Chapter 1: The ruins
A galaxy locked at war! Despite a decisive Republic victory at Anaxes, the Separatists continue their offensive into Republic space! The peaceful farm world of Dantooine has come under siege from a separatist armada, threatening not only a major Republic source of agriculture but hundreds of Jedi students being trained at the order's enclave. Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi and Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker rush to defend the Jedi world against Count Dooku and General Grievous's fury!
Anakin stroked his chin as he stared at the glowing map of Dantooine projected before him. Across the surface, dozens of battlefields and settlements lit up with figures representing troop formations. Standing around the projection beside Anakin was Obi Wan and Captain Rex. Additionally, a projection of Commander Cody, Admiral Yularen, Mace Windu, Master Yoda, and a Cathar Jedi Master joined them.
"All fronts are being attacked simultaneously. We can't spare any reinforcements to support one without losing another. However, the good news is all our forces are holding strong. Enemy casualties are exceptionally high. Some of our battalions are reporting one man dead for every twenty clankers." Cody tried to sound optimistic, but Anakin and the others present could feel the angst in his tone. Rex knew this was cause for concern, Cody's 212th Legion was among the best in the Grand Army of the Republic, second to his 501st Legion of course.
"Droids are replaceable, Cody, our men aren't so easily tradable for scraps of metal." Anakin's warm and caring tone made Rex smile beneath his helmet. The Arc trooper knew his general didn't rub everyone the right way, but Rex wouldn't trade Anakin for any other Jedi. His terrible memories of Umbara only made the Captain appreciate Anakin that much more. Unlike the other Jedi, Anakin truly cared about the men under him.
"I disagree, our recent victories on Hypori and Muunilinst have put a considerable strain on the Separatist's production capabilities and finances. If our spies are correct, their parliament is on the verge of bankruptcy. Admiral, what's the situation in orbit?" Mace Windu spoke colder than Anakin, but more efficiently and forward-thinking. Rex respected Master Windu, he'd seen few Jedi more capable on the battlefield than him, and his tactics didn't inherently treat his brothers like cannon fodder. However, it was clear he didn't see the clones the way Anakin did.
"A bit too well, Master Windu. Since our arrival, we've scrapped over a dozen vulture droid squadrons, eight enemy frigates, and three Lucrehulk battleships, yet more ships are arriving to replace them." Yularen's report made Obi Wan cautiously stroke his beard.
"Indeed, after their heavy casualties on Anaxes, I didn't think the Separatist Navy could afford such reckless tactics, especially now that most of their systems are contained by our blockades."
"Grievous and Dooku want nothing more than to destroy Dantooine. This planet is a major source of food for our armies, and dozens of Jedi complete their trials here every year. Dooku knows this, and he's unleashed his mad Kath Hound upon us." The Cathar Jedi Master spoke with severity but controlled emotion. Rex knew his general wasn't like the other Jedi in that regard.
"If that were true, the Grievous has lost all sense of strategic thinking, if he had any, to begin with." Anakin said as he emphasized the multiple fronts.
"Dooku and Grievous haven't launched an assault on either the farmlands or the Jedi enclave with sufficient numbers to overwhelm them."
"All due respect general, our ground forces have performed too well for a mass attack. They must know that if they mass their troops, the rest of the 212th and 501st Legions will reinforce wherever the attack comes." Rex shook his head at Cody.
"I agree with General Skywalker. If the Separatists are in the bad position they're in, they wouldn't throw away so many droids in a futile battle. Maybe their droids are more replaceable, but what do they have to gain by wasting an entire army and fleet on attacks that achieve nothing. Our casualties are so minimal that it couldn't justify it. Look here." Rex emphasized the Separatist forward operating base a single click from the Jedi enclave.
"The enemy is digging in here deep and are holding back over half their forces. Why not use these droids to overwhelm one of our positions, unless they're afraid we'll counter attack against their base."
"Rex is right, neither Grievous nor Dooku have appeared on the battlefield either. If the Jedi enclave was their objective, I'd bet Coruscant they'd be there." Obi Wan gave Anakin a harsh look for his comment about wagering Coruscant. The Cathar Jedi Master simply growled with his fangs bore.
"Grievous is a coward. He only fights Jedi when they're alone and surrounded by his wretched magnaguards. He can only defeat us by playing on our sense of honor while possessing none of his own. If Grievous attacked the enclave, he knows we'd slaughter him, Dooku as well."
"Disagree, I do, Master Yutek. A good point, Skywalker, brings up. Many mysteries lay on Dantooine. After something, Dooku and Grievous are." Yoda added in his cryptic tone.
"Something clearly worth losing so many droids and ships over. Master Yutek, what's in this vicinity?" Mace Windu asked.
"Ancient burial ruins, nothing connected to the Jedi. I've ensured our students stay away. The dark side thrives there." That last bit caught the other Jedi's attention.
"Perhaps there is something to this." Anakin nodded at Obi Wan's statement.
"We need to find out what's in those ruins."
"It can't be done, sir. Enemy deflector shields are too strong for orbital bombardment or air support. They've dug in too deep for a direct attack with our current capabilities. Neither the 501s nor the 212th can launch an offensive without risking the farmlands or Jedi enclave."
"We will not risk the enclave!" Yutek growled. Anakin merely displayed his almost trademark smile of confidence while glancing at Rex for a moment. Obi Wan shook his head in preparation, for he knew where Anakin was going.
"Who said anything about an offensive. A single team could infiltrate the ruins and find out what they're after."
"That's awfully risky, Anakin. Especially with Dooku and Grievous lurking about."
"There is no emotion, there is peace. You worry too much, master." Anakin savored the glare he earned from Obi Wan. For he knew nothing irritated his former master more than hearing the Jedi code used against him.
"Rex and I could lead a single team behind enemy lines and ascertain the situation. Maybe even do some sabotage."
"My Arc troopers are more than capable of this mission, generals. With General Skywalker leading us, we can't fail." By the look on Mace Windu's face, he didn't agree with Rex's optimism. However, he didn't disagree with the mission, either.
"If Dooku and Grievous are willing to risk so much for what's in those ruins, it must be important. We could send reinforcements to take the ruins, but it's likely they'd just destroy them rather than let us discover their plans. An infiltration will be necessary, and Skywalker will lead it. However, given the importance of this mission, I'm afraid even 501st Arc troopers won't be sufficient. We'll need the very best. Luckily I have just the men for the job. Wait for their arrival and then move out."
Rex grit his teeth despite Anakin's satisfaction at being greenlit. General Skywalker emphasized that he only wanted hand-picked clones who had proved themselves in combat to join the ranks of the 501st. Because of this, they'd become the most effective and elite Legion in the Clone Army. Most Arc troopers came from the 501st. Now he was being told they weren't good enough.
"Don't worry Rex. I'd never go on a mission like this without you." Anakin whispered just loud enough for his Captain to hear, earning a slight smile back from Rex.
"Well, if it's going to happen, I think I shall join in as well. After all, if Grievous and Dooku are there. You may need another Jedi." Yutek nodded with Obi Wan.
"We have plenty of Jedi here in case they attack. No need to worry about that."
"Discover Dooku's plans, you must. May the force be with you." Yoda and the other holograms vanished, leaving Obi Wan staring sternly at Anakin with his arms crossed.
"When are you going to grow up?"
"What, masters Windu and Yoda agree with me. It's not like we haven't done missions this dangerous before." Obi Wan's stern look didn't relent.
"Anakin, I'd like to believe we're close to winning this war. We have the separatists on the ropes, and capturing Dooku or Grievous could be the final blow that brings peace to the Galaxy. Don't risk your life so recklessly. Ever since Ahsoka left, you've fallen back into your old habits." Rex could see Obi Wan struck a nerve upon mentioning Commander Tano. Anakin's face turned from spirited to harsh. Even Rex tightened his fist a bit. Obi Wan quickly realized his error and almost instinctively held his hand up.
"Ahsoka left because the council betrayed her. The council, including you!"
"Even the council can make mistakes, Anakin. I'll admit we handled her case poorly, but that's no reason to act with such recklessness."
"I'll do what's necessary to end this war and bring peace. That's a Jedi's duty." With that, Anakin almost stormed, Rex following close behind. The heat in Anakin's voice only added to Obi Wan's growing concern for his former student. He'd long worried about Anakin and his ever-growing emotions. The possibility that he drifted closer to the dark side haunted Obi Wan more and more.
Obi Wan tried to pull Anakin away from the fighting multiple times, but Palpatine and many Jedi insisted he remain. The truth was, Anakin had proven too effective as a commander. Perhaps he was their best commander, many of the Republic's greatest victories had come by his leadership and the 501st's elite skill. Anakin was a hero across all Republic space. Few didn't know of his exploits and heroism in battle.
Yet despite all this, Obi Wan feared the war drove Anakin down a dark path to which he couldn't return. Perhaps if the war ended soon, he could come back from this darkness. Perhaps, his former student could be saved.
When Anakin reached the Resolute's hanger, he paced around the various fighters and gunships. Dozens of pilots and soft-shells greeted the general, though he paid them little mind. Anakin's focus lay on Ahsoka, his former student whom he'd failed to protect. But the worst part was that her judgment came from those who should have been on her side. The high-council was meant to lead and guide the Jedi Order. Yet since Anakin joined the Jedi Order, they'd only been a hindrance to everything. His training, the war, and now future Jedi. Anakin almost wished there was no council. He could almost imagine how effective the order would be if Jedi were given more leeway and only led by the Grandmaster alone. With a slight smile, Anakin imagined himself as the future grandmaster, taking the Jedi Order where they were always meant to be.
"General, are you alright?" Rex's voice snapped Anakin out of his trance.
"Huh, oh yeah. I'm fine." Rex didn't buy Anakin's tone and came slightly closer.
"I miss her too, sir. I wish there was something I could have-"
"There was nothing you could have done, Rex. It was the council that did this. Just like it was the council that put Krell in my place on Umbara." Just hearing that name sent a rush of anger and hatred through Rex. The traitorous Jedi, who purposely led dozens of his brothers to needless slaughter.
When Anakin found out what Krell had done, he'd been more livid than Rex had ever seen his general. Even more than when they battled the Zygerrian slavers. Rex had no doubt if Anakin had been present at Umbara, he'd have killed Krell before Dogma could.
"Krell was a traitor, sir. I doubt the council-" Rex started.
"Krell was a traitor, but what about men like Rham Kota." That name also sent a shiver down Rex's spine. Kota had become infamous among clones under his command. The Jedi General was no doubt a military genius, but every clone who survived serving under him came back with horror stories. Kota had no respect for the clones, seeing them as unfit for battle, and often sending them into suicidal situations so his personal militia could achieve success with minimal losses among their own ranks.
Rex met Kota once in a joint operation on Jabiim and was horrified to find all the rumors true. Kota treated his clones like droids and prohibited them from giving themselves names outside their CT-Numbers. During the battle, Kota sent his Legion into the worst slaughter of the war, despite the victory. So much so that the surviving officers planned a mutiny against him, only to be stopped by Anakin's intervention.
General Skywalker told Kota that all his remaining clones would join the 501st and also informed Kota that he was forbidden from leading clones anymore. When Kota asked if this was the council's decision, Anakin informed him it was his. Kota laughed and then asked why he'd do that. Anakin responded by threatening to kill him if he refused. Kota didn't last long against Skywalker. The younger Jedi disarmed his opponent within moments while Kota's own clones shot down any militia who tried to intervene.
Kota became so afraid of Anakin that he never reported the incident, nor did any of the clones. Since then, Kota only led his personal militia, and no clones suffered under him. After Jabiim, Rex knew he'd follow his general anywhere. He also understood that not every Jedi was like Anakin, that they could be like Krell and still serve the council.
Rex's growing resentment of the Jedi Council mirrored not only Anakin's but most of the Clone Army. With the war coming to a close, many clones wondered what their ultimate fate would be. They'd been bred for a single purpose. Once it was fulfilled, where could they go? However, for Rex and the 501st, Anakin was their hope. They knew he'd never abandon them, and whatever happened, their general would ensure their well being.
Anakin's willingness to risk his life to save Echo on Skako minor was but a page in the long novel of heroism and dedication towards the clones. A dedication shared by Ahsoka. Yet if something happened to Anakin, Rex didn't know what he'd do. For he knew, even General Kenobi didn't care for the 212th the way Anakin did for the 501st. If Anakin fell, Rex and his men would only follow one, Ahsoka, and she'd left them.
Moments later, Anakin and Rex saw a pair of familiar Arc troopers approaching them with Obi Wan not far behind. Anakin turned to Rex, who nodded.
"I'll break the news to them, sir."
"Good luck." Anakin said with a playful smile. Jesse and Kix held their helmets to the side with expressions of passion and determination.
"Sir, we need to talk to General Skywalker about this mission."
"Jesse, this is out of his control-"
"Captain, you're going to need men you can trust down there. Arc troopers are the best in the business who does General Windu think can do better than us." Before Kix could finnish, a Nu-class shuttle spray-painted black and yellow entered the hangar. The shuttle appeared more veteran than even Rex, with so many scrapes and plasma scorns across its hull.
Despite this, the shuttle touched down without a problem and released four clones from its ramp. All three Arc troopers felt the hair on their arms stand up, and their teeth clench when they saw Katarn-class commando armor upon the clones.
"Commandos." Jesse growled.
"Deluxe-models, come to save us with their superior training." Kix said, full of resentment. Rex glanced back at his men but couldn't muster the strength to discipline them. He was an Arc trooper after all, and the rivalry between them and commandos was too great. The commandos' armor looked just as seasoned as their shuttle. The lead commando had orange coloration on his helmet, elbows, and upper chest.
The next commando had much more green across his armor and an antenna coming out of his pack. The third commando's armor was almost entirely black with patches of yellow and grey. Atop his pack sat extra demolition charges. The last commando's armor would have seemed standard white, with no added coloration. Only this one had clearly done it himself. Dried blood stained his helmet, forearms, and greaves. By now, Rex and Obi Wan joined Anakin to greet the commandos, who'd come to attention.
"General Skywalker, General Kenobi. Clone Commando Delta Squad, reporting as ordered." The orange commando said. He spoke with Cody's discipline but carried a power behind it that Rex had never heard from a clone before.
"At ease men, it's a pleasure to finally meet the legendary Delta Squad."
"Indeed, let's hope your reputation precedes you." All four commandos drilled holes in Rex with their eyes even behind their helmets. Even after seeing the horrors of war for years, the Arc trooper captain felt shaken by their stares.
"Allow me to introduce my squad, sir, I'm Commander 38, but my men call me Boss. This is my technical expert, Delta 40, or Fixer."
"Sir." The green commando spoke even more efficiently than his commander.
"Our demolition's expert, Delta 62, Scorch."
"I'm ready to scrap some clankers, sir." The black and yellow commando had a much more youthful and energetic voice than the others so far.
"And finally, our sniper, Delta 07, Sev."
"Point me at the enemy, and stay out of my way." The bloody commando's voice came out darker and harsh. However, his comment earned a chuckle from Scorch.
"Easy, Sev, they're Jedi."
"I wasn't talking to them." Sev's glare at Rex brought him close to trembling, though he did his best to appear firm, especially with Jesse and Kix watching.
"We're ready to move out on your command, sir."
"Good to hear that 38, have you been briefed?" Anakin asked as Boss nodded.
"Yes, sir, our advisor filled us in. We're infiltrating an enemy compound to ascertain the nature of their operation."
"Exactly, Master Kenobi and Captain Rex will be joining us." Once again, the commandos stared Rex down with impunity.
"All due respect, sir. We tend to work better with just commandos. An Arc trooper might disrupt our cohesion."
"What was that!?" Jesse shouted from across the hanger. Sev's gaze turned to the Arc trooper, and within moments Jesse regretted his words.
"I'm going, and where I go, Rex goes." Rex gave a triumphant smile and wished he could have seen the commandos' expressions. However, he soon took that wish back. All four members of Delta removed their helmets to reveal themselves. The bad batch appeared less frightening, and Delta Squad looked almost no different from Rex and his men. But the power and experience in them couldn't be understated.
"Yes, sir." Boss added.
"Good, let's go then. We have a lot of work to do." Anakin and Obi Wan led them towards a gunship, but before Rex could get in, he felt an iron grip against his wrist. Before the Captain could even react, he found himself locked in an arm-bar so painful it felt ready to take his arm off. Now he stared Delta 38 down with a fiery terror in the commando's eyes.
"Compromise my men's lives, and I'll bury you out there. Am I clear, Captain?" Rex thought himself a strong and confident man, yet Delta 38 made him feel like a shiny again.
"Yes, sir!" With that, 38 let Rex go and entered the gunship. Inside, Rex kept himself close to Anakin and carefully watched the four commandos. It would seem that commandos were just as close to their team members as the rumors said.
"Delta squad." Rex thought to himself. Many in the Clone Army heard of their exploits, even among commandos they were famous. During the First Battle of Geonosis, they'd eliminated the Geonosian commander within an hour of touching down. Within four hours, they infiltrated and disabled the largest droid foundry, killing multiple squads of Geonosian Elite royal guards. Within seven hours, they infiltrated a core ship and retrieved the Separatist launch codes, halting the entire Separatist evacuation and stopping almost three-million battle droids from escaping. After their actions, 38 was promoted to Captain.
A year later, Delta Squad infiltrated a missing Acclamator-class frigate that had been hijacked by trandoshan mercenaries and droids. Delta Squad somehow managed to rally the surviving clone troopers and retake the Prosecutor, even destroying a Lucrehulk battle-ship in the process. After this, 38 was promoted to Commander. Now Rex would get to see first-hand if the legends were true.
"Master Windu speaks very highly of you, Delta Squad. I understand you just came from Kashyyyk." Obi Wan looked intrigued with the commandos who nodded.
"Oh yeah, we had a Separatist and trandoshan invasion to stop. Got a bit hairy at the end there, right Sev." Scorch boasted as he playfully hit Sev's shoulder, much to the sniper's chagrin.
"I also understand you disobeyed a direct order from Master Yoda." Anakin and Rex felt their eyes widen upon hearing this from Obi Wan. Delta Squad's expressions hardened, Boss, Scorch, and Fixer all turned to Sev with the same look Rex gave Echo when he rescued him at Skako Minor.
"We don't leave men behind, sir." Upon hearing this from 38, Rex's look of mistrust turned to admiration. The gunship finally picked up and soared towards Dantooine's surface. Fixer dropped a hologram projector in front of them and within moments a clone in an officer's uniform appeared.
"Delta Squad, welcome to Dantooine, I also understand you're being joined by an Arc trooper and two Jedi."
"That's correct, advisor." Fixer said.
"Generals, it's a pleasure to work with you. I've been Delta Squad's advisor since Geonosis. I'll be providing you tactical information and support as needed."
"You might need to speak slowly, advisor, we do have an Arc trooper with us."
"Cut the chatter, 62." Fixer spoke harsher towards Scorch's demeanor rather than his comment, but Rex ignored him. That was until he saw Anakin's smile, his general clearly amused at the rivalry.
"Our forces on the ground have reported another wave of offenses against them, which provides us with the best opportunity for infiltration. The enemy fortifications are too thick even for low-level infiltration, however, we may have found one weakness." The hologram projector displayed the Separatist base in detail, trenches, shielded walls, heavy-turrets, and countless droids. The next projection showed a series of caves.
"Because of the number of offenses their launching and our own jamming efforts, the Separatist communications are stretched thin. Therefore they cannot reach the inside of these caves, our schematics show the caves continue inside the Separatist compound and a demolition charge at the end of the cave will blow a new entrance here."
"Oh yeah, rearranging geography, now we're talking."
"Once inside the compound you'll infiltrate the ruins and discover what the Separatists are after. Be weary Delta, reports have confirmed the presence of Count Dooku and General Grievous."
"Grievous, why be afraid after we sent him running on Kashyyyk?" Sev boasted full of pride.
"I'll keep you updated as you go, good luck Deltas." When the advisor vanished, the gunship doors opened. Now, they could see the full scale of the battle beneath them. Massed formations of droids surged upon well fortified Republic positions around farmland and a great Jedi enclave.
With their artillery, air support, trenches, and armor, the Republic forces endured these assaults like rocks facing waves. Around the farms, 501st AT-RTs launched counter attacks from the flanks, and inflicted horrendous losses upon the lifeless droids.
Near the Jedi enclave, Master Yutek and several dozen Jedi Knights performed similar flanking movements, springing upon the droids in a way that maximized their effectiveness. Even heavily-shielded droid-gunships dropped like flies against well placed rocketeers, AA-guns, or Republic Fighters.
"Look at that." Fixer sounded more than a little impressed.
"Why not let this go on for a few more weeks. The Seps will probably run out of droids." 38 added.
"All those kills, and we're not a part of it." Sev groaned.
"Ahh, don't worry Sev, there's still plenty of clankers in the enemy compound." Sev ignored Scorch and took out the sniper attachment for his DC-17.
"Sev, no." 38 halted Sev instantly, for he knew sniping might give away their position.
"Sir." Sev said begrudgingly. As the minutes went by, Anakin, Rex, and Obi Wan heard all four commandos speak in another language while gesturing towards the three a few times.
"What's that?" Anakin turned to Rex who shook his head.
"Don't ask me, sir, I don't speak commando."
"Mandalorian, they're speaking mandalorian." Obi Wan answered.
"Really." Anakin said with interest. Rex took a deep breath. So it was true then. Rex and the other clones had been trained by the best mercenaries money could buy. Men and women with decades of combat and military experience. However, he'd always heard rumors that Commandos were trained by Mandalorian champions. Warriors who knew almost no equal outside of Jedi. It was said that the Mandalorian champions brought commandos up as their own, not only teaching them how to fight but the language and Mandalorian culture. Arc troopers sometimes mocked commandos, saying they were more Mandalorian than clones. However, given the man they were all cloned from, perhaps it wasn't the best joke.
Finally, they arrived just outside the caves. A sea of green surrounded them alongside low cliffs. Dantooine had such an abundance of life that Anakin and Obi Wan lamented war had come to it.
"Delta's be advised, the caves are filled with Kinderath, a predator creature. Also, droid patrols may be inside as well." The advisor announced on their comm channel.
"Do Kinderath count towards kills?" Scorch asked.
"If I get one, they do." Sev growled. Obi Wan had thus far been off-put by Sev and Scorch's demeanors, Anakin, however, already grew fond of them.
"Alright, let's go boys."
"Switch to visor mode."
"Copy Boss." Fixer said. Rex switched to his own night vision and drew both pistols. As he walked through the damp caves, Rex paid careful attention to his surroundings, from the course ground to the stalagmite and stalactite. However, he soon heard more whispers from Fixer and 38, both emphasizing his pistols.
"Is there a problem, sir?"
"Just discussing your Arc trooper weapons." 38 said boldly.
"I have an extra DC-17, you may want it." Fixer held his spare rifle out, but Rex pushed it away.
"This is how a real clone scraps clankers." Rex twirled both pistols as the commandos shook their heads.
"Yeah, we may want to get the bacta dispenser ready. I have a feeling we're going to need it soon." Sev chuckled at Scorch's joke and patted his brother's shoulder. Rex grit his teeth before picking up his pace to reach the Jedi, who held their lightsabers out.
"What's the matter Rex? Not getting along with your brothers?" Rex almost scowled back at the commandos.
"They're more like half-brothers to me, sir."
"I honestly can't see how they can get anything done with such attitudes. They remind me of Death Watch." Obi Wan added with similar scorn.
"Ahh, come on, give them a chance. Who knows, if this goes well, maybe they could help out the 501st more often."
"I hope this doesn't go well." Hearing Rex said that nearly made Anakin burst out in laughter.
"Hold on, be quiet!" Sev spoke harshly but not loud. 38 held his hand up, signaling his men to stop, and soon all seven went still.
"What is it?" Rex asked. Sev attached his scope and peered further down the cave.
"I saw movement."
"Kinderath?"
"It wasn't a droid, wait, I see more. Hold on, sir. I spotted at least five commando-droids up ahead." Rex's heart raced slightly. Commando droids were second only to magnaguards. Though he'd scrapped his fair share of them, Rex never looked forward to encountering more.
"I sense something. The force, it's stronger up ahead." Obi Wan nodded in agreement with Anakin.
"Indeed, these caves house kyber crystals. It's likely there's a deposit up ahead." Anakin smiled.
"Maybe we ought to mark the location then. So future padawans can have an easier job."
"Perhaps. In either case, we shouldn't let droid commandos recover any. Kyber crystals are very powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands."
"Hell yeah." Sev nearly shouted.
"Just remember, commandos count as two."
"That's a rule now?" Fixer asked Scorch.
"You think a B-1 is equal to a commando Fixer?" The squad tech-expert went silent for a moment.
"Fair enough." 38 waved them forward and took point, moving ahead of the Jedi. The further they went, the more Rex could hear a series of blaster fire and cries of pain. Not sentient, but more animalistic. Before long Rex saw the slaughter, five black-armored commando droids mercilessly gunned down a hive of kinderath. Smashing the eggs and burning their soft bodies with blaster bolts.
As monstrous as the kinderath looked, Rex couldn't help but feel pity for them. No creature deserved that. When the last Kinderath went down, all five-commando droids turned their attention onto the Republic forces.
Rex, Anakin, and Obi Wan drew arms but didn't need them. Delta squad gunned down the commando droids with such speed and precision that none of the droids could even use their trademark agility.
"Clear!" 38 announced, much to Rex's amazement.
"Not bad Deltas." Anakin smiled while deactivating his lightsaber. Now, Rex could see the crystal cave itself. The kyber crystals glowed with emanating colors in a way that made them almost feel alive. Even without force sensitivity, Rex could tell these were more than just rocks.
"Ahh, brings back memories, doesn't it." Obi Wan nodded back.
"Indeed, but we can reminisce later. We need to keep moving." Their path led on for another twenty minutes. Occasionally they'd encounter a few Kinderath or commando droids, but between the commandos, Jedi, and Arc trooper, there were no problems. Finally, they reached the end of the cave.
"Delta, give me an explosive solution." 38 ordered while pointing to the cave wall.
"Scorch priming charge." The others stepped back while Scorch began setting a demolition charge upon the wall.
"Was it red red green, or red green red."
"And he's supposed to be the demolitions expert." Sev joked.
"Stow it, Sev." 38 said firmly.
"Charge is set and ready to detonate, it's all your's boss." 38 nodded and took out the detonator when Scorch got to a safe distance.
"Fire in the hole!" The team covered their faces and endured the explosion. Upon looking back, sunlight shined over them.
"Alright, let's move!" 38 took point again, and upon exiting the cave, Rex saw they were within the droid compound.
"Advisor, we're inside."
"Excellent timing, Delta. Admiral Yularen has just ordered a series of strafing runs to draw their attention." Just as they heard this, Anakin pointed to a squadron of ARC-170 fighters and Y-Wings soaring in. The shields seemed to open just as they did this, and let out a squadron of droid tri-fighters. However, the ARCs mopped up over half the droids before they could even break formation.
The Y-Wings managed to drop a series of bombs inside the compound and shook the ground upon impact.
"Oh yeah, bombing runs. That's some real ordinance there." Scorch almost sounded like he blushed beneath his helmet. Anakin watched with similar excitement as he saw their fighters corral the remaining tri-fighters. However, he soon noticed a Sheathipede-class transport shuttle escaping in the chaos. The further it went away, the less he and Obi Wan felt the dark side's presence.
"It's Dooku! Shoot him down!" Anakin screamed so loud of the com-link it nearly went to static. Three ARC fighters broke off to pursue the shuttle but were too late. With a begrudging sense of defeat, Anakin and the others sighed.
"Damn Grievous. He's all talk." Sev growled.
"It's never going to be that easy, Anakin." Obi Wan tried to encourage Anakin.
"I'm sorry, sir. I'll inform Admiral Yularen that Dooku and Grievous have escaped. In the meantime, you should move towards the ruins. They should be nearby." The advisor said, and he wasn't wrong. Within a few minutes, they found the ruins and almost looked disappointed. The ruins themselves appeared as nothing more than a burial mound with a stone foundation and some broken columns leading up to it. Yet despite this, the separatists placed extensive excavation equipment around it.
"That's it? Wow, I was expecting more."
"Looks can be deceiving Scorch." 38 commented as Obi Wan nodded.
"Indeed, the force is strong around those ruins, particularly the dark side." He said in concern.
"Hold on, what are they doing!" Anakin pointed to a number of droids placing demolition charges around the ruins.
"Hmm, did the general say to annihilate the ruins or level them?"
"What difference does it make?" Another B1 asked.
"Directive 23-C states leveled compounds can still be recovered."
"Annihilate it then, if the Republic finds out what's inside he'll scrap us."
"We need to stop them now! Delta squad-" Anakin started before 38 came forward with his men.
"All due respect, sir. We'll take it from here, just keep the clankers off our backs." Without a word, 38 performed a series of hand gestures to different positions around the ruins. The commandos simply nodded back and charged forward.
"Now, I'm really gonna rack up the kills!" Sev proclaimed.
"Not if I get them all first." Scorch added.
"Just don't get so caught up in counting, you forget to cover me!" Fixer reminded them.
"Intruders!" Rex heard. Behind them, a few squads of B1 and B2s approached.
"Come on, clankers!" Rex shouted. He dove forward while squeezing both his pistols' triggers. The blue ionized plasma bolts found their mark and brought down four of the B1s while a B2 smashed apart a pair of B1s in his way.
"Hey we're on your side!" A B1 shouted before his head was cut off by Obi Wan. Anakin dashed with incredible speed throughout the grassy field and deflected every incoming bolt in his path. Finally, he reached the B2s and cut them down with a series of beautiful strikes. Upon finishing the B2's Anakin noticed three destroyer droids taking position. Acting fast, he reached out with the force and lifted them into the air before their shields could raise.
"Obi Wan!" His former master cut down the last few B1s and saw what was happening.
"I see them!" Obi Wan hurled his lightsaber into the air, and guided it with the force, slicing all three destroyers in half. Meanwhile, Rex kicked back a B2 and nearly opened it up with four blaster bolts. He savored the smell of burnt metal, but upon turning to check on Delta, Rex nearly dropped his blasters.
The four commandos had been confronted by not one, but three squads of commando droids, half a platoon of B2s, and a platoon of B1s. Without fear, all four commandos rushed in, firing their DC-17s. Rex hadn't seen accuracy from most snipers, for it seemed every one of their blaster bolts found a march even while running.
Almost two-dozen B1s and ten B2s fell within moments of their attack. Sev took position behind a fallen column, attaching his sniper mode and firing with such precision that Crosshair would be jealous. Every shot he fired took the head off a commando droid. At the same time, Scorch and Fixer took position behind more cover and continued their base of fire. During their charge, all four commandos took at least one blaster bolt. But their armor's shield generators protected them from a few stray bolts.
Scorch attached his grenade launcher and fired into the B2s, taking out three per shot, and a few commando droids. At the same time, Fixer hurled two droid poppers into the air, one landing among the B1 center, while the other hit where three destroyers rolled up. Within moments the electrical bursts deactivated a dozen droids and all three destroyers.
Despite their success, two or three commando droids still reached Sev, Fixer, and Scorch with their blasters and blade arms out. Rex and the jedi sprung forward, but soon saw it wasn't necessary. For all three commandos fought off their droid counterparts with such lethal efficiency, it almost made Rex afraid for the droids.
Sev ripped one commando droid's head off with his wrist blade and beat the other two back until he had enough room to gun them down. Scorch snatched a droid's arm blade and forced it into the second droid's head, then slicing his own wrist-blade into the first droid's neck. Fixer managed to pin two commando droids down and pulled their heads off with his rifle.
"My." Obi Wan nearly lost his breath. 38 charged in at the remaining droids, downing at least one with each blast of his DC-17. Once close enough, he swarmed the remaining commando droids, dismantling them with even more violent efficiency than his men. Just like that, the four commandos wiped out an entire droid company within minutes.
"All clear!" 38 announced to his beguiled Jedi and Arc trooper companions.
"Hold on, let me take care of those charged." Scorch said as he went to work on disarming them. Rex was at a loss for words. Even the Bad Batch hadn't fought with such skill and efficiency. No one but Jedi had been able to fight like that. There could be no doubt, if every clone had even half these commandos' skills, the ward would have been over in days.
"Hey Fixer, I think we impressed the Arc trooper." Sev said while nudging his squad-mate.
"I think you're right Sev. Hey, Arc trooper, take off your helmet. I want to record this!"
"Enough of that." 38 said as he turned back to Scorch.
"All clear sir."
"Excellent, Generals, we're clear to enter." Anakin nodded enthusiastically.
"Alright, let's go!" Anakin entered the ruins first and lost himself to their awe. The exterior was but a charade. Inside, they extended into a series of large stone chambers, masterfully crafted. The dark rooms became separated by walls with rectangular openings, showing vast empty chambers. Connecting the walls were well-carved corners, faded statues of an unknown alien race lay before them. Whoever built these ruins had to be an advanced race, but an ancient one.
Despite the dark nature, light emanated from somewhere that showed the ruins clearly. Certainly not from the wreckage of Separatist excavation equipment lying around.
"This place gives me the creeps." Scorch said wearily as he trained his rifle all around him.
"Aww Scorch, nothing better than a dark hunt, waiting in the shadows, putting a plasma bolt through an enemy's cranium. Makes me feel alive." Scorch turned to Sev and went quiet for a moment.
"Ok, now 07 is giving me the creeps."
"Quiet, keep your eyes open. We don't know what's in here." 38 said while taking point again. Obi Wan couldn't agree more and held his lightsaber out very cautiously.
"The dark side is strong here. I can feel its power."
"I sense it too, but it doesn't feel Sith like Dooku, it feels almost like a yearning, a hunger."
"Indeed, you may have been right about this place, Anakin. I suggest we find whatever Dooku was after and get out of here with haste." 38 held his hand up as they encountered a stone door ahead of them, similar to the one at the entrance. Rex and Anakin tried to open the door to no avail.
"Alright, give me a moment." Anakin drew his lightsaber and slashed across the stones, only to see his weapon bounce off.
"What!?" Obi Wan chuckled at his companion's frustration.
"Always going for the most direct approach."
"No problem, General, I've got this." Scorch came up and set a demolition charge on the doorway, but upon detonating it, the door remained unharmed.
"You gotta be kidding me." Scorch moaned.
"You don't suppose Dooku and Grievous couldn't get past the door either and decided to destroy the ruins so we couldn't get through?" Rex asked. Anakin shook his head.
"Like Obi Wan said, it's never that easy."
"Hold on, sir. There's another door right there." Fixer pointed out the second doorway on their left. Before any of them could react, a strange voice filled the chamber.
"Who's there!?" Anakin shouted, his lightsaber raised. They looked around desperately until they found the source. Someone a strange droid had snuck in behind them. It appeared as a strange-ancient metal with four spider-like legs and an almost vase shaped frame.
"Another clanker!"
"Come on, Sev, does that look like a Separatist droid to you?" Scorch said, emphasizing its alien design.
"Who are you? What is this place?" Anakin demanded. The droid spoke again, this time in another unknown language, much to the confusion of his guests.
"What's it saying?" Rex asked while Obi Wan shook his head.
"I have no idea. But it used a different language that time."
"I wish we had 3P0 with us." Anakin sighed. The droid spoke again, and 38 almost jumped.
"I understood it!"
"You did!?" Rex shouted.
"Yeah, it spoke old-Mandalorian! Or at least a version of it." Scorch added.
"What did it say?" Obi Wan asked almost forcefully.
"Hold on, sir, it's using a much older dialect than what we know, so I can't translate everything. But from what I could gather, the droid claims to be some sort of overseer for this facility." 38 said.
"Alright, well, that's better than nothing. Ask him what this place is?" 38 nodded and spoke in Mandalorian. The droid responded, and all four commandos spoke to each other to try and decipher the words.
"Well?" Rex asked impatiently.
"It didn't exactly give us a straight answer. It said something about this being some kind of information storage, or library maybe, something about storing knowledge." Fixer said while trying to type the words into a datapad.
"It's speaking old Mandalorian, is this some kind of Mandalorian site?" Anakin asked.
"I don't think so, sir, none of this architecture looks Mandalorian. Plus, when we asked about the language, the droid said something about knowing the language of the mercenaries." 38 said.
"It's possible whoever built this place employed the original Mandalorians as mercenaries." Obi Wan said. Rex tried to calm himself, but the situation was becoming increasingly overwhelming. The bombing run would have distracted the Separatists for a while, but they didn't have forever.
"Ask him what Dooku and Grievous were after!" The Captain said, trying to sound calm.
"Hold on." 38 spoke again in Mandalorian and listened to the droid's response.
"It says an old man and metal warrior came searching for, umm-"
"Well?" Obi Wan asked with growing impatience.
"I don't know, I can't make out the translation, but it refers to whatever it is as the "Glory of the Builders" that's about all I could get." 38 admitted sounding almost sheepish.
"What is it?" Anakin said, chiming in. Scorch and Sev took a turn conversing with the droid.
"I don't think this droid can actually tell us what this "Glory of the Builders" is, or who they are. It keeps referring to them as the Builders, that they used to have some great empire, and they used this glory thing to expand their empire. It just repeats the same thing, no matter how we ask. Stupid droid." Scorch moaned in frustration.
"Maybe it can't, but I'll bet that's what Dooku and Grievous are after." Obi Wan's face turned grim, particularly as he felt the dark side again.
"You may be right, Anakin. In which case, we must find out what's on the other side of that door. Ask the droid how we get inside."
"No problem." 38 asked the droid just that and got a response.
"The droid says we must prove ourselves as the others did. Only then can we enter." Just when 38 finished, the second doorway opened on its own.
"Well, if that's not a red carpet." Scorch said eerily. Rex took a deep breath and advanced despite his uneasy feeling.
"Come on, don't have time to waste." The chamber was mostly empty like the others, with the exception of an ancient terminal in the center, and two squads of destroyed commando droids laying about.
"Well, that's encouraging." Scorch inspected the droids with Sev before looking back at 38.
"Sir, it looks like these droids were torched and blasted, not by any modern blasters though." Rex and Anakin peered back at the overseer droid but saw now apparent weapons on it.
"There's something else in here." Anakin ignited his lightsaber again and held it up.
"Fixer, get on that terminal and see what you can find."
"Watch the master at work." Fixer boasted proudly. However, that pride faded away when he saw the sheer alien design and ancient nature of the computer.
"Alright, this might take a minute." Fixer didn't speak honestly. Minute after minute went by, and yet no progress could be made.
"Come on, Fixer, you're making us look bad in front of the Arc trooper."
"Can it, Scorch, you wanna give this a try?"
"I can slice terminals. I recall slicing a few in that Trandoshan outpost."
"Yeah, poorly."
"Enough, Fixer, is there a problem?" 38 didn't sound angry, but genuinely concerned.
"Sir, this hardware and software are ancient. The language is indecipherable and I-, wait a minute." Fixer quickly took out his datapad and used a connection cord to sync it with the terminal.
"Transferring binary code to the datapad, and got it! I understand what the terminal is saying!"
"I never doubted you Fixer." Sev smacked Scorch's shoulder and earned a chuckle from Rex and Anakin. Obi Wan, however, came directly.
"Alright, go on"
" It says to enter the main chamber, we have to answer some kind of question."
"That's it? That's the trial? Did all these droids think themselves to death?" Scorch's concern wasn't unmerited. Anakin and Rex were equally curious about what happened to the commando droids, and what might happen to them.
"Let's see, to proceed, we must identify three life-giving worlds."
"How about Kamino, that gave a lot of life." Scorch chuckled.
"Scorch, that's enough." With 38's rising tone, the commando went silent.
"The answer is simple enough. Simply enter any three planets which have life on them. Dantooine, Kashyyyk, and Mon Calamari" Fixer nodded and did as Obi Wan said.
"Alright, and Mon Calamari. Uh oh."
"What did you do?" Obi Wan started before Fixer, almost furiously raised his fist.
"I did what you ordered, sir!" Rex and Anakin heard something, the sound of shifting stone and rock, then a familiar mechanical noise. At last, they saw them, two more of the ancient droids stood behind them with blasters attached.
"Watch out!" Both droids ripped off a series of yellow blaster bolts faster than a cannon as Anakin, and Obi Wan desperately tried to deflect them away. Rex and Delta squad returned fire but found their blaster bolts only burnt the droids.
"Those clankers have tough armor!" Rex shouted in frustration.
"Hold their attention! We'll cut them down!" Rex, Fixer, and 38 ran around one droid while Scorch and Sev did the same to the other. Their fire drew the droids' attention and gave the Jedi an opening. Anakin and Obi Wan leaped forward, lightsabers out. But to their horror, even the lightsabers only scratched the droids.
"You've got to be kidding me-" Anakin lurched back without finishing his own complaint when he felt the terrible heat of flamethrowers. Desperately, they used the force to push back the flames, but it barely had an effect.
"Damn Droids! Just die!" Sev hurled a droid popper and watched the surge go over them as if nothing happened.
"Eat this!" Scorch followed up with an anti-armor round, which finally seemed to do something. Not very much though, the explosion broke off a piece of armor from both droids, exposing parts of their internal circuitry.
"Try another droid popper!" 38 roared. Fixer did what his commander said and hurled the emp device. However, the droids now showed signs of intelligence and knocked the popper away before it could go off.
"Why won't these things just die!" Scorch groaned. Rex, however, had an idea, a very bad idea. Taking a deep breath, he pulled out a droid popper and got into a running position.
"Cover me!" Before any of the other clones could react, they watched in disbelief as Rex sprinted at the droids with his droid popper in hand.
"That Arc trooper's gonna detonate it at point-blank! Is he stupid? Or crazy!" 38 wasn't sure, but Scorch had a point. He'd never seen anyone do something like this.
"Rex!" Anakin tried to stop his Captain, but Obi Wan used the force to keep any fire away until Rex dove between the droids and detonated his droid popper.
"Ahhhh!" Rex endured immense pain but succeeded. The charge surged into both droids' exposed circuitry and at last disabled them. However, as a result, he collapsed over in crippling pain, unable to get up. His insides felt just as fried as the droids. That was until he heard a beeping like sound above him and then a more pleasant sensation.
"Ahhhh." Rex sighed with immense relief upon feeling the jolt of bacta from a portable dispenser.
"I've got you." 38 said warmly as he holstered his dispenser and offered Rex a hand.
"Rule 39, never say no to bacta." Scorch said proudly. Rex got back up with 38's help and cracked his neck.
"That was very stupid of you."
"Very effective, though, sir." Rex smiled and could feel 38's respect even from under his helmet. The Captain then heard another blaster bolt. He turned to see Sev blasting the disabled droids.
"Uh Sev, they're down."
"Rule 17 always make sure they're dead."
"It looks dead to me."
"It is now." Scorch shook his head.
"Rex." Anakin now sounded stern for a change and approached his Captain.
"What was that?"
"I just did what I thought you'd do sir." Anakin noticed Obi Wan's growing amusement and then grabbed Rex by the shoulder.
"I'm a Jedi Rex, don't try to do everything I do." Sev, 38, and Scorch chuckled behind their helmets and finally looked at Rex with a level of respect.
"Ok, let's try this again." Fixer said nervously as he plugged in.
"Damn it, same question?!"
"How does it expect us to know which three worlds are the life-givers?" Obi Wan groaned.
"Wait a minute, three life-giving worlds. It's not asking for three specific worlds. It's asking for three types!" Anakin shouted enthusiastically.
"There are three types. Grassland, arboreal, and oceanic." Fixer quickly entered the words and then saw the terminal shut down.
"Uhh, is that good or bad?" Scorch nervously asked while raising his weapon. More shifting stones could be heard. However, when Anakin looked back in the main chamber, he saw the first door open.
"That's it! We did it!" With the way clear, all seven sprinted inside the final chamber. Once inside, Anakin and Obi Wan felt colder again. The sensation of hunger returned, but stronger than before.
"The dark side, it's consuming this entire room." Obi Wan carefully moved forward. Anakin didn't share his caution and kept pace with the clones. At last they found it, a strange device placed within the chamber. Black metal similar to the droids with three claw-like beams over a sphere.
"What in the galaxy is that?" Scorch almost muttered.
"Transmitting to the advisor sir, he's got nothing from the Republic database." Fixer reported in a disappointed tone. Before anyone else could speak, the three beams slowly opened up.
"Wait, it's opening!" The group wasn't sure if they should draw their weapons or not but soon got their answer. The black sphere rose up and projected a map of the galaxy.
"That's it? All this for a star map?!" Sev was ready to kill something after everything they went through to find this. Obi Wan took a similarly frustrated breath.
"There must be something more to this."
"Maybe it has hidden hyperspace lanes or unknown worlds." Fixer approached with Rex, 38, and Anakin. Together they began looking over the map and copy its information.
"Well?" Obi Wan asked.
"Nothing here that we don't have in Republic Databases already." Fixer's disappointment finally took over.
"Hold on, look at this. The map almost seems to be emphasizing these four worlds. Kashyyyk, Tatooine, Korriban, and Mannan." When 38 brought this up, Anakin's eyes widened. Rex and Obi Wan saw him lose his breath and tremble full of excitement.
"Sir?"
"This is a star map!"
"Yes Anakin, we know that."
"No, Obi Wan you don't understand! It's, I'll explain later, I know what Dooku's after!" Obi Wan skeptically crossed his arms and stared back.
"Care to enlighten me?"
"No point doing it more than once. I'll explain it back on the Resolute!"
An hour later, Anakin and his team stood on the Resolute's bridge with Admiral Yularen.
"All enemy offenses are collapsing. We're beginning a coordinated counter-attack on the Separatist base." Master Yutek growled in excitement upon hearing Cody's report.
"Indeed! Soon we'll drive them off Dantooine!"
"The situation is far more dangerous than we originally anticipated. We've discovered a dangerous plot that could lead to the end of the Republic!" Obi Wan and Rex turned to Anakin, still waiting to hear what this was all about. Obi Wan grew skeptical, but Rex and Delta Squad remained interested.
"Alright, Skywalker, we're listening."
"Thank you, Master Windu. Inside those ruins, we found a Star Map, one that pointed to Kashyyyk, Tatooine, Mannan, and Korriban. I have no doubt they're looking for the world of Lehon!" Obi Wan's mouth dropped, and without hesitation, he grabbed Anakin's arm. The Jedi Knight hadn't seen such a stern look upon Obi Wan's face since he was a padawan.
"Anakin, that's enough! I know where you're going with this!"
"Pardon me, General, but what is Lehon?" Yularen asked.
"Anakin, read the story of Darth Revan as a padawan too many times, that's all this is!"
"Revan, not Darth Revan." Anakin firmly corrected while pulling his arm free.
"Lehon, You believe Dooku is looking for Rakata Prime." Mace Windu spoke cautiously.
"Without a doubt."
"General, what's Rakata Prime?" Rex and the other non-Jedi all looked quite curious.
"Over thirty-thousand years ago, an ancient race known as the Rakata ruled the galaxy using a weapon known as the Star Forge."
"An artifact of the Dark Side, the Star Forge was, pure evil, it's machinations."
"Master Yoda's right. The Star Forge was a factory that could churn out ships and droids in an endless supply. Anyone who could wield it could build themselves an Empire from nothing!" Yularen and the clones almost trembled.
"I remember this story, wasn't it rediscovered by Revan?" Yutek asked.
"Yes, Darth Revan and Darth Malak used it to wage a war of death and destruction on the Republic." Obi Wan grew more intense with each word he spoke. Anakin, on the other hand, grew more excited.
"Malak destroyed worlds, Revan didn't. Revan returned to the Jedi and saved the Republic." Rex saw the child-like enthusiasm in his general's face and smiled.
"Indeed, Revan and the Republic destroyed the Star Forge. Why would Dooku look for Rakata Prime now?"
"In the books about Revan I've read, it says Revan believed the Star Forge was self-repairing. If any part of the Star Forge survived its destruction, then it's had thousands of years to repair itself."
"Believe, do you, this is possible?" Anakin faced down Yoda without hesitation.
"Dooku believed it enough to sacrifice a fleet and army here." Mace Windu slowly nodded as concern took over his expression.
"Skywalker may have a point. If Dooku and the Separatists acquired even part of the Star Forge, they'd have an unending supply of reinforcements."
"We must head to Lehon now and stop them!"
"Agree, I do, however, lost to us, Lehon's location is." Anakin's smile widened, and he looked ready to jump around.
"We follow in Revan's footsteps! We know the worlds he went to, we just need to find the other Star maps, and we'll find Lehon!" Obi Wan, Yoda, and Mace Windu nodded to each other.
"The council will discuss this matter and decide on a course of action."
"Very well, I'll inform the chancel-"
"No!" Obi Wan almost shouted.
"General?"
"I agree with Obi Wan. We can't risk Separatist spies informing Dooku we're onto him. We'll keep this between us for the time being." Yularen didn't seem comfortable with that idea but didn't protest either.
"Anakin, why don't you debrief the 501st on our plans."
"Good idea, Rex, gather up the men."
"Yes, sir!"
Rex departed with Delta Squad and slowly walked through the Venator's halls.
"Hey, Rex." The Arc trooper went still after he heard 38 use his name.
"You fought pretty good out there, for an Arc trooper." Rex chuckled but smiled back, full of respect.
"That means a lot, sir."
"38, or Boss."
Fixer patted Rex's shoulder.
"Savor this. He doesn't give out compliments easily."
"I'll say this, if the 501st is made up of men like you, I wouldn't mind working alongside you guys again." Scorch added in his playful tone.
"Well, you may get the chance. If the situation is as dire as the generals claim."
"Good, I'd like another shot at Grievous." Sev growled.
Meanwhile, Anakin left his chamber after changing tunics and showing. Though after thinking about it for a moment, he began to regret that decision. The men enjoyed seeing him fresh from battle. Still, this was beyond exciting. Growing up in the Jedi Temple, learning about Revan was the highlight of his days in the library. Instead of endless chapters on techniques and meditation, he could read about a legend. Anakin always told himself he'd become a Jedi like Revan, and now here was his chance to literally follow in his footsteps.
"Anakin." Obi Wan's voice snapped Anakin back to reality.
"Ahh, master. Is the council convened already?" Obi Wan didn't show any amusement. Instead, he simply gazed back in a stern but sad way.
"We already convened and decided on a course of action."
"What?" Anakin went still and felt his angst grow steadily.
"You met without me?"
"You're not a member of the council, Anakin. It's been decided that Master Windu will search Korriban, Master Yoda will search Kashyyyk, Master Fisto Mannan, and I'll search Tantooine."
"Just you!" Anakin felt his anger rise and boil over inside him.
"Yes, I insisted you remain behind."
"Why would you do that to me!?"
"For your own good Anakin! I know how fond you are of Revan's story, and give how far you've drifted I can't risk you trying to become him. Otherwise you might."
"Revan was a hero!"
"Revan was a traitor! He betrayed the very order he swore to serve and became a Sith Lord! He brought death and destruction to the Republic!"
"He was redeemed, the teachings of the order are about redemption! No one is beyond it!" Obi Wan shook his head in disgust.
"Revan wasn't redeemed. He was captured and reprogrammed with a new mind. Even after he discovered the truth, he wasn't truly Revan anymore."
Anakin didn't budge and stood his ground in defiance.
"He saved the Republic."
"He betrayed the teaching even in his second chance. I know why you're really interested in Revan, because he got away with attachments, and had a wife!" The last bit made Anakin go still in fear, and Obi Wan saw it.
"Don't think I'm so foolish. I know you and Padme are more than just friends. I've put up with it all this time because we've had a war going on. But one it's over, so is your relationship with her."
"What!?"
"You heard me, whatever escapades are going on between you and Padme ends with the war." Anakin's fist tightened, and he stood over his old teacher, emphasizing his height.
"You're not my master anymore. I'm a Jedi Knight and an adult! You never wanted to be my father, so stop acting like you are!"
"I'm trying to save you from yourself! You are a Jedi, and we have rules! Attachments are forbidden, Anakin! You don't get to break the rules because you disagree with them!"
"Qui Gon did!" Obi Wan fought back his own rage and nearly raised a fist to Anakin.
Nearby Rex was walking with Kix and Jesse, filling them in on the details of his mission.
"They took out a droid company on their own!" Rex nodded.
"That's right, Kix. Even the Bad Batch would tremble at what they could do." Rex stopped when he and his men overheard the argument.
"Is that General Skywalker and Kenobi?" Kix started before Rex silenced him.
"Don't you dare Anakin Skywalker. Perhaps it would have been better if Qui Gon trained you. Or perhaps it would have been better if we left you on Tatooine. You were too old and have always had trouble with attachments! Padme, Ahsoka, Rex, your entire Legion! I should have acted earlier, but I won't make that mistake again."
"Meaning what?!"
"Meaning I never should have allowed you to have a padawan, Ahsoka would have become just like you. It's no wonder she left the order. A true Jedi does not feel betrayed even by a mistake. Had she stayed, I'd have taken her as my student and undone all the damage you did to her!"
Anakin grabbed Obi Wan by the throat and shoved him against the wall. Rex and the other clones nearly gasped but managed to contain themselves. Obi Wan saw the fury in Anakin's eyes and sighed in disappointment.
"You've just proven my point. You need time away from anyone you've grown attached to. That includes Rex and your Legion." Anakin began to shake in his fury.
"The 501st is my Legion. I won't let anyone else lead them into battle! Not after Krell!"
"The Legion belongs to the Republic, as do all the Clones! You cannot grow attached to them Anakin! They're soldiers, and we're Jedi! Their job is to fight and even die if necessary! I take no pleasure in seeing men killed, but I must remember their place and mine! Cody isn't my friend, nor is Rex or any of them. The clones are here to serve a purpose!"
"You don't have the right to say that!"
"I'm a member of the High Council! I do have the right and the authority to relieve you of your Legion! Remember your place, Knight!" Hearing the cold and detached way his old master referred to him, Anakin let go and backed up.
"General, Kenobi." Obi Wan turned and went still when he saw Cody standing behind him. From the look in his eyes, the Jedi Master could tell how much he heard.
"Cody, I-"
"I have my report, General. If that's all, I think I'll be in my quarters, sir." Cody shoved the datapad into Obi Wan's hand and walked off coldly. Within moments, Obi Wan saw Rex approach with Jesse and Kix. Similar expressions covered their faces as they came up around Anakin.
"General Skywalker, your men are still waiting for you." Obi Wan saw the fire in Jesse and Kix's eyes as they looked upon him.
"That's right. The 501st is waiting for their General. The only Jedi we'll follow, and no one else." Anakin and his men left the Obi Wan, and within the hour, he left the Resolute with Cody and the others from his 212th Legion. Rather than addressing the 501st, Anakin sat in his quarters deep in thought. So many emotions and feelings rushed through the Jedi Knight he felt ready to burst.
"There is no emotion, there is peace, there is no passion there is serenity." Anakin repeated the Jedi code lines again and again, but it did nothing. He held his head to alleviate the pressure but failed. He'd lost so many good men in the war, Fives, Tup, and countless more. There he lost Ahsoka, his pupil, and so much more. Now he might lose Rex and the entire 501st, men he swore to protect and led. Who would take his place? Another butcher like Kota or Krell? The worst of all, was it came from Obi Wan, his teacher, the man who saved him from slavery….No, Obi Wan didn't save him, it was Qui Gon, Obi Wan treated Anakin as nothing but a burden since they day they met. Obi Wan only trained him out of a sense of obligation from Qui Gon.
Anakin hadn't felt such resentment towards his master since just before the Clone Wars. But it wasn't just Obi Wan's fault. It was the entire Council.
They'd been manipulating the Jedi for centuries, since the damn Ruusan Reformations, the council made all Jedi into obedient slaves. Anakin read about Jedi before the reformations, having families and children. Revan had a wife, and a son after her redemption, his love for his wife saved her from the dark side. Anakin never read about Jedi falling from being in love, not once.
The council feared it might happen, so forbid it as a precaution. Anakin sometimes wondered why he was even still a Jedi. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized it wasn't the Jedi who were the problem. It was the council. It had always been the council. Tightening his fist, Anakin sat up.
"When the war is over, things will change." He promised himself, before looking over at his communicator. Taking another deep breath, Anakin reached for the comm device. Perhaps a conversation with his wife would ease him. Padme's soft voice always put Anakin at ease. However, just before Anakin could reach the device with the force, he felt another presence, a familiar one that he'd wished to hear for some time.
"Master."
"Ahsoka! Ahsoka is that you!"
"Master, come to me on Tython."
"Ahsoka, wait!" Just as fast as she came, Ahsoka's presence vanished. Anakin panted heavily and sat back down to collect himself. After a moment, he heard a familiar beep. Looking up, the Jedi Knight saw his loyal companion, R2D2. With a smile, Anakin stroked Artoo's head and stood up.
"Come on, Artoo. Let's go find her." Inside the hanger, Artoo was loaded into Anakin's fighter while he stood with Rex.
"If Obi Wan asks, I'm still here. I left a few pre-recorded holograms on this disk." Rex nodded and took the disk.
"Good luck, sir. If you find Ahsoka, bring her home." Anakin put his arms around Rex and hugged the Captain for a moment.
"I will, Rex. I will." With that, Anakin climbed inside his fighter and closed the hatch.
"Are you ready Artoo!?" With an encouraging beep, the ship lifted up and flew into a hyperspace ring, jumping towards the Jedi Homeworld, and the Birthplace of the Force itself.
Author's note
Good evening, it's been a while since I made a star wars fic, I hope you guys liked it.
I will admit I have a problem with being a bit over ambitions, so before I get too far in, I'll wait and see what you guys think.
So if it seems like enough people are interested I'll continue
So until next time,
Please review, comment, suggest, or ask(VIA PM)
