sure I leave something strong and secure behind to protect the people important to me as I go home." His eyes focused on her and they seemed to glow slightly with his intense focus upon her. It was both thrilling and terrifying, like looking into the heart of a star and knowing it would swallow you whole and not caring one iota about that.

She blinked to break the effect and quickly sipped at her wine to give her a moment to think. "Xora has made me an offer, what are your thoughts on it."

He smiled and opened his mouth to respond when one of his combat droids pushed a trolley into the room and began to serve the food.

"Hello Father, as you have returned I have produced a few of your favourites. I hope you like them."

Chuchi barely maintained her composure at hearing what the droid had called Jade.

"I'm sure that it will be wonderful as always Heka, I'm glad you found something to enjoy."

"I do indeed enjoy exploring this field. Organic reactions to my combinations are incredibly varied. It is most entertaining watching them enjoy my work. I hope you enjoy your meal." Heka passed out plates of food and placed a strange tart in the centre of the table for pudding before leaving with the trolley.

Harry smiled, "He really knows how to spoil me, Treacle tart, and it smells right."

Chuchi focused on Jade, "Why did… Heka call you Father?"

Harry smiled at her, "Because I am his father. I designed and built their shells, I designed and built their programming and rewrote sections to allow true growth of personality and thought. Each is unique and their own person, developing along pathways of their own interest. Heka enjoys cooking, Hedwig explores music and poetry. Anhur enjoys art, he's terrible at it but it's something he's happy exploring. Set is broody but will do anything to protect his family. Montu is currently studying zoology as well as trying to learn how to meditate, I'm not sure how that would work, but I hope he manages to learn something from the attempt. Each has their own paths to follow and as their father I do my best to support and guide them to become whatever they desire. I'm proud of them all."

"Interesting, but you didn't answer my question before Heka arrived."

"Well noted, I trust Xora, her judgement is sound and I have reviewed your files. Most impressive. I think you can do what we need and I think we will be able to work together without any problems."

"Okay, so you still want me to be your civilian advisor."

"Indeed I do, originally I had planned on offering the post to Senator Bonteri and after her death I considered Senator Amidala, however she is too closely tied to the Jedi and my Children returned with you. Xora saw the opportunity and thus, our offer to you."

"Too closely tied to the Jedi, why would that be a problem?"

"The Jedi and I are not on the best of terms, our history is... complicated. I may have also upset quite a few of them recently, never mind the fact that I don't think I can trust their motives or honesty. But that's a discussion for another night."

"What exactly will I have to do in my role?"

"It's both simple and complex, my advisors have little experience with the civilian side of things, you will fill that gap and ensure the civilians are healthy and safe with shelter, food, water and medical supplies whilst the war continues. After the war, who knows. It depends on who wins in the end."

"And do I have to support your plans?"

"Merlin no! I don't want yes men, I want thinkers and those with the will to do things around me. If you think I'm wrong then bring it up in private unless there's no time then bring it up immediately. I'm not going to punish you for doing as I want. You're there to stop mistakes from occurring, to have ideas, to improve my own. To hold me back from losing my way. I want you to be you. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Then." She took a deep breath, "I will consider it."

Xora smiled at her as Harry chuckled, "Wonderful, we have a meeting this afternoon, please join us, it should be interesting to say the least."

Ahsoka sat on the shuttle to Mandalore, meditating upon her experiences on Zygerria.

Padme Amidala sat on the other side of the room watching the young Padawan. She knew something was bothering Ahsoka but was unsure how to find out what. Anakin had dismissed her concerns, chuckling that he had been like that himself at her age and a little older.

Memories of those simpler times made her smile, looking at the sixteen year old meditating with a frown, she wondered if it was perhaps some boy or girl who had caught Ahsoka's attention. Dismissing the issue she returned to her book.

Ahsoka let her mind examine the sensations once again, something within her felt wilder, more primal. But it was protective of her, it was like a Nexu ready to pounce upon its prey, but each time she reached for it, it slipped away, just out of her reach, almost playing with her. It felt like something was missing, some crucial piece of the puzzle.

She stood up and huffed in annoyance catching a glimpse of Padme's knowing smirk before she hid behind her book. Ahsoka shook her head and went to take a shower, humming a lullaby under her breath as she went.

As the Sluissi Priests genuflected themselves before him, the female lowered the hood of her robes showing her silver scales before bowing. "Greetings General Evan Jade, we have one final test to see if you are indeed the one we seek."

The priests rose and brought forward a small box. The female continued, "Within this reliquary is the answer to a riddle. It was given to us by the moon goddess during the Tale of Union. We have a message to give you and the answer, we wish to hear the riddle."

Harry nodded in confusion, "I think I understand."

The Priests moved forward and opened the reliquary, showing the answer to him. A stasis charm saturated a scrap of burnt paper with two words written upon it. His eyes widened as he snapped his attention to the female.

She smiled at him, "The message is 'You're as sane as I am.' What is the riddle?"

Harry smiled sadly in response, "Who am I?"

At this the female genuflected before him, "Welcome Vasuki, King of All. We have been waiting a long time for your return. I have been sent as your Herald to my people as my ancestors were before me. My duty is to tell you three stories and three stories alone. Following this I am then to spread the Tale of your return. Following that the Sluissi are yours to command in all things."

"And which stories are you to tell me?"

"As the moon goddess sacrificed her mortality to guide you to your Heart, so she was given three moments to interact directly with the world. Once was to teach us and prepare us for this day. The other two moments are unknown to us, they may happen, have happened or are happening right now. The three Tales are The Tale of the Silver Gift, The Tale of Nesting in the Burnt Lands and The Tale of the Chains of Night. I have been allowed by the High Priest to condense these Tales to their bare bones and to directly tell you them rather than sing them. They are Sagas for my people and each would take too long to perform in full. For this I apologise and hope one day to perform the full Saga for you."

He motioned for her to continue.

"These are the fragments of our sacred teachings my King, I would ask that only those you trust with such information remain. I would then beg your forgiveness for telling you the tales in Basic rather than the sacred tongue. There are many subtleties which will be lost in the translation, but we felt this would be preferable to the reaction it may cause in others."

With a wry smirk and glance at Xora, he nodded, "Leave us," he commanded those within the room, motioning to Xora, "stay," turning to Chuchi, "you too. Anhur, remain, you may inform your brothers once we are done here."

Chuchi met Harry's eyes in surprise. He smiled at her, "Trust must begin somewhere."

The Priests moved to guard the entrance and one carefully aided the female in removing her heavy robe.

Her silver scales shone in the light, strange patterns had already been drawn upon her scales, intricate designs that made the eye wander, unable to focus too close on the whole, lost in the maze. She coiled her tail beneath her and rested upon it, her hands raised in supplication for a few moments before lowering to an almost lotus position.

"I have come before Vasuki today to tell him three of his Sacred Tales. Let him learn of his role to play. Thus I complete the Moon Goddesses burden with these words and pray that a small measure of peace finds her wandering light.

I begin with The Tale of the Silver Gift.

As our peoples gathered following the War of Tears, it was decided amongst the Khedive's that we should unite as if born from a single clutch. No more shall we slay our own kind. We would choose a single Khedive from amongst us, wise and strong to lead the People forward into this strange new world.

Hearing this, the Priests of the different Tribes spoke and chose to gather at an ancient stronghold, a sacred place that had weathered millennia of struggles and protected the people of the region.

There the priests chose to share their history and knowledge. Each priest sang the Tales of their Tribe and all others listened and gathered them into their hearts. The walls hummed with such joy for seven years until the Tale of Union had been completed.

Into that Sacred place as the echoes faded, a being of silver light descended amongst us. The Silver Goddess, the one who watches over her children in the night, the Beacon in the Dark, she had listened to our Songs and grew sad for many had been lost to us. Thus she came to tell the Tales known only by the dead. Her words burned away dark thoughts as she sang in a tongue unknown, but all could understand each word as if we had always known it from the egg.

She sang of Vasuki, a being of ancient legend for which every tribe held at least a single story of his time with us, but none held his real name.

From knowledge long lost, she sang one thousand and one Tales of Vasuki's Great Journey.

These tales were bound outside of time, for some had happened and others yet to happen. Some would never happen and others happen again and again.

She told us Vasuki would one day return and have need of his children, we were to watch for the one who was Born of the Golden Egg, with eyes like grass, a crest of black and a mark of burning heavens. He would speak the divine tongue without fault and we would find him within one of his own Tales.

The youngest priest, having completed his time as an initiate during these seven years moved forward and asked for the Goddesses blessing to spread her words so that all may know of them.

She felt within his mind only an honest desire to serve her and with a stroke of her hand, she raised his eyes to meet her own. Do not fear me, for your faith shall armour you. My light shall guide your way as you spread the Tales. She kissed him upon his brow and left her mark upon him for all to see. His scales shimmered and turned as silver as her light and as armour upon his flesh.

She passed him a casket with an answer to a riddle within and whispered secrets and truths within his ear.

And thus the search began."

She bowed her head in solemn praise hissing words under her breath. Raising her right hand she dipped the tips of her claws into a bowl her attendant held beside her and touched her forehead and then her lips with the fluid.

Taking a deep breath, she looked Harry in the eyes, "Are you ready to hear the words of the second Tale?"

Harry nodded at her and she returned to her lotus position.

"I speak now of the Tale of Nesting in the Burning Lands.

During his search for his Heart, Vasuki's attention was demanded by a thunderous cacophony in the Green Hunting Lands.

He watched as two great beasts rose and fought over the land. One was an old and scarred bull, defending his territory against any intruder. The other was a young and strong bull who sought to dominate, its heart poisoned by greed and lust for power.

Many times the beasts struck each other, each blow shattered the land and scorched the green hunting fields. Villages were scattered to the wind and the wails of the innocent dead lost amidst the beasts' bellows.

Vasuki saw that the old bull was near blind and caused great destruction in its anger. Innocents suffered beneath its shadow for it did not see the villages it crushed beneath its bulk.

The younger bull was vibrant and avoided the villages as best it could, watch them for dangers, but leaving them to themselves.

Vasuki wishing to avoid the deaths of innocents, gathered the villagers and led them to Yushan, a place he had discovered in his travels nearby which could protect the people from the warring beasts.

For many visits of the Moon Goddess, Vasuki watched the pass and the people grew hungry due to the meagre hunting. Each day the noise of the Beasts combat grew closer. Seeing the dangers to the people, Vasuki gathered his spear and armour. He journeyed until he came across the battle as it burned the land around it.

Tired and wounded, both beasts watched the other, wary of making a mistake.

Seeing an opening, Vasuki rushed into battle, he struck at the flank of the ancient beast, deep wounds opening up from his assault. As the younger beast tore a near blind eye from the ancient one, Vasuki tore the other from its skull, blinding it in full. As it roared and staggered from the pain, it lashed out wildly until the younger beast and Vasuki struck together and clove its heart in twain.

The ancient beast fell dead, the land shuddering from its collapse. The younger beast gave a great roar of victory and dove upon the carcass and feeding upon it, ignoring the presence of Vasuki.

Vasuki returned to the people, leading them back to their old villages, healing their wounds and rebuilding their nests. Tired and wounded, he stayed to heal and over time, grew relaxed and built himself a nest. He taught the villagers a few of his secrets and skills of war to defend themselves. He began to raise them higher than they believed possible, making dreams reality.

But the Victorious Beast grew arrogant, striding across the land as the Old bull had done, crushing all beneath its heavy footfalls. Where once it avoided the villages for fear of injury and possible death, now it feared nothing, for the only true threat it saw was dead. Nothing could stop its dominion over the Burnt land.

Seeing this Vasuki grew sad, but sensing the need of the people, he once more gathered his spear and armour.

Moving forward as the Champion of the People, he travelled to the Beasts Lair and roared his challenge to the skies.

The Beast and Vasuki fought, the heavens shuddering with their conflict until finally Vasuki struck the Beast down.

Returning to his nest, he saw the people's faces turn from respect and friendship to Worship and fear.

Saddened by the change he placed his armour and spear within his nest for the next hero to wield and left, wandering across the lands in search once more for his Heart."

Repeating the bowl ritual, she looked upon her audience once more. "With your consent I shall tell the third Tale for Vasuki to witness."

At their nods, she bowed and returned to her position.

"Honoured witnesses, listen now to the third Tale for Vasuki to witness. Let the Moon Goddess be freed of her burden, let her find a measure of peace in her servants actions. I speak now of the Tale of the Chains of Night.

Vasuki having heard the Whispers of Fate and Destiny, battled the servants of the Darkness. Tired and wounded, they coiled around him and brought him to the ground. The Darkness reached out and with its Right Hand carved chains of binding upon Vasuki, binding our great King thrice. Once his Light, once his strength and once his wisdom. But the Darkness knew not that Vasuki was already bound by the Sage of Light in his jealousy. The binding of Wisdom twisted under the strain and changed, chaining his trust as well as his wisdom.

Now torn and bloodied, the Darkness tore a breach in the air and cast his Greatest Foe between worlds, seeking to bring about the Fall of Vasuki.

Either an Age or a heartbeat passed and Vasuki awoke and looked upon foreign lands, banished from his home by the actions of the Darkness.

He wept as he looked upon the heavens for the stars were not his own.

In his rage and pain he cast around searching for any clue to return him to his stolen Heart, but none was found.

Seeing her chosen champion lost and alone, the Moon Goddess came to him in his dreams and spoke soft words to begin his healing.

Vasuki, my champion. Gather your will, gather your courage, gather your strength. The path ahead is long and full of pain and darkness, but at its end you shall find your way back to your Heart. The Darkness fears your strength, so he has bound it. He fears your wisdom, so he has bound it. He fears your light, so he has bound it. And thus he cast you upon these shores, far from home. He desires your death, he desires your fall, he desires you as his champion to lead his armies upon all the lands.

Break these chains and you will find the path to your Heart.

For many days he searched for any clue as to what action to take, but found none until one day a wise warrior came upon his camp as he returned to his nest from campaign.

They spoke of many things and Vasuki found comfort in the elder, he followed him back to his nest and was welcomed amongst the elder's followers.

Over time the elder taught Vasuki many secrets of his people, passing on a blade that burned like the sun, a symbol of his faith in Vasuki.

Vasuki swore a debt of honour to his friend and armed for the strange lands began his search.

Over the years and many Tales, Vasuki found the chains and broke them.

In the Tale of Shattered Masks, he fought the Fallen Friend to break the chain upon his Wisdom and Trust.

In the Tale of the Mirrors Judgement, he fought his Mirror Twin to break the chain upon his Strength.

In the Tale of the Invisible Web, he fought the Hidden Spider to break the chain upon his Light.

And as the last chain shattered under his might, his eyes opened and he saw the Path long hidden from his vision."

Completing the bowl ritual she looked upon her audience. "Before you begin to ask your questions, I must say that I can speak no more on these Tales, I am forbidden to explain them further within your presence for we do not wish to twist truth and fact into our view of the Tale. Their words were prepared centuries ago with the blessings of the High Priests of the age."

Montu set the alert to bring him to full capacity and checked the seals of the meditation chamber one last time.

There would be nothing to disturb him here.

Kneeling, he carefully lowered his power flow, shutting down non vital systems, disabling his limbs, sensory input faded away until he was barely active. The smallest amount of power trickled through his system, just enough to keep him active. He was little more than a thinking lump of metal, but even that was slowing.

As he reached the critical point, dancing on the edge of active and inactive, that tiny ember of potential that rested within him sparked and began to burn.

In that moment, he felt something.

Examining the sensation, he pondered it and realised he was at peace. This must be what meditating was like, to be free of all burdens, clear of thought and open to the universe.

For the first time he smiled at the experience.

After an age or a moment, a faint silver glow start to form.

Focusing on it, a figure started to become more defined. Reaching out a hand towards it, he smiled at the feeling of peace and joy that came from it. Her smile was like looking into a star. She spoke words that he did not comprehend but felt the breeze of their passing upon his skin and hair. A hand reached out for his his own, warmth touched his finger tips for a moment before he returned to full awareness.

His systems shuddered slightly as he regained control of his form. A sensation of emptiness filled him, that warmth fading until everything was as normal.

A voice from the intercom. "Sir, are you there?"

Shaking his head, he moved to the comms, "I am here Captain. Why did you disturb me?"

"I apologise sir, but the emergency shutdown of the hyperdrive was successful and we are in an unknown system. We have had a large number of reports of collapses amongst the crew. Every Force sensitive on board is in medical. Those that have woken so far have all reported a call from something on a planet in system."

Ignoring the fact that he had been oblivious to events surrounding him, he allowed a curious tone to enter his words. "Show me."

"Yes Sir. I have diverted the screen to your ready room as we speak."

Montu looked at the screen and if he could, he would have smiled at what he saw. "Perfect. Send a message to Xora. Report mission is successful along with our co-ordinates and the navigation information. Then move to orbit the planet. This system is now under quarantine."

"Yes Sir! I shall begin immediately."

Stroking a claw over the screen, he returned to his meditations. Maybe after this success he could go deeper.

Duchess Satine Kryze smiled at her guests as they arrived. "Padme, it's wonderful to see you. I am glad that you are one of the republics representatives to this. I do so hope you can at least achieve a step towards peace in this."

Ahsoka watched the two diplomats talk as she handed across her lightsabers to the guard. Something was off, the Duchess was nervous about something. She could feel it humming at the edge of her senses.

Satine led them to the speeder, sitting beside her friend. As they travelled, she pressed a button and Ahsoka winced as the privacy field started. "My apologies for that, but I must talk without being overheard. Padme, what is going to happen?"

"What do you mean?"

"Part of these negotiations are for the transfer of prisoners. One of the republics prisoners, or more accurately the Jedi's prisoner, is General Evan Jade. He is to be exchanged for two Jedi Masters. If that is the case, why have I been informed that he is on route as the security for the CIS representatives?"

Ahsoka interjected at that, "What do you mean he was a prisoner of the Jedi?"

"Exactly that, apparently the Jedi captured him and Count Dooku offered two Jedi Masters in exchange for the General. So what exactly is going on?"

Ahsoka shrugged with confusion as Padme blinked in surprise at the information. "I have no idea, but if I had to guess, he escaped from them. What confuses me is that you know more about it than Ahsoka does."

"I'm still just a Padawan, they don't tell me much, but Master Skywalker would have mentioned something about it if he knew."

"Padme, tell me everything that you know is happening. I have no desire for things to escalate here."

Xora guided Riyo to her position in the hall with a calming smile as the holo's all began to transmit. She then moved over to stand behind and to one side of Harry as he took his own position.

"My friends, it is good to see you all. We have gathered here today to discuss a matter of great importance to all but first, a joyous occasion. I am proud and pleased to welcome Senator Riyo Chuchi to our ranks as the representative for the Pantoran System. We all know her reputation as an honourable and just politician who is a shining light of what the republic should have been like. I feel that her membership amongst our ranks is an omen of a bountiful future."

He waited for the clapping and calls of welcome to quiet, "On to larger business now, we have a chance at this moment to break free of the control of others, we have the chance to stand together and say no, to both the republic and the CIS. I do not mean in a fashion similar to the neutral systems either. No, I mean standing tall and strong as a unified faction, powerful enough to change the face of the galaxy. Powerful enough to hold back the war from our territory, from our homes."

He smiled at the cheers and nodded. "It is indeed excellent news, made more so with the new army training three weeks ahead of schedule. Our reliance upon droid soldiers will come to an end, they will be moved to support roles and watch posts. Without the needs of organics, they can maintain an unbroken vigil upon our borders."

"The new flagship of the fleet is the highest priority of our shipyards and will be completed within the next two weeks at the current rate of construction. A support fleet is already ready and waiting, the best and brightest of our academies are undergoing final preparation and the elite of our veterans are being prepared under great secrecy to crew the flagship. Once completed, retrofitting the rest of our fleets will be completed within six months whilst securing our borders from any threat."

He waited for the cheers to calm before continuing. "As the leaders of the systems affected, I am leaving it in your able hands to decide upon how we move forward, how we identify ourselves. You will also decide upon a leader to stand for you all. Once this has been decided, I shall swear allegiance to our new faction and begin the shift of military forces to protect our borders. Once the war has ended between the Republic and CIS I shall then retire from the military to show our resolve for peace across the galaxy. Now, I shall leave you to debate and decide upon a path for us all to follow. I will be travelling to Mandalore to attend the peace summit, hopefully we can bring a strong end to the war before it escalates further."

Stepping down from the platform to thunderous applause, he left the chamber to return to his work.

Once the door was sealed, Xora stepped forward. "First of all we need to decide upon the shape of our government. We have had several proposals and have brought it down to three final options. A republic, a full democracy and an Empire. We will now have speakers explain why they believe their option is best and how we can move forward with such a change."

General Grievous stood before the droid army facing the red jungle where his sensors caught glimpses of the Nightsisters moving to defend their home.

"Ventress!" He roared, coughing at the effort. "Peace. I have an offer for you."

He watched as she stepped forward from amongst her sisters, many trying to draw her back into cover. "Speak Grievous, I will listen."

He strode forward to the halfway point between the forces and waited for her to join him.

"I have been sent to slaughter your people, to remove them from the galaxy and harvest the survivors for some mad scheme of Dooku's master."

"As amusing as it would be to watch you try, leave and report your failure."

He chuckled a little before nodding at her. "Such bravado little witch. No, this is but a tenth of my forces in orbit, we have firing solutions on your stronghold as well as this battlefield. They merely await my signal to begin. I am here, however, to make you an offer."

Ventress snarled as she sensed no lies in his words. She nodded, "Go on."

"You will give me ten females, healthy and of breeding age, sacrifices for your survival, call them volunteers if you desire, whatever helps you sleep at night. You will run and hide, disappear for a time and rebuild. I shall order bombardment upon the battleground and destroy the forces on my side, no witnesses to our deal. Obviously the survivors of my attack gathered their dead and escaped whilst I destroyed their stronghold. In return for my mercy I ask but one thing."

Her sarcasm was thick as she responded, "And what merciful thing do you ask?"

"You and your sisters will train and prepare to kill Evan Jade. You will devote yourself to his fall, you will purge any remnant of his taint from this galaxy."

"A possible death now or a certain death later, amazing, how could I possibly turn your offer down?"

"Enough witch. I will provide you data, records of his abilities and skills. Supplies and equipment will also be provided as well as a small squadron of capital scale ships for you to use as you will. I do not care about a timescale, you could wait for him to die of natural causes as far as I am concerned as long as you make him bleed for every breath."

"And why are you asking me to do this rather than doing it yourself?"

"I might be the mad dog everyone calls me, but I am still a general. I have planned out various options for how the war will end. None of them favour me. I expect one of four deaths to occur, at the end of a lightsaber either a Jedi's or Dooku's; the destruction of my ships bridge with me upon it; Dooku's master dealing with me personally; or the most likely, Jade will come after me personally."

Ventress merely grunted in agreement.

"Either way I will not beat Jade if we do face each other, I have never beaten him since he built his lightsabers and he has grown much stronger since then. Therefore I am preparing my vengeance against him. You. You and your sisters will carve his heart from his chest."

Ventress smiled at Grievous, "You know what, I think I can work with that."

AN:

So, thank you Snow-Nightshade for being the one to get my 1000th favourite and thank you Esparza3368 for making the 500th review. At the beginning I never imagined I would get this much support, so thank you everyone :)

00000

Reviews:

Beloved Daughter: It was this or Breaker of Chains, will likely use the second one later on in the story.

Esparza3368: Glad to hear that you are enjoying the story. That is the unfortunate trade off of ignoring sections and dealing with what's important to my story, at least in my own mind. Strangely I'm not actually trying to bash them, I've dealt with all that in previous chapters, this was how I saw the Jedi handling a difficult and dangerous situation which spiralled out of control, which was about as well as most people would have. In the fight Dooku easily beat his student, then was Yoda's match. He had to cheat to win, using crucio in a moments opening, something Yoda had never encountered before. As for fighting Windu, he was barely keeping up, he knew he was losing and attempted to apparate in desperation but ended up splinching himself instead. Windu then fought Harry who was having trouble with the Jedi Master but covered it in bravado and taunts.

Link01742: Ahsoka actually tapped into a rather unrefined and anger fuelled Imperio without understanding. She was also disgusted by how easy it felt and the rush of the dark magic in her system. The Zygerrion reacted very badly from basically being enslaved and killing his colleagues. Artificial Insemination is the right answer. Glad you enjoyed it.

Arashi – IV of VI: Thank you.

Guest: Harry has made many enemies quite quickly and those have their own minions to use. Cloning magic users doesn't give Sidious that much without raining and resources he is unaware of. That's if he can clone the ability to use magic cleanly enough, he's having enough trouble with the force.

BioHazard82: Thank you.

Penny is Wise: Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

SSSra: Glad you enjoyed it. I hope the chapter lived up to expectations. Harry and Xora have slept together but both don't allow themselves to progress into a real relationship. As for how things progress, we'll both have to wait and see. I don't plan those sections, I just let the scenes write themselves.

Davycrockett100: Thank you.

Blinded in a Bolthole: The last chapter involved the assimilation of thoughts not his own and the chapter before involved a fragment of his personality having an identity crisis. He'll balance out soon and stabilise in personality.

Starboy454: Thank you.

Shadowsmage: Thank you.

Guest: Thank you.

Em13ee: Thank you.

Bearmauls: You're telling me. It was hard keeping everything in alignment and making sure things were in reasonable order. Some overlap happened, but I think it worked out in the end. Harry's mental development is a work in progress, he's learning new things about himself all the time. I have plans for Ahsoka, fear not. The samples was actually inspired randomly from writing and a trailer for rebels came on in the background, my mind wandered, I like the idea so I began the prep work for that.

Ahsanrox: Thank you. I personally think it was one of my worst, but I always think that. You are your own worst critic after all.

Dukke: Thank you.

Selacha: Thank you and that is one of the most terrifyingly scary and awesome things I've ever heard about any work I've done, so thank you again.

Greshym: Thank you.

Mangahero18: Most of this was prep work, plus I had to get rid of the Horcrux somehow :)

Bluesnowman: Thank you.

Ranmaleopard: I'm glad you are enjoying it still. First he has to find out, and it was more than just blood, but it ends up with the same result in the end. Indeed they would, with all that will entail.

Blackholelord: Like I have said to many, I will finish the story, no promises on the release schedule, but it would have to be a major event to stop me continuing. Harry is like a pebble thrown into a pond, he changes everything at least for a time. No comment on the last point, well not yet anyway :)

Pyro69j: Thank you. I try to get them out as soon as their ready, but it does take time, which is now in much shorter supply. Snape will get his comeuppance, fear not on that front. After all, Harry might just hold a few grudges for events on that front.

Lord of Carrion: Elia has her own path to follow alongside a few others, she might drift away for a time, but her story is not yet over. As for Dooku, well this chapter covered a lot of that I think.

Ksecc1: Ahsoka has been nudged along with logic and philosophy. Her eyes are opening to the galaxy around her and what she is becoming. What she decides to do with that realisation is her choice, something she is beginning to realise she lacked previously. I think I covered the relationship changes in this chapter between harry and Dooku to my tastes. Not going to please everyone, but that's life. I hope you keep enjoying it.

Sajuuk: Wow, big review. Thank you. James has been playing his own game for a while, fear not. Unfortunately he can't get to the holocron's himself, so he's leaving that alone for now. Harrys faction have some HK51 units already, research and development are playing with them in the background. He just sees powerful followers if they are trained properly, the independent Potter genetics aren't in his visions however. Unfortunately Magical DNA seems to like doing weird things, no clones, but all the results of Project Titan will have something of Harry in them. The biochip in the clones is hardwired unfortunately, the only way to gain them as an army is to remove the chips without warning Sidious or to become chancellor of the republic before Sidious triggers them. Harry has a few edges already over the other factions techwise, too much and he walks over them. Finding the balance is difficult in writing a story like this. All that tech would require Harry to know about it, remember that he left earth in 1995, most of that stuff hadn't even been thought of yet. Xora is building a super star destroyer for him, pretty sure that would count as a mobile base. Remember that I'm only dealing with a few story threads that resolve around Harry's journey, there's plenty happening in the background behind the scenes. Strangely Mother Talzin will avoid Harry like the plague right now, she has no idea what he's capable of and that scares her. Harry knows only what Dooku has taught him in regards to Force techniques, that and his magic helps.

Gaschalk: Thank you and I'm glad you are enjoying it. Spelling mistakes are a work in progress :)

Indecisive Bob: Thank you. The shattering of Harrys trust in Dooku would definitely be important enough for Windu to sense.

Stars90: Thank you. They are both important to how the story progresses so they deserved screen time and development. I was tempted for the Hutts and a few others to throw their own agents after Harry but thought it too much. If you like, just imagine dozens of brawls and fights occurring around the area, much to the confusion to local law enforcement.

Red Demon161: Something she has done from the start and I'm glad that the character developed along those lines.

God of All: Glad you are enjoying it.

Grayiron: Thank you. I hope this was quick enough for you.

HJPotterReader: Thank you so much for your kind words. It is a terrifying and awesome thing to read reviews like this. It's also a huge boost to the ego, let me tell you. :) Its got a while to go, so hopefully things will keep you interested and enjoying the story. I'm in payroll, so bad puns is a way of life for me.

Grovepjp: Your welcome, I think. Not sure what that means actually.

Kabir0399: Thank you.

Michaelkoc1: Thank you, glad you are enjoying it. Just to note that he actually bit off more than he could chew in that fight. Windu was near matching him against apparition after fighting Dooku. Harry didn't have his wand and full range of magic available, but Windu was still a credible threat. Whilst Harry would be better geared and experienced the next time they meet, Windu will not be as surprised and likely fresher.

Shin1gam1: Thank you.

TheHollowCrown: Thank you.

RAD092515: Thank you.

Ddzhalev: Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying the story, although I am sad to hear of your decision about favouriting the story, I can understand your viewpoint on the matter.

K4m3j0: One of my favourite DS9 episodes, a was a good point to use it.

SimFlyer: Thank you, hopefully you'll enjoy it to the end.

Neon1311: Thank you. Elia is still an idealist who hasn't seen the frontlines like others have.

Beanseh: Not a bad idea. I always thought that the protective wards on a building would use lightning strikes to strengthen themselves.

Warpwind: Thank you for your comment.

Erik: Thank you.

Ecto-DMC: Glad you are enjoying it, there's a chunk more to go before he returns, but I'm getting there.

Vyoom: Indeed we are.

Randomguy: Thank you.

Naruharem Foreva: They have a range of sample to work from, it's his blood which is the really disruptive element to acquire. But I put in a small scene just to expand on that question as it's a valid one that I hadn't covered.

Duel Sabers: Thank you. Harry had realised he had bitten off a touch more than he could chew with Mace so used what resources he could to sway the fight. It also made Mace believe that Harry was playing with him rather than actually having trouble.

Cole Pascal: Thank you and I agree with you on the matter of having a Beta.

Tpowe15: Thank you.

Guest: As requested.

GL (Guest): I may do something about it in the future, but I like to thank everyone who takes the time to review my story.

Insidethefire: Thank you. I have plans on expanding info on the characters in a forum, I may do that with the events as well.

LoneWolfAndCub: First of all, nice name, love that manga. It was a little overkill, but I felt it made the right kind of image when someone went to investigate. That was a very difficult section to write, the flow had to work with disjointed events, I'm just glad that people liked it. Thank you for the compliment.

ShadowPhoenix1989: I'm both pleased that you gave it a second chance and proud that you think so highly of my story.

Shadow82ABN: Here you go :)

Iskandar06: Thank you.

doRingo: I hope you keep enjoying the story.

Kain129: I will do.

Shalifi: I hope you enjoy the story as it progresses. As written above. It didn't end as badly as it could, but it was definitely not neat. Padme is stuck between her loyalty to her people and her faith in the Republic. She truly believes in it, which is her greatest flaw.

Hedstrom: The Jensaarai do not yet truly exist at this point of the story, they are currently rebuilding after the Jedi's assault. Their systems are within the territory now controlled by Jade, so they are likely to become allies of his in the future, mostly over their mutual dislike of the Jedi and their view of the force. As for the Potentium, they are observing what happens in the galaxy, they have yet to make a decision of what to do.