Here's a more comprehensive summary.

When a crucial star system removes itself from the Republic a crisis unfolds. Palpatine will not allow the loss of the system but many within the Republic are hesitant to attack the rather peaceful world. The loyalties of many of the Republics own Clone troopers and Jedi will be brought to the breaking point. Who will change sides?

This story includes: many new characters, glimpses of clone life, Jedi relationships, a little fluff off on the side and plenty of action and suspense.

Main Clone Wars Characters: Ahsoka Tano, Yularen and eventually Captain Rex.

Without further ado I present to you Loyal Soldiers, chapter one.

Crisis in the Senate!

Many star systems have abandoned the Republic during the Clone Wars but not until now has such a crisis come to hand. The Azure system, home to the Republic's mightiest shipyards, has unexpectedly declared independence. With the sudden loss of the crucial system, the Grand Army of the Republic has been deprived of the much needed warships required to keep its war effort in motion.

Now, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has called for an emergency meeting with the Jedi and Republic Military to find a quick and deceive resolution…

The Office of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was packed with some of the most well-known figures in the galaxy.

There was the Chancellor himself sitting behind his luxurious, hand carved wooden desk with two of his aides flanking him on both sides. Admiral Yularen, commander of the Republic Fleets and masterful tactician, stood straight and at attention before the Chancellor. Beside him was the most outspoken Senator in the Republic, Padme Amidala. She and Senator Organa next to her represented the Senate on the matter.

Sitting comfortably in a chair before the Chancellor's desk was old and weathered Master Yoda, accompanied by Jedi Generals Windu and Kenobi. And finally, off in the back of the group, trying to stay out of sight and out of mind, was the young Padawan Ahsoka Tano.

"Needless to say this is nothing short of a catastrophe," Palpatine went on. "Without Azure system our campaign against the Separatist Alliance will grind to a halt."

Master Yoda nodded slowly. "Unexpected it is for the sudden departure of Azure. Rethink our strategy we must."

"If I may interject," Admiral Yularen spoke up. "We won't be able to press any offensives without additional warships, but we should be able to hold and defend our current positions for the time being."

Palpatine snorted. "All the while General Grevious builds up his forces for another thrust into the heart of Republic space."

It was Mace Windu's turn to speak. "We have no intelligence suggesting that the leader of Azure system has attempted to make contact the Separatist. They may just wish independence from both sides of this war." He folded his arms across his muscular chest. "But the leader has failed to provide reasoning for this sudden action, so we cannot rule out the possibly of them turning over to the enemies side."

"Of course we cannot." Palpatine said a little sharply, showing his annoyance. "But there is more to this succession then you all might think." He tapped in a few commands into the monitor inside his desk. The room's lights darkened and nothing but cold moonlight illuminated the room. A holoprojector activated in the middle of the group and displayed a star chart.

"The capital of Azure system, the world of Anaxes, lies but a stone's throw away from Coruscant. One quick hyperspace jump from there would put an enemy fleet right on the very doorstep of our government. Not only that, the star system sits directly on the Perlemian Trade Route, our main supply line between the Core Worlds and the Outer Rim. Without that supply line we will not be able to move troops and ships to where they are needed the most."

Master Yoda hummed a grimace. "A great problem the people of Azure system present us, but made any threats towards us they have not."

"Senator Organa and I concur with Master Yoda," Padme said. "If we negotiate a treaty with them then perhaps they will come back into the fold with the Republic."

Palpatine sighed, flicking off the holoprojector and returning the lights to normal. "You're youthful idealism is quite refreshing at times Senator Amidala but they have already decided to not be a part of the Republic. I am afraid military action is our only recourse. The people of Azure system left the Republic illegally and will therefore be regarded as enemies." He held a solid expression, folded his fingers and leaned back in his chair. "An assault on Anaxes will put them back in line and bring an end to this nonsense."

"With all due respect your excellency that is a ludicrous notion."

All eyes in the room turned to look upon a stern faced Yularen who looked composed and yet ready to burst like a supernova.

The Admiral regained his composure and then spoke more calmly. "Attacking Anaxes would result in our defeat. It is a fortress world with defenses that rival Coruscant's and its people will be ready to defend their homes to the last soldier."

Obi-wan raised an eyebrow at his friend. "I take it you have some connection to this world Admiral. Care to share it with us?"

Yularen nodded slowly. "I was born here, on Coruscant, but I was raised on Anaxes. I went through officer training there before transferring back to Coruscant to join the navy."

The statement received the Admiral a glare from Palpatine. "Admiral, need I inquire where your loyalties lie?"

"No your Excellency," He said briskly with the slightest hint of hesitation. "I took an oath of loyalty to the Republic which I will honor regardless of my homeworld's decisions."

"And what would you say if commanded you to lead a task force to Anaxes and bring them back into the Republic? Given your background and inside knowledge of the world's defenses your chances of success are much high than that of any other admiral."

"I would say: No, it is impossible for me to commit such a horrible act."

"And why is that?" Palpatine said. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a vibroblade.

Yularen did amazingly well to hide his feelings even though he knew the Jedi could sense exactly what he felt.

"I refuse to take part in an action that would place my wife and child in harm's way." He said sternly. It was a little known fact to the other officers in his command and he had hoped to keep his families existence under a low profile until the war was over. "They live happy, comfortable lives on Anaxes. It is my wish that it remains that way."

"You're concern is dully noted Admiral," Palpatine's glare was constant and unforgiving. "You are dismissed for now."

Offering a weak bow, Yularen spun on his boot heel and left the office without a word of complaint.

"That was rather unpleasant." Obi-wan commented, always trying to ease tensions, whether they are foreign or domestic. "If you are considering a successful strike on Anaxes than you will need him Chancellor."

"No I won't." Palpatine gave the group on of his signature, politician smiles. "The Republic has Jedi," He stood up and paced along the wall-spanning window behind his chair. "I'm sure a Jedi General has the ability to get the job done without too much difficulty."

The three masters looked at one another and Ahsoka felt the uncomfortable urge to throttle Palpatine.

"Take no action against Anaxes we will," Yoda said. He spoke on behalf of the masters present, as if they all had a quick conference in their minds over the matter at hand. "The people of Azure system are not aggressive towards the Republic. Participate in any military action towards them, the Jedi will not. Prove a threat first to the people of the Republic, they must first."

Chancellor Palpatine felt his inner dark lord rising inside of him but he quickly shut down his anger and let a cooler head prevail. "I see," He returned to his chair. Jedi always do what is right, the impotent cowards…

Senator Organa cleared his throat for attention. "Chancellor, before any military action can be made the Senate must approve of it first. The Azure system may not legally be neutral but attacking them will send a message to other worlds that suggests we will do the same to them if they try to defy the Republic."

"Diplomacy is our best option for now," Padme said, picking up on her friend's momentum in the argument. "A delegation can be assembled and sent to Anaxes to negotiate their return to the Republic, if not at least their cooperation with allowing our ships to pass through their boarders."

As Palpatine listened to the senators and Jedi discuss the details of the delegation mission he felt a creeping sensation tiptoe its way up his spine. The sensation felt as if he or rather everyone in the room was being observed from a distance. Not just any distance either… a great distance. To him it felt as if someone was watching them from across the folds of space and time. Had he not been in the presence of Jedi he would've seized the observer and wretched their sight away from him. He knew, without a shadow of a doubt, a Force users hand was at work here.

And then as suddenly as it had appeared, the presence was gone. He guessed at least Master Yoda had felt something for his expression betrayed his questioning thoughts. The other Jedi seemed unaffected and oblivious, especially the little Padawan whose purpose here was uncertain to him. Perhaps she was standing in for her master whom he had requested to be at the meeting.

If only Anakin was here, Palpatine thought. No doubt he would've been on his side. Of all the Jedi, it would be him who he could sway into leading clone forces on Anaxes.

A comlink beep came from his desk. With a sigh he clicked the communication device on, thankful for the distraction.

"This is the Chancellor speaking," He answered. Normally his assistant would hold all calls during meetings. For one to be sent directly to his office meant it carried a certain weight of importance.

A soft, female voice came over the com. "Your Excellency, Senator Mu'Val of Anaxes is wishing to make contact with you."

Both of his white eyebrows rose. "Mu'Val you say?" That traitor, he immediately thought. The Senator of Anaxes had left Coruscant under the cloak of darkness and then transmitted a message to the Republic declaring the separation of the star system he represented. This had all happened early in the night and Palpatine was still in the process of getting an arrest warrant for him. "Allow the transmission,"

"Yes Chancellor," The assistant clicked off and then automatically the lights dimmed once again and the holoprojector activated.

An image of an aged man appeared before everyone. The hologram was only a third of the human's normal size and his image stood solidly on the desk's surface.

"Greetings Senators," He said. "And Jedi," He completely ignored greeting the Chancellor even though they had made solid eye contact. Palpatine saw this as an open act of defiance.

"Senator Mu'Val," Bail Organa took the lead. "Your transmission is quite convenient. We were just discussing a diplomatic envoy be sent to your world to discuss a return to–"

"The Republic?" Mu'Val interrupted, shaking his head with a kind but saddened smile. "We are past the point of no return my old friend." He shifted his image to look at Palpatine. "I suspect if I ever step on Coruscant again all that will be waiting for me is an arrest warrant and a secluded prison cell."

On the inside Palpatine sneered. "You did break Republic law and declare an unlawful claim of independence. Such acts are considered treason and punishable by imprisonment."

Obi-wan Kenobi stepped forward. "Senator, it is not too late to turn this around. Isolating your people from the rest of the Republic is going to hurt you more than us." He folded his fingers together in a peaceful gesture. "To ensure peace throughout the worlds of the galaxy the Republic must stay united. We implore you to reconsider your decision."

Mu'Val smiled. "Ah, Master Kenobi, you should've been a politician." He chuckled. "I would've voted for you."

Obi-wan smiled. "Thank you, but I would miss wearing these fashionable Jedi robes."

The two joked nonchalantly and it broke some tension in the atmosphere.

Ahsoka found it comforting that this Senator, Mu'Val, was a practical and calm being. His receding hairline and lined face gave her the impression he was at least quadruple her age, and yet he made openly friendly jokes that seemed, well, disarming.

"In all seriousness Master Jedi," Mu'Val said after he stopped chuckling. "I must inform you that this decision was not mine to make, but don't get me wrong, I do support it fully."

"Then whose choice was it to break Republic law and place the safety of Coruscant in jeopardy?" Palpatine said.

Ahsoka automatically rephrased the question in her head as, who do I arrest and lock away forever?

"Why the Empress of course," Mu'Val looked like he was trying to suppress a smirk. "The sovereign leader of the Azure Imperium has the power to declare the political alignment of her worlds, which at the moment, are nil."

"Empress?" Palpatine breathed. "Imperium? Since when has Azure system been an empire?" He had his hands braced against the top of his desk as if he was going to reach out and crush the hologram.

"As of yesterday," Mu'Val shrugged. "You see we've always been under the rule of our Empress. We may have just forgotten to inform the Republic of her existence."

"Conspiracy!" Palpatine slammed a fist into the desk, shaking the holoprojector a little. "This was all planned. You concealed your hidden leader's existence and you organized when you would break away from the Republic." He took in a long breath to calm himself. "This will not go unpunished."

"Oh it will," Mu'Val was suddenly stern and his face hardened. "If you ever want our resources to go to your war effort again you will listen to what her majesty has to say."

The room dropped into dead silence. Palpatine leaned back in his chair and bridged the tips of his fingers together. "Very well, I will listen to what your despot has to say."

Mu'Val ignored the insult. "Well, you won't be talking to her yourself." He looked over at Organa and Amidala. "A diplomatic envoy is welcome to join me and Her Majesty on Anaxes. But there is a catch,"

"There always is," Obi-wan commented.

Mu'Val nodded, cheerfully. "The Empress will pick the members of the envoy. Three delegates: One Senator, one military commander and one Jedi,"

"This is highly irregular." Padme said. "Does your leader have a preference as to who she sees?"

"No," Mu'Val responded almost immediately. "But her Majesty prefers to choose those whom she knows are not mere puppets with their strings being manipulated." That comment was for the Chancellor, which he took with a harsh glare.

"If we agree to this, will you and your leader hear our reason for the people of Azure system to rejoin the Republic?" Padme asked.

Mu'Val nodded. "You have my word, Senator Amidala, and that of the Empress."

"Then it is settled." Palpatine said. His tone still had its sharp edge. "Name the delegates, if you would."

"Very well," He nodded towards Bail. "Senator Organa, you are a man true to his convictions, a trait the Empress smiles fondly upon. She would be honored if you were to join her on Anaxes."

Organa bowed humbly. "I will be my pleasure, old friend."

Mu'Val smiled. "Thank you. I look forward to catching up on old times. The second member of the envoy, the military commander, will be Admiral Yularen."

"No," Palpatine blurted out. "Admiral Yularen is one of our most competent admirals. The Republic will not risk such an important commander to capture if negotiations breakdown."

A snort came from the hologram. "And yet you let Bail Organa, the prince and Senator of Alderaan, go without as much as a complaint." He flashed his friend an apologetic look for bringing titles into the matter. Bail took no offense. "It will be Yularen or no envoy will be granted access into Azure space."

Ahsoka can only imagine what Palpatine wanted to do to Mu'Val at the moment. The Senator was openly defying him with bravery that Ahsoka couldn't help but admire. She wished she could shake the man's hand. He reminded her of another brave Senator whom she missed dearly.

"Very well," Palpatine said, his voice curdling with annoyance. "Name the last delegate."

"Ah yes, the Jedi representative," Mu'Val said. "Her Majesty wants a Jedi's whom she could trust to speak their mind and not hold anything back." He gave Obi-wan a smirk. "As much as I would like to have you for company Master Kenobi, her Majesty was very specific in her decision. You are, as she had said, too old and wise for her."

Obi-wan couldn't help but chuckle. "Well this humble Jedi could never argue with royalty." He said, thinking of someone else in particular who could be a royal pain at times.

"I know what you mean," Mu'Val said with a wink. "The Jedi her Majesty wishes to be a part of the envoy is her." He pointed behind the group.

And then all eyes fell upon Ahsoka who suddenly felt incredibly small.

"Me?" Surprise rolled over her in the Force. "I… I'm honored by the invitation, Senator, but I must confess that I am hardly the Jedi for the job."

"Really now?" Mu'Val smiled warmly. "You are Padawan Tano correct?" He strained his eyes to look closely at her. "Oh yes, you are indeed Ahsoka Tano. You look just like your holo although you seem a bit older now. The Empress was very specific as she wants a young Jedi who is more headstrong and has more youthful idealism than the older, wiser and stricter Jedi Masters." He spared Obi-wan another grin. "No offense intended."

Obi-wan returned the grin. "None taken,"

"As I said before, young Jedi," Mu'Val continued. "Her Majesty wants you to be her Jedi delegate."

Ahsoka looked at her Masters for guidance.

They all looked at each other for a moment Master Yoda finally nodded. "Agree to this, we do," He said, receiving nods of approval from the other two masters. "Padawan Tano will go, won't she?"

"Um…" She was still trying to adjust to suddenly being the center of attention in the important meeting. "Yes, my masters," She bowed curtly, regaining composure and confidence. "It would be my pleasure to be a part of the delegation." She said to the hologram.

Mu'Val smiled elatedly. "Excellent, I will transmit the details of your arrival." He looked as if he was about to cut the transmission but he caught himself and turned to Palpatine. "Please do inform the good Admiral about the assignment. He seems to have walked out in a bit of a fury before I could tell him myself."

Palpatine opened his mouth to accuse him of having spies spying on the meeting but Mu'Val grinned and disappeared well before he could say a word. The Chancellor sighed and went back to leaning in his chair.

"This," Obi-wan said. "Will most certainly be an interesting mission,"

Senator Mu'Val moved through the halls of the Anaxes Citadel at a comfortable pace. The transmission to Coruscant, in his opinion, went fairly well and he is certain Her Majesty would be delighted to hear about it.

The halls of the capital building were remarkably clean as all royal palaces should be. Red velvet rugs lined the floors on the uppermost level of the Citadel with statues and paintings from across the galaxy lining the walls. Crystal chandlers hung from the ceilings and were held in place by chains made off solid electrum. Indeed this was certainly a palace fit for the Empress. She deserved nothing less, especially after what she has endured and what she plans to soon come to fruition.

Ebony black double doors with gold trimmed edges stood between him and the chambers of her Majesty. They were unguarded, as they always were, along with the rest of this level in the Citadel. The whole floor was considered to be Her Majesty's residence. Security would never be an issue for it was impossible to get in without being noticed, whether it would be by the guards or by her.

He pushed one of the doors aside with little effort as they were perfectly balanced on their hinges and weighed as much as a handful of feathers despite the fact that both doors fully opened could let a full-sized speeder fly through.

He courteously closed it behind him with care. The first room of the Empress' chambers was a foyer with decorations similar to the halls but with a more personalized touch. He chose the center most doors in the room with led to the bedchamber. He opened that one with even more care and closed it gently.

"Is that you Mu...?" A tired, sleep heavy voice asked from the dark room.

The voice came from the bed in the center of the room that could comfortably fit the Empress and about twenty of her friends in it. A black veil hung from the ceiling and enshrouded the bed. Only a faint shadowy outline of Her Majesty was visible.

"It is my Empress." Mu'Val moved over to the side of the bed and sat down on the edge, his back facing the Empress. "I am pleased to inform you that the transmission went exactly as you said it would." He chuckled a bit. "And you should've seen Palpatine's reaction to my last comment. I'd give up a year's wages to see it again."

The shifting of bed sheets was subtle. "Good," The Empress said. "I am… pleased. Everything is moving along just as I have…" Her voice trailed off.

Mu'Val turned and reached into the veil to find his Empress' hand. She found his instead.

"You've been working too hard as of late my Empress. You should rest." Mu'Val said, holding Her Majesty's small, soft hand.

"I will Mu." She sighed. "But I'm afraid the real work is only beginning."

"Yes," Mu'Val nodded. "Everything will soon be yours my Empress." He felt her squeeze his hand affectionately. Her will and determination he admired greatly and he himself was determined to see her dreams become reality.

"The delegation," The Empress began. "Will be here within one rotation, I want everything to ready for them." Mu'Val couldn't see it but he knew his Empress was weakly smiling. "Organa, Yularen and… Tano. Yes… everything is moving along… just as I have… foreseen it…" She said before finally falling back into blissful sleep.

Author's Notes:

I've watched every Clone Wars episode that has been aired and it was from them I got an idea for writing Fan Fictions. Every episode opens upon with a narrator (whose voice is epic) and it sets up the episode with a flashback or a fill-in. The intro would cut back on the length of the episode and avoid having to explain a few things.

So I wanted to try this intro in my Fan Fiction. I also am trying to divide each chapter into two to three parts (which explains the lines.) That keeps it more organized and keeps every scene separated nicely.

I you think this format is good for reading Fan Fictions, tell me about! I'm always happy to read others opinions (especially the negative ones because they point out only the series flaws which I do appreciate. So be mean, I don't mind :3)

So thank you very much for reading this new story and stay tuned for the next chapter which will be up the day this chapter falls off the front page. Any reviews (positive & negative) are greatly appreciated.

Keep reading my friends,
Xander867