Memory of the Apprentice

by NoFear Phantom

The clone wars and Time travel. Guess who? It Galen, the Sith assassin. He has only the barest of memory and has awoken on the planet of Christophsis. Should he really care about the war? No. Should he care about the memories he has lost? Yes. (Starts episode 216, goes into the movie, then into the series)

5. Offense of Christophsis

I don't own Star wars, it belongs to lucasarts, George lucas and Disney

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It is here! After all this time!

And I still don't have a beta!

But on a serious note, I know this has taken far longer than it should have. This was due to the original copy becoming corrupted and thus I had to start all over again. And this happened with everyone of my stories. It honestly made me not want to continue.

But I have returned. Somehow...

To note, I make a lot of references to weapons in the original starwars battlefront games and new 2015 edition.

Also it is a very long chapter. And will probably have to re-post in time to fix its issues.

Enjoy though!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 5: Offense of Christophsis

Neogius City.

"Greetings everyone. As most of you know, I am Senator Bail Organa and I have been leading and doing my best to protect you all. I came to Christophsis to help immigrants escaping one of the most devastating wars the universe has seen. I came to a world which had generously offered its help to those in need. A world with a strong history of supporting the Galactic Republic in times of hardship and need. A strong world full of people willing to work hard for the benefit and wellbeing of others and for their own safety. A world that has faced threats that it shouldn't have for far too long. For too long Christophsis has been without the assistance of the Republic. The freedoms that the Republic fights for has not been granted in this world as it should have. A world that will impact the future of the universe and will stand strong long after this war and any other conflicts that occur. And will have the full support of the Republic! I know that you have all experienced much pain, lose and grief from this invasion and occupation by the Separatists. And I have learnt that this pain existed long before this war. For too long, you the people have had your futures and freedoms determined by a higher power, by selfish people. I would like to consider myself as your equals, as a person who will be by your sides whenever needed. As you lead your own lives together and determine the direction Christophsis should take as it is your world, your lives that you determine. I ask for your help, that you fight not for the Republic, not for me, but for yourselves and for your world. Fight for your freedom, for your families and friends, fight for your right to live and for your future. And I will give you my full support!"

"Hello everyone. I'm sure a lot of you know who I am but have not had the chance meet me. I am Galen Starkiller. I am a jedi and I came here to fight and protect those who cannot fight themselves. It was a naive thought that I could and should fight for others without first knowing and meeting the people I would protect. It was that type of thinking that got me imprisoned. But as you all know and many of you experienced, I and along with many others fought together and escaped the prison the Separatist had made. Looking at you all, I do recognise many of you in the crowd. I remember fighting to escape with my life and your lives. Fighting on the same battlefield as equals. On my own I would never have escaped. Having fought defending this place and I should not have done so in the way I have. As Bail said, this is your world and you lives. This planet and all that it has created was done through your efforts, through your hands and your ambitions. It is your pride. So I came to understand why some of you didn't like the idea of an outsider protecting your pride. I will admit, I made many assumptions that I shouldn't have. My actions caused pain and destruction without realising so. I did not acknowledge and value your pride as I should have. That is why I ask you fight with me. That you all allow me to join you in fighting for your world. For this world is yours and should be defended by you. I am your soldier and shield that will give his life for yours."

Two Speeches to rally the people to the cause was the idea. Reload had to admit the willingness of the people wanting to fight after it was astounding. What felt like life times of fighting alongside Galen was only 5 days. He'd been fighting the war for nearly a year now and nothing felt like his experiences with Galen. The way he treated him and the way Galen fought and commanded his squad was unreal. He had heard from other clones that fought alongside with Jedi that it was a perspective changing experience. He had heard concerns from the Kaminoians, feeling like the Jedi were changing their product without their consent. Reload never considered it real or as something that would affect him.

For four days, it had been none stop missions given by Bail and Cooper. Missions of collecting medical supplies, infiltration mission to republic bases for weapons, expansion mission across the city and into other cities to better their hold on the planet, communication missions with others across the planet and missions to collect ships, machinery and an people willing to join. In Reload's professional opinion their entire group was getting to much power and footing on the planet then should have been possible. It kind of made a testament to the different a Jedi could make. Or at the same time, it made a testament to abilities of their enemies.

But that wasn't fair.

It wasn't just Galen. Bail Organa was unlike any leader he had followed. He commanded but was never on the battlefield. Though, he knew his way with a blaster and you could see that if needed he would step up to stage and join in their final moments fighting. Bail had the presence, mind and leadership of a General. It was no wonder he had often been considered for the position of chancellor.

"Hey, Reload you awake?" Galen asked clicking his fingers in front of Reload making the clone stumble back on the crate he was sitting on. Galen stared at him with deadpan face. "What are you thinking of so seriously that you can't hear me? Or was your helmet to tight for you to hear? Something like that could cause brain damage you know?" Galen asked wondering what his right hand clone was doing.

They were outside, moving their force's presence throughout Neogius city. Across the city, the once pride and joy of the city, the Governance Tower laid in ruins almost splitting the city. Standing up quickly, Reload nodded. "Sorry Galen. Just thinking of all the progress we've made the last few days." He said taking in the sight of the tower across the city in the background.

Galen shrugged. "For a clone you space out a lot. You think too much." He advised before signalling him to follow.

Reload did so grabbing his weapon off the side of the crate he had set it on. "Everyone on my squad use to say that about me. Same with the kaminoian teachers. Some even said that my brain was underdeveloped in growth tube but they were probably just joking." Reload said as they walked across the roads and pavements full of clones and local forces moving about.

"They'd have to be joking because you're a pilot after all." Galen said looking around himself. The new council of Christophsis hadn't taken his actions of destroying the tower with any praise and were quick to aggressive accusations. Galen didn't bother with it though. His actions had saved everyone and himself. As long as they were alive, buildings didn't matter to Galen. He looked back at Reload in thought over his words. "Maybe they made you cheap." Galen said as clones were made not born.

"Huh?" Reload said startled at the words. "...Hahah. That's the first time anyone's said that to me." The clone laughed.

Galen pulled a confused face with a smile. "And you laugh at it?"

Reload nodded. "Of course. Hearing it from a guy who spends all his time fighting and thinking of how to beat the enemy is funny. You're very quick-witted when you want to be." Reload complemented.

"I never really thought about it. Jokes aren't my thing." Galen added.

Relaod had to agree with Galen. He wasn't the type to joke from what he had seen so far. But then again this was first time in nearly a week they had taken the time to relax. Maybe it was just another side of Galen. But then again, Reload had been noticing something off with Galen.

Shrugging the thought off, Reload responded. "I'd have to say I'm the same in that boat." He said as he wasn't one for jokes either. A lot of the clones that had been introduced early in the war weren't ones to joke. Thinking of it the 1st generation of ARC troopers and Republic commandos didn't have any sense of humour or humility at that.

"How's Dov Rench been?" Reload questioned. "He was luck to survive, and that we found him when we cleaned up the remaining droids." Reload said remembering the Christophian that wouldn't shut up about how Galen dropped the tower on the droid army whenever anyone, including Reload, would visit the hospitalised solider when wasn't in the bacta tanks. That and he seemed to keep changing the story.

Galen hummed thinking of the solider that people said had the devils luck. The real reason why everyone had reported him dead was that had be had been shot more than once while trying to retreat. The enemy hadn't realised he was still alive. "He's been in the bacta tanks for three days and it has healed him completely, well mostly." Galen said thoughtfully remember his injury's. Amazing what today's technology could do though as he had quickly been patched up.

"Dov's good enough to rejoin our ranks. But being shot 4 times by a Droideka would kill anyone." Galen said as it was true, despite Dov's changing and making the story different whenever anyone asked about it. "Aoden said it would be a miracle if he ever walked again and yet he did it. Speaking of Aoden, he didn't want Dov to fight for another month." Galen said agreeing with the doctor although finding it astonishing that Dov still wanted to fight after that.

"Technology to heal mortal wounds is easier to access on a planet so heavily connected to the Republic." Reload said recalling his knowledge of Christophsis and it's connect to the republic. "The underground shelter was built with the finest of equipment for a planetary disaster. It really is the most secure place on Christophsis. Dov should consider himself lucky he doesn't need mechanics for his body." Reload continued having heard of many clones that had to take on cybernetic parts to continue as troopers. "My brothers have said they can be a chore to look after. Hope I never lose anything that needs replacing with droid bits." Reload said not wanting to be like a droid.

"We'll go see Dov later when he's released. Bail and Sinect are waiting for us." Galen said as they walked to meet with the two leaders.

Approaching the communications building outside of the shelter, within the city streets, Galen could see Bail speaking with Sinect as the Verpine insectoid sat on a metal crate. Behind Bail, his personal guard from Aldderan stood straight back and his eye hidden behind the visor of his helmet. His clothing having a brown colour but was not that different to Galen from the christophsian military suits.

"Bail. Sinect." Galen said acknowledging them.

Bail turned to him still retaining the grace held himself with. "Galen, you've done some impressive and progressive work the last couple of days." He said praising Galen's actions. Galen and his troops had been working particularly hard in that regard.

"Thank you Sir." Galen said nodding.

Bail nodded but went stoic. "But it's it time for something more serious to be discussed." He said having found something disturbing to him.

"What is it?" Galen asked frowning.

"General Anakin Skywalker has arrived with his fleet and are currently waiting behind one of the moons. He will be assaulting Admiral Trench's blockade soon." Bail said as senors had picked up the

arrival of the fleet.

Galen frowned thinking about the name. "Anakin Skywalker?" He said nodding to himself. "I've heard the name spoken by a number of Clones and civilians. A lot of them say he's going to decide to future of the war. But I don't know what to make of him." He said honest with himself. He had accomplished much and had been made the face the war. Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, Plo koon, Yoda, Tsui Choi, Ki Undi Mundi and Aayla Secura were jedi names he had heard constantly throughout the conversation with clones. They seemed to be the face of the Jedi that most people were aware of.

Thinking about Galen's words on Anakin, Bail admits he had similar thoughts. "Neither do I sometimes. He's known to be very reckless at times but he is an honest, good person. Not much for politics or discussion either though, so I can't exactly say I'm as familiar with him, as I am with his Master." Bail said having spoken, worked with the Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"So we should be seeing him break through and joining us in defeating Loathsom." Galen guessed as they had to have some plan of action. "I would have liked to get a crack at Trench myself but if this Skywalker guy handles him I'll be happy." Galen noted as he was aware that the admiral had joined his blockade above the planet's surface.

Bail stroked his beard and hummed. "Actually, I have my doubts about this one. I've seen the readings for Skywalker's forces. He doesn't have nearly enough ships to win this on his own." He said before smiling. "But I know for a fact in the next 24 hours, General Kenobi will arrive to support Skywalker. With a combine force like that, victory might be possible." He noted thinking of their own course of action afterwards.

Galen went silent, a pinch feeling at the back of his neck distracting him. "Obi-wan Kenobi?" Galen whispered feeling the name meant something. He hadn't heard of the Kenobi before.

Bail caught on but misunderstood. "You know him?" He asked thinking that two might have met.

Galen shrugged but wasn't comfortable. "Sounds familiar. Think I heard someone talk about him before." He said thinking it over.

Seeing his leader in thought Reload saw it as his chance to maybe help. "Galen, Sir, if I might add something. The 30 ships and 2 warships that we have acquired could used be to assist General Skywalker and Kenobi. Christophsis has a number of trained pilots that would be willing to help." He said as Christophsis was home to number of trained pilots. In fact, the planet hosted one of the greatest pilot training centres in the galaxy. To Reloads knowledge it was another reason why the republic was so tied to the planet.

"You're not wrong Reload, but we wouldn't stand a chance." Bail said. "I know Skywalker, and his record." He signified. "He won't wait for Kenobi. He'll attack sooner rather than later and he will lose this one. That much I am sure." He said crossing his arms. "I have tried to get in contact with him but unfortunately Trench's ships are still blocking our communications. I did get some words in but not enough to coordinate an attack. Only enough to inform them of our situation." He said.

"But, in the event that we did coordinate an attack and things don't go our way, it would leave the pilots and ships without a place to escape too. Trench would have his ships follow them to the planet back to our base and process to bombard it. Those ships will most probably, at the rate things are moving, be used after the atmospheric battle." Bail said having thought it through. "It will be best to hold onto them, and use them to attack any bombing raids. We don't have any turrents or heavy weapons besides them to stop them."

Galen looked at Bail thoughtfully. "What are you planning Bail?" He questioned.

Bail took a breath. "A mission that will be vital to the turning point of the battle for Christophsis. This will be big. I want you to lead a squad with Dov, Heart and Mason here...". He said gesturing to his royal guard. "... assisting you. It must be done silently and with stealth. The majority of the platoons will stay here to though to protect the stronghold." Bail said.

"This force is to be the best of the best isn't it?" Galen guessed as it wouldn't be possible with just common soldiers, hence why Bail would assign Dov, Heart and Mason to such a task.

"Yes. You will be escorting Sinect and Osseus to the Planets Capital, Chaleydonia." He said seeing Galen frown from it and Reload's eyes focus.

"Chaleydonia is overrun with droids though. There aren't even any civilians there. Why do we need to escort them there?" Reload asked at it would be an impossible task with the numbers they had. What could be there that was so important?

"The planetary defence grid." Sinect said speaking for the first time. "It is made up of 14, V-13 Planetary Focused Cannons, half the side of a mountain and each located a different places across the planet. Myself and Osseus have authorisation to deactivate and reactivate the grid. When Loathsom took the planet he took me and Osseus to control the grid, fearing that it would used against him during the war. You get us there and we can activate it to attack Trench's blockade from behind." He said with some content.

"If there are 14 different cannons across the world, why are we going to Chaleydonia?" Galen asked.

Sinect continued. "The only way to control all of them at the same time is to go to the control centre located at the cannon in Chaleydonia. Once we activate them we can rig the shield generators to keep people out of the control centres on any of the cannons." He said more than familiar with the weapon.

Galen thought about pacing as he did. "We can't stay in Chaleydonia. We go in and go out. We can't take the city, even when this is done." He said as it would be more than likely that they would end up trapped in the city.

"No we won't take the city back, but there is more." Bail said. "We had every intention of activating the defence grid long before you joined us Galen. But we had no one that could operate the systems or any of the codes, until you lead the prison escape. You got us two people with the knowledge to operate the grid and you got us the codes with the information you took from Loathsom's safe." Bail said.

Sinect decide that he had best speak now. "And that is something else we need to discuss as well." He said referring to the information from Loathsom's Safe. "But before that. Reload. I have something for you." He said turning on the crate to pick up as strange, yet large strap.

Sinect handed it to Reload surprising the clone before Sinet moved to stand behind the crate, kicked it towards Reload and opened it. "What is all this?" Reload asked.

"Galen and Bail told me you were a pilot class clone. Am I correct that Pilot class clones are also trained as Engineer class clones?" Sinect questioned getting a nod from Reload. "During one of your and Galen's missions, you went through a Republic armoury that had be established on the Planet at the start of the Clone wars and was stocked with new equipment 2 months ago. You got us a lot of weapons and tools that have helped us from there, so you're being supplies with a full inventory of your class's weapons. We are willing to give you two packs. Both a phase 1 and phase 2 pack." He said.

"Both packs sir?" Reload asked as that was more than he needed. "I don't think giving me two packs is necessary." He said feeling that wasting all of that equipment on 1 soldier wasn't efficient.

All clones had packs of inventory goods from the moment they started combat training. Originally for private ranked clones, and before the recent creation of what is called the phase 2 inventory or packs, there were 4 sets of packs available to clones that could be chosen. This was to inspire individualism but more often than not, clone privates would select packs that they had trained with. Of the Private rank, phase 1 packs there were infantry, demolition, scouts, pilots and medics classes and when clone were of higher ranks, they would be granted permission to a 5th pack known as the Captain classes.

Reload had completed his training as pilot class clone and was specialised in the pilot's packs inventory. Moving into phase 2 inventory after the failure on Jabiim, the pilot class name was changed to engineer class with new weapons and tools available.

"You're working as Galen's ward and right-hand, so you are directly helping lead the strongest squad we have." Bail said reminding Reload of the position he was in. "If someone who has shown such skills and expertise isn't supplied with the best and all equipment he needs, then our survival can't be assured. The only thing that we don't have from the packs is the phase 2 armour. But we do have a phase 1 set of armour if you'd like. But if you don't want these packs there are others that you are free to chose from." Bail said pleased.

Reload recalled said armour thinking about "The yellow pilot armour...I remember that armour. Amongst us clones we'd call them the sun seeker armour because our positions and appearance." He clone said humbly but hesitant. "Not sure if I want to wear it to battle though." He said as he's last sun seeker armour was practically destroyed after the mission that wiped out his squad.

Bailed nodded seeing Reload was thinking about it deeply. Sinect looked at him having something else to show him. "It is all up to you." He said mindful of Reload before grabbing a strange looking body holster and hip holster, presenting them to Reload. "But as special addition, I have a triple weapon holster that should be able to hold three primary weapons, plus a separate side arm holster. The triple holster is of my own design." He said holding it up. The design was simple as the strap would wrap around one shoulder, over the back and under the other shoulder. But the part of the holster that would rest on Reloads back was large, looked thick but was flexible to bend to the shape of his back.

"I call it, a "TT3-Holster or Triple threat holster"." Sinect said having come up with the idea from the holsters the verpine engineers had to us to carry their tools around sites and ships.

Reload was sceptical though but took the holster looking at it. "Three primary weapons together will be heavy though. Not efficient for the battle field." He said before frowning. "There's not even anything to hold the weapons to holsters." He said as both the body and hip holster were without actual holsters.

Galen could sense the joy and excitement coming from Sinect. "That's the beauty of the holster design." The Verpine insectoid started. "The holster is magnetically distributed. They do not require straps to hold firm in place and the magnetic distributor within it cuts the weight by 67%. Your only problem would be drawing the right weapon at the right time, so practice a bit with it." He said proud of what he had made.

Reload eyed the holster impressed and a bit surprised it had been made in such a way. "Thank you Sir." He said appreciating it but not all feeling he deserved it. "I still don't think is appropriate to receive special treatment like this."

Sinect pointed his thumb at Galen. "This was at Galen request I should add." He said making Reload look at the Jedi.

He smiled firmly before giving a quick nod. "Thanks sir." He said sounding like solider taking his commanding officer.

Galen merely shrugged accepting it. "Take it Reload, you'll need this for the next mission. Take the packs to your quarters." He said pointing at them before his eyes moved to Bail. "I need to discuss some things with Bail and Sinect." He said making the clone solute, grab his things and move along. Leaving the 4 sentients together.

Galen's eyes sort out Mason standing silently and unmoving. He could sense something different about this man. He was trained in force resistance meaning Galen's mind tricks wouldn't work and reading his deeper thoughts was impossible. More so it was the stance and motive of the man. He was extremely loyal and without a doubt more loyal and wiser than Reload, Heart or any of the clones. His will was more like Coopers. Unyielding and unmovable. If Galen tried to make a move on Bail to harm him, he knew Mason would be able to realise his intention before Galen could attack. He was probably trained in reading into people's body language and behaviours. And the fact that Galen could sense he was battle hardened and probably broken in some way, meant that standing only a few metres way was the one soldier in Bail's forces that have the closest ability and skill to kill Galen.

But Galen had his own interest to look out for and one possible leak wouldn't do.

"If he's staying, you better tell me why." Galen said a little more aggressive than Bail was use too. Galen couldn't sense a reaction from Mason and solider continue to remain silent.

"Mason is one of my most trustworthy royal guards. He's trained and dedicated most of his life to protecting me and was the reason I was able to make it to this city and even begin a force against Loathsom's rule." Bail said although knowing this wasn't enough to convince Galen. "Any and all information he hears while in my presence is only ever discussed with me. You can trust him to keep any secrets he hears to the grave." Bail said as Galen could sense no lie from the senator and no doubt in Mason's position.

Galen took a breath before moving to place his hands on the control board of the room, looking out at the small army that had been assembled outside.

Bail walked up to him gracefully with arms behind his back. "Something troubles you?" Bail said being able to see that much. Galen wasn't even fazed when the remaining council of Christophsis ripped into him for destroying the governance tower. Much like Mason and even Heart to a small degree, Galen keep his emotions to himself and had never show concern or worry in any situation he was in. But over the last day or so, he had been looking more intimating and irritated while being unconsciously more aggressive with his attitude. Bail could guess it was the pressure of fight mixed with what he claims is memory loss but Bail would always factor in his connect to the force first than anything else. If a Jedi becomes uneasy then there was something to worry about.

Galen wanted to talked about this. He needed some way of easing himself. "The lasts few days I've been getting a bad feeling from the force. Like there is a danger lingering around waiting to appear." Galen muttered.

"You sense this with the force?" Bail asked in stoic tone.

"Yes."

Bail squinted. "Do you think it is connected to your memory?"

Galen was silent a moment. "Maybe but I can't say for sure. This mission might not go as we wish." He said planning to take out any dangers he would come across with complete focus and drive. There was something loaming over him wanting to bite into his being. Whatever dangers or threats that he would come across, wouldn't be given a chance to act.

"They say that Jedi can see glimpses of the future. Can you see the future of this mission?" Bail asked curious. The Jedi council had said that their visions and foresight was been blinded throughout the war by forces used by the enemy. Of course, such information was secretive, even within the republic senators. Bail was one of few the Jedi trusted in knowing of their abilities.

Galen shook his head. "No, I can't. I'm not even so sure if it is the mission that's giving me this bad feeling. But something dangerous is around. Something that my instincts say will put us at risk." He said concerned of the feeling that was almost...familiar. "I won't be taking any chances during this mission." He said determined to do so.

Bail lightly nodded. "For the best, you should do that."

Galen took a breath before turning away from the view of the small army. He's eyes focused on the people around him. "You two have something to tell me?" He noted more than asked.

Bail looked at Galen. "The information you and Sinect got from Loathsom's prison was insightful to say the least. It is the type of information that has to be brought to the senate." He said mindful.

"What did you find?" Galen asked curious on what information there was on one of the few beings that he had less than friendly thoughts on.

"First, Loathsom's has been doing his homework on Jedi." Bail said knowing that the discussion of the Jedi was one he needed to have with Galen. "He has information and lore on Jedi history and abilities. The type of information that shouldn't be in the enemies hands. No doubt though, that Count Dooku supplied this information to the Leaders of the Separatist." He continued as Galen recalled the information Reload had given him about Dooku. To Galen he was traitor to Jedi but a powerful force user that he would have to wary of.

Bail frowned at the thought of the Separatist having so much information on the leading Generals of the Republics army. There was even a great issue from this. "The Jedi order must be informed of this because from these documents I believe they may have weapons and tools that were reported missing from the temple on Corusant years ago." He said recalling reports over the last 20 years of issues within the Jedi. The Chancellor had even entrusted Bail with the knowledge that the clone army's home planet of Kamino had been erased from the temple. The Jedi temple was not as strong or impregnable as people were lead to believe, only making Bail uncertain of Jedi Council decisions.

That was food for thought later though. He had a bigger concern sprout from the information taken from Loathsom. "Second, is a secret mission that Loathsom's and Dooku have been working on here on Christophsis." Bail said. Galen wasn't surprised though believing anything at this point.

"A secret mission? What are you talking about?" Galen asked.

This time Sinect spoke. "Christophsis is planet of energy crystals. These crystals are sold and used to power energy to cities throughout the universe." Sinect said as it was power or energy crystal were a rare and very valuable commodity in the universe.

"These crystals have a lot of energy that rival the energy produced from stars. Therefore, they can be used to power weapons of disastrous proportions. Lightsabers are such weapons powered by crystals." Sinect said gesturing at Galens lightsaber making the blue shadow glance at his lightsaber.

"Loathsom's has a lieutenant named Sleet Pity. Everyone knows he is on the planet but no one has reported where he is." Bail said deciding to take over.

Galen added the two together. "So he is currently looking for these energy crystals." He said.

"Phictamemor Village is Christophsis largest and deepest mining district. That is where he is. The kaiburr crystal samples you found we sent to Loathsom by Sleet to show him what he had found. This is massive and deeper than I thought." Bail continued concerned.

Galen shrugged not all that concerned, not really seeing the issues. "What do you mean? What is so important about their actions?" He asked.

"It could very well be the reason why the Separatist invaded Christophsis." Bail said as it was a thought that hadn't crossed his mind. "At first I thought they invaded the planet because of how close Christophsis is with the Republic, but because of this my thoughts and others could be false." He said.

"So you believe they invaded for the power these crystals can supply to weapons." Galen concluded.

"Large energy crystals are not easy to find by any means." Bail said in more aggressive tone before sighing. "By the force, just the samples you had could power multiple cities through a planet for years. And with a war as large as this, a new weapon powered by these crystals would change the tide of the war in the Separatist favour." He said.

Galen thought of his lightsaber thinking about how it wasn't a weapon to be toyed with and how dangerous it actually was. "How powerful are we talking with these weapons? Surely they aren't as powerful as you two are suggesting."Galen said wanting to know what they knew that he didn't about the energy crystals.

"Large crystal could be used to power continent level weapons that could practically change the stability of small planets if set off." Bail said having heard one such weapon.

"That is not the worse." Sinect said. "Imagine if such weapons were used on unstable planets, like Sullust. Those planets would most likely not survive the outcome." The verpine engineer said having travelled to molten world long before the clone wars.

The two of them were concerned and worried about the potential out pour of such. But Galen doubt all of it.

"Alright stop, both of you." Galen said snapping the two from their thoughts on the matter. "You two are taking this very far. Further than we can currently handle anyway." Galen noted as they were just a rebellion who were going to civilian for help to fight.

"First, how do either of you know about such weapons?" Galen asked but was done. "Second, how could such weapons exist? Third, if they do why aren't people talking about it or know it?" Galen said if such technology were available and known to people, why are they fighting with ground infantry forces?

Galen looked dead a Bail before asking the last question. "And finally, why are you telling me?" He asked.

That was the most important question. Why tell Galen all of this?

Bail looked away at Sinect who nodded, signifying that he would speak first. "I personally only ever heard people theorises that the crystal could used in such a fashion due to the laws restricting their use for weapons. I didn't think there was technology that existed so long ago that could use the crystals. I assumed that's the laws only came about when it was discovered how to use them to power cities. I believed that weapons powered by them, other than lightsabers, were possible but had never seen proof so believed nothing of it." Sinect said as he taking neutral stance when had first heard about the weapons, not caring enough to find out about them.

Bail scratched his head. "These weapons are considered legends; fantasy though up by conquers trying to find power. Sinect didn't believe me either, but believe me they existed once upon a time. Their existence has been erased from the universe though. Thousands of years ago, these weapons existed and were used. The Jedi however destroyed them, spending hundreds of years hunting down and destroying the plans and creations so they could never be used to end life. Those with the knowledge of the weapons were to forget about them and never reveal them, or the republic would see to their imprisonment or execution. After so many hundreds of years, people came to forget about them and their existence was hidden from generations after generations until it was only considered a legend, a dream. Sinect here has only heard of them in passing but I trust him with the knowledge of their existence. " Bail said.

"But you knew the truth about them. Why?" Galen asked.

"I am the prince of Alderran. Alderran is often called the first world as it from my planet that the Republic's foundation begun. The Jedi trusted my planet's Royal bloodline in the event that the knowledge was needed against an enemy fighting the Republic as they trust others rulers of other systems also." Bail said surprising Galen that he would tell him so much.

"So the Jedi know about these weapons?" Galen continued wondering if Bail would tell him more.

"The high council does. Maybe a few other masters. But that is more of my own assumption then fact on my account." Bail said honestly.

Galen frowned in confusion. "So why tell me?"

"Because I trust you." Bail said leaving the conversation silence for a moment as Galen processed it.

"...You want me to do something about it." Galen said bluntly as that would be more reasonable excuse.

"...It's not just that." Bail said correcting Galen making the young jedi facepalm that he was right. "I can only trust this to someone I trust, and someone who is capable." He said emphasising the capable part.

"There is something more to you than just the skill and leadership." Bail complimented getting Galen's attention. "You have doubts in my trust in you, but you said you trust me regardless. So trust my judgement in you to possess this knowledge." He said.

Galen nodded. "I do trust you." He said before taking a moment. "But, this issue isn't my concern. I'm helping Christophsis so I can get off Christophsis." He said before looking between Bail and Sinect. "No offense to either of you, but this war is not my fight."

"Then why are on Christophsis at all Galen?" Bail started.

"I don't know, that's why I'm going to find those slavers that gave me to Loathsom and Trench." Galen said.

"And where are they?" Bail continued relentless.

"...I don't know. Droids don't talk and there's no information on any slavers dealing with the Loathsom." Galen said as he had had the chance to look through Loathsom's information and found nothing.

"Then what is your plan?" Bail said with a bit more force.

"I don't know!" Galen lightly yelled making Mason who had been standing silently in the background tense.

"All I've been focusing on is fighting for your forces Bail. I haven't had a single moment to think or mediate on any of my memory and seem to be stuck constantly fighting for your cause. So all I know is that I will have time to think once your cause has achieved its goal!" Galen said expressing his thoughts that Bail had wanted.

"I don't even know where I really am in universe. I've gone through all the maps we have and all l have learnt is that Christophsis is one of few planets closest to the edge of the Galaxy. I've got nothing to go on and I don't even know why I'm here." Galen said sadden and angry that he nothing.

He had been wondering why more so than the how. What was he doing here? It was such a stupid coincidence that he, a man train the force had no memory but was fighting for the losing side of war. It was too convenient. Too purposeless. A boring plot point when he thought about it. But he was in that situation and nothing was going change that. Galen had realised that more than anything.

"Tatioone." Bail said breaking a silence that had appeared.

"What?" Galen said.

"Tatioone, the desert planet, it would be good place to start." Bail suggested. "It is a relatively close world to Christophsis and is a slaver planet ruled by the huts, a group of organised gangsters that rule the underworld and are not part of the Republic. If the slavers who gave you to Loathsom left the planet, chances are that they went there." Bail said giving him a direction to go in.

"Tatioone." Galen said nodding knowing the name. "Yes, I recall seeing that on the maps. It's a level 7 planet where Christophsis is a level 3." Galen said talking about the threat level of the planet that was giving the mapping descriptions. Planets were rated from 1 to 10 where level 1 planet were the least hostile and most liveable and level 10 were extremely hostile and / or unliveable.

"That's correct. The planet is quite barren, dry, hot, with large carnivores, aggressive indigenous populations and less than friendly settlements." Bail said telling Galen of what he knew. "But you can handle yourself. You just need to know where to go. Anchorhead is a safer place than most but since you are looking for slavers Mos Espa and Mos Eisley spaceports would be prime place to start." Bail said handing Galen map co-ordinates.

Galen took them and looked. "You've thought about this?" Galen said as Bail obviously planned to give them to Galen.

"Yes, I have. I had a feeling you would want to leave after the battle. As promised you will be payed for assisting in the battle too." Bail said before pleading with Galen. "Although I would still like you to reconsider coming with me to Coruscant, to the Jedi Temple. I think they would be of more help to you in recovering your memories." Bail said hoping the Jedi would be of more help.

"If you believe so Bail I will go to this temple." Galen said willing to do so. "One day." He corrected. "For now I will follow these slavers. Once I have answers from them I will trust your judgement and met will the Jedi." Galen said.

"What about my other offer Galen?" Bail asked.

"What other offer?" Sinect asked feeling he had left out of the affairs between the two.

"Galen, you will need money. Everyone needs money. That is why I am offering Galen a position to work for me personally." Bail explained.

"What, like a guard like Mason?" Sinect said eyeing the silence guard.

"No, Galen won't be a guard for me but more like a mercenary or bounty hunter for hire. I'll have missions for him that might or might not take place on distance worlds for me. This way I will finance him in a fair manner while at the same time keeping silence surrounding his activities." Bail said in pleased tone.

Galen smiled. "Thank you for this Bail. I think working behind the scenes will work in my favour for now. I don't like the idea of a higher power controlling my actions and monitoring me. This war isn't really something I want to get involved in." Galen said as the clone wars were the least of worries.

"I will ask about your progress Galen." Bail noted.

"And I will tell you and you alone. But you know there may be some things I can't tell you." Galen said.

"Of course. That is how it is sometimes. As long as it doesn't affect me too much I won't push it. You're not my wife so I don't have to tell you everything either." Bail said continuing to play the game like Galen and so many others in politics.

"You tell your wife everything?" Galen asked.

"Yes. I try to be as honest as possible. An honest relationship is a happy one." Bail said happily. "She is probably worried sick about me. She has been for a few years now. She has been at me to leave the senate in fact and I have been thinking I should. Live a peaceful life with her on Aldrran." Bail said.

"Happy couples aside, need I remind both of you we were discussing war tactics a few minutes ago." Sinect said breaking banter.

"My Apologies Sinect." Bail said.

"Yer sorry." Galen said before admitting his thoughts. "This mission has me on edge, in fact I feel very on edge. This could be the danger I've been feeling. Saying that, should we move to this mine after the mission to find this sleet guy?" Galen asked.

"You'll go straight to the mining district after. If what we guess is true, then it is a danger that must be taken care of immediately." Bail said certain before turn around to a small container he had. "Here, take these trackers as well. If they do manage to escape, make sure you tag there ships. Don't bother destroying them or the explosion combine with the crystal will be too dangerous. If by chance they have other energy crystal also, we'll want to know where they are taken." Bail said being prudent with the future risks.

Galen took them without question pocketing the small trackers. "You said this could be a big issue. What about the Senate and Jedi?" Galen asked curiously.

"I'll discuss this with General Windu, Yoda and Chancellor Palpatine should we manage to get off the planet. They'll know what to do. Besides, it isn't your concern right?" Bail said smartly.

Galen scoff it. "Yep that's right. Moving on though, there something else I want to ask?" Galen continued.

"What is it?" Bail asked.

"Reload's status. During the Defence of Negious he didn't listen to some of my orders." He said as every clone he had worked with so far had taken every order without question and Galen could sense it in their minds. Reload was slightly different, maybe that difference being the reason why Galen like him.

"To be fair Galen, you didn't listen to our orders to protect the Governance Tower either." Bail said. "Cooper and a few of the other Christophians are still looking for a way to prosecute you for it. You might end up spending the next 50 years in their military paying it off, let along look for these slavers."Bail noted with a grin.

"I would make a good weapon, but that's not going to happen. Back to Reload though, I feel that he has some issues with following orders. He hasn't been doing some of the orders I give during the missions the last few days either. Is there something I should know about him?" Galen asked.

"You are wise for your age, you know that?" Bail said knowing of what Galen could sense. "Before I assigned him to you I was sure to do a background check on him. His original squad, Solar squad, was killed off with him being the sole survivor. Clones are breed to obey orders and act with complete honesty. I'll tell you the report he gave because I don't believe the common solider would be willing to be so honest with what happened during the last mission of Solar Squad." Bail said as Reload wasn't on Christophsis by mistake.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Moon of Christophsis. Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser.

General Skywalker's Cruiser: The Resolute

When staring into the vacuum of space, looking at the stars, people would say that the night sky was shining on you and you feel how limitless, cold and empty it is. Could the night sky alone cast a shadow on someone? As a child, Anakin Skywalker liked looking at the night sky in wonder and thought, thinking of what the future held and how he would be something more than a slave. It was an ambition that reflected in his knowledge and intellect on robotics, engineering, astronavigation, pod-racing and piloting.

Now though, the night sky was a haunting memory that he feared and was angered by. Nights that were spent wondering about the future turned to memories for the past and seeing the future. The past and future were not things he wanted to think about anymore. It twisted and flipped what he thought of the world and was something he wanted not to think about.

Staring out from the window of the bridge of the Resolute, Anakin couldn't shake that feeling he use to have whenever he thought of the past and future. The past of his mother and home on Tatioone and the future of his wife and home at the Jedi Temple. They shouldn't affect him this negatively but they did. And now, this planet was giving him the same feeling of doubt, worry and anxiety. The feeling was distracting him unlike anything else.

"General Skywalker, we have been ready to attack the blockade for some time." Admiral Yularen said behind him confident in the General and 501st Legions ability.

Captain Rex smiled. "Admiral, this blockade won't be problem. You've seen our plans for the attack. It is a full proof tactic that the enemy will go for. They're only tinnies after all. When you know what they're programmed to do, they're predictable." He said having gotten so use to the patterns and tactics of the droids that it was breeze to him.

Anakin didn't acknowledge either of them too focused on his own thoughts.

Admiral Yularen approached the General frowning. "General Skywalker? Is something wrong?" He asked.

Anakin frowned and hummed. "Maybe. I was all for attacking the blockade, but now that we are here something doesn't feel right to me." He said continuing to stare out to space.

"What is it? What's the issue?" Rex asked wanting to quickly get to the issue and then think of a solution.

"Something...dangerous awaits and I'm not sure what is it that the Separatist have that would make me feel like this." Anakin said as something was wrong with the force around the planet of Christophsis. Something not necessarily in the shadows, but something hidden or unknown but right in front of him. Anakin couldn't wrap his head around it. The council hadn't said anything about this. Had they not sensed anything wrong with the world?

Yularen spoke softly as they were on the bridge of the ship. "Could it be one of Dooku's Dark Acolytes?" He asked with a whisper aware of the Dark Acolytes following Dooku. That instantly had Rex's attention as they were the one enemy a clone didn't run into on the battle field.

"The General has defeated many acolytes before." Rex said with a stoic and uncertain tone because of how dangerous it was defeat them. Only Jedi Masters had managed the act with Mace Windu defeating 3, Shakk Ti defeating 1, Quinlan Vos defeating 1 and Tholme defeating 1. Although, Anakin had fought and defeated 6 of them including Sev'rance Tann a Chiss Dark Acolyte who earned a bounty of 310,200 credits within a month. It had been the list of dooku's followers falling at Anakin's ability that begun to rumours of him being the republic's best hope.

Whatever threat there was on Christophsis wouldn't be an issue to Skywalker in the clone captain's eyes. "Whatever the problem it is you sense, I'm sure you can handle it." He said confident.

Uncertainty was something Anakin had a, "distaste" for but in most cases would usually still approach the situation without the help of others. So, what he planned to do was first was seek more info. "Have you received word from Senator Organa or General Kenobi?" He asked wanting to assess the situation further.

"Nothing from General Kenobi and we haven't heard anything from the senator either. Not since his brief report. The blockade is still jamming any off world transmissions." Rex answered.

Seeing that Anakin was in consideration of his next move, Yularen tried to advise him on the actual situation he thought they were in. "General if I might add, even if General Kenobi joins us our chances of victory will only be 50/50. The whole point of this attack to create an opening in the blockade in which we can exploit to get ground troops on Christophsis. Perhaps the enemy is predicting we plan to act in such a way." He suggested. Although he trusted Anakin and Anakin had proven himself to the Admiral, there were times when he thought they were going to lose. Badly.

"No. This not a ploy or a tactic and if was then I would have moved on to the blockade without Obi-Wan." Anakin said peering at the universe before him. "It feels more like, something unknown, something...familiar. But something dangerous. Like when you look off the edge of a building and see the massive fall that could befall you." He said before his eyes adjusted to the massive cruiser that appeared out of space.

"General Kenobi's ships." Yularen said seeing the ship arrive as well before looking at Anakin again. "General, I don't quite understand what you mean. But if you feel this is so important as to do nothing, then we'd best see General Kenobi right now." Yularen suggested as Anakin took a second.

"Thank you for the advice admiral." He said before turning away from the window to meet with Obi-Wan. "Both of you come with me. I'm sure General Kenobi will have his own plan for the battle." He said as they walked to the docking bay.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CIS Blockade around Christophsis. Providence-class Dreadnought

Admiral Trench's Command Ship: The Invincible.

Why hadn't Skywalker attacked yet? Trench had gone through every piece of information the Separatists had on the young Jedi because of Asaji's warning and need to know that would have led to Skywalker's defeat. But now all his efforts and actions to prepare for war were met with silence.

"These Jedi are certainly curious people." Trench said stroking his chin thinking about what to do. His eyes moved to the communications station just below him and wondered if he should get in contact with Loathsom.

Trench had been receiving reports of Galen Starkiller's actions on the planet and had argued with the good General that he should be the one to hunt and kill the lying rat. Ever since he had spoken with Galen at the prison, Trenchs blood would boil had the idea that Galen was above him. That any of the Jedi were above him.

But unfortunately Loathsom had denied his request stating that the blockade was more significant than some lone Jedi leading a small rebel force. He had assured Trench that Galen would be killed and his body brought forward.

Trench clicked his mouth a few thinking of what the Jedi could be scheming. He would not fail. He couldn't fail and be remember so lowly by the Jedi.

"Sir, the republic fleet hasn't made a move towards the planet since arriving. Are you sure we should want for them to attack?" A droid asked at one of the stations behind him.

"We have eyes on the enemy that haven't moved since they arrived. If anything from those ships tried to come towards us then we would know. We are even looking out for cloaked ships but have seen nothing. "Trench lectured as cloaked ships were some of the threats we would quickly look for in such a situation. They hadn't even tried to contact Trench which was a strange thing to come about. Admiral Trench had habit however of never making the first move. Rather he would wait to trap his enemies in his webs.

He hummed. "Perhaps, we will have to resort to an incentive after all. Prepare the bombers." Trench said having had enough. Loathsom had told him not to bomb the world he was going to rule but if the General wanted results then he would have to deal with Trench's actions.

"Sir we have ships exiting hyperspace." A droid said making Trench raise an eyebrow before an entire new fleet arrived and not far from the moon.

"Kenobi has arrived. So Skywalker is taking the safe path this time." Trench monologued. "No matter. Contact General Loathsom to inform him of the second republic fleet. Prepare the cannons, shields and fighters for battle." Trench commanded as the droids went about doing so.

"Um, Admiral Trench." The droid at the communications station said. "General Loathsom has left Chaleydonia, we can't get in contact with him."

"What? Why?" Trench said before the hologram of TJ-55 appeared.

"Hello Admiral, General Loathsom is currently busy. What is the issue?" It asked.

Trench slowly felt his anger raising. "Issue? The issue is that a second republic fleet has arrived and the security of Christophsis could be at risk. Tell the General immediately so that he may prepare for the worst." Trench commanded.

"I'm afraid that the General will not be able to coordinate such a plan at this time but I will do it on his behalf." It said.

"What could be so important as to ignore the republic attack?" Trench asked not seeing what could out weight it.

The tactic droid took a moment before answering. "Direct orders from Count Dooku, Admiral. You would be wise as to learn to priorities the Count's orders." It noted not caring about Trench's opinion. "I will prepare our forces for a ground defence as you wish, but I do believe that it will unnecessary. You have regarded yourself as one of the best galactic orbital Admiral. We have great faith that you can handle this problem before the Generals return. If you cannot handle this on your own then perhaps our faith was...misplaced." It said manipulatively, before the hologram went out.

Trench slammed his hands on the arm rests of his chair. "No! How dare that..." He said before shaking his head. Had he done something to not earn the trust of the Count and General? Why was he not told of this objective, of Count Dooku's orders?

Trench's eyes move to Kenobi's fleet moving behind the moon. "Fine. They want results, then I will show them who I am with my fully force." He said before standing up. "All Vuture droids are to exit the docking bays and stand ready on the outside of the ships. Bombing squad you may commence the bombing of the major cities of Christophsis then return immediately." He growled looking for a fight.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chaleydonia, Planetary Defence Headquarters. 1ST of the 14 Cannons

"Niji, how we looking?" Galen asked as they exited the subrails under Chaledyioa seeing the massive dome holding the cannon inside and the buil-in headquarters. It had been a long walk to the city from Neogious going through the sealed and abandoned transport system.

Scouting ahead of Galen, the Rodian named Niji looked for droids followed by a small scouting droid floating behind him. "Nothing sir. We might actually be able to make to the defence grid without issue." He answered through his com-link on his wrist as his blue-green, sparking eyes peered at the droid. Niji was a thin and lanky Rodian who wore a black vest over a dark green long sleeve shirt with a dark brown long pants and heavy boots.

"I doubt it could be that easy." Captain Heart answered looking at his arm seeing the live feed from the scout droid looking at Niji. He remembered scouting the city earlier with the scout teams reporting guards of droids at the defence grid. The clanker's masters were well aware of the threat that the grid had to them.

Captain Heart was a different clone having moved from the frontlines of the clone wars to Shock trooper Guard of Coruscant purely because of his skills. He started as a Scout Sharpshooter Captain in the 104th Battalion led by Jedi General Plo Koon and Clone Commander Wolffe. After the Battle of Rendili, 9 months into the clone wars, General Plo Koon's Battalion was reassigned to major orbital confrontations meaning the reassignment of many clones that didn't not specialise in space warfare. Plo Koon approved his reassignment to Clone Commander Thire in Terra Squad on Coruscant who then assigned him to Bail Organa at Plo Koon's request. This was due to Plo remembering how the senator was involved in the Battle of Brentaal IV, 7 months into the clone wars.

Heart cut his hair in flat Mohawk but had his helmet on most of the time. He wore Phase 1 scout, red armour and carried a DC-15x sniper rifle that fires blue plasma. His other most used tool was the R1-Recon droid called Metaleye the 6th which he could see through on a camera that displayed the vision of the droid on his right arm. Other than that he had standard DC-15s blaster pistol on his hip, a large red pack on his back that had a autoturrent and some other tools on his belt that Galen wasn't sure of.

Heart looked at Galen with the red stripes paint on his helmet. "You sure this criminals up to it sir?" He questioned as Niji was one of the criminals that fought the Graple droids with Galen back at the prison. As with all the other prisoners that escaped with them, Niji was placed into a make-shift detention area made from portable fences. Galen had requested that he be allowed to join them in the mission.

"He was a real help when we escaping the prison. Better then what you would expect from your common deathstick dealer." Galen said recalling the reason for Niji's imprisonment. Dealing deathsticks.

Glancing ahead, Galen could see the dome housing the weapon standing taller than most of the buildings around it. The headquarters of the planets defences had been built into the side of the dome making an entrance. The area was deserted and silent, it was around noon but all the structures and large crystals keep the city a tinted dark blue.

"This is a trap. There is no reason why droids haven't been positioned here." Mason said as everyone had to agree. Mason was wearing the same clothing from Galen's earlier meaning, keeping his helmet visor down over his eyes and keeping the brown clothing.

"You don't think it's rigged to blow up, do you? Galen?" Dov asked uncertain what could be waiting inside the facility. Dov wore a light grey CMPs (Christophsis Military Personal) suit that had a standard blue strips on it. Unlike the other CMPs in the group, Dov didn't wear the grey headhoods that were standard, instead letting his white, short cut hair be seen. Around his chest, he had a strap of thermal detonators and held on to a DC-15S blaster rifle. The CMPs in the ground also had the same weapons.

Galen wasn't sure of Dov answers. "They could have. Loathsom wasn't hesitant to put explosives into his droids to kill me." Galen said sure that Loathsom would be willing to do so. "One mountain size cannon for the death for me, sounds like a good deal. Especially when you have 13 more around the world." Galen said grimly before looking at Sinect noting the large pack on his back not sure what was in it. Looking at Plic, another verpine, he could see the same pack on his back also. The Verpine in the group had skin tight, light blue shirts and shorts that showed their green, insectoid limbs to give them mobility. Out all the troops here, the Verpine were the fastest and most mobile being able to jump great highs like Jedi and even climb up walls.

They weren't the only ones packing equipment and weapons as everyone seems to have something. Heart had equipment that was better than anyones, the Verpines had their own stuff, Reload was carrying 3 rifles and even wore the yellow pilot armour, and Dov had more thermal detonators than Galen thought the group had. The Givin were holding even large packs on their backs.

"Sinect, are you picking up any transmissions?" He asked wondering about the radio transmissions.

The verpine's antennas twitched and he shook his head. "Nothing. If they are here, then they turned off there coms." He answered holding the droid blaster from the prison escape close to himself. The same being said for the verpine engineers that joined and Osseuse and the givin humanoids.

"There's no way a droid would do that." Heart said in rough voice. "They have procedure to follow that prevents that, ensuring that if the enemy is spotted the alarm is set of immediately." He said having been a scout trooper before becoming a shock trooper for the Senator Organa.

"Unless it's been overriden." Mason said wisely. "Or perhap they've been deactivated and are waiting to be switched on." He suggested.

"The main entrance was never the direction we wanted to go anyway. The plans for the facility involve a basement at the bottom of the cannon that relatively hollow for the cannon be too lowered into. Level 0 of the dome has a service route to the basement through the electrical line underground. We're going to follow that route and make our way up the basement, through to the dome's platforms, then up to the control room." Sinect said as pointed it out the direction of the service route. "This way."

"We have to be silent." Dov noted. "The dome it hollow and completely exposed to the observation rooms and platforms above meaning that droids will probably spot us as we make our way across and up the bridges. The cannon itself might be the only cover." He said the entire dome was pretty empty for easy access of machinery.

"The bridges have no cover and are pretty much metal stairs and rails working their way up between the inner and outer platforms. There are 11 levels and the controls room's access on level 8." Osseus said thinking about the structure gripping the droid blaster he had.

The cannon inside the dome was surrounded by platforms with level 0 being the ground floor that led to an outer staircase to level 1 that would allow access into the buildings lower levels. From level 1 you walk to up a bridge that connect the 1st inner platform, level 2 where the cannon would be lower into for repairs. From level 2 you would walk away from the staircase going to down to level 1 to the staircase going up to the level 3 which is another outer platform. This pattern of inner and outer platforms would continue up to level 11 which would allow of the access to the domes roof outside.

Level 8 was the only exception as it had 2 separate path on its platform that went straight to the walls on opposite ends, leading to door that open to the control room and an external shipping dock that hung from the side of the dome.

Galen had questioned if there was a lift from the level 0 up to level 8 and found out from Sinect that the lifts were inside the building, not far from the entrances of the dome on level 1. But chances were they were being watched and controlled. It would be too easy for them to be captured inside the lift if the team went up them. Hence why, it was decide that they would walk up from the platforms.

"You getting all this Niji?" Galen asked over the coms hoping that the Rodian took the information seriously. The platform had no cover which was a problem.

Niji heard looking Heart's Recon droid. "Yer I'm getting it." He said though misinterpreting Galen's intention. "You want me to continue scouting through services tunnels and bridges too? Cause I'd much rather not."

"Go through the service tunnel but don't move to the platforms until we arrive. Lowering your sentence will be meaningless if you're dead." Galen said sympathising with the Rodian.

"Good, because I didn't want to." Niji said shaking his head. "Warfare is nothing like your underground dealerships." The Rodian continued thinking of times he would deal and trade with deathstick dealers and shippers.

"We'll keep in contact and meet you inside the basement. Keep scouting the path that's been mapped out." Galen said confident in Niji's stealth.

"Can't you send another guy up with me?" Niji asked uncertain not wanting just a droid the size of his palm watching his back.

From his arm, Heart looked at the screen showing Niji standing in front of the camera of his droid. "Metaleye the 6th got your back. That droids helped me in some tough situations."The former scout turned guard captain grunted.

"Two people will draw to much attention and Heart's confident metaleyes will look after you." Galen said. "Good luck Niji." He said. Niji was scared but Galen felt that he was more cautious than scared meaning he would tread carefully.

The coms went dead as Galen went silent leaving the former deathstick dealer alone. "...Bantha Poodo. I was better off in prison." He said gripping the pistol he had as he moved down a set of stairs to a metal door with symbols above it. Opening it the thin rodian walked in.

It was about 10 minutes before Niji responded back saying that the tunnel was clear.

"Service tunnels are clear. Let's move." Galen said as he swiftly sprinted from the alleys of building and across roads silently. Behind him the forces he had brought did the same before they got to the same entrance that Niji went through. They all entered together, marching through the dark that had the occasional spark of light coming of the walls.

"What an eerie place." Reload mumbled lowly as the walls of concrete were cold and the lights were flickering. Despite the number of them walking along there wasn't much sound and no indication of trouble. "Dark, cold, silent and isolating. I'd hate to be Niji walking through this place alone." Reload continued remember the mission he had lost his team. He had ended up alone in a similar place.

"True. Poor rodian's probably shivering is scales off." Dov said feeling cold himself. "Although, maybe he's used to these sort of places." The CMPs Captain said looking around the tunnel thoughtfully.

"What'd you mean Dov?" Reload said confused.

"He was a deathstick dealer." Dov said. "He's probably been to some shifty places. You'll always find dealers in hidden away spots." He said roughly.

"He was caught dealing in a night club full of people." Reload corrected. "There was evidence he'd been dealing there and other clubs for years. I don't think dealing is done in the dark like you think. You're more likely to be dealt stuff in populated and very active spots. More money to be made when there's people having a good time." Reload continued surprisingly.

"How would you know that? You're a clone." Dov said not thinking Reload would know such being a clone. Around the two, those with them looked at the two bickering.

"What, you think because I'm a clone that—"

"Would the two of you save it for later?" Heart said back aggressively. "We're on mission and now isn't the time to lose focus." He said before moving on.

"Sorry Captain Heart." Reload apologised.

Dov shrugged and pointed his gun ahead. "Food for thought, Heart." He suggested trying to relax. "Being this tense before a fight isn't me." He said.

"But you are a Captain, so take this seriously." Heart said not use to soldiers with so much...personality.

Dov listened to him as he went silent. The group marched on without a word. A minute or 2 later though...

"How'd he get caught so easily?" Private Conner Script of the CMPs asked dumbly having been listening and curiously wondered about Niji.

To his surprise, and Heart'S, Reload'S and Dov's, Mason answered. "Bounty hunter looking for an easy pay day. Deathstick dealer if proven guilty come a price of 700 credits and only alive." The Royal Guard of Aldderan said.

"Captain Mason, don't indulge them." Heart said not caring for the attitude that was being brought. "Private Script if you would not talk. No more talking from any of you." Heart said uncomfortable as he's eye looked to Galen.

Galen wouldn't have mind the banter of conversation. It made it easier to communicate with people on the teams if they were more willing to talk and was relaxed. But right now, Galen was anything but relaxed.

From the moment he opened the door to the service tunnels, the cold of the tunnel was getting to him. The bad, loaming feeling he had been have the last few days was starting to get worse. In his mind, he could only determine that his instincts were warning him. That something dangerous was on the path he was going.

The dark and cold of the tunnel seem to amplify the feeling. What was more concerning was that it was a familiar feeling like a place he been to before, a whispering idea and direction in which to go. What was it he was feeling? The force, why was it so different now to what he had been feeling all this time? Was the threat he had been feeling at the end of these tunnel? He couldn't be sure.

He lost his sense of time walking as ahead of him he could see Niji signalling him with the Recon droid floating next to him. Silently, Niji pointed up a ladder that would enter level 0 of the dome and Galen nodded. He opened it, looked around noting the blue lights on the ground and coming from the platforms. It was as empty as expected but only made his feeling and nerves stand on an edge.

So deep into his feelings of dome that housed a meteor destroying weapon, Galen took a quickly gasp and nearly forced his saber into his hands to strike, just hearing Reload talk behind him.

"This is inside of the dome? This is huge." Reload said as everyone climbed up the ladder and walked over the stair case on the wall of the dome going up the side to the level 1 platform.

Heart eyed the size of the dome looking up at the crisscross of stairs connecting up between the inner and outer platforms. "Reminds me of the execution arena on Genonsis. A lot more smaller though." He said having seen the arena when he fought in the 1st battle of the clone wars almost a year ago.

Galen was on edge as his eye carefully sought out what was driving him on edge. Mason picked up on it first so tapped on his shoulder making the Blue Shadow quickly turn to him. Mason himself wanted to grab his side arm seeing Galen face. There was fear but from it was anger that Mason didn't want directed at him. So he gesture with his head to the group, silently asking to lead them for Galen. Galen was still but nodded moving forward to take point of the group.

Mason looked at the group and spoke lowly. "CMPs (Christophsis Military Personnel) watch for movement. Clones scan for any explosives. Verpine sense for transmissions. Be cautious as we move." He said as they did just that.

They made their way up the stairs quickly and quietly with not issues. As they got to stair going up between level 6 and 7, Galen mumbled something loud enough for all of them to hear.

"Something is here. Something dark." He said cautious but didn't draw his lightsaber.

Above them, on the next set of stairs connecting between Levels 7 and 8, a light foot step was heard and a shadowy figure appeared standing across from them. A woman spoke softly and dangerously as she removed the cloak she had on. "TU-37 would never have been able to defend this place. I was right to-AHHHAHA!" Before she shouted in surprise and pain at the impact of a massive force push that blasted her of the stairs down to level 5's outer platform.

Asaji hadn't taken notice of how on edge the darkside had been making Galen. If she had maybe she wouldn't have been blasted over 15 metres away from the trigger ready jedi.

Galen hadn't hesitated with his action, moving his hand up on instinct but it had actually left his team wide eyed, surprised and stunned that he had thrown a girl screaming through the air without a second thought.

They all made a note from that point on, not to ever surprised Galen.

The team was stunned but Galen was not. "MOVE NOW!" Galen shouted as every obeyed and went into a run.

As they sprinted up the stairs to level 7 and begun to turn up to level 8's inner platform, Reload ran up next Galen flabbergasted. "What was that? You just attack that girl without a second thought."He shouted astounded.

Galen gritted his teeth hardly believing he done so himself. But he knew what he had sensed the moment she spoke. "You know I've been having a bad feeling the last few days and she practically screamed danger so I acted before she did." He shouted.

Dov broke out into a laugh. "You didn't even give her a chance! HAHAHA, you're savage and I love it." He said as sprinted up to level 8.

"Forget it lets-AH!" Galen didn't finish as he was pulled with the force down from the staircase to level 6's inner platform.

"Galen!" Sinect shouted as the Verpine looked over the edge as many others followed suit.

Not far from Galen, Asaji had forced pulled him right to level 6 which she had just jumped to from level 5 below. She looked stunned but pumped by the wakeup call for Galen's force push.

Galen landed hard on his arm but was fine as he shouted up to his team. "Go get the cannons online. I'll be fine." He said as his eyes moved to the bald, pale woman in front of him.

She grinned having not expected such a person. How was he connected to the surge in the force she felt? But she couldn't deny that this Jedi, whoever he was, was aggressive and quick to violence. Very interesting indeed that fact was.

"Loathsom and Trench told me you were arrogant but I didn't think you would attack without warning. It is no way to treat a lady." She sneered before her eyes widened as Galen charged with blinding speed , his blue lightsaber already about to be swung down on Asaji.

"AHHH!" Galen shouted a brought the saber down with full force only for it to be blocked by two red sabers that Asaij drew so quickly he didn't see it happen. She blocked his attack and effective forced his body, which had been launched through the air, down.

"So ruthless." She grunted as Galen felt what she was doing and got his feet to hit the ground but was still nearly forced back. They forced each other into a saber lock where neither of them backed down. "You don't hesitate kill." She said intrigued at the unknown factor that had appeared on Christophsis. There was no denying that.

Galen's hadn't been holding back but he truly hadn't expected the woman in front of him to match his physical strength or that she would have two of her own lightsabers. "You have lightsabers?" He said confused not sure what else to say.

Asaji grunted but smile. "You're shocked? What world are you living in boy?" She said before pushing him back and engaging him in a fast paced duel. "Did you think someone like me wasn't here, that someone stronger than you wasn't here?" She said slashing and jumping in ways that Galen hadn't seen since waking on this planet.

She was fast, strong, agile and nimble with her movements. Galen felt he could take her and engaged but so realised that she had an advantage over him in terms of speed and flexibility. He was fast and flexible but not like this woman.

Noting her speed, Galen jumped back before his eye sought out his team running above him. Asaji noticed this focus change. "So you're aware, I don't like audiences or interferences. Let me get rid of your friends." She said as she turned off one the sabers and pulled out a switch and pressed it.

Up on level 8, the team had made it to inner platform and were about to run to the control room's path door, before Sinect and the Verpinse stopped sensing the transmission from Asaji's tool. "Droidekas!" Sinect shouted as the doors to the control room opened to awakened Droidekas that rolled towards them. From behind as well, at the entrance of the shipping dock on level 8, more droidekas awoke and rolled out towards them.

They were sandwiched from both sides.

"No! You!" Galen shouted hearing Sinect shout and could hear the droidekas rolling. His eyes looked to Asaji.

Asaji grinned. "Now will yo—" She didn't finish again as Galen charged roaring, he brought his saber back to attack not thinking.

"RRRAAHHH!" He shouted in anger as he had no interest in wasting time or messing around with the dark feeling he was getting from this woman. It reminded him of the 2 shadowy figures from his memory. The images of two that screamed danger.

Asaji grew impatient and called on the darkside herself. "BACK OFF!" She shouted and force pushed Galen mid way through his charge, completely overpowering him and blasting him into the metal wall of the dome as he fell but land on his feet on level 5.

She stepped up to the edge of the level 6 platform which had no rail. "You don't mess around do you!" She shouted as she jumped down to him drawing her sabers. 'A force push worked that well? Unless...' Asaji thought thinking about the enemies abilities before her, analysing them as fast as possible.

Galen held his lightsaber up but was not willing to charge in like had before. His mind was clearer now, not focused on the dark feeling he couldn't describe. She had got him because of it and he was in pain because of it. But now that he wasn't focused on the dark feeling he made a rational decision. To questions the woman in front of him. "Who are you?" He asked looking at the woman taking in her features.

She was thin and looked soft, but she was very toned and muscular hidden under her clothing well. Her face was smooth and pale much like her bald head but her face was very easy to read. So much so that he knew how she was feeling and planning.

"Who am I?" She croaked thinking about the question. "I haven't been asked that in some time." She said taking in Galen too. He was strong without a doubt. He's attitude and strength reminded her of Anakin Skywalker. He too was quick, aggressive and strong with his attacks with very little hesitation and doubt.

"I am Asaji Ventress and you are Galen Starkiller." She said trying to judge him without the force guiding her. "You're the one who destroyed the Governance Tower and had it fall on the droid army. How'd you do that?" She questioned more curious to the manner in which he would respond.

"Don't pretend to be impressed, Asaji. Because I don't care either way." Galen said noting how the woman was baiting him and enjoying it while doing so. She wants him to attack Galen thought as he instead decided to wait, trying to read her intentions with the force.

Asaji sensed it herself instantly, somewhat disappointed by how easily she sensed his mind tricks. "Are you really a Jedi?" She questioned wondering who Galen was and what he was. He didn't have much stealth in his ability of force mind abilities and his style of attack was aggressive, quick and dependant on strength. A reverse hand grip of his lightsaber was rare but not enough to worry Asaji. He had skill and ability in every form but seemed to favour 3 in particular.

His lightsaber style of duelling was without a doubt the Form 7 Juyo. Fast paced, aggressive and controlled by a focus of passion and emotion for offensive combat against a single opponent. He then focuses on Form 5 Shien to defend with the intent of a quick counter with stronger attacks that still allow him to conserve stamina. Then he uses form 3 Soresu, trying to create a tight defence for any angle of attacks from enemies.

'Forms 7 and 5 require a large amount of stamina though and have a strong focus on offense. But it does feel off a times, somewhat bastardised. He must have taught himself these skills and hasn't been properly taught. Why is that?' Asaij wondered. 'As for his form 3 it is good and tight for defence but his recovery to change to another form is sloppy both when it goes back and forth from offense to defence. If I let him, he would put all his time into offense and disregard defence. His defence is his weakness attribute.' She continued feeling confident that she could take him in terms of lightsaber combat.

But his abilities with the force were different. 'His most dangerous skill in his force abilities. Not so much his ability in mind manipulation but in his ability of force pushing and enhancement of physical attributes.' She thought still feeling a slight pain in her body from Galen's earlier force push.

"I knew I wanted to meet with you for reason." Asaji said swinging her blades in the air as Galen watched carefully. "The way those 2 described you. Who are you? Really?" She asked feeling that his fight style was very similar to hers, to that a Sith. But it would impossible that he would know such skills. The darkside users were fighting with the CIS and many of them had already been killed. Someone taught him though but didn't complete his training. That or they didn't care for him to completing his training.

Her master, Count Dooku, could have taught him but it was very unlikely. This Galen didn't have the same grace and control as Dooku and was clearly not as cunning and perceptive. Although...Asaji was having trouble reading him with the force.

Galen's thoughts on Asaji were the opposite of hers. Instead of thinking of a way to defeat her, his focus was on how she could be connected to him and what she might know. Evidently from her question though, she had no clue as to who Galen was. "Girl if I knew why and how I got into this situation, it would be good day for me." He said taking a defensive stance and slowly moved watching her swing her blade like flowing water.

She smiled not at all worried from the response. "I doubt you have memory loss as they believe. You wouldn't be fighting for the losing side if you did." She said coming up with her own plan to defeat Galen.

Galen frowned. "I'm fighting for the side that's reasonable. Not the unreasonable." He said remember how he had been imprisoned without reason.

"Unreasonable? My dear, I am not unreasonable." She croaked before Galen sensed a swell of power in the force that was very dark. "I've just embraced..." Asaji said before Galen mind warped to image of similar looking woman to Asaji.

She had pale skin, red thorns and wielded to red light sabers too standing in the fugual world from his memory. "...embraced the power of the dark side." The woman in Galen's minds said smiling happily before Galen's focused returned to the smiling Asaji.

"Not now, damn it." He grunted and charged at Asaji not wasting any more time.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Infiltration teams fight:

"Droidekas!" Sinect Shouted causing everyone to look up with their weapons at the ready.

Looking the opposing directions of the droidekas, Heart made a decision. "Divide up! Platoon 1 move on the droidekas coming from the control room entrance. Platoon 2 move to take the droidekas coming from the docking bay entrance. Block their access through the path." Heart shouted going with one of the strategies that had been discuss before the team left Bail at Negious.

Platoon 1 would include Mason, Heart leading 6 clones, 6 CMPs, 1 Verpine named Plic and 1 Givin were the troops made to be the strong team that would cover for Platoon 2. In Platoon 2 was Reload, Dov, Sinect, and Ossues with 5 clones, 5 CMPs, 3 Verpine and 3 Givin and they were priority of the mission.

They split up, the platoons going in different directions around the cannon that was lowered into the ring of the inner platforms.

The rolling droids were upon them from both sides, Heart and Reload were the first to react.

"No you don't." Heart said a quickly brought his sniper rifle out and shoot 2 of the droids in head while they were still rolling cause the other droidekas to trip as they rolled over the falling droidekas.

On the other side of the cannon Reload brought out his shotgun quickly firing of 3 shots that spread taking out another 2 and damaging a few others before they activated there shields.

"Ossues, now." Mason said into his communicator, before running towards the edge of the bridge and jumping disappearing from the view everyone which would have confused them if their attention had not been taken by the rolling droids.

"Shoot them before they generate there shields!" Dov shouted firing next followed next by everyone else who started shooting. A few more of the droidekas fell but it didn't stop the majority from stoping and creating there shield generators.

Ossues acted along with another givin member to Mason's orders as they pulled the techn from their backs and placed them on the ground. In the next instants, two large shields spawned in a circle blocking the blaster fire of the droidekas along both of the paths.

"That worked better than I thought." Dov noted looking at their own shield generators that they had acquired from the Republic stations before frowning. "But you know we can't shoot them." He said as nearly everyone thought the same.

"Not an issue." Sinect said as he let the droid blaster he had hang from the strap around his shoulder. Tapping the headbane down in front of his eye and grabbing the two pistols at his hip Sinect he spoke into the communicator on his wrist. "Alright Verpine, headbands down and scatter guns out! Plic, if you would hand out the weapons in your pack on your side." Sinect said at the Verpine named Plic opened the pack he had on Mason's side and started handing out pistols to everyone.

As the verpine engineers with platoon 2 started taking the pistols, Dov instantly knew what they were. "Scatter guns!?" Dov said taking one impressed. Projectile weapons were somewhat of a rarity being know as an older weapon that was still very useful. Blasters were cheaper, effective, efficient, and could be mass produced faster than projectiles. That and projectile weapons were useless against ships and there shields. They were useful in certain situations though being that they could penetrate portable shield.

Outside the shields the droidekas opened fire as rapid blaster shots started hitting the shields. Sinect and the Verpine engineers responded first at their shots went through the droidekas shields and were very silent in doing so producing no sound. "Verpine Scatter Guns. They shot through magnetic propulsion so produce no sound. I thought we might need them against the droidekas." Sinect said as the clones and CMPs started shotting with the scatter guns.

They were making progress but soon realise that it wasn't enough. Although scatter guns did penetrate the shields it didn't do enough to droidekas who's bodies were made of metal as the bullets would ricochet or maybe hit something hard enough to slow them down. Scatters gun weren't as effective against droids as blasters.

Dov saw this and smiled. "You insects are alright, you know."Dov said before pocketing the pistol. "But I got my own score to settle with these rolling gear wheels." He said as grabbed the thermal detonators be had been holding onto. "Try these, scrap metal!" He shouted throwing the grenades that went through the shields and landed next to the droidekas exploding.

"Hah! Take that you tin cans!" Dov said before paling realising that not all the grenades landed inside the shields and droidekas continued walking towards them firing rapidly. Hearing the explosion Heart looked back and scowled guessing at Dov's actions.

He grabbed one of his own pocketed detonators and spoke into his coms on his wrist. "Roll the thermal detonators under their shields. Don't throw them!" He shouted doing exactly that, rolling them so that they would stop directly under the droidekas and explode sending them in piece into the air.

Dov and the troopers of platoon 2 did as Heart told them and started to see a decline in droidekas from their side.

Both sides saw clones and CMPs holding their weapons outside of their shield generators firing in order to hit the droidekas but it was turning out not to be enough. Particularly on Platoon 1's side.

Reload pop his shotgun he had back on the TT-3 holster, and grabbed his newest and somewhat oldest weapon. "Shield generators won't last long against this one." He said drawing the bolt caster and began to charge it before making sure the head of the weapon was on the outside of the shields the givin had put up.

The next instants a bolt of blue and thick lightning fired from the weapon hitting the shield of a droidekas causing electricity to spark around it and then shoot off to the closest shield next. It kept doing this hitting the shielding causing them to shut down from the energy of the bolts.

"You have a gun that shots lightning?" Dov asked not expecting that from the clone trooper and feeling a little jealous of the weapon.

Reload didn't let up though as he keep fire the blue bolts at the droidekas damaging them before Dov threw more detonators cleaning up what was left. "It's not as powerful as lightning but fires a deadly bolt of electricity. It used to be standard issue." Reload shouted back continuing with his efforts.

On Platoon 1' side they starting to get overwhelmed as despite their being the stronger platoon, they didn't have the same equipment as Platoon 2. Droidekas were starting to get to close to the shield causing them to slowly move back.

The battle had been only going a 5 minutes but tended to go quickly without anyone really realising. But Heart was frustrated and shouted into his coms. "Where's Mason? Is he with Platoon 2 Reload?" He asked only to receive a no from Reload.

Heart was about to tell platoon 1 to fall back to the other shield generator with Platoon 2 but then noticed Mason climb from the back of the path the droidekas had walked from up near the entrance. From his hips he pulled two pistols for each hand.

None of the droidekas realised and none were behind Mason either as he quickly ran in between them with his drawn pistols. With one quick move he would hold his pistol through the shield, point it at the head of droidekas, shot and then repeat with the next droidekas that hadn't noticed him approaching from behind.

He was quick, agile and efficient only sparing one blast for each droidekas head when he got close enough. It was very surprising to Heart seeing someone move so gracefully and quickly without hesitation or sound and with complete ease. Heart wouldn't admit it but Mason, this Royal Guard to the Senator of Aldderan was more skilful than him. How that was possible Heart didn't know.

And Heart had no idea how Mason got behind them in the first place.

He watched as he continued to shoot with the platoon as Mason swiftly crept through the force of droidekas from behind and soon enough the droidekas were too few to change the outcome.

Heart's attention changed hearing Dov over the coms. "Heart, Mason. We're through all the droids on our side and are moving on to the control room. Fall back to us and we can take the control room." He said as his team moved on to the room.

Mason was the one to finish the last droidekas on Platoon 2's side getting in close and finishing with one, quick shot.

"How'd you get behind them?" Heart asked from behind his helmet.

Mason held up the pistols in his hands. "Liquid cable dispensers. After reports on the events of the invasion on Naboo, a few worlds decided to make it a common trait in weapons. You clones have the same on your rifles too I believe." Mason said tapping on Heart sniper rifle.

"But how di-"

"I jumped off the platform and fired the cables from both guns to the edge of the path to entrance of the docking bay. Then I waited until all of the droidekas were out on the platform." Mason said with small grin making Heart laugh lightly under his helmet.

"We won. Let's move." Heart said going to move and get the platoon going to the control room before Mason grabbed his shoulder.

"Heart." Mason said getting the clones attention as Mason pointed down with his gun making Heart look down. Below Heart could see Galen and the war criminal Asaji ventress continuing with their fight.

"We're not done yet." Mason growled looking at the exchange that would be considered dangerous to get involved with.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

With Galen:

Galen was for the first time since waking up on this planet, having difficultly winning a battle with one enemy. The closest enemies to this women's level being the Grapple droids from the prison. But that was still a large gap in ability and danger.

Blue light slashed and swung through the air as red lights danced swiftly, confidently and gracefully in the shadows that are casted.

With one attack, Galen would swung with the strength slice through thick metal but Asaji would quickly dodge and attack making Galen back away fast before she follows with quick, light slashes that have no physical strength but can quickly allow her to move into a new position and stance. In another attack, Asaji would attack with both blades making Galen block only for her to kick Galen directly in the side before Galen would use his block to swing Asaji's blades away from her body leaving her open and then throw a punch that Asaji would back flip through the air dodging and then bounce of her toes to engage again.

She had the stamina to keep fighting with him over a time without rest. Although it was an issue, Galen was also a stamina freak thus making the duel last longer and longer. Galen guessed that if they continued without rest the duel could go on for 15 minutes maybe 20. But that was only if neither of them backed down, tried to converse or were interrupted.

But there were major factors and skill that she had that were better than his. She wasn't without skill or without a reputation that Galen had to acknowledge.

The first thing that Galen couldn't compete with was her speed. She was faster with every motion and action, forcing Galen to constantly defend without a chance to counter. Asaji was very aware her speed and was even able to outrun droidekas rolling.

Second, she was very agile and flexible in her own right. She could move and bend in and out of ways that Galen, even with all his acrobatics, could not achieve. Her physical strength had been shaped for flexibility and speed rather than strength and power like Galen's. Galen was good but hadn't shape his style for such skills.

Third, she was strategic and cunning. She'd analysis her enemies and thinks about how to best her them. She had thought of her strategy of attack and already had a good grasp of how Galen fought. Galen on the other hand hadn't put as much thought into how to defeat her. He was unfocused where she had only focused on the present, the now.

Fourth, she was very unpredictable and stealthy. Galen had an unpredictable style of fighting that had caught Asaji of guard at the beginning of the fight but she was quick to adapt and learn the patterns and Galen was most comfortable with going with. She was unpredictable because she was careful and delicate with the actions she took, showing only the barest of her abilities but showing them frequently enough to mistaken it for her style. Galen had assume she was easy to read but now he was beginning to feel she had shown him what she wanted him to see and did so slyly and without him taking notice. She created an environment and image that eased Galen into a trap blindly. Deceitful, dark and very clever.

And finally, experience. There was no way she had adapted so quickly to Galen with her strategy and form without having survived other battles and conflicts before that were beyond her. She was self aware of her abilities and skills in a very honest way, acknowledging that had learnt from her mistakes and failures.

As Galen attacked again Asaji retreated jumping back, then jumping of one wall up to the bottom of the platforms above, bouncing off it again straight down using gravity and her strength to increase her speed and descent.

Galen dodged and tried to close the gap that she kept creating. They engaged the duel once again moving so fast that the shapes of their bodies become blurs. Galen could attack but it wasn't going to work with women who was so light on her feet. It would leave him to open. So he did the only thing hadn't don't since the fight started.

He used the force during combat.

He blocked both her blades, using only one hand to hold them back. With his other free hand and using a force push that caught Asaji with the surprised look on her face said anything.

She was forced back distance landing on her back in some pain. 'He can use the force during combat?' Asaji thought surprised he could focus enough to use it. She got back without missing a beat and continued the duel.

Moment later Galen did it again but this time she was ready and used the force body technique to take the brunt of the attack. It did slow anything though as they fight continued as if nothing had happened. Galen notice but did not dwell on it. He continued his attack incorporating the force into his swings to give it more strength while still keeping his light saber in his right hand and his left hand free to use the force at his whim.

"You are very skilled Starkiller." Asaji said suddenly as they broke apart from the duel, watching each other carefully. "I must say I am impressed." She croaked before she eye fell darker and Galen felt like the world around him had gone darker and colder. "But I expected more from the reputation you've created so quickly. A shame that one planet's greatest warrior is but a speck in the universe." She noted and brought her blades up. "Die." She growled as Galen experience changed and Asaji's threat level went to new level.

Asaji tapped into the power the darkside allowing her to increase her speed, her strength, her stamina and her tenacity. Galen could have taken it if another flash hadn't appeared in his mind again.

It was the other pale women in the rotting world from his memory. She looked similar to the women before Asaji Venetress and even wielded red lightsabers like her. What did all mean? Galen did want to ponder his memory or even acknowledge its presence. All he wanted to do was defend himself from the women that was presently charging at him with intent to kill.

They clashed as Asaji used more elaborate moves and tactics that used more strength, more speed, relentlessly. Galen was being forced back before he knew it. Somewhere in the duel, Asaji brought her knee up hitting Galen square the face, practically being forced to eat the entire attack. Galen fell back landing on his back, his nose bleeding and starting to bruised. She had broken through his force body with her own force body technique enforced by the power of the dark side.

Asaji charge with the intent to kill. To finish him.

He wasn't as strong as she had thought.

He wasn't any different from the others she had killed. Renown bounty hunters, elite races, and Jedi Masters.

There was nothing different from this fight from many others.

The force surge was nothing.

Galen was nothing.

She was stronger. The darkside was confident in her ability and gave her its gifts, its blessings. It chose her!

SLASH!

Asaji eyes widened as her blade melted through and scorched the platform black. He disappeared and wasn't in front of her anymore. No, she saw him move, jump into the air in an instant. Such quick reflects matched those of Skywalker during their battle on Coruscant. Though not as fast as when she fought Windu on Ruul or when she trained with Master Dooku.

She looked up and could see Galen had decactivated his lightsaber, held his arms close to his chest and brought his knee up as well. Then it hit her hard. Galen shouted and a force repulse blasted in every direction shaking the platforms and dome. The impact seen Asaji back to the edge of the platform laying on her back.

She recovered quickly but then noted something impossible. Galen stared at her with hands raised and sparking blue electricity. Galen shouted again and the lightning arced from his hands to the sith assassin. Asaji tried to dodge jumping into the air but the barrage was large covering an area. It got her and sent her flying up onto the next platform.

Galen stopped the lightning but quickly followed jumping to the next platform. There Asaji laid stinging in pain and smoking.

"Impossible. How can you use such an ability?" She muttered more to herself than Galen. Force lightning was advanced darkside force alter technique. Asaji hadn't even learnt how to do it and her master was very skilled in it. But Galen could you it. The same technique as Dooku.

"What about it?!" Galen shouted still feeling the adrenaline of the fight but still wondering who Asaji was. "What does it matter to you?! Just who are you?!" Galen shouted letting his emotion go. No one else on this planet had any ideas or clues of who Galen was, except this women how had similar skills as him.

Asaji was still pain but was quickly thinking of a way out of this situation. "You really don't know anything, do you? I think I'm the one who should be asking just who you are?" She croaked slowly getting to feet backing away from Galen.

"What do you know?! Tell me!" Galen shouted threatening Asaji with his lightsaber pointed at her.

"The lightning you used, is an advance form of force alternation used by the darkside of the force." She said panting answering to by time and further her knowledge of what and who Galen was.

"Darkside? What are you talking about?" Galen asked having no clue what she was talking about. Darkside of the force? There was the darkside?

"You are an impressive warrior blessed with skill." Asaji said not looking at him, baiting him first. She looked at him with soft eyes. "You're lost and don't know why your here or what you really are. But I can show you, teach you. The darkside swells within you. You are blessed. Come with me and all your answers will be revealed." Asaji said appearing more feminine and gentle than before.

Asaji knew well the power of fear within the darkside of the force but it wasn't until she experienced defeat and humiliation that she learned the power of desire within the darkside. She had been defeat shameful twice nearly resulting in her death by the same opponent, she had a precious treasure of hers stolen but an enemy she tortured and she watched the one person that had looked out for her killed. She had started to learn from her failures.

The desires of others was a weapon. Passion, drive, love, emotion, loyalty, dedication, lust, greed, connection, longing. The will to seek the hearts and souls desires was a far more power tool than fear. And what Galen sought was knowledge and purpose. Her darkside abilities were subtle now with her mind and words influencing Galen who she could tell, desperately wanted answers.

She didn't realise that she had never had this type of influence and connection the force before meeting Galen. If she had, she would have wondered why she was suddenly so much better with the force.

She held her hand out peacefully. "Come with me." She said so softly to Galen that he actually wanted to reach forward and accept.

"NO YOU DON'T ASSASSIN!" Mason shouted firing the cable from his pistol a level above them as it grabbed on to Asaji out stretched wrist and violently pulled her away from Galen with Heart pulling with him.

The Sith and Jedi broke from the connections with the force as Galen brought his saber up but wasn't fast enough. With one quick motion with her free hand, Asaji force pushed him hard away and turned her focus to the interferences.

Without missing a beat, Asaji drew her lightsaber and sliced the cable around her wrist before jumping up to the next level and continued doing so to next ones.

Galen got up and followed without a thought jumping before the massive cannon that was lowered into the inner platform shifted and the dome above them opened.

"Alright freedom fighters, Sinect and Ossues did it!" Dov shouted into the coms heard by everyone in the team. "All the cannons worldwide have been activated and are taking aim at the Separatists. We did it!" He continued as the massive cannon started to move up out of the inner platforms. Out towards to the opening of the dome to aim at the Separatists ships orbiting the planet.

Galen didn't care as he jumped from platform to platform following Asaji. Looking for her he spotted her, seeing her grabbing on to the side of the cannon being lifted up with it. Galen frowned.

He had to capture that women and bring her back. She knew something. She definitely did. He followed, jumping on to the side of the cannon to follow. Galen was sure he heard Mason and Heart shouted something below him but he couldn't hear it. He didn't want to.

Above the dome, Asaji jumped off landing on top at the edge of the opening that went straight down to the ground level of the dome. She smiled sensing Galen had followed.

Galen leaped up and his lightsaber draw staring her down. "You're not getting away." He yelled eyeing her.

"I'm not trying to get away." Asaji sneered grinning at Galen driving him to attack.

BANG!

Galen was thrown back through the air, nearly sliding off the dome. Something had just blasted him with a heavy, blaster. His eyes wanted to seek out where it had come from but saw something else. His lightsaber wasn't in his hand and had fallen back down into the dome.

"Where is it?" He mumbled looking around and down into the dome unable to see it.

"A warrior that loses their weapon doesn't last long." Asaji said jumping at him to swing her blades at him.

Galen acted and grabbed both her hands before she could bring the sabers down. Asaji's eyes widened not believing she had let him grab her so easily. She struggled to brake free and instead revived a headbutt from Galen, dizzying her and then a knee to the stomach. "Then I'll take yours." Galen said as gripped Asaji wrist hard enough for her to drop one of the sabers.

Acting quickly he grabbed the saber and engaged her again in a duel.

It was sloppy at best as both of them were tired as they duelled atop a dome next to the massive cannon. Asaji didn't want to continue but nor did she want kill the man before her. No, her master needed to know about this Galen Starkiller.

She smiled positioning herself in certain spot.

Galen continued on but noticed behind Ventress the massive tripod droid aiming right at them. It fired and hit the surface of the dome right next to them. As Galen got back to his feet and smoke cleared Asaji was gone from Galen's sight as he franticly looked around for her, even looking down the dome. But his time was limited as he noticed the growing number of massive droids surrounding the cannon.

Then from below a ship flew up next to him and just like at the prison, Reload stood there waving at him. "Galen! Jump on quickly!" He said as the team had by some miracle found a ship within the docking bay of the level 8 platform.

He hesitated wanting to look for Asaji and then look for his lightsaber but they were being fired at by the droids. He closed his eyes, deactivated the red lightsaber and growled to himself as he jumped up to the ship.

"Dov! Get us out of here." Reload said getting a Roger from Dov as the ship flew away from the building and city that was quickly being covered in droids.

Galen walked into the ship, sat down and could only shake his head.

"Did you get her?" Mason asked concerned.

Galen didn't look at him. "I don't know." He said not at all satisfied with how things had gone. The danger he had felt had to be her and he was right to think her dangerous.

His eyes focused looking at the red saber he now had. "No, I didn't get her. She's still alive."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

At the bottom of the dome, Galen's lightsaber laid having fallen from the top. Then Asaji picked it up and eyed the weapon.

"Galen Starkiller. What secrets does your mind possess?" Asaji said smiling and knowing that she would face the Blue shadow again before leaving this planet. Above her the cannon fired into the sky and she activated the blue saber ready to use it.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Wow.

Next time on Memory of the Apprentice.

Chapter 6: Why Christophsis.

When will come out you ask?

I...I...I...don't know. But it will!

Review, comment, criticises and endorse.