And here's another quick update, so much so that I really have nothing to say, other than I've been working hard, and I have a new aim ahead of me – to complete a new story arc by the end of each month. Considering I have the day off tomorrow, I should be able to get Chapter 50 up and finish this arc by the last day of September, then I need to try and do at least ten chapters a month. If I do that, then I can finish this story by February 2012. Of course, I'll try and do more than ten a month, but this may not be possible.

Digimon575 – I'd appreciate it if you got an account so that I can answer your questions without giving the answers to people who might not want to know them.


Secret of the 327th

Chapter 49:- Back To The Start


Shu Mai had never been so terrified in all her life. There had been times when she'd received brief scares during her exploits with the Commerce Guild, such as when some of her endeavours had come to close to being relieved to the Senate for her liking. There had also been the time where the Republic's clone army had suddenly attacked Geonosis. That too had been rather unnerving, but that had passed rather quickly as she and the other Separatist leaders that had signed the treaty, such as Wat Tambor, San Hill, Nute Gunray, Po Nudo, Passel Argente and Poggle the Lesser, had quickly escaped into space.

But here, she was alone and utterly defenceless, on a wild, jungle planet with no reinforcements, running through a half destroyed base that had been in pristine condition only ten minutes ago, surrounded by six horrifically powerful creatures that had taken out her droid forces with ease, and with a Jedi and two Bounty hunters hot on her heels.

She'd had never run quite so fast before either. She did have an advantage when it came to fleeing, and that was her legs. They were like those of a goat or an antelope, the hooved feet pounding the ground and throwing her forward with each step. If she could make it to the hangar, then she should be home free.

She span round the corner as such speeds that she tilted at a forty-five degree angle as she fled. She was already breathing heavily – she was rather unfit, having lived in finery for a lot of her life and having numerous guards to protect her in the past. But she wasn't about to pause to get her breath back, not considering the circumstances.

She decided that she was going to head straight back to her home planet Castell as soon as possible. She would withdraw and hide for a few months before making a reappearance. She didn't want to let the Jedi get their hands on her at any cost.

At last, she rounded another corner and there it was. The lift that would take her up to the hangar and away from danger. She could hear the footsteps of her pursuers catching up with her as she stumbled down the corridor and hurriedly pressed the button to open the door. She continued to press it wildly, glancing over her shoulder as she listened to the footsteps behind her and stealing looks at the walls and wondering if the Acklay were going to come crashing through at any second.

Fortunately, they didn't, and the lift doors opened. With a sigh of relief, Shu Mai rushed inside and began hitting the button to take her up to the hangar at top speed. The doors slowly began to grind shut. Shu Mai willed them on, and they closed just as Ahsoka appeared around the corner.

The Togruta grimaced. She, the Kyuzo and the Frenk that were behind her, jogged up to the lift and stood beside the door. They watched as the indicator button on the top moved upwards. Unfortunately, there was only one lift up to the hangar, so they couldn't just hop in another and head upwards in pursuit.

"Well, I hope that Seripas succeeded," said Ahsoka. "If he didn't, then we may be screwed."

"Have faith in our little friend," Rumi said as she saw the lift icon reach the top, indicating that Shu Mai had reached her destination. "We kept him on the team for a reason, and he won't let us down."

"Noone partorns pas de keki un les naims veedes," nodded Embo. "Shu Mai ne patiro pas de nos. Voug narques mesmo."

"I will," said Ahsoka. "But, all the same, we better get up there." She pushed the button and they watched the lift indicator begin to move downwards again to pick them up.


Shu Mai hurtled out of the lift and ran down the corridor and into the hangar. Behind her, she heard the lift begin to make its way down the shaft again to pick up the Jedi and the Bounty Hunters. At least she was safe from Acklay attack now, since the hangar was too high up for them to reach, but she still had to hurry or she'd be caught.

She could see her two Sheatipede-class shuttles that she kept standing by and ready for her to leave. Never had she been so pleased to see one. She put on one last burst of energy as she ran across the room and towards the nearest one. The ramp was already down, but this wasn't unusual, as this was her hangar. She hadn't imagined anyone would get into the base, so she'd thought there would be no chance of a theft.

The Gossam ran up the ramp and hit the button to lift it and shut the doors behind her. Then, she took a moment to slump against the doors in relief. She'd made it. She'd done it. She was home free.

But she still had to get a move on.

She ran for the front seat in the cockpit and sat in it. Usually she had someone else fly the ship for her, but she did know how to fly a shuttle. She'd been rather contemptuous at the idea of learning how to do it, but she was certainly grateful she'd had the lessons now. All she had to do was fly up into space and send out a distress signal to other Separatists, and she'd be picked up. And she didn't have to worry about her own anti-aircraft system shooting her down anymore. The turrets would have been shut down by the destruction of the power generator.

That meant she could be grateful to the Jedi for something. Who knew?

She with a smile of triumph, she hit the ignition button.

The engines sputtered and grated, as if they had been woken up and were saying "Huh, what?" But they didn't activate. They didn't hiss into life and start the power to the ship. They just died and shut down again, as if deciding that it wasn't worth the effort.

Shu Mai's heart started pounding again. This wasn't the way it was supposed to go. She was supposed to be out of there by now. She pushed the button again. And again. And again. Each time the engine made a similar noise, but each time it got quieter and quieter, until finally nothing happened at all.

A malfunction? Now? Of all times, why did it have to be now?

Shu Mai despaired. She was doomed. Doomed!

Except...

She still had the other shuttle.

There was still time.

Leaping up, she crossed to the door and sent down the ramp. She ran down and headed straight for the other shuttle, running for all the was worth. She glanced at the entrance to the lifts and saw Ahsoka, Embo and Rumi running down the corridor and into the hangar.

"Stop!" Ahsoka demanded. "Surrender now and come quietly."

Shu Mai ignored her and darted up the ramp into the second shuttle, closing the door behind her and cutting off her pursuers.

"Does that ever actually work?" asked Rumi.

"Come on!" said Ahsoka. "Let's get her out of there."

"I wouldn't worry too much," said Seripas, emerging from behind the crate he had been hiding behind. The little Bounty Hunter was grinning from ear to ear, or ear projection to ear projection, or whatever.

"Seripas," said Rumi. "I've never seen you looking so happy. I take it this means you succeeded in what you needed to do."

"Did I ever," Seripas nodded triumphantly, holding up his hand. There were several orange wires clutched in his fist. "I took the liberty of freeing these little guys from having to serve the Separatists."

"The ignition couplers," Ahsoka grinned, shaking her head. "You've outdone yourself, Seripas. It takes ages for something that isn't an astromech droid to reach those."

Seripas flushed at the praise. Lopmon emerged from behind a second crate. While Lopmon could have just as easily barred Shu Mai's way and physically prevented her from leaving, they had decided against having her do this. The reason for this was because they didn't want too many captured Separatist Leaders to know about them. Unfortunately they had had to reveal themselves to Wat Tambor, and Loathsom had seen Renamon, but if Shu Mai had no knowledge of the Digital creatures that had aided in thwarting her, so much the better.

"I think we've all done pretty well," the bunny Digimon said. "Shu Mai's not going anywhere. We can take our time now."

And sure enough, the engines of the shuttle began to sputter and hiss as the Gossam inside desperately tried to get them to work. It was futile though. Without any ignition couplers, there was no way the engines of that ship would ever be able to get started. The shuttle was just a hunk of dead weight now.


No! No! NO! NO! This could not be happening! One shuttle having a random malfunction was one thing, but both? Shu Mai knew something had been tampered with. She didn't know what or how, but somehow the Jedi and their associates had thwarted her, covering every possible escape route for her and making sure that she wouldn't be able to use them.

But that didn't stop the Presidente of the Commerce Guild from at least trying and hoping that somehow, it would work. But it didn't. And it wouldn't.

Now, Shu Mai truly despaired.

She looked out of the cockpit window in time to see Ahsoka leap onto the front of the shuttle and smirk in at her, lightsaber in her hand. Shu Mai backed away from the window, still trying to escape. She was refusing point-blank to stop running. Ahsoka shrugged and plunged the blade through the front of the ship.

Shu Mai yelped as the Padawan began to cut a hole in the front of the vessel. A large hole, that she'd be able to step through and grab her. Shaking her head in denial, refusing to believe this wasn't just a horrible dream, Shu Mai turned and ran for the doors. She opened them and ran down the ramp, right into the waiting hands of Embo and Rumi.

"Où lenzes-vos kay vus appes?" Embo laughed as he hooked his arm around one of Shu Mai's. Rumi caught the Gossam's other arm with her own and the two hoisted the smaller being right off her feet, and holding her in the air, kicking and struggling. Her hooves caught Embo in the thigh, but the Kyuzo didn't flinch and simply pointed his crossbow at the Separatist Leader's face.

Shu Mai stopped struggling abruptly and gulped.

"Good choice," said Rumi. "You don't want to rile Embo up."

Ahsoka appeared at the door to the shuttle and walked casually down the ramp, lightsaber hilt at the waist and one hand on her hip. "Nice try," she said. "But I'm afraid we outsmarted you, Presidente. I think you relied a little too much on your technology."

Shu Mai sagged, looking resigned to her fate in prison now. But she didn't say anything.

"I suppose you're wondering what we did to your shuttles and how we controlled the Acklay outside," said Ahsoka. "Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you the latter. Jedi secret," she whispered conspiratorially, with a meaningful look at Shu Mai. "But I can tell you what we did to your shuttles."

"That would be me," said Seripas, standing proud and tall... ish... as he walked over to Shu Mai and stood beside Ahsoka. It looked like all the little guy's confidence issues were gone with the wind. He smiled at his fellow Bounty Hunters. Rumi smiled back and Embo winked. "I happen to be quite good with machines."

Shu Mai looked at him incredulously. While Seripas no longer had issues with sizes, she did. She had been foiled by this little thing? To her, that was rather embarrassing. She secretly hoped that the rest of the Separatists never actually found out what had happened to cause her capture.

Ahsoka spotted her look and wagged a finger in her face. "Don't underestimate the little guy," she said. "Sometimes the best surprises come in small packages. Now, I think it's about time you got a little fresh air. Let's take her outside."

With that, the Jedi Padawan and the three Bounty Hunters turned and began to frogmarch their prisoner back towards the lift. From behind her crate, Lopmon watched them go. She smiled. Felucia had been doing its best to kick their asses ever since they had entered the planet's atmosphere, and Lopmon was glad that they would finally get to leave it, and that they got to show Felucia how to do a real ass-kicking before they left.

Knowing that she couldn't go with the others so that Shu Mai wouldn't see her, Lopmon took to the air and glided back to the grate that she and Seripas had entered the room from. Swooping back into the vents, the little bunny began to make her way along once again, heading for the entrance, where she would leave and join up with the Tamers until Ziro and Shu Mai were secured and out of sight. As she did, she sent a brief message to her brother, informing him to do the same thing.

And her brother was already on his way.


Once the droid army had been dealt with, the clone forces that were still alive had loaded back into the gunships. One of the LAAT's had gone back up to the Resolute, carrying the critically injured Blade and the damaged Spark, Cody and Ridge away for urgent medical treatment. Another gunship had been given directions by Obi-Wan to where the four that had landed the previous day had been left, so that they could be picked up. That left four other gunships, which were currently heading towards the Separatist facility, following the directions of the Digimon that had de-digivolved back to their Rookie stages.

Watching the chaos unfold through his sister's eyes, Terriermon had been able to inform Anakin and Obi-Wan that the power generator had been fried (though he hadn't said how it had happened) and that they could probably send transmissions again as the Separatists would be unable to jam their signals.

Anakin had immediately made to call Ahsoka, but Terriermon had stopped him, claiming that she was "busy." Anakin pressed him for information, but Terriermon had remained tight-lipped, much to Anakin's annoyance. So, Obi-Wan had insisted that they call Admiral Yularen and thank him for his decision to send down gunships ahead of schedule and explain why they had been unable to contact him. The Admiral had been surprised that they had discovered an unknown Separatist base, but he had merely stated that he was happy to be of service and would see them shortly.

As the four gunships sailed through the air, Anakin wouldn't let up on Terriermon. Similarly, Terriermon refused to tell Anakin anything. Things degenerated into a verbal sparring match between the two of them, with Obi-Wan and Renamon and Rex watching on the sidelines in amusement.

"Tell me, Terriermon," Anakin was saying. "This isn't funny."

"Actually, from where I'm standing, this is hilarious," said Terriermon. "Momentai, Anakin. You'll find out soon enough."

"Why are you being so stubborn?"

"Pot. Kettle."

"Sorry?"

"Another Earth saying, but I decided to shorten it a little."

"Will you stop coming out with Earth sayings and tell me what has happened since Lopmon saw us this morning."

"There's an Earth saying which goes – "Seeing is believing.""

"What did I just say about sayings?"

"Momentai."

"That's still a saying."

"While they're arguing," Obi-Wan muttered, turning to Renamon. "I don't suppose you would consider letting me know what Anakin is trying to pull out of Terriermon or are you going to remain equally silent."

"To be honest, I'd like to see the look on your face when you see what happened for yourself," said Renamon. "And Terriermon is right – seeing is believing. From what I've gathered about this planet, what happened might seem very far-fetched to you."

"Fair enough," said Obi-Wan. "I shall curb my curiosity."

"Although," Renamon said. "Try not to have a heart attack."

Obi-Wan blinked. "I beg your pardon," he said.

"When what we are talking about happened, Aayla said that you'd probably have a heart attack," said Renamon, smiling lightly. "I think she meant it as a joke, but still... try not to die on us."

"Erm, I'll remember that," said Obi-Wan, thoughtfully running through a list of options of what might give him a heart attack. There wasn't much on that list that seemed plausible – such things as Jango Fett coming back from the dead was not a possibility.

Rex looked on in anticipation. "My guess is that Commander Bly had a lot of fun. Am I right?"

"Parts of it weren't that fun," said Renamon, and Rex noticed she was rubbing her stomach as if remembering something painful. "But yes, I believe he did."

"Well, I'll get the full story out of him at some point," the Captain said.

"Generals," said Hawk, who was flying the ship they were in. "We have a visual on the Separatist base. And may I just say... Whoa."

"Well, that just raised my curiosity levels again," said Obi-Wan. "What does it look like?"

"Well, sir, it appears to be half-destroyed. It looks like the metal has been torn apart in several places by something very powerful. Beginning landing sequence."

"Torn apart?" asked Anakin, turning to Terriermon. "Was Lopmon behind that?"

"Nope," Terriermon grinned. Anakin groaned.

The gunships slowed down to a halt and lowered themselves down inside the walls of the ex-facility. The blast doors, which had been closed just in case of a last-minute attack, slid open and Anakin quickly stepped out. Obi-Wan and Rex followed and the three of them stared in amazement at the building before them.

Hawk's description had been very accurate. The surveillance towers, monitoring stations and a few Hyena bombers and AAT tanks had been tossed all over the place. The metal walls have massive rents in them, like viciously hooked claws had shredded them. The walls were wrecked, the ceiling collapsed in several places, and there was a large hole which had obviously been made by lightsaber in the blast doors.

Their sight was drawn to a large, purple Hutt that was making its way towards them, being held at gunpoint by Commander Bly and a Zabrak woman that they didn't know.

"Who's that?" asked Obi-Wan.

"That's Sugi," said Renamon, who had thrown her perception filter up so the Hutt wouldn't see her or Terriermon. "She's one of the four Bounty Hunters that Lopmon mentioned to you this morning."

"Ah, I see," said Obi-Wan. "Well, at least we didn't come out of this mission empty-handed. We managed to recapture our missing Hutt, which was our original mission."

"Yeah, but where's Aayla and Ahsoka and the other Bounty Hunters?" asked Anakin.

"All in good time," said Terriermon. "But for now, we need to go and meet up with our Tamers. Sayonara."

They heard no noise, but the Jedi could sense the Digimon moving away. Anakin and Obi-Wan glanced at one another, realising they'd have to find out the answers for themselves, and made their way forwards to meet Sugi, Bly and Ziro.

"Well, well, well," Anakin said. "So nice to see an unfriendly face like yours Ziro, held in custody where it belongs."

"I don't understand how you escaped," Ziro said. "I was watching it on the monitor. You should have perished at the hands of the droid army. How did the gunships get through the anti-aircraft system?"

"That would be telling," said Obi-Wan. "And we'd rather keep that one to ourselves."

"Why won't you Jedi give me a straight answer?" Ziro frowned in annoyance. "It's not fair. The Twi'lek Jedi wouldn't tell me anything either. She refused to tell me how she managed to control those things. Those horrible, horrible things." Ziro held his hands over his eyes, adding a touch of melodrama, which made Bly and Sugi roll their eyes and the Jedi look at him in bemusement.

"What are you doing?" asked Anakin.

"Hold on a second," said Obi-Wan. "Aayla wouldn't tell you how she controlled "those things?" What things?"

A horribly familiar screeching noise sounded from behind the ex-facility – a noise that made Obi-Wan's blood run cold. The last time he had heard that noise was when he was on Geonosis and was about to be executed by the Geonosians. They had set a vicious creature onto him.

"Was that what I think it was?" asked Anakin, having also heard it as he too had been there.

The black-crested Acklay rounded the corner and looked at them, it's eyes boring into the Jedi.

"If you thought it was an Acklay, then yes," said Obi-Wan, instantly igniting his lightsaber and holding it ready, waiting for the Acklay's inevitable charge. "Blasted things. If there's one thing I really don't like, it's an Acklay."

"Careful, sir," said Bly. Anakin and Obi-Wan noticed that he didn't look at all concerned by the presence of a voracious carnivore. "You shouldn't go attacking our allies like that. That wouldn't go down well with General Secura."

"You've lost me," said Obi-Wan, turning his attention back to the Acklay. The giant beast was walking towards them at a leisurely pace. The closer it got the more Obi-Wan's grip on his lightsaber tensed.

"Obi-Wan," said a female voice with a subtle French accent. "Why are you brandishing your weapon at me?"

Obi-Wan faltered as he finally spotted the fact that Aayla Secura was sitting on the beast's back as if she were riding a blurrg. The Acklay stopped within a few feet of them and turned side on, so Aayla could be more easily seen – she'd been partially concealed behind its long neck. Behind them, more Acklay began to emerge from around the side of the building.

"Those things?" Obi-Wan whispered, staring at the smirking Twi'lek in disbelief. "You mean to tell me that you managed to tame a pack of these things? You were right. I almost did have a heart attack."

Aayla laughed. Anakin's eyebrows rose as he finally understood what Terriermon had been talking about. The bunny had been right – seeing was believing. If Terriermon had just told him then he probably never would have believed him.

"Impressive," said Anakin. "Very impressive. How in the universe did you do it?"

"How do you think?" Aayla cast a meaningful look at them, eyes flicking to Ziro.

"Ah, one of the... yes, I get it now," said Obi-Wan, deactivating his lightsaber, but keeping a wary eye on the savage predator all the same. "This has to be a first. Riding an Acklay? What will we pull off next?"

"I don't know, but I can't wait to find out," nodded Aayla, hopping her mount and patting its shoulder. "I see you've met Sugi."

"Not really," said Obi-Wan. "I was about to introduce myself, but I was interrupted. Good morning, my dear," he addressed the Zabrak. "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Anakin Skywalker."

"Yes, I know who you are," said Sugi. "Ahsoka has told me of a few of your exploits. You have quite a track record."

"And I understand that you are an honourable Bounty Hunter," nodded Obi-Wan. "Quite a rare thing in this galaxy. Not unheard of but still... It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Speaking of Ahsoka," said Anakin. "Where is my Padawan? Why hasn't she come to greet her Master?"

"I'm right here, Master," Ahsoka's voice sounded from behind Ziro. Anakin moved around the Hutt and saw the Togruta running towards them from the facility. There was Kyuzo and a Frenk walking behind her, carrying a Gossam between them, and there was a small creature that Anakin didn't recognise walking next to them.

"Snips!" Anakin grinned running over to meet his Padawan half-way. "Am I glad to see you?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?" asked Ahsoka. "I'm glad to see you too, Skyguy. I see you made it out of your little jam in one piece."

"Just barely," admitted Anakin. "It was a pretty close call."

"I've had a pretty few close calls myself over the past couple of days," nodded Ahsoka. "I must say I'm looking forward to getting off this forsaken planet."

"Likewise," said Anakin. "Who are your friends?"

"Oh, right," said Ahsoka, turning to the Bounty Hunters that had just come up behind her. "This is Embo, this is Rumi and this is Seripas," she indicated the three in turn. Embo tipped his hat in acknowledgement, Rumi nodded and Seripas gave Anakin a thumbs up.

"And this," Ahsoka indicated the Gossam with distaste, "is..."

"...Shu Mai," Obi-Wan finished for her, walking over to stand beside them and look the prisoner in the face. "One of the major Separatist Leaders and Presidente of the Commerce Guild. So, you're who was in charge of this facility. Congratulations on apprehending her Ahsoka."

"Well," said Ahsoka. "While I played my part, Master Kenobi, she would have escaped if it hadn't been for Seripas. He sneaked through the ventilation system and sabotaged the shuttles in the hangar so that she couldn't leave."

"Is that so?" Obi-Wan glanced down at the Bounty Hunter. "Well then, congratulations are in order for you all. You Bounty Hunters have provided invaluable assistance in recapturing a dangerous fugitive and a powerful enemy of the Republic. You have truly earned your pay."

"Glad to hear it," said Sugi. "Good to see we were some good after the Jedi made our help on our previous assignment almost negligible."

"Don't complain," laughed Aayla. "You're earning more pay for this one than you could for the other."

"True," said Sugi.

"And Obi-Wan," the Twi'lek tapped the Jedi Master on the shoulder. "If you're offering congratulations, then why don't you offer it to our Acklay friends. They provided all the chaos we needed to slip into the base undetected and catch Ziro and Shu Mai before they escaped."

Obi-Wan looked up at the six powerful beasts, who were all looking at him expectantly. "Er, yes," he coughed uncomfortably. "Erm... well... good job, you lot. You're assistance is... er... greatly appreciated."

The Acklay screeched in triumph. Obi-Wan shivered. Anakin smirked.

"It's not often you get to see Master Kenobi squirm, is it Master?" Ahsoka whispered to him.

"No, and I am determined to get all the amusement I can from this instance," the Chosen One replied.

"Commander Bly," Aayla turned to the clone who had been patiently waiting to be addressed. "Take Ziro and Shu Mai away. Keep them under heavy guard and call for the Resolute to send a ship to pick up the prisoners.

"Right away, sir," Bly nodded. He and Rex and a bunch of other clones began to shepherd Ziro away. Embo and Rumi, passed Shu Mai to a couple of others, and the white-armoured men took the two prisoners out of sight.

"It's about time you moved them somewhere else," Terriermon's voice said from thin-air, startling everyone who wasn't a Jedi. "It was getting kind of annoying to be listening to the whole conversation and not being able to join in."

"Terriermon," said Henry's voice.

"Momentai."

"That's your answer to everything, isn't it?" Aayla smiled as Renamon dropped her perception filter, revealing that she, Terriermon, Lopmon and the Tamers had all been standing there for some time.

"Pretty much, yeah," grinned the white bunny.

"Well, I was just trying to stave off your witty little comments for as long as possible," Aayla said, with a straight face.

"Hey!"

"Momentai."

"I'm not going to shout this time, because I know that's the only reason you say my word, Aayla," the bunny scowled.

"You're making progress then," said Aayla.

"It's surprising me too," said Renamon. "Terriermon hardly ever makes progress."

Terriermon pouted and folded his arms, turning his head away.

"Another sign of progress right there," chuckled Henry. "Usually Terriermon would come back to that with a quick retort, but he's chosen to stay silent this time. Congratulations Terriermon. You're losing your touch."

Terriermon went white...er, and immediately turned to Anakin and said, "So, about your next prank on Ahsoka..."

As Terriermon and Anakin began to discuss things, while Ahsoka tried to discreetly listen in on their conversation, Conor and Max walked over. The two clones stood to attention and saluted Aayla and Obi-Wan.

"Sirs," they said.

"Good men," said Obi-Wan. "I heard you two were very brave when Commander Bly was grabbed by a Sarlacc and you too tried to pull him out."

"Thank you, sir," said Max. "But if anyone deserves credit for that incident, it's Lopmon. After all, we didn't stick out arms down its gullet."

Lopmon shuffled awkwardly and Suzie scooped up her partner and hugged her, saying, "Yay! Lopmon is hero!"

"Lopmon's always been a hero," pointed out Rika. "Or a heroine, or whatever."

"That makes me sound like some kind of supermon," said Lopmon. "Besides, I was just trying to help."

"Sir," said Conor to Obi-Wan. "Where are Ridge, Lash and Blade? I'd quite like to join up with my brothers again."

"Ah," Obi-Wan faltered for a moment. "Yes. Ahem. Well, Blade was critically injured and had to be taken back to the Resolute. Ridge was also wounded in the fighting, though not as badly, so he too went to receive treatment. As for Lash... I'm sorry Conor, but, he didn't make it. He fell in the line of duty."

"Oh," Conor looked momentarily stunned. His face fell and he looked at the ground. He'd lost many brothers, so he was rather hardened to the deaths of fellow clones by now, but the idea of there being no Lash was unreal. He sighed.

"At least he fell heroically," said Renamon, putting a paw on Conor's shoulder. "If there is any way a soldier like him wants to go, it's in a battle defending all his brothers."

"Yeah, I know," Conor said. "I know. But all the same, I'll feel better when we got off this planet."

"I think we all would," nodded Aayla. "And to that end, we must return to Coruscant."

"Agreed," said Obi-Wan. "We need to return Ziro to prison and add Shu Mai to our collection of captured Separatist leaders."

"About time," said Rika. "I can't say that I'll be completely sorry to leave this planet behind. It's done everything it can think of to wipe us out."

"Yes," said Renamon. "It is a very harsh place, very similar to the Digital World. Fortunately there are no Data Streams, or this place would really be a hellhole."

"But what are we going to do with the Acklay?" asked Suzie. The foremost of the big creatures looked down at her with curiosity. "What will happen to them?"

"As much as I would like to," said Aayla. "We cannot take them with us. Acklay are not suited to being indoors or to being in city's like Coruscant. We'll have to leave them here and they can become part of the wild again."

"So, they'll just become vicious animals again?" Suzie asked.

"They have no choice if they want to feed themselves," said Aayla.

"However," Renamon put in. "My spell will hold. They will no longer blindly attack anything that they can find and try to make it into a meal. The natives on this planet should now be safe from this particular pack. Who knows, these guys might actually help to fend other predators away from the natives."

"Okay," said Suzie. "When are we going?"

"Right away," said Aayla, turning to the Acklay. "Since you can now understand what I say, I can tell you that you all did a superb job out there today. You did exactly what was needed of you, and if I may say so, you all have a knack for creating utter chaos."

The lead Acklay nodded in thanks, bending its head down to the Twi'lek and allowing her to rub its crest one last time. Then it turned to Renamon and allowed her to do the same. The large animals seemed to have gotten particularly close to these two over the course of the day.

"Now, go and be free," said Renamon to the group of six.

"And may the Force be with you," Aayla added, particularly to the one with the black crest.

In unison, the Acklay screeched loudly, almost deafening those that they were standing next to. Then, they turned and lumbered off into the forest, exiting through the hole in the wall they had smashed through earlier. The group of others waved as they went, even Anakin, who hadn't really worked with them, and Obi-Wan, who was nudged Aayla to do so after the Twi'lek spotted Suzie looking at the Jedi Master with an annoyed look on her face.

The last Acklay to exit the Separatist facility they had torn to pieces temporarily stopped and turned back to them. It winked, and then turned around to follow its packmates out into the rainforest.

"Aaaww, I miss them already," said Suzie. "Even though they tried to kill us this morning."

Terriermon laughed. "There's a sentence I don't think many people have ever said."

"Well, we'd best get underway," said Anakin. "Let's head back up to Resolute."

"We need to take a slight detour first, Master," said Ahsoka. "These Bounty Hunters left their own ship back at the farm that we helped last night. We can drop them off there and then head back to Coruscant."

"Yes, that would be preferable to having us walk back," said Sugi. "Especially now our mode of transportation has left."

"Alright," said Obi-Wan. "Let's get underway." He turned and the group began to make their way to the gunships. There were so many more people now that they had to split into two gunships before they could fit properly. They briefly paused before taking off, watching Ziro and Shu Mai being forced into the shuttle that had just arrived to pick up the prisoners, and take them back to the cruiser, and then they lifted off themselves and headed back to the farm.


It didn't take very long to arrive at the little village where the tortoise-people lived. About ten minutes after take-off, the gunships were pulled to a halt and settled down on the turf, ensuring that they kept well away from the crops the natives were tending to. The little farmers looked up in curiosity and slight trepidation, but when the blast doors opened and they saw the people who had left their village yesterday, they relaxed.

Cassis approached them as they walked towards the main huts. "Welcome back, my friends," he said. "I trust that your mission was successful?"

"More than successful," said Sugi. "The Separatist base has been reduced to rubble."

"I suppose we have to thank you again for that," said Cassis. "If that base had gotten up and running, then who knows what they might do to humble farmers like us who live so close."

"Think nothing of it," the Zabrak said. "We're just doing what we can."

"And having a lot of fun whilst doing it," grinned Terriermon. "I haven't gotten to blow things up like that for a long time."

"No, not since Ogudomon," agreed Renamon. "It certainly was a thrill, I have to admit."

"I'll take your word for it," said Cassis. "As promised, Sugi, your ship has been kept safe and we have ensured that nobody has touched it."

"You have our thanks, Cassis," Sugi nodded, as did the other three Bounty Hunters.

"By the way, Cassis," Ahsoka grinned. "Do you know of a local pack of about nine Acklay in the area?"

Cassis shuddered. "Oh yes, we know of them. There have been many nights where we have been kept awake by their screeches as they tried to breach our electrofence. Fortunately, we have managed to keep them out over the years. I shudder to think what would happen if they ever got it."

"Well, you don't have to worry about them anymore," Ahsoka said smugly.

"That isn't very humble, Snips," Anakin muttered to her.

"We don't?" asked Cassis. "Why not?"

"Well, for a start, there are only six of them now," said Ahsoka. "But that's not the main reason. The main reason is that Renamon put a spell on them that gave them intelligence and a conscience. They helped us to take out the Separatist base. You needn't worry about them attacking you anymore – they might be able to keep other predators away from you too."

Cassis' jaw dropped. As he questioned Ahsoka, Sugi beckoned Renamon and Aayla over to one side. Sugi and her comrades walked a few paces away from the others, while the Twi'lek and the Digimon, all three of them, and the Tamers too, followed.

"Listen," said Sugi. "We must be going now, but I assume I don't need to remind you of our little agreement."

"No," said Aayla. "While I know you put honour and right first, you still need to make a living. Don't worry, I'll acquire the credits that I promised when I get back to Coruscant and send them to you as quickly as I can."

"Cormen qoulos-nous êfre sûs vus de kepa?" asked Embo.

"A Jedi's word is her bond," said Aayla. "You should receive them within the week."

"I believe you," said Seripas. "After all I've seen of you I believe that you, all of you, have pure and honest hearts."

"We like to think so," said Lopmon.

"And remember, there is your side of the bargain to hold up," pointed out Rika.

"Of course," said Sugi. "We will not breathe a word of the existence of you Digimon to anyone. Your secret is safe with us."

"Good," said Renamon. "I'd hate to have to hunt you down."

Sugi chuckled.

"Of course," said Aayla. "If I am going to send credits to you, I'm going to have to know where to send them. I could do with your contact details."

Rumi held out her hand her hand and said, "Pass me your comlink, please." Aayla looked down at the little device attached to her sleeve and held out her arm. The Frenk took hold of Aayla's arm and fiddled with the comlink for a couple of seconds. Then she released her grip and said, "There. You should now be able to contact us whenever you need to."

Aayla nodded, knowing Rumi had just entered in their scramble-code, which she'd be able to transfer to other devices if she wanted to talk via holoprojector.

"As for where we live," said Sugi. "We have a base at co-ordinates 892247-cross-9KL92. Will you be able to remember that?"

"Of course," said Terriermon. "We've got Henry. He never forgets a number, even a long one like that."

"I'll take that as a compliment and not a joke," said Henry.

"And I have it too," said Aayla.

"Like we won't tell about the Digimon," Sugi added, "We would appreciate it if you didn't tell people where our base was. Bounty Hunting is a dangerous profession and despite the fact we're honourable, we do have enemies."

"In that case, we shall acquire your credits and deliver them to you personally," said Aayla.

"Much appreciated," nodded Sugi.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," said Rika. "It was a pleasure to work with you. And Embo, thanks again for saving my life."

"And mine too," added Renamon. Embo made no comment, but he did tip his hat.

"This isn't necessarily goodbye," said Sugi. "If ever any of you require the services of a Bounty Hunter in the future, we would be more than happy to be of service."

"Thank you," said Lopmon. "We'll be sure to remember it."

"And likewise, if you need our help, we will come to your aid, provided we aren't too busy," said Aayla.

"Thank you. Well, so long," said the Zabrak, and with that, she, the Kyuzo, the Frenk and the little guy all turned and walked back towards their ship. The Jedi, Tamers and Digimon watched them go for a few seconds, before turning to join up with the others.


Once they got back on the Resolute, Obi-Wan immediately informed the rest of the Jedi Council of the events that had transpired on the planet via hologram. All of the other eleven Jedi, including Mace Windu, were extremely impressed with what they had managed to accomplish in a mere two days. What had been a simple recapture mission had resulted in driving a bunch of pirates away from a farm, recapturing the charge, and wrecking a Separatist outpost and army all at once, and that was omitting the other details – like the first person ever to survive being eaten by a Sarlacc, the first people ever to ride an Acklay. Not to mention surviving an attack by Gigantoformicums.

Placing their prisoners in the detention level, the people on the cruiser made for Coruscant with all speed. A quick hyperspace journey later and they reappeared above the giant city planet.

"Just look at the old place," said Ahsoka. "I never thought I would be so happy to see it."

"There's no place like home," said Lopmon.

"Even if it is a surrogate one," nodded Renamon.

"And now time for a meeting with the Chancellor," said Obi-Wan. "Not exactly my idea of fun, but I suppose we must."

"I wonder what they'll think when they find out my Padawan upstaged me so much on this mission," Anakin shook his head. "I'll never become a Jedi Master at this rate."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Skyguy," Ahsoka patted him on the back. "You've been upstaging me for most of our missions, so it's only fair that I get a few in."

"Yeah, but I've never upstaged you this much," pointed out Anakin, though he did it good-naturedly.

"Look at it this way, Anakin," said Renamon. "This is the first proper mission that the A-Team have had together, since the last one was kept under wraps considering what we discovered." She was alluding to the Darth Sidious discovery. "And while your reputation is currently very high, the other two members are slightly lower, so maybe this might help bring them up to your level."

"Yeah, that's true," said Anakin. "But let's try to make sure we all stay together on the next mission."

"That would be preferable," nodded Aayla.

"Yes," Obi-Wan nodded. "And now that we're back, I'm going to start looking into this whole Darth Sidious business."

Obi-Wan had made a rather startling revelation when they had presented the information that had gotten from Ventress regarding Darth Sidious that had seriously unnerved everyone present. Obi-Wan had said that when he was being held captive on Geonosis by Count Dooku, the Sith Lord had mentioned Darth Sidious to him, claiming that hundreds of Senators were under his influence. He hadn't mentioned it before, as he had just assumed Dooku had lied to him in an attempt to get him to join Dooku's forces.

But now, that had changed. Now, everyone was extremely glad that they weren't telling the Senate about the Digimon. Even Anakin was having no hesitations about not telling the Chancellor and Padmé now. If what Dooku had said had been true, then the Digimon were now their biggest advantage.

"I'm going to start making investigations into the Senate," said Obi-Wan. "The only problem is where to start. We can't exactly tell the Chancellor that we now know this information without giving him an explanation of how we found out, and we can't tell him what really happened either."

"You could always say I overheard Ventress or Grievous let something slip," said Ahsoka.

"Yes, but if the Sith is really there, he would see through that," said Obi-Wan. "I'll have to think about this before I proceed."

"Eesh, the mood level suddenly dropped to zero," said Terriermon. "Momentai. We'll find this Sidious guy and when we do... well, need I say it?"

"I think we all have an idea about what you would say next," said Henry.

"Something along the lines of an ass-whupping, perhaps?" guessed Aayla.

"Right on the button," grinned Terriermon.

"I wouldn't take a Sith Lord that lightly, Terriermon," said Obi-Wan. "Darth Sidious is likely to be stronger than Asajj Ventress was, an you caught her off guard."

"Yes, that is true," said Terriermon. "But you still have yet to see our full potential as well."

"Ah yes," smiled the Jedi Master. "I've seen the Ultimate stages of two of you, though I missed yours Lopmon. But you have another level higher, don't you? Mega, I believe it was?"

"Yeah," said Terriermon. "I'd like to see Darth Sidious defend himself from a Mega Barrage."

"Sounds destructive," said Anakin. "I look forward to the day I see it."

"It'll be a blast."

"No punning, please," Renamon said.

"Sorry."

"Well," said Aayla. "If you don't mind, Obi-Wan, I would quite like to return to the Jedi Temple. The past two days have been rather trying, and I believe I need to meditate."

"As do I," said Ahsoka. "I think it might do me some good."

"You don't want to come and make the report to the Chancellor?" asked Obi-Wan.

"Not particularly," said Aayla. "For three reasons, firstly I could do with a rest, secondly what I have to tell would probably sound far-fetched coming from my mouth, and thirdly, he'll probably want us to speak to the Holonet about our experiences."

"He's going to want that last one even if you're not there," pointed out Obi-Wan. "You'll still have to do that at some point."

"I know," said Aayla. "If we continue to do things like that then I'll have to get used to it," smiled Aayla. "And I will do. Just not now. Later. I'd like to recuperate in the Temple first."

"Me too," said Ahsoka.

"Alright then. In that case, I'll join you," said Anakin. "Either we all make a statement to the Holonet together or we don't do it at all."

"Way to feel the love," Terriermon grinned. "I like your team spirit."

"So do I," said Obi-Wan. "Especially considering it's unusual for Anakin not to grab glory where he can."

"I'm not that bad," said Anakin.

"No, you're not," said Obi-Wan. "I am deliberately exaggerating for effect."

"Hyperbole," nodded Terriermon sagely. "I learnt that word from Henry."

"But, it is true to an extent," said Obi-Wan. "You usually don't pass up a chance to visit the Senate and tell people about what happened first hand. Why the change?"

"Well, I suppose it's partly because I didn't do all that much this time," said Anakin. "And partly because... well, we're working with the Digimon, and they're such a tight-knit team that I suppose I feel that the three of us Jedi should emulate them. We'd become closer as a team, and that would make us become closer to the Digimon as a team."

"A moment of wisdom," Obi-Wan chuckled. "I never thought I'd see the day. Alright then, you three can stay at the Temple when we drop off our prisoners and I'll go and report to the Chancellor alone."

"Thank you, Anakin," said Renamon.

Anakin blinked. "For what?"

"For sticking by us, your new team," said the yellow fox. "We are not just your colleagues. We are your friends. Back home, there is a television show about Digimon, which at times can be rather childish, but there is one phrase from it that is particularly wise, and that is, 'There's no I in team.' I believe that applies to this situation. We do not go it alone. We stand by each other. Thank you."

Anakin flushed. "Well, I'm just trying to do the right thing. Jedi are supposed to be selfless."

"And you just proved that you can be, Master," said Ahsoka. "But, since you're not going to see the Chancellor like you usually do, I guess there's no need for the piece of paper I put on your back."

Anakin scowled, reached behind him and plucked it off. He read aloud, "I eat beetles?"

Terriermon and Suzie howled with laughter. Obi-Wan chuckled and said, "Well, you certainly kept that one to yourself."

"Come on, Snips," Anakin folded his arms. "What would the Senators or the Chancellor have thought if they'd see this?"

"I'd imagine they'd think it was funny," said Ahsoka innocently. "It certainly would be more funny for me if they'd seen it."

"Right, that's it! Come here!"

"Gah!" Ahsoka yelped as she tried to run, but Anakin seized her around the waist in one arm and begin furiously tickling her side with the other hand.

"GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHOHOHO STOHOHOHOHOHP PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEASE! I'LL BE I SWEHEHEHEHEHEAAR!"

"What do you think the Senators would think of this, Snips?" Anakin shouted over her uproarious laughter. "Would they think this was funny too?"

"YEHEHEHEHEHEHEHES! PLEHEHEHEHEASE LEHEHEHEHET ME GOHOHOHOHO!"

"I hope he doesn't start doing that to me," said Aayla.

"Aaw, are you ticklish too?" Terriermon asked. His ear came up and the fingers scrabbled Aayla's stomach. The Twi'lek giggled and stepped out of the way.

"Terriermon," said Renamon. "Leave Aayla alone."

"Or what?" asked Terriermon.

"Need I remind you that I know all your ticklish spots?" Renamon advanced on her mate.

"Eep."


Once the tickle-fest was over, and Anakin had released his Padawan and Renamon her mate (plus Aayla, as during the last few seconds the fox had whipped her bushy tail around Aayla's exposed stomach unexpectedly, resulting in more laughter from the Twi'lek), they reached the Jedi Temple and descended in a gunship.

The A-Team and the Digimon and Tamers, (the latter two under the perception filter) watched as Shu Mai and Ziro the Hutt were unloaded from the cruiser and herded towards the detention level. Then Obi-Wan made his leave and went to the Senate Building to talk to the Chancellor and the other Council Members who were there waiting for him.

After this, the others began to walk through the halls of the Jedi Temple, towards the meditation chambers.

"Well, that's the end of another one of our intrepid adventures," said Rika as they walked. "Has anyone else lost count over how many more we've got than the others back in our world now?"

"Who's counting?" asked Henry. "We don't know what they're doing back there. For all we know, they could be holding back another really powerful evil Digimon as we speak."

"Don't even talk like that," said Rika. "I hate the idea of them fighting a huge battle like that and with us being completely unable to help."

"They'll still be looking for us, right?" asked Suzie.

"Oh yes," said Henry. "Don't worry. It'll probably be many years before they give up hope entirely. However, while I hate to put a downer on things, they probably don't have a clue what happened to us."

"I'm not so sure," murmured Lopmon. The Tamers turned to look at the brown bunny.

"What do you mean?" asked Henry.

"I mean that, while we were on Felucia, while Terriermon was doing that stand-up thing of his, I thought I felt, for a fraction of a second, a presence that was eerily familiar, but one that I can't place. I'm not even sure how to explain what I felt, but I'm sure someone was there."

"Why didn't you say anything?" asked Rika.

"I thought I was imagining it," shrugged Lopmon. "But the more I think about it the more I am sure that I wasn't."

"Well, let's hope that you're right, and they do have an inkling of what's going on," said Henry. "Of course, we won't leave until the war is over – we've committed ourselves to this and we don't back down from our promises – but I'd still like to return home when I can."

"Me too," said Rika.

"So, what do you think our next great adventure will be?" asked Suzie. "And will there be ice-cream?"

"We don't know, Suzie," said Terriermon. "But, as Confucius say, 'Let's see what tomorrow brings.'"

"You are full of phrases today," said Anakin.

"When did Confucius say that?" asked Henry.

"He could have done," said Terriermon defensively. "You don't know he didn't. Anyway, Aayla, after meditation, you are going to fulfil your promise and learn how to sing."

Aayla chuckled. "Alright. I'll do it. I don't back down from my promises either. Which reminds me, I need to sort out the credits for Sugi and the others."

"Sing?" asked Anakin, bemused. "When was this?"


Those of you who aren't dedicated Star Wars fans like I am might not realise the full extent of the importance of this particular story arc. Felucia was a planet that remained a problem throughout the whole of the Clone Wars once it was discovered a Separatist base. Even more importantly, it is the planet where Aayla Secura dies in the canon version. With the planet taken early on, this leaves massive implications for her future. What will become of her in future? We don't know. Well, I do, but you don't.

This is the biggest change to the Star Wars universe yet. And the changes are just going to keep getting bigger.

Hope you all enjoyed that. Please review. I know there are more people reading my stories than there are people that review. I have several people who have my story on the alert list who never review. I'd appreciate your input, guys and girls.


Next time...

Impmon chapter. Things are steadily worsening for our purple hero. Flashbacks, odd feelings, shadows and a wary Cyberdramon are all coming up in the next chapter.


Coming up:- Chapter 50 : Haunting