The Legacy of House Ordo

by Sage1988

Five souls from Earth survive its end and find themselves in a different galaxy, Harry finds himself born into House Ordo one of the most powerful Mandalorian Houses. As the chaos of the Clone Wars spreads how will he and the others fair?

21. Chapter 21 The Wrong Jedi

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Star Wars.

Hello, I hope you are all doing well and I am glad to be back with a new update. Thank you to everyone that read and reviewed the last chapter. This story has become a lot bigger than I imagined when I started it.

This chapter addresses the Clone Wars trilogy of episodes where Ahsoka is framed and fold them into one. The Wrong Jedi will have some important changes for the future. There will only be a few more Clone Wars chapters before we arrive at the crucial moment, Revenge of the Sith.

Review Reponses from last chapter…More will be posted at the end so this section isn't too long while I answer as many questions as possible.

DarthEmrys - I really am glad to hear you like the story! Killing Maul was a hard decision but something I felt had to be done. Whether he knows it or not he served as a great distraction for Sidious but with Haron as Mandalore now he may have a bigger problem. There is a plan for Saxon in the future but it will be a while before I reveal it. True, with Korkie (Satine's chosen heir) on the throne there is no legal reason for the Republic to get involved and going against that would only hurt their image and probably drive more over to the Separatists. The exiles or Mandalorians on the outside will be addressed probably in chapter 22. What could they have found? It will be a big thing for them. Talzin has one last part in this story, one last thing to do.

Antex-The Legendary Zoroark = Thanks! I really appreciate the compliment! Haron has an impact on this event and the end result will be affected by his actions. Din is a teenage boy now and Vysa is a beautiful woman so of course his hormones will get the better of him sometimes but he is still the same dutiful boy he has always been and wouldn't dare do anything more than admire her from afar. Palpatine is starting to realise that Haron is a genuine danger to him but would rather keep him close by and eliminate him that way rather than let him stay in Mandalorian space where it would be much harder. The Jedi think the same way. So Palpatine will make his move soon enough.

mwinter1 - You get some of the reaction in this chapter, Palpatine is perhaps the most worried though.

Starpottergeek - Your support means a lot! Thank you! I think given his war record that Fives would certainly be in the frame for a promotion and I have something planned for him in a couple of chapters time. Haron and Ara are having sex and for some reason protection fails consistently. HK-47? If I put him in, just who do you think he should be with?

HowlnMadHowie - He might be the Mandalore but if anything, Palpatine will want to keep him on Coruscant and while he has a great deal to do Ara can handle many of those things for the meanwhile and each house leader can deal with their own duties. The Mandalorians know they have to be careful for now so him being there to spy on the Republic is good for them. Palpatine knows Haron is becoming a threat and will react to this soon.

ThunderSphinx - Satine unfortunately was no match for the ruthlessness of the Sith and Vizsla. Obi-Wan is more than good enough to take Maul, the time you mentioned before it was just him and one other Jedi who I think wasn't skilled enough to fight them. Padme isn't my favourite character but she is a far better one that others and I don't bash characters without good reason. Lila Kast? I know I liked her too but this sort of battle you don't come away without losing someone. Sidious, you'll see in this chapter. Funny you should mention Haron and Ahsoka…

RoyalTwinFangs - It means a lot; I thank you for your support!

Callum Runchman - Thank you, I am glad you thought Vysa getting the last suit was good. Savage was a good man before Talzin twisted him and so he knows what the dark side does better than anyone. Also, in this story Anakin has two other people to be there at the critical moment to advise him. The Jedi might fear that the Mandalorians but bear in mind they have the force, have always beaten them in the past and crucially have the clone army. So, while they are worried, they will assume that they can win a war with them again. Also remember the Jedi aren't truly aware of just how powerful the Mandalorians are becoming. Anakin and the others didn't report or see everything which is one of the reasons why the taskforce was smaller than it could have been. Obi-Wan meanwhile is distracted by losing Satine and his strange experience while duelling Maul and to prove it wasn't just in his head another character will experience something similar this chapter.

Okami Princess - Fighting the will of the Force often has bad consequences for those who try it but each of their children will have a role in the war to come. As for compensating them? Well, you shall see.

red demon161 - I agree, in the old expanded universe there was more of it but in the new canon they hardly mention it at all. Good point about the Mandalorians having medals or honours? Not sure about medals but honours? Maybe I will have to research about it, something to think about in the future thank you for the idea. I was nervous about bring the Children of the Watch, religious zealots are not a particularly stable or dependable ally and will turn on you very quickly if you do anything they don't like. The Watch is a dangerous element but whether they will appear again or not who knows? Countess Wren will probably be feeling like she dodged a blaster bolt right now.

raw666 - He is still there as it is good for them but you will get a chance to see how others see this. Along with a door or two it opens.

Blaze1992 - The aftermath of Mandalore will take a while to settle but now they are fully united things will really begin moving.

Guest - The Nightsister in the Night Brother's camp is one that we have heard of before and will appear again in this chapter.

On with the story…

Chapter 21 - The Wrong Jedi

Deep Space, Unknown Location…

Three light freighters hung in space, docked with each other so the crews could meet in private and without anyone being able to intercept the transmission.

The airlock opened and revealed Yoda who walked forward in his new white robes and through the short corridors of the light freighter in the middle of the three.

The hatch opened and revealed three people standing around waiting for him, all human.

A middle-aged man in jedi robes that were an unusual green in colour. He had dark hair along with a short-groomed beard. He stood tall and proud with an easy-going humour in his eyes, he was Nejaa Halcyon a Jedi Master of the Corellian Jedi.

The other two didn't wear Jedi robes although they did carry lightsabers. One was a taller older man with white hair and a wise looking face. At his side was a younger woman in a brown jumpsuit with darker brown hair on her head. They were Djinn Altis and Callista Ming of the Altisian Jedi.

"Master Djinn, Master Halcyon. Greetings I bring and thank you I do for agreeing to this meeting." Yoda said with a smile, glad they had agreed to come. All three looked curious as to why the Grand Master of the Jedi Order had called such a secret meeting.

"I am admiring your new robes Master Yoda but if you are seeking reinforcements or for us to re-join the main order then I am afraid we will end this meeting right at this moment." Djinn said firmly, not willing to have any of his apprentices or acolytes getting involved in the Clone Wars more than they were already. Nejaa hummed in agreement but Yoda waved his hand quickly.

"Seek that I do not. Respect your desire to remain independent I do. No warn you I must of a great threat. The Sith, believe I do that they may now control the Senate." Yoda said soberly. The three were shocked to hear this declaration but Yoda was far from done.

"Have visions I have for many months of a disaster approaching. A catastrophe that will engulf the Jedi, all Jedi no matter where they come from." Yoda warned them. "Alert you to the threat I must so that you can make preparations as once they have dealt with the main order, after you they will come."

"How can a Sith gain control of the Senate? Without being discovered?" Nejaa asked with a note of accusation in his voice as if this was their fault which Yoda gloomily supposed it was.

"The policy of secrecy, allowed them to hide too well it has. While Dooku is their public face, the true master hides in shadow." Yoda told them regretfully. "Making preparations of our own we are and encourage you to do the same I must if the Sith comes for you."

The meeting ended soon after but Yoda felt he had done the right thing by at least warning them both of the threat. Giving them a chance to preserve themselves and their teachings like he was working tirelessly for the main Jedi Order to do.

Yoda returned to the cockpit where Obi-Wan was sitting in the pilot's seat looking very unsettled, he had been that way since returning from Mandalore. That unsanctioned mission had almost led to him being removed from the council by the more vocal masters who were rooted firmly in the old way. Especially as Kenobi had claimed to be the one that dragged Skywalker and Tano with him although all of them doubted that. Worst that the Mandalorians were clearly better armed and now united again, some had even begun planning a potential invasion of Mandalorian space should they become any more aggressive.

Fortunately, Yoda and the more easy-going ones like Kit Fisto sided with Kenobi and so he stayed but it was not difficult to see that Obi-Wan was very distracted by something whenever they met. That was part of the reason Yoda had brought him, to finally discover just what it was that was troubling him so much.

"Master Kenobi. Something distracting you?" Yoda asked him and Obi-Wan blinked as if torn on what to say.

"Something that happened on Mandalore Master Yoda. I am sure it will pass with time." Obi-Wan said but Yoda just stared impassively at Kenobi. The two remained like that for a while before Kenobi finally broke and admitted what it was that had been troubling him.

That Kenobi had lost control of his emotions after seeing someone he cared for very much die didn't shock Yoda. After all, in his youth Kenobi had been almost as bad as Skywalker was now for making connections and had more than one romance if you could call them that, Yoda found himself smiling at the folly of youth.

What did surprise him was what had happened during that moment.

"I could feel them in the force master." Obi-Wan told him with shame on his face for losing control of his emotions and confused at what had happened in that moment. "I felt both Qui-Gon and Satine in the force, not in my mind but through and in the force. They calmed me and eased my pain, letting me regain my control. But I was always taught that once you become one with the force you aren't you anymore." Obi-Wan told Master Yoda who he hoped might have some answers for him.

Yoda was very intrigued at what was being said. Most of the Order and in fact the galaxy that believed in the force thought it was impossible for someone to retain their identity after they became one with the force. Yet what Obi-Wan was describing was contrary to that and he who knew a great deal of the Jedi's ancient past had heard many stories of the ghosts of Jedi and Sith who had died yet returned from the netherworld of the Force.

It was an intriguing thought Yoda admitted while pondering this.

"Given me much to think about you have." Yoda told Obi-Wan, smiling at the younger master. "Let it trouble you no more, research this I will myself and see what secret we might find." He said genuinely excited about unlocking a potential skill in the force that transcended death itself. This would mean delving into some of their oldest and most treasured holocrons and texts but he hoped the answer might lie there. And potentially a way for the Jedi to endure for all time.

---

Mandalore, Mandalorian Territories…

"So, as we welcome new people to our world and begin to build the shipyards which will bring the economic stability that our world needs, we must look to the future." Korkie said with a smile as he read out his speech on the balcony to the people below. Behind him Bo-Katan and Haron stood along with the rest of Korkie's friends.

Korkie was visibly sweating as he gave his first public speech but Lagos held his hand to try and give him some reassurance which he was glad of. The nod from Bo-Katan helped too.

"The future will not be like it was before, we must ensure that we are prepared to not only defend this world but all the worlds that call themselves Mandalorian." Korkie told the crowd, some of whom were not happy with the influx of new settlers. The extra manpower would drastically speed up the reconstruction after the Shadow Collective Invasion and the construction of the shipyard in orbit not to mention surface facilities to support it but it was a classic case of the 'other' or the 'outsider' coming in.

Especially after such a hard invasion just a month past.

"The prosperity and defence of Mandalore is as always, my biggest commitment. The protection of Mandalore and its people, my greatest desire." Korkie said trying to reassure the people that he was here to protect them.

"For the People! For Mandalore!" He called out and the crowd below cheered as they accepted his words. Korkie almost visibly collapsed the moment they got in off the balcony from the pressure being released.

"You did great!" Amis said with a smile while Lagos squeezed his hand again. Bo-Katan put a hand on his shoulder and added.

"You should be proud. You are good at public speaking. Satine would think so too." Bo-Katan told him and that Korkie did take some comfort in.

"For your first public speech it was very good. No one is expecting you to become a great leader overnight." Haron told him from the side with his arms folded. "You will become the leader you are meant to be by learning the practical lessons as they come and by taking the advice of those around you." Haron told him, knowing from experience that the road to becoming a leader was far from simple or easy no matter what head start you might have been given and there were many paths to choose from.

"Thank you, Mandalore. To you all." Korkie said grateful for their support.

"Good. Now a meeting of the house leaders is about to start and we shouldn't be late." Haron said as he noticed the time. Korkie nodded and walked with Haron away from the group after they gave the young man some encouraging looks. He did his best to walk alongside Haron as they went to the conference hall where he and the other house leaders were meeting.

Walking into the chamber they saw the others had already assembled, many of them as holograms as they had returned home to deal with other business while Haron remained on Mandalore with Ijaa to see to getting the planet settled.

"I see we are all assembled. Good, I have a number of important details we must discuss." Haron said as he took a seat with Ijaa at his right side and Korkie at his left.

"First off, the settling of additional people from the wider galaxy. A move that I am not particularly happy with myself." Haron said, knowing several house leaders didn't like this move and saw it on their faces. "However, while this creates potential security issues which will be addressed, they will either conform to our culture or leave. We assimilate them into our ways rather than the other way around. Their extra hands will help our growth and in time they will no longer be the outsiders but become a part of us." Haron said, it was of course the last Republic Invasion that had created the New Mandalorian Movement which was responsible for much of their recent troubles. Something he would not repeat.

Korkie didn't like the sounds of that although many of the house leaders did. A program of Mandalorian culture indoctrination would begin and their schools would enforce it. It was ruthless but Haron knew the Magical World back on Earth had done the same thing with the Muggle Born, slowly over time isolating them from their own culture until they had little option but to be a part of their culture. New ideas might result but only if they did not change their culture too greatly.

It was harsh but Haron knew they would need more warriors, engineers, pilots, technicians and more when the war began and hence, he was allowing more refugees into their space. It had already been happening on the border but now many were settling on Concordia and on Mandalore itself.

They had to increase their numbers and ensure there was no cultural divisions that could tear them apart if preyed on by the enemy. But to that end he had something else that needed to be done.

"However, I am not blind that these refugees might harbour spies from the outside. So, we will establish an internal security service, named the Ja'hailir which will ensure no spies infiltrate and disrupt us." Haron said knowing such a thing would be essential in the future especially with so many outsiders coming in.

"I have news to of the Godwana project." Eliza Kane spoke up with a smirk. They turned to give her their attention. She told them with her usual manner. "I mean it is my project and I really would like to get it some attention and maybe some thanks…"

"We get the picture." Selban said with a frown knowing she was only doing this to get a reaction. "Maybe give us the update."

"Gladly." She said smirking from ear to ear. "The Project so far is designed as a 1200 metre vessel. It will have two configurations; one will act as a carrier to drop droids for ground assault like the Basilisks or large quantities of the Skytroopers. The space carrier variant will be loaded with swarm ships, small unmanned fighters with an explosive warhead for suicide attacks. We are looking into possible hyperspace capable swarm ships to up the potential damage. It is going well and we should be at prototype stage within a year." Eliza said and Haron nodded in acceptance as if you were going to do this then you do it right.

"Good work, any weapon that gives us an advantage is worth exploring. However, there is a piece of news that I am excited to share with you all." Haron said with a smile, turning the meeting onto more pleasant topics. "Recently my people discovered an asteroid with a small amount of beskar within it. While it was only a small amount, we hoped that by tracing it back to its point of origin we might find more and after years we have succeeded." Haron told them.

"And what did you find?" Amili asked eagerly and the others all looked on intently. Haron smiled before finally telling them.

"A planet roughly the size of Concordia. It has no atmosphere but buried beneath its surface are vast deposits of beskar just waiting to be dug up." Haron told them knowing this was going to send morale through the roof as not only could they improve the purity of their own armour but increase the number of armoured suits they had significantly.

He was not disappointed as excited mutterings started straight away, even Ijaa looked happy for a change as he knew what this discovery meant for their people. They controlled the only source of beskar in the galaxy and it would be put to use in making new armour for their people. Their warriors would nearly double in number and be ready to fight for their people in any future conflict.

- x -

Later that day hopefully one of his last duties before he could head back to Coruscant Haron stood in front of the restrained Black Sun Vigo. The Falleen male was fearful and in great pain as he looked at Haron who glared at him while holding his hand in front of him.

Haron was actually using the Force to pull information from his mind, it was dark side technique and far more painful for the subject and Haron did not like using it but it was he thought reluctantly very effective.

Already he had discovered how their information networks worked and some of that would be very useful to them in the future once they had converted and taken over them. He now also knew many of their smuggling tricks which likewise would benefit their intelligence networks. Finally, the location of some of the supply caches and hidden credit accounts, he had already sent teams out to retrieve them and would prove useful in restoring Mandalore and keeping the planet going while the work to rebuild and develop the planet. It would take at least five years to complete the shipyard fully but it could be operational within two.

He had thought about going after the Hutts and Pykes for their role in the invasion but decided they didn't need more enemies and the other Vigos of the Black Sun would be wary to cause them trouble after what had happened.

---

Reijar, the Ordo System…

Ara was now back home while Haron remained on Mandalore to clean up the mess of the recent invasion and to get things going there. Already the city was mended with the extra manpower of the refugees and work on the shipyard was moving ahead at a decent speed. The factories on Iokath were working quickly to produce the modules needed to build the shipyard, one that would encircle the entire planet much like those on Kuat or Ringo Vinda when they were completed. It might take years even with the large number of workers and the vast number of droids they were deploying but it would be a great asset for both their economy, military and even planetary defence when it was completed. Their droid factories were working overtime to make more worker droids and Skytroopers not to mention some of the Basilisks.

Smaller docks would be thrown up in the meantime and eventually joined with the larger structure when it was ready so they could at least repair their ships there but for now she was dealing with the new ships that would one day make up their fleet.

Standing in the command centre of their own capital ship, the Atin first of her class she looked at the holograms of each ship they were tested.

"We are ready to proceed Duchess." The ship's captain told her and she nodded.

"Then begin at once, we need to make sure these designs are suitable for our future fleet." Ara ordered and the captain went to give the other ships their orders.

She watched as Gladius-class Heavy Corvette moved into position. A crew of hundred. Armed with a mass driver cannon it fired solid projectiles that could punch straight through enemy shields and through thinner hull plating before exploding inside. Two light turbolasers and a laser point defence system for defence but also two missile launchers. It was much more resource intensive design than the Crusaders but they could serve as potential lead ship for corvette squadron.

But they have other benefits, they had an extensive sensor and monitoring suites which made them excellent as a support ship. For jamming they were excellent alongside spying, monitoring and other similar tasks she was a brilliant design.

It proved that as it took apart the targets that had been set up for it, setting up the next ship they were testing.

The Halberd-class Missile Cruiser.

With a crew of 300 this ship was exactly as its name suggested, while it did carry a medium sized turbolaser cannon and a laser point defence system it was the six missile launchers it had which gave the ship its real punch. Capable of varying yields they could launch a powerful barrage at large and small targets at a distance. Their engineers had even managed to come up with a stealth system which would only make this more deadly, it could run 'Silent' reduce any energy, heat or other emissions to nearly nothing so it was near invisible to enemy sensors. Perfect for ambushes.

Combined with their existing ships both would be lethal in their hands.

The ships performed very well Ara noted and turned to look at the last four Dreadnaught-class vessels who on her orders had been modified. They had much of their heavier weapons removed and a Null Cannon installed instead along with a secondary reactor. Now they had more ships with the useful weapons that were sturdier rather than the previous rather flimsy frigate and with the second reactor would be able to recharge and shoot again much faster.

---

The Jedi Temple, Coruscant…

"So it is with great anticipation that we name the newest Jedi Master to the Council, may they serve with the same distinction that is not only expected of their new position but the same dedication and integrity that they had displayed to be considered for this position. Master Tsui Choi, please take your seat." Mace Windu said to the Aleena Jedi Master who was taking the seat formerly held by Master Adi Gallia. Her cousin Stass Allie had originally been up for the seat but to avoid suggestions of favouritism Master Yoda and others on the Council had decided to name the more experienced Aleena Jedi Master to the position.

"Thank you masters." Tsui said with a nod before walking over to his new seat on the council. It was a good choice they all thought, Master Choi was known for his calm and measured personality. Not approving of violence, he was renowned for his insight, diplomacy and wisdom which would hopefully bring some more balance to the Council and to the Jedi Order overall. He was a voice of reason that Master Yoda in particular felt was much needed on the council of late.

"Perhaps now that we are once again a full body, we might discuss the spreading Anakin Skywalker's rather aggressive teachings." Luminara said abruptly, not caring to wait for Master Yoda or Master Windu to speak as was customary on the council. The apparent arrogance of her interruption brought some looks of disapproval from some of the more traditional masters on the council.

"When it was just him and his apprentice the damage was contained, but now more Jedi are following their example and recklessly abandoning their self-control and embracing dangerous emotions." Luminara said not even caring to wait to bring up her point. As a relatively new member of the Council being only a year or so into her time and on a temporary seat at that it was seen as bad form to try and lead the meeting like this but she didn't seem to care. The other masters even those that agreed with her on the matter of Skywalker looked off put by this and frowned not that Luminara seemed to care.

"Many issues need to be discussed Master Unduli." Master Windu said with a cold stern look in his eye. "When the Council has addressed them in the right order then we will speak on this matter." Windu said, a firm rebuke which Luminara didn't seem to acknowledge but she did stop and fall back into line.

This made many council members look at the Mirialian Jedi and wonder if they had been right to name her to the Council although that was only due to Depa Billaba refusing the position.

However, for the sake of the meeting it was put aside so they could get on with things before finally getting back to the matter that Luminara had brought up at the beginning.

"This spreading of Skywalker's teachings is already wide spread enough." Master Tinn said with a deep frown on his face. "Nearly two dozen already and those outside the Order are starting to notice the division. This is something that we cannot tolerate, outsiders doubting the Order."

"You mean outsiders thinking those that follow Skywalker are better than you Master Tinn?" Master Tsui Choi said rather plainly, proving his insight as he saw through to the route of the problem. Tinn's ego was bruised by all the praise they had been getting as opposed to him. "We have all seen the holonet news reports, Skywalker's Jedi if we wish to refer to them as that are proving themselves far more capable than they were before adopting his techniques. Perhaps we should look at the supposed evidence of their corruption rather than just say they are a danger to the Order and assume they are a threat?" Tsui said with a probing look in his eyes.

On the council less than a day and already proving your value, Master Choi. Yoda thought privately to himself with a slight smile. Ruffling the feathers of those like Master Tinn who love the sound of their voices too much. Some looked ready to argue especially Tinn and Unduli but Yoda raised his hand to silence them.

"See we shall, just what these teachings bring about." Yoda said and activated the holoprojector in the centre of the room which fell into silence as they watched Skywalker's Jedi in action.

On Aargonar they saw Bultar Swan with the grace of a dancer move to avoid blaster bolts while quickly throwing rocks and debris at the Separatists droids as they tried to advance on the base. The rocks hurtled like deadly projectiles while she moved in what looked like a carefully choreographed dance to avoid blaster bolts being fired at her while the rocks cut deep swaths in the enemy lines. On the odd chance a blaster bolt did find its target Bultar simply held her hand out and absorbed the shot with no harm to herself. Her skill at Tutaminis having grown considerably.

And what was more impressive, she did all of this with her eyes closed.

The clones cheered as the droids, taking too heavy a loss withdrew and Bultar finally opened her eyes and smiled at her men who were chanting her name.

It stunned those who knew the young knight and knew she was loyal but not that she had become so much more skilled and perhaps much more powerful. Her old master Plo Koon was sat down with the mask he couldn't live without but his approval of her was clearly there for all to sense.

On another world Ferus Olin, Tru Veld and Darra Thel-Tanis were working together. Moving in unison they carved their way through a droid force before advancing on the enemy camp and capturing its leader. Their clones singing their praises as they took the leader into custody.

The next recording came from a star cruiser as Jang Li-Li and Jax Pavan fought their way onto a Separatist ship and cornered one of Dooku's Dark Acolytes Wiffa Zett before defeating her a quick lightsaber duel. That same acolyte was now in the Temple's holding cells till they could decide what to do with her.

Then there was Dendro who managed to infiltrate a mountain top fortress with a handful of clones through a cave system that he discovered with the force before capturing the entire facility.

Axton Tredway and Ranik Solusar in space managed to lead their fleets to a great victory over Sullust.

Rune, leading Aqua Troopers to destroy a Separatist shipyard.

The Council was silent as they watched these actions, any of which merited mentions in Jedi Archives. If they continued to be exceptional like this some of them would likely become legends in this era but it was the matter of who was inspiring them.

"They are venturing close to the dark side with this embracing of their emotions." Master Mundi said but Master Kenobi who was still on slightly thin ice with the Council after his recent unauthorised mission to Mandalore interrupted.

The fact it had made someone that a good number of the Jedi Council thought of as an enemy, Haron Ordo the ruler of all Mandalorian Space didn't help either. A thousand worlds now were at his beck and call with a fairly powerful military force and they wondering if the old wars of the past were coming once again. Better that Ordo was here so they could kill him if they had too Mundi thought and recover that stolen lightsaber at the same time!

"I think it is far wiser to try and accept that you have emotions and channel them towards a purpose than deny them all the time and have to fight against your own nature." Kenobi said, in no mood for this consistent idea that emotions were bad frowning at Master Mundi. "And I would think that someone who lost his temper and attacked the Military Advisor to the Chancellor and effective Field Marshal of the Republic in the Miliary Command Centre in front of everyone has little room to complain about others who are handling their own emotions much better." He said, reminding them all that Mundi had caused a very delicate incident when he had attacked Haron Ordo in the Military Command Centre.

"Since they began to deepen their connection to the force and use their emotions to strengthen themselves the morale of the Republic has soared. They are improving the confidence of the clones and others wherever they go." Kit Fisto said with a considering look on his face.

"The Republic Propaganda Office is making great use of their exploits." Plo Koon said with a sound of distaste of such things but knew its value. "They are painting this as the new generation of Jedi, a return to the legendary heroes of the ancient past and public opinion of the Jedi has begun to improve considerably. From an all-time low we are now far more trusted than before."

"You mean they are." Shaak Ti said with a frown.

"Exactly." Luminara said, trying to push her point. "The public opinion will change like the wind and tide but having these renegades, many of whom are not ready to be called Masters or even Knights in some respects representing the Jedi Order is far from our best interests."

"That is a curious statement for you of all people to make Master Unduli." Tsui Choi said, re-entering the debate. "For someone who has yet to allowed her apprentice to take the trials."

"Barriss is not ready." Luminara said quickly, not liking being called out on the fact that when the last group of Jedi padawans were to take their trials she had prevented Barriss from being included even though she had been selected. "She has much to learn."

"About…being you?" Tsui Choi said with a slight turn of his head as if in disapproval. "Because as far as we can tell she has already exceeded your skill with a lightsaber and the force. She is a highly skilled healer and knows our code well. The only thing left that you might have left to teach her is how to be you in every situation. She must be allowed to develop her own way of doing things or we might as well just replace the Jedi Order with clones or droids." He said sadly.

"I am afraid I must agree Master Unduli." Master Windu spoke out. As someone who was very much a traditionalist but also bucked convention in his own way, he was caught between both viewpoints but agreed Luminara had little more to teach the girl and was now holding her back. "At the next opportunity Barriss Offee will be given the chance to complete the trials. We need more capable knights and she is a prime candidate." He added.

Luminara looked ready to argue but the hard look from Windu quelled any dissent and she frowned before falling silent.

"These new Jedi, a dangerous element they might be." Yoda said sadly. "But helping the Jedi Order they are. Making people trust us again they do. A precious thing trust is, hard to build but easily broken and we must not do the enemies work for them. As long as break the Jedi Code, they do not. Stop them we will not." Yoda declared.

The surprise that Yoda of all people would sanction potential rebellion stunned many on the Council, Yoda himself was remembering that trying to suppress ideas often only led to them going underground and spreading. Feel it in the Force he could that this was a good thing and had he been younger and less set in his ways he would likely be trying to follow their example. But he was far too inflexible Yoda thought to change how he did things now.

"Master Yoda I cannot allow this!" Master Mundi said loudly as he got to his feet followed by Master Tinn. The silence in the room was total as the two senior masters stood there facing Yoda. Master Windu and Master Kenobi who were certainly the most loyal to Yoda on the Council looked ready to stand and face these two themselves but Yoda with a suddenly rather cold look in his eyes gestured with his hand for them to stand down. Yoda himself didn't get to his feet, he stayed sitting but, in the force, he began to channel his power actively, letting it fill up the room with the great strength he had not just got naturally but from all of his centuries of experience. The air began tense as did the other Jedi as they all felt the Grand Master's great power and many were glad to be sitting down as it would have been difficult to stand otherwise. Tinn and Mundi tried to resist but their will was nowhere near as strong as Yoda, nor their power as great even combined. They fell back into their chairs and went silent as Yoda with only the force alone had put them in their place.

- x -

In a lower chamber of the Temple the Council's fears of Anakin's ideas spreading appeared to be justified as Master Tuwan welcomed six new students.

"I am truly glad that you have decided to explore our way of the seeing the force and yourselves." Tuwan said with a warm smile as his new students; Anise I'Zak, Rivi-Anu, Serra Keto, Bol Chatak, Ausar Auset and Sia Jeisel sat before him feeling very much like padawans again.

Anise who had always had a problem with her temper, using curse words to try and relieve any pressure without expressing any negative feelings she had more openly. So, she was hoping this might give her the ability to manage her feelings better. Rivi-Anu who had only recently passed the trials was desperate to get out into the galaxy and do what she could for its people after being passed over for a military position.

The others meanwhile had been curious upon seeing the results Skywalker's group had achieved and how their connection to the force and their abilities had grown, wondering if this training was truly the reason for it and what it might do for them.

- x -

Walking through the corridors of the Temple now the meeting had ended Master Yoda and Master Windu were on their way to attend to their own various duties but had an important matter to discuss.

"Hidden away some of our relics and holocrons we have." Yoda said once he was confident that they couldn't be overheard. "But nothing have we done to ensure the Sith and dark side items do not fall into Sidious's hands." Yoda said with a grim look on his face. They had some incredibly dangerous objects of the dark side locked away in the Temple and while ensuring their own relics survived was important it was also important to secure the darker objects they held.

Mace Windu nodded in agreement, the collection they had was dangerous and the sort of thing they couldn't just leave for him to claim if he somehow got his hands on the Temple.

"Destruction might be a potential option." Mace suggested wondering if it might be better to just destroy them all before then reconsidering. "But the tomes and holocrons are a useful source of information."

"Agreed, but made secure they must be." Yoda said wishing he could be sure of destroying them but they were potentially useful sources of information for the future and a release of that much dark side energy might be dangerous if they were all destroyed. "Hidden they must be, somewhere the Sith cannot sense them or be easily found."

"But where?" Mace asked, wondering just what could mask an aura as strong as all these relics would create.

"Think on this we must, find somewhere that the Sith will not look for them." Yoda said knowing if he and Mace could put their heads together, they would find a solution to this.

Going their separate ways Yoda went to deal with the next matter demanding his attention before he would go and help teach the younglings, by the force Yoda thought sadly he wished he could do more of that. But if those younglings were to have every advantage in the future, he had to make sure they had all he could give them he thought or rather all he could preserve.

Reaching the hanger bay a freighter was waiting with building supplies loaded aboard on an apparent mission to deliver these supplies to Outer Rim worlds, however the cargo hid another more important load beneath it.

A copy of the temple's incredibly accurate and detailed star map of the galaxy, more holocrons, some of their special healing fire crystals, relics of the now extinct Dahgee & Ermi Jedi Sects, a good amount of liquid monetary assets and some of their most prized art and relics that hadn't already been moved. That and also relics from their storehouses on Phateem and Obroa-Skai which he had decided to move since while he was fairly confident that they were secure he had a feeling they weren't and wanted be sure.

Three Jedi stood ready to take this precious cargo; their leader was Tosan, a Zygerrian which was a very rare sight among the Jedi but she was completely trustworthy. Eekar Oki was the next member of the team, a slightly more common sight but still rare he was a Mon Calamari and a solid Jedi. The last member was a Kadas'sa'Nikto Jedi Knight named Onli Shi'en. The team's pilot and a good survivalist so he rounded them out well.

"Greetings, glad I am that you are willing to accept this mission." Yoda said to the small group. They all bowed in respect before Tosan said.

"It is an honour master, but why have we been selected for this mission? Surely a simple delivery mission would only need one of us or could be entrusted to others outside the Order?" She asked, confused as this seemed rather over the top to have three Jedi escorting a bunch of building supplies.

"Far more than that are you carrying." Yoda said with a slight smile. "Entrusting to you I am the transport of many valuable artefacts and data to Ossus where safe it will be. Chosen you have been to join the exploration of our ancient home and preserve it." Yoda finally revealed and they all looked shocked at this. Not only where they transporting some of the most important objects held by the Order but they were being sent to the ancient home of the Jedi to aid in restoration efforts there.

However, they were not so keen on being stuck there for what they could only presume to be years when a war was raging. Also, there was something else bothering them and Eekar couldn't help but ask about it.

"Master. Why all the secrecy? Surely the resettlement of Ossus would be an effort for the whole Jedi Order to commit itself too even with the war going on." Eekar said and Yoda's ears dropped a little and he lost his smile before telling the reason for all the secrecy.

"Worried we have become that the Jedi may no longer be able to trust the Republic and that the Sith may already have ears in the Order." Yoda told them grimly which shocked the three Jedi at the mere idea of the Republic turning against them and that the Sith may be spying on the Jedi. "Preparing a place for the Jedi to flee too should it be needed we are. Ossus will be our haven should it be needed but hope we do that when things improve, open we can be about it." Yoda told them, despite knowing in the back of his mind that this was very unlikely however much he wanted to hope against it.

The three Jedi seemed to accept that due to their faith in him and bowed again before smiling.

"It will be done Master Yoda; all we carry will be taken to Ossus and we will commit ourselves to rebuilding out Order's home there. I hope you will visit us there." Tosan said and Yoda managed to smile again. Her hope and joy at such a mission was welcome but he was still concerned and realised as he explained the situation that putting too many things on Ossus was as dangerous as keeping everything and everyone here.

Putting all your eggs in one basket Yoda pondered as the ship took off. The Sith were aware of the legend of Ossus but he was hoping they would believe the devastation was too extreme for anything to survive. However, that was folly Yoda began to realise, feeling older as he knew more would be needed if the Order was to have the best chance of survival.

His hidden group had been making good progress over the course of the last few years and managed to establish a number of hidden temples for the Order should they be needed and were currently on Masposhani and rebuilding the ancient Jedi Training Centre in the caves there. Once done with that he would Yoda decided steer them to a much bigger project. There was a world that the Jedi had ensured was removed from all known galactic records or any that couldn't be destroyed had listed the planet as so badly damaged it was unstable and too dangerous to visit when it was in fact quite pleasant to ensure the powerful force vergence there was not used by the Sith.

A strong vergence that could mask their presence, was cut off from the wider galaxy and unknown/thought dangerous to nearly everyone Yoda pondered. The perfect place for the Jedi to build another larger temple or just rebuild the existing ones to house a backup for the relics and Archives in case Ossus was lost.

Another big project Yoda thought wondering how long before the rest of the Council became suspicious of him. Mace Windu already had but at least had the sense to understand and support such moves. Others he doubted would be half as understanding and would demand to make such things public.

Yoda sighed a little, wishing for the days when the Order had been of one mind and one will, not so divided by internal politics as it was today. It almost made him wish he could just step down as Grand Master and go into retreat as several other Jedi had done to be alone with the Force or maybe go to Ossus to help there but he knew with a heavy heart that his duty was here, steering the increasingly difficult and imperilled Jedi Order through the war.

- x -

The Senate Building, Coruscant…

Palpatine was sitting in his office, pondering over the situation that was developing with not only the Jedi but the Mandalorians as well. Everything was still on course towards his ultimate goal and nearly all the pieces were in place but a few unexpected wrinkles had begun to emerge in the plan.

Maul's plan to invade and conquer Mandalore had ended in complete failure which was a surprise but not an unwelcome one. Truthfully Maul was becoming such an annoyance that he had thought he would have to go and deal with him and his beast of a brother personally but thankfully that hadn't been necessary. He was glad to see the failure dead and no longer a threat to his plans. But his cold enjoyment of the situation was stifled by the fact that Haron Ordo had now formally become the leader of the Mandalorians.

Ordo was he considered dangerous, his skill at war was enough that even Palpatine was weary of allowing him such power and wondered if he needed to be eliminated.

The Jedi were what truly concerned him the most though, Anakin founding a faction of likeminded Jedi within the Order was a surprising move and more so that he would train them to act much more effectively. Tales of their bravery and great deeds were spreading and so to was public opinion of the Jedi. It had been on a downward trend for a while now which was very beneficial for his plans when the time came to eliminate them. But now at least some of the Jedi were getting praise and adoration from the public.

That he couldn't allow, Palpatine thought with anger at the disruption but grinned that Barriss Offee would soon stop that trend.

Still since Haron Ordo would soon be back on Coruscant it might be time to deal with him. Palpatine thankfully had the perfect cover for this, his assassins would of course be hired by the Separatists trying to undermine the Republic's war effort. Making sure that the Mask of the Mandalore and the Darksaber were kept by him for use later. In time they would prove useful in taking over Mandalore and installing a puppet of his choosing there.

- x -

A Month Later…

"Cheers." Haron said as he sat in his favourite chair at the Marisa Club, the premier private club of Coruscant. Opening its doors only to the rich, influential and the powerful it was the most exclusive membership on Coruscant. Half the senators in the galaxy couldn't get in here nor many other people with money. Only those with all three and a lot of it could get in through the door.

Upon his return to Coruscant he had been sent an invitation to join the club as a member, apparently having a large credit account, control of over a thousand worlds and being a key figure in the war cabinet got their attention even though he wasn't a citizen of the Republic which was usually required. They catered to your every whim here and while he would never cheat on Ara many had the best prostitutes brought here to serve them in whatever why they wanted in its private suites. The games room had boards with all the business trading across the galaxy stock market and major sporting events where bets were placed between members if they choose. Fortunes were made and lost in this room.

His first day here he had been challenged by a rather wealthy business man who had actually posed a wager on a pod race on Malastare. He had bet Haron a large sum of credits while the man had bet shares in a munitions production company Krupx Munitions. Haron had been about to refuse but realised this was some sort of rite of passage he had to do, so he had placed his bet (with guidance from the force obviously) and won. The man hadn't even seemed bothered by the loss of the shares and in fact had said he would enjoy winning them back next race. Haron knew he was very wealthy so could even buy them back if he wanted but the company certainly wasn't in trouble so there was no rush to get rid of them.

So, on his first day he had gained shared in a fairly successful munitions company and already was making useful connections. Such as the men sitting at the table with him, enjoying some rather fine Corellian Whisky. The Whyren's Reserve batch NN182. The cost of which was the equivalent of a brand-new light freighter per bottle.

His toast was echoed by his 'drinking buddies' for the night and some of the few senators he was friendly or on speaking terms with. Garm Bel-Iblis from Corellia, Giddean Danu from Kuat, Bail Organa from Alderaan, Zafiel Snopps from Corulag, Meena Tills from Dac and Yarua from Kashyyyk who was strangely a cousin of Grahuur.

Having some contacts among senators was always a useful thing especially now as he was regarded with a great deal more fear by most of them than he had been before. He had a number of star systems under his control before but now he had over a thousand with an army of his own at his back. It terrified some and made others consider him a threat. Haron had known this was likely and hence why he was now trying to make some more genuine contacts to make him aware if anything was being done against him.

The club was perfect for this as the senators that came here were extremely well connected and many used the club as a place to relax in privacy away from the prying eyes that followed them all wherever they went. It was also a place where information could be obtained which all of them greatly valued.

Knocking back the rest of their drink light conversation flowed between the group as they sat down at the expensive carved wooden table. Haron himself was debating some military matters with Garm Bel-Iblis who was an exceptional tactician himself and one Haron enjoyed speaking too.

"I honestly just hope that when this war ends, we do not find ourselves too deep within another." Garm said with a look on his face that said while he was genuinely hoping it was so he doubted it. Haron nodded before adding.

"So do I, while you and I are quite a home in war I do not want my children to grow up in it." Haron said, his greatest fear being the day that his children would have to fight themselves. They were still little but soon he knew they would be grown and off to fight on their own. It filled him with a cold dread that just settled in the pit of his stomach.

He knew it was unavoidable but that day he hoped with all his soul was far away.

"Nor mine my friend." Garm said as they drank. "I just want what is best for Corellia."

Haron nodded and added. "If so, perhaps we might be of aid to each other in the future if it should come to that."

"That would be a good thing for both our people's." Garm said and Zafiel who had been talking with Bail and Giddean told them.

"No more talk of the war. We are here to enjoy ourselves for once." The man said, eager for peace and fun tonight. They all nodded and went on playing card games and talking for much of the night.

- x -

The following morning Haron awoke before dawn and began his morning ritual.

After a small breakfast he did his meditation and physical exercises before practicing with weapons for over an hour before donning his armour and with his guards heading over to the Military Building to get to work.

The room was in its usual state of organised chaos as multiple fronts across the galaxy were monitored and updated, orders and requests flying across the galaxy to and from here. A small army of clerks and administrators alone were needed just to keep track of where the equipment was being stored and where it needed to go.

Haron took a sip from his flask, knowing better than to drink or eat anything else as it was too prone to poisoning. He watched the various fronts and begun to form tactics and plans in his mind to deal with them.

Then an urgent alert ran across the screens as Haron felt a tremor in the force. He looked up, not sure what it meant or where it came from but soon everyone was stunned to see the image of the Jedi Temple with a plume of smoke rising from it.

Haron felt the tremor again, not sure why but knew whatever happened was potentially big for the future. He wasted no time and looked at the information displays, no outside ship had been near the temple at the time and while it was in the hanger there had been no reports of a fire or dangerous ordinance being held there.

So, the most likely explanation he realised, was a bombing.

Great he thought with exasperation. Clearly the Jedi hadn't learnt a thing about internal security.

- x -

A Few Days Later…

Haron had been spending a lot of time on Coruscant since the war started and of course had been here briefly years before but he had never actually been inside the Jedi Temple before. The reason being obvious that the Jedi disliked him intently but Anakin who had been called back from the front along with Ahsoka to investigate the bombing had invited him.

It wasn't a stupid move Haron admitted unwillingly as neither had been at the temple for a while before the bombing. Granted the Jedi were supposed to have investigators for this sort of thing but if it was an inside job and from what he had seen that was likely it made sense to bring in outsiders.

So Haron as he stood in the ruined hanger bay with Anakin and Ahsoka which was far from the grandiose area he had been expecting given the bombing which had left the walls blackened and twisted along with anything inside. Droids searched for clues among the ruined area.

"Do you really think a Jedi could be responsible for this?" Ahsoka asked with worry in her voice. Anakin and Haron both felt for the girl who despite all she had seen and done since being Anakin's apprentice was still very naïve about the galaxy and the people within it. Even after seeing Jedi desert and betray the Order she still had a hard time believing that any Jedi would do this to the Temple.

"Not every Jedi agrees with this war Ahsoka. Some leave the Order rather than participate and some we know change sides because of it. There are many political ideals among us." Anakin told her, not wanting to believe it himself but he was more grounded and knew it was entirely possible.

"But a traitor?" Ahsoka asked still deeply worried about the mere thought of it. Haron was the one that answered her that time.

"Perhaps who did this doesn't see themselves as a traitor. This could be some kind of statement of what they think is right. After all there are plenty of other places in the Temple this saboteur could have hit that would have hurt the Jedi worse. The Archives or the training halls where the younglings are for example." Haron said as he considered the target of the bombing and what that might say about the culprit, drawing on his old auror skills.

"Now there's a cheery thought." Anakin said with a grimace which Haron could understand but only shrug at.

As they talked to the droid who was in charge of surveying the destruction and then the survivors of the bombing Haron went over what they had found so far. Whoever it was had detailed knowledge of the Temple and its security systems and arrangements. They were able to identify one of the maintenance crew as a possible suspect when Haron received a call from the Military Command Centre.

"Field Marshal." The officer on watch said, calling him by his temporary rank. "The Separatists have begun a major assault on Rool'ix and General Grievous is leading the charge. We really need you back here sir!"

Haron frowned, Grievous had only yesterday been launching an assault on Rothana, a far more important target where a lot of manufacturing facilities for the military were. Not only that but three Jedi were there which for him would make it too tempting a target to resist. Then all of a sudden, he changes his focus to Rool'ix? A relatively insignificant backwater planet that was only used as a medical facility? Where there were no Jedi at all?

Haron immediately smelled a rat.

"Duty calls. Best of luck." Haron wished Anakin and Ahsoka who understandingly let him return to the command centre. As he rode the gunship back Haron couldn't help but think this was too oddly timed.

Like someone was trying to keep him distracted.

- x -

Two Days Later…

Haron sighed, the last two days he had not even left the command centre as it turned out Grievous had been playing a rather complex game…using different fleets in random bursts of fighting to throw Republic forces off so he could stretch them to breaking point and then properly invade. He had been forced to move from one battle to the next constantly until finally the offensive had been repulsed.

He was glad to be wearing his helmet as he yawned really wishing he could go and get some sleep but knew he should probably check in with Anakin first to see what he had discovered in regards to the Temple bombing.

He didn't get a response when he called him on the holo-channel, not so strange he might be busy but when he called Ahsoka he didn't get a response there either and he felt a tremor in the force again. Something was happening, he thought and it was bad but he had no idea just what. So, he called up the data net and looked for their location when he saw the bulletin that must have been posted while he was busy the day before.

Ahsoka was wanted for murder and treason.

At first, he couldn't believe it and was sure someone must be playing him but as he checked more deeply, he saw to his surprise that this was no joke and immediately tried to get more information. However, he then received a call from Admiral Tarkin.

"Duke Ordo, I see you have been looking into the case against Ahsoka Tano. This hardly a matter that concerns you and I would appreciate if you stayed out of the matter until it is settled." Tarkin said before ending the call rather abruptly. Haron frowned and thought for a moment that one day he would get a hold of Tarkin and make him suffer a great deal before letting him die but for now he tried to access the file to see just what was actually going on.

However, he saw that the file was restricted and he despite having one of the highest security clearances in the Republic was not permitted to see it.

And only one person could really do that…Palpatine.

So, this was one of his plans, was it? Haron pondered with a deep sense of loathing towards the man. At a guess Haron assumed this was to not only hurt the Jedi Order in some way but to hurt Anakin and increase his hold. The more voices Anakin had calling him to reason at least those he cared about the less likely he was to go along with Palpatine's plans. Ahsoka like Obi-Wan, Tuwan, Padme and even Haron himself was a threat to that and it seemed he was trying to attack Anakin's inner circle.

Which meant it was all the more important that he not succeed Haron thought and put his mind to ways that he might help Ahsoka now.

- x -

Ahsoka was feeling increasingly nervous, almost expecting to see clone troopers appear at any moment, she was looking for any information on who was behind the temple bombing but no leads seemed to appear until Barriss had alerted her to a call between Letta Turmond and this location. She was dearly hoping that maybe something here could lead her to the real mastermind behind this plot and clear her name she thought with anger at someone setting her up.

Ahsoka was very nervous as she could feel something in the force nearby, elusive she thought with frustration as she was unable to fully pin it down but she was certain that she wasn't alone here.

She only got a split-second warning before a snap hiss and turned, igniting her own sabers just in time to block an attack from behind. Twin red blades slashed at her and Ahsoka had to really work to block the attacks as they came alarmingly fast. Ahsoka started to draw on the force more deeply and started regaining some ground as the mysterious attacker kept up a relentless assault.

The lightsabers were ancient Ahsoka realised as she managed to get a good look at them, the metal was old but well maintained and the aura of the dark side around them was very strong, it was almost sickening. Ahsoka nevertheless kept up her defence and tried to counterattack but the opponent seemed to realise that this tactic wasn't working and leapt back on top of some nearby barrels and then used the force to fling them at her but Ahsoka who had much more intensive training from Anakin leapt around them easily and even managed to throw one back at the attacker who barely dodged it. The attacker's style was random and unpredictable, seeming a ferocious blend of Forms two, three, four and six. They crossed sabers again and while she was competent in Jar'Kai Ahsoka could feel she had little experience with it. The attacker seemed to realise this too and started flinging whatever was around them at Ahsoka who was kept busy dodging them.

The attacker wore a black jumpsuit, cape and helmet that completely covered their body which meant Ahsoka had no idea just who they might be. It was a female Ahsoka was fairly confident of that from their shape outlined in the suit. It too had a resonance in the force not unlike her own but much darker.

Who was this? Ahsoka thought as she tried to close the gap between them as the mystery fighter seemed to give up the fight and started running away.

Ahsoka was sure she this was her chance to get the answers she needed but as she ducked through an archway after her, she suddenly felt a warning in the force but it was too late. She jerked as arcs of electricity leapt out and crashed into her. She struggled but her mind and body were in too much pain to resist for too long and she fell down to her knees. Her attackers however kept up the attack and she was in total agony, able to see through teary eyes but unable to move. The attacker stopped before she tilted her head slightly and then simply walking away into the shadows. Ahsoka reached out an arm for her but it was unheeded as the electrical torture continued.

It was like her entire body was on fire and nothing she could do helped; she was crying out in pain but no-one answered her calls for help.

After what seemed like an eternity a blue light whizzed around her and like magic the electricity stopped, laying in the foetal position while twitching not recovered from the electrocution she had just endured. The final thing she saw Anakin standing over her with a look of deep concern on his face.

- x -

"Binders." Commander Fox said with snap and Anakin looked up, almost growling at him.

"She's no threat to anyone in this state!"

"She's a fugitive and prisoner." Fox said without any compassion or understanding in his voice at all.

Anakin didn't respond, instead he picked Ahsoka up bridal style after clipping her lightsabers to his belt before carrying her back to the gunship while Fox stared after him.

As they rode back to the Temple where his first stop was the medbay he looked down at Ahsoka who was still twitching from the electricity. Having been hit with that and Dooku's own force lightning before he knew how painful it was and she had been under for who knows how long? The fact she survived was a great achievement. He smiled proudly down at her and was now beginning to get very worried, the smile disappearing as he considered how much trouble she was in. The only good thing was that the military couldn't try a Jedi so for now at least she was safe. Especially he thought darkly as someone was out to kill her.

- x -

Haron later was enjoying some rest and trying his best to get some more work done before he suddenly managed to receive a message from Anakin.

Ahsoka had been exiled from the Jedi Order due to the circumstantial evidence against her which so pathetic that he honestly thought there must be so real jealous pieces of work on the council to do that so fast. She was out of the Order either way and was now about to be put on trial by Tarkin.

That was all kinds of wrong Haron realised, Tarkin was a command officer not a part of the Military Advocacy Office so he was not allowed to lead the questioning in a trial, only a properly licenced prosecutor could do that. More to the point it was a military court which was again out of order as Ahsoka while a Jedi had not been formally a part of the military and therefore now that she was out of the Order was not legally able to be tried by the military. It would have to be a civilian trial even with the charges against her.

Which meant Tarkin was turning this into a show trial to tear into her in front of the entire Republic and to hurt the Jedi at the same time. Moreso as a fresh barrage of committee meetings requests and more operation oversight requests came in Haron realised he was being kept deliberately busy by Palpatine and Tarkin so he could not interfere.

His disgust with the man was so palatable he could almost taste it and swore some kind of vengeance on him for all this Haron raged quietly to himself. Something nasty.

But first he had to help Ahsoka, his own personal code of honour would not allow this to happen. So, he immediately went to make a holo call. While he would not be able to help Ahsoka himself, there was something he could do. Something that might turn the whole situation around.

- x -

One Hour Later…

Ahsoka was sitting in the meeting area of the prison, bound to the table by binders and feeling scared and very alone right now. She wished dearly to be as far from here especially as a potential death sentence was hanging over her head.

The door to the meeting area opened and she saw to her great relief Anakin and Padme enter the room, she knew of their relationship but kept quiet about it. Regardless she just hoped they had good news.

"Ahsoka. Are you alright?" Padme asked and Ahsoka who was still deeply scared about her current trial almost snapped at her but restrained herself.

"I'm okay." She managed to say and she could tell by the looks on their faces, they knew it was a lie.

"We will get you out of this." Anakin insisted, trying to reassure her which she appreciated but honestly, she couldn't see how this was going to get better right now.

"Quite right Master Jedi." A voice said from the doorway. The all turned to see an Iridonian standing there in an expensive suit and a data pad in hand. He walked boldly into the room and stood across from them. "I' am Hart Gratek, your defence advocate. I have already filed an injunction to have this trial held in civilian court as you are not an active serving member of the military so you cannot be tried in a military court. It has been granted but your trial will only be put back a day I'm afraid."

"Wait. Hart Gratek?" Padme said as she knew that name. "You're one of the best defence advocates on Coruscant, we can't afford you." Padme said as while she did have money and had even been planning to defend Ahsoka herself she couldn't afford someone like Gratek.

"Someone hired me on a private retainer so until it runs out, I'm your man." Hart said with an easy-going smile. Anakin immediately was suspicious of this interloper but now that he thought about it, even he had heard of Hart Gratek. Only in passing but the man knew every single loophole in the legal system and had a lot of contacts. If anyone could help Ahsoka in that courtroom it was him.

"While I have a good case, I would appreciate you Master Jedi finding the real culprit as it would be exceptionally useful. While we can use the time the actual saboteur would be far more helpful." Hart said earnestly. Anakin turned to Ahsoka and Padme who nodded, letting him know they would be okay while he went for the real culprit, hopefully before the trial declared her guilty, he dearly wished he could kill Tarkin though dark thoughts running through his mind.

---

Republic Court Room, the Following Day…

The courtroom was a scary place as Ahsoka sat in the dock, the looks she was receiving from everyone especially Tarkin was enough to make her sick but she held her head high and refused to be intimidated by them. Padme who was sitting at the defence desk with Hart and his people gave her an encouraging smile which she returned and as her eyes looked to one of the view galleries around the room, she saw Master Kenobi and a few other Jedi sitting there. Obi-Wan gives her a sad smile which got him a glare from Master Mundi and a couple of the other Jed in the box but Obi-Wan gave them a glare right back which surprised her before he turned back and gave her another smile.

She couldn't help but smile back, Obi-Wan had not been in the chamber when she was exiled which was unusual for a council member and she could feel his concern for her. She appreciated that he cared even if he hadn't done much.

The judge settled in to his seat, a human she noticed in his later years.

"Advocates, please rise for opening statements." The man said with a stern voice. While Tarkin was apparently not able to speak for the prosecution he was nevertheless sat at the bench while another man stood there.

"Your honour." Hart said as he stood up. "My client has served the Republic faithfully and with great loyalty since this war began and has never given anyone reason to doubt her devotion to the Republic and its safety. We enter a plea of not guilty."

"Understood, has the prosecution anything to say?" The judge asked and the man who was a cold slimy looking toad of a man said.

"Nothing your honour. The evidence speaks for itself. This woman is a traitor to the Republic and her conviction will ensure the true cost treason is known to all." The toad said and sat down with a self-satisfied smile on his face.

"Very well, prosecution can present their evidence and then the defence will issue their rebuttal." The judge decreed.

"Very well your honour." The prosecutor said with a smirk on his face. "I call attention to her being found in the warehouse where the nano-droids responsible for the bombing of the Jedi Temple were discovered."

"Objection your honour!" Hart said quickly which made everyone jump. "There is no context to this comment. To prove my point, I will call Commander Fox to the stand."

"It will be allowed but only this once." The judge warned him and Hart nodded while Commander Fox who surprisingly was already here took the stand.

"Commander, you were with the party that found Miss Tano correct?" Hart asked and the Commander nodded.

"Yes sir, I was part of the team sent to arrest her."

"And what condition was Miss Tano in when you found her?" Hart asked him quick as a whip and the Commander like a good soldier answered while Tarkin's advocate looked nervous all of a sudden.

"She was being electrocuted by a series of small projectors and helplessly laying on the floor."

The jury nearby all blinked and started looking between themselves as if all startled by this piece of evidence.

"Is it normal for the Jedi to electrocute themselves to a near fatal level?" Hart seemed to ask the court and a few people shook their heads but Hart quick as a whip continued. "It says in your report that there was evidence of a fight having taken place there but only Miss Tano was found at the scene, correct?"

"There was some evidence that someone else had been there yes sir." Fox said.

"So, judging by the condition Miss Tano was found in I think we can all agree that Miss Tano did not win that fight and in fact she was disabled by someone and left there to be found or until she died. Not really the mark of someone who is guilty and furthermore no evidence exists that Miss Tano had even been in that warehouse before today and more to the point the purchase of those nano-droids was traced to someone on the planet Coruscant on a direct line to the company which is located on Draal Zix 3. Now when that order was placed, Ahsoka was on the other side of the galaxy fighting with her master and a few thousand clone troopers at the exact moment. So, it is quite impossible for Miss Tano to have ordered those droids."

Padme and Ahsoka looked on in surprise and even started smiling at how quickly Hart had started turning the case against her in their favour and did not know this yet but he was only warming up.

- x -

The Jedi Temple…

Anakin meanwhile was looking into which Jedi had been in the Temple the day those droids were ordered and it was he thought with a sigh a long list. Even at their busiest the Temple usually held at least two hundred Jedi minimum even if you discounted the younglings.

The good thing was Ahsoka had managed to let him know that her attacker had been female and around her height and build. That cut out a lot of potential options and narrowed down his search.

Still, he was dealing with thirty potential Jedi who fit that description but few ways to narrow them down. One had occurred to him though, how many were on Coruscant now?

That cut it down to ten.

The problem was that he just didn't have anything else that might narrow it down. Most of them as far as he could tell had nothing to do with Ahsoka, well except Barriss.

Barriss, he thought suddenly as he remembered a key piece of information that Ahsoka had told him earlier and it just hadn't registered until now. It didn't seem possible Anakin thought, the two of them had been such close friends but…He thought trailing off as he considered the depth of this and what it meant.

- x -

Republic Court Room, Later that Day…

"So, there is no evidence that Miss Tano had any prior contact with the saboteur." Hart said as he examined the communications expert he had brought in for the trial. The Selonian man just shook his head.

"None that I could find in either communication records."

"That is not evidence they never met." The prosecutor argued but Hart merely smiled and told the court.

"I never said it was, I just remarked correctly that the prosecution has no evidence to the contrary." Hart said with a smile, making the other side look like unprepared idiots in the process.

Padme and Ahsoka were amazed as Hart systematically took all of the supposed evidence against her and tore it apart making a case that had looked like a sure thing dissolve before their eyes. Tarkin was sitting there looking furious as his supposed show trial descended into the mire.

"Now, concerning the recording of Miss Tano supposedly strangling the saboteur." Hart said moving on to a special demonstration he had arranged with a certain Jedi Master in a brief recess just a few hours ago. "Now while this does go into the realms of mysticism there is a certain point that I feel must be made."

"And what is that advocate?" The judge asked him, actually intrigued at just where he was going with this. The prosecutor looked nervous as that recording was their best piece of evidence and if Hart managed to affect its value somehow, they might have to kiss goodbye to the whole case.

"That a Jedi doesn't have to be in the room to hurt you." Hart said which surprised all of them. "All they really need is a live focus on someone and they can affect them. Perhaps you might notice that I am currently hovering above the ground?" Hart said with a smile.

They all blinked for a moment and then looked to see what he was talking about and were shocked to see him floating maybe a few inches off the ground.

"No anti-gravity harness or jet boots. There is normal metal beneath my feet." Hart said enjoying this immensely. "Master Kenobi is currently outside the room and watching via a holo channel but with that image he can see where I am and focus the force to lift me into the air." Hart said and a screen projected the image of Obi-Wan standing outside with his hand raised.

"Thank you. Master Kenobi, if you wouldn't mind putting me down now." Hart said and he gently hit the floor. Obi-Wan then walked back in and gave Ahsoka a smile which she gladly returned, thankful he was on her side and seemingly willing to risk the ire of the council. Some of whom were glaring at him for participating.

"So, anyone who could slice or access the holo feed could affect the saboteur. They wouldn't even need to be within the room or even the Temple to do it." Hart explained before revealing a new piece of information his people had retrieved. "And the logs do show an intruder slicing into the holo at that moment the victim was choked." Hart said, showing the logs in question to the court which made the entire court look at the case with new eyes while the prosecution was sweating buckets.

- x -

The Jedi Temple…

Anakin was approaching Barriss's room and his body was tense with anger as he considered if he was right then she had betrayed not only the Jedi as a whole but even worse the only person the galaxy that actually cared about her. He pressed the chime and heard her speak from the inside.

"Enter." She called out and the moment Anakin entered the room he could sense the dark side. He was shocked a little but it only made his conviction that she was the true mastermind behind it stronger. He could feel the dark side coming from a vase behind him in the corner.

"Barriss." Anakin said with his hands behind his back but fully alert and ready for trouble. "I need to talk to you."

Barriss got to her feet and looked startled, Anakin honestly was impressed at how well she managed to hide the truth. She clearly had been hiding much from them all for a long time to be this good.

"Master Skywalker. How can I help you?" She asked in that smooth and elegant voice of hers as she stood up. It was strange he thought seeing her hair as she usually had it hidden by her hood but he pressed on.

"I was told you spoke to Ahsoka before she was arrested. What did you say to her?" Anakin pressed on and casually picked up Barriss's lightsaber so she couldn't use it in case things got nasty and to force her hand.

"We've been friends for a long time. I was only trying to help her. I hope I'm not in any trouble." Barriss said evasively which only confirmed his suspicion but he wasn't prepared to force the truth out of her just yet.

"It's no trouble." Anakin 'reassured' her as he continued to hold her lightsaber. "I just need to know what you told her. And if you told anyone else."

Barriss kept up the surprised act and her image of innocence which annoyed him but he kept a firm hold on his emotions.

"I thought I had a clue for her but I really couldn't tell her anything." Barriss said but Anakin interrupted her before she could finish. "Who told you I spoke to her?" Barriss asked suddenly a twitch around her eyes let him know she was nervous about it.

"Ahsoka, she said you sent her to the warehouse. That means you would have known where she was and that she was alone, just like the person who tipped me and Fox off to the warehouse." Anakin said, dropping any mask of indifference and letting the suspicion appear on his face. "But there's only one way to find out." Anakin said and ignited her lightsaber, swinging its blue blade in her direction while Barriss who had been edging back towards the vase the whole time summoned a pair of old looking lightsabers from them and into her hand. She ignited their twin red blades in time to block his strike.

"Where did you get those weapons?" He snarled at her as at last the truth was revealed. Barriss, now dropping her own disguise started smirking at him with bloodthirsty eyes.

"They're a family heirloom." She said which confused him but she tried to force him back with a kick but he evaded it and then kicked her hard, so hard she flew back and the door collapsed outward sending her flying into the hall. She then the moment she recovered started running while Anakin followed still with her saber in his hand.

They left the living quarters and he managed to catch up to her in the grander one outside the training grounds. They reignited their weapons and resumed fighting, she was Anakin noticed skilled with Jar'kai, employing acrobatics of Ataru, jabs and thrusts from Makashi and elements of Soresu as well. He however was familiar with all those forms and easily used his own Djem So to counter.

"Ahsoka trusted you and you betrayed her." Anakin said enraged at her which Barriss just snarled back.

"I've learned that trust is overrated. The only thing the Jedi believe in, is violence." She snapped back but Anakin wasn't going to let her off the hook that easy. As they crossed sabers again, he argued back at her.

"You could have framed anyone. You could have spoken out. You could have left the Order. Instead, you betray the only person in the galaxy that actually cares whether you're alive or dead. Someone who risked her life for you!" Anakin said before blasting her back with the force. Barriss wasn't expecting the attack and was thrown back against the wall. Anakin was soon on her again but she managed to recover and block his strike before managing a kick but he shrugged off.

She danced around with her sabers slashing out at him but he blocked each of her strike and when she tried to get above him for a downward strike he waited till the last moment before moving and then letting her land. She tried to use the force to throw him off balance but his force wall was prepared and shrugged off the attack. She tried to run seeing she was outmatched but Temple Guards appeared at either end of the corridor.

"Cease hostilities." The lead guard demanded and they all ignited their double yellow bladed lightsabers. Barriss, seeing she was now trapped looked to the nearby window.

"Barriss!" Anakin yelled as she smashed the glass in hopes of escape but he and the Temple guards were right on her tail. Now outside on a ledge just above the exterior training ground where he could see Master Sinube training a group of younglings in saber combat, their duel resumed.

It was he thought a strange mix of Jar'Kai, Ataru and Makashi she was deploying against him, leaping around only to then launch a jab and parry his blows before lashing out with a kick. Anakin with her saber still in hand however easily managed to hold her off, drawing more on his emotions and superior training.

However, she did eventually manage to land a kick on him and send him flying down to the courtyard below. However, he managed to roll back onto his feet in time to hear one of the younglings call out a warning as Barriss leapt down in an attempt to end him. He blocked the strike and then kicked her in return. Now they began to trade blows again but now Anakin had her trapped in the courtyard as the Temple guards blocked all the exits.

Barriss continued to launch her slashes and jabs but Anakin was now in full stride and began to batter away at her defences, getting close enough to grab her wrist with his synthetic arm and squeezed hard. She winced in pain but he didn't care, it was too much and she dropped one of the sabers. Now with just one she couldn't keep up the barrage of attacks especially as the Temple Guards were closing in.

Anakin battered away at her defence and she was now visibly exhausted, not able to keep up with him before a quick burst of the force Anakin threw her against the nearby tree. She hit it hard but her struggles to free herself from his grip were futile.

- x -

Republic Court Room, An Hour Later…

The courtroom was calm while Hart finished speaking to his latest expert, a criminal profiler who had outlined a profile of the sort of person behind the bombing and comparing that to Ahsoka. In short it was completely against her nature to do something like that and the profile didn't fit at all.

The jury were already swaying towards Ahsoka and the prosecution was desperately doing anything it could to cast doubt on her character.

Hart meanwhile was able to show that the supposed evidence only was damning if you thought her guilty already. From a neutral standpoint it meant nothing.

Then as the judge was about to call a recess so the jury could break for their deliberations Anakin accompanied by four Temple Guards entered the room. All eyes turned to him as he walked into the room and called out to the judge.

"Your honour. There is new evidence and a confession that clears Ahsoka Tano of any blame in these events. The true culprit…Barriss Offee. Member and traitor to the Jedi Order." He said to chamber, stepping aside so the court could see Barriss surrounded by the Temple Guards and bound.

Most of the court looked among themselves in surprise at the intrusion, the Jedi in the viewing gallery looked astonished but Ahsoka was far more shocked than any of them.

"Barriss?" She asked genuinely confused and hurt, not understanding and thinking this couldn't be real but as Barriss spoke, her façade of confidence faltering a little under the pressure of all the eyes on her. She felt herself being pulled forward by Anakin whose eyes were like raging blue blaster bolts aimed straight at her and fear filled her again as she stepped forward.

"I did it." She admitted, her voice trembling as she spoke. Anakin's eyes still burning a hole in her head made her continue speaking. "I bombed the Jedi Temple, because I've come to realise what many people in the Republic have come to realise."

She was about to make her assertion that the Jedi were the ones responsible for the war but instead she found herself unable to speak, her nerve gone as Anakin took over speaking for her and his presence in the force grew, terrifying her with its strength. It was like looking into the sun she thought with fear going straight to her bones.

"Because you lost faith in the Jedi. You believe us, rather than the Sith like Count Dooku are responsible for this war. That we by fighting to protect the Republic we are straying from our true purpose. In that last part you may be right, but never did that give you the right to murder people. People that did not harm to anyone and then betray the only real friend you had simply because you were jealous of her for her freedom and greater power and purpose." Anakin said, forcing the truth unclouded by whatever agenda she wanted to push into the light. His force presence making Barriss almost cower from him and she found herself unable to lie.

Her head fell and she could only nod. Ahsoka's face fell as her heart broke with the fact that someone that she had considered her best friend had betrayed her and tried to have her killed to cover up her own crimes. Her heart felt like it was being ripped from her chest.

The Judge looked at her with a searching look as did Tarkin before the judge looked at Anakin and Barriss before making his declaration.

"Well, in what might be the understatement of my career…Ahsoka Tano in light of this new evidence I hereby declare you not guilty on all charges and order your immediate release." The judge said and Ahsoka despite her trial finally being over and the obvious relief of being declared innocent, she had been shaken to her very core.

- x -

The Jedi Council Chamber, The Jedi Temple…

The Council assembled in their chamber with surprisingly Haron and Hart present too, something that irritated the Jedi present no end. Haron as he looked out of the window had to give it to the Jedi for finding the best view on Coruscant. The Temple was grander than he expected but he shrugged. What business was it of his how the Jedi decorated their temple? He could however feel the force very strongly here, the light side especially as centuries of occupation by the Jedi had left their mark on the site.

He was so distracted by this he nearly didn't hear Hart approaching him and offered him a hand.

"Thank you, Mr Gratek. Your services are truly exceptional." Haron said and Hart nodded while the Jedi looked on in confusion at what they were talking about.

"It was pleasure sir. Not many can say they had represented a Jedi in court. But why did you pay for Ahsoka's legal defence?" Hart asked with genuine curiosity which stunned the Jedi, Anakin and Ahsoka especially. Haron smiled a little as he told them, turning to face Ahsoka as he did so.

"Because in all my travels around the galaxy I have met many people, among them killers who enjoyed killing. I knew from the moment that I met you Ahsoka that you were no killer." Haron said with honesty. He had known true monsters in both his lives and the young woman in front of him was no monster.

Anakin and Ahsoka both looked touched by his actions and Anakin smiled before shaking his hand.

"Thank you. I had thought you abandoned us." Anakin said with a slightly guilty at thinking that of him but Haron waved it off before getting serious.

"I tried to intervene but I found myself being locked out of this affair. Someone was making sure that I couldn't interfere." Haron said coming to heart of the matter.

"Tarkin." Ahsoka said but Haron shook his head.

"Tarkin is just a puppet. Whether he knows it or not he is a pawn in a larger game." Haron told them getting to the heart of the matter. The entire room suddenly became serious and Hart looked confused.

"The Sith." Yoda said with a pained look in his eyes. Haron nodded.

"This is part of a larger campaign, targeted at those Anakin cares about to weaken him." Haron said with complete seriousness and hoping that Anakin might realise just how much he was being manipulated. Anakin himself was stunned and looked worried as did the Jedi in the room some of whom like Mundi looked at him with scorn.

"This trial." Haron said starting to list the various attempts. "Letting Maul run free so he might destroy Master Kenobi. The bounty on Senator Amidala's head and the ambush at Balmorra. Among others. Whoever is manipulating events wants these people out of the way." Haron said trying to make him aware of the Sith plot so he could see through the lies.

They were all silent, Anakin especially as he considered that those who he loved were being targeted by the Sith.

"But back to the matter at hand." Windu said now wondering if the Mandalorian knew more than they thought he did. "Padawan Tano, you have shown great bravery during this ordeal and stayed true to the ideals of the Jedi Order. This was your trial." He said and offered her the padawan beads she wore before they had taken them off her.

For a moment she reached for them but then hesitated. The indecision seemed to confuse the Jedi and Hart but Haron could see the expression in her eyes and knew what was coming.

"Sorry Master." Ahsoka said sadly before saying like this was the hardest decision of her life. "But I'm not coming back." She said and turned to leave the room. The rest of the Jedi all stared after her but Haron feeling a sudden push in the force to act spoke up.

"Perhaps Ahsoka, if you aren't going to return to the Order, I might be able to help you." Haron said quickly.

Ahsoka with tears forming in her eyes turned and asked him bitterly.

"What can you do to help me?" She would normally have not responded to him but after he hired one of the best defence advocates on Coruscant to help her she supposed she owed him that much.

"By offering you a job." Haron offered which made her blink in surprise along with the others in the room. "With my own workload only increasing and more duties at home I need an assistant. It won't be the most exciting job but it will be paid and put a roof over your head. Give you some stability till you decide just what you want to do with your life. It will even keep you close to Anakin so you can continue your training with him if you both wish it." Haron suggested, knowing that if Palpatine was trying to corrupt Anakin, keeping Ahsoka close could only help prevent it.

Ahsoka looked shocked and unsure but the look in Anakin's eyes encouraged her to do it and she honestly had nowhere else to go. No home to return to or family, few friends outside the Order. This was a good thing for now she realised and it wouldn't be forever she thought, just till she could decide what she wanted to do with her new freedom.

"I accept." Ahsoka said and Haron nodded with a smile back on his face.

"We cannot allow-" The voice of Saesee Tinn shouted in anger. Mundi at his side nodding along with others on the Council who felt the same as them. Among them was Luminara Unduli and Haron lost his temper at their arrogance.

"You cannot allow!" He interrupted shutting all of them up. "Allow a perfectly free young woman to take a job like countless others across the galaxy? What makes you think that you have any say in the matter? Ahsoka has only left the Order because you were so stupid that you took everything at face value and allowed yourself to be manipulated by a mere padawan gone rogue right under noses!" Haron said with disgust the sheer incompetence they showed not to mention their disloyalty.

"How many actually voted not to expel Ahsoka? Who actually had the intelligence to see through all the rancor dung to the truth? Not Unduli clearly since this is all her fault!" Haron said and the master in question looked up startled at suddenly becoming the centre of attention. Haron turned his glare at her and let her know exactly what he thought of her.

"How could you not notice what was happening to Barriss?" He asked her but did not wait for an answer. "There would have been signs! Chances for you to notice the clear mental trauma that led her to this! But you were so smug and superior that you denied her any kind of connection, believing you were better than anyone else for your detachment. Trying to mould her into your own clone rather than actually open your eyes to the sort of person she was. Instead, you tried to force her into becoming someone else and pushed her away, pushed her to this! She fell to the dark side and you didn't even notice! How could you be so blind?" He asked her and she just couldn't seem to answer. Haron shook his head as did Hart who was now rather forgotten in the background while the other Jedi looked ready to defend Luminara Master Yoda raised his hand and said a single word.

"One."

"One what?" Haron asked not sure what Yoda was referring too.

"Only one master on the council voted not to expel Ahsoka. Master Kenobi was the only one to take her side." Yoda admitted sadly. He and Mace had believed the girl was innocent but knew starting a rupture with the Republic was too dangerous right now. Master Plo too looked ashamed or at least they could feel it with the force as he too had done it rather than risk breaking with the Republic. The others had believed the circumstantial evidence or preferred not to insert their own opinion if they didn't.

Ahsoka and Anakin looked to Obi-Wan and blinked, not able to believe that he had defied the council for her but suddenly felt a rush of gratitude as at least he had not abandoned her.

But when Master Plo caught her eye, Ahsoka just looked away from him…not able to look at him in that moment and they could all feel the pain that flowed between them. Their once warm and strong bond seemingly breaking before their eyes.

It was never a good thing, they all thought when your heroes let you down.

"I will step down from the Council." Luminara announced suddenly. Her voice small and broken as her usual arrogance had left it. The other Jedi looked on in surprise and she told them. "I have disgraced the Council and the Order as a whole. I clearly cannot handle a padawan, so I will not train another but I will see if I can help Barriss. I…I did this, I am responsible and I need to make it right." Luminara said before walking out of the room.

They all watched her leave and Haron turned to Yoda and said plainly to him.

"Whoever replaces her on the Council will need to help root out any others like Barriss and Krell. If the Jedi are to have any hope of redeeming their reputation in the galaxy these kinds of betray have to stop."

"Master Tholme. Take the vacant seat on the Council he will." Yoda said, the Council looked alarmed for a moment but Mace nodded in agreement. The legendary master and contemporary of Qui-Gon Jinn, he also a skilled spymaster who had collected much information on the Separatists so hopefully those skills would enable him to find those in the Order that would betray it like Offee and Krell did. He was a maverick and had trained Quinlan Vos who was a much greater maverick but a stern and capable Jedi all the same.

"Good, if he can ensure internal security within the Order then Anakin you must lessen any damage Barriss has managed to cause." Haron told Anakin who blinked before asking him.

"How?" He wasn't sure if they could do anything about this with all the Jedi's nasty secrets blowing in the wind.

"Easy. You need to make a statement." Haron said with a frown.

- x -

"While myself and the rest of the Order are shocked at her behaviour, we are not going to prevent it from us doing our duty to defend the Republic." Anakin's hologram said to the reporter. "The Order needs to be better and we will be, those who will betray not only the Order but the Republic will be caught and brought to justice."

Palpatine watched, infuriated as his plan had not worked as well as he had hoped.

Yes, the Jedi's reputation had taken a strong hit but the foolish girl hadn't used the right words and worse Anakin had managed to blunt most of the damage with his statement. Anakin had come out looking like a paragon of virtue and as such he was now becoming far more popular within the Republic which would not be a bad thing when the time came to strike and his popularity would aid his rise to power but right now it was working for the Jedi.

The fact that Tarkin had failed so miserably in the trial did not exactly help either, Tano needed to go. She was far too much of an influence on Anakin and could derail his plans if she was to interfere at the wrong moment. But Tarkin had completely failed and worse made an enemy of Anakin. He had a place for both of them in his future Empire and them being at each other's throats was only going to cause problems.

Ordo too was becoming a problem, the reason the legal case had fallen apart so quickly was because of him and his influence on Anakin was becoming troublesome.

So, he and Tano would need to be eliminated, soon he thought darkly.

- x -

Back in the Jedi Temple, Yoda was frowning as he sat alone with Mace Windu in the Council Chamber both deep in thought.

"To a dark place this event has taken us." Yoda said sadly, they had lost two young Jedi with great potential today. One had left the Order due to their own actions and the other had become a killer and betrayed them all. The fact the Order had taken a battering in the public arena didn't register as much as that.

"And it may well get darker before the end." Mace Windu said, feeling that he had let the Order down by letting this happen. He should have been more alert to people like Offee after what had happened with Krell not to mention other Jedi that had defected over to Dooku since the war began. But he thought with almost self-loathing he had been too complacent and now things had become worse for the Jedi as a result.

"I just hope Tholme is up to the task." Windu said before Yoda made a strange request of him.

"Make a holocron you should." Yoda suggested and Mace blinked in surprise. "As should I, record not only our triumphs but mistakes we must so future generations, make the same mistakes they will not." Yoda said, he had known how to make a holocron already but had never done so. Perhaps it was time he thought to himself. It might take a lifetime to completely fill it but they should ensure a record of their thoughts and experiences survived them.

Mace Windu nodded, accepting the wisdom of his senior colleague. The door to the chamber opened and the two masters turned to see the ancient Jedi droid Professor Huyang.

"Masters. I thought I should let you know I have identified the two lightsabers being used by Barriss Offee." The Professor informed them. "They were not constructed by the Jedi Order as you believed, they were in fact a creation of the Sith. Specifically, a family of Sith during the New Sith Wars. Stretching back two thousand four hundred years they terrorised the Jedi for a thousand years till the last member of the family Belani Syy'in disappeared while on Umbara. We have an image of her that I thought you might want to see." Huyang said and used a holoprojector that was built into his body to show them the image. Both Jedi were surprised at what they saw.

The image was of a young woman, a Mirialan to be exact dressed in a black fabric outfit with leather jerkin, heeled boots and a red belt. She had an express of reckless abandon as she was swinging two sabers around, which looked identical to the two that were in the lab being examined right now. But what was most disconcerting thing, what was disturbing two Jedi Masters was that it was that the face was identical to Barriss Offee.

"Skywalker did say that she called the sabers a family heirloom. Do you think that she might be a descendant of this Sith?" Windu asked and Yoda frowned before saying.

"All have a past we do. Part of hers, this could be. Further investigation we will need." Yoda said, pondering this latest development.

- x -

In a private room of the Jedi Temple Master Tuwan was meditating privately to himself as he considered recent events but also the training regime for the new recruits. Some other Jedi had been making discreet enquiries about joining their group as well so he had to consider just who was genuine and who was not.

But the door chimed and he broke his meditations as a familiar force presence appeared at the door. With the force Tuwan opened the door and saw Anakin who looked shattered step into the room. Tuwan had already heard what had happened and put a comforting arm around Anakin. Anakin leant into it and asked him.

"Could I have done anything to prevent this?" His voice was low and tired which Tuwan shook his head at sadly before reassuring him.

"There was nothing you could have done. In life I am afraid there are things that happen beyond our control. Ahsoka was betrayed by someone she considered a friend and that was it. Everyone can lose faith at least once in their life. Mine was when the Sith in one of the battles of the Great Hyperspace War killed my family." Tuwan said with a sad look in his eyes. Anakin looked at him with shock never having known that.

"How did you cope with that?" Anakin asked, not sure how the wise and compassion master who he had honestly nothing but respect and admiration for could experience such a tragedy and still be such a compassion person.

"It wasn't easy." Tuwan said with a sad smile. "I raged and nearly fell to the dark side myself; I honestly couldn't understand why it happened. Then as time went on, I learned that it was just the chaotic nature of life itself. The force might guide us but whether we listen to that advice is up to us. The force didn't kill my family nor did I with anything I had done. The Sith did that and while I cannot forgive them, I will not waste my time and energy on them. Letting them become your focus for things like vengeance merely lets them continue to influence and dominate your life. I had to let go of my hatred and despite it coming back every now and then I do my best to honour my family with my deeds even now." Tuwan said with his smile growing warmer. "Those feelings are still a part of me and I can use them to become stronger by driving me forward as can you."

Anakin wasn't sure how Tuwan could deal with that and still be sane, to lose so many you cared about and still keep going. He had been a mess after his mother died and had Padme not been there, he would likely have completely broken down.

"Then while I might hate Barriss for what she has done, I won't let her dominate my thoughts." Anakin said, taking the advice to heart and realising just how much negative feelings he kept close to him. Frustration, anger, fear…like against Count Dooku for taking his arm or the Jedi for all the insults over the years among other things. He was still letting them rule his life and his time by holding onto that.

He was letting them rule his life, letting them take his time and energy. He wouldn't forgive them, no but he didn't have to give them anymore power over him. He could still use the feelings they had created in him, but no longer would they rule him.

Anakin felt a tremor in the force, he wasn't able to tell whether it was a good one or not but he certainly felt better than he had before coming in.

Tuwan feeling Anakin was more at ease nodded and told him.

"Maybe we could look into restarting the Jedi Mind Healers? They were a specialist group among the healers that dealt with matters of the mind and trauma. Something that sadly disappeared when Odan-Urr's code came into effect and the Jedi stopped trying to deal with their emotions and suppress them instead." Tuwan said with a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Anakin nodded immediately, knowing that many Jedi could benefit from speaking to a professional mind healer especially with everything they saw and did in the war. Himself included Anakin thought and reassured himself with the knowledge that Ahsoka wasn't gone from his life. She was still around and here if they needed to speak.

"Maybe you should make a holocron of your own Master Tuwan." Anakin suggested with a smile of his own. "Wisdom such as yours should be preserved. You've certainly helped me."

"Perhaps." Tuwan said simply. "Perhaps but I thought first you might like to see just who will be hopefully joining your little sect of Jedi."

"They're not my Jedi." Anakin objected quickly. "They are themselves as Jedi."

"Good, we must celebrate not just what is the same but what if different but either way they will be learning to expand their horizons." Tuwan said with a proud look in his eyes.

---

Dooku Castle, Serenno…

Count Dooku was feeling rather proud of himself as he did what he had never dreamt of doing in a million years…constructing his own holocron.

He had been ready to wipe out the Mahran species and a Jedi Master Chubor with them when the Aleen Jedi Master had made an offer. Spare the people and Chubor would teach him the secret of building holocrons which the Jedi had apparently rediscovered.

Even though Dooku had not let the Jedi or his clones live he had kept up his word and let the Mahran refugees live even if he took their planet from them.

So now he was constructing the holocron, knelt deeply in meditation as the holocron formed and he imprinted his consciousness on to it. Letting his memories, feelings and knowledge flow into it. His eyes being closed he couldn't of course see it but he could feel it through the force and knew when he was finally done after what seemed like an eternity.

He opened his eyes and summoned the holocron to his hand, they widened as he saw that his own holocron was very different to what he had expected. Instead of a pyramid or a cube or the very rare dodecahedral, his new holocron was spherical in shape. It was easily the size of a thermal detonator and had a changing array of colour in its core.

Dooku blinked, not sure if he had done it right or if Chubor had lied to him but somehow though he just didn't think that was the case. Casting his mind back there had been such holocrons in the past though they were rare. He held it in his hand and felt the dark side within in but also the light which surprised him. However, he was then disturbed by a voice that seemed to echo on its own, so distant he could barely hear it.

"Master." It said, Dooku strained but could not make out just who it was speaking. "Master."

Then it disappeared as if it was never there but left the Count feeling unsettled. Something that had become more pronounced as Haron Ordo had been named the new Mandalore and unified his people. The fact that could bring the Mandalorians into the war against them honestly had terrified the Separatist Parliament and he had needed to sooth their nerves. He was himself concerned as he would be a target of theirs but his master had assured him that Ordo wouldn't be a problem for much longer.

---

Night Sister Enclave, Dathomir…

Asajj Ventress, now alone in the galaxy had no real idea just why she had come back to Dathomir.

Mother Talzin had left this world and all her sisters were dead, the enclave which they had called home was laying abandoned and scarred from the assault where Grievous had wiped out the sisters in his usual cowardly way. Even now Asajj felt the hatred in her heart burning at the mere thought of that monster. She was disgusted to have ever even worked with him under Dooku.

Dooku, she thought with a sneer, another person she despised. One who had promised to teach her and let her have her revenge on the Jedi. But he had betrayed her too.

Ky Nerec…Master, she thought with an old pain and grief coming back to her. Where did I go wrong? She thought with misery. How could I have brought this to happen? She thought as her footsteps echoed at the now forlorn looking chamber. How could I have strayed so far from everything you worked so hard to teach me?

Maybe she was just looking for answers, just looking for a reason…something to live for. Asajj thought with desperation. Being a bounty hunter was not enough for her and she needed to have some purpose in her life.

Maybe here she thought she might find a sign of what that was supposed to be.

As sudden sound made her look up in surprise and saw a small form in the distance running out of the enclave. Asajj, wondering if grave robbers had come to pillage the enclave was enraged and took off in pursuit. The force was her ally as she quickly followed the small figure, the force guiding her to follow them even when they disappeared from sight and finally with a skilled leap, she managed to get in front of the little interloper with her twin sabers ignited and held threateningly in front of her.

That was when her world stopped as she looked down at a child.

A child with grey coloured skin with natural markings on her face, with silver hair kept in a messy bun and with brown eyes. Dressed in red robes. A child that stared up at her with confusion and fear.

Asajj was stunned, Mother Talzin had told her no-one remained but right here before her was a Nightsister, a young one but a Nightsister all the same.

"Are you here to kill me?" The girl asked in a terrified voice.

Asajj was struck by the question and realised she was holding her sabers at the throat of one of the last three surviving Nightsisters in the galaxy if she included herself. She quickly shut them down and held out her hand to the girl.

"Never, I didn't know any of the sisters survived." Asajj told her quickly. The girl didn't take it immediately and stayed lying there for a good while as if judging her before finally taking the offered hand and getting to her feet. "What is your name?" Asajj asked and again the girl hesitated before finally answering.

"Merrin, you aren't going to kill me…sister?" The girl said noticing that Asajj had the same markings as she did and the silver hair that she was keeping short on her head. Asajj felt a great deal of pain at the idea that the girl was actually looking at her in terror. Once when she was with Dooku she would have relished that which now she felt disgust over.

"No sister I am most definitely not." Asajj told her trying to smile for the girl. "Where are the bodies of the dead?" Asajj asked, part of her wanting to make sure they were laid to rest properly now she wasn't having to flee from the droid army.

"I…I buried them." Merrin said with grief filled eyes and Asajj again felt a great deal for the poor girl who was so young and yet had to deal with such a gruesome duty.

"Well…Merrin, you are not alone now and neither am I." Asajj said with a new confidence managing to smile for the girl. "We are going to look after each other and I will teach you what I know."

"Will we kill the monster?" Merrin asked with sudden eagerness. "The one that killed our sisters?"

Asajj was brought up short by that. While killing Grievous would be a great pleasure she knew it would next to impossible to even get close to him not counting all his dirty tricks like he had pulled when they fought on this very ground. Just because she had been getting the upper hand, he had ordered his army to fire on them. He was a true coward she thought with disgust and just hoped he would die like one.

"Maybe, maybe not. We cannot tell the future sister but I will make sure that whatever we face we will do it together." Asajj said to her new apprentice with a smile. This was the purpose she had wanted so much! She thought with genuine joy, protecting this girl! Teaching her all she knew and helping her survive.

It was a far better cause than any she had served in the past she thought with a sense of satisfaction. As Ky Nerec had once taken her in and trained her when she was at her lowest Asajj thought with pride, she would do the same for Merrin. She would teach this girl to survive and honour those that she had lost. She could have sworn in that moment she could sense Ky Nerec smiling down at her.

I will not let you down again Master, Asajj swore to herself. She would do his legacy justice.

---

The Great Library, Ossus…

Rachi Sitra was having the time of her life.

As a Jedi she was never supposed to enjoy anything and maintain a calm even emotionless state but the discoveries she was making where so incredible she just couldn't help herself she thought with joy.

Already she had discovered many scrolls and tomes they had thought lost forever and even more exciting they had just managed to penetrate down to the holocron vaults. So far only one had been breached but inside was a holocron the Jedi had been missing for nearly four thousand years and was older than just about anyone they had currently, the Ductavis Holocron. The holocron of the Jedi Grand Master Biel Ductavis who twelve thousand years ago had helped to end the near thousand yearlong Pius Dea Crusades, ending the human centric movement that had tried to drive aliens from their worlds so humans could take them for themselves. Once the crusades had ended, he had become the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, soothing the wounds caused by the crusades and ensuring peace across the galaxy while stabilizing the Republic.

He was one of the most greatly revered legends in their order and now at last his words might be heard again.

And that she thought was probably just the beginning!

The holocron vaults, being underground and heavily reinforced to deter thieves had managed to endure the devastation while protecting what was inside. The vaults were extensive and should lead to many more discoveries soon Rachi thought with excitement. All the help Master Yoda had sent them was being very helpful and now they had managed to excavate the archives they should be able to store the new objects they had coming in.

However, another big discovery was waiting for her in the next chamber.

The chamber had managed to come through reasonably intact and she was wondering just what might be inside when she saw a large terminal in the centre of the room.

It was strange looking as there wasn't any control console or panels that she could see, resembling a large table with three ports on it. It was connected to three box units behind it. All were covered in dust but wiping some away she saw it had a bronze golden finish.

She stared at it for a moment and wondered if she had seen it before somewhere, realising that was ridiculous but maybe an image somewhere. It took her awhile but as she finally managed to wipe away the dust and debris that covered it, she realised what it was she was looking at.

It was a Noetikon Terminal. One of only two ever built.

She gasped having seen pictures of the other similar terminal in the archives back on Coruscant, one part computer and one-part holocron it was an extraordinary device created to work with three special holocrons. Holding a vast amount of information, they acted as a guide to help those who needed their guidance. A holographic council of nine members. It was one of the most incredible pieces of technology ever created.

She only wished she thought with a sigh that they still had the Noetikons.

The other console had been destroyed and the three Noetikons stolen by Darth Desolous during his turn to the dark side over 3500 years ago. It had been a heart-breaking loss to the Jedi but no search as of yet had revealed just where Desolous had hid them.

Before the Clone Wars she had actually been a part of a large-scale expedition to Yaga Minor in hopes that one last search of Desolous' former base would finally reveal the fate the Noetikons but it had ended in failure, although they had discovered Desolous had left one last taunting message saying the Noetikons were in fact intact but that he had hidden them on a world forgotten to the Jedi.

That had left the search almost dead in the water as they had no clue as to which world to even start on. Some in the archives continued to explore options for where they might be but with the war on it would take years before they could even begin a proper search.

So, although the Terminal was a great find, it was currently useless Rachi thought sadly. Trying to improve her mood as a study of the terminal might let them create other such devices in time.

---

Earth, Wild Space…

Luna was sitting in the grove she had created near the ruins of Hogwarts, waiting patiently while her students travelled into the ruins of what had once been her school.

During the thousands of years since the devastation of Earth all the ambient magic in the castle had formed kyber crystals here and in a number of other locations that had been rich in magic. Diagon Alley for example and so she had brought her four most advanced students to harvest their own crystals to not only fit inside the vambrace to aid their magic but also a crystal for a lightsaber as all four had decided to build one.

The force was strong here she thought with a pleasant aura swirling around her, allowing the students be tested. Much like the Jedi Gathering they had to face their worst character flaw and overcome it, however unlike the Jedi she would not discard people if they took longer to complete it, she thought. Some would take longer to achieve it but given the chance they could do it. That might be naïve but she wasn't going to just cast people aside for failing a test that was very challenging.

That was another thing Luna hated about the Jedi, how easily they discarded people who they deemed failures. Late bloomers or those that took far longer to face their true selves didn't even register in their world. Never mind that they might still be able to complete the training and contribute just because they didn't do it on the Jedi's timetable or succeed the first time they would be thrown out or put into their service corps.

Luna however did not let her mind dwell on that and instead the discovery buried under what had once been Gringotts. Despite being thousands of years old some of the goblin's magic was apparently still hanging around their vaults making her wonder how much more advanced they had been them in the area of runes and enchanting. They were at least on par with the ancient Sith and Jedi if not better Luna thought impressed. The vaults had offered little of value though except one, a potioneer had a vault with their book collection and ingredients preserved by goblin runes.

That meant they had access to the recipes of old Earth and a collection of ingredients that could now be either cultivated or create synthetic substitutes created in the lab. Even better with modern equipment they could engineer it with greater precision and purity than would have been possible on Earth. Some would need to be modified by their bioengineers and chemists to work for different species but there were many potentially useful potions now within their reach.

Something of their old home she supposed before delving deeper into the force.

She smiled as images came to her through the force; back on Reijar the Mareks celebrating the birth of their daughter Mila who Luna could tell would be as powerful as her older brother while Hannah and Neville welcomed their second son Alexander into the world. She sensed their joy and it made her sad for a moment that she hadn't found someone herself yet.

Speaking of that though she saw Deera and Zara laying together discussing maybe trying for a baby soon. In nature that wasn't possible but with special procedures they could actually conceive a child of both of them.

Then she saw Haron giving Ahsoka Tano, Skywalker's apprentice an emerald green and dark grey dress with a similar coloured skirt, black tights and boots. She had vambraces with connected to fingerless gloves in the same colours which had phrik plates rather than beskar as despite working for a Mandalorian now she was not one of them and therefore could not use beskar.

Seeing this Luna was almost knocked from her meditative state as there was a strong tremor in the force. Something had changed she realised; something now had disrupted the flow of things in the future. The destinies of many people had been shifted as a result into a new direction.

What she had no idea but something she thought with concern had changed. It echoed back a little she realised, sensing this had begun around the time of Maul's Invasion of Mandalore but it concluded here and then echoed into the future.

However, while this could be a good thing it might also be bad thing she thought with a frown. There was no way to tell which until it reached its boiling point.

She sighed, knowing they were stumbling blind here but she just hoped it was enough.

The sight of her four best students emerging from the ruins with a small crystal in hand each however brought a smile back to her face.

"Caz, Roon, Makla and Reli congratulations. You have all past the trial and faced not only the test but yourselves." Luna told them with pride.

"Caz. You faced your fear of failure, come what may we can only do what can do. Whether we fail or not is something we cannot truly control, we can do it or we won't." Luna told the tall human woman with short red hair and a cheeky smile. Caz had a cyan coloured crystal.

"Roon. You faced the danger of assumptions, seeing that you have to see with your mind as well as your eyes in order to find the truth." She told a Duro male who folded his arms and bowed formally to his teacher. Roon had yellow crystal.

"Makla. You who have always felt you were never as strong or as skilled as your peers. Now you see that you are not them and the only way to reach your own potential is to accept you are your own person, individual and a part of the whole at the same time." Luna spoke to the Kage male who looked a lot lighter, as if he had finally cast off a weight that was holding him down. Makla had the viridian crystal.

"Reli. You had to truly accept that you are not alone and are a part of a wider community, that you can't do it all by yourself and that you need to accept the help of others sometimes." She told the last of the group, an Asian looking woman in her mid-twenties who bowed to her teacher, now more balanced within herself. Reli held a purple crystal in her hand.

"Well done to you all. When we return to Reijar you will learn from Kento Marek how to build your sabers. Until then, think on what you have achieved and be proud of yourself. You have all taken a huge step forward." Luna told them with a smile.

The four were all full of excitement and eager to return home to complete their own weapons, Luna was glad of their joy as it calmed her own worries. A welcome relief in a time were things seemed so uncertain.

---

Coruscant Opera House, Senate District...Later that Night…

Haron had never been one to enjoy the opera, he knew many did like it and he would never begrudge them that but he personally found it boring. Real life had always been more interesting to him than fiction, maybe because of the fact it was real and the opera was just a performance.

However, when the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, your employer and a secret Sith Lord invited you it was not only bad taste to refuse but also dangerous.

So Haron sat with Palpatine and his inner circle, staring at the strange mass of colour in the centre of the large hall while music, loud and haunting played. It was Haron admitted with some surprise very moving in its way.

Haron found himself enjoying it a little, he wondered briefly if the Chancellor did too or perhaps this was merely a part of his cover. I mean, Haron thought privately to himself, what did a Sith Lord actually enjoy? Torture? Killing people? Gaining power?

Maybe those were just stereotypes, especially as Haron knew Palpatine was easily the most dangerous Sith Lord since Darth Vitiate, the Sith Emperor of over three and a half thousand years ago.

Many times, he had considered just attacking Palpatine to force him to reveal his powers but he could feel in the force that was a bad idea. He didn't know just how powerful he was or if it would even work rather than just bring the Republic down on his people before they were ready.

As the show finally ended, they all got up out of their seats. Haron turned to the Chancellor.

"I bid you goodnight, Chancellor, we will have much work to do tomorrow." Haron said with nod, Palpatine nodded with his customary smile.

"Indeed, my friend, it seems our work is never done. Good night." There was something creepy about the way Palpatine said it and Haron felt a tremor in the force. One that usually meant danger.

Haron warily walked out of the opera house with his guards, all of whom were as on edge as he was. He had sent the silent signal to their Tactical Eye Displays to let them know that potential ambush was coming. A scan of the speeder they had been planning to use let them know it had been sabotaged to crash and take all of them with it so instead they arranged for a couple of air taxis to take them back instead but although the speeder had been discovered they remained on their guard.

Soon they arrived back at 500 Republica and landed on the balcony but again the force spiked and Haron put his arm up to stop them going in. They all understood, territory ahead is dangerous and we need to move carefully.

They slowly advanced, Haron behind in the initial two as he was the one that they were meant to be protecting. The silence was eerily but as they activated their thermo vision a distinctive snap hiss filled the air. Three figures appeared out of the gloom with red lightsabers in hand and cut down one of his guards straight away while the other one was faster and jumped back in time to avoid the blade.

Haron was now furious as they had killed one of his people, Dee a more grounded and experienced warrior who had been with him for years. Haron quickly pulled the Darksaber from its holster on his back and ignited, the black and white blade appearing quickly with its lightning arcing fiercely. One of the assassins tried to swing at him but he easily blocked the attack and the lightning was surging wildly. The assassin seemed surprised and scared by this but Haron did not let him get used to it as he immediately started attacking with the strong cleaves and power attacks native to Form 5 which instantly put the assassin and one of his colleagues who thought attacking him together would work on the back foot.

While Haron was dealing with the first two, his guards surrounded the third who found himself on the edge of a furious barrage of blaster fire, one that came so fast from so many different directions that his limited skill couldn't keep up and although his outfit was top of the line body armour it wasn't able to fully protect him. He felt the sting of each blaster bolt as it hit him and he struggled to keep going swinging his lightsaber around wildly but the Mandalorians had the sense to stay back while using their repulsors to force him backwards and then one of them hit him in the hand and out of reflex he dropped his lightsaber.

It clattered to the floor and then another of the guards hit him with a blast from his flamethrower. The acolyte screamed as his body burned but he wasn't dead…not yet. They stopped the flames when they were certain he was disabled and secured him for questioning. One of them even picked up his lightsaber as a trophy.

Haron meanwhile was dealing with other two. He found their Form 2 was fairly competent but not in any way masterful or experienced. Not to mention against him it was the worst form to use and he had many hours of practice fighting lightsabers from duelling with Anakin and other fights over the years.

He had, unknown to them more experience than these two combined.

The fact he could fight them both on equal terms startled both assassins who were soon struggling to deal with the pain in their arms from the strikes Haron was delivering, with so much force that it was like trying to carry a half a tonne on each arm.

Then one of them launched a rather foolish forward jab but Haron easily countered it and launched a devastating counterattack that finally broke through his poor defence and allowed Haron to slash him clean in two at the belly.

The man survived this for a moment but where Haron had sliced through contained some important organs and he couldn't survive without them.

The remaining assassin was suddenly terrified, he feared his master too much to ever flee and be punished for failure as his master delighted in finding the most painful and humiliating ways to kill you. But at the same time, he was scared of facing Ordo. His master had assured him that the force was far greater than any weapon the Mandalorians had but now he was the only one left standing after a short but brutal fight.

Haron didn't give him a chance to answer as seized him with the force, the assassin alongside his bound teammate rose off the floor helplessly. The assassin was so stunned he couldn't speak as he realised that his master had failed to tell him that Ordo was a force wielder. Was this a test? He thought with fear, one that he had failed?

The worst was yet to come as they discovered Haron was not a light side force user, but someone in the middle who studied a much broader view of the force…including the dark side.

Haron brought the two men before him and began channelling his anger and disgust of them to do what he needed to do. Something he had learned from Revan's holocron, Drain Knowledge.

He violently and forcefully reached into both their minds and started pulling any information that might be useful out without any thought to how much it hurt them. To their relief however it only lasted a moment as Haron made a truly annoying discovery.

These three were just low-level acolytes, the bottom of the food chain and had no useful information in their heads. They didn't even know where the safehouse was on Coruscant as they were to be picked up by another operative an hour later for operation security.

Haron could wait for that one to show up but he doubted they would once their master realised that they were dead if he didn't already.

Without wasting a single moment, he simply snapped their necks with the force. His guards felt a little fearful but also intrigued as no Mandalore had ever had the power of the force before. The Jedi and Sith's greatest weapon, one that had been their bane for centuries was now in their hands.

Haron did pocket one of their sabers even if it felt pointless. He would check it for bombs or tracking devices along with the others before turning to his warriors.

"Dispose of the bodies. Ensure that Dee is prepared for transport back home. Full honours. He did his duty; he deserves that much." Haron commanded and his guards jumped to follow them. While they did, he turned to the Coruscant skyline and looked at the Senate building in the distance.

'So that's the stage we're at, is it? Sidious?' Haron thought to himself as he considered the fact the Dark Lord of the Sith apparently deemed him worth killing now. Sending low level acolytes could be seen as a test but he doubted it. No Haron thought with a frown on his face. This was no test. Sidious wanted him dead or at least out of action long enough for something.

Which meant the time for Sidious's endgame was getting closer. Soon they would know if they had done enough.

---

There you are, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and so let me know what you thought with a review.

If you want to see what Ahsoka's new outfit looks like it is basically the same as her season seven combat outfit Bo-Katan gives her but in Ordo colours instead. The next chapter will be an original one.

Mandalorian Words = Ja'hailir - Observe, watch over.

More Review Responses from the last chapter…

BlackWatcher1234 - Gears of War? Not sure since I am not as familiar with the fandom but I will have a look and see.

RagnoktheViking - Interesting. Will have a look at the CIS designs.

Merkarion - Did they? I couldn't find a creation date for them when I did the research. Haron is perhaps as strong as Anakin maybe? But that is with his full arsenal including magic. He might be able to increase his strength but he only has so much time. You see how some Mandalorians feel about in this chapter and while some would be put off they would enjoy seeing the supposedly unique weapon/tool of the Jedi and the Sith in their hands at last. They know about Earth but only Luna will really have a reason to visit it, Earth is the past to them and they want to move with the present. This story will hopefully span all the way till Return of the Jedi so that will be twenty-four more years or so in the story of course. As for Kal Skirata? He will make an appearance soon.

ironspike68 - Thanks!

Writingperson - I think you mean Yoda but I get the point. I have thought about Ood Bnar but what is his state right now? Can he talk? I don't know hence why I haven't put him in.

Zyvrexx - While Haron is a force sensitive its Luna that is building and leading their force sensitives right now. She has built all that into their training since Hannah was a Matukai and taught them her techniques. They will get their chance to prove their worth soon.

Joe-El - House Ordo is more powerful than any two or three other houses on its own but it has managed to ally itself with the others and now Haron is Mandalore he has command of them all. Will others find out about his powers? In time yet because if Palpatine found out in particular that would tip their hand too soon. His own guards know as they are trusted enough. Mortis? Sorry no. He might have been the Master of Death but that was a long time ago and to be honest what does the title even mean? I have read a number of stories that deal with the subject and it is something different every time.

Envy220 - Interesting idea but I am not sure if the F-35 would make a good space fighter or not. However, a similar fighter is planned for the future for another faction.

Cam . Katarn - Haron is starting to make those organisations but he has only really had the power to do it recently. As to why he didn't create them himself? He is doing part of it but he has a lot of other things to do and not much time to do it since he needs to be there to watch Sidious as who else could do and try to counter his influence on Anakin? Not to mention limited number of experts in those fields most of which are other house leaders.

This is the Mandalorians at the very beginning and things will improve when he is home full time. A lot of events you mentioned have happened but Haron wasn't involved as he was busy with other things, being stuck on Coruscant or at Reijar makes it difficult to insert him given his position.

There are some shake ups coming on the Jedi Council in this chapter that will change things up a bit. The Jedi Masters on the Council? Well Even Piell is still dead after the Citadel which has happened by this point but Sidious and Yoda remain deadlocked over the Nexus Route. The Council bashing in my opinion is a bit deserved given all the bad decisions they made but it will ease off after the shakeups. Windu isn't as bad as many label him as and I am trying to do that justice. Windu has a big part to play in the future as he becomes more involved in Yoda's secret plans and Shaak Ti? Hardly had a role for her yet but I agree, she has been silent on the council but that might change in the future same with some other members.

The Dauntless-class is an existing class of ship in the old expanded universe. I think they were a former luxury liner that has been modified into a warship. They often served in the Rebel Fleet.

GodEnel - Well spotted! My brother has recently gotten the game Jedi Academy on PS4 and when I was watching him play, I got the idea to bring the scepter in.

Thyrann - Thank you! It means a great deal to hear from people like you!

Markus2994 - I agree, they certainly won't like it.

Crawl56 - Haron would have killed her but her actions during the battle bought her a reprieve even if she will never be allowed to rule Mandalore even if something happens to Korkie she will never rule.

Mister LaGuardia - Glad to hear you enjoyed it. No victory is completely without loss I agree. As to how the loss of so many criminals will affect the Underworld? The Hutts and Pykes will be mostly unaffected but there is a long-term impact which will become apparent in the war too come.

UltimateGrayMystic07 - Happy you like the updates and I hope to continue doing them justice or better. As to where Haron is compared to Anakin as a pilot? Reluctantly I would give Anakin the edge as a starfighter pilot as Haron while an excellent pilot hasn't got much experience as a starfighter pilot. In terms of the force, he and Anakin are about equal and I would say his lightsaber skills are the same. Most of the Jedi Council would be beaten by him except for Yoda and probably Windu. Sidious is far too powerful for him right now though and Dooku? Not sure the fight could go either way.

mad thought - Quite right. The end of the Clone Wars is coming and something will happen in regards to the chips but I can't say just what yet and it might not be what you hoped but something different will happen. I took a look at the trailer you mentioned and although I know nothing of that fandom it was incredible. Not sure I can do anything as brilliant as that but I will try. As for the Titans well, they have a large tank that has some of the same features, a Rancor Basilisk based on the HK Tank from Terminator so it is a bit like that.

Thodekke - Not likely I am afraid although happy ending? Can't say for sure but better than the canon one.

grechri - Really happy to hear you liked the battle. The Darksaber, that took a far bit of research although I really am growing to like the weapon and you will see Haron use it a little bit in this chapter. Haron learning about the force? I would love to do that and will try to but right now he has to be careful when and how he uses the force with the Jedi and Sith so close. He will start using it more after Revenge of the Sith when he no longer has to hide it.

Djberneman, Sanders7201 - How does it affect his relationship with the Republic? Well, they still need his skills but certain parties are now much more alert to the threat he might pose. Haron does have a great deal of work to do so he delegates and Ara will often run things at home or he does it remotely. Not ideal but it won't be for much longer.

Mr. Kohl - Thank you! I did think about Maul and Vizsla sticking around longer but it just didn't fit the story. I get your point about Satine, but bear in mind in real life there are people who are literally so stubborn you just cannot sway them no matter what you say or do. Palpatine will now treat Haron as much more of threat.

Berna45 - Glad you like it. About the characters you mentioned? Boba will at one point but the others? Well, I wasn't sure what to do about them at first but I have an idea and soon they will appear and see what they think of things as they are.

tf330129 - Thank you!

Jebest4781, please don't1, CP Strats, DeathCrawler, fresh prince1, Jctherebel, chao-hellsing = Thank you!

TyberAurora, Guest - I am afraid not, while in the old canon Aayla might have been a rebel in the new canon, she is much more of a straightlaced kind of Jedi. That being said, Chapter 22 will give her a chance to be rebellious. As for whether she might die or not, that will be decided in chapter coming soon when a certain clone makes a discovery.

Azai Jin - Glad to hear you liked it! Having a unified Mandalore with a single leader strong enough to hold all the houses in check will not seem big at first but eventually when they will flex their muscles the galaxy will realise just how dangerous they can be. What did Maul see? He smiled so whatever he saw he liked; what do you think he was hoping for?

mr1980rivera - Thanks, I really appreciate the support!

Extra-Element19 - Glad to hear you loved the chapter.

George Cristian810 - No idea. Dave Filoni was asked about this once and even if Bo-Katan was Korkie's mother but denied it. He admitted he knows just who Korkie's parents are and that it would quote 'set the fan world ablaze'. There is never any mention of another sibling at least none that I have heard.

KumaNoIkari - Thanks! You saying that is a big relief.

Next Chapter - Haron and Ahsoka go on a mission together. Anakin's Jedi continue their development while Yoda's group begins restoring their last temple. Barriss also reveals more of her fall to the dark side.